Why do I need a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is great for online safety and accessing content while travelling. It's worth getting, but why? Scroll down to find out.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Why do I need a VPN? It's a valid question, and we'll answer it over the course of this article. You can read the verdict if you don't want to look too deeply into the details.
VPN stands for virtual private network and essentially, it gives the device you're using its own IP address. This is helpful for several reasons, both concerning entertainment purposes and for online safety, with additional safety support like ad blockers, password managers, malware detection and much, much more.
How Does a VPN Work?
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A VPN can help increase your online security significantly, although it can't guarantee 100% online safety. (Image credit: Getty Images)
Something that may surprise you is that VPNs don't actually use satellite signals. Instead, they take the internet connection, obtained by your router via satellite signal and they 'tunnel' it to a server location of your choice. Tunnelling is where an encrypted connection is established between your device and the server you choose, making your device appear as if it's in a different location.
Essentially, all traffic on your device is encrypted, meaning it's close to impossible to intercept, and is sent to the VPN server, at which point the traffic is forwarded to the correct destination on the internet.
The benefits of this mean your device is a lot harder to track and hack into. It also allows you to access content on a website or app from back home while you're travelling. So if you're travelling and you want to watch something on Disney Plus (for example) that may be available at home, but not abroad, you can set your device's location to home and access your content that way.
Safety Features
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A VPN is a great online safety tool and it can cover a range of devices.(Image credit: Surfshark)
On top of a dedicated IP address, making your device appear as if it's in a different country, VPN providers will often offer added security features, increasing levels of which are available depending on which plan you choose to subscribe to.
These features include, but are not limited to, ad and tracker blockers, which improve your online experience and prevent anyone from seeing your online activity. Anti-malware protection, which will often protect you against software that's designed to cause damage to your device. And, data breach scanners to protect you against and alert you to anything that tries to breach your device's defences and gain access to your personal data.
More advanced features can include Password managers, encrypted cloud storage and advanced features on browsing and downloading content. You'll also often find that you can secure numerous devices at once if you get a VPN from one of the leading VPN providers.
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A VPN can make your device appear as if it's in a different location, which is excellent for accessing streaming content from back home while you're travelling.(Image credit: ProtonVPN)
The added safety features are particularly useful when you're travelling to a dedicated skywatching location or a launch site, for example, especially if you're using public Wi-Fi or hotspotting from a mobile phone. That's because these types of connections are when your device is at its most vulnerable to online threats, so having a scrambled connection, a dedicated IP address and features like scanners and anti-malware protection give you that security when on the go and when you're unable to use a secure connection.
Of course, you need to be vigilant at the best of times, too. That's why some of the safety features you can get with a VPN from a top provider can help protect you against malicious and dodgy links, websites and, as mentioned above, anything that tries to gain access to your device or details, even when you're on a reliable and trusted connection. You can also get Wi-Fi routers with a built-in VPN, so that you have a layer of protection before your connection even reaches your device.
It's important to note, however, that a VPN does not guarantee 100% online safety, even if it does increase your levels of protection.
How much do they cost?
The range of cost on a VPN will often depend on the plan you opt for. (Image credit: ExpressVPN)
Well, this depends on what plan you go for, from which provider and if you get a good deal or not. So the objective answer is you can get a decent VPN for anywhere between free and hundreds of dollars. When you sign up, you'll usually have to pay the full amount rather than in installments. That's not the most helpful answer, we know, but let's break it down a little bit.
As has been mentioned, VPN providers will offer higher levels of security and more features, the more you pay for a chosen plan. This can range from a dedicated IP address, ad/tracker blockers and protection against malware, to all the bells and whistles, including dedicated email addresses, encrypted storage and insurance. Typically, the most basic plans will cost a couple of dollars a month, between $2 to $4. After that, we can see prices rise to just below $10 a month for the most premium plans.
It also depends on if you get a good deal or not. Without an offer, most decent VPN providers will offer their plans for several hundred dollars, spread over a certain period of time (i.e. 12/24 months). But you don't have to wait for a sales event like Black Friday, as we often see VPNs on offer year-round. Providers will also sometimes host their own sales, so it's important to keep an eye out. We also see free plans available, which will often only offer basic protection, but free is free and it's a step up from not having a VPN.
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Major VPN Provider Monthly Prices
Provider
Most Basic Plan
Most Premium Plan
2-year Basic: $2.99
2-year Prime: $6.89
2-year Starter: $1.99
2-year One+: $4.19
2-year Basic: $3.49
2-year Pro: $7.49
2-year Free: Free
2-year Plus: $2.99
2-year Unlimited: $7.99
Should I get a VPN?
It's certainly a good idea to have one. It vastly improves your online safety and it's particularly useful to have on your travels. If you want added levels of security while streaming, downloading and for general online use, you should get a VPN.
It must be said that your online experience will stay the same without one, so if you're happy as you are, you don't need one. But, by getting a dedicated IP address and having security features that block ads and trackers and look out for malware, your online safety is improved. It's particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi connections and hotspots, especially if your device has personal details on it.
On top of the added security, it's great for unlocking streaming content that might be blocked or unavailable in a region you're in, which would otherwise be available from back home.
So, in a world where technology is ever improving and it's getting harder and harder to stay safe online, it's a good idea to have a VPN, regardless of which plan from which provider you opt for, as long as they're a reliable provider.
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STAFF WRITER, E-commerce — Alex joined Space.com in June 2021 as staff writer covering space news, games, tech, toys and deals. Based in London, U.K. Graduating in June 2020, Alex studied Sports Journalism in the North East of England at Sunderland University. During his studies and since his graduation, Alex has been featured in local newspapers and online publications covering a range of sports from university rugby to Premier League soccer. In addition to a background in sports and journalism, Alex has a life-long love of Star Wars which started with watching the prequel trilogy and collecting toy lightsabers, he also grew up spending most Saturday evenings watching Doctor Who.
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