Protecting your privacy online is paramount these days, considering the dramatic increase in doxing, data breaches and cyberattacks.
VPN is one of the most effective ways to stay anonymous while connected to the Internet, thanks to its ability to encrypt your traffic and redirect it through secure, private servers.
Although it sounds like a hassle, the entire process is automated and happens in the blink of an eye, so even non-tech-savvy users can benefit from VPN’s anonymization capabilities without prior experience with similar products.
Considering its outstanding efficacy, people are wondering if they should leave their VPN on at all times. Although we’re more inclined to say ‘Yes,’ reality is a bit more complicated than that.
Always leaving your VPN on should be alright for the most part, but in some situations it might benefit you more to temporarily disable it.
VPN keeps you safe
If you travel a lot, chances are you bring Internet-enabled devices along for the trip, which means you’re prone to go through several Wi-Fi networks. Using public Wi-Fi networks is not inherently wrong, but most offer no security, making them sitting ducks for potential cybercriminals.
Wireless devices are usually designed to automatically connect to any available network, which puts you at risk. However, thanks to its traffic redirection and encryption abilities, a VPN can help you dodge cybercriminals while connected to a public, unsecured Wi-Fi network.
Keeping your VPN always enabled can give you some peace of mind since you won’t have to make sure it’s on every time you switch networks.
However, traveling is not the only scenario where keeping your VPN enabled by default can come in handy. It can also help you enhance your online shopping experience, stream media on various platforms, access geo-blocked content, and bypass ISP throttling.
Modern solutions such as Bitdefender VPN also integrate built-in Internet kill switches that can help you prevent accidental data leaks that may occur if the VPN connection temporarily drops.
VPN could slow your connection
Although VPNs are a great way to counter privacy violations, they have some drawbacks, and one of them is slowing down your connection. This can happen because VPNs redirect your traffic through remote servers, which can cause delays - the farther the servers are, the longer the delay.
Let’s assume a fiber-optic network: in this scenario, latency refers to the time it takes light to travel through the network. This latency increases over the distance traveled. Considering that the speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second, the latency is 3.33 microseconds for every kilometer covered.
Considering the refractive index of the fiber cable, it makes sense to say that light travels slower in it, which brings the latency up to 4.9 microseconds per kilometer. Not all network infrastructures are based on fiber optics, so it’s safe to assume that connecting to a distant VPN server can affect your connection speed even more than our hypothetical scenario.
Encryption also strains your connection in a similar way; using stronger encryption will trigger a slower response from the network. However, it’s a small price to pay for privacy.
The other drawback of keeping your VPN on all the time is that it can drain your device’s battery faster. This won’t matter for desktop PC users, but laptop and mobile users may have to decide if the costs outweigh the benefits.
If you’re on a trusted network (say, at home) and need a speed boost or to preserve battery life, turning off your VPN temporarily shouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure you’re in a safe environment before you do so.
VPN can be kept on all the time
To sum it up, keeping your VPN on all the time is not only perfectly safe but actually recommended. It can keep your online identity anonymous, protect you from attacks associated with unsecured public Wi-Fi networks and help you bypass various artificial restrictions.
However, it may also slow down your connection and drain your device’s battery faster, which may make you want to temporarily turn it off. If you do, first consider the security and privacy risks you could expose yourself to.
FAQs
Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Always use a VPN when you go online.
Is there a downside to always using a VPN? ›
While VPNs have a lot of perks, there are potential downsides, too. A VPN can reduce internet speed and increase latency, which slows down online activities. Using a VPN can get your accounts blocked by social media sites for suspicious activity.
Is it okay to use a VPN on 24/7? ›
Yes, you should keep your VPN on whenever you're online.
Should you disconnect a VPN when not in use? ›
While we recommend leaving your VPN active all the time, there are some cases that warrant turning it off temporarily. Just remember turning off your VPN comes with security risks, so be sure to turn it back on as soon as possible.
Should VPN be on or off on my phone? ›
Yes, You Should! A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that provides a secure Internet connection by using private servers in remote locations.
Is it OK to leave my VPN on all the time? ›
Should I leave my VPN on all the time? Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers.
Does running a VPN slow down internet? ›
A VPN will slow down your internet connection. With a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network), that slowdown should be unnoticeable. But no matter whether it is paid or free, a VPN will slow down your connection because it needs some of that bandwidth for encryption purposes. And without encryption, a VPN is just a VN.
Can I turn a VPN on and off? ›
Most VPNs come with a software program or app from which you can manage the VPN. If you're using a Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS VPN, simply launch the VPN software and click, tap, or toggle the same button you used to enable it. The button might read Disconnect, Turn Off, or Stop, or it might just be a power icon.
Do you need a VPN on home Wi-Fi? ›
For safe home network
While many believe their home Wi-Fi is inherently secure, vulnerabilities can expose devices and personal data to cyber threats, including unreliable neighbors attempting to access your Wi-Fi. Also, a VPN can protect your smart devices.
Why do people disable VPN? ›
Some reasons you might turn your VPN off
Most are because sites actively block, or have policies against, VPNs. Turning off your VPN could also help diagnose some network issues. And if you're traveling to a country where VPN use is illegal or regulated, turning your VPN off could help keep you out of trouble.
You can enjoy VPN protection even without Wi-Fi as long as you are connected to the internet. To establish an internet connection, use alternative means like mobile data or an Ethernet cable. Let's take a look at the different connection options and their trade-offs.
Does using a VPN drain battery? ›
A VPN can drain your device's battery quicker due to the additional computational processes, data routing, and constant connectivity it demands. While the added security and privacy benefits are valuable, it's essential to be mindful of these factors, especially on mobile devices with limited battery life.
Should I use VPN on cellular network? ›
Using a VPN on mobile data does come with certain advantages, for example, it allows you to bypass ISP throttling, keeps you safe online, and masks your browsing history from your ISP – all of this when away from home.
Does having a VPN do anything bad to your phone? ›
Yes, VPNs, or “virtual private networks,” can be used safely on phones, but there are risks if you don't choose a good, reliable VPN service. VPNs add an extra layer of security to your internet, so it makes sense that you would want one on your phone.
How do you know if your VPN is really working? ›
How do I check if a VPN is working? Visit websites such as WhatIsMyIP or IPLocation to see your original IP address. After connecting to a VPN, revisit the IP address checking website to recheck your IP address. The VPN works if the displayed IP address differs from your original IP address.
Are VPNs worth it in 2024? ›
See our Terms of Use for details. Learn about the benefits of using a VPN and how to choose the right one for your business needs. Yes, virtual private networks are worth it. In today's digital age, it's become increasingly important to protect online data.
Does VPN slow down the internet? ›
A VPN will slow down your internet connection. With a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network), that slowdown should be unnoticeable. But no matter whether it is paid or free, a VPN will slow down your connection because it needs some of that bandwidth for encryption purposes. And without encryption, a VPN is just a VN.
What are the dangers of not using a VPN? ›
Governments, advertisers, and hackers can sometimes try to monitor your web browsing history. Without a virtual private network (VPN), your internet service provider (ISP) may record your online activity and sell it to the highest bidder.
Can you turn a VPN on and off? ›
Most VPNs come with a software program or app from which you can manage the VPN. If you're using a Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS VPN, simply launch the VPN software and click, tap, or toggle the same button you used to enable it. The button might read Disconnect, Turn Off, or Stop, or it might just be a power icon.
