# Pros And Cons of Using a VPN: How To Know If You Need One By [Ryan Toohil](https://www.aura.com/author/ryan-toohil) Ryan Toohil CTO at Aura Ryan Toohil has a BS in Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech and holds multiple patents in the web services domain. As the CTO at Aura, he leads the platform, information security, and corporate IT teams. Reviewed by [Jory MacKay](https://www.aura.com/author/jory-mackay) Jory MacKay Aura Cybersecurity Editor Jory MacKay is a writer and award-winning editor with over a decade of experience for online and print publications. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Victoria and a passion for helping people identify and avoid fraud. January 4, 2024 A VPN hides your IP and encrypts your data to protect against hackers and tracking. But it can slow your connection, and free VPNs may sell your data. ## What Is a VPN and How Does a VPN Work? Using a virtual private network (VPN) is one of the most popular ways to protect your data and privacy online — especially over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. But do you really need one? Unfortunately, for one family in Norman, Oklahoma, the lack of a VPN [**left them vulnerable**](https://www.news9.com/story/6269d0317f0cc97a59e526ab/norman-victim-of-wifi-hacking-warns-others-to-take-precautions--) to a hacker who stalked them via their home Wi-Fi, smart TV, phones, and security system. A VPN masks your IP address by channeling your connection to a secure remote server. The virtual VPN server encrypts and conceals your identifying information and online activity from any and all onlookers. Once installed, you can launch a VPN with a single click or configure it to connect automatically when you're online. **With a VPN:** - The VPN establishes a secure connection between your device and an encrypted VPN server throughout the United States or around the world. - The VPN creates a virtual tunnel that reroutes all encrypted traffic and data directly to the VPN server, hiding it from hackers and even from your internet service provider (ISP). - The VPN replaces your device's IP address and spoofs your location. - After traveling through the tunnel, the VPN server unscrambles the encrypted data for use by the destination website. - The VPN deletes or anonymizes your browsing data. **_Without_ a VPN:** - You establish an internet connection between your device and your ISP's local network and servers. - Your ISP assigns your device an IP address that links to your physical location. - Your device sends your (potentially) unencrypted data directly to the destination website and server. - Your ISP (and anyone who has [**hacked your Wi-Fi**](https://www.aura.com/learn/can-hackers-hack-your-wifi) connection) has access to your browsing data and online activities. **The bottom line:** A VPN is an essential tool to protect your privacy whenever you want to go online over public Wi-Fi, access location-restricted content, or hide your browsing history. VPNs can also keep you safe from hackers and unwanted eyes spying on your online activity. ## VPN Pros & Cons: What You Need To Know VPN providers offer different levels of security, privacy, and protection. However, there are some common advantages of a VPN. Similarly, even the best VPNs have downsides. Here are some of the pros and cons of a VPN: | Pros | Cons | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Secures your data against hackers | Can slow down your internet speed | | Provides online and browsing history privacy | Free or insecure VPNs may sell your data or expose you to online threats | | Hides your IP address to reduce targeted ads and help you save money on location-based pricing | Some countries ban VPNs, which could result in fines or criminal charges | | Allows you to access location-restricted content | Premium VPNs can have high monthly costs | | Protects you if you’re working from home or on public Wi-Fi | A VPN alone won’t protect you against online threats or identity theft | | Avoids some data and bandwidth throttling | VPNs can drain device batteries and data | | Often bundled with other digital security tools | Not always compatible with all devices | ## The Advantages of Using a VPN Along with added security, VPNs can provide users with more control over their internet usage. VPNs give users the freedom to view the types of content they want to see when they want to see it. Here are the major advantages of using a VPN: ### Data security against hackers and other online threats VPNs use encrypted connections that secure your data by scrambling it. This makes it undecipherable and unusable for hackers, cybercriminals, the government, and your ISP. When left unsecured and unencrypted, your data can be intercepted and read. This includes your passwords, private