A VPN is a service that creates a secure connection between your device and the internet. It does this by changing your real IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, thereby making it difficult for others to track your online activities or identify your location.
Additionally, a VPN allows you to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions since you can take on the IP address of other countries. This lets you watched restricted YouTube videos and view international Netflix libraries.
We recommend the industry-leading NordVPN as the best VPN for both beginners and experienced users. It’s easy to use and super fast, plus it offers cutting-edge encryption and bypasses restrictions on Netflix easily.
NordVPN
You can find out how to set up a VPN connection and what a VPN can do for you in the full article below.
A VPN is like a private tunnel that safeguards your online activities and keeps your sensitive data secure. Using a VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your information from others who may try to snoop on you or track your online behavior.
In this article, you’ll learn more about what a VPN is, how to use it to protect your online activities, and how to bypass geo-restrictions enforced by online services when using a virtual private network.
A trusted VPN service like NordVPN has thousands of IP addresses available that let you conceal your real IP. Combined with military-grade 256-bit encryption, NordVPN will keep you anonymous and secure online, plus let you unblock Netflix libraries all over the world.
What is a VPN?
We’ll now give you a brief VPN explanation. A virtual private network (VPN) is a security tool used for browsing the internet anonymously. It accomplishes this by doing the following:
- Encrypting your data, which would otherwise be visible to third parties like the websites you visit, your internet service provider, and cybercriminals
- Hiding your IP address, which is connected to your real-life location and which can be used to identify you or show you targeted ads
A VPN works on most devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. All you need to do is download the app from the VPN’s official website, the Google Play Store, or the Apple App Store.
How a VPN Works
![What is a VPN and Why Should You Use One? [Easy Video Explainer]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/o6Fzq1PEQb4/maxresdefault.jpg)
A VPN connection reroutes your traffic through a remote server. This will change your public IP to the remote server’s IP address, thus hiding your real IP address and giving you more anonymity.
Hiding your IP address offers several benefits. Your IP address is linked to your online identity and tells snooping parties where in the world you’re located. Hiding your real IP prevents anyone from finding out your real location.
Moreover, connecting to a server in another country lets you access videos, websites, and streaming libraries from that country. For example, if you connect to a UK server, you’ll be able to watch UK-exclusive Netflix movies.
A VPN uses an encryption protocol to make your data illegible while it’s in transit from your device to the VPN server. This means your data can’t be read by people who intercept it during this part of its journey. This is why a VPN is crucial when using public WiFi, which is normally unsafe.
Do All VPNs Ensure Anonymity Online?
Internet service providers (ISPs), online advertisers, governments, and other entities can collect plenty of data on you. For instance, your ISP can see basically everything you do online, including:
- The websites you visit
- The files you download
- Your IP address
- How much data you’re using
- The information you fill out on websites
Unfortunately, like other kinds of software, some VPNs provide a better service than others. Free VPNs and low-tier VPNs usually can’t conceal your data properly or will collect and store your information.
For instance, the low-tier Hola VPN doesn’t actually encrypt your traffic, instead logging tons of user data and even selling user bandwidth. In short, your privacy will be compromised rather than improved with this VPN.
A trusted VPN makes it virtually impossible for ISPs, advertisers, and other third parties to get a hold of your data. We recommend getting our top-rated VPN, NordVPN, because it consistently scores highest on our extensive speed, security, and privacy testing.
Why Use a VPN?
There are major advantages to using a VPN. A good VPN can be used not just for protecting your identity but also for improving your connection speed, overcoming government censorship, and more.
Below, we’ve listed a few of the main benefits of using a VPN.
Have complete anonymity online
When you use a virtual private network, your internet traffic can only be traced back to the IP of the VPN server, not to you and your real IP address. This will greatly improve your privacy, as your real location and online identity will remain hidden.
Reliable VPN providers have strict no-log policies, meaning they don’t keep logs on what you do online, further increasing your privacy. If you’re looking for the best anonymity a VPN can offer, we recommend our number 1 VPN: NordVPN.
Who wants your data?
Advertising networks are constantly gathering information on you through your online traffic. Your ISP and government can also see what you do and may be collecting information on you. Last but not least, hackers are always on the lookout for data they can use to blackmail or extort you with.
Browse securely on public networks
Using a public Wi-Fi network, like at an airport, hotel, or cafe, can be risky. Other users on the same network, such as hackers and other cybercriminals, can easily tap into your data and personal information.
Since you don’t want others to have access to your email login, files, or credit card information, it’s wise to use a VPN connection when on these hotspots.
A virtual private network like NordVPN, our highest-ranked provider, encrypts all of your data while you use a public Wi-Fi network. A hacker won’t be able to see or use your personal information.
Get secure access to your company’s network
We’ve seen more and more companies accept remote work. In such instances, a remote-access virtual private network can be very beneficial, as it safely and efficiently lets employees connect to a company’s internal network from anywhere.
There are many VPNs for business use. While they might not serve to unblock streaming services abroad, they are certainly useful in protecting private and sensitive company data.
Overcome online censorship
Governments heavily censor the internet in many countries. For example, there is strict online censorship in China and Russia.
Countries that impose heavy censorship block access to certain internet services and websites. Examples of apps and websites that are often banned are WhatsApp, Google, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Skype, Spotify, Facebook, and news websites that the government considers a threat to their regime.
NordVPN, a top VPN provider, can help you bypass censorship and restrictions by allowing you to connect to a server in a different country. This way, you can gain access to websites, services, and apps that are not available in your own country.
Bypass geographical restrictions
It’s not just countries that impose restrictions on the internet. Some online services also restrict access to their content in certain regions. This happens with streaming services like Netflix or Peacock TV, which have broadcasting or licensing rights in certain countries and not others.
