5 VPN Myths Debunked

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are now commonly used for a wide variety of purposes such as improving cybersecurity and streaming TV shows from foreign countries. Despite their benefits, there is still a high level of individuals who have not yet invested in a VPN. Many of these individuals are put off the idea due to a myth or otherwise incorrect piece of information.

In this article, we’ll debunk the most common myths associated with VPNs.

VPNs Are Only For Accessing Foreign Streaming Sites

The most common use case isn’t the only use case. VPNs allow you to alter your IP address, which essentially deceives restricted content into believing you’re in a different geographical location than where you actually are. With this, you can access streaming sites from different regions, but the benefits don’t stop there. 

You can also access any other site that may be geo-restricted, such as e-commerce sites, banking sites, sports streaming sites, music streaming sites, social media, news sites, and so much more. 

If you live in a location that only permits brick-and-mortar casinos, you can use your VPN to change your location to a state that does. 

As Vlad Grindu establishes in this article on the best payout casino sites, online casinos have an average RTP (Return to Player) of 85-99%, while brick-and-mortar casinos RTP is somewhere between 70 and 90%. This proves that you have a bigger chance of winning on a digital site than a physical site. This proves that it’s definitely worth getting a VPN for other purposes other than streaming movies and TV shows. 

VPNs Are Only For Tech Experts 

When VPNs first came out, they were undeniably complicated to use and implement. Initially, this made them only useful amongst tech-savvy computer users. From this, a myth developed that is still maintained today that VPNs are simply too complicated to be used by the average person. 

However, this could not be further from the truth. It’s no longer a requirement to know the ins and outs of how a VPN works thanks to the intuitive interface, easy installation, and 24/7 customer support provided by modern VPNs. 

While it helps to understand the concepts of geo-spoofing, cryptography, and encryption protocols, it’s no longer necessary. To use a VPN for basic cybersecurity and geo-location purposes, you only need to know how to follow the simple layout of a basic application. 

The global consumer VPN market was valued at $51.1 billion in 2023. This market is too big to be made up solely of tech experts – VPNs are for everyone. 

A VPN Slows Down Your Internet Speed

This myth is partially true. The process that a VPN carries out is a long and complicated one, which requires a significant amount of computer power. Your internet activities must each be encrypted, delivered to a VPN server, decrypted, and then sent out again. This complicated journey and the power demand that comes with it can impact your computer speed. 

However, that’s not to say installing a VPN will cause your computer to lag significantly. If you invest in a new and sophisticated VPN, you won’t notice any difference in your internet speed. Changes to loading times will be so minimal that it won’t make a noticeable difference. 

Fast VPNs use advanced technology such as high-speed servers which ensures stable connections. 

If you notice a difference in your loading times after installing a VPN, you should consider switching to a newer alternative.

Free VPNs Are As Good As Paid For Ones

While on the topic of slow VPNs, if you use a free VPN you’re almost guaranteed to notice a change to your internet speed. As with all things tech, you get what you pay for, and free VPNs have noticeably lower quality than paid-for ones. 

Not only do they do a worse job of encrypting your data, but they’re also more restricted in terms of features. Fewer server options are available and they’re also guaranteed to come with data caps. 

While free VPNs are good for some purposes, they’re no match for paid-for ones. 

353 million US citizens were impacted by compromised data in 2023. To better protect yourself, it’s best to invest in a paid-for VPN.

VPNs Provide You With Complete Anonymity

This myth is not so much a deterrent to new VPN customers, but more a false idea that current VPN customers wrongly believe. Many falsely assume that when you geo-spoof, you render yourself and your online activities completely anonymous. 

However, your IP address isn’t the only thing used to determine your location and online activities. Should anyone need to, your location and digital footprint can be traced using other means, such as ads, trackers, and cookies. 

It’s important to understand this before you invest in a VPN – you should not expect full, 100% anonymity.