Looking for cool things to do with a VPN? Or do you want some new and exciting ways to make the most of your VPN? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re an IT expert or a novice just starting out, there’s something for everyone.
From streaming your favorite shows in a different country to keeping your data secure and private, these are the top 7 cool things you can do with a VPN.
With a VPN, you can access the web with greater accessibility, security, and anonymity. Get ready to explore the world of VPNs and all the amazing possibilities they offer!
But first, what is a VPN?
Table of Contents
What Is A VPN?
A virtual private network, or VPN, is a secure online network that allows you to connect to any server worldwide.
VPNs are useful for many different things, but they’re most commonly used to access the internet through a different country.
This lets you access sites that might otherwise be blocked in your own country, or that you just can’t access.
A VPN also encrypts your data, keeping it secure and private. This is especially important when you’re using public WiFi, as anyone on the same network can see your data if it’s not secure.
VPNs are also helpful in keeping your data secure and private when you’re on public WiFi or traveling.
Your information can sometimes be less secure on open or public networks, so a VPN can help you stay safe when you’re on untrusted networks.
Nonetheless, VPNs can also help secure your data if you’re using public computers, such as at a library.
Hot VPN Deals
Atlas VPN
Surfshark
CyberGhost VPN
ExpressVPN
NordVPN
7 Cool Things You Can Do With A VPN
1. Stream Content from Anywhere
The ability to unblock geo-restricted content is one of the best reasons to use a VPN.
A VPN essentially tricks online streaming services into thinking that you’re located in the country where the content is available.
This means that if you connect to a VPN server in the US, you can watch US content, even if you’re currently living somewhere else.
This also applies to sports streaming websites that block certain countries, such as the MLB and NFL.
You can also use a VPN to switch between different streaming services.
You may have a Netflix account in the US, for example, but live in the UK and want to watch the BBC instead.
A VPN lets you access both of these services from anywhere in the world, so you can enjoy the content that’s most relevant to your location.
2. Access Blocked Websites
VPNs are also useful for accessing websites that might otherwise be blocked in your country.
For example, websites that promote terrorism and other dangerous topics are often blocked in many countries.
This is for good reason, but it also makes it difficult for researchers to access these sites or share their findings.
If you connect to a VPN server in another country, you can access blocked sites, no matter where you’re located. VPNs are useful in other situations, too.
Some countries have strict internet censorship, and they block certain websites that they don’t want their citizens to see.
In places like China, the government blocks certain social media networks, messaging apps, and news sites.
3. Protect Your Online Banking
One of the cool things to do with a VPN is online banking. Many banks now offer their services online, but this comes with a risk.
Your data, such as your account numbers and login information, can often be accessed by hackers or ISPs if they’re not encrypted.
A VPN protects your data by encrypting it, so it can’t be intercepted. This makes it much harder for bad actors to access your data.
Using a VPN while online banking will also help you stay anonymous and secure.
Banks often require you to enter information, such as your address and social security number, to verify your identity when logging in.
When you’re connected to a VPN, this information is fake, making it harder to track your identity.
4. Reduce Lag in Online Gaming
If you’re an online gamer, you might notice that your connection is slower when you’re playing online.
This is often called “lag” and happens when your connection is throttled by your ISP.
ISPs may limit your connection if they assume that you’re using too much data, or they may be trying to charge you more.
When you’re playing online games, the last thing you want is to be slowed down by your ISP.
A VPN will help keep your connection fast, even if you’re being throttled. This is because a VPN masks your IP address.
In essence, ISPs use your IP address to determine where you’re located, so they can throttle your connection or charge you more.
If your IP address is masked by a different IP address, your ISP won’t know that you’re playing a lot of games online, and they won’t throttle your connection.
5. Optimize Network Performance
Another good reason to use a VPN is to optimize the performance of your network.
This can help you stream content and download files much faster, as well as reduce your risk of data breaches.
If you want to make your network faster, you can connect your computer to a server in another country.
This will make your internet traffic appear as if it’s coming from that country, which can help you avoid slow networks, throttling, and blocks.
When connecting to a server in another country, you can choose the server that’s closest to you or one that you want to “spoof.”
If you’re trying to access content that’s blocked in your country, you can choose a server that’s in another country that doesn’t have the same restrictions.
6. Bypass Geoblocks
VPNs make it easy to bypass geo-blocks and access a wide variety of different services.
A geo-block is a block to certain content or services, depending on your location.
For example, if you try to watch the BBC from outside the UK, you might get a message saying that the content isn’t available in your country.
You can use a VPN to access these blocked services by connecting to a server in the country where the content is available.
This can also help you access other content, such as sporting events, that’s blocked in your country.
You can also use a VPN to bypass geo-blocks when shopping online.
Some websites will block you based on your location if they don’t think you’ll buy from them because you’re in a different country.
