VPNs are often pitched as a one-stop solution for protection on the internet. From privacy to security, and even access across geographical regions, it is true that the best VPN services can offer many benefits. However, there is a lot more nuance to what a VPN actually does, and more specifically, what it doesn’t.
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are powerful tools. They create a fully encrypted tunnel between your devices, like phones or laptops. Choosing the right VPN service can prevent anyone from snooping on you at home or when using public Wi-Fi. However, if you’ve assumed that your VPN makes you completely anonymous or immune to internet tracking, it’s time to take a closer look at some common VPN myths.
1. VPNs Make You Completely Anonymous
VPNs do hide your IP address from the sites you visit, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Your browser has its own fingerprint, and so does your device. Cookies and even your login habits can still identify you. For example, if you’ve logged into your email or social media account using a VPN, those platforms still know it’s you.
Being completely anonymous on the internet requires a multilayered approach. This includes using privacy-focused browsers, disabling third-party cookies, avoiding logging in with your personal email ID, and even using tools like Tor for rerouting your traffic. A VPN contributes to anonymity, but it’s not guaranteed.
2. VPNs Can Bypass Every Geo-Block
Accessing a streaming service from another country is one of the VPN’s most popular use cases. Whether you’re an expat watching shows from back home, a traveler looking to keep up with your favorite series, or a movie aficionado exploring international content, it’s a popular function. However, it doesn’t always work as expected. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer are known to actively detect and block known VPN IP addresses.
So, you might connect with a VPN service and still be unable to access the content. In these cases, a Smart DNS proxy usually fares better at bypassing region restrictions since it only routes the DNS portion of the connection and uses less obvious IP addresses to mask your location.
3. VPNs Protect You From Malware
While a VPN is a great first step to protecting your identity on the internet and encrypting data in transit, it does nothing to protect against malware. If you click a link, download a file, or visit a compromised website, your VPN doesn’t scan that content or block it for threats.
For malware protection, you’ll need dedicated antivirus software, email filters, and smarter browsing habits. Some VPNs bundle basic malware blocking or ad tracking prevention, but these features are usually limited and are not the VPN’s core function. They may even require the installation of additional software on your computer, in which case, a dedicated antivirus will usually do a better job at keeping you protected.
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4. VPNs Can Speed Up Your Internet Connection
It’s a common misconception that a VPN can boost your internet speed. A VPN can often slow your connection because the internet is being routed through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server. This adds latency and reduces download speeds, especially if the server is far from your physical location, under a heavy load, or has a slow internet connection.
Some, but not all, VPN providers invest in high-speed infrastructure and offer features like split tunneling that allow you to choose which traffic routes through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which traffic accesses the internet through your regular connection. Some VPN providers may also offer servers that are specifically optimized for streaming and gaming. These servers may have a negligible impact on your internet speeds. However, as a rule, don’t expect your internet speeds to improve. In most cases, you will see a slight drop in speeds when connected over a VPN. Check out the fastest VPNs we’ve tested for the services that have the least impact.
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5. VPNs Function the Same on All Devices
It’s easy to assume that once you’ve installed a VPN on one device that you will have a similar experience on all other devices on your network. But that’s rarely the case. VPN apps and services are restricted to the level of control each operating system offers, and the feature set can vary dramatically. Desktop apps usually offer the most features, including the ability to select protocols, split tunneling, custom DNS options, and kill switches that disable the internet when your VPN connection drops. Not all of those options are available on mobile, smart TVs, or game consoles.
For example, when using a VPN on an iPhone, the iOS operating system restricts how apps can create and manage VPN tunnels, which can limit certain protocols or interfere with background activity. Similarly, VPN behavior can be inconsistent on Android devices where battery-saving measures might kick in and shut down background connections. It is always worthwhile keeping a tab on your operating system’s menu bar or settings toggles to ensure that the VPN is actually on.
Many streaming boxes or gaming consoles also do not allow you to install VPN apps at all. In this case, it might be a good idea to install the VPN at the router level or use a Smart DNS service.
Understanding how VPNs work on individual platforms and using best practices is key to avoiding data leaks or unexpected disconnections.
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6. VPNs Don’t Impact Battery Life
While the impact might seem minimal at first glance, an always-on VPN does drain your laptop or phone’s battery faster. This might be immaterial on a home computer or when installed on a router, but it can mean the difference between all-day battery life and reaching for a charger early.
The extra impact on battery life comes from two sources. First, the encryption and decryption process required to keep your internet traffic secure works your device’s processor extra hard. Second, a VPN keeps your device continuously connected to a remote server, even when idle. This persistent connection keeps your laptop or smartphone in an awake state, polling for network activity, which burns more battery life.
The choice of network protocol can also impact your battery life. For example, OpenVPN is known for strong security but can be more resource-intensive. WireGuard, on the other hand, is more efficient due to its use of modern cryptography.
7. Free VPNs Are Just as Good as Premium VPN Services
There’s no shortage of free VPN apps promising instant security and protection on the internet. At first glance, these might seem like a great deal. But there’s a reason premium VPN services charge a subscription fee. Maintaining fast, secure, and reliable servers across the world costs money. When you’re not paying for the product, you are the product, and when it comes to a service that is responsible for securely transmitting your data, that is doubly true.
Many free VPNs come with trade-offs (limited bandwidth or throttled speeds), which can make tasks like streaming or downloading large files frustrating. Others might restrict you to a select few, crowded servers. Worse, free VPN services might inject ads into web pages, log your activity, or sell your browsing history and data to third parties.
If your goal is security, consistent speeds, and real privacy, a paid VPN service is almost always the safer, more reliable choice.
About Dhruv Bhutani
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