Virtual private networks (VPNs) hide your IP address and encrypt your web traffic. They are primarily used to protect your online privacy, browse securely on public WiFi networks, and access geo-restricted video content.

People around the world use VPN services for a variety of reasons and purposes.

Almost a third of internet users worldwide use a VPN to secure their internet activity. This includes web browsing, torrenting files, and online shopping.

Based on our VPN usage research, over 50% of all VPN users use a VPN to protect their personal data transfers on public WiFi networks.

Many users also want to browse the web anonymously, and at least a third use a VPN to access video content and websites blocked in their region.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what VPNs do and why people use them.