What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a secure server, helping protect privacy, hide your IP address, and keep you safer on public Wi-Fi.
Simple protection for everyday browsing, on desktop and mobile.
VPN definition
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. This helps prevent local networks and internet providers from easily seeing what you do online, and it replaces your IP address with the server's IP.
- Encrypts traffic between your device and the VPN server
- Masks your IP address with the VPN server's IP
- Helps protect data on public networks
How does a VPN work?
You open the VPN app and connect to a server location
Choose from a range of servers around the world, or let the app pick the fastest one near you.
The VPN creates an encrypted tunnel
A secure connection is established from your device to the VPN server. All traffic flowing through this tunnel is encrypted.
Your traffic travels through the tunnel instead of directly to your ISP
Your internet provider can see you're connected to a VPN, but can't easily read the contents of your traffic.
Websites see the VPN server's IP address, not yours
Your real IP address is hidden, making it harder to track your location or identity based on IP alone.
Responses return through the encrypted tunnel
Data from websites and services travels back through the same secure tunnel to your device.
Encryption protects data in transit. Your privacy still depends on safe browsing habits and the services you use.
What is a VPN used for?
People use VPNs for a range of everyday privacy and security reasons.
Safer public Wi-Fi
Protect your data on open networks in cafes, airports, and hotels.
Privacy from local networks
Reduce exposure to Wi-Fi operators and anyone sharing the same network.
Reduce ISP visibility
Encrypt traffic so your activity is less identifiable to your internet provider.
Access while traveling
Reach sites and services from abroad that may be restricted by location.
What a VPN protects, and what it doesn't
A VPN helps with…
- Encrypting your connection on untrusted networks
- Hiding your IP address from websites and apps
- Reducing simple tracking based on IP/location
- Avoiding some network restrictions (depending on the network)
A VPN does not…
- ✕Make you completely anonymous
- ✕Protect you from scams or phishing by default
- ✕Stop malware if you download unsafe files
- ✕Replace strong passwords and two-factor authentication
VPN vs proxy vs Tor: what's the difference?
| Tool | Encrypts traffic | Hides IP | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPN | Yes (device ↔ server) | Yes | Everyday privacy + security |
| Proxy | Usually no (depends) | Yes (for that app) | Quick location change for one app |
| Tor | Yes (multi-hop) | Yes | High privacy, but often slower |
A VPN is the simplest choice for most people: it protects your whole device connection, not just one browser tab.
What are VPN protocols?
Protocols are the technical methods a VPN uses to create the encrypted tunnel. Some are optimized for speed, others for reliability or stealth.
- WireGuard: Modern and fast: lightweight design with efficient cryptography
- OpenVPN: Widely supported and battle-tested across platforms
- IKEv2: Stable on mobile: handles network switching smoothly
- Stealth modes: Help in restrictive networks by disguising VPN traffic
When should you use a VPN?
A VPN is most useful in situations where your connection is exposed or your privacy is at risk.
Public Wi-Fi
Coffee shops, airports, hotels: any open network where others share the connection.
Traveling abroad
Access familiar services and stay protected on unfamiliar networks.
Remote work & coworking
Encrypt your connection when working from shared or public spaces.
Gaming
Reduce the impact of unstable routing and potential traffic shaping.
Shared networks
Protect sensitive browsing when using networks you don't fully control.
How to choose the right VPN
Not all VPNs are the same. Here's what to look for when picking a provider.
- Strong encryption and safe protocols
- Leak protection (DNS leak prevention)
- Kill switch to block traffic during drops
- Server locations and performance
- Easy apps and multi-device support
- Transparent policies and responsive support
Frequently asked questions
Ready to use a VPN the easy way?
Protect your connection in seconds and browse with more confidence, at home or on the go.