This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to buy a product that you’ve been waiting for.
By connecting to a server in another country, you can bypass these geo-blocks and buy what you want.
7. Hide Your IP Address
One of the cool things to do with a VPN is to hide your IP address like James Bond. An IP address is like a fingerprint for your computer or device. It tells servers where you are, so they know where to send you content.
This can be helpful, but it can also pose a security risk when you’re using public computers or connecting to unsecured networks.
Your IP address can be used to determine your approximate location, which can be helpful when traveling. It can also be used to track your online activity, and it can be used to access your computer remotely over the internet if you’re not careful.
When you use a VPN, it hides your real IP address and replaces it with the IP address of the server you’re connected to.
Hot VPN Deals
Atlas VPN
Surfshark
CyberGhost VPN
ExpressVPN
NordVPN
Cool Things You Can Do With A VPN: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do with a VPN?
A VPN offers a wide range of practical uses to enhance your online experience:
- Boost privacy and security: Encrypt your online activity, especially when using public Wi-Fi, and protect your data from hackers, trackers, and prying eyes. This prevents your sensitive information—like passwords and financial data—from being intercepted.
- Bypass geo-restrictions: Access content that may be blocked in your region, such as streaming services, websites, and online games. With a VPN, you can connect through servers in different countries to unlock these services.
- Protect yourself from censorship: In some regions, governments block access to certain websites or information. A VPN lets you bypass these restrictions to access the full internet.
- Secure your downloads: Download torrents and other files safely and anonymously. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to prevent your activity from being traced back to you.
- Enhance gaming experience: Reduce lag, lower ping, and access region-locked servers in online games, giving you a smoother gaming experience and broader multiplayer opportunities.
- Save money on online purchases: Some websites display different prices depending on your location. By connecting through a VPN server in another region, you can sometimes find lower prices on flights, hotels, subscriptions, and more.
Can you do anything with a VPN?
While a VPN is a powerful tool, it’s not a cure-all for internet issues. A VPN cannot:
- Increase your bandwidth: Your actual internet speed remains the same. In some cases, it might feel faster if your ISP throttles certain services, but a VPN does not provide extra bandwidth.
- Make you completely anonymous: While it hides your IP address, determined entities like law enforcement or major tech companies can still identify you if they have sufficient resources.
- Protect you from all malware: A VPN encrypts your traffic but does not stop viruses, phishing attacks, or other malware. You should continue using antivirus software and practice safe browsing habits.
Can I watch Netflix with a VPN?
Yes, you technically can, but there are caveats:
- Using a VPN to access Netflix content unavailable in your region violates their terms of service and could result in account restrictions.
- Netflix actively blocks many VPN servers, so you need a reliable VPN that regularly updates its server list to bypass geo-restrictions.
- Even with a VPN, streaming quality may vary depending on your connection and server location.
What can hackers do with a VPN?
A VPN can be misused if not chosen carefully:
- Hackers might exploit vulnerabilities in poorly secured VPN services to intercept or steal data.
- Always choose a reputable VPN provider with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and security audits to minimize the risk of exploitation.
- Remember, a VPN is a tool for protection, but selecting the wrong provider can expose you to the same risks you were trying to avoid.
Does a VPN give free data?
No. A VPN does not provide additional internet data. It uses your existing connection, which may consume extra bandwidth depending on your activities, such as streaming or downloading large files. Some VPN providers impose data limits on free or lower-tier plans, so you should check your plan details before heavy usage.
What should I watch with my VPN?
With a VPN, the possibilities are nearly endless:
- Movies and TV shows unavailable in your region: Access international content libraries on streaming platforms.
- Live sports events: Watch games and tournaments broadcast in other countries.
- Documentaries and educational content: Gain access to content blocked in your country for political or legal reasons.
Always use your VPN responsibly and ethically, respecting copyright laws and the terms of service of the platforms you access.
Conclusion
There you have them! The 7 cool things to do with a VPN.
The ability to unblock geo-restricted content is one of the best reasons to use a VPN. A VPN essentially tricks online streaming services into thinking that you’re located in the country where the content is available.
This means that if you connect to a VPN server in the US, you can access content that’s only available in the US.
Aside from unblocking geo-restricted content, using a VPN also helps protect your online security and privacy. It hides your real IP address and replaces it with the IP address of the server you’re connected to, so your online activities are hidden from prying eyes.
INTERESTING POSTS
About the Author:
Gina Lynch is a VPN expert and online privacy advocate who stands for the right to online freedom. She is highly knowledgeable in the field of cybersecurity, with years of experience in researching and writing about the topic. Gina is a strong advocate of digital privacy and strives to educate the public on the importance of keeping their data secure and private. She has become a trusted expert in the field and continues to share her knowledge and advice to help others protect their online identities.