- Quick Overview: The Downside of Using A VPN
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The 10 Main Disadvantages of VPN Use
- 1. Misplaced sense of security
- 2. Bad VPNs resell your data
- 3. Streaming services try to block VPNs
- 4. VPN use is not legal everywhere
- 5. Some services block VPN traffic
- 6. Not all VPNs offer optimal encryption
- 7. The VPN slows down your connection
- 8. The kill switch disconnects your internet connection
- 9. You may experience reCAPTCHAs
- 10. Quality VPNs cost money
- Issues of the past
- The 3 Best VPNs: Leave the Disadvantages in the Past
- The Advantages of a VPN
- Final Thoughts: VPN Pros Outweigh the Cons
A virtual private network (VPN) might seem like the perfect solution to many online privacy problems. After all, a VPN encrypts your data and hides your real IP address. A VPN can also unblock geographically restricted content.
But are there really no issues? Is it too good to be true?
There are a number of disadvantages to using a VPN, from minor annoyances to major issues. I’ll discuss the ones my colleagues and I encounter the most during our hundreds of hours of testing.
Quick Overview: The Downside of Using A VPN
If you use one of the best VPN services, you shouldn’t have any cause for worry. The problem lies with low-tier VPNs, which often present lots of issues. Firstly, here are some minor annoyances.
- Lower connection speed
- Blocking of VPN traffic by different services
- Disconnection by kill switch
- Possible trouble with reCAPTCHAs
- Subscription costs
Using a VPN can also have major drawbacks.
- Misplaced sense of security
- Illegal status of VPN use in some countries
- Uncertainty about the strength of encryption
- Streaming services trying to block VPNs
- Logging and perhaps reselling of your data by the VPN provider
Keep reading to learn how to mitigate some of the issues.
The 10 Main Disadvantages of VPN Use
Below, I will discuss the ten main disadvantages of using a VPN, giving some reasons why you shouldn’t use a VPN – or, more accurately, why you shouldn’t use bad VPNs.
1. Misplaced sense of security
Some people believe nothing can happen to them once they’re connected to a VPN. Others might think that using a VPN will give them automatic access to everything on the internet. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
To be clear, even with a highly encrypted and stable VPN connection, you can:
- Be found by advertisers, trackers, hackers, intelligence agencies
- Be affected by malware
- Be locked out by networks, databases, deep web pages, etc.
VPNs ensure that your data is encrypted and your IP address is hidden. However, if a hacker or intelligence service is eager to target you, there are ways beyond your IP address to identify you.
Important!
A VPN connection is anything but a license to do illegal or reckless things on the internet. Always use your common sense and abide by the law.
2. Bad VPNs resell your data
A VPN redirects all your internet traffic, meaning you have to trust your VPN provider completely. After all, it can see everything you do online, since you send all information about your traffic to the VPN servers for encryption.
Some VPNs don’t care about your privacy and store your data. This is especially the case with free VPNs. There are even VPNs that resell your data.
When choosing a VPN, you really want to be sure that the provider is not secretly storing your data. Therefore, choose a good no-log VPN. These VPNs have a verified no-log policy and do not store your data.
3. Streaming services try to block VPNs
For many people, unblocking streaming services is an important reason to use a VPN. Unfortunately, streaming services, such as Netflix, block IP addresses that they detect as belonging to a VPN. This is why many free and low-tier VPNs get blocked by Netflix.
To combat this, use a VPN that has effective countermeasures against VPN blocks. Premium VPNs such as NordVPN offer dedicated IP addresses and obfuscated servers, both of which help disguise the fact that you’re using a VPN.
There are also VPN services that have special optimized servers for streaming. This makes it easier to access streaming services worldwide.
4. VPN use is not legal everywhere
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, some governments want complete control over what their citizens get to see on the internet. Check out this overview of which countries regulate and ban VPNs.
Since a VPN can be used to bypass government censorship, it has been made illegal in some totalitarian countries, such as North Korea, Belarus, Oman, Iraq, and Turkmenistan.
In certain countries, like China and Egypt, you can only use government-approved VPNs. The use of a VPN isn’t necessarily illegal there, but VPN use is heavily restricted.
Some quality VPN providers, such as NordVPN, have developed special “obfuscated servers,” which should still be usable in countries like China. These servers mask the fact that you’re using a VPN because they don’t show any metadata associated with VPN use.
Important:
If you plan to visit a country where the use of VPNs is restricted or prohibited (such as China, Iran or Russia), make sure you install a reliable VPN beforehand. In countries with censorship, VPN service websites may be blocked, making on-site installation impossible.
