Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a VPN & How Does It Work?

A VPN is a clever piece of software that creates a secure (encrypted) internet connection – also known as a “VPN tunnel” – between your device and the website or app you are trying to access.

When you use a VPN, your standard internet connection is redirected via a secure VPN server before connecting to the wider Internet.

When you connect to a VPN server, your IP address changes and your connection is encrypted, typically using the AES-256 cipher and secure protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. As a result, your internet privacy and security is considerably stronger.

You can read more about this in our dedicated explainer guide.

Why Do I Need a VPN?

There are many benefits to using a VPN service. The two main benefits are:

1. Increased Privacy

A VPN is a great tool for your online privacy. When you connect to a VPN server, your web traffic firstly travels through it, and then onto a website or web application.

2. Enhanced Security

A VPN adds a layer of strong encryption to your Internet connection, making it safer and more secure.

If you need to send or receive sensitive information over the Internet, particularly if you’re using public WiFi, a VPN is essential.

Paid vs Free VPNs

There are hundreds of VPNs available on the market, of which many are free.

The problem is that most free VPNs come with severe limitations such as tiny data allowances, small server networks, and slow connection speeds.

There are also serious risks in using a free VPN. We’ve carried out several investigations of very popular free VPN apps and found that over 85% had security and privacy flaws.

We always recommend using top (paid) VPN services, which offer the below advantages:

➢ Much faster and stable speeds around the world
➢ Larger and more secure server infrastructures
➢ Stronger encryption, with better choice of VPN protocols
➢ Advanced privacy and security settings
➢ Compatibility with a wider range of devices
➢ Professional live customer support (often 24/7)