Is it time for you to start using a VPN? Here’s a quintet of reasons why the answer may be yes.
What is a VPN and Why Should I Use One?
Whether you’re constantly online or just an occasional internet user, you’ve likely encountered the term “virtual private network,” or VPN. In recent years, VPNs have become increasingly popular, partly due to countless major tech YouTubers recommending them. While VPNs aren’t essential for everyone, there are some key reasons why most people could benefit from using a VPN service.
In simpler terms, a VPN encrypts the data transmitted over your computer’s network connection. This encryption makes it impossible for others to decipher the information being sent. Your encrypted internet traffic is then routed through a secure server before reaching the website you’re trying to access. But how does this translate to your everyday life?
Top 5 Reasons to Use a VPN
- Improved Privacy
As mentioned earlier, using a VPN enhances your online privacy. The VPN you choose encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone trying to access it. This is especially beneficial for people who frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks, as it provides an extra layer of security while browsing the internet.
A VPN also prevents websites you visit from seeing your IP address. Instead, they see an IP address assigned to you by your VPN service. These websites won’t be able to pinpoint your location since they can only see the location of the VPN server (which you can choose). This means that while using a VPN, you can mask your actual location, IP address, and online activities to some extent from prying eyes, like your ISP, government, or network administrators.
However, it’s important to remember that a VPN doesn’t completely protect you from phishing attacks, malware downloads, or data breaches. A VPN isn’t a magic solution and won’t erase your online activities entirely, so be mindful of the sites you visit, especially on public Wi-Fi.
- Prevent ISP Tracking
Similar to privacy concerns, your internet service provider (ISP) can track and record your browsing history using your device’s IP address. If not properly secured, this information could be accessed by malicious individuals or even sold to third-party advertisers for targeted ads or potentially given to the government. When you use a VPN, you’re using the VPN’s remote server instead of your ISP’s server, and your masked IP address prevents your provider from tracking you.
It’s important to note that while the websites you visit will be hidden from your ISP, they will know you’re using a VPN. If you want to hide your VPN use, some VPNs offer obfuscation, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
- Streaming Without Geo-Restrictions
Streaming services are fantastic! Having access to all the music, TV shows, and movies you desire without resorting to downloads or illegal torrents has significantly improved entertainment. However, some streaming services are either unavailable or offer limited content in certain regions. For example, Netflix offers different TV show selections in the UK, Canada, and Japan compared to the US. Similarly, changing your virtual location opens doors to a wider range of sports viewing options.
Since a VPN masks your IP address and location, essentially spoofing your local server’s location to appear elsewhere, you can access streaming services typically unavailable in your country. Or, if you travel frequently, using a VPN can ensure a consistent streaming experience no matter where you go.
It’s worth noting that not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs may not be able to bypass all geo-restrictions, so some research might be necessary. (CNET’s VPN reviews test how well VPNs work in this regard with major video streaming services.)
- Avoid Censorship
Believe it or not, in 2023, many countries still have government officials dictating which websites their citizens can visit. These include countries like Russia, Iran, and China, and these restrictions can limit access to anything from popular social media platforms to news websites. This means that if you live in or visit these countries, you won’t be able to freely browse restricted sites from your devices without a reliable VPN.
The location spoofing offered by VPN services comes in handy here, providing access to restricted websites and communication options that might also be banned, such as WhatsApp and Instagram. However, be aware that using a VPN may be illegal in these locations.
- Prevent Data/Bandwidth Throttling
Sometimes, while browsing the internet, you might experience unexpected speed drops. This sudden drop in internet speed can lead to buffering while watching your favorite show or cause interruptions during important Zoom meetings.
This usually happens when your ISP throttles your bandwidth to manage network congestion. Throttling can also be implemented for specific websites and services. If your internet provider can’t see your online activities, it may not throttle your connection – although, again, obfuscation offered by some VPNs might be helpful here.
Long story short
A VPN is a valuable tool to add to your internet security arsenal, but it’s not a magic solution that guarantees complete protection from hacking or data leaks. If you’re looking for a good VPN, we’ve tested many and compiled a list of the best VPNs available. It’s truly never been easier to get started with a VPN service. While most free VPNs should be avoided, most reputable brands offer free trial periods, so you can try before you buy. It’s a small price to pay for additional peace of mind or simply a wider range of streaming media options.