Is a VPN worth it? When and why to pay for one
Our in-house cybersecurity experts and journalists, renowned for major reports like The Mother of All Breaches, conduct transparent, unbiased VPN testing and in-depth analysis.
With 750+ articles crafted based on real-world research, we empower readers to make informed purchasing decisions through first-hand expertise.
Learn more
A VPN can improve your online privacy, secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, and help you access content while traveling — is it actually worth paying for one?
It depends on your browsing habits and what you expect from a VPN. For some people, a free VPN may be enough for occasional use. Others may need the faster speeds, stronger security, larger server networks, and extra features that typically come with a paid VPN.
From streaming and gaming to remote work and everyday browsing, VPNs are now used for much more than privacy alone. However, not every user needs one, and not every VPN offers the same level of performance or protection.
In this article, I’ll explain when a VPN is worth it, who benefits most from using one, and what you’re actually getting when you pay for a premium VPN service.
5 reasons why you need a VPN
VPNs add an essential security layer not only to your home network-connected devices but also when traveling, using public Wi-Fi, or even working at the office. But let’s dig deeper to see the actual benefits.
1. Protect your data
Whenever you use the internet, your data is accessible to dozens of prying eyes, such as trackers, your ISP, the government, and more. The best way to avoid this is to use a reputable, secure VPN that encrypts your data with advanced AES-256 or ChaCha20. WireGuard operates as a communication protocol, while encryption ensures its security.
No less important are extra features. For example, specialty servers, like Tor over VPN or Double VPN, add an additional security and privacy layer. Meanwhile, the kill switch feature protects your IP address even in times when a VPN connection drops.
Finally, a VPN protects you not only at home but also when traveling or using public Wi-Fi. Connecting to an open Wi-Fi network without protection can lead to various security breaches on your device, including a man-in-the-middle attack.
2. Avoid ISP spying
Hacking is less of a concern when you’re browsing the internet from your own network at home. However, your internet service provider is the one to watch out for at home. ISPs have access to enormous amounts of data about you and your online habits.
The US Congress has granted internet service providers (ISPs) the power to sell your data to third parties, which can be concerning. It doesn't help that many users have few options when choosing ISPs. Depending on where you live, you may only have one or two wired internet providers available to you. However, using a VPN can help safeguard your privacy by preventing ISPs from selling your internet usage data to others and profiting from it.
This concern is even more pressing in oppressive countries like China, where your browsing history could land you in jail. However, ISP throttling your connection is a common issue globally that a VPN can also stop.
3. Bypass geo-blocks
VPNs are especially handy if you live or travel outside your home country. Without a VPN, you may find yourself using websites in different languages because the websites are localized to your current location. If you are from the United States but traveling abroad, you can use a VPN to connect to a familiar location and access web pages in your home language.
You can also use a VPN to legally watch shows or movies from another country. Some VPNs, such as NordVPN, even offer specialized streaming servers that let you stream various Netflix libraries and other major streaming services in full HD. And because a VPN funnels your internet traffic, it still protects your identity when you access foreign websites.
4. Save money
Security is not the only thing a VPN can offer. Changing your IP address can also help you to save heaps of money.
It’s no secret that airline companies tend to increase the ticket price based on your actual IP location. However, if you choose a VPN server that’s further from your home region, you can snatch some delicious flight deals.
The same applies to streaming platforms, video game distributors, and other online services. Many of these providers adjust their prices based on local market conditions and purchasing power. As a result, users in countries like the US may end up paying more for the same service than users in countries such as Mexico.
Overall, correctly setting up a VPN and choosing the right server location can bring you a fortune.
5. Bypass government censorship
Ultimately, the decisions you make online are completely up to you. However, multiple heavily censored countries, such as China, Russia, Iran, and more, are interested in limiting your online freedom.
For places like that, internet surveillance is insanely common. Consequently, citizens can’t visit popular websites, enjoy streaming platforms, or play video games, and even a VPN connection can be forbidden.