5. Some services block VPN traffic
Some official services, such as banks and government websites, block all traffic coming through VPN servers as a precaution. This is often done to prevent abuse, such as fraud. Unfortunately, this also affects legitimate VPN users who simply want to protect their privacy.
Fortunately, premium VPNs offer split tunneling. This handy feature lets you choose which apps or websites go through the VPN, and which ones go through your regular internet connection. For example, you can browse securely with a VPN while simultaneously viewing your bank account without blockages.
NordVPN is a reliable and fast VPN service that offers split tunneling.
6. Not all VPNs offer optimal encryption
A good VPN should offer excellent security features, including first-class encryption, good protocols and protection against leaks. Unfortunately, some VPNs do not offer comprehensive security.
This is how you recognize unsafe VPNs:
- They are not transparent about encryption.
- They don’t offer trusted VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- They may contain spyware or malware.
If you need a secure VPN, choose NordVPN. This reliable VPN offers robust VPN protocols, rock-solid encryption, and many useful security features.
7. The VPN slows down your connection
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and redirects it. This can reduce your connection speed. Fortunately, the fastest VPNs these days are so good that you’ll hardly notice this. The best VPN services, such as Surfshark and NordVPN, have little to no impact from reduced internet speed.
In reviews, I always check how the connection speed changes when using a specific VPN. That way you have a good idea of what to expect.
8. The kill switch disconnects your internet connection
Many VPN connections have an automatic kill switch. In itself, this feature is very helpful. If your connection is not secure enough and your VPN temporarily cannot offer you full privacy, the kill switch activates. You can then no longer use the internet until the connection to the VPN is restored. This way, you’re always assured of your online security and privacy.
In practice, the switch can also be perceived as a disadvantage. After all, it’s not exactly convenient if you suddenly find yourself without an internet connection.
9. You may experience reCAPTCHAs
If you use a VPN, chances are you’ll have to fill out CAPTCHAs more often. These are used to prevent bots from visiting a website, protecting it against DDoS attacks. Very convenient for the website, but less pleasant for the VPN user.
If you use a shared IP address, websites are more likely to think you’re a bot. They will therefore check more often to verify that you aren’t.
Here are some tips to avoid CAPTCHAs with a VPN:
- Use browser extensions, such as the CAPTCHA clicker for Chrome and Firefox browsers.
- Try a different VPN server.
- Use a premium VPN with a dedicated IP address (an IP that isn’t shared with other users). NordVPN offers this option.
10. Quality VPNs cost money
If you take your privacy and security seriously, it’s important to invest in a quality VPN. Your privacy is worth paying for. Fortunately, good protection doesn’t have to be expensive.
There are many reliable low-cost VPNs that offer fast connections and strong encryption. Surfshark is a very cheap and easy-to-use VPN with excellent value for money.
Be Careful With Free VPNs!
Free VPNs often come with limitations and drawbacks:
- They often store your data and sometimes resell that data.
- They often have data limits and speed limits.
- They often have download restrictions and advertisements.
If you’re considering using a free VPN, always choose a secure free VPN provider, like those that have been tested by us. There are several good free VPNs you can try.
Issues of the past
In the past, there were more problems with VPNs. Many of these problems are no longer in play now:
- VPNs are data-hungry: In the past, VPNs added noticeable overhead, especially with older protocols. Today, many VPNs use lightweight protocols such as WireGuard, which securely encrypt your connection without consuming much data.
- VPNs are slow: VPNs used to be slower, but now the best VPNs offer lightning-fast servers and fast protocols that allow excellent streaming or gaming without lag.
- VPNs are hard to install: Modern VPN apps are user-friendly and can be easily installed on your phone, tablet, or computer within minutes.
The 3 Best VPNs: Leave the Disadvantages in the Past
Many premium VPN services can ensure your privacy and security while using the internet. Based on me and my colleagues’ experience testing 60+ VPNs, here are the three best VPNs for your privacy and security.
1. NordVPN: The overall #1 best VPN
NordVPN consistently tops our tests in speed, security, privacy, and server network. I especially love its advanced security features and its vast server network in over 137 countries. With multiple server locations per country, unblocking websites and streaming services is a breeze.
Thanks to features like obfuscated servers and dedicated IP options, you can further enhance your anonymity and bypass even the toughest geo-restrictions or VPN bans. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning your online activity is never tracked or collected.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or simply browsing, NordVPN delivers a seamless online experience without the common VPN drawbacks like speed loss or website blocks.
NordVPN also includes Threat Protection, a rare built-in feature even among premium VPNs. This powerful tool blocks malware, trackers, and intrusive cookies, adding an extra layer of security to your digital life.
