VPN Pros And Cons In 2024 (2024)

Navigating the digital landscape brings with it considerations around both privacy and security. That’s why many online users have equipped themselves with virtual private networks (VPNs) to keep their online information confidential. However, this comes with trade-offs.

In this article, we consider the pros and cons of VPNs so you can decide whether it’s worth investing in one yourself.

VPN pros

Here are some of the main advantages of using a VPN.

Online privacy

A VPN encrypts the data transmitted from your device to the internet. The additional layer of encryption prevents cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information, such as passwords, financial data and personal messages. By masking your IP address, a VPN also makes it difficult for third parties to link your online activity with your real-world identity.

Bypassing geo-blocks

In a globalised world, location shouldn’t be the basis for access to online content. But a VPN lets you bypass geo-restrictions by routing your internet connection across servers in different countries or regions.

Connecting to a VPN server in another country allows you to access content that might be blocked or restricted in your location. For example, if a TV show is restricted to the United States, connecting to a US-based VPN server would grant you access to that content.

Data protection

VPNs use tunnelling protocols to create a secure “tunnel” between your device and the VPN server. Standard tunnelling protocols include OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec and IKEv2, which can shield your data from potential threats.

Other than encryption, VPNs have protocols to ensure data integrity. If data routed across the server is tampered with, the VPN connection can detect and prevent the altered data from being accepted.

VPN cons

While a VPN has many advantages, the technology isn’t perfect. Here are some disadvantages of using a VPN.

Slower speed

Using a VPN can sometimes lead to a reduction in internet speed. This is caused by several factors, such as encryption, routing and server capabilities. When a VPN encrypts data, it also needs more time and processing power, which slows down your internet connection.

Increased ‘ping’ or latency

Latency, often called ‘ping’, is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server. The closer the VPN server is to your location, the lower the latency.

Naturally, a considerable distance between your site and the VPN server can increase the latency and cause a noticeable reduction in speed. This is especially true for activities that require real-time communication or fast data transfer, such as Zoom calls.

VPNs can cause your accounts to block

Using a VPN can potentially lead to your accounts getting blocked. When you log in to social media from various geographical locations, online platforms could interpret it as suspicious behaviour.

Similarly, switching between multiple IP addresses can also raise suspicion. If social media platforms believe your account is compromised, you’ll either be locked out or required to fill out additional verification steps.

Should I use a VPN?

Whether or not you should use a VPN (virtual private network) really comes down to your online behaviour, priorities and activities.

Users who prioritise privacy and confidentiality are better off with a VPN because it adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your data. If you want to access content blocked or restricted in your country, a VPN lets you connect to servers in other countries where that content is available.

But, as we’ve outlined, while VPNs have a lot of perks, there are potential downsides, too. A VPN can reduce internet speed and increase latency, which slows down online activities. Using a VPN can cause your accounts to become blocked by social media sites for suspicious activity.