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VPNs are good for privacy and security, but the most reputable and well-known options aren’t cheap. If you may’t pay for the best VPNs, many free options are available, but they come with big caveats. However, using a free VPN is better than not using one at all!
1It Provides Encryption for Data Security
One of the key benefits of using a VPN is that it encrypts your internet traffic and masks your real IP address, which arethe two key things a VPN hides. Whether using a free or paid VPN, you’ll enjoy this benefit.
By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN adds a layer of protection that makes it impossible for any prying eyes on the network to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi.
While a free VPN might not offer the best or most advanced protocols, it provides enough encryption to protect your data from being intercepted easily by routing it through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This extra layer of protection is crucial for data security and is a massive improvement compared to not using any VPN.
2Offer Protection Against Certain Attacks
Second, despite the variousreasons against using free VPNs, they are better than not using one since they provide some protection against certain types of attacks. Thanks to encrypting your data while in transit and masking your IP address, a free VPN can reduce exposure to specific attacks likeman-in-the-middle(MITM for short) andWi-Fi eavesdropping.
The two are possible, especially while using public networks. The former is one of thecommon methods hackers use to break into your bank account, making using a VPN mandatory on public networks. Also, changing your actual IP address to the IP address of the VPN server makes it harder for hackers to target you.
3Unlock Access to Geo-Restricted Content
Another scenario in which using a free VPN is better is when you want to access content unavailable in your current location. Geo-blocking is a common practice used by content providers to restrict access to content to only users in a specific region. One way to bypass geo-restrictions is by using a VPN. Both free and paid options can do this, although paid options are better.
Otherways to access geo-restricted content without a VPNexist, but using one is the most accessible option. VPNs achieve this by masking your IP address and location, letting you access geo-restricted content as if you’re in the same location as the VPN’s server. This is handy if you need to, say, watch YouTube videos that are only available in a certain region or use services that are only available in certain areas.
Indeed, you won’t get the best experience due to limitations like fewer server locations and slower speeds. But it’s better than not using any, as you won’t even get the privilege to view geo-restricted content in the first place.
4Ensure Anonymity While Surfing the Internet
Like premium VPNs, free VPNs are also built to encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, ensuring online anonymity. When you connect to a VPN server and access any service, your internet activity appears to be coming from the VPN’s server rather than your device.
By doing so, any websites you visit won’t be able to tell your actual location, thus helping reduce your digital footprint. Without VPN protection, websites can tell your location and easily track your activity. The encryption of traffic also ensures your internet service provider (ISP) can’t see your internet activity. So, if you value anonymity while surfing the internet, getting a free VPN is better than not using one.
Free VPNs may log your user data or track your activity for ads to offset their running costs. Despite the downsides, using free VPNs is better than not using any for the reasons discussed. And due to the risks involved, you shouldn’t just use any free VPN. Here is our hand-picked list of thebest free VPNs to protect your privacy.