Pros
- Vast server network of over 9300 servers
- Threat Protection
- Blazing-fast VPN
- Strict no-log policy
- Obfuscated servers and dedicated IP
- Excellent encryption
Cons
- Log-in through browser
Check out our full review of NordVPN for a full list of features.
2. Surfshark: The cheapest VPN for privacy
When it comes to affordability, nothing beats Surfshark. Not only does it cost just $ 1.99 per month, but it also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can split the bill with family and friends.
Surfshark is fast and has a large server network with 4500 servers in 100 countries. Whether you’re trying to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or other streaming platforms, Surfshark gets the job done.
Unlike many low-tier VPNs that struggle with slow speeds or limited access, Surfshark gives you a smooth, fast, and uninterrupted browsing and streaming experience. You won’t have to worry about lag, buffering, or connection drops here.
Your privacy is also fully protected thanks to Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy. Add to that the built-in protection against ads, trackers, and cookies, and you’ve got a top-tier VPN that delivers more than you’d expect, without the usual disadvantages that come with free or low-tier VPNs.
Pros
- 4500 servers in 100 countries
- Can unblock all major streaming services
- Built-in protection against ads, trackers, and cookies
- Secure VPN with strict no-log policy
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable
Cons
- Dedicated IPs are expensive
Our in-depth Surfshark review details its speed performance, customer service, and other features.
3. Proton VPN: Privacy-oriented VPN that can unblock any website
ProtonVPN is a mainstay on all our best VPN roundups, and for good reason: it is a top-tier VPN service that combines strong privacy, excellent value and high-speed performance.
Built by the team behind Proton Mail, Proton VPN is designed with security and transparency at its core—starting with a strict no-logs policy. This means your online activity is never tracked, stored, or shared so you can browse with complete confidence.
Unlike many low-tier VPNs that suffer from slow speeds, weak encryption, or VPN blocks, Proton VPN delivers a fast, reliable connection with top-grade encryption that keeps your data safe and private. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or working remotely, you won’t experience the typical frustrations like buffering, throttling, or restricted access.
Pros
- Very privacy-friendly
- Works with all major streaming services
- Excellent encryption
- Fast VPN
Cons
- Dedicated servers only for business plans
Want to learn more? My colleagues and I constantly update our Proton VPN review with new information and updated speed tests.
The Advantages of a VPN
Most of the disadvantages of a VPN are negated if you choose a fast, reliable VPN. In general, VPNs offer far more advantages than disadvantages.
Below are just a few of the advantages of a good VPN:
- Access to geo-blocked content: VPNs allow you to digitally change your location so you can access global content from streaming services, such as Netflix.
- Extra protection online: A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic so no one can see what you’re doing.
- Secure access to public Wi-Fi: If you use public Wi-Fi without a VPN, you are susceptible to hackers trying to hijack your internet connection. A VPN protects against this.
For more benefits, check out our extensive article on the benefits of a VPN.
Final Thoughts: VPN Pros Outweigh the Cons
A VPN is the perfect tool to increase your personal freedom, privacy, and security online. However, using a VPN can have its downsides, including slow speeds and inability to access some websites. The main disadvantages of VPN use come with opting for low-tier VPNs.
Luckily, there are many more advantages than downsides, especially if you connect to a premium VPN, as you can see below.
Pros
- Encrypts your data and hides your IP address
- Ensures greater privacy and security online
- Good VPNs can bypass government censorship and access geo-restricted content
- Public Wi-Fi networks are safer to use when connected to a VPN
Cons
- Low-tier VPNs can decrease your speed
- Low-tier VPNs can get you blocked by streaming services
- Some free VPNs don’t offer secure encryption or will sell your data to third parties
- Quality VPNs cost money
Thankfully, by choosing a quality VPN service like NordVPN, you’re sure to avoid any of the issues outlined above. NordVPN is reliable, very fast, and offers excellent unblocking measures.
Take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee by clicking the button below.
Here are some other helpful articles to help you enjoy a problem-free VPN experience:
- VPN Not Working? How to Fix the Most Common VPN Issues
- Effective Ways to Speed Up Your Internet When Using a VPN
- What is a Cracked VPN and Is It Safe to Use?
- How to Test Your VPN for Leaks: Is Your VPN Working?
If you’re looking for more information on the drawbacks of VPN use, check out some of the most frequently asked questions below.
The internet can be a dangerous place, so you’re right to do your due diligence before downloading a VPN. Here’s a quick summary of some important disadvantages of a VPN:
- With some VPNs, your connection could be slower, and you could experience connection drops.
