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1.08.41 1.49 0 .41-.41.41-1.08 0-1.49L15.5 14zm-6 0C7.01 14 5 11.99 5 9.5S7.01 5 9.5 5 14 7.01 14 9.5 11.99 14 9.5 14z" class="jsx-3798940715"></path></svg></button><button type="button" aria-label="Menu" class="jsx-3798940715 hamburger icon-hamburger"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" class="jsx-3798940715"><path d="M4 18h16c.5 0 1-.5 1-1s-.5-1-1-1H4a1 1 0 0 0-1 1c0 .5.5 1 1 1zm0-5h16c.5 0 1-.4 1-1s-.5-1-1-1H4a1 1 0 0 0-1 1c0 .6.5 1 1 1zM3 7c0 .6.5 1 1 1h16c.5 0 1-.4 1-1s-.5-1-1-1H4a1 1 0 0 0-1 1z" class="jsx-3798940715"></path></svg></button></div></div></header><main id="maincontent" class="jsx-4097244431 app"><div class="jsx-1557524140 ut-header blue"><div class="jsx-1557524140 container-row"><p data-swiftype-index="false" class="jsx-1557524140 disclosure">Top10VPN is editorially independent. We may <a href="/about/how-we-make-money/">earn commissions</a> if you buy a VPN via our links.</p></div><div class="jsx-1557524140 container-row"><h1 class="jsx-1557524140 heading-1">What Is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?</h1><div class="jsx-3130565390 author-header"><div class="jsx-3130565390 date-wtu-container"><time dateTime="2024-11-15T12:20:00.000Z" class="jsx-3130565390 author-updated"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="jsx-3130565390 icon-tick"><use xlink:href="#svg-tick" class="jsx-3130565390"></use></svg><span class="jsx-3130565390">Updated Nov 15, 2024</span></time></div><div class="jsx-3130565390 authors-grid"><div class="jsx-3130565390 main-author"><div class="jsx-3130565390 author-photo"><img alt="Simon Migliano" data-slug="simonmigliano" width="32" height="32" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" style="color:transparent" srcSet="/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2019%2F05%2Fsimon-migliano-headshot.jpg&w=32&q=75 1x, /_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2019%2F05%2Fsimon-migliano-headshot.jpg&w=64&q=75 2x" src="/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2019%2F05%2Fsimon-migliano-headshot.jpg&w=64&q=75"/></div><div class="jsx-3130565390 author-name"><strong class="jsx-3130565390">Simon Migliano</strong></div><button aria-label="About authors" class="jsx-3130565390 author-toggle"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" class="jsx-3130565390 icon-chevron-down"><use xlink:href="#svg-chevron" class="jsx-3130565390"></use></svg></button></div><div class="jsx-3130565390 author-bio"><p class="jsx-3130565390 bio-authors">Simon Migliano is a recognized world expert in VPNs. He's tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more. <a href="/about/vpn-experts/simonmigliano/">Read full bio</a></p></div><p class="jsx-3130565390 supporting-authors"><span class="jsx-3130565390">Fact-checked by <a href="/about/vpn-experts/jpjones/">JP Jones</a></span></p></div></div></div></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row"><div class="jsx-912259115 breadcrumbs"><ol itemscope="" itemType="https://schema.org/BreadcrumbList" class="jsx-912259115 "><li itemProp="itemListElement" itemscope="" itemType="https://schema.org/ListItem" class="jsx-912259115"><meta itemProp="position" content="1" class="jsx-912259115"/><a itemProp="item" class="bc-logo" href="https://www.top10vpn.com/"><meta itemProp="name" content="Home" class="jsx-912259115"/><img src="/static/images/logo-simplified-dark-1x1_ratio.svg" width="16" height="16" alt="Top10VPN" class="jsx-912259115"/></a></li><li itemProp="itemListElement" itemscope="" itemType="https://schema.org/ListItem" class="jsx-912259115"><a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/vpn-explained/" itemProp="item" class="jsx-912259115"><span itemProp="name" class="jsx-912259115">What Is a VPN?</span></a><meta itemProp="position" content="2" class="jsx-912259115"/></li></ol></div></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 ut-content-jumplink-wrapper"><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row ut-wrapper"><div class="jsx-2532098028 ut-tldr ut-row"><div class="jsx-2532098028 ut-tldr-header"><h2 class="heading-4">Overview</h2><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 136 10" width="130" preserveAspectRatio="none" fill="none" class="jsx-2532098028"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M25.2 7.9c-1 .9-1.7-.3-2.6.1h-1c-1-.3-1.4 0-4.4.4l-.7-.1-6.7.2c-.8.4-1.1 0-3 .4-.8.1-1.6.4-2.4.2-.3-.1-2.3.3-2.9.7C.2 10.8.6 7.3.1 5c-.3-1.1.2-2 1-1.8 1.4.3 33.2-1.8 65.5-2.5C82.7.4 99 .2 111.4.2 124 .2 132.7.2 134 0c.3 0 1.2 0 1.7.8 1 2-.2 3.6-.2 4.1-.2 1.3-1 1-4.2.9-.4 0-1 .3-1.2-.2-.3-.6-12.4-.2-13-.2-1.6.1-2-.3-4.3-.2-2.6.3-.8.5-2.2.2-1.4-.2-.3-.3-1.7-.2l-7 .5c-7 .4-3.9.4-7 .3-3 0-3.2.2-8 0-.3 0-.2-.5-1-.2-.6.3-1.3.2-2.5.2-3 .1-2.8-.6-3.5 0h-.6c-3.2 0-3.4 0-3.8-.4-.6-.7-.6.8-2 .5h-.2c-1.8.8-7.4-.2-11.2.4-.3 0-.5.1-.8 0-1-.1-1.9.1-2.8.2-1.2 0-1-.6-2-.2-1.1.4-.8-.1-1.5 0-1.6.4-.8 0-1.7.2a7 7 0 0 1-3 0l-1.9.3c-1.9-.1-1.2-.5-2.4 0h-.5l-1.5.2h-1l-.4.1c-.8.3-1.4.1-1.7.2-1.2.3-2-.6-3-.2-1 .5-1 0-3.4.3-2.2.3-1.3-.2-3.3-.1-1 0-1.8-.1-2.7.2-1.2.5-1.6.1-2 .3-.7.2-.7.2-1.2-.1Z" fill="var(--blue-50)" class="jsx-2532098028"></path></svg></div><div class="jsx-2580530280 block-text"><div><p>A <b>Virtual Private Network (VPN)</b> is software that establishes an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, hiding your real geolocation from the websites and applications you use. This enables you to bypass geo-restrictions, hide your browsing activity from ISPs, and prevent bad actors from intercepting your data transfers on compromised WiFi networks.</p> </div></div></div></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 ut-jumplink"><aside class="jsx-2362454086"><div class="jsx-2362454086 jumplinks"><div class="jsx-2362454086 toc-mobile"><button class="jsx-2362454086"><span class="jsx-2362454086">Table of Contents</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" class="jsx-2362454086 icon-chevron-down"><use xlink:href="#svg-chevron" class="jsx-2362454086"></use></svg></button></div><ol class="jsx-2362454086 main-list"><li class="jsx-2362454086 "><a href="#how-does-a-vpn-work" class="jsx-2362454086 ">How Does a VPN Work?</a></li><li class="jsx-2362454086 "><a href="#four-main-types-of-vpn-configurations" class="jsx-2362454086 ">Types of VPN Configurations</a></li><li class="jsx-2362454086 "><a href="#pros-and-cons-of-personal-vpns" class="jsx-2362454086 ">Pros and Cons of VPNs</a></li><li class="jsx-2362454086 "><a href="#seeallguides" class="jsx-2362454086 ">Useful Related Resources</a></li></ol></div></aside></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row ut-wrapper"><section class="jsx-2580530280 block-text ut-row"><div class="jsx-1808564872 video-wrapper yt-widescreen ut-wrapper"><div class="jsx-1808564872 aspect-ratio-wrapper"><button class="jsx-1808564872 play">Play</button><div class="jsx-1808564872 img"><img alt="" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 90vw, 60vw" srcSet="/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2024%2F11%2Fwhat-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp&w=256&q=90 256w, /_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2024%2F11%2Fwhat-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp&w=320&q=90 320w, /_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2024%2F11%2Fwhat-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp&w=375&q=90 375w, /_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2024%2F11%2Fwhat-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp&w=384&q=90 384w, /_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2024%2F11%2Fwhat-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp&w=768&q=90 768w, /_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2024%2F11%2Fwhat-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp&w=1024&q=90 1024w" src="/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.top10vpn.com%2Fimages%2F2024%2F11%2Fwhat-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp&w=1024&q=90"/></div></div><script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":" 2:00 / 3:51 What Is a VPN & Why Do You Need One?","description":"What actually is a VPN? What do VPNs do? How do VPNs work? What are the limitations of a VPN? Do you need a VPN, and should you be spending money on one?When you're first getting started with VPNs there's a lot of questions that come to mind, and a lot of conflicting information. In this video Top10VPN's Site Editor Callum breaks the VPN basics down for you, quickly and simply.","thumbnailUrl":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/11/what-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp","uploadDate":"2024-11-09T00:00:00.000Z","duration":"T231S","embedUrl":"https://youtu.be/CXUk5yOSx9k"}</script></div><div><p class="spacer"> </p><p>VPN software works by encrypting your web traffic and rerouting it through a remote server before reaching your desired website, service, or application.</p> <p>There are several different types of virtual private networks but by far the most common are personal VPNs, which anyone can use on their devices.