If you are on holiday or have moved to a different country, you might be unable to view your usual streams. A VPN will enable you to connect to the internet via its servers in your home country, so you can watch your favorite show from abroad and access blocked websites like you never left.
It also works the other way around: if you want to gain access to websites or streaming services from a different country (for example, to watch a different version of Netflix), you can do so with a virtual private network.
Download torrents anonymously
You can upload and download files anonymously using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your online traffic. This is useful in cases where your ISP is preventing you from downloading torrents, even when it’s legal in your jurisdiction.
You can use a virtual private network, such as NordVPN, to make sure nobody knows what you‘re downloading. Because of the encrypted traffic and the rerouted IP address, NordVPN will help you download the files you want to access anonymously.
Our Best VPN Picks of 2024
We’ve already tested dozens of virtual private networks to find the best VPN providers for you. Below, we’ll give a summary of our top five picks.
1. NordVPN: Best overall VPN
Features:
- Super easy to use
- 6276 servers in 111 countries
- Solid security features
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
- Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, iPhone, Android, and more
NordVPN is our highest-ranked virtual private network. During our tests, we discovered that it offers great security and privacy without compromising on speed. It allows up to six simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This means you can also share the subscription with family and friends.
Its apps are incredibly user-friendly; it only takes us one click to connect to a server. We were also very pleased to see that NordVPN offers advanced options like dedicated IP addresses that are only used by you, as well as obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. These features made it easier for us to circumvent geo-restrictions.
NordVPN is currently offering a 58% discount. If you want to get a VPN that offers outstanding security and internet freedom at a reasonable price, NordVPN is your best bet!
Save big with up to 58% off a two-year subscription!
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
If you’re interested, you can read our full NordVPN review to learn more about its many benefits. NordVPN offers a free trial in the form of a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try out the service and get a refund if you’re not satisfied.
2. Surfshark: An affordable VPN provider for an unlimited number of devices
Features:
- Budget-friendly
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries
- Protect unlimited devices with one subscription
- Browser extension that blocks ads and malware
- Accommodates Windows, MacOS, Linux, iPhone, Android, and more
Surfshark is the second-best virtual private network we’ve tested. It’s fast, secure, and offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries. This provided us with ample options for bypassing censorship and restrictions on streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more.
This VPN provider is available on all major devices and is easy to use. Moreover, Surfshark allows you to connect to unlimited devices under one subscription. We were able to use Surfshark on all our devices and share the subscription with others at no extra cost.
Furthermore, Surfshark has a browser extension that offers plenty of additional features. In our tests, Surfshark enabled us to browse the internet ad-free, and the extension automatically blocked malicious sites. Overall, it’s a great choice for beginners and experienced users alike.
The best part is that it is incredibly affordable. If you want a top-tier VPN at a low price point, Surfshark is the option for you!
Save 85% and pay only $ 2.29 a month!
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
Check out our Surfshark review for a deep dive into this provider. You can also give Surfshark’s free trial a try using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN: A VPN service with dedicated firmware for routers
Features:
- Thousands of servers in 105 countries
- Stream on any device with MediaStreamer
- Easy to install on routers
- Connect five devices with one subscription
- Accommodates Windows, MacOS, Linux, iPhone, Android, and more
Although pricier than NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN is one of the world’s largest and most popular VPN services. It offers almost everything you could want in a VPN provider, such as thousands of stable servers in 105 countries, great speeds, and top-notch security.
You can stream and torrent anonymously with ExpressVPN and use it on various devices and operating systems, including Android, Windows, iPhone, Mac, and Linux. Another major plus is that the app is available in over 10 languages. Moreover, ExpressVPN stood out in our tests for its dedicated firmware for routers. It was easy to install it on our router and protect all our devices at once!
To test ExpressVPN’s speeds, we installed it on a PS5 and played GTA 5 online without lag thanks to its incredible 5 to 11 ms ping. It’s also one of our best VPNs for Minecraft.
Exclusive deal: Get a yearly plan for $ 6.67 per month ( 49% off)!
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- Thousands of servers in 105 countries
To learn more about ExpressVPN, check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service before committing to it.
4. CyberGhost: A great unblocking VPN thanks to dedicated streaming servers
- Optimized streaming servers for specific services
- 10000+ serves in 100 countries
- Dedicated IPs to bypass VPN blocks
- Super generous 45-day money-back guarantee!
- Supports Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, SmartTVs, Xbox, PlayStation, and more
CyberGhost is another outstanding VPN that resides comfortably in our top 5. This VPN is a streamer’s dream, thanks to its great streaming speeds, dedicated IP addresses for bypassing streaming services’ VPN blocks, and special streaming servers.
CyberGhost’s streaming servers are actually optimized for specific streaming pages, such as Netflix US, Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, and many others. Using these servers, you’ll access your favorite streams hassle-free! Overall, CyberGhost offers more than 10000+ servers in 100 countries.
You can use CyberGhost on virtually any device. The VPN is compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, SmartTVs, Xbox, PlayStation, and other devices.
On top of all of this, CyberGhost is one of the cheapest VPNs around.
Save 84% and get CyberGhost for just $ 2.03 per month!
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
For more information on this great streaming VPN, check out our complete CyberGhost review. The provider also offers the most generous money-back guarantee of all the VPNs we’ve tested: 45 days!
5. PIA: The best VPN for those on a low budget
- The cheapest top-tier VPN: only $ 2.19 per month
- thousands servers in 91 countries
- Dedicated IPs to get around VPN blocks
- Supports unlimited devices
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more
Don’t let PIA‘s incredibly low price of $ 2.19 per month fool you. This provider is among the very best VPNs right now. We’re talking about a VPN that supports unlimited users on a single subscription, has decent speeds, offers military-grade encryption, and has servers in 91 countries.