- Certain websites block VPN users.
- Some free VPNs log and sell browsing data to third parties.
- It can be hard to verify how well a VPN encrypts and protects your data.
- VPNs are illegal in some countries.
There are lots of advantages to using a VPN. Here’s a quick summary of a few of the benefits:
- VPNs encrypt your data, making it illegible to third parties.
- They allow you to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions.
- They increase anonymity by hiding your real IP address.
NordVPN is the best VPN provider on the market. It’s affordable, offers a huge server network and fast connections, and has great streaming content-unblocking features. Other high-quality VPN providers include Surfshark and Proton VPN.
You should not use a VPN when it’s restricted or illegal in your country, as that could get you into legal trouble. At any other time, however, a VPN offers increased online protection and privacy and is a real asset to your daily internet routine.
It’s not a bad idea to leave your VPN on all the time. In fact, I’d recommend it, as it provides extra online privacy and security. A possible downside is that some VPNs slow down your connection speed, but if you use one of the fastest VPNs, you won’t even notice this.
No, it is not unethical to use a VPN. However, using a VPN for illegal purposes can of course be seen as unethical. Always make sure you’re complying with your local laws, also when using a VPN.
When you use a premium VPN like NordVPN, you don’t have to worry about dangers. However, using free VPNs can be dangerous. Free VPNs can contain malware or store and sell your data.
I want to know if a VPN will be blocked from install on my laptop with the endpoint protection (malware) I have, WebRoot. Can I use a VPN just on my iphone and ipad and not on the laptop or should it work with the software I have? I am on Windows 11. I am mostly interested in using a Roku Stream Stick internationally - the ability to use Youtube TV, Netflix and AppleTv etc while not in the US (assuming it is not in a restricted country) . . but if it can also protect me with the laptop activities I would prefer to include it as well.
Hi Sharon! WebRoot should allow your VPN to do its job just fine, so that shouldn't be an issue! If you do run into a hiccup, you can contact their 24/7 customer service so they can help you out. If you're looking for a good Roku VPN, specifically, I recommend checking out our list of the best VPNs for Roku. If you create a Roku account while in the US (or using a US VPN server), you'll then be able to watch it worldwide with a VPN (and you'll indeed also be protected online!). Good luck!
The only reason I looked into VPNs was to see if I was protected from malware etc. this piece says this is one of the few things not protected. I really fail to see what good this is without malware protection. The things they already do protect are things that don't bother me.
Hi Terry Ann,
It's true that a basic VPN connection won't completely keep you safe from malware. You'd need a dedicated antivirus for that. Luckily, the VPN market is changing, and a lot of VPNs are moving more into malware protection, too. NordVPN, for example, offers Threat Protection, which will help keep you safe from malicious websites, DDoS attacks, and some phishing. If you'd like to know more about this, you can read our NordVPN review. Beyond that, a VPN protects your data (so it's harder for hackers to use against you, for example!) and allows you more freedom on the web. Whether that is something you value, is up for you to decide, but with all the data gathering happening online, we would definitely recommend you use a VPN! If you're interested, you can get an antivirus + VPN combination, so you know you're well-protected on all fronts. We hope this helps!
Is it possible to turn off the VPN if you are being blocked from certain websites or having trouble sending emails?
You can turn the VPN on and off as you please, so that wouldn't be a problem. Also, some VPNs have the option for 'split tunneling' also known as 'whitelisting'. This option allows you to choose whether you want to connect to a site using your regular connection or the VPN's connection when using the VPN.
I am an old person and very techie-challenged! I am thinking of changing my VPN but know little about it all. I live in Panama and currently have an IPTV streaming service which I use for movies, series, and live TV, and which I now seem unable to access. The company has advised me this could be because of 'throttling' and that I should change my VPN. My concern is whether all my other programming will remain unaffected. I subscribe to a website which allows me access to British TV, I also have Apple TV, plus a Panama cable TV package. They provide our internet and I subscribe to Prime Video through them. Will all of these still be readily accessible as before if I change my VPN? Sorry if this are silly questions but I am stumbling through the 21st-century!
No worries at all, Sally! We're here to help :)
When it comes to accessing streaming services, some VPNs can make that a lot more difficult. If you use a VPN connection in the US, for example, while you want to watch a local Panama streaming service, you might not be able to access it any longer, because the service will see that you are virtually in the US. Some streaming services, like Netflix, actively block VPNs to keep users from "unblocking" content that wouldn't usually be available to them.