</p> <p>In this beginner’s guide to VPNs, we’ll explain how they work, the different types of VPN configurations, the benefits and limitations of using a personal VPN.</p> </div><div id="why-trust-us" class="jsx-1962843399 why-trust-us"><svg class="handshake" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 49 62"><defs><clipPath 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2-.6l.4-.2 5 10.4-2.7 1.2Zm9-2.2-.5.5-3.4 1.6a1 1 0 0 1-.4 0c-.6 0-.8-.5-1-1v-.2c-.5-.7-6.5-13.2-6.6-13.3-.1-.5 0-1 .5-1.2L40 30h.4l.5.1c.2.1.4.4.9 1.6v.1l6.3 12.8v.5Z"></path><path stroke="#096962" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-miterlimit="10" stroke-width="1.6" d="m10.9 3 3.3 5.4M37.6 3l-3.4 5.4M24 .8v6.1"></path></g></svg><div class="jsx-1962843399 text"><h3 class="heading-5">Why Trust Us?</h3><div class="jsx-1962843399"><p>We’re fully independent and have been reviewing VPNs since 2016. Our advice is based on our own testing results and is unaffected by financial incentives. Learn <a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/about/">who we are</a> and <a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/about/how-we-review-vpns/">how we test VPNs</a>.</p> </div></div></div><div></div></section></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row ut-wrapper"><section id="how-does-a-vpn-work" class="jsx-2580530280 block-text ut-row"><h2 class="heading-2">How Does a VPN Work?</h2><div><p>A VPN works by establishing an encrypted connection between your device and a remote VPN server. This secure connection is known as the <b>VPN tunnel</b>.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/04/How-Do-VPNs-Work-d.webp" alt="Diagram explaining how VPN services work to encrypt web traffic and hide your IP address." width="1180" height="905" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1392577" data-mobileimg="true"></p> <p>Once connected, all the data leaving your device is routed through the VPN tunnel to the VPN server. The VPN server then forwards it on to the website you’re visiting, application you’re using, or company network you’re accessing remotely.</p> <p>Data from the website or application then travels back to your device along the same route. It is first sent to the VPN server, which then transfers it through the VPN tunnel to your device. </p> <p><b>There are five key stages to this process:</b></p> <h3 class="heading-5">1. Handshake & Authentication</h3> <p>The VPN software on your device and the VPN server first authenticate themselves to each other. This is known as the <b>VPN handshake</b>.</p> <p>During the handshake, the VPN client initiates a connection to the VPN server, indicating the intention to establish a secure tunnel. The two computers then verify their identities to each other using a password, digital certificate, or another authentication method. </p> <p>Once authentication is complete, this connection is then used to securely share an encryption ‘key’ between client and server. This key is what is used to encrypt and decrypt the data at either end of the VPN tunnel for your entire browsing session.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/03/what-is-a-vpn-handshake.png" alt="diagram showing the step-by-step process of a VPN handshake between VPN client and VPN server" width="1180" height="652" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-118201"></p> <div class="block-highlighted block-highlighted--orange"> <p><span style="color: #5E2314;"><b>EXPERT ADVICE:</b></span> For the fastest and most secure VPN handshakes, look out for VPN services that use the <a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/how-does-a-vpn-work/#how-do-vpns-encrypt-and-secure-your-data">RSA-2048 or RSA-4096 algorithm</a> (not RSA-1024). For extra protection, we also recommend using VPN protocols that are set up with <a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/how-does-a-vpn-work/#how-do-vpns-encrypt-and-secure-your-data">Perfect Forward Secrecy</a>.</p> </div> <h3 class="heading-5">2. Encryption</h3> <p>With the connection to the VPN server established, the VPN client on your device then uses the agreed-upon ‘key’ and an encryption cipher to encrypt all of your internet activity. </p> <p>In simple terms, this means that all of the plaintext data associated with your web traffic requests will be converted into strings of letters and numbers that are only intelligible to someone with the decryption key.</p> <div id="attachment_1281083" style="width: 1952px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1281083" loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2023/12/psiphon-wireshark-tests-p.webp" alt="Wireshark tests with Psiphon proxy, which is not encrypted, and Psiphon VPN, which is encrypted." width="1942" height="1000" class="size-full wp-image-1281083"><p id="caption-attachment-1281083" class="wp-caption-text">Web traffic before and after connecting to a VPN with AES-256 encryption.</p></div> <h3 class="heading-5" id="encapsulation">3. Encapsulation</h3> <p>Your encrypted traffic is then wrapped in an additional layer of unencrypted traffic, which contains information about how to route it to the VPN server. This process is known as encapsulation, and is performed by dedicated <a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-protocols/">VPN tunneling protocols</a>.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/12/vpn-ip-packets.png" alt="side-by-side diagrams of a normal Non-VPN IP Packet and a VPN-Encrypted Packet" width="1180" height="401" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-155432"></p> <p>This is like taking an envelope with a written letter inside, and putting it inside a second envelope with a new address on. Your actual message becomes completely hidden from the outside world.</p> <p>Your VPN client then hands the encapsulated traffic over to your ISP, which sends it to the VPN server. Due to the encryption, the only thing the ISP can see is the VPN server’s IP address.</p> <h3 class="heading-5">4. Decryption, Forwarding, and Re-Encryption</h3> <p>Upon reaching the VPN server, this layer of encapsulation is removed, and the original data is decrypted using the encryption key.</p> <p>This is like opening the outer layer of the letter to reveal the original message inside – thereby giving the VPN server access to the true destination of your connection request. </p> <p>The server can then forward your request onto the website, service or application you require.</p> <p>When the web server sends your request information back to you, it sends it to the VPN server where it is encrypted again and sent back through the VPN tunnel until it reaches your device.</p> <p>The VPN client software on your device then decrypts the data, so that it can appear legibly on your screen.</p> <h3 class="heading-5">5. Hash Authentication</h3> <p>As a final precaution, the VPN service also uses <a href="https://brilliant.org/wiki/secure-hashing-algorithms/">Secure Hash Algorithms (SHA)</a> to authenticate the integrity of transmitted data and client-server connections. These ensure that no information has been altered in transit between source and destination. </p> <p>If the alternative message the client generates differs from the alternative message the server generated, it means the message has been tampered with and so the data is rejected. If they are the same, it is accepted.</p> <div class="block-highlighted block-highlighted--light"> <p><b>NOTE:</b> SHA hash authentication is crucial for preventing man-in-the-middle attacks.</p> </div> <h3>VPN Protocols & Encryption Ciphers</h3> <p>This process can involve <b>different protocols and encryption ciphers</b>, depending on the VPN service you’re using and how it’s configured.</p> <p>The VPN protocol determines <b>how the VPN tunnel is formed</b>, while the encryption cipher is used to <b>encrypt the data</b> that flows through that tunnel.</p> <p>Depending on the protocol in use, a VPN may have different speeds, capabilities, and vulnerabilities. Most services will let you choose which protocol you’d like to use within the app settings.</p> <div class="block-highlighted block-highlighted--blue"> <p>Here’s a quick overview of the most common VPN protocols:</p> <ul> <li><b>OpenVPN:</b> Open-source, secure, and compatible with almost all VPN-capable devices.</li> <li><b>WireGuard:</b> Very fast, safe, and data-efficient.</li> <li><b>IKEv2/IPsec:</b> Excellent for mobile VPN users, but may be compromised by the NSA.</li> <li><b>SoftEther:</b> Great for bypassing censorship, but not supported by many VPN services.</li> <li><b>L2TP/IPsec:</b> A slower protocol that is also suspected of being hacked by the NSA.</li> <li><b>SSTP:</b> Deals with firewalls well, but may be vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.</li> <li><b>PPTP:</b> Outdated, insecure, and should be avoided.</li> </ul> </div> <p>The encryption cipher is the algorithm (i.e. a set of rules) used to encrypt and decrypt data.