Do you actually need a VPN?
A VPN isn't magic. It doesn't make you invisible, and it won't protect you from every threat. But it does solve a specific set of real problems — and if those problems apply to you, it's probably one of the best few pounds a month you'll spend.
This page explains how VPNs work, what they actually protect against, and which providers are worth your money. No sales pitch — just the facts.
How a VPN actually works
Your internet traffic normally travels directly from your device to whatever server you're connecting to. Your ISP sees all of it. Sites you visit see your real IP address — and with it, your rough location and internet provider.
Encrypted tunnel
When you turn on a VPN, your device creates an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server. Everything you send goes through that tunnel — scrambled so your ISP can only see that you're connected to a VPN server, not what you're doing.
Your IP is replaced
Websites see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours. That server might be in another city or another country entirely, which is why VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions — the site thinks you're in a different location.
Traffic exits normally
From the VPN server, your traffic goes out to the internet normally. The site you're visiting responds to the VPN server, which passes the response back through the encrypted tunnel to you.
What a VPN protects you from
VPNs are genuinely useful for specific threats. Here's what they actually help with — and a note on what they don't.
ISP tracking
Your ISP logs every site you visit and can sell aggregated data in some countries. A VPN prevents them from seeing your traffic. They know you're using a VPN, but not what you're doing inside it.
Public Wi-Fi attacks
On open networks — cafes, airports, hotels — anyone on the same network can potentially intercept unencrypted traffic. A VPN encrypts everything before it leaves your device, so even a malicious hotspot can't read it.
IP address exposure
Sites you visit can see your IP address, which reveals your ISP, city, and in some cases your neighbourhood. A VPN replaces your IP with the server's IP, which tells them nothing about you specifically.
Geo-restrictions
Content blocked in your country — streaming libraries, news sites, services — can often be accessed by connecting to a VPN server in a country where it's available. Not foolproof, but it works more often than not.
What a VPN can't protect you from
Cookies, browser fingerprinting, and being logged into your Google or Facebook account. If a site can track you through those mechanisms — and most big ones can — a VPN doesn't stop it. A VPN hides your IP. It doesn't hide your identity when you've already handed it over.
Which VPN should you get?
There are hundreds of VPN providers. Most aren't worth your time. These four have been independently audited, have clear no-logs policies, and have been around long enough to have a track record. I think Mullvad or ProtonVPN are the best starting points for most people.
NordVPN
Best for: Most peopleSolid all-rounder with one of the biggest server networks out there. Had a breach in 2018 but has since passed multiple independent audits. Probably the safest pick for everyday use.
Mullvad
Best for: Privacy-focused usersHonestly, the most privacy-focused mainstream VPN. Accepts cash and Monero. No email required to sign up — just an account number. Fewer servers than the big players, but what it does, it does very well.
ProtonVPN
Best for: Privacy + free tierSwiss-based, open-source, and independently audited. The free plan is actually usable — no logs, no ads, just slower speeds. Good pick if you want to try before committing.
ExpressVPN
Best for: Speed and streamingConsistently fast and great for unblocking streaming services. It's the priciest of the lot, and was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, which some privacy advocates find worth noting.
| Provider | Price | Open Source | Free Tier | Audited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ~$3–5/month | |||
| Mullvad | €5/month flat | |||
| ProtonVPN | Free / ~$4–10/month | |||
| ExpressVPN | ~$6–13/month |
When you need a VPN — and when you don't
Good reasons to use one
- You regularly use public Wi-Fi — coffee shops, airports, hotels
- You want to stop your ISP logging and potentially selling your browsing data
- You need to access content blocked in your country
- You download torrents and don't want copyright notices from your ISP
- You're in a country with heavy internet censorship
When a VPN won't help much
- You're already logged into Google, Facebook, or your email — they know who you are regardless
- You're trying to avoid browser fingerprinting — a VPN doesn't change your browser's fingerprint
- You want to avoid malware — that's what antivirus is for
- You want completely anonymous internet use — that requires Tor and careful operational security on top
- Your internet is already slow and you can't afford to lose more speed
Frequently asked questions
See what your IP reveals right now
Before you decide on a VPN, check what information your current IP address broadcasts to every site you visit.
Check My IP Address