PIA is a suitable option for any user, thanks to its user-friendly interface, strong encryption protocols with 256-bit encryption, and the fact that it supports virtually any device. You can use PIA on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.
PIA also offers dedicated IP addresses, which can help you get around VPN blocks by streaming services and other IP-based restrictions. This way, PIA doesn’t just protect your privacy but also your internet freedom!
Grab PIA for just $ 2.19 per month ( 82% off!)
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- Good price
- Fast and stable servers
Be sure to check out our in-depth PIA review for more information on this great VPN! PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and is the cheapest option in this high-calibre VPN segment.
What We Look for in a Reliable VPN Provider
When trying to find the best VPN for you, there are several factors you must consider like the security features it offers, whether it is fast, and if it keeps any logs. Here is what we pay attention to when considering the quality of a virtual private network:
- Server network: A global network of servers allows you to browse without restrictions.
- Privacy and security: VPN security features are important. A VPN should use secure AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data. Moreover, it should include features like a kill switch to prevent you from accessing the internet if the VPN malfunctions.
- Speeds: A good VPN should offer your top speeds even when you are trying to access distant servers to stream content from another country, for example.
- No-logs policy: Good virtual private networks are independently verified to ensure they don’t store your data.
- Jurisdiction: The virtual private network should be based in countries with strong privacy laws and away from the 5/9/14 Eye countries.
A Brief History of VPNs
The VPN was originally born purely as a security solution; the idea was that internet users should be able to communicate securely and safely work from home or from anywhere else.
Most consider Microsoft’s Gurdeep Singh-Pall’s development of the PPTP protocol as the birth of VPN technology. However, since PPTP is now considered obsolete as a security solution, many other VPN protocols have been developed over the years.
OpenVPN is perhaps the most notable development. Experts believe the latter offers the best balance between security and performance. This protocol is used by many popular VPNs, including NordVPN and all the other VPNs on our top 5 list.
Companies began offering commercial VPNs in the 2000s. And in doing so, they brought VPN technology to consumers, empowering individuals and their online privacy.
How to Set Up a VPN on Different Devices
Setting up a virtual private network is usually quite straightforward. Below, we discuss how to install a virtual private network on the most common operating systems and devices.
How to use a VPN on Windows
Installing a VPN and privatizing your online activities on Windows is super easy. The majority of VPNs have an app for Windows since it’s the most popular operating system on the planet.
We recommend NordVPN for its ease of use, fast speeds that cater to all Windows users’ needs, and cutting-edge security features.
Here’s how to install NordVPN on Windows:
- Navigate to NordVPN’s website and get a subscription.
- Download the NordVPN app for Windows PC or laptop.
- Click the NordVPN installer for the installation to start.
- Use your login details from Step 1 to log into the NordVPN app.
- Tap “Quick Connect” to connect to the optimal server for you. Otherwise, tap the drop-down arrow to pick a server of your choice.
- Surf the internet securely and anonymously!
If you’re interested in installing a virtual private network manually, our comprehensive guide on how to set up a VPN connection on Windows 10 will give you step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
How to use a VPN on a Mac
Mac computers are generally secure. However, Apple and other tech companies collect your data for marketing and other purposes. We recommend NordVPN for a Mac to keep your data private.
Here’s how to download and install NordVPN on a Mac:
- Go to NordVPN’s website and get a subscription.
- Download NordVPN for Mac.
- Run NordVPN after the installation is finished and tap “Quick Connect.” Or you can search for a server of your choice, as shown below.
- Browse the internet with peace of mind!
How to use a VPN on iPhone and iPad
You can find apps for the top-rated VPNs in the Apple App Store. We recommend NordVPN for its seamless compatibility with iOS, blazing-fast speeds, and security for your iOS device.
Here’s how to install NordVPN on iPhone:
- Navigate to NordVPN’s website and get a subscription.
- Download NordVPN from the Apple App Store.
- Open NordVPN and sign in with the credentials from step 1, then tap on any country or location on the map to connect to a server.
- Use your iPhone to surf the web fully protected!
You can also manually install a VPN on iOS using our detailed guide on installing a VPN on iPhone or iPad.
How to use a VPN on Android
Android is the most popular mobile phone operating system in the world. For this reason, Android devices are a prime target for hackers, advertisers, and big technology companies like Facebook and Google.
To protect your data, we recommend using an Android VPN. We tested dozens of VPNs to come up with the best in terms of privacy and security, high speeds, compatibility with Android, affordability, and user-friendliness.
NordVPN checked all these boxes, which is why we recommend it to Android users. Here’s how to install NordVPN on Android:
- Visit NordVPN’s website and get a subscription.
- Download NordVPN from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Open NordVPN and tap “Quick Connect” to connect to the optimal server for you.
- Continue your online activities, as you are now protected from prying eyes.
You can learn more about installing a VPN on Android by checking out our complete VPN set-up guide for Android.
VPN Limitations: Is a VPN Worth It?
A virtual private network has a lot to offer when it comes to privacy and security. However, there are limitations on what a virtual private network can do to protect you.
Below, we’ve listed five possible limitations to consider when opting for a VPN.
Big tech profiling
Let’s say you’re logged into your Google account. You could be connected to a virtual private network on the other side of the world, and Google will still be able to create a profile of you as an internet user.
After all, it’ll simply correlate your search history with your account information, regardless of whether you change your IP address or not. The same is true for services like Facebook.
The above doesn’t mean using a VPN is futile; however, you can use many profile-based services without actually logging into an account. For instance, Google Search will work just fine without logging in, and you can even watch unlimited videos on a service like TikTok without an account.
The above merely means you should take extra precautions on top of VPN use. In this case, that means not logging into any service that gathers tons of user data.