Fortunately, a robust VPN offers dedicated features to bypass government censorship. And it’s not only advanced encryption for your traffic but also obfuscated servers that hide your VPN connection from prying eyes.
Why you shouldn’t use a free VPN
One of the main draws of using a VPN is to protect yourself from threat actors. However, some free VPNs can install malware on your devices, posing a significant security risk while you're online. Consequently, you end up paying not only for a reputable antivirus but also for scammers.
While VPNs are meant to protect your data from third-party snoopers, many free VPNs sell your data to others to make an income. Third-party snoopers typically use this information to better target ads to individuals.
Lastly, free VPNs often limit the amount of data you can use and only cover one or two devices. Plus, the suite of security measures are usually outdated due to low investment, which creates additional security flaws. However, some paid VPNs offer free versions or free trials. With them, you can enjoy nearly limitless service.
Check out our guide about free vs paid VPNs to learn more about what usually are the differences between premium and free VPN services.
How much does a VPN cost?
There are several factors that influence the cost of a VPN. Some of them are:
- Number of simultaneous connections
- Diversity and size of a server fleet
- Quality of performance
- Streaming and torrenting abilities
- Customer support availability
- Subscription duration
However, a reputable VPN provider will always offer a fair price-to-quality ratio, so you should take both criteria into account before buying a VPN service. For example, market-leading VPNs, like NordVPN or Surfshark, offer top-notch protection and budget-friendly pricing. NordVPN costs $3.09/month, and Surfshark costs even less – $1.99/month. Meanwhile, the average VPN price is $3.90/month.
Also, keep in mind that we regularly update limited offers for getting premium VPNs at exclusive prices. This way, even the most expensive VPN will cost only peanuts.
What to look for in a VPN service
While deciding on a VPN to purchase, consider the following.
- Security. First and foremost, a VPN is a security service. Therefore, it should use advanced features to protect you from exposed online privacy and various cyber threats. This means a VPN must include strong encryption, top-notch tunneling protocols, a kill switch feature, and more.
- Privacy. Where online security goes, privacy comes too. Hence, when choosing a VPN, it’s important to look for one with an audited no-logs policy.
- Extra features. Each additional feature that comes with a VPN ensures more security. Features like split tunneling, obfuscation, or threat protection are becoming rather essential nowadays.
- Unblocking capabilities. Bypassing geo-restricted content is a major perk of a good VPN. So, when selecting a VPN, make sure it unblocks your favorite streaming platforms and other websites.
- Compatibility. It’s crucial that a VPN has native apps for all major platforms and supports many simultaneous connections.
Bottom line
The real value of a VPN depends on how you use the internet. If you frequently use public Wi-Fi, travel abroad, stream content, game online, or simply want to keep your browsing activity more private, a premium VPN can be a worthwhile investment. At the same time, casual users who rarely need these features may not benefit enough to justify the cost.
Ultimately, the best VPN is one that matches your needs, budget, and expectations. Before subscribing, it’s important to compare providers carefully and understand which features you’ll actually use.
Read our VPN guides and reviews to find out more:
FAQ
Is it illegal to have a VPN?
VPNs are completely legal because they're run on the same servers the rest of the Internet uses. What is illegal, however, is using a VPN to cover your tracks of the committed crimes and download copyrighted materials.
Should I get a VPN?
Yes, you should get a VPN if you want to enhance your online security and privacy. With the most secure VPN on the market, you can hide your online activity from malicious hackers or the government, avoid malware, and other threats.
Are free VPNs safe?
Yes, there are free VPNs that are safe to use, for example, Proton VPN. However, the majority of free VPN services can’t offer you the needed amount of security. In other words, you receive outdated applications, rough data caps, limited connection speed, and more.
Can you be hacked when using a VPN?
Yes, you can get hacked when using a VPN. It is one of the tools that make it much harder for hackers. However, it's not impossible. This means that you should also think about other tools like password managers, secure cloud storage, and antivirus software.
