What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an app that creates an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. It hides your real IP address, makes public Wi-Fi safer, and lets you appear online from another country.

Short answer

Privacy: your internet provider and local Wi-Fi can’t read your traffic contents.
Location control: sites and apps see the VPN server’s IP/location instead of yours.
Safety on public Wi-Fi: encryption protects logins and browsing from nearby snoops.

A VPN doesn’t make you invisible: websites can still identify you by logins, cookies, and device info. It also doesn’t remove malware—use good device security.

How a VPN works (in 3 parts)

VPN app (client): you tap “connect.” The app starts an encrypted tunnel.
Encrypted tunnel: traffic between your device and the VPN server is scrambled (e.g., WireGuard or OpenVPN).
VPN server: the web sees the server’s IP, not yours; the server forwards and returns traffic to you.

Extras you’ll hear about: a kill switch stops traffic if the tunnel drops; DNS leak protection keeps lookups private; split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN.

When a VPN is useful

Public Wi-Fi: airports, cafés, hotels.
Travel: keep using your accounts more safely away from home.
Streaming while abroad: some services work better when you connect to a server in the right country (results vary—always test during the refund window).
Price and privacy: keep browsing more private from your provider and some trackers.

What a VPN doesn’t do

It doesn’t make you completely anonymous (logins, cookies, and browser fingerprint can still identify you).
It doesn’t replace antivirus or good device security.
It doesn’t guarantee access to every streaming service all the time.
It doesn’t change local laws—always use VPNs lawfully.

VPN protocols (which one to pick?)

Protocol	Why choose it	Best for
WireGuard (or vendor’s WG-based)	Modern, fast, stable	Everyday use, streaming, gaming
OpenVPN (UDP/TCP)	Mature, widely supported	Compatibility, restrictive networks (TCP)
IKEv2	Good on mobile; quick re-connects	Phones/tablets switching networks

Tip: start with WireGuard (or the provider’s WG-equivalent). If a site won’t load, switch to OpenVPN TCP and try again.

What to look for in a VPN

No-logs policy + audits from reputable firms.
Reliable speeds on modern protocols.
Kill switch and leak protection.
Good apps for your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, TV, routers).
Streaming support (but always test during the refund period).
Support & refunds that are easy to use.
Fair price and enough device slots for your household.

Basic setup (5 steps)

Choose a provider (see picks below) and create an account.
Install the app on your device(s).
Open the app → select a nearby server for speed, or a specific country for content.
Turn on kill switch and enable auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi.
Test a few sites/apps. If something fails, switch server or protocol.

Recommended VPNs (easy choices)

ExpressVPN

Easiest apps across phone, laptop, TV, and routers.

Consistently good performance in many regions
Great for travel (Smart DNS / router options)
Quick, helpful support

Get ExpressVPN

NordVPN

Fast speeds with modern protocols and lots of locations.

Large server list, strong desktop/mobile apps
Helpful extras (threat protection, split tunneling)
Good for streaming in many regions

Get NordVPN

Surfshark

Best price for households—unlimited devices.

Good WireGuard speeds for daily use
Simple apps and quick server switching
Great long-term plan pricing

Get Surfshark

FAQs

Is using a VPN legal?

VPNs are legal in most countries. Some countries restrict use or certain activities. Always follow local laws and each service’s terms.

Will a VPN make me anonymous?

No. A VPN hides your IP from websites and Wi-Fi operators, but sites can still recognize you via logins, cookies, or browser fingerprint. Use privacy-friendly habits and settings too.

Which server should I choose?

For speed, choose the closest country/city. For content tied to a region, choose a server in that region. If a site won’t load, try a different server or switch protocol.

Will a VPN always work with streaming?

Not always. Streaming services change how they detect VPNs. If one server fails, try another location or a different protocol and test within the refund window.