VPNs are the easiest way to hide what you do online and access shows, videos, sports and services from anywhere in the world. There are however a few things you need to know, to make sure you’re getting the best VPN, and it helps if you understand a little about how they work too.
In this article, we’ll explain VPNs in a way that anyone can understand and give you some tips to help you choose the right one, which is very easy once you know what to look out for.
What is a VPN Really?
There are two main parts to a VPN. The first is the VPN client which is software that goes on your computer. You download it from a website and click install, no different to the thousand other applications you already have. So what does this VPN client do? Well basically, it catches all the internet traffic that’s leaving your computer (and coming into your computer) and it routes it to a VPN server. A VPN server is a machine that exists in the area you want to appear to be from. If you’re trying to access geo-blocked content in the US, then the VPN server you connect to will be physically located in the US. The same can be said of any other country or server.
Your Internet service provider, the company you buy internet from, is in charge of carrying your traffic to a website’s server – like Google’s servers, YouTube’s servers, Spotify’s servers, you name it.
A VPN gets in the middle, and instead of your ISP carrying traffic directly to the end destination, your ISP carries traffic to a VPN server first. From there, the traffic is forwarded onto the real destination.
By including a VPN, you break the chain that links you to the real site you are visiting. As far as the site you’re accessing is concerned, the traffic originated at the VPN. As far as the ISP is concerned, the traffic terminated at the VPN.
Will Anyone Know I’m Using A VPN?
They might do. A VPN server only has a single IP address, unless you pay more money for your own private IP. To compare the difference in prices between a dedicated and shared VPN click here to learn more.
If you are concerned about anyone knowing you’re using a VPN, it’s not a good idea to use a free service. A free VPN will have way more people all on the same IP address because there aren’t as many servers to go around. Websites like Netflix and Spotify and your online banking keep a record of IP addresses they know or suspect belong to VPNs. If they identify your traffic as originating from one of these addresses they might block you from watching international content. With online banking, there’s more of a risk that your account will be blocked. Then you’ll have to call the bank and confirm your identity with a phone number that you changed years ago. It’s a hassle and it’s why we recommend that you pay a few dollars a month to save yourself the effort. Another concern with free VPNs is, how do they make money? If you’re not paying than normally that means you’re the product. To keep the lights on and the servers running, free VPN providers will sell user data to advertisers. Is that a risk you want to take?
What Content Can I Unblock With A VPN?
Netflix, Spotify, HBO, Hulu, SkySports and more, all have different libraries or downright cannot be accessed depending on where you are in the world.
US Netflix for example has 100 titles more than Canadian Netflix, and Japanese Netflix has the most titles in the whole world.
If you are travelling and want to watch series and shows that are specific to your region then there’s no better way than a VPN. There are sports that are only popular in some regions, and local TV won’t have broadcasting rights for them.
Online banking while abroad is another good reason to get a VPN. So are services like PayPal, which will put a hold on your accounts and prevent you from transfering money, if they detect you are accessing the site from a different country.
What are the Security Advantages of A VPN?
The internet is already very secure. Internet banking, cryptocurrency exchanges, and online services where security matters are protected by encryption 9 times out of 10. For these sites, a VPN is redundant security. For all the other sites, VPN is the piece of mind of knowing that all the traffic that leaves your computer is encrypted.
Let’s Wrap This Up
There are many advantages to using a VPN, from unlocking geo-blocked content to securing your internet connection while you’re visiting some ill-reputable streaming sites. If you’re concerned about privacy, and you don’t want your ISP monitoring your behaviour, or you just want to watch Hulu, and archaic broadcasting laws won’t let you, it’s time to take matters into your own hand. Get a VPN. You won’t regret it.