GPS tracking
There are more ways to determine your identity that a VPN doesn’t protect you from. When using Google Maps, for instance, you’re often required to turn on your GPS.
This means Google Maps can see exactly where you are. There are also more advanced ways that are used to identify internet users, such as browser fingerprinting. This method uses your browser’s and device’s settings to distinguish you from other internet users.
Fortunately, some VPNs have expanded their portfolio of tools to deal with non-IP-based privacy violations. For instance, Surfshark offers a GPS override function to not only change your IP but also your GPS location.
Slower internet speed
Your internet speed may decrease if you use a virtual private network. Your data has to be sent through the VPN server, which means it can take slightly longer to end up where it needs to be.
However, there are several effective ways to increase internet speeds while connected to a VPN, like choosing a server closer to you or closing background apps you don’t need.
What’s more, premium VPNs like NordVPN only have minimal speed decreases. During our speed tests, we were able to retain as much as 96% of our original download speed.
VPN blockades
Some countries regulate or outright ban virtual private networks. For example, Iran was planning to restrict the sale of VPNs at the beginning of 2024. There are also websites, apps, and services that will deny you access if they detect that you are using a virtual private network.
Fortunately, a VPN with obfuscation technology will often do the trick in this case and allow you to access the site you want. That’s because obfuscated servers remove the metadata that identifies your traffic as a VPN connection.
Our number one VPN, NordVPN, offers outstanding obfuscated servers to help you stay one step ahead of oppressive governments!
Poor service providers
You should be especially cautious about free VPNs. These are notorious for compromising your security and selling your data to third parties, which can be even worse than not using a virtual private network at all.
You should always do your own research and never just pick a virtual private network at random. Our list of the top five best VPNs of the year is an excellent start.
Collection of your data
Some VPNs, like Hola VPN and Tuxler VPN, log your data and sell it to third parties. These low-quality VPNs will put your privacy at risk instead of protecting it.
To ensure your cybersecurity, only use a VPN that’s been tested and that has a good reputation for upholding user privacy. We have a list of the best VPNs with airtight no-logs policies for your reference.
Do VPNs Keep You Safe Online?
Modern VPNs play a crucial role in keeping you and your data safe online. As far as security goes, a VPN’s most important feature is its encryption, which makes your data illegible to third parties that want to steal or abuse it.
Of course, you might ask, “But don’t most websites already offer encryption thanks to the HTTPS protocol?” You’re right, most do, but not all of them. Therefore, the real question is: Do you want to have to rely on what websites do, or do you want to take your security into your own hands?
Perhaps even more importantly, a website’s HTTPS protocol won’t keep you safe from man-in-the-middle attacks on public Wi-Fi networks. That’s because the first part of your traffic’s journey, up until it reaches the web server that will submit your web request to the final website, is still unencrypted.
Because of the above, a hacker on the same network as you can intercept your traffic and steal your data. As such, a good VPN with military-grade encryption, such as NordVPN, is indispensable to staying safe online.
Types of VPNs
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common types of VPNs.
Personal or commercial VPN
These VPNs are the most common commercially available VPN type. They are geared towards individual users or families who want to protect their data, improve their privacy, and access blocked pages or streams.
These VPNs allow you to connect to one of many remote servers. These are generally spread out over many different countries. For instance, NordVPN boasts 6276 servers in 111 countries. The user’s public IP will change to the VPN server’s IP, thus hiding their real IP and increasing their privacy.
Because of the IP change, users will also be able to access streams and pages that are only accessible in a certain country. For instance, you’ll be able to access the US Netflix even when you’re abroad or to unblock free NFL playoff streams.
The best remote personal VPN right now is NordVPN.
Remote access VPN
These VPNs are similar to personal VPNs in the sense that you’ll connect to a remote server. However, these VPNs are mainly used by businesses to connect remote employees to a private network.
The private network will generally contain digital resources that the employees need, such as files, applications, tools, or internal systems. By using a VPN, employees can get secure access to these resources, and employers don’t need to worry about company documents or systems getting compromised.
One of our favorite remote access VPNs is NordLayer. This outstanding business VPN supports thousands of users, offers great extra security features like malware blocking and two-factor authentication, and features 24/7 customer support.
Feel free to check out our article on the best business VPNs if you’re looking for other remote access VPN suggestions.
Site-to-site VPN
Site-to-site VPNs are used to form a so-called “intranet.” This means they’re generally employed by larger companies to connect the networks of different branches or locations, allowing for seamless communication.
All of these different connected networks also have their own local area network (LAN). Traffic between all of the LANs is secured and encrypted. As a result, interception of sensitive data between the LANs becomes virtually impossible.
Some examples of site-to-site VPN applications include sharing documents between different departments, company-wide shift management, and giving all employees insight into when people in other departments, whom they might need for a project, will be on leave.
Final Thoughts: What is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?
A VPN is a cybersecurity tool that hides your real IP and protects your data, keeping you safe and anonymous online. It can also be used to unblock websites and streaming services.
For the most part, VPN usage is safe and legal as long as you avoid sketchy and untested VPNs. Be careful when choosing your VPN, as there are low-quality VPNs that can actually harm your privacy instead of improving it.
If you want all-around protection for your online activities, we recommend NordVPN. It has excellent security features, offers outstanding speeds, is very user-friendly, and unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix US.
Want to learn more about VPNs and why you should use one? Check out our other articles below.
- How to Download a VPN: A Complete Guide
- What Is a Cracked VPN and Is It Safe to Use?
- How to Buy a VPN Completely Anonymously
If you have a burning question about VPNs, we might be able to help you out. Simply click one of the queries below to see the answer.
There is a large price difference between the various VPN providers. This makes it difficult to give a a clear answer to this question. That said, premium VPNs will cost between $2 and $7 per month.
