Should you always use a VPN?
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Keeping your VPN active at all times isn’t just about privacy – it’s about reducing risk. While it might feel excessive, the reality is that digital threats and data exposure are constant, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. A good VPN encrypts your connection, shielding your browsing activity from ISPs, advertisers, and even government surveillance.
Beyond security, a VPN also unlocks access to geo-restricted content and services – whether it’s streaming platforms or region-locked websites. The best services handle all of this without killing your connection speed or breaking your budget.
In short: always-on protection is no longer optional. Here’s why it matters.
Best VPNs to use at all times
While the VPN market is filled with promising providers, not all of them ensure great performance and security. To help you out, I gathered a list of our approved best VPNs for staying connected all the time.
- NordVPN – one of the fastest VPNs that ensures great speeds at all times and is simple to use
- Surfshark – wallet-friendly VPN that allows unlimited simultaneous device connections
- IPVanish – feature-rich VPN solution for multiple devices to stay protected at all times
6 reasons why you should use a VPN
You can use a VPN for various reasons but online privacy and data security should be the main ones. However, a VPN can also be beneficial for entertainment reasons, such as bypassing geo-blocks:
- Stay private and anonymous online
- Unblock geo-restricted content
- Stop bandwidth throttling
- Stay secured from cybercriminals
- Safely access public Wi-Fi
- Save money
1. Privacy and anonymity from third parties
The main reason to constantly have a VPN turned on is your privacy and anonymity. While you may not have anything to hide, it can still be uncomfortable knowing there are trackers looking at what you’re browsing.
A VPN carries your data through an encrypted tunnel, meaning all your information, including your browsing activities, becomes unreadable and inaccessible to anyone’s eyes. This includes your ISP, cybercriminals, or even the government authorities.
Reliable VPNs, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, have a clear no-logs policy (even better if they’re independently audited), meaning they can’t track your activities either. So even if the government asks the VPN provider to provide information about you, there won’t be anything to give in the first place.
On top of that, websites won’t be able to track you or your browsing activities either. This means that external companies won’t be able to use targeted advertising. So, if you’ve searched for a product on Google, it won’t reflect in the adverts you see.
2. Access geo-restricted content
Keeping a VPN constantly connected means that you can bypass geo-restrictions and unlock content from around the world. When you use a VPN, it connects you to a secure server in a location of your choice, making it look like you are physically in that country.
So, if you want to access different Netflix libraries, or watch Hulu or Max but you’re not in the US, a VPN will let you bypass these restrictions from anywhere in the world. It will connect to a server of your choice and allocate you that country’s IP address to make it appear as though you are physically there, even if you’re not.
The other benefit is that you can switch servers seamlessly. For example, you can access an American server to watch Hulu and then switch to a British server to watch BBC iPlayer.
3. Avoid bandwidth throttling
Some ISPs will impose bandwidth limits to encourage you to upgrade to a more expensive package that promises faster internet speeds. If you always have a VPN turned on, your ISP won’t be able to constrain your internet speed. That’s because they won’t be able to see what you’re up to online.
So whether you want to download files, stream content, or play your favorite game in peace, you’ll find a VPN valuable asset. However, if it so happens that your VPN slows down your connection even more, make sure you’re connected to a server that is closer to you physically. If switching between servers doesn’t help, consider looking into faster VPNs.
4. Security and protection at any location
Using a VPN all the time also guarantees you’re protected from the prying eyes of cyber attackers. Because your information, including sensitive data and online activities, is encrypted with such ciphers as AES, it becomes inaccessible to anyone.
In simple terms, even if someone accessed your data, they would never be able to decipher it. To give you an example, the VPN tunnel will secure your communication channels, including your emails and Zoom meetings, from anyone trying to access them.
Additionally, having a VPN turned on lets you transfer money safely. Since your online activities are hidden, it doesn’t matter where you make transactions. Be it your home network or unsecured public Wi-Fi – cyber felons won’t stand a chance at taking a peek.
