If you’ve heard of virtual private networks (VPNs) before but aren’t sure exactly what they do or why you might need one, you’re not alone. In essence, a VPN helps protect your privacy by masking your location and preventing advertisers from tracking your online behavior. An added benefit of changing your apparent location is that you can access websites in other countries as if you were a local resident.
The best VPNs operate thousands of high-performance servers strategically positioned worldwide. While servers typically store visit logs, VPNs minimize tracking risks by keeping logs to a minimum and regularly deleting them. Any data you upload or download is encrypted to prevent spying.
VPNs are widely used to safeguard privacy, whether you’re evading government surveillance or defending against hackers.
While it might sound complicated, VPNs are now easier to use than ever. Learn how they work, why you might want one, and what they cost.
VPN: a guardian in the middle
When you access a website, your request goes through your internet service provider (ISP) and then travels across several networks before reaching the website. The process is reversed to deliver search results back to your device.
This route can span the globe, using IP addresses to identify your and the website’s locations, creating ample opportunities for tracking your online activity.
A VPN, at its core, is a network that requires user authentication before access is granted. Think of it like accessing a campus or company network that requires a username and password. So, how does a VPN protect your data? By serving as a secure connection point for users before they visit sites.
When you connect to a VPN, a secure “tunnel” is established between your device and the VPN, ensuring that outsiders cannot intercept the data being exchanged. This data passing through the tunnel is also end-to-end encrypted using a strong cipher, making it indecipherable to unauthorized parties.
By using a VPN, you can browse the internet normally, but with a twist: your device appears to be on the VPN network, concealing your true location. This anonymity makes VPNs popular tools for journalists operating under restrictive regimes.
VPNs bypass geoblocking
Beyond security, VPNs serve an additional function. While connected to a VPN, your device appears to be in the location of the VPN server you choose, whether nearby or in a distant country. This is how VPNs overcome geoblocking restrictions that limit site access based on a user’s location.
Geoblocking examples range from Netflix libraries varying by region to countries blocking specific sites from their residents. By connecting to a VPN server in a different country, you can access content tailored for that area. This practice is known as spoofing your location or geospoofing.
Some websites can detect VPNs and block access. Switching to another server in the same region may help, but some VPNs require additional payments for access to specific streaming servers.
How to start using a VPN
Getting started with a VPN is simple, with most services requiring a username and password for access. While campus and office networks serve as VPN examples for secure internet connections, using a private VPN service is preferable for privacy concerns.
Most people opt for third-party VPN providers, with numerous options offering various incentives like lower prices or faster speeds. Consult our recommended VPN list for top choices.
While some VPN services are free, most require a monthly fee. Signing up for a VPN service creates a username and password for network access. VPNs offer apps compatible with various devices, including computers, phones, routers, and browser extensions.
How much does a VPN cost?
VPN subscription costs are the primary expense. Downloading and setting up the app are typically free, but paid versions are recommended for maximum benefits and features.
Subscription fees range from $9 to $15 per month, with some VPNs offering tiered services at higher rates. Opting for longer-term plans can lower monthly costs to $2 to $8 for the first year. Established VPNs often provide 30-day free trials to test their service. User reviews and ratings can assist in selecting the ideal subscription.
How do you choose the right VPN provider?
Choosing a VPN provider requires research to match your needs with their offerings. Consider these essential factors:
Verified no-log policy: Opt for VPNs with a strict no-log policy to safeguard your internet activity. NordVPN, for instance, has an independently verified no-log system for added security.
Kill switches: Ensure the VPN includes a kill switch feature to terminate internet connections if the VPN fails, preventing data leaks, especially in sensitive environments.
Split tunneling: Look for VPNs that offer split tunneling, allowing certain services or sites to bypass the VPN for faster streaming and reduced latency.
Number of servers: While server count isn’t everything, a higher number indicates a well-established service with extensive coverage for global access and geoblocking avoidance.
Simultaneous connections: Choose a VPN that supports multiple simultaneous connections to protect all your devices on a single network efficiently.
Why set up a VPN at home?
While VPNs are typically recommended for public Wi-Fi and remote work, they are equally beneficial for home use. Consider the advantages of setting up a VPN at home:
Comprehensive device protection: Shield all devices on your home network with full VPN encryption, including smart devices, computers, smart TVs, and phones.
Parental controls and security: Many VPNs offer parental control features to block malicious sites and malware, safeguarding the entire family.
Privacy continuity: Home networks are subject to ISP logs and privacy concerns, making VPN encryption essential for maintaining privacy.
Geoblocking circumvention: VPNs with server-switching capabilities enable access to region-restricted content, such as games and TV shows.
Downsides to using a VPN
While VPNs offer significant benefits, they also have drawbacks. VPNs might reduce upload/download speeds due to encryption processes, impacting gaming and HD video streaming performance. Remote server distances can further affect speed. Some websites, like Netflix, actively block VPN traffic to enforce regional restrictions.
Despite these limitations, VPNs are valuable for maintaining privacy online, accessing content from around the world, and protecting against cyber threats. Premium VPNs ensure reliability, speed, and affordability, with some free options offering basic privacy protection.