</p> <p>Ciphers are usually paired with a specific key-length. Generally, the longer the key length, the more secure the encryption is. For example, AES-<b>256</b> is considered more secure than AES-<b>128</b>. Where possible, we recommend using a VPN with AES or ChaCha20 encryption.</p> </div></section></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row ut-wrapper"><section id="four-main-types-of-vpn-configurations" class="jsx-2580530280 block-text ut-row"><h2 class="heading-2">Four Main Types of VPN Configurations</h2><div><p>There are <a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-types/">different types of VPN</a> depending on the type of connection a user requires.</p> <p>Personal VPN services are designed for everyday internet users who want to improve their online privacy, security, and access. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as <b>consumer VPNs</b>. </p> <p>By contrast, remote access VPNs, mobile VPNs, and site-to-site VPNs are all types of <b>business VPN</b>. They are designed for remote employees to gain secure access to internal resources.</p> <p>Below is a quick overview of the four main types of virtual private networks and how they differ from one another:</p> <h3>1. Personal VPN Services</h3> <div id="attachment_201970" style="width: 1190px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-201970" loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/Personal-VPN-Services.jpg" alt="Diagram explaining how personal VPN services work" width="1180" height="390" class="size-full wp-image-201970"><p id="caption-attachment-201970" class="wp-caption-text">A personal VPN service hides your IP address and browsing history while you browse the internet in your free time.</p></div> <p>A personal VPN service provides individual users with encrypted access to a remote VPN server that’s owned by the VPN provider. </p> <p>It lets users create a secure connection to servers in a range of different locations, which they can then use to <b>protect their identity</b>, <b>spoof their geographic location</b>, and <b>evade surveillance</b> as they browse the internet.</p> <div id="attachment_1392541" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1392541" loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/04/Proton-VPN-Free-Server-List-on-Android-scaled-1.webp" alt="Using Proton VPN on an Android phone" width="2560" height="1704" class="size-full wp-image-1392541"><p id="caption-attachment-1392541" class="wp-caption-text">Using Proton VPN, a personal VPN service, on an Android phone.</p></div> <p>They can be used on most devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, macOS and Windows computers, and even installed directly onto your WiFi router at home.</p> <p>Personal VPNs are the most common type of VPN service, and are also the type of VPN we focus on here at Top10VPN.</p> <h3>2. Remote Access VPNs</h3> <div id="attachment_201973" style="width: 1190px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-201973" loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/Remote-Access-VPNs.jpg" alt="Diagram explaining how remote access VPN services work" width="1180" height="386" class="size-full wp-image-201973"><p id="caption-attachment-201973" class="wp-caption-text">Companies use remote access VPNs to keep important information private.</p></div> <p>Remote Access VPNs provide employees with <b>encrypted access to a company’s internal network</b> while working remotely. They are the most common type of business VPN.</p> <p>Unlike personal VPN services, remote access VPNs aren’t designed for users looking to access online services and applications. </p> <p>Instead, the purpose is to enable employees to <b>access company resources, files, and applications securely</b> regardless of their physical location, and to ensure that any company data transmitted is protected from unauthorized access or interception.</p> <p>Popular examples of remote access VPNs include <a href="https://openvpn.net/for/remote-access/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Access Server by OpenVPN</a> and <a href="https://openvpn.net/for/remote-access/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cisco AnyConnect</a>.</p> <h3>3. Mobile VPNs</h3> <div id="attachment_201967" style="width: 1190px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-201967" loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/Mobile-VPN-services.jpg" alt="Diagram explaining how mobile VPN services work" width="1180" height="452" class="size-full wp-image-201967"><p id="caption-attachment-201967" class="wp-caption-text">A mobile VPN connection persists even when there’s poor signal.</p></div> <p>A mobile VPN is similar to a remote access VPN in that it safely connects remote employees to a company network.</p> <p>However, while remote access VPNs are designed for users working from a static location, mobile VPNs are designed for users who are regularly <b>switching between cellular and WiFi networks</b> or whose <b>connection is likely to drop</b> from time to time.</p> <p>A mobile VPN is designed to stay connected despite these interruptions and instability. They are therefore particularly useful for mobile workers, such as firefighters or police officers.</p> <p>Importantly, mobile VPNs are compatible with any device and any network connection. They are not only for smartphone users.</p> <h3>4. Site-to-Site VPNs</h3> <div id="attachment_201976" style="width: 1190px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-201976" loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/Site-to-Site-VPNs.jpg" alt="Diagram explaining how site-to-site VPN services work" width="1180" height="386" class="size-full wp-image-201976"><p id="caption-attachment-201976" class="wp-caption-text">Companies might use site-to-site VPNs if they offices in different locations.</p></div> <p>Site-to-site VPNs are used to securely expand a single company network to include multiple different premises or office spaces in different physical locations. </p> <p>They differ from the other types of business VPN in that they are designed to <b>connect two or more networks together</b>, rather than connecting an individual employee to the office network.</p> </div></section></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row ut-wrapper"><section id="pros-and-cons-of-personal-vpns" class="jsx-2580530280 block-text ut-row"><h2 class="heading-2">Pros and Cons of Personal VPNs</h2><div><p>As we mentioned above, at Top10VPN we focus primarily on testing and reviewing personal VPNs. And to this day there is still a lot of false or misleading information on what they can and can’t do.</p> <p>This misinformation is far from ideal and makes it tricky for beginners to know whether they actually need a VPN or not.</p> <p>So, let’s clarify a few things. A personal VPN has two primary benefits:</p> <ul> <li><b>It hides your IP address and geographic location from the websites, services and applications you use.</b> Without this information, it’s much harder to link your online activity to your identity, in turn making it more difficult to track, profile, or block you.</li> <li><b>It hides your activity from your ISP or network administrator.</b> Encrypting your data transfers makes it almost impossible for your ISP, mobile carrier, WiFi administrator, or eavesdroppers on a public WiFi network to see which websites you’re visiting, the files you upload or download, or any personal details you enter into HTTP websites.</li> </ul> <p>Thanks to these two functions, a <a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/what-are-vpns-used-for/">VPN can be used for various purposes</a> related to improved internet privacy, security and access.</p> <p>Here are the most popular reasons why people use a VPN, from a survey we conducted in collaboration with <i>GlobalWebIndex</i>:</p> <div id="attachment_128611" style="width: 1190px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-128611" loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/05/why-use-a-vpn-2020.png" alt="Graph showing the reasons people use a VPN" width="1180" height="586" class="size-full wp-image-128611"><p id="caption-attachment-128611" class="wp-caption-text">Data taken from our <a href="/research/global-vpn-usage-statistics/">Global VPN Usage Statistics</a>.</p></div> <p>And the table below summarizes everything you can and can’t do with a VPN:</p> <table class="table-default"> <thead> <tr> <th><span style="color: var(--green-70);"><b>What you can do with a VPN</b></span></th> <th><span style="color: var(--orange-70);"><b>What you cannot do with a VPN</b></span></th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN">Protect yourself from traffic interception and Man-in-the-Middle attacks when using unsecured public WiFi networks.</td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">Protect yourself from all forms of cyberattack, particularly those that trick you into downloading malware or disclosing personal information.</td> </tr> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN">Spoof your location in order to unblock geo-restricted movies and TV shows, video games, or sport events that are not available in your geographic region.