4 Reasons Why I Use A VPN (And Why You Should Too)

I’ll be real with you.
Most people hear “VPN” and think it’s only for hackers, tech bros, or some guy in a hoodie trying to access anime at 2am.

But here’s the truth.
If you use the internet in 2025 — phone, laptop, tablet, whatever — there’s a good chance you already need a VPN without knowing it.

And yes… I didn’t believe it either.
Until I started using a VPN daily and realised how much I’d been exposing myself online.

So today, I’ll break down the VPN benefits that actually matter, why I use it, and why you should use a VPN for online safety too.

What Is a VPN?

A VPN is basically software that reroutes your internet connection through another computer (a server) in another country.
When this happens:

• Your IP address changes
• Your online activity becomes harder to trace
• You can access blocked or geo-restricted content
• You browse with more privacy and less tracking

Think of it as putting your internet inside a secure tunnel.
Nobody outside the tunnel knows what you’re doing — not your ISP, not the café Wi-Fi owner, not even the government (to an extent).

And before you ask — yes, paid VPNs are far better than free ones.
Free VPNs often track you.
Paid VPNs don’t need to.

I personally use Surfshark because it’s cheaper than ExpressVPN or NordVPN, and it lets me connect unlimited devices… even my smart TV.

4 Reasons Why I Use a VPN (And You Should Too)

1. I Use a VPN to Play Online Games Without Restrictions

If you’ve ever been in school, college, hostels, or offices that block gaming platforms, you know the pain.

One day you’re trying to log into PUBG…
Next thing you see: “Access Denied.”

A VPN fixes that.
It changes your IP address and makes it look like you’re browsing from a different location where the game isn’t blocked.

Does it reduce speed sometimes?
Yes.
Does it still help when you need it?
Absolutely.

2. I Use a VPN to Access Geo-Restricted Content (Especially Anime)

Let me be honest.
I watch a lot of anime on Netflix.

But one day I realised some shows weren’t available in my country.
Example: Attack on Titan only available in Japan.

So what did I do?
I connected my VPN to a server in Japan.
Netflix thought I was a Japanese viewer, and boom — every locked title appeared instantly.

This also works for:

• Blocked websites
• Government-restricted pages
• News sites
• Streaming platforms

Just note: streaming platforms are cracking down on VPNs, so you need a reliable paid one.

3. I Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi — Always

Public Wi-Fi is the easiest way to get hacked.

Airports.
Hotels.
Cafés.
Schools.

Anyone can snoop on your activity.

Whenever I’m travelling or working from a hotel, I switch on my VPN instantly. It encrypts my data so no one sees what I’m doing.

Important:
Yes, your VPN provider can technically see your traffic once it leaves the VPN server.
But reputable VPNs claim not to keep logs — which is why I avoid free ones.

4. I Use a VPN to Save Money on Online Purchases

This one surprised me the most.

Many websites — especially airlines — use dynamic pricing.
Meaning:
Your location changes the price.

Example:
Ticket from Ghana → UK might cost more when you browse from Ghana than when you browse from India.

With a VPN, you can test multiple countries and pick the cheapest option.

I’ve saved money on:

• Flight tickets
• Subscriptions
• Online courses
• Software tools

Not bad for a simple app.

When You Should NOT Use a VPN

Even though I love VPNs, there are moments you shouldn’t use them.

• Banking apps might block your login
• PlayStation, HBO, and other platforms may ban accounts using VPNs
• Your internet speed slows down depending on server distance
• Downloading/uploading large files becomes slower

So don’t treat a VPN like a magic tool you use 24/7.
Use it smartly.

FAQs

1. Is it legal to use a VPN?

Yes — in most countries. But using it to break laws is still illegal.

2. Is a free VPN safe?

Not really. Free VPNs often track and sell your data.

3. Will a VPN stop hackers?

It won’t make you invincible, but it protects you on public Wi-Fi and reduces tracking.

4. Will a VPN speed up my internet?

No. It usually slows it down slightly.

5. Can I use one VPN on many devices?

Depends on the provider. Surfshark allows unlimited devices.