Virtual Private Networks (VPN) was introduced in 1996 and has grown in importance since then. In an age where digital privacy and security are necessary, the use of VPNs has become a very important foundation of online safety.
This is primarily true for Android users, as for iPhone users; iPhones have been at the front line of mobile technology and, therefore should have some kind of resistance.
But why use a VPN on an iPhone? The answer to this is critical to guarantee uncompromised privacy, and invulnerable security in the global digital world we find ourselves in today.
In this article, we will talk about the pros and cons of mobile VPN apps and the best practices that can help you sail this critical aspect of present-day mobile connectivity.
Table of Contents
Pros of Mobile VPN Apps
Below is a list of the pros of mobile VPN apps:
- Avoid Bandwidth Throttling
- Hides your private information
- Advanced security features
- Network scalability
- Preventing price discrimination.
1. Avoid Bandwidth Throttling
Bandwidth throttling consists of the intentional limitation of the communication speed.
It occurs when Internet service providers intentionally slow down customers’ service to limit the total amount of bandwidth consumed, hence reducing Internet speed on certain websites.
VPN can help avoid Bandwidth Throttling by encrypting your device’s internet traffic.
2. Hides your private information
VPN prevents web browsers from accessing your private information, it does this by routing all your data traffic through an encrypted virtual tunnel thereby changing your IP address whenever you use web browsers.
3. Advanced security features
Some websites keep track of all your online activities, they can attack you with ads based on the information they get. VPN ensures a smooth and safe browsing experience without disturbing ads popping up every time.
4. Network scalability
VPN can be used to scale or expand an organization’s network without much cost. An organization can use a VPN server to provide access to all its employees and remote workers.
5. Preventing price discrimination
Most shopping sites offer prices based on location resulting in some people being charged higher than others. With a VPN, you can prevent this, you just have to log in to your foreign VPN server and compare prices.
Cons of Mobile VPN Apps
Below is a list of the cons of mobile VPN apps:
- Slower Internet speeds
- Good VPNs cost money
- Certain Websites block VPN users
- VPNs increase your data usage.
1. Slower internet speeds
One disadvantage of using a VPN is that it slows internet speed. This occurs due to an encrypted connection (between your device and a website).
This connection allows data to be sent back and forth, which increases the time it takes for you to access the website.
2. Good VPNs cost money
There are several VPNs to use, both free and paid ones. It’s important to note that a free VPN will not give you as many benefits as a paid VPN.
Paid VPN servers have a better and more secure connection, so it is advisable to make use of paid VPN.
3. Certain websites block VPN users
Some websites like Netflix restrict VPN users from accessing their sites. One might log in to a VPN server in order to watch Netflix movies that are unavailable in their country, causing Netflix to restrict VPN users.
4. VPNs Increase Your Data Usage
Another disadvantage of using a VPN is that it consumes excess data because the data is encrypted through the VPN server. This means that if you have a data cap, you might reach it sooner than expected.
Best Practices for Using Mobile VPN Apps
Below are some of the Best practices for using Mobile VPN apps:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider
- Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication
- Keep your VPN app up to date
- Only connect to trusted VPN servers
- Turn on your VPN whenever you are using public Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
After you have read the article above, you’ll get to understand that VPN has both upside and downside, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on the VPN to use.
