Why You Need a VPN
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, effectively allowing you to browse the internet more privately and securely. In technical terms, it’s “an arrangement whereby a secure, apparently private network is achieved using encryption over a public network, typically the internet.”
But What Does That Actually Mean?
When you connect to a VPN, all your internet activity is routed through a remote server, creating a secure “tunnel” between you and the wider internet. To see how this works in practice, visit a site like whatismyip.com. It will display your public IP address, the digital equivalent of your home address for your internet connection.
Without a VPN, your IP address reveals information about your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and, by extension, can be used to trace activity back to you. This is especially important for users concerned with privacy or those living in regions with restricted internet access. ISPs can be legally compelled to hand over subscriber data if ordered by a court, which makes protecting your IP address essential in many situations.
Why Do People Use VPNs?
One of the most common reasons is privacy. When you're connected to a VPN, websites and services see the VPN server's IP address instead of your actual one. You essentially become anonymous to the websites you visit.
To help visualize this: imagine you’re on one end of a tunnel, and a trusted friend is on the other. You relay a message through the tunnel to your friend, who then communicates with someone named Joe outside. Joe sees your friend, not you. If Joe takes issue with the message, he has to deal with your friend because he has no idea you even exist.
Is It Really Secure?
That depends on the VPN provider. Not all VPN services are created equal. Some keep detailed logs of user activity, while others adhere to strict no-logs policies.
Let’s go back to our analogy: Joe wants to know who you are. Will your friend give you up? That depends on the friend and in the VPN world, it depends on the service’s privacy practices and policies. Always read the fine print.
Free vs. Paid VPNs
Here’s the golden rule: don’t use a free VPN if you value your privacy. Free services often come with serious compromisesthey may log your data, inject ads, or sell your information to third parties. As the saying goes, if you're not paying for the product, you are the product.
Paid VPNs, on the other hand, have a business incentive to protect your privacy and provide a better, more secure experience. When you pay for a service, you’re the customer, not the product being sold.
Recommended VPN Providers
While I can’t choose a VPN for you, I can recommend a few well-known providers that are trusted by many in the privacy and tech communities. I do not receive any commission or compensation for listing these services they are simply ones I’ve used, currently use, or have researched extensively:
Mullvad
$5.00/mo for up to 5 devices - This one is my personal favorite and the one I currently use. It has been around since 2009 and does not keep logs or ask for personal information. Mullvad has 893 servers in 39 countries. The website shows the prices in Euro (€) so the exchange rate may fluctuate, but I've never seen it go above $6/mo.
IVPN
$6.00/mo for 2 devices or $10.00/mo for 7 devices - This one has also been around since 2009, does not ask for personal information and doesn't keep logs. I counted 82 servers on their website in 34 countries.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're concerned about digital privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, or simply tired of being tracked online, a VPN is one of the most accessible tools you can use to protect yourself. Just make sure you choose a provider that respects your privacy and avoid free services that put your data at risk.
If you're thinking of building a self-hosted setup, a VPN is an essential part of your toolkit. It’s your first step toward owning your digital life.
Member discussion