Sometimes, you might be short on cash and still want a safe internet browsing experience. So, a free VPN is a possible solution to help you stay anonymous online at no cost. But is it a good idea? There’s always been a popular debate on which one is better, a free or paid VPN, and this article will shed some light on what free VPNs are all about.
What Is a Free VPN?
A free VPN is a virtual private network that masks your IP address and creates a safe connection between your device and the internet at zero cost. The next question then becomes, how do they make money?
Many free VPNs make money in malicious ways and end up compromising your data instead of protecting it. Running a VPN company is a complex operation that requires significant capital and a team of employees to manage its infrastructure. So, how do free VPNs manage all that and still offer the service for free?
Some of the ways they make money are by flooding users with ads, collecting and selling your data to advertisers, and pushing you to upgrade to their premium versions. But that isn’t to say that all free VPNs are a scam. Some reputable VPN providers offer their basic-tier option as a free version so users can see what they are missing out on.
A good example is Proton VPN, whose free option offers unlimited usage but doesn’t let users manually select the servers they want. The free package has a limited number of servers and reroutes you to any server automatically. To unlock more features, you have to subscribe to premium options. Other good choices include Privado and HotSpot Shield.
How Do Free VPNs Make Money?
Running a VPN infrastructure isn’t cheap, so how do free VPNs operate and manage to turn a profit? If the money isn’t coming from subscriptions by users, where is it coming from? That is where the problem starts.
Why You Should Consider a Paid VPN
Paid VPNs make money through their customers’ subscriptions, so they owe it to their users to provide the best platform. They invest that money to offer the best infrastructure and add new features that users will appreciate.
With fast speeds, solid encryption, and 24/7 support, you are assured of top-notch services. Streaming or playing online becomes seamless since the VPNs offer better connections and have many servers in different countries.
If it’s binge-watching Netflix, you can bypass geographical restrictions and watch shows in different countries. For casino gaming, players enjoy high-quality streams in live dealer games. If your country only allows social casino games, a VPN can be your gateway to access real money casinos in other countries. Simply set your server to another country and wager on casino sites for real cash.
The biggest advantage of using a paid VPN is that your data will be safe and no one will sell your search history to advertisers. Another good thing for customers is that there are many reliable VPNs from which to choose.
Top options include NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access (PIA) and CyberGhost. These paid VPNs have various subscription packages at friendly prices, so you can find an ideal option without spending much.
Before settling for one, you can compare prices, servers, and features to see which one will best serve your needs. If the budget allows, going for a paid VPN is always better than a free VPN you aren’t sure about.
Collecting and Selling Your Data
A common stereotype among internet users is that I am a nobody, so my data isn’t of any value. That would be a wrong assumption. Your online data is heavily sought after by advertisers who buy data from data brokerage companies.
Advertisers are keen to know about a user’s shopping habits and preferences. That’s why ads have become more personalized. One minute, you search for furniture, and the next minute, ads pop up showing where and the options you can buy online.
Free VPNs sell your data, such as which websites you frequently visit, how long you stay online, and which device you use, and get paid in return. This is one of the ways they make money.
Flooding You With Ads
Showing ads is a common strategy for companies, including VPN providers, to monetize their free services. If a company has millions of users, anyone who clicks on an ad translates to revenue earned and can sustain a business.
However, the issue comes when users are bombarded with ads ruining their experience. Ads show all over the screen, and some are intentionally made hard to close or easy to click. Even worse, some ads are malicious and can infect your device with malware when clicked on.
Pushing You to Upgrade to Their Premium Options
Staying safe online isn’t a one-time thing but a continuous commitment. So, free VPNs use this strategy to lure you into signing up and push you to subscribe to a paid version. The free package usually has restricted features, like few servers, limited data, and fewer security features. In addition to limiting your browsing experience, they might compromise your data.
