Everyday Privacy
Do You Need a VPN?
VPNs are heavily advertised and widely misunderstood. Here is the honest version: what they protect, what they do not, and whether you actually need one.
What a VPN Actually Does
- Encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server, so the network and your ISP cannot see what you are doing.
- Hides your real IP address from the websites you visit.
- Lets you appear to be in another location.
What a VPN Does NOT Do
- It does not make you anonymous, you are still logged into Google, Facebook, and the rest.
- It does not stop cookies, trackers, or fingerprinting.
- It is not antivirus and will not stop phishing.
Do You Actually Need One?
- Useful: on untrusted public Wi-Fi, to hide browsing from your ISP, or to reach content from another region.
- Less necessary: for everyday browsing at home, where HTTPS already encrypts the content and encrypted DNS hides your lookups.
How to Choose One
- Pick a reputable, independently audited no-logs provider, and pay for it.
- Avoid free VPNs, they often make money by selling the very data you are trying to protect.
- For just hiding your DNS lookups, encrypted DNS may be all you need, see our DNS privacy guide.
Common Questions
Is a free VPN safe?
Usually not. Running a VPN costs money, so many free ones monetize by logging and selling your traffic. Pay for a reputable one or use none.
Does a VPN make me anonymous?
No. It hides your IP and traffic from the network, but accounts you log into and trackers still identify you.
Do I need a VPN at home?
Often not. HTTPS plus encrypted DNS covers most everyday needs. A VPN matters most on networks you do not control.
WANT THIS DONE FOR YOU?
Harbor Privacy blocks tracking and ad domains at the DNS level for every device on your home network, automatically. Get started here.