Do You Need a VPN on Your Laptop?

Among VPN users, it's thought that more than half (51%) do so as a way of protecting privacy on a public Wi-Fi, which is arguably the primary purpose for this technology in the developed world

This even applies when you're downloading a VPN for the UK, where you can access advanced 5G networks and a number of security protocols and encryption features.

Of course, this encourages some to argue that you don't need a VPN installed on your personal laptop, especially if you use this primarily in your home. But is this correct, or is a VPN recommended regardless of which device you use?

What is a VPN?

Let's start with the basics; as a VPN adds an additional layer of network security when browsing online, by creating a virtual and encrypted tunnel that connects your device to a managed, remote server.

This automatically masks your own IP address and physical location, while ensuring that all data and web traffic is presented as indecipherable strings of code to hackers, other users and network managers.

By masking your IP address, you can also be protected from certain types of tracking and malicious malware attacks, which can be commonplace when using unsecured public networks.

This also makes it possible to unlock and access geographically restricted content through streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, which is a huge boon for younger users and those who browser primarily with a smartphone or laptop.

The Conundrum for Home Laptop Users

If we accept that safely accessing unsecured public networks is the main motivation for downloading a VPN, it makes sense that virtual private networks should be most popular on mobile devices and tablets.

However, if you primarily use your laptop as a home computer and from the comfort of your office or bedroom, (where you'll access a secure private connection), you may consider even nominal VON subscription fees to be a waste of your monthly income.

But let's say that you're a remote or hybrid worker who has a home office. Sure, you may primarily work from your home office during the week, but you'll also have the freedom to frequent your local library or coffee shop if you fancy a change of scenery.

Even if you only work from a coffee house once or twice a week, this will require you to spend a number of hours connected continuously to a public network. In instances where such networks have been hacked and nefarious individuals have created rogue access points, your data could be vulnerable for an extended period of time before you realize that anything is wrong.

So, regardless of how often you work outside of the home, there's a clear and justifiable argument for installing a VPN on a flexible and portable device like a laptop that you intend to use outside of the home.

What a VPN Can't Do

To understand further parameters and make an informed decision about whether or not you need to install a VPN on your laptop, it's important to also comprehend precisely what this technology can't do.

For example, online cookies can still track your data and activity when browsing, while advertisers and sites such as Google may also retain the capacity to gather data about you.

This is why it's recommended that you combine antivirus software with a reputable and paid VPN in most instances, as this enables multi-factor authentication (wherever it's available) and uses an advanced password manager to secure individual accounts.

This knowledge should help you to manage your expectations and ultimately get the most out of a VPN if you choose to install one.

The Bottom Line - Do You Need a VPN on Your Laptop?

Ultimately, we'd recommend installing a VPN client on your laptop, especially if you regularly work or connect to an unsecured public network when out of the home.

What's more, you may also encounter specific threats to your home network. Including the monetization of your data and web traffic (which may enable ISPs to sell this to third parties and compromise both your security and privacy online).

A VPN directly counters this threat too, as it prevents third parties from processing your data and website activity and may even deter practices such as bandwidth throttling in the process.

While you'll need to make your own decision and compare the market to see if there's a VPN client that suits you, we'd generally recommend that you install a VPN on your laptop or indeed any device that you take and use outside of the home.