</td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">Hide your physical location from websites and applications that use WiFi Location Tracking. Most VPNs can’t spoof your device’s GPS location data, either.</td> </tr> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN">Make it harder for ISPs, advertisers, schools, employers, and government agencies to monitor and record your browsing activity.</td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">A VPN will not stop a determined entity from tracking you via cookies, fingerprinting, or behavior profiling, for example.</td> </tr> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN">Prevent your ISP from throttling your connection while streaming, gaming and torrenting.</td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">Watch Netflix, HBO Max, or any other streaming service for free.</td> </tr> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN">Access websites and material that’s censored by the government, or unblock websites at school and work.</td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">Hide your browsing activity from employers and school WiFi admins that use screen monitoring software.</td> </tr> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN">Bypass IP-based website bans.</td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">Prevent your ISP from knowing your real IP address and location.</td> </tr> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN">Avoid location-based price discrimination while shopping online.</td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">Avoid price discrimination tactics that rely on tracking cookies or other forms of profiling based on browsing behavior.</td> </tr> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN">Give remote employees reliable and secure access to sensitive files and resources on the company’s internal network.</td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">Bypass email- or account-based website bans.</td> </tr> <tr> <td data-header="What you can do with a VPN"></td> <td data-header="What you cannot do with a VPN">Hide how much data you are consuming from your ISP or cell phone carrier. A VPN will actually increase how much data you use.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p class="spacer"> </p></div></section></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row ut-wrapper"><section id="seeallguides" class="jsx-2580530280 block-text ut-row"><h2 class="heading-2">Useful Related Resources</h2><div><p>If you still have more questions about VPNs, you can find more in-depth answers in the guides listed below:</p> </div><div class="jsx-4292291150 guide-links"><ul class="jsx-4292291150 "><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/07/How-Does-a-VPN-Work.webp" alt="How does a VPN work illustration" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/how-does-a-vpn-work/" class="jsx-4292291150">How Does a VPN Work?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/VPN-Types.jpg" alt="Illustration showing two people using different types of VPN" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-types/" class="jsx-4292291150">Different Types of VPN</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/05/What-Is-a-VPN-Used-For.jpg" alt="What Is a VPN Used For?" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/what-are-vpns-used-for/" class="jsx-4292291150">What Can You Do with a VPN?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/08/hide-ip-address.webp" alt="How to hide your IP address" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/what-does-a-vpn-hide/" class="jsx-4292291150">What Does a VPN Hide?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/04/Disadvantages-of-VPN.jpg" alt="scales showing disadvantages of using a VPN" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-disadvantages/" class="jsx-4292291150">The Disadvantages of VPNs</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/01/How-Much-Does-a-VPN-Cost.jpg" alt="illustration of a man purchasing a VPN from a computer screen that is designed like a vending machine" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-cost/" class="jsx-4292291150">How Much Do VPNs Cost?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/10/are-vpns-worth-it.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/are-vpns-worth-it/" class="jsx-4292291150">Are VPNs Really Worth It?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/03/VPN-encryption-protocols-hero.png" alt="illustration of a man putting a message into a secure network of pipes, protecting it from the unprotected data outside of the pipes" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-protocols/" class="jsx-4292291150">What Is the Best VPN Protocol?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2019/10/1.png" alt="An illustration of a man being watched by his device" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-logs/" class="jsx-4292291150">What Are VPN Logging Policies?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2023/06/does-a-vpn-slow-down-internet.jpg" alt="Header iillustration for What are VPN Leaks and How Do You Fix Them? guide" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-leaks/" class="jsx-4292291150">VPN Leaks Explained</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/09/VPN-map1.webp" alt="World map of where VPNs are illegal or restricted" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/are-vpns-legal/" class="jsx-4292291150">Are VPNs Legal?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/02/Five-Eyes-Surveillance.png" alt="A man runs through five spotlights representing the five eyes alliance." width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-jurisdictions/" class="jsx-4292291150">How VPN Jurisdictions Affect You</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/12/does-vpn-use-data.jpg" alt="illustration of a VPN protecting the mobile data usage on a smartphone" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/does-vpn-use-data/" class="jsx-4292291150">Do VPNs Use More Mobile Data?</a></li><li class="jsx-4292291150"><img src="https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/06/vpn-servers-explained.jpg" alt="vpn, dns, and proxy servers" width="250" height="169" loading="lazy" class="jsx-4292291150"/><a href="/what-is-a-vpn/virtual-server-locations/" class="jsx-4292291150">Are Virtual Server Locations Safe?</a></li></ul><button class="jsx-4292291150 button button-text">See all</button></div><div></div></section></div><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row ut-wrapper"><div class="feedback-wrapper ut-row"><div style="height:27.5px;margin:0 auto calc(var(--base-unit) * 30)"></div></div></div></div><hr class="jsx-2532098028"/><div class="jsx-2532098028 container-row ut-wrapper"><section class="jsx-2580530280 block-text"></section></div><span class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859 tooltip-toast-group"><span class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859 tooltip-toast large"><i class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859 arrow"></i><span class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859 tooltip-toast-wrapper"><span class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859 flex no-header"><span class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859 tooltip-toast-content"></span><button aria-label="Close" class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859 button-text"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859 icon-cross"><use xlink:href="#svg-cross" class="jsx-2378246354 jsx-3313091859"></use></svg></button></span></span></span></span><script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.top10vpn.com/vpn-explained/"},"headline":"What Is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?","image":["https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2022/09/how-to-change-location-header-image.jpg"],"datePublished":"2024-04-26T13:25:54.000Z","dateModified":"2024-11-15T12:20:00.000Z","author":[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Person","name":"Simon Migliano","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/about/vpn-experts/simonmigliano/","sameAs":[],"image":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2019/05/simon-migliano-headshot.jpg"},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Person","name":"JP Jones","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/about/vpn-experts/jpjones/","sameAs":[]}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Top10VPN","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.top10vpn.com/about/how-we-review-vpns/","logo":"https://www.top10vpn.com/static/images/logo-raster.png"},"description":"\n\nVPN software works by encrypting your web traffic and rerouting it through a remote server before reaching your desired website, service, or application.\nThere are several different types of virtual private networks but by far the most common are personal VPNs, which anyone can use on their devices.