Looking at the number of data theft incidents, the fear of personal data getting compromised and tracked online is becoming a reality. This is why, in such chaos, VPNs pose as the ultimate measure of online security.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a tool that helps stay anonymous online. It masks the IP address and replaces it with a unique IP address corresponding to your connected server. The concept of a Virtual Private Network is designed to put you at an advantage when you are online. But is it fulfilling the purpose properly? As they say, every angel has an evil side, and VPN is no different.
There are multiple advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN. In this post, we will address all of them! Spending no more time, let’s cut to the chase!
Understanding VPNs – How it Works?
The introduction might have given you a brief idea about the VPN and its benefits of masking IP addresses & making the user and its information unrecognizable by hackers. In simple words, a Virtual Private Network works as an intermediary between your machine and the website’s server.
Let’s examine how it works as a mediator and secures your connection.
The IP address is an assigned value used by websites and online applications to identify your current location, device information, and any other specific data you have permitted the website to access. Usually, to give you a personalized experience, the website or server gains access to your data. However, things get complicated when third-party organizations take advantage of that data or sell it on the black market. Therefore, to avoid a direct connection between your data and the website (or any online space), your IP address must be kept from being exposed. And that is exactly what a VPN is about.
It masks your original IP address by connecting you to a different server first, which changes your location and device information. Now that your information is changed, the website gets a masked pool of information that can not harm you directly.
This is how VPN works on a base level and creates an encrypted tunnel to transmit tunnel. So far, so good.
Well, the way Virtual Private Network works and protects data is great. However, it, too, has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages & Disadvantages of VPN – Weighing the Scale Neutrally!
The entire concept of creating a Virtual Private Network as a service revolves around providing benefits to the user. Let’s begin with the Advantages of Using a VPN.
Core Advantages of Using a VPN
1. Reduces Bandwidth Throttling
Bandwidth throttling is common around the world. A different bandwidth limit is required to access a particular website or application. And as your ISP can track your online activity, it throttles that bandwidth per that requirement. 
It directly reflects on the speed of your connection coming from the ISP. However, using a VPN removes the access of ISP on your activity, which means the bandwidth is seamlessly uniform across all the benefits, which constitutes a better online experience.
2. Remote Connectivity Protection
Remote working is the new normal. Thanks to remote culture and connectivity, you can join any organization worldwide. However, when working remotely, you have intruders and hackers waiting to grasp information from your PC.
When working with an organization, you might have to share your credentials and online activity with them, or there can be a possible activity tracking mechanism on your device. It might expose your personal information very easily.
Thanks to VPN, you can avoid giving all of it away. It masks your activities completely and hides them from your employer too. At the same time, if you are an employer, you can provide a dedicated VPN that your employee uses specifically for work purposes, adding an extra layer of security to the remote nature of connectivity.
3. Access to Blocked/Restricted Websites
The idea of the internet is truly liberating. But then, some countries and governments block or restrict access to a few websites due to either conflict of interests or their online censorship policies. In both cases, the purpose of liberating a community is defeated. 
A VPN allows you to mask your current region and choose a server from where the desired content/website can be accessed. It keeps your online freedom alive. However, you need a Virtual Private Network with strong encryption and enough infrastructure to support the vision.
4. Reduces Data Breaches & Cyber Threats
Using a VPN can be one of the strongest soldiers in your army in fighting the threat of cyber crimes and data breaches. As shared earlier, a VPN creates a mediator between the internet and your computer. It creates an environment where the request is bounced to a completely different location, even if an intruder is trying to fetch your personal information. 
Also, some VPN services, like the Systweak VPN, have an integral kill switch that disconnects you from the web if there is no internet connectivity. This means even when your Virtual Private Network service provider lacks connectivity for any reason, you can kill the connection instantly, and all your data is safe.
5. No Geographical Restrictions
Geographical restriction online refers to restrictions implied on accessing content from other countries, languages, or cultures. The streaming platforms usually imply these restrictions as the content requirements and content value varies from country to country or region to region.
A VPN allows you to open a new realm of content from all across the world. How? Let’s take the example of Systweak VPN, the leading name in VPN services. Using their strong and well-curated collection of servers, you can connect to any region and access the internet as a member.
You can even bypass Netflix’s server ban using this service! Tempting right?
While these advantages make using a VPN more desirable, there are still a lot of unexplored issues with the service.
Now that we have discussed the plus points Let’s move on and discuss the disadvantages that one might face while using a VPN. When it comes to using a VPN, there are a lot of risks involved considering if any of the security measures fail.
Some of the common disadvantages of using a VPN include the following –
1. VPNs are Illegal in Many Countries
Though the possibilities you can explore with the VPN are endless, a few countries still need to allow using a VPN. It is a guideline issue, and understandably, there are concerns related to VPN companies using user logs to exploit data and breach privacy issues.
If you are from those countries where laws related to VPNs are strict, do not try to download fake Virtual Private Network clients, as they are worse than using the internet without one. Instead, you can opt for a proxy. We also have a blog if you want to know the differences between VPN and Proxy.
If you are from a country that allows VPN use but is concerned about data logging, you can opt for Systweak VPN, a log-free VPN client that works superfine without hampering your privacy.
2. Cost of Subscription
Another disadvantage of using a VPN is the cost of the subscription. Sure, you can find free VPNs, but their play plan is to get you on board and sell you unnecessary advertisements in exchange for providing you with below-average services.
Paying for the service is the best option. The best you can do is find an appropriate provider that offers quality services at the best reasonable price. Systweak VPN offers the best servers and infrastructure for the bare minimum cost.
The only way to eliminate this disadvantage is to act smart and invest in the most value-for-money product.
3. Added Step to Connectivity
When you connect to the internet, it is as easy as simply booting your PC. It is done automatically, Especially if you use a LAN cable or Wi-Fi connection. It is practically always on! The experience of using a VPN can be an additional step you will have to add to your daily use.
Though it can never be a problem considering that taking a step for your privacy hardly matters, it surely is a disadvantage to adding a step to a simple user experience. Not forgetting to connect to a VPN might cost you a lot.
Final Takeaway – Should You Use a VPN?
Of course, YES!
There are more advantages to using a VPN than disadvantages. Another thing that comes out of the analysis is choosing an appropriate VPN service provider. As you might have understood, your VPN experience depends on your chosen service provider.
Systweak VPN is one of the best players to provide maximum advantages and minimize disadvantages. If you have had a bad prior experience with VPNs, I strongly recommend that you try the Systweak VPN, and if you are new and looking for a VPN, it should be the top name on your priority list.
All in all, using a VPN benefits every sort of user. Just go for it, and you will not regret it!
That brings us to the end of this blog. I hope you got your answers and viewpoint on the advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN. If you have any questions or concerns, please drop us a line in the comments section below.
Good Luck!
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