4 Benefits of VPN You Didn’t Know About

Featured article by Désirée Meunier Mallet

Most users think a VPN is just a location changer tool. You can choose whatever location you want to browse from and that’s it. However, a VPN goes beyond just masking your location.

It increases your data security, provides secure browsing, and lets you access any content on the web. But there are some hidden benefits and uses of VPN that might surprise you. Keep reading to find out:

Secure Cryptocurrency Transactions

Cryptocurrency is the hottest trend nowadays. There are almost 80 million active users in the Crypto space right now, and it’s growing by the minute. If you’re one of them, then using a VPN will enhance your crypto trading experience.

Most cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are not anonymous. Almost every cryptocurrency exchange platform tracks and records your IP address. Also, every transaction you make is stored on a public ledger. So, your activities and information can be easily monitored by the crypto exchange, your ISP, or any cyberstalker.

Security is a key concern for cryptocurrency traders. You’re investing a lot of money into this space, and you want your transactions to be as secure as possible. This is where a VPN can do wonders. A good VPN protects you from being tracked by your ISP, any government party, or hackers. It’ll also hide your real IP address from the crypto exchange platforms.

All cryptocurrency coins have a high-level security protocol. While your coins might be secure, your digital activities aren’t. A VPN adds an extra layer of protection to ensure that no one is able to easily monitor your personal information in the crypto space. Your transactions are still publicly available on the blockchain, but your digital footprint is hidden.

Also, you might be travelling to a different country but still want to be able to make cryptocurrency transactions. Most crypto exchanges don’t let you make any transactions unless you’re logging in from the regulated or approved countries. So, you can easily use a VPN to keep trading on the go, no matter where you are.

Being a new and growing technology, the crypto space is attracting a lot of hackers and potential cyber-criminals. Using a VPN gives you that extra layer of security against any malware, viruses, or phishing attacks.

Get More Out of Netflix and Other Streaming Services 

Even though Netflix charges almost the same subscription fee from every user around the world, not everyone gets equal access to their content.

Currently, Netflix in the UK has 3,992 movies and series in its catalogue. But if you’re watching Netflix from anywhere outside the UK, you won’t have access to the same content. It’s the same for almost every popular streaming channel, including Amazon Prime.

You can easily bypass this geo-restriction by using a VPN. Simply, change your browsing location on the VPN and gain access to the entire Netflix catalogue.

Also, some movies and series are released only for specific countries. For example, the popular sitcom series ‘How I Met Your Mother’ is only available to Netflix users in the UK and Canada. As long as you know which country it’s available for, you can easily watch it by using a VPN.

Increase Your Internet Speed

There’s a common misconception that a VPN slows down your internet speed. While free VPNs and plug-ins do take a toll on your speed, paid VPNs might actually boost your internet speed.

You don’t expect your internet service provider (ISP) to intentionally slow down your speed because that’s the company you pay every month to maintain a good internet connection. However, ISPs are known for throttling your speed.

Most ISPs intentionally slows down your connection speed when user traffic increases in a certain network. It’s called Bandwidth Throttling. So, you might be working, streaming a movie, or downloading content and suddenly your speed will drop and disrupt your activities. We’ve all been there and it’s the most frustrating experience ever.

With a VPN however, you don’t have to worry about such scenarios. A VPN will hide your IP and online activities from your ISP, thus shielding you from any throttling or connection disruptions. As long as the VPN is on, you can continue to have a disruption-free browsing experience.

Get Discounts and Buy Cheaper With a VPN

You might be surprised to know that some of the products or services you buy online are offered at a much cheaper price in other countries. Different tax laws and exchange rates mean that every online product is not sold at the same price in every country.

A VPN lets you compare prices from different countries, and get the cheapest offer. As long as you have an international credit/debit card, there’s a whole bunch of things you can buy cheaper using a VPN. Let’s take a look at some of them:

– Video Games: If you’re a gamer, then you’ll be surprised to know that most of the games you buy from online stores such as Steam, Epic, or PS Store are available at almost half the price in other locations. Games are much cheaper in regions like South America or the Middle East. You can simply change your location and get massive discounts.

– Spotify: The premium version of Spotify costs $9.99 in the US and 9.99€ in Europe. The big difference in exchange rates means that you can almost get a 15% discount if you buy it in USD.

– Airtickets and Hotels: Some companies provide special discounts on flights tickets and hotel bookings for specific countries. You can compare the prices and deals from different locations using a VPN, and get a significantly cheaper deal on your next holiday.

Final Thoughts 

A VPN is a powerful tool that can take your online experience to the next level. Most VPNs are compatible with multiple devices. Whether you’re using a PC, tablet, MAC, or smartphone, you can always use a VPN in your everyday online activities.

Most paid VPNs also come with a free trial period. So, download a VPN today and try it out before making a long-term commitment.