\nIn this beginner’s guide to VPNs, we’ll explain how they work, the different types of VPN configurations, the benefits and limitations of using a personal VPN.\n\n","inLanguage":"en"}</script><script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"What Is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?","reviewedBy":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Person","name":"JP Jones","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/about/vpn-experts/jpjones/","sameAs":[]}}</script></main><footer id="footer" data-swiftype-index="false" class="jsx-4062602538 footer"><div class="jsx-4062602538 container-row footer-trio"><div class="jsx-4062602538 footer-company"><div class="jsx-4062602538 logo"><img alt="Top10VPN" loading="lazy" width="184" height="26" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" style="color:transparent" src="/static/images/logo.svg"/></div><p class="jsx-4062602538">We've been testing and reviewing VPN services since 2016. 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Virtual Private Networks Explained","metadesc":"Learn what VPNs are, how they work, and what they can do for you in this introductory guide to virtual private networks.","canonical":"https://www.top10vpn.com/vpn-explained/","twitter":{"title":"What Is a VPN? Virtual Private Networks Explained","image":null,"description":"Learn what VPNs are, how they work, and what they can do for you in this introductory guide to virtual private networks."},"opengraph":{"title":"What Is a VPN? Virtual Private Networks Explained","image":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2022/09/how-to-change-location-header-image.jpg","description":"Learn what VPNs are, how they work, and what they can do for you in this introductory guide to virtual private networks."},"robots":{"noindex":false,"nofollow":false},"hreflang":[{"lang":"en","href":"/vpn-explained/"},{"lang":"x-default","href":"/vpn-explained/"},{"lang":"de","href":"/de/vpn-erklart/"},{"lang":"es","href":"/es/vpn-explicacion/"},{"lang":"fr","href":"/fr/explication-vpn/"},{"lang":"it","href":"/it/spiegazione-vpn/"},{"lang":"ko","href":"/ko/vpn-explained/"},{"lang":"nl","href":"/nl/uitleg-over-vpn/"},{"lang":"pl","href":"/pl/vpn-wyjasnienie/"},{"lang":"pt","href":"/pt/explicacao-vpn/"},{"lang":"sv","href":"/sv/forklaring-av-vpn/"}]},"xr_data":{"config":{"primary":"USD","additional":["GBP","AUD","CAD","EUR","SGD"]},"content":{"body":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"/currency-conversions/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"\u003eConverted price\u003c/a\u003e in other popular currencies:\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"rates":[{"currency":"AUD","rate":1.544612},{"currency":"CAD","rate":1.404933},{"currency":"EUR","rate":0.952608},{"currency":"GBP","rate":0.790206},{"currency":"SGD","rate":1.3447},{"currency":"USD","rate":1}]},"authors":{"main_author":{"first_name":"Simon","last_name":"Migliano","display_format":"{{fe_forename}} {{fe_surname}}","photo":{"url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2019/05/simon-migliano-headshot.jpg","alt":"Simon Migliano"},"slug":"simonmigliano","expert":{"is_expert":true,"snippet_clean":"Simon Migliano is a recognized world expert in VPNs. He's tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more."}},"additional_authors":[],"supporting_authors":[{"author":{"first_name":"JP","last_name":"Jones","display_format":"{{fe_forename}} {{fe_surname}}","slug":"jpjones","expert":{"is_expert":true,"snippet_clean":"JP Jones is our CTO. He has over 25 years of software engineering and networking experience, and oversees all technical aspects of our VPN testing process."}},"type":"fact"}]},"chapters":[{"__typename":"UT_Chapters_Type_DefaultChapter","chapter_jumplinks":{"label":"How Does a VPN Work?","show_jumplink":true},"content":"\u003cp\u003eA VPN works by establishing an encrypted connection between your device and a remote VPN server. This secure connection is known as the \u003cb\u003eVPN tunnel\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/04/How-Do-VPNs-Work-d.webp\" alt=\"Diagram explaining how VPN services work to encrypt web traffic and hide your IP address.\" width=\"1180\" height=\"905\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1392577\" data-mobileimg=\"true\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce connected, all the data leaving your device is routed through the VPN tunnel to the VPN server. The VPN server then forwards it on to the website you’re visiting, application you’re using, or company network you’re accessing remotely.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData from the website or application then travels back to your device along the same route. It is first sent to the VPN server, which then transfers it through the VPN tunnel to your device. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThere are five key stages to this process:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"heading-5\"\u003e1. Handshake \u0026#038; Authentication\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VPN software on your device and the VPN server first authenticate themselves to each other. This is known as the \u003cb\u003eVPN handshake\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the handshake, the VPN client initiates a connection to the VPN server, indicating the intention to establish a secure tunnel. The two computers then verify their identities to each other using a password, digital certificate, or another authentication method. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce authentication is complete, this connection is then used to securely share an encryption ‘key’ between client and server. This key is what is used to encrypt and decrypt the data at either end of the VPN tunnel for your entire browsing session.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/03/what-is-a-vpn-handshake.png\" alt=\"diagram showing the step-by-step process of a VPN handshake between VPN client and VPN server\" width=\"1180\" height=\"652\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-118201\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"block-highlighted block-highlighted--orange\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #5E2314;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEXPERT ADVICE:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e For the fastest and most secure VPN handshakes, look out for VPN services that use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/how-does-a-vpn-work/#how-do-vpns-encrypt-and-secure-your-data\"\u003eRSA-2048 or RSA-4096 algorithm\u003c/a\u003e (not RSA-1024). For extra protection, we also recommend using VPN protocols that are set up with \u003ca href=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/how-does-a-vpn-work/#how-do-vpns-encrypt-and-secure-your-data\"\u003ePerfect Forward Secrecy\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"heading-5\"\u003e2. Encryption\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the connection to the VPN server established, the VPN client on your device then uses the agreed-upon ‘key’ and an encryption cipher to encrypt all of your internet activity. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn simple terms, this means that all of the plaintext data associated with your web traffic requests will be converted into strings of letters and numbers that are only intelligible to someone with the decryption key.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_1281083\" style=\"width: 1952px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"\u003e\u003cimg aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1281083\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2023/12/psiphon-wireshark-tests-p.webp\" alt=\"Wireshark tests with Psiphon proxy, which is not encrypted, and Psiphon VPN, which is encrypted.\" width=\"1942\" height=\"1000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1281083\" /\u003e\u003cp id=\"caption-attachment-1281083\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003eWeb traffic before and after connecting to a VPN with AES-256 encryption.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"heading-5\" id=\"encapsulation\"\u003e3. Encapsulation\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour encrypted traffic is then wrapped in an additional layer of unencrypted traffic, which contains information about how to route it to the VPN server. This process is known as encapsulation, and is performed by dedicated \u003ca href=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-protocols/\"\u003eVPN tunneling protocols\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/12/vpn-ip-packets.png\" alt=\"side-by-side diagrams of a normal Non-VPN IP Packet and a VPN-Encrypted Packet\" width=\"1180\" height=\"401\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-155432\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is like taking an envelope with a written letter inside, and putting it inside a second envelope with a new address on. Your actual message becomes completely hidden from the outside world.