The VPN (Virtual Private Network) tool can be free, or you can pay for one. There are benefits to both, but there are many arguments to suggest that a paid VPN is always best.
70% of VPN users use VPNs daily or almost daily, highlighting the importance of this technology for regular tasks.
VPNs have become essential tools for safeguarding your online privacy and security.
In this guide, we’ll break down the crucial differences between paid and free VPNs, helping you make an informed decision.
The Advantages Of Using A Paid VPN
Paid VPNs have become increasingly popular as people and organizations look to secure their online activities and protect their sensitive information.
While there are free VPN options available, many users opt for paid VPN services such as Surfshark due to the added benefits they offer. We’ve listed a few of these benefits below.
1. Enhanced Security Features
Paid VPNs are known for providing a comprehensive set of security features that go beyond what is typically offered by their free counterparts. Research shows that 66% use a VPN to help protect personal data.
Paid VPNs can supply:
- Military-Grade Encryption: Paid VPNs often employ military-grade encryption algorithms. It ensures that any data exchanged between your device and the VPN server is encrypted in such a way that it becomes nearly impossible for unauthorized entities to decipher.
- Secure Protocols: VPNs use different protocols to establish a secure connection between your device and its servers.
- Advanced Threat Detection: Many paid VPNs come equipped with advanced threat detection mechanisms. These systems monitor your online activities for any signs of potential threats, such as malware, phishing attempts, or other malicious activities. If such threats are detected, the VPN will then take preventive measures to protect your device and personal information. This way, you never have to actively take action if a threat is flagged to you.
2. Faster Connection Speeds
Investing in a paid VPN can provide significantly faster connection speeds. This becomes particularly crucial for activities such as streaming, gaming, or downloading large files, where a reliable and swift connection is essential to avoid frustrating lags or interruptions.
Half of all users say they use VPNs for better access to entertainment content.
Investing in a paid VPN not only addresses speed concerns but also makes accessing content much easier and faster.
3. Wider Server Network
Paid VPN services often provide users with a more extensive network of servers compared to free alternatives. Here are some key points regarding the advantages of a paid VPN’s server network:
- Global Presence: Paid VPNs tend to have servers distributed globally. This means they cover a huge range of countries.
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: The diverse server locations offered by paid VPNs enhance your ability to bypass geo-restrictions. For example, certain content on services such as Netflix can only be streamed in select countries. A paid VPN is the easiest way to convince the service you are in another country.
- Optimizing Performance: With a broader network, users can choose servers that are closer to their physical location. This can result in faster connection speeds and better overall performance.
4. Reliable Customer Support
VPNs can require technical support at times, and free VPNs rarely offer quality assistance in times of need. Paying to use a VPN ensures that there is always someone to help if you’re having issues.
Customer support for a paid VPN can provide you with:
- Timely Assistance: There are often dedicated customer support teams available around the clock. This means that whenever you encounter issues or have questions, you can expect help in a short space of time.
- Expertise and Knowledge: The support teams of paid VPNs are well-trained and deeply understand their product. They can guide users through troubleshooting steps efficiently and provide insights into the VPN’s features. This is particularly beneficial for users who may not be too confident with technology and need assistance in navigating the use of a VPN.
- Personalized Solutions: Responsive customer support often means bespoke solutions. Agents can take the time to understand your specific issues and requirements, offering tailored advice.
The Downsides Of Free VPNs
Free VPNs may seem tempting, but they are often quite limited.
Among their various drawbacks, they offer a limited number of server locations, impose bandwidth restrictions, and lack advanced security features.
Some may also log user data for advertising purposes, leading to privacy concerns.
In addition, free VPNs often rely on intrusive ads and provide minimal customer support. They may also face issues with IP blocking from certain websites and services, limiting their effectiveness in bypassing geo-restrictions.
If you’re considering opting for a free VPN, consider these disadvantages.
1. Limited Security Measures
Free VPNs aren’t as secure as their paid counterparts. As a result, your online activities could become vulnerable to surveillance, data tracking, or even cyber threats.
Free VPNs often rely on alternative revenue models. As such, they could sell user data, compromising user privacy and security.
2. Slower Connection Speeds
More people tend to use free VPNs, so their already limited resources are stretched thin, leading to slower speeds.
This can be a hindrance for activities that demand a fast and stable connection.
Overcrowded VPN servers can lead to increased latency and a higher risk of disconnections, further compromising the overall quality of your online experience.
Conclusion
Both paid and free VPNs do the same job, but a VPN does everything better than its free counterpart.
Paying for a VPN means you’re afforded greater connection speeds, which makes going online much better regardless of what you’re doing.
Investing in a paid VPN also means the risk to your personal information will be reduced, whereas free VPNs offer far inferior protection.
Finally, customer support can sometimes be non-existent for a free VPN.
So, although budgetary constraints can sometimes make the use of VPN necessary, it’s always best to pay for the service if you can.