Is A VPN Necessary While Browsing The Internet In The UK?

Protect your online privacy and security with our informative website on why a VPN is necessary for browsing the internet in the UK.

VPNs have become an essential tool for tech-savvy users in recent years. From enhancing your online privacy to providing you with access to geo-restricted content, the benefits of a VPN are manifold.

A VPN is a tool that encrypts your internet data and converts it into random data until it reaches its destination. But the question arises: is a VPN necessary while browsing the internet in the UK?

According to bestVPN.co, it’s always a good idea to keep a premium VPN handy. It’s important to note that there are free and premium VPNs available in the market. However, for ultimate privacy and the best possible security, we only recommend paid VPN services.

Why Do You Need a VPN?

Let’s discuss some of the key points why we recommend using a VPN in the UK:

Protection While Using Public Wi-Fi Networks

When you intend to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, it’s nearly impossible to distinguish safe networks. It’s essentially a game of guessing, leaving you uncertain about which network might be exploited by malicious cybercriminals seeking to eavesdrop on your online actions.

These cybercriminals often employ deceptive network names resembling those of nearby retail stores or coffee shops to deceive users into connecting. Once connected, they subtly attack to intercept and monitor your sensitive information like credit card details, banking credentials, or usernames and passwords.

In such scenarios, a VPN service can serve as a shield against data snooping by establishing an encrypted tunnel, impervious to monitoring by anyone. While the method of encryption may vary between VPN services, the AES-256 protocol has become a standard benchmark for robust protection.

Safeguard your Home Network and Private Browsing

The likelihood of a man-in-the-middle attack occurring on a home network is considerably lower. It’s mainly due to the substantial effort required to breach and substitute an individual’s router. Your primary concern with your home network isn’t typically a hacker but rather your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Hence, getting a reliable VPN remains a meaningful choice, even when you’re using a home network. It’s important to note that there are still methods for online tracking, even when using a VPN

Therefore, we always recommend getting a premium VPN with the latest encryption protocols and a no-logging policy. We’ll provide you with two of the best VPNs to use in the UK later in this blog.

Access Geo-restricted Streaming Platforms

VPNs are valuable not just for securing personal information and privacy online but also for accessing content restricted by location. Consider Netflix, for example. Depending on your location, Netflix provides different sets of movies and shows due to licensing agreements.

If you’re in the UK, you might not be able to watch your favorite international shows available in other regions. And that is why connecting to a VPN is necessary if you want to access the whole Netflix library. The same applies to other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

The easy solution? VPNs.

When you use a VPN, your IP address changes, making it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from a different location. This easy trick allows you to unblock websites and services that might otherwise be restricted.

You can use a VPN to easily access these streaming services from anywhere in the world. For example, if you’re in the UK and want to watch Hotstar, a streaming service unavailable there, you can use a VPN to change your location. By changing your IP address and location you can access it from any country.

You just have to know which service you want to access and where it is available.

Best VPNs

Choosing the best VPN that fits your bill can be tricky. Hence, we have shortlisted the two best VPNs that offer sublime services. Although free VPNs are available, it’s important to note that some of them may have questionable data retention practices. Here are some of the top VPN options to consider:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN stands as the finest VPN provider in the market. Although it comes at a higher cost, it offers all the latest VPN features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, a Network Kill Switch, and a clear No-logging Policy.

With the help of AES 256-bit encryption, your data is always transferred as random numbers, which makes it harder for hackers to decode it. Whereas, the Kill Switch ensures that your IP address remains concealed in the event of a VPN connection interruption.

Moreover, ExpressVPN offers an audited No-logging Policy and doesn’t store your data. This user-friendly service provides apps for nearly all major operating systems. Not to mention, it’s super fast and ensures you get unlimited bandwidth.

Notably, ExpressVPN excels in offering a seamless streaming experience, effortlessly bypassing geo-blocks on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and other platforms.

2. NordVPN

If you’re a frequent torrent user, NordVPN is an excellent choice. It has special servers designed to support torrenting ensuring you have better online security. Additionally, NordVPN offers double-hop servers, adding an extra layer of protection.

With a wide server network of over 5,000 servers, NordVPN boasts impressive speeds. Its convenient browser extension allows you to use the VPN directly from your browser. NordVPN also offers smart apps and you can also install these directly on your desktop or mobile phones.

NordVPN includes a malware blocker, although it’s not a substitute for antivirus software. Moreover, it is priced more affordably compared to ExpressVPN.

Do You Really Need a VPN When Tor Exists?

The Onion router commonly known as Tor is a free network that helps you surf the internet anonymously. It means while you browse the internet you don’t need to reveal your identity. You can get the TOR extension from your browser.

Although it provides some online security by encrypting the traffic, by being free it can still affect your privacy. Mostly it is managed by volunteers who can potentially access your data at any time. It has gained fame as a choice for cybercriminals, drawing attention from government authorities.

However, Tor has certain limitations. It is not suitable for P2P connections. It is also notably slow, affecting the streaming experience. While Tor offers more security than an unprotected internet connection. But keep in mind that it falls short on many levels compared to a VPN. For optimal security, consider combining Tor with a VPN.

Final Thoughts

You might not always need a VPN, especially if you mainly use your home network. However, a VPN can still be useful even at home as it secures your data and allows access to restricted content.

If you frequently use public Wi-Fi, a VPN can prevent hackers from stealing your information. Considering the cost benefits, investing in a VPN for secure internet use, particularly on public networks or for accessing foreign content, is a sensible choice.

Keep in mind that you need to choose a VPN wisely and opt for a VPN that is recommended and tested by many experts.

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