What is a VPN—and do I really need one?
“What is a VPN? And what does it do anyway?"
If you're like many of us, you've probably asked yourself this question—and then wondered, “do I really need a VPN?"
The answer? It depends. When you're using Wi-Fi that doesn't require a password, like in a coffee shop or an airport, or when you're working from home and need to access your business network, you may want to connect to a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your personal and professional information safe and anonymous. We'll walk you through how it works so you can decide whether a VPN is necessary.
What is a VPN used for?
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server in a different location. In doing so, it hides your personal information from would-be hackers and cyberthieves and masks your overall online activity. Here are a few things a VPN can keep out of hackers' hands:
- Your browsing history—A VPN routes your internet activity through a private server, so no one can track where you've been on the web.
- Your location—A VPN masks where you are, making it appear that you're using the internet from somewhere else.
- Your identity—Being on a private internet network will help secure important information, like your passwords, photos, and credit card numbers.
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Do I need a VPN at home?
If you're using secure Wi-Fi, you probably don't need a VPN for personal use. But if you're working from home for a company, a VPN will allow you to safely access work-based apps and websites while keeping your information secure.
If your employer doesn't provide access to a VPN service, there are affordable and effective ones like Surfshark®or Express VPN® available for a monthly fee.
Do I need a VPN on my phone?
If you search the web, watch videos, or play online games with your phone, then our experts recommend using a VPN to keep your internet browsing history and data private. Most VPN providers allow several devices to connect at the same time, so make sure your phone is part of your service.
Are VPNs safe to use?
Logging into a VPN is a safe way to browse the web. It protects your privacy—companies won't be able to target you with ads, for example. Without a VPN, if you sign on to an unsecured network, you're at risk for everything from data mining to identity theft or fraud.
Are VPNs free?
You can sign up for a free VPN service—there are many available—but they may not offer the same level of service that paid subscriptions typically do.
Make sure to compare free vs. paid services. Many free VPNs offer lower bandwidth and connection speeds and disconnect frequently. Free services typically don't offer support or have as many servers as paid VPNs, which start at around $4.99 per month.
How do you choose a VPN service?
To decide which VPN is right for you, here are some things to consider:
- Price—Annual plans cost less per month, and plans that cover more than one device are a good value.
- Number of connections—Some plans cover 10 or more devices.
- Total server count—VPN providers that maintain 1,000 or more servers are ideal for providing better, uninterrupted service.
- No-log policy—Make sure your VPN service does not track your online activities.
- Security—Look for OpenVPN, the most current software that supports all the major operating systems and provides good security.
- Data