What is a VPN and How Does it Work?

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a type of software that can be downloaded to any internet-connected computer. While VPNs were originally used to safely connect business networks over the internet, their use has evolved and expanded in recent years. Now, a VPN can be used not only to protect sensitive information over unsecured networks, but also to hide your location when necessary.

A VPN makes your connection private when you are using the public or home internet, preventing anyone outside the network from snooping on your activities or data. This is the major reason why a VPN is widely used by people to unblock streaming sites like Netflix and Disney+, access geo-restricted titles, and get their hands on off-market games. It offers everyone anonymity over the internet.

Like any kind of technology, a VPN has its share of upsides and downsides. Before you start using this online software, it is wise to consider not only the benefits but also the possible drawbacks of a VPN. While it is legal to use a VPN in the U.S., some sites may try to block or discourage their use.

What is a VPN?

The term VPN today has become synonymous with hiding your location and accessing restricted titles on the web. But a virtual private network's uses are more complicated than meets the eye. This technology helps keep your identity and online activities safe from everyone, including your internet service provider. 

A VPN protects your activity by routing your internet connection through a secure tunnel, even when you are using a public network. If the internet is a neighborhood, a VPN closes your blinds, locks the doors, and obscures your house number. This is the reason why a VPN is widely used by those who want to stream media titles, watch location-restricted movies or shows while traveling, or remain safe when using open Wi-Fi networks in public places.

Some of the most popular VPN apps provide security, speed, and ease of streaming. The following VPN companies are the best around, offering all the features that users seek from their private network.

How does a VPN work?

Without a VPN, your computer connects to the server of your internet service provider, which also sets your unique IP address. This information is visible to anyone who gets access to your network, allowing them to know your location, online activities, the amount of time you remain connected to the internet, the titles you browse or watch, and possibly your personal information. Your IP address is also a way for your internet service provider to keep track of your activities, and anything that seems suspicious to them (such as torrenting) might get your connection blocked. 

When you use a VPN, you connect to one of the servers that belong to the VPN company, many of which are located in other countries. Some VPN companies have servers in dozens of countries around the world.

For instance, if you are traveling to a different country and still want to stream your favorite TV show, you may find that it is not possible outside of your home country. Using a VPN, you can spoof your IP address and appear to be in your home country, which gives you access to the titles you want. Your data is encrypted and routed through a private network using one of the many encryption protocols. Not even the VPN company can see your online activity or viewing habits.

VPN benefits

VPNs have taken the world by storm for good reason. And entities from internet service providers to streaming sites to government agencies seem to be against using them. When you consider the following benefits of a VPN, the reason becomes clear.

Speed

Because of data encryption, the internet speed is automatically slower when using a VPN. However, you can still enjoy the benefits of fast internet using many VPNs. You may not even notice the difference. Some VPNs only have a speed loss of about two percent. VPN internet speed depends on the server you are connecting to and how far from your location it is. 

If you are in the U.S. and connecting to a server in India, the speed will be slower than a server within the U.S. or in a neighboring country. The speed at which you are able to download titles is also important. While the best VPNs can manage a speed of 300 to 400Mbps (Megabytes per second), a few can even go over 800 Mbps. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are just a few of the fastest VPNs out there.

Security and privacy

Of course, internet safety and online privacy are some of the biggest reasons why VPNs have grown in popularity. They hide your IP address, mask your location and identity, keep your sensitive data safe, and unblock titles with ease. The VPN services that are known to provide exceptional security have never had leaks or breaches, and always use the strongest protocol to secure the transmission of data.

Since the VPN provider is able to see your information, it is important to ensure that the company has a zero-log policy and keeps no record of your personal data after the end of every session. Bear in mind that government agencies do not like the existence of VPNs. Therefore, if the company is located outside the U.S. and in a privacy-friendly region (Panama, British Virgin Islands, etc), you could have more peace of mind.

Value for money

Even the best VPNs are not particularly expensive when you consider the massive benefits. VPNs that offer the utmost security and privacy without selling off customer data to third-party advertisers charge anywhere between $50/yr. and $100/yr. Plus, you get a host of other features, including an ad-blocker, antimalware, firewall, ease of streaming and gaming, faster download speed, changing your server location at will, escaping the eyes of your internet service provider, and many more. 

The more features you get for the price, the better the value for your money. Before subscribing to a VPN, shop around for quotes and compare features to find out which company offers the best deal. 

Is a VPN worth it?

For people who regularly stream media or exchange sensitive data online, a VPN could be worth the cost. However, before purchasing a subscription, it is crucial to make sure that the company is not supported by advertisers, based outside of the United States in a privacy-friendly country, keeps no logs of customer data (online activity and information), and has an excellent reputation for privacy. 

Companies like NordVPN and ExpressVPN tick all of these boxes, and the price can get you better protection without loopholes.

For people who regularly stream media or exchange sensitive data online, a VPN could be worth the cost. However, before purchasing a subscription, it is crucial to make sure that the company is not supported by advertisers, based outside of the United States and in a privacy-friendly country or region, keeps no logs of customer data (online activity and information), and has an excellent reputation for privacy. 
Companies like NordVPN and ExpressVPN tick all of these boxes, and even though they may seem expensive to some, the price can get you better protection without loopholes.