Pros & Cons of VPNs: Advantages & Disadvantages in 2024

A good VPN comes with plenty of benefits, which generally outweigh the cons. It will let you safely access your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the best available quality. You can use it to change your IP address to appear as though you’re in a different country and get better prices on flights, hotel rooms, and more.

But it’s not all for entertainment purposes. Reputable VPNs secure your internet connection, protect your privacy, and conceal your identity, keeping you safe from hackers or anyone else who might be trying to keep tabs on your online activity.

While VPNs do have drawbacks, they’re generally easy to avoid or mitigate. We’ll dive into the major advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN below, so you can decide whether it’s right for you. So far, the VPN with the least amount of cons that we've tested is ExpressVPN. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for yourself risk-free. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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VPN Pros: Advantages of Using a VPN

Stream in HD From Anywhere

Since VPNs offer worldwide connections, they can safely access movies and shows from anywhere. Some VPNs also offer obfuscation features, allowing them to get around stubborn network blocks that prevent access to streaming platforms (like at work or on public WiFi).

For a VPN to work with a streaming platform, it needs to have servers in the location where that platform is available. In addition, it’s important that a VPN has high speeds, like ExpressVPN. That way, you can watch content in Ultra HD (or the highest available quality) on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu from anywhere.

Access Global IP Addresses

A VPN allows you to access the internet through a different IP address by routing your connection through a server in another location. This makes it possible for you to appear as if you're browsing from a different country. For instance, it can help you safely access certain sites for work purposes while working remotely.

Plus, when you use a VPN’s private IP, your personal IP address is hidden, allowing you to browse privately. A lot of sensitive information can be traced to your IP, so using one in another location makes it difficult for sites, services, and nosy third parties to track your online behavior. This is especially beneficial when accessing websites that are more prone to hackers — like torrenting platforms.

Stay Safe Online

In this day and age, we are constantly sending personal information over the internet without giving it a second thought. But let’s face it — whether you’re logging into your bank account or just having a private chat with your best friend, you don’t want anyone snooping on you.

A VPN encrypts your data and keeps your sensitive information private, whether you’re using it at home for individual purposes, in the office, or on the go. VPN use is also becoming increasingly popular for remote workers who need private access to company files, no matter where they go.

Be aware that your data is especially vulnerable when you’re using unsecured public WiFi. These networks can make you vulnerable to a wide array of cyber threats, including hacking, tracking, and malware. So, by using a VPN, you’re keeping your connection private and shielding it from these potential problems.

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Avoid ISP Throttling

When you engage in certain high-bandwidth activities such as streaming, downloading, or gaming, your internet service provider (ISP) can see what you’re doing. Many IPSs use “throttling,” a technique for artificially capping your internet speeds. This is especially common during peak hours.

By using a VPN, your online activities are hidden from your ISP, which prevents them from throttling your connection for engaging in certain activities.

Save Money

Once you use a VPN to change your IP address, you’ll soon discover that there are many more benefits than meets the eye.

Many e-commerce websites display different prices to shoppers from different countries. For instance, a product that’s priced very high in Sweden may be offered at a much lower price if you access the same site through a server in India. Using a VPN also helps you to try different locations when visiting booking sites to reserve a flight and hotel for your upcoming holiday. However, make sure to check the terms of use of the service you're using to ensure this isn't prohibited.

For the most thorough market research, choose a VPN that has servers in a wide selection of countries. And remember — with a low-cost premium VPN, these benefits are all available for just a few dollars a month.

VPN Cons: Disadvantages To Look Out For

Slower Connection Speeds

A VPN keeps your connection secure by encrypting all your online activity, but this can come at the price of a very slow connection — and let’s face it, nobody has the time and patience to sit around waiting for websites to load or for streaming content to finish buffering.

However, the best premium VPNs do this with a speed loss of just a few percent on nearby servers, so it’s barely noticeable. There are plenty of high-speed services that won’t make the compromise of speed for security and other benefits not worth it.

