There are several practical benefits of using a VPN, from reducing exposure of your normal public IP address to supporting secure remote access. VPNs also have limitations. They may affect connection speed, require you to trust the provider, and cannot protect you from every online threat. To make the most of a VPN, we recommend following this guide.
What is a VPN and how does it work?
A VPN creates a virtual network over an existing network such as the internet.
In a typical consumer VPN setup:
- Your device first connects to a VPN server.
- The VPN tunnel encrypts traffic between your device and that server.
Websites and online services generally see the VPN server’s public IP address instead of your regular public IP for traffic routed through the VPN. Data source: NIST
Advantages and disadvantages of a VPN at a glance
| Advantages of VPN | Disadvantages of VPN |
| Encrypts traffic between your device and VPN server | Can reduce connection speed |
| Reduces exposure of your regular public IP | Requires trust in the VPN provider |
| Adds protection on shared networks | Quality differs between providers |
| Supports secure remote connections | Paid services add subscription costs |
| Can support private access to business resources | Some apps may request unnecessary permissions |
| Provides useful connection controls | Does not stop all online threats |
Key benefits of using a VPN
1. Adds encryption to your connection
Encryption can make traffic passing through that part of the connection more difficult for others on the local network to inspect. This does not mean a VPN encrypts information everywhere or makes intercepted information universally unreadable. Protection depends on the VPN protocol, configuration, provider, and applications used.
Data source: NIST
2. Reduces exposure of your regular public IP
The privacy benefits of a VPN also include changing the public IP address seen by websites for VPN-routed traffic. Once connected, websites generally see an IP associated with the VPN server instead of your normal internet connection.
This can reduce IP-based exposure and make your regular public IP less visible to the online services you visit. It does not make you anonymous. Cookies, account logins, browser fingerprinting, advertising identifiers, and information you voluntarily provide can still identify or recognize you.
Data source: FTC
3. Adds protection when using shared Wi-Fi
The benefits of VPNs on public WiFi mainly relate to protecting traffic between your device and the VPN server. A VPN adds an encrypted layer when you connect through hotel, airport, café, or other shared networks.
CISA has recommended VPN connections as one option for protecting communications on public wireless networks. Data source: CISA
HTTPS already protects communication with HTTPS websites, so a VPN should not be presented as the only way to use shared Wi-Fi safely. You should still verify the network name, use HTTPS, keep software updated, and avoid ignoring browser security warnings.
4. Supports secure remote access
Organizations can use VPNs to give authorized employees protected access to internal resources from outside the normal workplace. This is one of the main benefits of VPN in business. Companies can protect connections to internal systems without exposing those systems directly to every internet user.
A VPN alone is not enough for business security. Organizations should also use access controls, security updates, endpoint protection, and multi-factor authentication.
5. Provides useful connection controls
Many consumer VPN applications provide additional connection features.
Depending on the provider, these can include:
- Kill switch functionality
- Split tunneling
- Automatic connection rules
- Multiple VPN protocols
- DNS-related protections
- Server selection
- Device management
A kill switch can block covered traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. Split tunneling can let selected apps or traffic use the VPN while other traffic uses the regular connection.
Features differ between providers, so they should not be described as standard across every VPN service.
Key disadvantages of VPN services
Understanding the disadvantages of VPNs is important before relying on one for daily internet use.
1. A VPN may affect internet speed
VPN traffic has to travel through an additional server and undergo VPN processing. This can add latency or slow your connection.
Performance can depend on:
- Distance to the VPN server
- Server load
- VPN protocol
- Internet connection quality
- Device performance
- Network routing
A VPN does not automatically make the internet faster.
In some network situations, routing through a different path may change performance, but speed improvements should never be guaranteed.
2. You have to trust the VPN provider
Your internet provider normally handles your connection to the internet. Once a VPN is active, the VPN provider becomes another important party in that connection.
The FTC recommends researching VPN apps before installing them. Users should review requested permissions, encryption practices, privacy policies, and information-sharing practices.
Data source: FTC
3. Paid VPNs have an ongoing cost
Free options also exist, but free doesn’t automatically mean unsafe, and paid doesn’t automatically mean trustworthy. Each provider should be evaluated individually.
Compare privacy practices, available features, device support, customer service, renewal prices, and cancellation terms before subscribing.
4. A VPN cannot protect you from everything
One of the biggest misunderstandings about VPN technology is that it functions as complete cybersecurity protection.
It does not.
A VPN cannot automatically prevent:
- Phishing attacks
- Malicious downloads
- Malware infections
- Weak passwords
- Account compromise
- Browser fingerprinting
- Tracking through logged-in accounts
- Social engineering
Therefore, use a VPN as one security and privacy layer, not a replacement for safe browsing, software updates, strong passwords, MFA, and endpoint protection.
How to choose a VPN
Start by looking beyond marketing claims.
Check the provider’s privacy policy and learn what data it collects. Review its supported protocols, app permissions, device compatibility, connection features, subscription terms, and support options.
Also consider:
- Clear data-handling policies
- Modern VPN protocols
- Regular security updates
- Kill switch availability
- Appropriate device support
- Transparent pricing
- Accessible customer support
Be cautious with claims such as “100% anonymous,” “unhackable,” “complete protection,” or “maximum security.” No VPN can realistically guarantee those outcomes.
Final words
VPN advantages mainly come from connection privacy, encryption, and secure remote connectivity. VPN disadvantages include possible performance loss, provider trust, and the fact that VPN technology does not solve every privacy or cybersecurity problem. Think about what matters most to you, then use accordingly.
FAQs
Main benefits include encrypted traffic between your device and the VPN server, reduced exposure of your regular public IP, additional protection on shared networks, and secure remote connectivity.
No. A VPN can change the public IP visible to websites for routed traffic, but websites may still recognize you through cookies, account logins, browser information, and other identifiers.
Not usually. VPN processing and additional routing can reduce speed or increase latency. Actual performance depends on the server, protocol, network, and connection conditions.
A VPN can add an encrypted layer between your device and the VPN server. HTTPS, device updates, legitimate Wi-Fi networks, and other security practices remain important.
No. A VPN does not stop you from opening a phishing page, entering credentials into a fake website, or installing malicious software.