Why is using a free VPN better than using nothing?

VPNs are great for privacy and security, but the most reputable and popular options aren't cheap. If you can't afford the best VPNs, there are plenty of free options, but they come with big caveats. Still, a free VPN is better than none!

1. Free VPNs offer encryption to secure data

One of the main benefits of using a VPN is that it encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address, which are two main things that a VPN does. Whether you use a free or paid VPN, you will enjoy these benefits.

By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN adds a layer of protection that prevents any prying eyes on the network from intercepting your data, especially on public Wi-Fi.

While a free VPN may not offer the best or most advanced protocols, it does provide enough encryption to protect your data from being easily intercepted by routing it through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This extra layer of protection is vital for data security and is a huge improvement over not using a VPN at all.

2. Provide protection against certain attacks

Second, while there are many reasons not to use a free VPN, they are still better than nothing, as free VPNs at least provide some protection against certain types of attacks. By encrypting your data in transit and hiding your IP address, free VPNs can reduce the risk of specific attacks like Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks and Wi-Fi eavesdropping.

Both are viable, especially when using public networks. The first method is one of the most common methods hackers use to break into your bank account, making using a VPN a must on public networks. Additionally, changing your real IP address to that of the VPN server makes it harder for hackers to target you.

3. Unlock access to geo-restricted content

Another case where a free VPN is better is when you want to access content that is not available in your current location. Geo-blocking is a common practice used by content providers to restrict access to content to users in a specific region. One way to bypass geo-blocking is to use a VPN. Both free and paid options can do this, although paid options are better.

There are other ways to access geo-restricted content without a VPN, but using a VPN is the most accessible option. A VPN does this by hiding your IP address and location, allowing you to access geo-restricted content as if you were in the same location as the VPN server. This is handy if you need to, for example, watch YouTube videos that are only available in a certain region or use services that are only available in certain regions.

True, you won't get the best experience due to limitations like fewer server locations and slower speeds. But it's still better than not using any service at all, as you won't even have the privilege of viewing geo-restricted content in the first place.

4. Ensure anonymity while surfing the Internet

Like premium VPNs, free VPNs are also built to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, ensuring online anonymity. When you connect to a VPN server and access any service, your internet activity appears to come from the VPN server and not your device.

That way, any websites you visit won't be able to see your actual location, reducing your digital footprint. Without VPN protection, websites can see your location and easily track your activity. Encrypting your traffic also ensures that your Internet service provider (ISP) can't see your Internet activity. So if you value anonymity when surfing the Internet, having a free VPN is better than not having one.

Free VPNs may log user data or track your activity for advertising to cover operating costs. Despite the downsides, using a free VPN is better than not using any VPN at all for the reasons discussed. And because of the risks involved, you should not use any free VPN.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 09 December 2024