What is a VPN?

The easiest way to check whether your VPN works is by performing an IP and DNS leak check. First, disconnect your VPN, perform the test, and check your IP. Then, connect to your VPN and do the same test again. If your VPN is working, your IP address should be different and no DNS leaks should be found.

If you want a more detailed description, check out this blog post for more ways to see if your VPN is working.

Device compatibility always depends on the VPN provider. Surfshark supports apps and plug-ins on most computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and consoles.

No logging means handling user data without keeping any logs or records of their online activity. In short, a no-logs VPN will not collect the following information about your internet activity:

• Your network traffic;
• Your browsing history;
• Your bandwidth information;
• Session information.

The short answer is yes — VPNs are legal in most countries. However, using a VPN for illegal activities is still against the law.

A VPN browser has a built-in VPN protocol that protects the user’s browser resources. Not everything that is advertised as a VPN browser is one; some are just privacy browsers.

In some cases, yes. If your ISP is bandwidth-throttling certain activities, like streaming or downloading, it may slow down your internet connection. They do this to regulate bandwidth usage and reduce congestion. A VPN hides your traffic so your ISP won’t know when to throttle you.

However, in most other cases, a VPN will not make your connection faster because it adds extra steps to your connection. By default, VPN protection may slow your connection, but it will hardly be noticeable.

The price of a VPN depends on the provider and the subscription period. Shorter subscriptions tend to be more expensive and are usually in the $12-15/month range. Longer subscriptions are much cheaper, so if you decide to go for a 2-year plan, you can get a top-tier VPN for as little as $2-4/month.

You can use a free VPN, but you shouldn’t. VPN services are expensive to maintain, so they all have to make money in one way or another. There are three ways to do this:

1. Setting up a subscription.
2. Bombarding the user with ads.
3. Collecting and selling the user’s information.

A “free” VPN often does numbers two and three simultaneously. So, be careful when choosing a VPN service provider!

Yes, a VPN is safe as long as the VPN provider is reputable and has its services verified by independent audits. Reliable VPNs tend to use industry-leading encryption algorithms and modern VPN protocols without known vulnerabilities to ensure a secure connection.

When not using a VPN, you are easier to track, the ISP can see your internet browsing history, and your data is easier to intercept.

If you want in-depth information, check out our article on why you should use a VPN.

ISPs and websites can monitor, log, and later sell the information connected to your browsing, e-shopping, and other habits. This data is valuable to advertisers and service providers because it reveals patterns in your actions, such as preferences, hobbies, and interests. They can later use this information to target you with personalized offers.

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It refers to a secure, encrypted connection established between your device and a server or network. It encrypts your internet traffic and safeguards your identity online, allowing you to access the internet more safely.