messages, photos, and financial information. ### Protected Wi-Fi network A VPN can protect your privacy on your home Wi-Fi or on the [**public Wi-Fi**](https://www.aura.com/learn/dangers-of-public-wi-fi) network that you use while traveling. If your public network or hotspot is unsecured, VPN encryption will still keep your data safe in case of a breach. You may even be able to set up a VPN on your home router so that every device connected to your network has protection. ### Online and browsing history privacy By routing traffic through an encrypted tunnel, VPNs shield your data, your activities, and your browsing history from anyone watching. This stops your ISP or any other online services from logging and tracking your browsing history. It can help prevent surveillance and certain forms of targeted advertising, and ensures that your private searches remain private. ### IP address masking A VPN assigns your device a new IP — one that is typically related to the VPN server location. This hides your device's actual IP address, preventing IP-targeted advertising and DDoS attacks. By spoofing your location, a VPN can also help you take advantage of location-based pricing when shopping. ### Access location-restricted content When a VPN sends your connection through a server in a remote location, your device takes on the server's location. This allows you to bypass geo-blocks and location-restricting firewalls — meaning you can unblock various websites and different content from streaming services like Netflix. You can also use VPNs to get around censorship and other IP restrictions. ### Digital security bundle Many premium VPN providers bundle their services with other digital security features. These extras may include [**Dark Web monitoring**](https://www.aura.com/learn/what-is-dark-web-monitoring), antivirus software, and password managers. Packaging your digital security in one service can improve the overall cohesion and compatibility of the applications. A security stack also provides more comprehensive protection and cost savings. ### Throttling prevention ISP throttling results in lower connection speeds and a less-enjoyable online experience. While data cap and network congestion throttling is unavoidable, VPNs can prevent throttling on specific websites, networks, and content types. ## The Disadvantages of Using a VPN VPNs aren't perfect. However, while good VPNs still have drawbacks, most of the worst negatives belong to free VPNs or those with questionable ownership. Here are some of the main disadvantages of VPNs: ### Slower internet speeds The extra security steps required by a VPN can slow down your internet connection. While the drop may be unnoticeable on premium services, some free VPNs overload their servers and reduce speeds dramatically. ### May sell your data VPN users seek out privacy and anonymity, but free VPNs may track and sell user data. ### Banned in some countries Some countries ban or heavily [**restrict the use**](https://www.comparitech.com/vpn/where-are-vpns-legal-banned/) of VPNs. ### High monthly costs Premium VPNs have monthly fees that some internet users struggle to justify. ### Doesn't provide full protection A VPN alone isn’t enough to keep your identity and online accounts completely safe. ### Device incompatibility Premium VPN services typically work on most devices and operating systems, including Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows. ### Battery and data drain Using [**VPNs on iPhones**](https://www.aura.com/learn/what-is-vpn-on-iphones) or other portable devices can reduce battery life. The extra resources required for VPN protection can also weigh down your device's processor and consume more data. ## Are VPNs Worth It? How To Choose a VPN That’s Right for You Choosing the right one requires careful consideration. Here are a few of [**key features**](https://www.aura.com/learn/vpn-features) to look for when choosing a VPN: - **Number and location of servers.** - **Data logs.** - **Connection speeds.** - **Usage limits.** - **Device compatibility.** - **Protocols.** - **Additional features.** - **Security level.** - **Cost.** - **Free trials.** ## How Much Does a Premium VPN Cost? Most premium standalone VPNs cost $10-$15 monthly, with steep discounts on longer terms (many VPN services cost closer to $3–5/month if you pay for one or two years upfront). ### Are free VPNs safe to use? Comparing [**free vs. paid VPNs**](https://www.aura.com/learn/free-vpn-vs-paid-vpn) on cost alone doesn't tell the whole story. The bottom line: Most free VPN services are worse for your digital security than _not_ using a VPN. **If you don’t want to pay for a service, you’re better off learning how to [**protect your privacy online**](https://www.aura.com/learn/how-to-protect-your-privacy-online).**