If you care about your online privacy, want to safeguard your data from third-parties, or are looking for a way to dodge geo-restrictions, a VPN has you covered.
However, should you pay for a VPN or use a free version instead? And more importantly, is it worth having a VPN at all?
In this article, you’ll learn when to use a VPN and why paid ones are preferred over free services. Let’s get started
What is a VPN?
To put it simply, a Virtual Private Network (also referred to as VPN) offers a private and secure means of surfing the Internet. It works by protecting your data using encryption and rerouting it through a remote server operated by the VPN provider. This replaces your IP address with another shared one and enables you to use the Internet with anonymity and freedom. A VPN can help you in many ways. For example, it defends your data from hackers while using public Wi-Fi, hides your online activities from your ISP, and more!
Why You Need a VPN?
One of the biggest benefits of using a VPN is data protection, which has become a major concern since so much of our lives are online today.
If you don’t want your personal information to be tracked, a VPN is just what you need. It strengthens your Internet privacy by making it virtually impossible for your ISP, advertisers, or even the government to monitor you.
Not only this, but also it adds an extra layer of security against cybercriminals. The safety provided by a VPN is particularly important if you regularly access the Internet via public hotspots.
Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in hotels, cafes, and airports, are convenient – but they’re often unsecured. As a result, you’re left vulnerable to malicious actors that want to steal your identity and money.
A VPN creates a secure connection over public networks, allowing you to keep your private data safe from such threats.
Do You Need a VPN at Home?
A VPN isn’t just useful when it comes to accessing public Wi-Fi hotspots. In fact, many people use it on their home Wi-Fi network as well. It’s extremely beneficial if you want to stream geo-restricted content or reside in a country with censored Internet access.
These tools conceal your actual IP address by passing your data through a remote server in a different country. This makes it possible to get around geo-blocking and censorship as you trick websites into thinking you’re located elsewhere.
For instance, if you’re in China and wish to use Facebook or Twitter, you can bypass the Great Firewall with a VPN. Likewise, if you want to watch entertainment content from outside your country, you can circumvent the regional limitations imposed by the streaming service using a VPN server in an eligible region.
In addition, VPNs are a great way to avoid bandwidth throttling. Some ISPs deliberately slow down your Internet connection when they realize that you’re streaming or downloading – both of which are bandwidth-intensive activities!
By encrypting your data and masking your IP address, a VPN will let you enjoy throttle-free speeds while streaming your favorite show or downloading large files.
Is a VPN Worth Paying For?
If you can relate to any of the aforementioned scenarios, one thing is for sure – you need a VPN. As far as whether it’s worth purchasing one is concerned, then the answer is YES. Why not, when you can reap all the advantages of a VPN for a few dollars per month?
Sure, there are many free VPNs available on the market. But considering the risks that come along with them, you’re better off not using one altogether. These services do very little for you, that too, at a high cost i.e. your privacy!
The Risks of Using Free VPNs
You might be wondering, “Why buy a VPN when you can get one for absolutely free?” Though you have countless free VPNs to choose from, the truth is – they offer more cons than pros as opposed to subscription-based VPNs.
The majority of them place caps on bandwidth usage and slow down your connection speeds when exceeded, so they can’t be relied upon if you’re into streaming or downloading. It’s also important to understand how free VPNs earn money without charging you anything for their services.
They do this by serving you pesky pop-up ads or collecting and selling your data off to interested entities. Lastly, free solutions also lack the protection of their paid counterparts, which leaves you susceptible to tracking and theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advantage of Using a VPN?
There are many advantages of connecting to a VPN every time you go online. These include but are not limited to public and private Wi-Fi security, Internet privacy protection, anonymous web browsing, ISP throttling prevention, and more!
Do VPNs Really Protect You?
VPNs use military-grade encryption and IP address masking to keep your identity and data protected from prying eyes. However, they’re not an all-encompassing solution – you can still fall victim to malware or viruses if you don’t take the necessary steps to secure yourself online!
Is It Really Worth Getting a VPN?
Yes, as long as the VPN service provides top-of-the-line encryption, stores no logs, and is headquartered in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Fortunately for you, PureVPN checks all these boxes and packs everything that you look for in a top-tier VPN provider.
Final Word
A VPN is a popular and effective method to experience better privacy, security and anonymity online. It offers affordable yet flexible protection, regardless of where you are – on the go, at home, or in the workplace.
You’re also able to gain access to apps and services otherwise unavailable in your region. At the end of the day, there’s much to gain and little to lose – aside from a small monthly fee – which makes getting a VPN worth it completely.
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