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour VPN client then hands the encapsulated traffic over to your ISP, which sends it to the VPN server. Due to the encryption, the only thing the ISP can see is the VPN server’s IP address.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"heading-5\"\u003e4. Decryption, Forwarding, and Re-Encryption\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpon reaching the VPN server, this layer of encapsulation is removed, and the original data is decrypted using the encryption key.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is like opening the outer layer of the letter to reveal the original message inside – thereby giving the VPN server access to the true destination of your connection request. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe server can then forward your request onto the website, service or application you require.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the web server sends your request information back to you, it sends it to the VPN server where it is encrypted again and sent back through the VPN tunnel until it reaches your device.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VPN client software on your device then decrypts the data, so that it can appear legibly on your screen.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"heading-5\"\u003e5. Hash Authentication\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a final precaution, the VPN service also uses \u003ca href=\"https://brilliant.org/wiki/secure-hashing-algorithms/\"\u003eSecure Hash Algorithms (SHA)\u003c/a\u003e to authenticate the integrity of transmitted data and client-server connections. These ensure that no information has been altered in transit between source and destination. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the alternative message the client generates differs from the alternative message the server generated, it means the message has been tampered with and so the data is rejected. If they are the same, it is accepted.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"block-highlighted block-highlighted--light\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNOTE:\u003c/b\u003e SHA hash authentication is crucial for preventing man-in-the-middle attacks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVPN Protocols \u0026#038; Encryption Ciphers\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis process can involve \u003cb\u003edifferent protocols and encryption ciphers\u003c/b\u003e, depending on the VPN service you’re using and how it’s configured.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VPN protocol determines \u003cb\u003ehow the VPN tunnel is formed\u003c/b\u003e, while the encryption cipher is used to \u003cb\u003eencrypt the data\u003c/b\u003e that flows through that tunnel.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the protocol in use, a VPN may have different speeds, capabilities, and vulnerabilities. Most services will let you choose which protocol you’d like to use within the app settings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"block-highlighted block-highlighted--blue\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s a quick overview of the most common VPN protocols:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eOpenVPN:\u003c/b\u003e Open-source, secure, and compatible with almost all VPN-capable devices.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eWireGuard:\u003c/b\u003e Very fast, safe, and data-efficient.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eIKEv2/IPsec:\u003c/b\u003e Excellent for mobile VPN users, but may be compromised by the NSA.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoftEther:\u003c/b\u003e Great for bypassing censorship, but not supported by many VPN services.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eL2TP/IPsec:\u003c/b\u003e A slower protocol that is also suspected of being hacked by the NSA.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eSSTP:\u003c/b\u003e Deals with firewalls well, but may be vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003ePPTP:\u003c/b\u003e Outdated, insecure, and should be avoided.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe encryption cipher is the algorithm (i.e. a set of rules) used to encrypt and decrypt data.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCiphers are usually paired with a specific key-length. Generally, the longer the key length, the more secure the encryption is. For example, AES-\u003cb\u003e256\u003c/b\u003e is considered more secure than AES-\u003cb\u003e128\u003c/b\u003e. Where possible, we recommend using a VPN with AES or ChaCha20 encryption.\u003c/p\u003e\n","heading_settings":{"content":"How Does a VPN Work?","level":2,"looks_like":2,"custom_id":""},"highlight_chapter":false,"type":"chapter"},{"__typename":"UT_Chapters_Type_DefaultChapter","chapter_jumplinks":{"label":"Types of VPN Configurations","show_jumplink":true},"content":"\u003cp\u003eThere are \u003ca href=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-types/\"\u003edifferent types of VPN\u003c/a\u003e depending on the type of connection a user requires.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal VPN services are designed for everyday internet users who want to improve their online privacy, security, and access. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as \u003cb\u003econsumer VPNs\u003c/b\u003e. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy contrast, remote access VPNs, mobile VPNs, and site-to-site VPNs are all types of \u003cb\u003ebusiness VPN\u003c/b\u003e. They are designed for remote employees to gain secure access to internal resources.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow is a quick overview of the four main types of virtual private networks and how they differ from one another:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Personal VPN Services\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_201970\" style=\"width: 1190px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"\u003e\u003cimg aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-201970\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/Personal-VPN-Services.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram explaining how personal VPN services work\" width=\"1180\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-full wp-image-201970\" /\u003e\u003cp id=\"caption-attachment-201970\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003eA personal VPN service hides your IP address and browsing history while you browse the internet in your free time.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA personal VPN service provides individual users with encrypted access to a remote VPN server that’s owned by the VPN provider. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt lets users create a secure connection to servers in a range of different locations, which they can then use to \u003cb\u003eprotect their identity\u003c/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003espoof their geographic location\u003c/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eevade surveillance\u003c/b\u003e as they browse the internet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_1392541\" style=\"width: 2570px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"\u003e\u003cimg aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1392541\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/04/Proton-VPN-Free-Server-List-on-Android-scaled-1.webp\" alt=\"Using Proton VPN on an Android phone\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1704\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1392541\" /\u003e\u003cp id=\"caption-attachment-1392541\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003eUsing Proton VPN, a personal VPN service, on an Android phone.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can be used on most devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, macOS and Windows computers, and even installed directly onto your WiFi router at home.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal VPNs are the most common type of VPN service, and are also the type of VPN we focus on here at Top10VPN.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Remote Access VPNs\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_201973\" style=\"width: 1190px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"\u003e\u003cimg aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-201973\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/Remote-Access-VPNs.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram explaining how remote access VPN services work\" width=\"1180\" height=\"386\" class=\"size-full wp-image-201973\" /\u003e\u003cp id=\"caption-attachment-201973\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003eCompanies use remote access VPNs to keep important information private.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemote Access VPNs provide employees with \u003cb\u003eencrypted access to a company’s internal network\u003c/b\u003e while working remotely. They are the most common type of business VPN.