The use of virtual private networks (VPNs) has accelerated considerably in recent years, with this particularly prevalent in developed countries across the globe.
To this end, the value of the global VPN market will reach over $107.6 billion by 2027. This means that the sector will grow at an impressive CAGR of 17.2% over the course of the next five years, as more and more people embrace the benefits of using a VPN.
In this post, we’ll address some of the best (and most surprising) VPN uses, while asking how they can benefit everyday users. So, let’s get into it!
#1. Streaming and Unlocking Restricted Content
Let’s start with the single most popular and obvious VPN use, which is to stream content that may otherwise be inaccessible due to geographical licensing restrictions.
Such restrictions are commonplace on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which provide variable content libraries in different jurisdictions. This means that you may not be able to watch your favourite shows when travelling overseas, despite paying a monthly subscription fee to access the content provided.
This is far from ideal, but it’s at least possible to use a reputable VPN connection to access a particular streaming service’s host country and view all of your favourite content and more.
But how can this be achieved? Well, a VPN creates a secure and largely anonymous private Internet connection through a public network, while masking your unique IP address and precise geographical location.
It achieves this by connecting to different servers across the globe, while encrypting all data shared and routing this through a virtual tunnel.
Because of this, your VPN can securely connect to the relevant international server and overcome any geographical restrictions that may be in place, with this practice completely legal in most countries throughout the world.
However, there are a couple of points to keep in mind here. Firstly, streaming sites such as Netflix actively look to combat the use of VPNs on occasions, and this may create certain challenges when looking to access unlocked content.
Secondly, your choice of VPN provider is a key consideration when looking to negate geographical licensing and content restrictions.
More specifically, you’ll ideally need to identify VPN clients that operate in a large number of countries and boast multiple server locations. For example, a detailed Surfshark VPN review has found that the provider operates 3,200 servers in more than 65 countries, creating broad international coverage and impressive international range.
This makes it a solid choice from the perspective of streaming content, and the really good news is that you can compare a wide range of VPN reviews online to make a truly informed decision.
#2. Stay Safe When Surfing Online
Whether you’re an active freelance copywriter or looking to write your very first novel, you may like to split your time between a home office and the local coffee shop or public library.
While this can provide a much-needed change of scene, it also requires you to work on potentially risky public networks, which can be leveraged by hackers to monitor your traffic and intercept personal data.
For example, cyberthieves may establish false but familiar sounding access points on public networks. If you click through these and connect, you’ll enable the individual in question to track your activity, potentially intercepting information before using it for nefarious reasons.
With a VPN, however, you can create a more secure private connection within a public network’s infrastructure. This will encrypt all data and ensure that nobody on the same network will be able to see or monitor your activity, even those who are responsible for managing the network.
Similarly, the ability of a VPN to mask your IP address and physical location provides an additional layer of protection against certain malware and Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks when connected to a public network.
#3. Save Money on International Travel
Now for a VPN application that isn’t as well known, you can actually use this type of private network connection to save money on international travel.
But how is this the case? Ultimately, airline and hotel prices from across the globe tend to vary depending on your precise geographical location, while the cost of flights may also be determined on a directional basis (while also being influenced by traditional factors such as supply and demand).
Once again, you can leverage a VPN connection to connect to a broad range of international and virtual servers, potentially making some tidy savings on flights and hotel accommodation across the board.
For example, if you’re looking to book a three-star hotel in France, you’ll most likely receive more competitive prices when connecting to a local server than you would when browsing in the US or even the UK.
The same general principle applies to booking flights, and connecting to servers that are based in the hotel or flight’s country of origin will definitely unlock savings over time.
Just be sure to clear your web browser of cookies before you connect to or change the VPN location. This is because cookies are still capable of tracking your activity and recording your physical location, so clearing your browser makes it easier for a VPN to serve its purpose.
#4. Minimise ‘Throttling’ and Reduce Latency
When dealing with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), you’ll note that many over throttle their user’s web traffic in a way that actively reduces connection speeds.
Interestingly, an ISP can track and segregare Internet traffic into ‘throttle’ and ‘don’t throttle’ categories, but the use of a VPN makes it impossible for a service provider to decrypt your traffic in the first instance.
This forces ISPs to route all encrypted web traffic at the optimal (and advertised) connection speed, which is particularly beneficial when looking to stream content or play games online.
In some cases, the use of a premium VPN client may even cause your connection speed to become much quicker than it otherwise would, while reducing latency and improving your overall browsing experience.
This is another often overlooked VPN application, and one that can benefit virtually every Internet and network user online
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