Why You Should Never Use Free VPN
With all the privacy concerns and censorship happening around the world, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to VPNs to protect their online activities.
VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, allows users to securely connect to the internet and access websites and services that may be blocked in their location. It also hides your online activity from your ISP, government, and other prying eyes.
A good VPN can be a lifesaver, especially for those who want to keep their online data private and secure. But a good VPN also costs money. Not much, but enough to make some people balk at the idea of paying for it. This is where free VPNs come into play.
Yes, there are free VPNs out there, and they may seem like a great deal. Who doesn’t love free stuff, eh? However, as with most free things, there’s always a catch. In this article, we’ll explore the drawbacks of using free VPNs, and why paying the low monthly fee for a good VPN is worth it in the long run.
7 reasons why you shouldn’t use free VPN
1. Slow speeds
Free VPNs are notorious for their slow speeds. This is because they have limited bandwidth and server resources, which are often shared by thousands of users at once. As a result, you may experience buffering, lagging, and slow page load times. This is unacceptable if you’re using a VPN for streaming or online gaming.
2. Limited features
If the company isn’t making money from subscriptions, they may cut corners on features. Free VPNs usually offer only basic features, such as limited server locations, data caps, and lack of customer support.
In contrast, paid VPNs offer robust features like unlimited bandwidth, multiple server locations, and excellent customer support.
3. Security risks
Free VPNs may save you money, but they could also cost you your security. They are notorious for logging user data and selling it to third-party advertisers. This defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
Moreover, free VPNs may not have the same level of encryption and security protocols as their paid counterparts. This puts your online activities at risk of being intercepted, monitored, and hacked.
4. Advertisements and malware
To make up for the lack of subscription fees, many free VPNs make money from advertisements. You may see annoying popup ads, banners, and even auto-play videos while using the VPN. This can be a major distraction, especially if you’re working or studying.
Furthermore, the ads may contain malware and spyware, which can infect your computer and steal your personal information. Paid VPNs do not rely on advertising revenue, so you can be assured of a clean and secure browsing experience.
5. Unreliable connections
Free VPNs are known for their unreliable connections. They may suddenly disconnect or drop out, leaving you unprotected and exposed. This can happen because they have limited server resources, or because they are overwhelmed by too many users at once.
An unreliable VPN is frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of an important task or online transaction.
6. Compatibility issues
A company is less likely to update a free VPN, as it may not be financially viable for them to do so. Therefore, you may face compatibility issues when using a free VPN. It may not work with certain operating systems, devices, or browsers.
It’s common to find VPNs in app stores like Google and Apple that haven’t been updated in years!
7. Many are blocked
Finally, many websites and services have started to block free VPNs, as they’re often used for nefarious purposes or simply for spamming.
As so many people use free VPNs, the IP addresses of the VPN servers become known and can be easily blocked. This means that you may not be able to access the sites you want to visit.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time online, using a good, reliable VPN is essential. While free VPNs may seem enticing, they come with too many risks and limitations that can compromise your privacy and security.
For a small monthly fee, you can get a high-quality VPN that offers robust features, fast speeds, and excellent security. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your online activities are protected from prying eyes.
NordVPN is a fantastic tool for online security and privacy, providing an unparalleled level of protection for your personal information and internet activity, all at a very affordable monthly price.
They have servers in over 60 countries, fast connection speeds, and a no-logs policy, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to take control of their online privacy and security.