There are also free VPNs. You don’t pay for these, but limits on data or speed may apply.
We do not recommend using a free VPN. Some free apps don’t secure your connection very well, while others might even install malware onto your device. We have tested free VPNs to see which ones can be trusted. Take a look at out best free VPNs article.
A VPN is a secure connection between you and the internet. This connection is sent through an external VPN server, meaning your IP address, location, and data traffic remain hidden. Moreover, you’ll often be able to choose from different server locations, allowing you to access the web as if you were in a different country.
A VPN creates an encrypted VPN tunnel between your device and the internet. All your online traffic is sent through this tunnel, meaning no one on the outside will be able to see what you’re doing online. The VPN also alters your IP address by changing it into the IP of the VPN server you’re using.
Therefore, your location will no longer be visible to everyone on the internet. The encrypted VPN tunnel is able to keep your data secure because it uses high-level encryption protocols.
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch Netflix. The best VPN for Netflix will allow you to watch movies and series that may not be available in your country.
Hi David - I came across your excellent VPN guide just by chance while desparately searching for a way to deactivate one of Windows 10's annoying apps (MS Edge). I've just moved up to Windows 10 after happily running Win7 on a very old HP 32bit laptop for the past 12 years. I use Kaspersky antivirus, and Kaspersky keeps trying to get me to use its VPN app, but I'm wary of doing that cos I'm not 100% sure I can trust that company not to log my activity and traffic for commercial ends. What do you think about their integrity and reliability on that score ?
It would be much more convenient to use the same company and interface for 2 entirely different functions
Hi! Kaspersky VPN's logging policy is indeed not the best out there. You can read more about this in our Kaspersky VPN review. Because of this, we'd definitely recommend other VPNs if you want to go for better logging policies and levels of privacy. If you're looking for a good VPN that also has an antivirus option (so you only have to use one service), we recommend Surfshark. You can have a look at our review of their VPN and their antivirus. We hope this helps!
Ok, so I activate my VPN with my cell phone. How do I use VPN for my desktop, smart TV, wi-fi extenders, routers, Ethernet devices? You make it sound simple but I suspect to the novice (think 5 yr old) will have problems and questions.
JimM
Hi! Installing a VPN on desktop is relatively easy: you go to the provider's official website, download the software, install it, then switch it on. For Smart TV and routers, the process can be slightly different. We have all sorts of useful installation guides on our website, like these ones for Windows, MacOS, Smart TV and routers. We hope this helps!
I live in USA and have a friend who lives in China. She has a VPN and profile on Facebook. Would I need a VPN for her to receive a message there ?
No, you don't. If your friend uses a VPN to access Facebook, she'll be able to use it the same way you would without a VPN. If you send her a message on the right account, she should be able to read it as long as she has access to that account.
NetBlock is an Android App that uses a VPN, would you know which VPN this App uses and is it secure?
Apps like NetBlock don't use any branded VPNs to work. Instead, they use settings of your Android's built-in VPN client. On newer versions of Android, you can set up a VPN profile manually (name it, choose a protocol, and enter server addresses). Apps like NetBlock simply configure this local Android VPN client and provide a handy user interface to block the apps. The traffic within the tunnel will be encrypted, but Android's native VPN only supports PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and solo IPsec, so it's not the safest. Moreover, the destination itself is not in the tunnel, so you pretty much can't count on these apps for protection. They use Android VPN to function but they are not VPNs themselves. On top of that, you won't be able to use a regular VPN on top of this app.
NetBlock doesn't inspire much confidence, to be honest. Based on this short research, I would recommend going with something like NetGuard instead. It offers better features and doesn't throw a ton of ads at its users (NetBlock does, apparently).
Fantastic article my question: currently I don't have VPN installed, I'm using ADSL connection on my Router but want to install VPN and also change to VDSL to increase download speeds.
I assume the VPN software will operate effectively on either.
Yes, it will. It should work like a charm. ADSL and VDSL are basically the same type of connection as far as VPNs are concerned, so you'll just get faster speeds!
This is an excellent resource and features a brilliantly simple explainer video. However, the article contains one important error. It states that OpenVPN doesn't work on macOS. That's not correct. The OpenVPN client is available for macOS from the OpenVPN website and the OpenVPN client is available for iOS on the App Store.
Thank you for taking the time to point this out, rogerdodger! We rectified the error and updated our article.
Recently and most unusually I tried to make contact with European sites.....all not available. Days later, I attempted again to contact the European sites......all available. Struggling to understand this development, I happened to notice that my VPN was off. Exploring further I noticed that when I turned on the VPN, the internet thru my provider was not connected. How can that be....I have to connect to my wifi and my provider for the VPN to be turned on initially? Is is possible that the internet is available via only one at a time.....my provider....or my VPN? It makes some sense that the VPN would protect me by routing everything thru it only. Tried US, Canadian and Mexican sites with VPN on....all available. European sites not available via VPN but are via my provider with VPN off. Is this normal, does any of this make sense?
Did you use the correct VPN server locations? Your VPN will usually allow you to choose from a list of locations. If you want to reach European websites, your best bet is to use a European server, for example one in Germany. If you're trying to reach a website in Mexico, a Mexican server will be able to help you out. All these different servers are available with just one subscription - at least for the VPNs mentioned in this article. You can change from one server to another with a simple click. Hopefully, this information will help you access different websites with your VPN. Good luck!
I use Avast but it continually blocks my connection. It's possible that I've set it up incorrectly, but it's annoying when you click on a link and can't access it. I then have to manually turn the VPN off to get through.
Some VPNs seem to do that, which turns out to be a problem for some VPN users. A solution might be to use the VPN's "whitelister" or "split-tunneling" function. This allows you to select which sites or apps you want to open through the VPN, and which ones you want to open with your regular connection.
