VPNs Explained
VPNs are often misunderstood. This guide cuts through the marketing hype to explain when you actually need a VPN and when you don’t.
What is a VPN?
Section titled “What is a VPN?”A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. Your internet traffic goes through this tunnel to the VPN server before reaching its destination.
What a VPN Does:
Section titled “What a VPN Does:”- Encrypts your internet traffic
- Hides your real IP address
- Makes it appear you’re browsing from another location
- Prevents your ISP from seeing what websites you visit
What a VPN Does NOT Do:
Section titled “What a VPN Does NOT Do:”- Make you anonymous online (websites can still track you)
- Protect you from viruses or malware
- Prevent you from being phished
- Encrypt traffic inside apps (that’s the app’s job)
Many VPN ads claim they make you “invisible” or “completely anonymous.” This is misleading. A VPN is one layer of privacy, not a magic invisibility cloak.
When You Need a VPN
Section titled “When You Need a VPN”Definitely Use a VPN:
Section titled “Definitely Use a VPN:”- Public WiFi - Airport, coffee shop, hotel WiFi
- Sensitive work - Accessing work systems remotely
- Privacy from ISP - If you don’t want your ISP logging your activity
- Accessing geo-restricted content - Watching content not available in India
You Probably Don’t Need a VPN:
Section titled “You Probably Don’t Need a VPN:”- At home on your own WiFi - Your connection is already private
- For banking apps - They use their own encryption
- To “stay safe online” - VPN doesn’t protect from phishing or malware
- Normal browsing - HTTPS already encrypts your connection to websites
How to Choose a VPN
Section titled “How to Choose a VPN”Red Flags to Avoid:
Section titled “Red Flags to Avoid:”- Free VPNs - They often sell your data
- Lifetime subscriptions - Unsustainable business model
- Claims of “100% anonymity” - Misleading marketing
- No clear privacy policy - They might log everything
- Based in countries with mandatory data retention
What to Look For:
Section titled “What to Look For:”- No-logs policy - They don’t store your activity
- Strong encryption - AES-256 or better
- Kill switch - Protects if VPN connection drops
- Servers in India - For better speed
- Transparent company - Published audits, clear ownership
Recommended VPNs for India:
Section titled “Recommended VPNs for India:”| VPN | Price (Yearly) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Free tier available, ₹4,000/year for Plus | Privacy-focused, Swiss-based |
| Mullvad | ~₹450/month flat | Maximum privacy, accepts cash |
| ExpressVPN | ~₹6,500/year | Speed and ease of use |
| NordVPN | ~₹3,000/year | Good balance of features |
ProtonVPN Free is the only free VPN we recommend. It’s from the makers of ProtonMail and doesn’t sell your data. Limited servers but reliable.
How to Use a VPN
Section titled “How to Use a VPN”Basic Usage:
Section titled “Basic Usage:”- Install the VPN app on your device
- Sign in with your account
- Select a server (choose one close to you for speed)
- Click Connect
- Browse normally - all traffic is now encrypted
When to Connect:
Section titled “When to Connect:”- Before connecting to any public WiFi
- When you want to access geo-restricted content
- When using sensitive applications on untrusted networks
When to Disconnect:
Section titled “When to Disconnect:”- VPN can slow down your connection slightly
- Some websites/services block VPN traffic
- Banking apps might flag VPN usage as suspicious
VPN Setup Guide
Section titled “VPN Setup Guide”Android:
Section titled “Android:”- Download VPN app from Play Store
- Open app and sign in
- Grant VPN permission when asked
- Tap Connect
iPhone:
Section titled “iPhone:”- Download VPN app from App Store
- Open app and sign in
- Allow VPN configuration when prompted
- Tap Connect
Windows/Mac:
Section titled “Windows/Mac:”- Download VPN from provider’s website
- Install and sign in
- Select server and connect
Common Questions
Section titled “Common Questions”Q: Will a VPN slow down my internet? A: Slightly, yes. The encryption and extra routing adds some latency. Choose a server close to you to minimize this. Premium VPNs are faster than free ones.
Q: Can I use a VPN for Netflix/streaming? A: Yes, but some VPNs are blocked by streaming services. Check if the VPN specifically supports streaming.
Q: Is using a VPN legal in India? A: Yes, VPNs are legal in India. However, using them for illegal activities is still illegal.
Q: Should I keep VPN on all the time? A: Not necessary at home. Turn it on when on public WiFi or when you need extra privacy.
Q: Can my employer see what I’m doing on a work VPN? A: Yes. Work VPNs are managed by your employer and they can monitor traffic. Only use work VPN for work.
VPN Alternatives
Section titled “VPN Alternatives”For specific use cases, other tools might be better:
| Need | Better Option |
|---|---|
| Privacy from Google/Facebook | Browser extensions like uBlock Origin |
| Anonymous browsing | Tor Browser (but very slow) |
| Secure messaging | Signal or WhatsApp (already encrypted) |
| Secure banking | Bank’s own app (already encrypted) |
| Protection from malware | Antivirus software |
Security Checklist
Section titled “Security Checklist”Before trusting any VPN:
- Research the company - who owns it?
- Read the privacy policy
- Check if they’ve been audited
- Look for independent reviews
- Test the kill switch feature
- Verify they don’t leak your real IP