Do I Need a VPN?

But is it the case? Do you really need a VPN, or is it just marketing noise?

In this article, we’ll help you understand exactly when a VPN is actually needed or when it might just be an unnecessary extra.

Essentially, a VPN is a piece of software that creates a secure and encrypted tunnel between your devices and the internet.

Think of a VPN as an opaque and sealed envelope that you post in the mail. Without the envelope, the mail carrier, sorting center, or even a curious bystander would be able to read the content.

So, using a VPN is similar to taking that same message but putting it into an envelope that can’t be opened. People can still see that you’re sending something, but they can’t access the content.

Still using the envelope example, a VPN allows users to hide their home address (IP), making it appear as though they’re sending the letter from a different location, and scrambles the message’s content (data) in a way that’s unreadable even if tampered with.

While this can be somewhat confusing for some users (especially those with limited technical knowledge), VPN providers like TunnelBear make hiding internet activity easy for everyone.

Let’s debunk one myth right away: You don’t need to use a VPN ALL the time. So, let’s go over the situations when you do need one:

• Using public Wi-Fi: Public networks in airports, coffee shops, and hotels are known to be insecure due to two main factors: the number of people connecting to them and the lack of robust security protection. Without a VPN, you’re at risk of having your data intercepted by a bad actor. On the other hand, with a VPN, all your data is encrypted, blocking malicious actors from accessing your confidential information.
• When requiring access to geo-blocked content: Websites and streaming services often block access to content based on the user’s location. A VPN allows you to choose the country you connect to, unblocking any geo-restricted content. For example, a VPN can help access content from your home country while abroad.
• When working remotely: It’s essential to use a VPN for anyone handling confidential business information, such as client files and company secrets. A VPN adds a necessary layer of enterprise-grade encryption that protects the data from prying eyes.
• When you have privacy concerns regarding your ISP: Depending on where you’re located, Internet Service Providers might be legally authorized to track and log your internet activity, including all the websites you visit. That activity history can be sold to data brokers or the government, used for marketing purposes, and for throttling bandwidth. If you use a VPN, your ISP won’t be able to do any of that.
• When shopping or banking on unsecured networks: If you’re checking your bank account balance or shopping online and connected to an insecure network, a VPN protects your connection. This includes keeping sensitive information, such as credit card details and login credentials, hidden from cybercriminals.

While a VPN service is a key piece of internet security, it isn’t always necessary. So, in what instances does a VPN not provide a significant benefit?

• When browsing from home on trusted websites: If you’re at home and connected to your private, password-protected network, your connection is generally secure. Plus, most websites nowadays use HTTPS encryption, which already encrypts all data between users and visited websites.
• When looking to hide activity from big tech companies: A VPN hides your activity from your ISP and blocks IP tracking, but it’s not a complete invisibility cloak. For example, a VPN doesn’t block companies like Meta or X from tracking your activity if you’re logged into their accounts, since everything you do is tied to your profile.
• When looking to enhance device security: The primary purpose of a VPN is to protect internet traffic. It doesn’t protect your device against security threats, such as malware or scam attempts. If that’s what you want protection from, you need an internet security solution instead.

If you’re still not sure whether subscribing to a VPN is the best approach, simply ask yourself the following questions:

If you connect to free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces, using a VPN is highly recommended to keep your connections secure.

If your job or line of work involves handling sensitive data, using a VPN is crucial to protect it from unauthorized access by third parties.

If you regularly travel across states or countries, a VPN lets you bypass geo-restricted content and access any online material, anywhere.

If you’re privacy-conscious and want to minimize data collection, a VPN is the best choice to achieve extra privacy.

If your answer is yes to either one of these questions, a VPN might prove itself invaluable – even if you don’t use it every day.

For those looking for a VPN, we recommend testing TunnelBear via its free plan. It’s an excellent way to see if a VPN service fits your needs without spending a dime.

The ultimate conclusion is that VPNs are valuable tools but not mandatory for everyone.

For general browsing at home, they’re mostly pointless, unless you’re privacy-conscious and don’t want your ISP knowing what you’re doing online. However, in specific high-risk scenarios, such as when using public Wi-Fi or working remotely, they can be the difference between security and vulnerability.

If you’ve never tried a VPN or are looking for a reliable solution, we recommend TunnelBear. It’s one of the easiest-to-use VPNs on the market, available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and grants you secure connections wherever you are.