Do you bank, shop, read the news, or video-chat with family online? If so, you may want to look into getting a VPN. A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet so nearby snoops on café or hotel Wi-Fi can’t see what you’re doing. Also, with a VPN, your internet provider has less visibility into your browsing.
This guide explains what a VPN does (and doesn’t) do, when it’s worth turning on, the features that matter, and we’ll review five trustworthy VPN services we think you should consider.
What Exactly Does a VPN Do – and What Doesn’t it Do?
A VPN encrypts your connection from your phone, tablet, or computer to a VPN server somewhere else in the world. To people on the local network (think airport Wi-Fi, a cruise ship connection, or a rental apartment’s router), your activity looks like scrambled data. Websites you visit will see the VPN server’s IP address instead of the one tied to your home or hotel.
A VPN does not:
- Stop scams or phishing emails.
- Fix a device that already has malware.
- Make you invisible to every website (cookies, account logins, and browser fingerprinting still exist).
Think of a VPN as a strong privacy layer for the connection itself. You still want good passwords, a password manager, multi-factor authentication, and up-to-date software.
When Should I Use a VPN – and When Might I Skip It?
Great Times to Use a VPN
- Public Wi-Fi: cafés, airports, hotels, cruise ships, libraries, salons, and waiting rooms.
- Travel days: to keep connections consistent on unfamiliar networks and reduce location-based glitches.
- At home, if you prefer added privacy. It can reduce how much your internet provider can log about your browsing.
Times a VPN May Be Optional
At home on secure Wi-Fi when you’re only visiting websites that already use HTTPS (the lock icon). You’ll still gain some privacy from your ISP, but you might see a small speed dip.
Special Cases for VPN
If you’re a high-risk public figure (for example, a senior government official), consumer VPNs are only one small piece of a wider security plan. End-to-end encrypted messaging, security keys, and locked-down devices matter more.
Is Using a VPN Legal?
In most countries, yes. VPNs are legal across the U.S., Canada, the UK, the European Union, and much of Latin America. A handful of countries restrict or ban them, and some require government-approved services. If you travel internationally, check local rules before you connect.
Which VPN Features Actually Matter?
Skip the jargon and look for these:
- Independent audits and a clear no-logs policy: A reputable VPN invites outside firms to review its systems and confirm it isn’t recording your browsing activity. Transparency reports and open-source apps are a plus.
- Modern VPN protocols: WireGuard (or a modern variant) and OpenVPN are fast and secure.
- RAM-only servers: Servers that run from volatile memory instead of hard drives wipe themselves on reboot, which reduces risk in the event of a seizure.
- Kill switch and leak protection: If the VPN drops, a kill switch blocks traffic so your real IP doesn’t leak.
- Auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi: Handy when you’re on the go.
- Device limits that fit your life: Count phones, tablets, laptops, and a TV box or two.
- Straightforward apps and helpful support: Clear buttons beat complicated menus.
- Price that stays fair after the intro period: Review renewal pricing, not just the first-year deal.
How Do I Set Up a VPN Safely?
- Pick a reputable provider (see the five options below).
- Install the app on your phone and computer.
- In settings, enable the kill switch and auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi.
- Use it every time you’re on public Wi-Fi; decide whether to leave it on at home.
- Keep your operating system and browser updated, and use multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
Read more: 10 Life Hacks to Demystify Technology for Women Over 60.
5 of the Most Popular and Reliable VPNs in 2025
These services are consistently recommended by independent tech reviewers for security, performance, and ease of use. Choose based on what you value most – simplicity, price, unlimited devices, or a privacy-first posture.
NordVPN – Fast and Full-Featured
Why it stands out: Regular speed leader with a WireGuard-based protocol (NordLynx), strong privacy history, RAM-only servers, and a growing move toward colocated hardware the company controls. Handy extras include Meshnet for secure device-to-device connections. Allows up to 10 devices.
Pros
- Excellent speeds and large server network.
- Multiple independent audits of its no-logs policy.
- Robust apps with kill switch, split tunneling, and dark-web monitoring tools.
Cons
- Lots of toggles can feel busy at first.
- Had a third-party data-center incident years ago; it prompted major security upgrades and more audits.
Best for: Power, speed, and features without needing to be a techie.
