No matter if you rock the latest iPhone or AndroidA big question that comes up is, “Do I need a VPN for my phone?” Phones are our everyday companions, helping us communicate with friends and family, access information in a split second, and get us down a rabbit hole of social media -Losing contributions.
With Apple to stop With over $2 billion worth of App Store fraud transactions and built-in security features like Samsung Knox for Galaxy smartphones, our phones are surely safe, right?
Not exactly.
Out of Bugs that allow hackers to take over smartphones No matter how easy it is to steal private information over public Wi-Fi networks, people are increasingly conscious of security when using smartphones.
This is where the best VPNs can be helpful, but is it worth using? Let’s go over the pros and cons of using a VPN on your phone.
Destructible speed of light
Do you need a VPN on your phone?
Although this is not strictly necessary, it is highly recommended. The main purpose of a VPN is to protect your privacy online and prevent advertisers, threat actors, and internet service providers (ISPs) from tracking, collecting, and selling your data. Many use their phones to browse, shop, and scroll social media, and this information can be used against you if used maliciously.
A VPN can obscure your location and make you a complete nobody (in a good way). Even better, these best VPNs have advanced smartphone security tools that can keep trackers, ads, and malicious threats at bay.
As with any device, it’s worth investing in a VPN service that you can also use on your phone. You’ll find that many services also have apps designed specifically for mobile phones, making them easy to use.
Benefits of using a VPN on your phone
Here are some ways a VPN can improve the way you use your phone:
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Complete anonymity: A VPN encrypts your data and hides your real IP address. It makes it extremely difficult for anyone to spy on your browsing activity – and that’s an important factor for those who use their phone as a focal point for everyday activities.
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Public safety: We’ve all used free public Wi-Fi to reduce our data usage, but threat actors can exploit unsuspecting users on these networks. Personal information is available, but when that data is encrypted over a VPN, all a hacker sees is complete nonsense.
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Streaming without limits: Constantly on the move as you slog through the latest TV show obsession? Smartphones have become a great way to stream content, especially while traveling. Well, VPNs can deliver even more Content as they can bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, allowing you to watch the latest content in the US, UK, Japan and virtually anywhere in the world.
Disadvantages of using a VPN on your phone
Note that VPNs on phones also come with some disadvantages:
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Slow speeds: Because a VPN connects to a server in another location, your smartphone’s internet speed may decrease. Depending on the VPN service you use, especially free VPNs, this can result in long loading times and constant buffering when streaming. If you use one of the major VPN platforms, e.g NordVPN or ExpressVPNIf you connect to a server location near you, these slower speeds are barely noticeable.
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Discharges the battery: Like most apps, a VPN can drain your smartphone’s battery. Although these VPN apps are not particularly demanding, having a VPN on all day can easily affect battery life.
Not foolproof
VPNs are a great way to improve your phone’s privacy and security online, but they don’t offer risk-free protection. Online scams, malicious apps and shady websites are still a problem, so it’s worth staying on guard even if you have a VPN connection.