5. Safe access to public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are highly vulnerable as you can never know who connects to them. This makes it easy for cybercriminals to access your private information. That is unless you use a VPN for public Wi-Fi. It will make it appear as if your data is coming from the server you’re connected to instead of your own device.
To put it simply, if your VPN is always turned on, it will be impossible for criminals to decipher the encrypted data. As an extra precaution, you can turn on the kill switch feature in your VPN’s settings.
Even if your VPN connection drops, the kill switch will temporarily shut down your internet connection until it is restored. This way, there won’t be any accidental data leaks.
6. Save money
External companies can gain access to your information and use it to their own advantage. For instance, if you keep looking for flight details or the same hotel rooms, the prices may increase the next time you come back to the same site. That’s because companies track your search history and frequency.
If you have a VPN turned on at all times, such companies won’t know how often you come back to their site or search for particular services. This means that a VPN will ensure the price won’t be affected and that you get the best deals.
Plus, some companies may apply a discriminatory pricing structure – people from one country may get products/services cheaper than those from another. To avoid this, you can simply use a VPN to change your location and compare pricing to save money. And since there are plenty of cheap VPNs, your wallet won’t suffer.
What can a VPN be used for?
Depending on what you need a VPN for, it can be beneficial in many ways. Here are a few advantages of using a VPN as a business user or for personal entertainment.
1. Business VPNs
VPNs for businesses can be more expensive than those for regular users. However, they’re much more than worth it. For starters, they protect employee data from being stolen or viewed by third parties. This includes remote workers who tend to work connected to their home network. A VPN does not let anyone, even the employee’s ISP, see what they are up to online.
Additionally, remote workers can feel safe on public Wi-Fi, knowing their data is encrypted. Public networks are known to be a cybercriminal hazard.
2. Streaming VPNs
Streaming VPNs do exactly what the name says – help with streaming. So, if you feel you often run out of things to watch, a VPN is a great solution. The best VPNs for streaming movies will help you unblock huge Netflix libraries, Hulu, Max, Disney Plus, or any other service.
Plus, if your ISP tends to limit bandwidth as soon as you start doing data-consuming activities, including streaming, a VPN can help. Since your data is encrypted, your ISP can’t see what you’re up to. This means that the VPN won’t let your ISP limit your data, thus improving overall streaming speeds.
3. Gaming VPNs
If you can’t go a day or two without gaming, a VPN can benefit you in multiple ways. For starters, gaming VPNs can help you access other regions on services such as Steam. Changing your virtual location helps access a larger game library.
Also, some unfair gamers attack other players to get them out of the game. This is called a DDoS attack or distributed denial of service. A VPN hides your IP address and personal data, securing you from cyber bullies and attacks.
Just like with streaming, some ISPs tend to limit speed for gamers. If that’s the case, a VPN will improve your speed and gaming experience.
Should I leave my VPN on all the time?
For the most part, yes, because your data should always be protected. VPNs are one of the best security tools on the market and are not that expensive, considering the value they bring. VPNs ensure data protection from cybercriminals and secure browsing. As a result, this prevents advertisers or ISPs from accessing your browsing data.
There also may be times when you need to turn your VPN off. That is when you want to access local sites or devices, such as streaming platforms or a printer.
When should you turn off your VPN?
While I recommend keeping your VPN on as often as possible, there may be cases when you actually need it off. This includes accessing local content or devices.
For instance, you may need to access streaming services that are unavailable in countries you’re virtually connected to. The same goes for various websites that may be geo-restricted elsewhere. You may also need to connect to devices on your local network, such as a printer. In such cases, it’s easier to just pause your VPN connection for some time.
Another reason you may consider pausing your VPN is if it slows down your device speed. But first, try switching to other servers or choose those that are physically closer to you.
Should I use a VPN at home?