ExpressVPN – The Simplest Experience
Why it stands out: Very clean apps on every platform, a custom high-performance protocol (Lightway), and a RAM-only server system by design. Known for frequent third-party audits and reliable streaming access. Allows 8 devices at once.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use; great for “set it and forget it.”
- Strong track record of independent audits.
- Excellent device and router support.
Cons
- Costs more than most competitors.
- Occasional app hiccups are fixed quickly, but can be annoying while they last.
Best for: Anyone who wants an effortless, consistent VPN.
Surfshark – Best Value with Unlimited Devices
Why it stands out: One account covers every phone, tablet, and computer in your household. Delivers fast WireGuard connections, built-in ad/tracker blocking, and effective streaming at a friendly price.
Pros
- Unlimited connections for families and multi-device setups.
- Independent security assessments and solid performance in current tests.
- Clean, modern interface.
Cons
- Some advanced settings are tucked away.
- Streaming services occasionally block servers until workarounds roll out (true for all VPNs).
Best for: Budget-minded users with many devices.
Proton VPN – Privacy-first, with a Rare Free Plan
Why it stands out: Built by the same team as Proton Mail in Switzerland, with open-source apps and a strong civil-liberties stance. The free plan has no data cap, which is unusual among reputable providers, though it’s limited to fewer locations and one device.
Pros
- Excellent privacy posture, regular transparency reports, and open-source clients.
- Usable free tier for casual or backup use.
- Strong speeds on paid plans and effective anti-censorship tools.
Cons
- The free plan is slower at peak times and offers fewer locations.
- Interface can feel a bit more technical in certain views.
Best for: Privacy purists and anyone who appreciates open-source transparency or wants a quality free option to start.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Open-source and Unlimited Devices
Why it stands out: Open-source apps, a long history in privacy circles, an audited no-logs policy, and unlimited simultaneous connections. Often one of the most affordable paid VPNs, especially on multi-year plans.
Pros
- Unlimited devices per subscription.
- Open-source clients and an independently verified no-logs stance.
- Flexible settings for advanced users.
Cons
- Headquartered in the United States (some buyers prefer non-U.S. jurisdictions).
- Speeds can be uneven for uploads depending on the server.
Best for: Households that want maximum coverage at a low price.
Which VPN Should I Choose for My Situation?
- I want the easiest app: Choose ExpressVPN.
- I want speed and lots of features: Choose NordVPN.
- I want to cover many devices cheaply: Choose Surfshark or PIA.
- I care most about privacy culture and open-source apps: Choose Proton VPN.
Will a VPN Make Me Safer from Identity Theft?
It helps protect the connection (especially on public Wi-Fi), but it’s not a magic shield. Pair it with multi-factor authentication, a password manager, software updates, and cautious clicks. If a text or email looks suspicious, don’t tap the link; go to the site directly.
Will a VPN Make Me Anonymous?
No. It hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic in transit, which is valuable, but websites can still recognize you through logins, cookies, and browser settings. For stronger privacy, combine a VPN with privacy-respecting browsers, tracker blocking, and mindful account habits.
Will a VPN Change What I Can Watch?
Sometimes. VPNs can help you access content that’s blocked on a particular network, but streaming platforms constantly update their detection. Results vary from day to day and service to service, no matter which VPN you use.
Any Downsides of VPNs?
- Slight speed hit: Usually small with modern protocols, but it can happen.
- Occasional friction: Banking or streaming services may ask you to verify your identity more often.
- Country rules: A few countries restrict or ban VPNs. If you travel, check local laws first.
Bottom Line: Do You Need a VPN?
For most people, yes. It’s one of the simplest ways to improve privacy and reduce risk on public Wi-Fi and during travel. Pick a reputable provider, enable the kill switch, and let it auto-connect on unfamiliar networks. It won’t replace good habits, but it adds a strong layer of protection with very little effort.
Quick Checklist to Stay Safer Online
Read more: 2025 Tech Trends – Navigating the Digital World.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What’s your top reason for using a VPN – public Wi-Fi safety, streaming access, or privacy from your internet provider? If you already use one, which VPN do you have and how has it worked for you? Which matters most to you: ease of use, speed, price, unlimited devices, or strong privacy checks?