Advantages of Using a VPN in 2024

Using a VPN when you’re out and about makes a lot of sense. You want to protect your user data and important information when using public Wi-Fi to surf the web, and not many free-to-join networks provide the end-to-end encryption that a VPN delivers. But even in the safety and privacy of your own home, using a VPN is still recommended for multiple reasons.

Using a VPN at Home Keeps You More Private

Many VPNs are designed to stop nefarious users from hacking into your network. While this is something that mostly affects public connections and is unlikely to happen at home, using your own private network doesn’t guarantee 100% privacy. When you connect directly to your ISP, they can see what sites you’re browsing. While this may not be an issue for everyone, some users may want to keep their online activities more secure and private. Not everyone wants their ISP to know exactly what they’re doing, and that’s perfectly reasonable. By using a VPN, your data is encrypted, so your ISP never knows where you’re browsing or what you’re doing online. A good quality VPN also doesn’t keep logs, so there’s no way to trace your online activities.

Your Work is More Private

With many people working from home nowadays, it’s important to keep your work private. While the chances of your home network being hacked are fairly unlikely, it is still possible. By connecting to your work’s network via a VPN, you can keep your work activities more secure. This means you can work just as securely from home as you would if you were at the office. Your employer will appreciate the added security, and you won’t have to worry about being responsible for any security breaches.

Using a VPN Gives You More Streaming Options at Home

If you use a VPN, you can watch streaming content that is based in other countries. For example, if you’re located in the U.S. and want to watch the content that British Netflix offers, you can switch your VPN location to somewhere in the U.K. and access that content. This is a great way to expand your streaming options and also works for sporting events and streaming services that are not typically available in your country. However, it’s important to check the legalities of using a VPN to access restricted content, as it may be a breach of your streaming service’s terms of service.

A VPN at Home Can Save You Money

Using a VPN can actually save you money in the long run. Some retailers, such as hotels or flight companies, track your data and cookies and may charge you extra for their services based on your browsing habits. For example, if you frequently visit luxury retailers, a flight company might detect this and charge you extra because they assume you can afford it. This practice is dubious, but it does happen. Even on a simpler level, regularly checking flight prices can affect how much a ticket will cost you. By using a VPN, your information is hidden, so no data is provided to the company, and you’re given the lowest price possible.

VPNs don’t cost much, so just one flight could end up saving you more than the cost of the VPN itself.

Gamers Get a Better Service

If your ISP loves to throttle your connection when you’re gaming, using a VPN can help. By disguising your activity, your ISP won’t know that you’re playing online games or downloading the latest patches, and they won’t be able to limit your gaming experience. ISPs typically don’t throttle browsing activities, but they often limit gaming after a certain amount of time. By using a VPN, you can enjoy a better quality of service and even gain access to other regional servers, making it easier to play with your international friends.

Downloads Just Got Easier

If you regularly download large files, your ISP might not be a big fan. Many ISPs limit how much you can download in a day by restricting your download speeds. However, if you use a VPN, your ISP can’t detect how much you’re downloading because your usage is coming from a different source. This is particularly useful if you use a torrent client to download files, as some ISPs are not fans of peer-to-peer sharing, even though it can be used for legal files as well as more dubious content. Using a VPN means you won’t be restricted in any way when it comes to downloading files.

What Are the Best VPNs to Use at Home?

The good thing about using a VPN for your home network is that there is no shortage of options to choose from. Some of the best VPN platforms include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, SurfShark, and IPVanish. These VPNs offer advanced encryption tools, reliable service, and a range of features to keep your online activities secure and private.

How Much Does a VPN Cost?

The cost of a VPN depends on the service you choose. While there are several brands that offer free VPN services, these options may have limitations and may not provide the same level of security and features as paid VPN platforms. Subscription-based VPN platforms tend to offer better encryption tools, password managers, cloud storage, and the ability to use the VPN on unlimited devices. While these features may be paywalled, they provide enhanced safeguards that can be worth the investment.

Will a VPN Work on All My Devices?

The compatibility of a VPN with your devices depends on the specific VPN service. For example, platforms like NordVPN allow you to operate a VPN on up to 10 devices, while others may have a cap of five devices or offer unlimited device support. It’s important to choose a VPN that is compatible with all the devices you use regularly to ensure comprehensive protection.

How Vital is a VPN at Home?

While having a VPN at home isn’t as vital as when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks, it is still important for maintaining privacy and security. Even within the safety of your own home, threats to your online activities are still viable, and using a VPN adds an extra layer of protection. Moreover, using a VPN prevents your ISP from selling your data, which is a concern for many users. Most VPNs are available at a low price, making them an affordable investment for the added security and privacy they provide.

Just as you wouldn’t rely on a single lock to protect your front door or prized possessions, it’s important to give yourself an extra layer of security for your internet connection. Using a VPN makes sense for anyone who regularly browses the internet, works remotely, or conducts sensitive online transactions. In addition to the security benefits, VPNs also offer advantages like avoiding bandwidth throttling and circumventing geo-restrictions for streaming content. They can even save you money on flights and hotel rooms. Overall, a VPN is an essential tool in today’s digital age.