Do You Really Need a VPN?
VPNs are constantly popping up in ads, videos, and online recommendations. Sometimes they’re presented as almost an essential tool for browsing safely.
But not everyone needs to pay for a VPN.
A VPN can be very useful in certain situations, but it also has limitations. Before signing up for one, it’s important to know exactly what it does and what it doesn’t do.
What does a VPN do?
A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the VPN provider’s server.
When you use it, the websites and services you visit typically receive the VPN server’s IP address instead of your usual connection’s IP address.
This can help you:
- increase the privacy of your connection;
- use public Wi-Fi networks with greater protection;
- virtually change the location from which you connect;
- securely access certain services while traveling;
- reduce the information visible to the network you’re connecting to.
When a VPN Can Be Useful
When you use public Wi-Fi
Airports, hotels, coffee shops, and train stations typically offer public Wi-Fi networks.
A VPN can add an extra layer of protection by encrypting the traffic between your device and the VPN server.
When you’re traveling
When traveling, you may encounter services or websites that function differently depending on the country from which you connect.
A VPN lets you choose servers located in different countries.
When you want to improve your privacy
Your internet service provider may have access to certain information about your connection.
A VPN reduces some of that visibility because your traffic passes through the VPN server first.
This doesn’t mean you’re completely anonymous.
What a VPN Doesn’t Do
This is where you should be wary of certain advertising claims.
A VPN is not a substitute for:
- antivirus software;
- system updates;
- secure passwords;
- two-factor authentication;
- common sense when it comes to phishing;
- good privacy settings.
It also doesn’t automatically make an illegal activity legal or guarantee absolute anonymity.
Can a VPN slow down the Internet?
Yes.
Your data must first travel to the VPN server and then on to its destination.
The loss of speed will depend, among other things, on:
- distance to the server;
- server load;
- the protocol used;
- the quality of your internet service provider;
- the speed of your own connection.
With a good service, the difference may be small, but we should never assume that a VPN will make the Internet faster.
Free or Paid VPN
Free VPNs may be sufficient for very specific uses, but they usually have some combination of:
- data limits;
- slower speeds;
- fewer servers;
- ads;
- fewer features;
- usage restrictions.
In addition, maintaining a VPN network costs money. If the service is free, it’s important to clearly understand how it’s funded.
What to Compare Before Signing Up for a VPN
Before paying, check:
Actual
price—not just the promotional price for the first period.
Renewal
Check how much it will cost after the initial offer.
Number of devices
: Some allow only a few devices, while others offer many or even a large number of simultaneous connections.
Servers and Countries
: More servers don’t automatically mean better service, but they can provide more options.
Available
apps: Check compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, and any other devices you use.
Logging
policy: Check what information the provider claims to retain.
Kill switch
: It can cut off your Internet connection if the VPN unexpectedly disconnects.
Money-back
guarantee: This is useful for trying out the service without taking on all the risk.
So, do you need a VPN?
You’ll probably find it useful if you travel frequently, use public networks, want access to servers in different countries, or are looking for an extra layer of privacy.
You probably don’t need to pay for a VPN just because an ad says the Internet is dangerous without one.
The decision depends on how you use the Internet.
Our recommendation
Don’t sign up for a VPN just because of the advertised discount.
Compare the price after the promotion, the number of devices supported, ease of use, servers, privacy, and refund policies.
We’re putting together a comparison of different services using those criteria.
At the end, add a call to action:
Title:¿Buscas una VPN?
Text:Comparamos diferentes servicios según precio, facilidad de uso, privacidad, dispositivos y condiciones.