| Updated: January 18, 2025
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A VPN can hide your IP address, unblock content, change your Netflix library, etc. However, there are some disadvantages associated with low-tier VPNs.
These VPNs are usually free and dangerous to use. Here are some disadvantages of using them:
However premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN provide the best online experience, which is the reason I prefer them. However, you can also use free VPNs for a limited time.
Why won’t you use a VPN when it can hide your IP address, encrypt your data, unblock restricted websites and streaming services, etc? The advantages of a VPN depend on its usage, and not everyone can fully benefit from it.
Purchasing a premium VPN for $70 or more per year can be worthless if you are a regular internet user who reads news online, checks messages on WhatsApp, and likes to watch videos on YouTube. A VPN is not required for these tasks but can slow your internet speed if you use one.
This article will discuss the disadvantages of VPN use and who should not use it.
Paid VPNs provide the best online security and privacy. With a single click, you can hide your IP address and access restricted websites. However, I have discussed problems with low-tier and cracked VPNs that fail to provide complete online security.
It is best to discuss the disadvantages and limitations of VPNs and what they are.
VPNs are good at securing your data through encryption and passing it through a secure tunnel. However, this is not enough for complete online privacy and anonymity —Why? — Because the browser saves your cookies and web trackers.
On top of that, when you are using a VPN server, you are giving them access to all your online activities. Yes! they can see what you are doing.
However, good VPNs have a No-Log policy, and their servers are audited and tested by third parties. That means they don’t store data, eliminating this possibility.
I can’t guarantee anything about low-tier and free VPNs. Always check where they are based, what type of no-log policy they have, and what type of VPN protocols and encryption they offer.
Countries with dictatorial regimes have banned or heavily regulated VPNs throughout the country. These governments have imposed heavy fines on anyone found using a VPN, or worse, you can go to jail.
These countries have banned and regulated VPNs
I recommend using a VPN that is regulated by the authorities. Otherwise, you may risk fines or even jail time. Alternatively, you could use a VPN with obfuscated servers, disguising VPN traffic as regular HTTPS internet traffic and bypassing VPN blocks and firewalls.
Learn more about global censorship by reading this article on VPN legality.
A good VPN that offers secure VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN has servers in most countries —audited by third parties will at least cost you $6 per month.
I use ExpressVPN’s yearly package, which I purchased for $6.67. You can get NordVPN, which is equally good, at a lower price. Both VPNs offer dedicated IP, split tunneling, and a kill switch with other security features.
I don’t recommend using Free VPNs because they don’t offer premium VPN servers and often use outdated VPN protocols like PPTP and L2TP, which can be risky for your online security.
Most free VPNs slow your internet speed, which can be frustrating and give you a poor online experience. However, there are free VPNs with limited data, like Windscribe and PiradoVPN, which gave me good internet speed while testing them. You can increase your internet speed by changing the VPN server and protocol and restarting the app.
Here are free VPNs which I can recommend:
—My experience
Out of the three, I would choose Hotspot Shield because of its speed, encryption, and reliable security features. In the Hotspot Shield free version, you will get the following:
Running additional software in the background on your mobile device uses resources like battery and data. This is the tradeoff we make when using a VPN on mobile: I prioritize security when connected to public WiFi at airports or coffee shops.
As a result, your battery may drain faster, and your data usage could increase unexpectedly. However, you should always test your VPN for mobile VPN leaks when using a new VPN.
A VPN is effective at encrypting your traffic and helping you stay anonymous online, but it can’t prevent cyber attacks on your device. Even with a VPN, you can still be vulnerable to malware or phishing attacks.
A VPN won’t protect you against:
It is highly recommended to use both a VPN and premium antivirus software to safeguard your online activities and devices. To help you make an informed choice, here’s a guide explaining the differences between a VPN and antivirus software.
Some online services have banned VPNs, or they can detect that you are using a VPN and will freeze your account. This often happens with free VPNs, and paid VPNs can easily bypass these restrictions, or can they?
This has happened to me several times when using ExpressVPN with Netflix. Netflix either detected servers in countries like South Korea, Argentina, and Japan or couldn’t change the Netflix library.
As a result, I couldn’t watch the new season of My Hero Academia, which was only available in the Japanese Netflix library. I then tried NordVPN, and it worked perfectly on the first attempt!
Popular gaming platform Steam has restricted VPNs on its platform and can ban users for breaking their policy.
You should use a VPN if you are concerned about your online privacy and security or have to stream a movie on Netflix that is not available in your region. Opting for a low-tier free VPN for these activities can lead you to the dangers of hacking and identity theft.
The downsides of a VPN are slow internet speed, malware attacks, and the fact that some VPNs can’t unblock restricted content and websites.
Here is a table summarizing these points
| Pros of Using a VPN | Cons of Using a VPN |
| Secures your data and hides your IP, boosting privacy and security | High-quality VPNs come with a cost |
| Helps you bypass censorship and access restricted content worldwide | Lower-quality VPNs may slow down your connection and be blocked by streaming platforms |
| Prevents your ISP from limiting your internet speed | Some free VPNs lack proper security and may share your data with third parties |
| Adds security when using public WiFi networks |
I highly recommend subscribing to a premium VPN that has been tested, reviewed, and audited by third parties, as it often has a trusted reputation. To ensure optimal security, be sure to check the VPN’s protocols, encryption ciphers, and server locations. Read our guide on how to test VPNs before using them.
The main disadvantages include reduced internet speeds, added costs for quality VPNs, potential privacy risks with free VPNs, and occasional issues with streaming or accessing certain sites.
Yes, VPNs can reduce internet speed due to the encryption process and routing through remote servers, especially if those servers are far from your location.
Some free VPNs may lack secure encryption or even log and sell user data to third parties, which can compromise your privacy rather than protect it.
Streaming platforms often block VPN IPs to enforce regional licensing agreements, meaning some VPNs may not reliably bypass these restrictions for certain content.
No, a VPN isn’t necessary for regular browsing. It can slow down your internet speed, and if you’re using a free VPN, you may encounter annoying ads.
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