Hi David, I recently purchased a VPN for gaming specifically to reduce ping as I heard it can do that when routing me through the USA where the server is, however it makes the ping slightly worse! Do you have any advice for using a VPN for this purpose
Although it's true that a VPN might not reduce your speed or ping, it will also not increase your speed or ping unless there's some kind of throttling in place. A lot of sites state that a VPN will increase your connection speed and ping, while the opposite is usually true. In most cases, if your internet speed and ping aren't throttled by your ISP, a VPN will not increase your connection speed or ping. You can, however, use a VPN to access content in a game that's ordinarily geo-restricted.
Where do they get the new IP addresses? I've heard that when you give the VPN companies your IP address that they will use it for their other clients is this true? If it is, doesn't this defeat the entire purpose of having a VPN?
Genuine VPN providers usually work with data centers all over the world to make sure they get new IP addresses. Most of them don't use the connection of their users. However, there are some malicious VPNs that do use their users' devices as endpoints for their connections, such as Hola VPN. We would advise you to stay as far away from these types of VPN providers.
Hi David. Many thanks for a great, well researched and informative review. The software side of vpn makes sense, but do you have any thoughts on vpn hardware that could be used between the wall and the router for home WiFi? The reason I ask is mainly because we don't have a smart TV, and use add-ons like chromecast. Then presumably all laptops, phones and tablets using WiFi from that router would be covered? My additional dilemma is that my network signal at the office is extremely poor and annoying, so am considering a mobile router on another network, and wondered if this could perhaps be incorporated with a vpn?
Many thanks,
Nigel
If you install a VPN on your WiFi router, then all devices connected to that router should be connected via VPN. This may improve the security (because everything is connected to the VPN), but also gives you less control over the connection on each individual device. It depends on your preferences what the best call to make is in this case. About the mobile router, it depends on the router itself whether it supports VPN or not. You could check out our 'Installing a VPN on your router' article, maybe that will answer some of your questions.
Hi - I have a couple of questions here because this is all new to me. Is it best to use the VPN on all devices or just some? Should it be used all the time or some of the time - I have heard mixed feedback on this. And, I was told that when banking online it's not a good idea, not sure why. thank you for a very thorough article.
Hello Bea,
I'll do my best to answer your questions to the best of my ability. When you sign up for a VPN, you generally get to connect multiple devices with a single subscription. If you use a VPN for safety and privacy purposes, I'd just use it on all your internet-connected devices and all the time. It's a comforting thought that all your internet traffic is secured and private as standard by having your VPN connections enabled. If you use a VPN for unblocking purposes, you might only have to use the VPN on the device you want to access content with though. And you can generally safely use a VPN when banking online, I don't know why people have told you otherwise. I'm happy to hear the article was able to help you!
Nice website - do you have a little more detail of exactly what happens after the packets are decrypted at the VPN server? Like between the VPN server and the final website on the internet.
Thank you!
After the packet is decrypted it should act like any non-encrypted packet. The traffic between the VPN-server and the server it's communicating with should be similar to that of a device without a VPN to the same server. The difference being that the server the VPN server is communicating with sees the VPN server as the point of origin, and not your device.
If you are connected to work via VPN, but use your home browser to go online can your work track what your doing on your home browser?
If all the internet traffic goes through your work VPN, then, in theory, it is possible. However, in most cases, workplaces will not have this kind of monitoring active. On top of that, they're probably not allowed to track your activity on a non-work computer.
I guess I'm sort of a geek as I don't understand your following statement:
"When you use a VPN, your online actions can only be traced back to the VPN server, but no longer to you (unless, of course, you’re logged into a certain website such as YouTube or Google). Many VPN providers won’t disclose or even monitor what you do via their servers. You’ve thus become much more anonymous on the internet, since you can’t be identified or traced through your IP address."
I say this because YouTube and Google are two websites that I would most prefer to be anonymous with and protected from. I also don't understand how I can have a VPN on my smartphone or computer and NOT be protected - in other words how can I log into either one of these websites DIRECTLY and not being going thru my VPN? Thank you, Brad
If you use Google and YouTube while using a VPN you should be anonymous, unless you log in. That's the gist of it. When you log in, your IP doesn't matter as much anymore, they can just link your activity to your account instead of your IP-address.
If the pc is connected to VPN by software, does the data traffic on the hdd connected(usb) to the router also pass through VPN, or need a separate VPN setting for the router?
If the HDD is connected to the PC, it should pass through the VPN of the PC, no extra steps required. If it is connected to the router, you have to set up the VPN on your router if you want its data to be protected.
So is it totally impossible to trace the origin of an email that was sent via VPN or are there means to trace the author? If possible any suggested programs
Emails are a bit of a different story because you have to log in to an email service provider in order to send one. We're working on an article about sending email anonymously, but the easiest step to send an anonymous email is by using a burner email account and a secure email service provider such as ProtonMail. Also, be sure not to use any of your personal information when making the email or sending one. For extra IP address privacy, you can use a VPN when making and logging into your burner email.
My question is when a VPN asks whether it can make changes to your device do you say yes or no?
Usually yes is the right answer. A VPN needs to modify your network settings so it can set up the tunnel properly. However, we don't know which VPN you're using and there are a lot of malicious VPNs out there. If you're using a well known VPN such as Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN or others it should be fine to allow them to make changes.
When I am connected to my VPN, it says I am connected through Dallas. I sometimes get stopped when logging onto various websites I've used successfully before the VPN; I am asked for authentification and often am told my IP address is in the Washington DC area. Is my VPN running correctly? Does this just mean the VPN server is in Dallas and the website sees me as in DC rather than my real location?