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike personal VPN services, remote access VPNs aren’t designed for users looking to access online services and applications. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead, the purpose is to enable employees to \u003cb\u003eaccess company resources, files, and applications securely\u003c/b\u003e regardless of their physical location, and to ensure that any company data transmitted is protected from unauthorized access or interception.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePopular examples of remote access VPNs include \u003ca href=\"https://openvpn.net/for/remote-access/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAccess Server by OpenVPN\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://openvpn.net/for/remote-access/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCisco AnyConnect\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3. Mobile VPNs\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_201967\" style=\"width: 1190px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"\u003e\u003cimg aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-201967\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/Mobile-VPN-services.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram explaining how mobile VPN services work\" width=\"1180\" height=\"452\" class=\"size-full wp-image-201967\" /\u003e\u003cp id=\"caption-attachment-201967\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003eA mobile VPN connection persists even when there\u0026#8217;s poor signal.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mobile VPN is similar to a remote access VPN in that it safely connects remote employees to a company network.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, while remote access VPNs are designed for users working from a static location, mobile VPNs are designed for users who are regularly \u003cb\u003eswitching between cellular and WiFi networks\u003c/b\u003e or whose \u003cb\u003econnection is likely to drop\u003c/b\u003e from time to time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mobile VPN is designed to stay connected despite these interruptions and instability. They are therefore particularly useful for mobile workers, such as firefighters or police officers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportantly, mobile VPNs are compatible with any device and any network connection. They are not only for smartphone users.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e4. Site-to-Site VPNs\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_201976\" style=\"width: 1190px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"\u003e\u003cimg aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-201976\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/Site-to-Site-VPNs.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram explaining how site-to-site VPN services work\" width=\"1180\" height=\"386\" class=\"size-full wp-image-201976\" /\u003e\u003cp id=\"caption-attachment-201976\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003eCompanies might use site-to-site VPNs if they offices in different locations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSite-to-site VPNs are used to securely expand a single company network to include multiple different premises or office spaces in different physical locations. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey differ from the other types of business VPN in that they are designed to \u003cb\u003econnect two or more networks together\u003c/b\u003e, rather than connecting an individual employee to the office network.\u003c/p\u003e\n","heading_settings":{"content":"Four Main Types of VPN Configurations","level":2,"looks_like":2,"custom_id":""},"highlight_chapter":false,"type":"chapter"},{"__typename":"UT_Chapters_Type_DefaultChapter","chapter_jumplinks":{"label":"Pros and Cons of VPNs","show_jumplink":true},"content":"\u003cp\u003eAs we mentioned above, at Top10VPN we focus primarily on testing and reviewing personal VPNs. And to this day there is still a lot of false or misleading information on what they can and can\u0026#8217;t do.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis misinformation is far from ideal and makes it tricky for beginners to know whether they actually need a VPN or not.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, let\u0026#8217;s clarify a few things. A personal VPN has two primary benefits:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eIt hides your IP address and geographic location from the websites, services and applications you use.\u003c/b\u003e Without this information, it’s much harder to link your online activity to your identity, in turn making it more difficult to track, profile, or block you.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eIt hides your activity from your ISP or network administrator.\u003c/b\u003e Encrypting your data transfers makes it almost impossible for your ISP, mobile carrier, WiFi administrator, or eavesdroppers on a public WiFi network to see which websites you’re visiting, the files you upload or download, or any personal details you enter into HTTP websites.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to these two functions, a \u003ca href=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/what-are-vpns-used-for/\"\u003eVPN can be used for various purposes\u003c/a\u003e related to improved internet privacy, security and access.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are the most popular reasons why people use a VPN, from a survey we conducted in collaboration with \u003ci\u003eGlobalWebIndex\u003c/i\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_128611\" style=\"width: 1190px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"\u003e\u003cimg aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-128611\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/05/why-use-a-vpn-2020.png\" alt=\"Graph showing the reasons people use a VPN\" width=\"1180\" height=\"586\" class=\"size-full wp-image-128611\" /\u003e\u003cp id=\"caption-attachment-128611\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003eData taken from our \u003ca href=\"/research/global-vpn-usage-statistics/\"\u003eGlobal VPN Usage Statistics\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the table below summarizes everything you can and can\u0026#8217;t do with a VPN:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"table-default\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: var(--green-70);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat you can do with a VPN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: var(--orange-70);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat you cannot do with a VPN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003eProtect yourself from traffic interception and Man-in-the-Middle attacks when using unsecured public WiFi networks.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003eProtect yourself from all forms of cyberattack, particularly those that trick you into downloading malware or disclosing personal information.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003eSpoof your location in order to unblock geo-restricted movies and TV shows, video games, or sport events that are not available in your geographic region.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003eHide your physical location from websites and applications that use WiFi Location Tracking. Most VPNs can’t spoof your device’s GPS location data, either.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003eMake it harder for ISPs, advertisers, schools, employers, and government agencies to monitor and record your browsing activity.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003eA VPN will not stop a determined entity from tracking you via cookies, fingerprinting, or behavior profiling, for example.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003ePrevent your ISP from throttling your connection while streaming, gaming and torrenting.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003eWatch Netflix, HBO Max, or any other streaming service for free.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003eAccess websites and material that’s censored by the government, or unblock websites at school and work.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003eHide your browsing activity from employers and school WiFi admins that use screen monitoring software.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003eBypass IP-based website bans.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003ePrevent your ISP from knowing your real IP address and location.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003eAvoid location-based price discrimination while shopping online.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003eAvoid price discrimination tactics that rely on tracking cookies or other forms of profiling based on browsing behavior.