Is a VPN Worth It? From Gamers To Remote Workers, How a VPN Can Benefit You

You may have heard how virtual private networks (VPNs) can protect your digital privacy. There’s a lot of hype from tech experts and privacy fanatics, but you might not be convinced it's for you. The truth is that VPNs can do more than hide your online activity from prying eyes.

Whether you want to access international streaming libraries from Netflix or bypass content blocked at school or work, VPNs have numerous handy uses. Let's explore what you can do with a VPN, and who VPNs are likely most worth it for.

Are VPNs worth it?

Virtual private networks are worth it if you are looking to enhance your online privacy while using the internet. Here are the main benefits you can expect from using a VPN:

• Enhanced privacy: VPNs conceal your IP address, making it difficult for third parties to track your online activity. When we test VPNs, we verify that they don't leak IP addresses.
• Enhanced security: VPNs create a private browsing experience. They establish an encrypted tunnel between your device and your network, preventing third parties from accessing your data.
• Prevents bandwidth throttling: If you engage in high-bandwidth activities, such as streaming or gaming, your ISP may throttle your internet connection to manage network congestion.
• Unblocking geo-restricted content: Whether you're viewing Netflix while in another country or watching your favorite football team's game, VPNs can help you access content that’s restricted to a specific geographic area. We test VPNs to make sure they can successfully unblock Netflix content libraries in other countries.

Best VPNs with premium perks

When VPNs are worth it for streamers

Popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others, have geo-restricted access to their content libraries. They use your device's IP address to determine which geographic content you can view.

A VPN can mask your real IP address and provide a fake one. You can choose a server location to make it appear as if you have an IP address from Australia, Japan, or anywhere in the world. When using one of these VPN servers, streaming platforms recognize the new geographic location and unlock content available for that area.

Drawbacks of using a VPN for streaming

• A low-quality VPN may slow your internet connection and cause lagging and buffering.
• Streaming services often flag VPN usage to protect their licensing agreements. You may receive a notification to disable your VPN before proceeding.
• Using a VPN may violate the terms and conditions of the streaming platform.

When VPNs are worth it for sports fans

Sometimes sports games are blacked out (geo-restricted) to those in one area. A VPN can use a server from a specific geographic location to unblock the restriction, so you can watch your favorite sports team.

A VPN can also help with sports betting by ensuring your data, online activities, and financial information are kept secure. If you're traveling out of state, a VPN can bypass restrictions on sports betting in that area.

Drawbacks of using a VPN for sports streaming and betting

• Online sports betting is not legal in every state, even if in-person sports betting is legal. Check your local and state laws before using a VPN to place bets.
• Using a VPN may violate the network's terms and conditions.
• Streaming platforms may recognize VPN usage and block access to content.
• VPNs may slow down your internet connection, resulting in speed loss or buffering.

When VPNs are worth it for gamers

Connecting to VPN servers in different locations provides gamers with access to international games and exclusive, geo-restricted content.

If you're looking for bot lobbies, connecting to specific VPN servers can help you find them. Some areas have a low player density or different matchmaking algorithms. By connecting to a server in that region, you are more likely to find bot lobbies.

VPNs can also provide protection against cyberthreats. Gamers often face issues such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and doxxing when they use their real IP addresses. VPNs provide a fake IP address, which protects you from malicious players.

Drawbacks of using a VPN for gaming

• VPNs increase latency and slow internet speed. It could result in lag and impact fast-paced gaming.
• Using a VPN can potentially violate the terms and conditions of gaming platforms and stores.

When VPNs are worth it for travelers

When you travel, you may connect to public Wi-FI networks more than usual. There's the airport Wi-Fi while waiting for your flight to board, scrolling on your phone through the hotel’s Wi-Fi, or connecting to a coffee shop's Wi-Fi to check your bank account.

These are all prime locations for cybercriminals to steal your data. Public Wi-Fi networks are unencrypted and open. A cybercriminal could intercept data from your phone, like login credentials, financial details, and other sensitive information.

Using a VPN is crucial to keep prying eyes off your online activity. The VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet connection. No one can read your data, and the VPN creates a safe browsing environment.

Drawbacks of using a VPN while traveling

• Public Wi-Fi networks may be slow, and using a VPN can further decrease internet speeds.
• Some apps may display a different IP address and request confirmation of your identity before opening them.
• Several countries ban or restrict the use of VPNs. You may want to research if it's acceptable to use a VPN in the country you're visiting.

When VPNs are worth it for remote workers

VPNs may be required as part of your company's cybersecurity strategy for remote workers. Even if it's not, there are still numerous benefits to using a VPN.

A VPN encryption is created between your device and your network. It stops unauthorized individuals from seeing your activity. You can access company resources, internal systems, and proprietary work data without getting intercepted.

Drawbacks of using a VPN for remote work

• VPNs can negatively impact internet speeds, slowing down activities such as video calls and file downloads.
• Your device remains vulnerable to threats, including malware and phishing emails.
• Unless you get a dedicated IP address, your IP address will change every time you use a VPN. It could trigger 2FA verifications, since you won't appear to be using a trusted device.

When VPNs are worth it for accessing restricted content

VPNs can access restricted content in countries with censorship laws. The VPN can mask your IP address and use servers in less restrictive countries to bypass government restrictions. It's vital for journalists, activists, and everyday users who want to use the open internet.

During our testing experience, we evaluated VPNs for their ability to hide your IP address. We looked for WebRTC leaks and DNS leaks to determine if a VPN is still using your real IP address instead of masking it, as it should.

Drawbacks of using a VPN to bypass censorship

• Using a VPN is illegal or prohibited in some countries, and you may face penalties if you violate local laws.
• Downloading VPNs can be difficult, as some countries block apps.

When VPNs are worth it for students

VPNs can be worth it for students in middle school, high school, and college. For younger students, it can protect their data as they use the school's Wi-Fi. Older students may want to use a VPN to bypass school network restrictions and access blocked websites or social media platforms.

Drawbacks of using a VPN at school

• School networks may ban VPNs to enforce their content filters and security policies.
• VPNs could slow down internet speeds.
• Using a VPN may conflict with school policies and cause administrative issues.

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Bottom line

The primary purpose of a VPN is to protect your online browsing experience and keep hackers and snoopers out. This holds immense value alone. But VPNs can also help you view geo-restricted content, create secure work connections, and bypass censorship rules.

Thanks to our extensive testing, we can confirm that NordVPN consistently delivers high-performing results for everyone. Learn more about NordVPN and the other best VPN services to find the right fit for you.