The extra step to authenticate yourself when using a VPN is common. We sometimes get these as well, though this usually lasts only a little while and depends on the VPN-server. With regards to the Dallas/DC question. Websites use different ways of seeing where you're coming from. This can be IP (which is referenced to a certain database). It could be that the site you're trying to visit is using an outdated IP address databse. Looking up someone's location purely based on IP address is not flawless, so it could be a problem with the site. If you want to check the location of your VPN's IP, you could use our IP address tool.
When using a VPN, can someone tell what time zone I'm in? For example, if send an email from New York but my VPN is connected through a server in London, does the time stamp on the email show New York time or London time?
A VPN doesn't change the timezone settings on your computer, nor does it change the timezone settings in your email provider. If you have your time set to New York time, then the timestamp should read the New York time. Though if someone else has their email set to a different time zone, they will ee the time they received your email according to their time zone. A VPN doesn't influence your timezone settings or that of the person you're mailing.
I have a VPN, but if I go to another country like China who doesn't let most IP addresses from around the world through, and I email somebody in the United States, do they have to have a VPN to email me back?
You use a VPN to unblock a site such as Gmail. As long as you gain access to a site, you can use it to send and receive emails. The other person doesn't have to have a VPN in order to send or receive any of your emails. For example: if you are in China and I am in the US, I can just send you emails and these will be sent to your inbox. You can't access them in China without a VPN, but they are delivered to your inbox. You only need VPN to gain access to your email provider in order to open your inbox and read and send emails. So in short: no, the person sending you emails doesn't need a VPN in order to send or receive your emails.
Very informative, Thanks!
I use a point-to-point VPN client (Pulse Secure), installed on the laptop to connect to the company network - I have no other option for work from home. I want to upgrade the old router with something I can install a VPN on.
Should I expect problems running the point-to-point tunnel through a VPN on the router?
Assuming you want to install a VPN different from Pulse Secure on your router, this could cause some problems. Your laptop will be using a double VPN, which doesn't always work well, especially when using different providers. Chances are that this double VPN connection will keep your laptop from getting access to the internet at all. The best thing would be to run your laptop's internet through the old router when you're using Plus Secure, and use the new router for private use, where all your data traffic will be protected by the private VPN you use.
As you listed, there are unlimited benefits of VPNs. Most of the business VPN providers offer discounts as well. My question is, despite of so many benefits, why is it banned in many countries?
Some governments across the world limit internet freedom and want to block certain parts of the internet, such as social media platforms and news websites. These governments could turn to a VPN ban as well, in an attempt to further control the information available inside the country's borders. You can read more about the legality of VPNs across the world right here.
Thank you so much. I got the point.
If I have a VPN on my I phone will my other devices also be protected or do I need to connect the iPad, PC, and Roku separately? And if so how do I do that.
IF you have the VPN installed on your phone, only your phone's connection is protected via VPN. If you want to protect your other devices, you should install it on those devices seperately. Usually you can just download a VPN app on iPad and PC. So for example, if you have ExpressVPN, you can download ExpressVPN's software on your PC and iPad via ExpressVPN's website. We have guides for installing a VPN on iPad here and on PC here. As far as I know there's no VPN app for Roku, so you would have to connect it to a router or virtual router that has a VPN on it. We have a guide for setting up a virtual router here.
I actually wanted to know more technical details, like does the VPN software overwrite the customer network settings? Does it define additional interfaces? Why don't some of them have an exception for local addresses? I'm using e.g. pihole, a local DNS server that prevents connections on a DNS basis, depending on blacklists. If the VPN software overwrites my settings, I can't use my local DNS to protect myself against malicious web sites. Thanks
Thank you for your interesting questions! Whether a VPN allows you to set up custom DNS, depends on the provider. One VPN that does allow this, and will therefore make it possible to work with both your local DNS server and the safety of the VPN, is ExpressVPN. If you want to do this, you'll have to follow the step-by-step guide they've provided on their website to manually configure these settings.
Good afternoon
I would like to know information about everything that is necessary to implement a VPN network in the company
We have some information about security for businesses on this page. When it comes to VPNs that work well for corporate networks, there are many options. Both NordVPN and VyperVPN offer business accounts, and aside from that, there are specialised corporate VPNs such as Perimeter81 that you could choose. If you wish to set up a VPN on your router, so everyone in the office can use it, you can check out this article. We are constantly working to update our content and add new information to the business section of our website, so make sure to keep an eye on that, as well!
If I understand correctly, my communication with the VPN server is encrypted. But the communication is decrypted by the VPN server before being sent to the target website, minus of course my IP address. That means that the communication can't be directly attributed to my machine. However, anyone intercepting the decrypted communication might be able to deduce who I am and what some of the information is, I think. Is correcting the vulnerability of decrypted communication from user machine to website the role of the https protocol?
Do I understand correctly?
This is quite right. A VPN protects you by hiding your IP address and encrypting your data between your computer and the VPN server. However, if you, for example, log in on a website that doesn't use a secure HTTPS connection, your login details could still be vulnerable. A VPN secures your internet connection and make it anonymous, but that stops when you willingly send personal information, such as login details or an email address onto the internet. This is why it's so hard to stay completely anonymous online while using platforms such as email and social media. However, if you use a VPN, make sure the websites you visit are valid, and don't give out personal information on any page that doesn't use HTTPS, you should at least be secure and safe from many prying eyes.
How useful is VPN if you are traveling to Ethiopia?
We would definitely advise you to use a VPN. Ethiopia is known to block internet access as well as access to specific apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) at times. Therefore, a VPN might be useful when travelling to Ethiopia. It might help you unblock certain web pages and social media. Even if there isn't any (relevant) internet censorship at the time of your trip, a VPN will still help you protect your online identity and privacy.
