VPN FAQs – Answers to the Most Common Questions

A VPN (short for Virtual Private Network) helps keep your online activity private. It hides your IP address and encrypts your connection - meaning websites, apps, or even your Wi-Fi provider can’t see what you’re doing. It’s like wrapping your internet traffic in a private tunnel.

That matters most when you're on public Wi-Fi or want to avoid being tracked online.

Your IP address is like your home address on the internet. It tells websites where your connection is coming from - like your city, region, or internet provider.

Most websites use it to show you local content, prices, or ads. But it also means your location isn’t private by default.

So websites (and apps you use online) only see the VPN server’s location - not your real one.
That’s one of the main ways a VPN helps you stay private and in control online.

While people often use these terms interchangeably, they mean different things:

• Privacy is about controlling your personal information and who gets to see it.
• Security is about protecting your data from outside threats, like hackers.
• Anonymity is about hiding your personal identity.

A VPN can help with all three, but they are not the same. We explain this in detail in our full guide on Privacy vs. Anonymity vs. Security

If you ever use Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels, or airports - or if you care about your privacy at home - a VPN is a smart tool to have. It protects your connection on networks you don’t control, and gives you more freedom to access the internet the way you want, no matter where you are.

For a detailed breakdown of one of the most common use cases, read our full guide on Do You Need a VPN at Home?.

Not usually. The best VPNs are fast enough that you won’t notice much difference. In fact, some even improve your experience by blocking ads and trackers that slow things down. If you pick a high-quality service, speed shouldn’t be an issue.

Yes - VPNs are legal in most countries. Millions of people, companies, and remote workers use them every day. A few governments restrict VPNs, but unless you’re in one of those regions, you’re completely fine to use one.

Definitely. The top VPNs support everything from phones and laptops to smart TVs and even routers. That means you can stay protected whether you’re at home, traveling, or switching between devices.

Not directly - a VPN isn’t antivirus software. But it does protect your connection, especially on public Wi-Fi. It encrypts your data and hides your location, which helps stop hackers and snoopers from spying on what you’re doing.

Yes. Many people use VPNs to watch shows while traveling, or to access apps and sites that are available in other countries. Not all VPNs work with every platform, but some are excellent at it - and we highlight those in our Top VPNs page.

The best ones don’t. A VPN with a true no-logs policy doesn’t monitor or store what you browse, stream, or download. It’s one of the most important features to look for - and we always check for it in our reviews. For a detailed explanation, see our full guide on whether VPNs can see your online activity.

Look for:

• A strict no-logs policy
• Fast, reliable speeds
• Support for all your devices
• Works with your favorite shows or apps
• A clear money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk

You can compare top-rated options here:
👉 Compare VPNs

A "no-logs" VPN is a service that does not record or store any information about your online activity, such as the websites you visit or the data you download. This is a critical feature for ensuring your privacy, as it means the VPN provider has no data to share even if requested by authorities.

A VPN's jurisdiction is important because different countries have different data retention laws. Some countries are part of intelligence-sharing agreements (like the "Five Eyes" alliance) that could potentially compromise user privacy. Choosing a VPN based in a privacy-friendly country adds an extra layer of security.

An independent audit is when a VPN provider hires a reputable third-party firm to examine its systems and verify its privacy claims, especially its no-logs policy. This process provides credible, verified proof that the VPN is safe and trustworthy. For more details on what to look for, see our full guide on Choosing a Trustworthy VPN.

Some VPNs offer free plans, but they often come with limits or privacy concerns. The best VPNs don’t rely on gimmicks - they stand behind their service with clear pricing and strong privacy policies.

That said, many do include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have time to see if it’s a good fit - without long-term pressure.

Want to know what to avoid?
👉 Are Free VPNs Safe?