For you, using a VPN shouldn't keep you from accessing your regular shows and programming. There are different ways to solve the issue you're having:
1. Get a VPN that works with those particular services. For Apple TV, for example, NordVPN might provide a good solution. You can read more about VPNs that work with Apple TV here.
2. Get a VPN that allows split tunneling. This means you can have some of your internet traffic protected by your VPN, while some of your other traffic (for example through streaming services) will go through your regular connection. NordVPN actually has this option, too. If you want to read more about this, you can head to our article on split tunneling.
One last thing to keep in mind is that this does depend on the kind of device you're using. If you're on computer, the articles above will give you all the help you need. If your VPN runs through your router, you might not have as many options.
We hope this helps!
I recently installed ExpressVPN and Bitdefender for antivirus protection. Bitdefender comes with its own VPN but I did not want to enable it. After installing on iOS device I could not enable security and continue to use my ExpressVPN. It disables ExpressVPN and prompts you to use Bitdefender VPN. Is there a good option for antivirus software that works well with existing VPN across PC, Mac, iOS, and Android?
We've been using Bitdefender together with ExpressVPN without problems, maybe it has something to do with the settings on your iOS device? Perhaps it's trying to default to the Bitdefender VPN for some reason. Maybe one of our readers has the answer, or you could ask ExpressVPN's support.
Hello, I am looking at subscribing for a VPN simply for streaming occasionally foreign TV from the Uk and from France to UK TV say. So small user. Are you able to give me any advice please?
Many thanks, Mrs BP
In this case it's probably best to go for a cheaper VPN (seeing as you're not going to be a heavy user) that's also good at unblocking and streaming. We could recommend either CyberGhost or Surfshark in this case.
Hello, I noticed that you rated VPN-only providers. What about bundled providers where VPN is one of the services? In my case, specifically Bitdefender.
We haven't tested most of these bundled providers because, usually, they offer way less in terms of options and servers than VPN-only providers. On top of that, the focus of these companies (such as Bitdefender), is different from VPNs that provide privacy and unblocking. Usually, this means that they are situated in countries that are not necessarily privacy-focussed, which also poses a problem in terms of keeping logs. Their business is not privacy-related, so the services they provide that focus on privacy are not as good as the services VPN-providers provide that focus solely on privacy.
While VPNs can provide some level of privacy, if you go to a bad website, doesn't a VPN still provide a connection back to your computer for a bad actor to potentially try to do something harmful? Can/does a VPN prevent man in the middle attacks - or any other type of attack for that matter, or is a user still susceptible to everything they'd normally be exposed to with a regular browser page load?
A VPN helps against MiTM attacks to some extent because it encrypts and anonymizes the data between your device and the VPN-server. This ensures protection against attacks aimed at specific users or attacks performed by ISPs or network admins. This means that only general MiTM attacks to visitors of a specific website could work.
Slow internet connection while using VPN is one of the drawback which I have experienced myself. I think it's maybe due to using a free VPN. Correct me if I am wrong.
That could definitely be the case. Since a VPN redirects your internet traffic via an exteral server, using a VPN could slow down your connection. However, there are many good premium VPNs out there that offer stable and fast connections, anyway. Most free VPNs aren't capable of offering such services. Moreover, many free VPN services enforce speed limits or have servers that become too crowded at times, so using a free VPN could definitely slow down your internet connection significantly.
I installed VPN offered by my antivirus security system a few months ago. However I noticed I could not send any emails while VPN was switched on. I could receive emails, but just not send them. The moment I turned off VPN I could send emails again. This was so bothersome that I cancelled my VPN for a refund. Could you comment please.
Hi George,
In some cases, emailing indeed gets more difficult when you use a VPN. Certain email providers, such as Gmail, treat shared IP addresses from VPN servers differently from a 'normal' IP address. Usually, this means your emails will take longer to arrive or end up in a spam folder. It seems that your email provider is blocking your emails entirely. One way to solve this, is to get a dedicated IP address. You can read more about dedicated IP addresses in this article. A VPN provider that offers these addresses and has lots of extra features that might help you out in the future, is NordVPN. If you're considering getting a different VPN, you might want to check them out!
Hello.
Thank you for your post. In case my internet connection gets even faster after connecting to a VPN provider, will my MB or GB finish faster?
If for example i have 5 GB to use as wifi and, with normal usage, it takes me 1 week to use all, will it now finish faster in this case ?
Thank you
Good question! The only thing a VPN will do if it increases your internet speed, is make the websites you visit load faster. This means you will only go through your MBs or GBs faster if you actually visit more websites, use apps for a longer time, and so on. If you do the exact same things online with a VPN as you'd do without, you'll have used exactly as much data. The only change is that your loading times will be less.