10 Reasons Not To Use a VPN (and 4 Reasons You Should)

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek to protect their privacy and security online. While VPNs provide many benefits, they also come with some downsides. This article will examine 10 potential drawbacks of using a VPN along with 4 key advantages that make them worth considering.

1. VPNs Can Slow Down Your Internet Connection

One of the most common complaints about VPNs is that they can significantly slow down your internet speeds. There are a few reasons for this:

• Encryption – A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic. This encryption process adds extra steps that can slow down your connection.

• Added distance – Your traffic is routed through the VPN server, which could be located far away from you. The farther data has to travel, the higher the latency.

• Bandwidth limits – Some VPN servers have bandwidth restrictions in place. If the server is overloaded with users, your speeds may suffer.

The extent of speed loss depends on factors like your ISP, router, VPN protocol, and the server location you connect to. While slowing speeds is inconvenient, many feel it‘s a worthwhile tradeoff for enhanced security.

2. VPNs Can Be Blocked by Streaming Services

Many people use VPNs to access geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others. However, streaming services are increasingly blocking connections from known VPN IP addresses.

VPN blocking occurs because streaming platforms have to adhere to regional licensing agreements. Services like Netflix have different content libraries for different countries. VPNs allow you to bypass geographic restrictions and view content not available in your region.

Streaming sites are within their rights to block VPN users. If you rely heavily on a VPN to watch shows, you may find yourself blocked out of your favorite streaming services.

3. Some Websites Block VPN Access

Much like streaming platforms, some websites restrict or block traffic from VPN servers. Website owners block VPNs for various reasons:

• Prevent abusive behavior like spamming or hacking

• Stop users from circumventing geographic restrictions

• Maintain advertising agreements based on traffic from certain locations

• Comply with local laws or licensing rules

For most casual web browsing, VPN blocking isn‘t a major issue. But users who rely on VPNs to access restricted sites may find themselves unexpectedly blocked.

4. VPN Apps Often Contain Ads

Many free VPN apps make money by showing third-party ads within their apps. These ads not only clutter the experience but also pose privacy risks.

Ads on free VPNs can collect data about your interests to serve targeted promotions. In some cases, ads contain malicious links or downloads that infect devices with viruses or spyware. Paid VPNs typically don‘t show in-app ads.

5. VPNs Can Drain Mobile Data

Because VPNs route your traffic through an encrypted tunnel, all of your device’s internet usage passes through the VPN. This generally results in higher data consumption compared to browsing without a VPN.

VPNs add encryption, security, and distance – all factors that increase the amount of data required per website or video. The data increase is usually minimal, but can add up over time. Users worried about data caps or overage charges may want to minimize VPN use.

6. Many Free VPNs Are Unreliable

Free VPN services have a dubious reputation when it comes to privacy and security. Many free providers log user activity, sell data to advertisers, and some have even installed malware on user devices.

Free VPNs have to make money somehow. Those that don’t show ads typically monetize by logging and selling user data or activity. Because of this, "free" VPNs often spy on their users while providing little meaningful privacy.

7. VPNs Are Illegal in Some Countries

Governments in several authoritarian countries including China, Russia, Turkey, and Iran have outlawed the use of VPNs. These countries restrict online freedoms and censor access to information.

Using a VPN in one of these countries could result in fines or even jail time. Travelers should research the legal status of VPNs in their destination country before connecting through a VPN abroad.

8. VPN Installers Could Contain Malware

For users who are less tech-savvy, installing a new VPN app does pose some risk. Major VPN providers are generally safe, but minor brands could potentially bundle malware into installers as a way to infect user devices.

Sticking to well-known, reputable brands like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark etc. greatly minimizes any malware risks. Additionally, paying close attention during installs can spot any unusual permission requests that may indicate malware.

9. It‘s Hard to Troubleshoot VPN Issues

Connection drops, sudden slowdowns, login problems – VPN services are prone to technical issues just like any application. Because VPNs add complexity, troubleshooting problems often proves challenging for average users.

VPNs encrypt traffic, so your ISP can‘t monitor connectivity. And because connections tunnel through remote servers, it‘s hard to tell if problems originate locally or on the VPN side. Technical problems that wouldn‘t occur without a VPN end up much harder to diagnose.

10. VPN Companies Have Access to Your Information

A core premise of VPNs is that they protect your privacy by hiding your IP address and online activities. However, the VPN provider itself still has access to usage data like browsing history, bandwidth usage, connection times, and potentially even unencrypted packet data.

VPN services require a base level of user trust. Reputable companies promise to retain as little user data as possible, but the nature of routing your traffic through their servers means that your activities aren‘t entirely private.

When You Should Use a VPN

Despite some disadvantages, VPNs remain very useful in the right circumstances. Here are 4 reasons you may want to use a VPN:

1. Browse Safely on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is notoriously unsafe for activities like banking and shopping. A VPN encrypts traffic and masks your IP address, meaning no one on the same public network can monitor your activities or steal sensitive info.

VPNs protect against man-in-the-middle attacks that try to intercept data on public networks. Connecting to public Wi-Fi through a VPN provides a critical security layer for important online activities.

2. Access Blocked Websites & Services

VPNs allow users to circumvent internet censorship imposed by authoritarian regimes, schools, employers, and others. By masking your location, VPNs provide access to content blocked in your region.

When traveling or using restricted networks, a VPN can open access to social media, news, VoIP services, and any other sites or apps that are geo-restricted or censored.

3. Shield Your Browsing From ISPs & Snoopers

Your internet service provider can monitor all of your unencrypted internet activity by default. They track the websites you visit, your usage habits, and essentially spy on your browsing.

By routing your traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel, you can hide your online activities from your ISP‘s prying eyes. Your VPN prevents snooping by ISPs, cybercriminals on public Wi-Fi, and anyone else trying to monitor your internet usage.

4. Access Geo-Restricted Content

Streaming platforms and video sites use your IP address to restrict access to region-specific content. But a VPN masks your location, allowing you to virtually relocate anywhere in the world.

Connecting to a VPN server in another country gives you access to that region‘s localized catalogs on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and more. VPNs open up a world of geo-restricted content.

Choosing the Best VPN

The VPN market has expanded rapidly, with countless providers offering services. Here are a few top options to consider based on independent testing and verified user reviews:

• ExpressVPN – Top choice overall with fast speeds and excellent streaming support. Offers intuitive apps for all major platforms.

• NordVPN – Very secure and reliable. Includes specialty servers for streaming, P2P, and enhanced security.

• Surfshark – Budget-friendly option with unlimited device connections. Based in privacy-friendly jurisdiction.

• PIA (Private Internet Access) – Long-established provider focused on secure protocols. Good value with frequent discounts.

No VPN is perfect for everyone‘s needs. Take time to evaluate factors like cost, logging policies, server locations, and supported platforms when choosing a provider.

The Bottom Line

VPNs aren‘t necessary or advisable for all internet users. There are certainly cases where VPN drawbacks like slower speeds or restricted access outweigh the benefits. But for others, VPNs provide invaluable privacy, security, and access when using public networks or restricted internet connections.

Understanding both the pros and cons helps determine when to connect through a trusted VPN service – and when you may be better off browsing without one. In regions with internet censorship, a VPN may be the only way to access vital information and services. But for casual web use on a home network, a VPN is less critical.

Ultimately, educating yourself on how VPNs work and weighing the advantages against drawbacks for your specific browsing needs is the best way to make an informed decision. The right VPN can provide vital protection, while the wrong VPN can jeopardize security. Avoiding disappointment means setting realistic expectations of what any VPN can (and can‘t) accomplish.