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003eGive remote employees reliable and secure access to sensitive files and resources on the company’s internal network.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003eBypass email- or account-based website bans.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you can do with a VPN\"\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-header=\"What you cannot do with a VPN\"\u003eHide how much data you are consuming from your ISP or cell phone carrier. A VPN will actually increase how much data you use.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"spacer\"\u003e\n","heading_settings":{"content":"Pros and Cons of Personal VPNs","level":2,"looks_like":2,"custom_id":""},"highlight_chapter":false,"type":"chapter"},{"__typename":"UT_Chapters_Type_DefaultChapter","chapter_jumplinks":{"label":"Useful Related Resources","show_jumplink":true},"content":"\u003cp\u003eIf you still have more questions about VPNs, you can find more in-depth answers in the guides listed below:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: none;\" data-guidelinks=\"30e22998ab7b\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n","heading_settings":{"content":"Useful Related Resources","level":2,"looks_like":2,"custom_id":"seeallguides"},"highlight_chapter":false,"type":"chapter"}],"colour_scheme":"B8C6FC","components_data":{"box_cta":[],"video":[{"type":"youtube","caption":"","id":"616d96aece5e54","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAKsN4LgrDY","poster_image":{"url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/06/What-is-a-VPN.jpg"},"mobile_poster_image":{"url":null},"mobile_url":"","show_schema":true,"description":"A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) is a piece of software that you can use on almost any of your internet-connected devices. When you have it turned on, it instantly encrypts your data, and hides all of your browsing activity from your ISP (plus any wannabe hackers or snoopers).","title":"What Is a VPN \u0026 How Does It Work? (Explained in 80 Seconds)","duration":80,"publish_date":"2019-11-06T00:00:00.000Z"},{"type":"youtube","caption":"","id":"626f28e30ceb0c","url":"https://youtu.be/CXUk5yOSx9k","poster_image":{"url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/11/what-is-a-vpn-top10vpn.webp"},"mobile_poster_image":{"url":null},"mobile_url":"","show_schema":true,"description":"What actually is a VPN? What do VPNs do? How do VPNs work? What are the limitations of a VPN? Do you need a VPN, and should you be spending money on one?\r\n\r\nWhen you're first getting started with VPNs there's a lot of questions that come to mind, and a lot of conflicting information. In this video Top10VPN's Site Editor Callum breaks the VPN basics down for you, quickly and simply.","title":" 2:00 / 3:51 What Is a VPN \u0026 Why Do You Need One?","duration":231,"publish_date":"2024-11-09T00:00:00.000Z"}],"guide_links":[{"title":"How Does a VPN Work?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/how-does-a-vpn-work/","image":{"alt":"How does a VPN work illustration","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/07/How-Does-a-VPN-Work.webp"}},{"title":"Different Types of VPN","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-types/","image":{"alt":"Illustration showing two people using different types of VPN","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/08/VPN-Types.jpg"}},{"title":"What Can You Do with a VPN?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/what-are-vpns-used-for/","image":{"alt":"What Is a VPN Used For?","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/05/What-Is-a-VPN-Used-For.jpg"}},{"title":"What Does a VPN Hide?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/what-does-a-vpn-hide/","image":{"alt":"How to hide your IP address","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/08/hide-ip-address.webp"}},{"title":"The Disadvantages of VPNs","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-disadvantages/","image":{"alt":"scales showing disadvantages of using a VPN","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/04/Disadvantages-of-VPN.jpg"}},{"title":"How Much Do VPNs Cost?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-cost/","image":{"alt":"illustration of a man purchasing a VPN from a computer screen that is designed like a vending machine","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2021/01/How-Much-Does-a-VPN-Cost.jpg"}},{"title":"Are VPNs Really Worth It?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/are-vpns-worth-it/","image":{"alt":"","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/10/are-vpns-worth-it.jpg"}},{"title":"What Is the Best VPN Protocol?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-protocols/","image":{"alt":"illustration of a man putting a message into a secure network of pipes, protecting it from the unprotected data outside of the pipes","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/03/VPN-encryption-protocols-hero.png"}},{"title":"What Are VPN Logging Policies?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-logs/","image":{"alt":"An illustration of a man being watched by his device","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2019/10/1.png"}},{"title":"VPN Leaks Explained","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-leaks/","image":{"alt":"Header iillustration for What are VPN Leaks and How Do You Fix Them? guide","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2023/06/does-a-vpn-slow-down-internet.jpg"}},{"title":"Are VPNs Legal?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/are-vpns-legal/","image":{"alt":"World map of where VPNs are illegal or restricted","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2024/09/VPN-map1.webp"}},{"title":"How VPN Jurisdictions Affect You","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/vpn-jurisdictions/","image":{"alt":"A man runs through five spotlights representing the five eyes alliance.","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/02/Five-Eyes-Surveillance.png"}},{"title":"Do VPNs Use More Mobile Data?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/does-vpn-use-data/","image":{"alt":"illustration of a VPN protecting the mobile data usage on a smartphone","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/12/does-vpn-use-data.jpg"}},{"title":"Are Virtual Server Locations Safe?","url":"/what-is-a-vpn/virtual-server-locations/","image":{"alt":"vpn, dns, and proxy servers","url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2020/06/vpn-servers-explained.jpg"}}],"hub_cards":null,"tableSheets":[],"collapsible_content":null,"why_trust_us":{"title":"Why Trust Us?","content":"\u003cp\u003eWe’re fully independent and have been reviewing VPNs since 2016. Our advice is based on our own testing results and is unaffected by financial incentives. Learn \u003ca href=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/about/\"\u003ewho we are\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://www.top10vpn.com/about/how-we-review-vpns/\"\u003ehow we test VPNs\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","show_stats":false,"stats":[{"name":"VPNs Tested","value":"73"},{"name":"Total Hours of Testing","value":"30,000+"},{"name":"Combined Years of Experience","value":"50+"}]}},"external_utils":{"load_hotjar":false,"load_oim":false,"oim_campaign":"","oim_campaign_mobile":""},"intro_chapter":{"heading":"","content":"\u003cdiv style=\"display: none;\" data-videoph=\"626f28e30ceb0c\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"spacer\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVPN software works by encrypting your web traffic and rerouting it through a remote server before reaching your desired website, service, or application.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several different types of virtual private networks but by far the most common are personal VPNs, which anyone can use on their devices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this beginner\u0026#8217;s guide to VPNs, we\u0026#8217;ll explain how they work, the different types of VPN configurations, the benefits and limitations of using a personal VPN.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-why-trust-us-stats=\"\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n","chapter_jumplinks":{"label":"","show_jumplink":false}},"main_image":{"show_image":false,"image":{"url":"https://www.top10vpn.com/images/2022/09/how-to-change-location-header-image.jpg","alt":"How to change your location with a VPN","width":1180,"height":800}},"references":"","related_articles":[],"title":"What Is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?","tldr":{"heading":"Overview","content":"\u003cp\u003eA \u003cb\u003eVirtual Private Network (VPN)\u003c/b\u003e is software that establishes an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, hiding your real geolocation from the websites and applications you use. 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