Here you will find everything you need to know about VPNs. In this digital age we find ourselves in, majority of our time is spent online. Whether you are surfing the internet, making a blog post or purchasing products online it is important that you keep your information safe and untouched. What better way to do that than with a VPN. If you’ve been on the internet for any amount of time you may have seen this word popping up every now and then and you might be confused about what it is. Here you will find everything you need to know about VPNs.
What are VPNs?
First created in 1996, Virtual private networks (VPNs) have a number of advantages that make them an attractive option for Internet users. VPNs protect your privacy by encrypting your data and masking your location, which prevents your Internet service provider and other third parties from tracking your online activities. VPNs also allow you to bypass censorship and access content that may be restricted in your area.
Advantages of getting a VPN
VPNs offer many advantages that can contribute to a safer online experience. In this article, we’ll go through the most important benefits that VPN networks offer. Read on to find out if you need an encrypted connection!
- Protecting Your Online Privacy – A VPN secures your internet connection by encrypting your data, hiding your location, and blocking others from tracking your online activities. This helps you maintain what’s commonly referred to as network neutrality.
- Safe Browsing on Public Wi-Fi – Public Wi-Fi networks make your data vulnerable to hackers. A VPN ensures a secure and private connection, protecting your information even on public networks.
- Safe File Sharing – When sharing sensitive files, a VPN provides a secure connection, protecting them from unauthorized access and ensuring privacy during transfer.
- Protecting Your Personal Data – A VPN conceals your real IP address by replacing it with a new one, safeguarding your location and online activity from being tracked.
- Secure Remote Access to Corporate Networks – A VPN enables employees working remotely or traveling to securely connect to corporate networks and access company data.
- Protection Against Cyber Threats – Leading VPN providers often offer extra security features to help defend against cyberattacks and malware, integrating VPNs as part of a broader antivirus solution. However, VPNs alone are not designed to block phishing websites, prevent you from sharing personal information with fraudsters, or stop you from downloading infected files. To safeguard yourself against fraudulent websites and malware, it’s essential to use a comprehensive security solution, such as antivirus software.
Disadvantages of getting a VPN
A VPN can be a powerful tool for enhancing your privacy and security online, but there are some factors to consider before using one. Here are a few things to keep in mind before getting a VPN:
- Reduced Internet Speed – VPNs encrypt your data and reroute it through a server, which can cause slower speeds, especially if the server is far away or overloaded.
- Cost – Reliable VPNs typically require a subscription. Free options exist but often come with limitations like slower speeds, data caps, or weak security.
- Trust in Providers – Some VPNs claim not to log data but might still collect or sell it. Choosing a trustworthy provider is crucial.
- Blocked Access – Certain websites and services (e.g., streaming platforms, banks) actively block VPNs, making them unusable in some cases.
- Incomplete Protection – VPNs encrypt your connection but don’t protect against phishing, malware, or advanced tracking methods like browser fingerprinting.
- Legal Issues – In some countries (e.g., China, Russia, UAE), using a VPN is restricted or illegal. Breaking these laws can lead to serious consequences.
How VPNs Differ: Types and Uses
- Remote Access VPN: enables employees to securely connect to the company network from a remote location, making it ideal for individuals working from home or while traveling.
- Site-to-Site VPN – connects multiple company networks, facilitating secure data sharing between different branches or locations of the organization.
- Peer-to-peer – This type enables a direct connection between users while ensuring secure communication.
- Mobile VPN – Specifically tailored for mobile devices, this type guarantees privacy on both smartphones and tablets.
What you should keep in mind when choosing a VPN
When selecting a VPN, you need to balance privacy, security, speed, compatibility, and cost based on your specific needs. Some VPNs focus on privacy and anonymity, ensuring no logs are kept and using strong encryption. Others prioritize speed and performance, making them better for streaming and gaming. Some VPNs offer better server coverage and unblocking capabilities, which is useful if you want to access geo-restricted content or bypass censorship.
1. Privacy & Security
- No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t store your browsing data.
- Strong encryption: Look for AES-256 encryption for secure data protection.
- Secure protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2 are the best choices.
- Kill switch: This feature cuts off the internet if the VPN disconnects, preventing leaks.
- DNS & IP leak protection: Ensures your real IP address isn’t exposed.
2. Speed & Performance
- Fast servers: VPNs can slow down internet speed, so check for performance.
- Server locations: Choose a provider with a wide range of servers near your location.
- Bandwidth limits: Avoid VPNs with data caps if you stream or download a lot.
3. Compatibility
- Works on all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers).
- Supports multiple simultaneous connections for all your gadgets.
4. Unblocking & Streaming
- Works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services.
- Bypasses geo-restrictions and censorship.
5. P2P & Torrenting Support
- Not all VPNs allow torrenting—check before subscribing.
- Look for dedicated P2P servers for better performance.
6. Cost & Payment Options
- Compare pricing and check for money-back guarantees.
- Accepts anonymous payment methods (cryptocurrency, gift cards) for extra privacy.
7. Reputation & Customer Support
- Read user reviews and check independent audits.
- Look for 24/7 live chat or responsive customer service.
The best VPNs for 2025
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how VPNs work, their benefits, and what to look for in a provider, we’ve compiled a list of the top-performing VPNs in 2025. These options excel in speed, security, privacy features, and overall usability, making them the best choices for protecting your online activities this year:
- ExpressVPN – It uses AES-256 encryption, a military-grade standard, to protect your data from hackers and surveillance. The servers run entirely on RAM, meaning no data is written to hard drives and is wiped with every reboot. Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries ensure fast, reliable connections from almost anywhere in the world. Known for its ability to bypass internet censorship, such as in restrictive regions like China, UAE, and Turkey.