Unable to Get Around Blocks

There are several types of VPN blocks ranging from less serious network restrictions to governmental firewalls. However, in most cases, it’s perfectly fine (and legal) to use a VPN to secure your connections.

Most streaming services, such as Netflix, try to combat VPN connections with VPN blockers. Not every VPN works well with major streaming platforms, so it’s best to find one that’s been proven to safely access popular sites from anywhere.

Some networks are restrictive, too, and impose different types of blocks to prevent heavy data usage or distractions. However, there are some reliable VPNs that can overcome these types of blocks at school, work, or another location with network restrictions.

Furthermore, a few countries heavily restrict or ban VPNs altogether, including Russia, China, and the UAE. For instance, China has what’s referred to as the Great Firewall, which is a government-level block that prevents access to not only tons of websites and platforms, but even VPNs. Most VPNs don’t work in the country at all, but a few do.

Some banking and financial apps and sites may block VPNs to prevent fraud. To avoid this inconvenience, a split tunneling feature can be handy if it’s available. This allows certain apps or sites to bypass the VPN connection while others are routed through the encrypted tunnel.

Unsafe VPN Options and Weak Security

VPNs prevent your ISP from seeing your data, but your VPN can still see it. That’s why we only recommend VPNs with strict no-logs policies, so your browsing won’t be monitored or stored.

Plus, with a reliable VPN service, you shouldn’t experience connection drops very often — but it can happen. The main problem is that the moment your encrypted connection drops, your real IP address is exposed, and you are no longer anonymous. Therefore, a kill switch is vital to temporarily halt your data while you reconnect.

Malware and viruses are another major concern. Most reliable VPNs have some kind of malicious content blocker to help prevent such threats from infecting your devices. However, some free VPNs can infect your devices with malware and sell your data to third parties.

Military-Grade Security Features

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Editor's Choice for Security

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High-level encryption keeps you safe online

Verified to not collect or share data

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Other Possible Inconveniences

Other minor concerns include having to complete more CAPTCHA tests to prove you’re human or entering your passwords more often. You can avoid this by using a private IP address or a VPN with static IPs. You can also use DuckDuckGo instead of Google.

Local network devices like printers are often inaccessible when connected to a VPN due to routing changes. However, some VPN services offer features like split tunneling or local LAN access to allow simultaneous connections to both local and remote networks.

Finally, you may find that mobile devices use more data when connected to a VPN. That’s because your browsing has further to travel via the VPN server. If you don’t have an unlimited plan, it’s therefore better to use WiFi connections rather than mobile data.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on the Pros & Cons of VPNs

What are the pros and cons of free VPNs?

Free VPNs often compromise on security and performance. They tend to lack the advanced features and protections of premium options, which means your data may be at risk. Many free VPNs generate revenue by selling user data to advertisers, and some even come with hidden malware. Free services also typically have limited servers, leading to slow connections, especially for data-intensive activities like streaming or gaming.

When should I not use a VPN?

There aren’t too many scenarios, but some users prefer not to use VPNs for banking and financial transactions. Some banks block VPNs to prevent fraud and could potentially restrict accounts if VPN use is detected. You may also prefer not to use a VPN if your starting speed is slow. In such cases, the slowdowns that VPNs can cause may prove inhibitive.

Is using a VPN a good idea?

A VPN is a good idea if you value privacy or use public WiFi frequently. It protects your online activity from being monitored by your ISP and hackers. It can also prevent your ISP from throttling your internet speeds if you stream or download frequently.

Besides preventing cyberthreats and inconveniences, VPNs also open up a world of opportunity with the benefits of having access to a global network of connections. So, in the end, it’s definitely a good idea, and there are plenty of advantages to using a VPN.

Do I need a VPN for home WiFi?

Yes, if you're privacy-focused. A VPN can add an extra layer of privacy to your home WiFi, hiding your browsing from your ISP and external trackers. It’s particularly helpful if you often torrent, stream, or want more protection against cyber threats. Even if you’re in the safety of your own network, without a VPN, you’re still exposed to the sites, services, apps, and other parties you connect with.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for any activity…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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