Just 55% of People Actually Know What VPNs Do [Survey]

Clinical Assistant Professor, Management Science and Systems — School of Management

University at Buffalo

Is there ever a case for opting into a free VPN even though paid services are more secure? What are the potential risks?

I think there is a common misconception that free VPNs are always poor quality, and that consumers must have a paid [VPN] in order to derive benefits.

However, the risk of a VPN, much like any software, is directly dependent on the trustworthiness of the company providing the service. Whether paid or free, you should be making sure the company is reputable and trustworthy before using any VPN.

For example, some “free” VPN services are provided by reputable companies, like ProtonVPN, and browser-based VPNs, such as those offered by web browsers like Opera. That said, many free providers you may find on your standard app store do not have solid reputations and have been caught sending and selling data to third parties. Conversely, some paid VPN services have also been caught exhibiting shady practices, like selling information to third parties.

Rather than solely going by the paid versus free equation to determine the safety of a VPN service, it’s important to look into the company providing the service. Do they disclose their privacy policies and practices? Are they sharing data with external parties? How long do they retain records for? Do they provide transparency reports about the requests they’ve received from third parties and governments, and how did they handle those requests? Are the VPN services reviewed by any reputable technology review sources? If you cannot find this information, or it is suboptimal, it is best to steer clear of the provider.

Which devices (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, tablet) should you prioritize equipping with a VPN?

Rather than device-specific VPNs, I’d recommend assessing what activities you are doing on a network that may benefit from a VPN (especially sensitive activities like banking). If you are uncomfortable on a network, your best bet is always to not connect to the network. If that’s not feasible, make sure your devices are up to date before connecting to the network, and consider the use of reputable VPN software when you must use a public network for sensitive activities (like banking).

It’s important for consumers to understand that VPNs are not a panacea for all risks (only for adding a small layer of protection to otherwise unprotected web content), or a replacement for other good security practices (such as updating your devices and scrutinizing whether or not a network is trustworthy in the first place). [VPNs] are simply another tool in your belt to help protect yourself online.

That said, it is important to think about these things and understand your needs and options before you wind up in a situation where you are faced with the decision to access a potentially unsafe network. A little preparation can go a long way!

These answers have been edited for punctuation, clarity, and brevity.

Professor and Associate Chair, Applied Computing

Michigan Technological University

Is there ever a case for opting into a free VPN even though paid services are more secure? What are the potential risks?

I would not recommend using a free VPN. Personally, my experience with free VPN services has been very unsatisfactory. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Here's a breakdown of the potential risks and drawbacks associated with free VPNs:

1. Security and privacy concerns: Many free VPN providers are relatively small and lack a proven track record. Consequently, they may not offer the same level of security and privacy protection as their paid counterparts. Some free VPNs may log your online activities or IP addresses, and some may even sell your information to third parties. Additionally, certain free VPNs generate revenue by displaying ads and pop-ups to users, which can be both annoying and potentially malicious. In some instances, free VPNs have been discovered to contain malware, or to be used as a vector for cyberattacks.
2. Slow speeds and limited services: Free VPNs often come with slower connection speeds and a limited number of server locations. Free VPNs may be less reliable than paid services, leading to frequent downtimes or connectivity issues. Many free VPNs impose data caps or bandwidth restrictions, further restricting your online activities. These limitations can significantly affect your online experience, especially when it comes to activities like streaming.

In summary, it's advisable to avoid free VPN services due to the numerous security, privacy, and performance concerns associated with them. It's generally better to invest in a reputable paid VPN service with a proven track record, as some paid VPN providers may also offer poor services. When selecting a VPN provider, be sure to conduct thorough research, read reviews, and carefully consider your specific needs and budget.

Which devices (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, tablet) should you prioritize equipping with a VPN?

The decision of which devices to equip with a VPN depends on your specific needs and how you use these devices. As a general rule, it is advisable to give preference to the devices that manage sensitive or confidential data, including your work emails, financial details, and personal information.

How safe are internet browsers that come pre-equipped with VPN features?

Browsers that come with built-in VPN features can offer a degree of privacy and security when you surf the internet. Nevertheless, the safety and efficiency of these integrated VPNs rely on multiple factors, and it's crucial to take into account their constraints and potential risks.

Most incorporated VPNs are simple and basic proxies when compared to standalone VPN services. Their features and protective capabilities are usually quite limited. Since I don't endorse free VPNs, it's advisable to exercise caution when considering these free built-in VPNs. While these browsers can be used for regular web browsing, it's important to exercise care when handling personal and financial information.

These answers have been edited for punctuation and brevity.