VPNs are used for many reasons but all reasons fall under the same tree; safely connecting your device to the Internet and other devices around the world. A Virtual Private Network (or VPN) allows you to create an encrypted connection to another network over the internet. It was originally just a way to connect business networks together securely over the internet. Or allow you to access a business network from home.

VPNs are actually undervalued. Most people don’t know what a VPN is and what it can be used for. This article will show you six of the most underrated VPN uses.

VPNs use tunneling protocols so they can encrypt data at the sending end and decrypt it at the receiving end. Theses protocols ensure an appropriate level of security to connected systems when the primary network infrastructure alone cannot provide it.

A VPN effectively hides details of communications from being visible to others. It creates a digital tunnel through which your connection to the internet is routed, stopping snooping eyes from seeing your data.

When you surf the web while connected to a VPN, your computer or smartphone contacts the website through the encrypted VPN connection. The VPN forwards the request for you and brings the response from the website back through the secure connection. This way, nobody in-between can snoop in on what you’re doing online.

1. Avoiding ISP tracking and throttling

As their name suggests, your Internet service provider gets the Internet on your device. This means that it can access personal information such as your IP address, location, browsing history, download history and so on. When using a VPN, it masks/hides these personal details and temporarily gives you a new identity.

Sometimes when you play online games or watch streaming videos, you might see a lot of buffering and a general slow down of the Internet. This may be because of Javascript issues, unoptimized images on the website, unclean code, or too many ads. But most of the times is due to data throttling done by the ISP.

2. Watching streaming media and bypass content restrictions

When using a VPN, you will connect to a server in the cloud which can be anywhere in the world. This changes your IP address that’s visible from the Internet. It allows you to access your favorite TV shows, movies, and other blocked content right on your device, wherever you are in the world.

You just have to select the correct country or region where the content is not restricted and connect the VPN to a server there.

3. Protecting your data on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks 

Unsecured public networks attract hackers who can get a hold of users’ private information. A VPN provides encryption that secures your online activities. It also stops malware from one laptop connected to the same server/router from finding its way to your device.

4. Avoid being tracked by websites

Websites you visit use tracking tools (such as cookies) to understand your browsing patterns and profile you. With a VPN, you can avoid tracking because you are given a virtual IP, which changes upon your next connection.

5. Anonymous Browsing, Downloads and Torrenting

Any sort of download initiated by your device leaves a digital footprint online, even if you decide to sell your phone or wipe its memory clean. The website you downloaded that song or video from knows your IP address and location.

When using a VPN, you can securely torrent and download files with little or no trace. A good VPN service will hide your actual location, letting you use the Internet without ever leaving a trace.

6. Combine multiple internet connections simultaneously

You didn’t know this one, right? However, it’s true, but not with all VPNs. A bonding VPN like Speedify allows you to use all available internet connections at once. This solves the slow VPN issue and provides you a fast, stable and secure Internet connection. Naturally, you will benefit of all the other VPN perks. So, Speedify gives you both security and speed for your online activities.