VPN Myths and Misconceptions You Should Stop Believing

January 8, 2025 By Nick Anderson No Comments 7 minutes

VPNs (virtual private networks) have become increasingly popular among internet users and companies worldwide. Offering a more secure connection to the World Wide Web, these services essentially create a middleman between you and the wider Internet. However, this service is often seen as something it is not.

Many believe that using a VPN makes it impossible for anyone to identify you online. Others believe that it masks any of your actions so that you can do anything from accessing sites offering games including popular pokies in restricted regions, to researching taboo topics. These beliefs have grown into an array of myths and misconceptions about VPNs.

Note: Free VPNs have minimal features and are not recommended for personal or professional usage. To ensure your data is private and secure, choose a reputable premium VPN like FastestVPN that offers modern features at highly competitive prices. 

To shed some light on the matter and settle some arguments, we’ve compiled a list of nine myths and misconceptions surrounding VPNs that you should stop believing before you use one. Understanding the truth behind these will help you get more out of using a VPN and ensure you aren’t lured into paying for one due to a false sense of security.

9 VPN Myths and Misconceptions to Stop Believing

Here are 9 common myths and misconceptions about VPNs, along with the reality behind them:

1. VPNs Fully Mask Your Identity

The most prominent misconception surrounding VPNs is that they can mask your identity from anybody and everybody. The ability to remain anonymous online is becoming increasingly popular among business and personal users. However, while VPNs can help reduce your digital footprint, they cannot eradicate it entirely.

Despite your IP address being masked and your data being encrypted, your ISP, certain websites, hackers, and even nation-state actors could technically decrypt this information. If this occurs, your info will become accessible even if you’re using a VPN. Therefore, never think that your actions are completely off the grid simply because you’re using a VPN.

2. Free VPNs Work the Same as Paid Options

Although it is difficult to justify paying for something that is also available for free, the myth that free VPNs are equal to paid options is not only untrue but also dangerous to believe. The best VPN providers spend millions of dollars ensuring their server locations are upgraded regularly and running at peak performance. They achieve this by charging customers for their services.

Free VPN providers, while good for users who are not too concerned about whether a VPN works correctly, don’t have the luxury of receiving subscription payments. Therefore, they have to make their money by inserting ads into your browsing, taking shortcuts, restricting your usage, or selling your information to third parties. For this reason, do not fully trust a free VPN service.

3. A VPN Will Make Your Connection Slower

Another common myth about VPNs is that they will slow your connection. While this can sometimes be true, a variety of factors need to be considered, so any blanket statements claiming this are false.

Things such as the way data is encrypted, where the server you’re connecting to is located, the quality of the VPN provider you’re using, and your own ISP (internet service provider) all play a part in determining your connection speed. If any of these factors encounters a problem, your connection speed will slow—although often not enough to make a marked difference.

4. VPNs Are Mainly Used by Criminals

The belief that VPNs are primarily used by criminals stems from the misconception that they mask your online activity and make you untraceable. While almost every online service can be (and probably is at some point) used by those seeking to commit crimes, millions of law-abiding internet users also use VPNs.

While use cases vary from person to person, the most common reasons people use a VPN include attempting to access region-specific content online, bypassing censorship in a country where the government enforces undue restrictions to information, or masking their information to retain some privacy. All these are valid reasons for using a VPN.

5. Using A VPN Is Illegal

Some countries, such as China, have severe limitations on VPN usage and limits on who can use a VPN and when. This is mostly due to each government’s efforts to censor information and restrict access to online services. In a handful of these countries, using a VPN is illegal. However, in most, it is only frowned upon.

However, the belief that using a VPN is illegal in most territories worldwide is flawed. Most countries, including the USA, Canada, and most European regions, allow the uninhibited use of VPNs. If you’re unsure, it is best to research the specific laws of the area you’re in.

6. There Is No Point to Using A VPN

Many believe that if you have nothing to hide, there is no point in using a VPN. This attitude is predicated on the belief that a VPN masks your activity but has no basis, as there are several other benefits that using a VPN achieves.

One of the most prominent benefits is that using a VPN helps mask your private information online by encrypting it and hiding it from prying eyes. In a world where this information can be used against you through identity theft or deepfakes, keeping this private provides an excellent reason to use a VPN.

7. A VPN Can Increase Your Connection Speed

While many believe that using a VPN will slow your connection speed, many also believe it can lead to faster connection speeds. Like slower speeds, faster speeds depend on a variety of factors.

Should the factors influencing your speed work in your favor, you can experience faster speeds than you achieve when not using a VPN. However, it should be noted that these will never exceed the posted speed offered by your ISP, as your provider limits your connection speed.

8. A VPN Protects Against Being Hacked

Since a VPN is security-minded and many use it to help keep their information safe, there is a widespread misconception that it acts as an antivirus and can help keep your computer safe against hackers. Those who believe this also see a VPN as a protector against malware and other harmful programs.

The truth is that a VPN often works only to encrypt your traffic to and from the Internet. Your VPN does not scan any downloads that you launch or files you open. These, if malicious, can damage your computer. A VPN also won’t protect against hackers—even if it may make it harder for them to determine your IP address.

9. A VPN No-Log Policy Protects Your Actions Online

Almost all VPN providers operate under a no-log policy. This legal document, often posted on the provider’s website, outlines its commitment to refrain from logging any information you may send or receive through one of its VPN servers. However, it is generally recommended to be skeptical about such policies.

While the largest VPN providers can be trusted to keep their word and not log your traffic, free providers and smaller providers seeking to increase their client base may not operate in the same manner. As a result, they could log your traffic for analytical or resell purposes.

Conclusion

VPNs are powerful tools that increase online security and privacy. However, myths and misconceptions can sometimes mislead users about their true potential. By debunking these claims, it is quite clear that VPNs are legal in almost every country and have features that protect your digital presence. By choosing a trustworthy provider and understanding the realistic features of a VPN, you can get the best online experience in streaming, protecting private data, or keeping your online identity secure.

[fastest-cta]