I connect to my employer through a VPN using my Windstream internet service. I constantly get dropped. (Message says connection was disrupted.) Any troubleshooting ideas? I can’t figure out if it’s the provider (they seem to constantly have issues in my area) or my employer. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Firstly, we'd advise you to check whether this problem is caused by your internet connection. Does the internet work properly when you aren't connected to the VPN? If so, you've already ruled out your internet service. Secondly, try to browse the internet through the VPN, without trying to reach any job-related pages or documents. If this works, the problem isn't with the VPN provider, but with your employer. If it doesn't, the VPN itself isn't working. Depending on your situation (which VPN you're using, how you and your employer arranged the VPN connection) we'd advise you to either contact the VPN's support team directly or talk to your employer so they can help you. Good luck!
Can I use email (gmail) anonymously with a VPN?
Using a VPN while emailing won't make you anonymous. After all, you'll be logging into your Gmail-account, which is likely connected to your name and other personal information. However, a VPN can still be useful during emailing. Some countries won't give you access to Gmail. Using a VPN in those countries will allow you to log in to Gmail, even when your access should be blocked. If you want to email anonymously, it's best to create a new, anonymous email address that can't be traced back to you. A good email provider to use for this purpose is ProtonMail.
Hi, nice share, how do you think for this vpn product: VPNGO, is it also working in China?
We have not (yet) tested out VPNGO for ourselves. Seeing as it's a VPN that comes with a free version, we expect there to be quite a few limitations. Looking at their privacy policy, it appears they make their money from (third party) advertisements, which is something to be wary of. Their official website also doesn't appear to work for us. If you're looking for a good VPN to use in China, we've got an article written about exactly that topic. NordVPN, for example, is quite cheap and has obfuscated servers that can help you get around China's firewall.
My husband has jst left to work in China can he set up a vpn acc whilst there? Sorry, a not v tech savvy wife ?
Sadly, it's going to be quite hard for your husband to set up a VPN account once he's already in China. The Chinese government blocks most VPN websites, making it almost impossible to get a VPN if you don't already have a VPN account to get around those restrictions. If he already has a VPN, however, he can likely use that to easily get around any censorship. IF you want some more information about online restrictions in China, you can read this article. Hopefully this helps!
I would like to improve my overall streaming speed.
Just curious, will a VPN improve my streaming speed? Or would I have to buy a wifi booster? Also how do I connect a VPN to my current router? Would I need special equipment?
A VPN could potentially increase your internet speed, if this speed is being throttled by your ISP or purposefully restricted in another way. If this isn't the case, however, a VPN will not increase your speed and could even slow it down somewhat. But don't worry: if you pick a good, fast VPN (for example ExpressVPN), the chances of your streaming speed dropping dramatically are slim. To connect a VPN to your router, you'll need DD-WRT. You can read all about this here: Installing a VPN on Your Router - a Simple Guide for DD-WRT.
What about using the VPN provided by Lts say Bitdefender or Webroot, Does it do the same job as explained above.
Yes, the VPNs by Bitdefender and Webroot both work in the same way as explained in this article. Each VPN has its own strengths and weaknesses, even though they all try to do the same thing, namely making your internet experience safer, more anonymous and more free. This means that some VPNs could be better for you to use than others. In order to help you figure out the difference, we review VPNs on our platform. You can have a look at the different reviews we've done so far on this page.
Is there a VPN that works in Morocco?
Yes, there is. Many decent VPN providers will work in Morocco and allow you to unblock services and websites. You'll find a list of the very best ones right here. If you want a VPN that specifically has servers in Morocco as well, we recommend CyberGhost.
My brother got a vpn and was kind of making fun out of me that I didn't know what it was and why it was needed, I thought that I should read about this matter a bit more so that next time I reply something with expertise and take him by surprise. This was the first website that I stumbled upon and it had great explanations (many thank you's to the author)! Thanks, for the insights they were great, I might get a vpn myself (or just use my brothers Surfshark account)!
We're glad we could help! Good luck with your VPN!
thank you did not know what a VPN was. Is the one that windows has built in good for a free one
The built-in VPN that Windows offers via PPTP can help you up to a point, but is not as safe and secure as a normal, premium VPN. That's why we generally advise to use a VPN from a third party, for example ExpressVPN or Surfshark. With these VPNs, you can be absolutely sure that the service you're getting is decent, secure, and makes you anonymous. If you want to have a look at the free options, you can check out our article on the best free VPNs of this moment.
I'm traveling to China on Monday and have Express VPN. Currently I'm connected in the US but when I'm in China do I stay connected to US or connect to Hong Kong or Japan? I'm not clear as to how that works
You can do either. If you stay connected to a US server when you're in China, you'll have access to the same websites and services as you usually would. A server in Hong Kong or Japan could give you a quicker connection (since the distance between China and these servers is smaller than that between China and the US), but might not give you the same access. However, the most important thing to realise is that China can clamp down hard on VPN connections. If your VPN doesn't seem to work while you're there, you can try using different servers and different VPN protocols. Also make sure your ExpressVPN software is updated before you go, so you have the latest technologies to help you. Good luck!
Thanks, informative but still I'm not that savvy. Will ask nerdy friend for more explanation !!
Wow what a great lesson this has been.
Thank you
Great article, thanks. I do have something I don’t understand. If I install vpn app on iPhone or iPad that are accessing internet through cell data, is this vpn protected or only when they are hooked up to wifi?
The VPN will protect both your iPhone and iPad no matter how you go online. It works both when you're using cell data and when you're using Wi-Fi, as long as you've got the VPN switched on.
Can the IT dept of your employer track your location through their provided VPN
If you are using a VPN connection set up by your employer or the IT department, they could be able to see your real IP address even when you're using that VPN. With that information, they will also know your location. However, if you're using a VPN provided by another company (such as NordVPN or another external provider), your employer will (very likely) be unable to see this information.