Using a VPN at home is preferable; it’s even advised but isn’t always essential. The main reason it may not be necessary is that your internet activity should already be shielded by your password-protected Wi-Fi network. The other concern is connecting to a remote server can slow your connection speed. Yet, it shouldn't be the case with NordVPN – it offers great speeds.
At the same time, the pros of using a VPN at home largely outweigh the negatives. Even Reddit users agree that using a VPN at home is a great way to secure yourself from your own ISP. When a VPN is on, your ISP can’t see what sites you visit, and trackers can’t sell your data to third parties.
Additionally, if your ISP throttles your internet speed, a VPN could even improve it by shielding your activities. All you have to do is set up a VPN on your router, and all of the devices on your network will be protected. Not to mention that it also allows you to watch geo-restricted content at home for your entertainment.
What VPN should I use?
When picking a VPN, it’s important to choose the one that offers high-class security and performance. You want to be guaranteed advanced security features as well as a clear no-logs policy. However, you don’t have to compromise speeds for the sake of it, so it’s essential the VPN can also deliver fast speeds.
At the same time, I strongly advise against using unreliable free VPNs. Since they have to make some profit too, they may end up selling your data to external third parties and running malware-infected ads.
Therefore, if data privacy is something you are looking for, consider trying out these premium VPN services:
| NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand |  |  |  |
| Rating | |||
| Price | $3.39/month | $1.99/month | $2.19/month |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| No-logging policy | No logs, independently audited twice by PwC | No logs, independently audited by Cure 53 | No logs, independently audited by Leviathan |
| Servers | 7600+ servers in 118 countries | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | 2400+ servers in 109 countries |
| Unblocks | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Check NordVPN deals | Check Surfshark deals | Check IPVanish deals |
These VPNs offer high-level security and are astonishingly fast. Also, they all protect your browsing data with some of the strongest encryption ciphers. In terms of entertainment, they’re all capable of unblocking geo-restricted content, like Hulu, Max, or BBC iPlayer.
Bottom line
Ultimately, a VPN is a necessary and valued tool in 2025. It completely secures your personal information and prevents your data from getting into the hands of third parties, who can use it against you. For such reasons, I recommend you keep your VPN on most, if not all, of the time.
However, you may need to turn off your VPN when you need to access local content or devices on your network. In such cases, using a VPN that allows pausing your connection is a great solution.
For this, I recommend using NordVPN. It ensures advanced security, is one of the fastest VPN services on the market, and lets you pause your connection for a chosen time.
FAQ
Do I need a VPN?
Yes, a VPN is an essential tool to protect you online. It provides a fast and secure service that maintains your anonymity. A VPN also enables a secure connection to public Wi-Fi and encrypts your information. The best VPN for advanced security is NordVPN. It protects from malicious threats and cybercriminals and includes a reliable kill switch to prevent data leaks.
Should I always turn on my VPN?
Yes, if privacy and security online are your main concerns, you should always have a VPN turned on. This way, your data is encrypted at all times, and no one else can access it. For your convenience, some VPNs, like NordVPN, have a pause button that lets you choose the duration you want to pause your connection for.
Should businesses use VPNs?
Yes, businesses should use VPN solutions to ensure online protection. Business VPNs secure remote connections so that employee and company data isn’t intercepted.
When should I use a VPN on my phone?
You should use a VPN on your phone when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks. This will protect you from cyber snoopers lurking to steal your data. Plus, you can connect to a VPN if you wish to unblock geo-restricted content on streaming platforms.
Are VPNs legal?
Yes, using a VPN is entirely legal in most countries. However, there are places where using a VPN is illegal or restricted, such as North Korea, Iraq, and Belarus. You should also remember that even if VPNs are allowed in your area, that doesn’t make illegal activities legal.
How much do VPNs cost?
For personal use, a cheaper VPN can cost anywhere from $1.00/month. Meanwhile, businesses have to pay per user, resulting in around $8-9/month per employee.
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