Do You Need a VPN in 2025?

In today’s world, internet privacy is more vital than ever. With more and more of our day being spent online our finances and data are constantly at risk of falling into the wrong hands. A VPN (virtual private network) provides a valuable buffer between your device and hackers by making your identity and location less visible.

Yet the big question you might ask is: “Do I need a VPN in 2025?”

That’s what this article will attempt to answer, as well as detail some of the Windows 11 VPN benefits.

A Question of “When”

The simple answer to the VPN question is no. You don’t need a VPN to go online. The internet world won’t stop turning without it. But there may be a more important question behind that question:

“When do I need a VPN?”

Your online activities and requirements will more accurately determine whether or not you need a VPN. Let’s look at some of the situations when you do.

When Do You Need a VPN

You don’t need a VPN for every online activity. But there are some situations where it may be a good idea to consider one. These include:

• High Surveillance – In areas of high censorship and surveillance, a VPN is ideal for hiding your IP address activity from your ISP and bypassing restrictions of surveillance networks.
• Streaming – If you stream a lot of shows and movies, a VPN is a great way to gain access to content on streaming services that aren’t available in your geographic location.
• Public Internet Access – If you rely on public Wi-Fi networks for internet access during travel or work hours, your IP address is vulnerable to others on that same network. A VPN will hide your address and activity.
• Gaming – If you’re in a region far from optimal game servers, a VPN is an effective way to change regions and improve your ping.
• Sensitive Work – If you’re involved in highly classified work or deal in valuable data, then any breach of privacy can be ruinous. A VPN is a must in these cases.

Windows 11 VPN Benefits

Windows, one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, is particularly vulnerable to breaches in both privacy and security. Using a VPN with Windows is useful for several reasons:

• Your IP address will be hidden from ISPs and third parties.
• You’ll be protected from ISP throttling.
• All data sent and received will be encrypted.
• You’ll be less affected by trackers, cookies, and targeted ads.

If these reasons for using a VPN sound appealing, then it’s time to consider using one to take advantage of the Windows 11 VPN benefits.

Some Arguments Against VPNs

Of course, it’s always good to consider the drawbacks of any tool. While the pros of VPNs definitely outweigh the cons, they’re still worth examining:

• Good VPNs Cost – While there are plenty of free VPNs, some of them represent a security hazard of their own. Meanwhile, some of the best-established brands require a subscription. It’s not always prohibitive, but if you don’t use the internet for the reasons above, it may just be another expense.
• Speed Problems – Because your data is rerouted through a VPN server, there can be slower connection speeds when browsing. If speed is crucial, this can be a problem.
• VPNs Can Be Hacked – Major VPN providers have been hacked in the past, compromising the personal details of their users. Though this doesn’t happen often, it may be a reason for concern.
• VPNs Are Not Security Tools – VPNs focus on privacy, not security. They won’t save your machine from a virus or ransomware attack should you visit the wrong website. You’ll still need a good antivirus.