You’ve heard that VPNs can increase your privacy. But why else should you spend £5 or more every month? Here are five reasons to sign up for a VPN.

1. Protection on Open Wi-Fi Networks

Working with wireless networks in cafes and restaurants saves you from using your mobile internet allowance. But open Wi-Fi networks is fraught with risk thanks to the lack of security. To avoid this, encrypting your internet connection with a VPN will protect you from threats on any open Wi-Fi network. Poorly configured routers, sniffer software, and other threats can be found on open Wi-Fi.

Simply install and activate a VPN straight after connecting to the open Wi-Fi network to protect yourself and your data.

2. Watch Netflix Content Blocked in Your Country

Various video streaming services operate different libraries across various territories. For example, Netflix’s US library differs from the UK movies and TV shows on offer.

But with a VPN enabled, you can watch Netflix’s US library. Simply connect to the VPN server based in the USA, sign into Netflix, and you’ll see a whole new selection of movies and shows.

3. Improve Internet Speed With a VPN

It’s a bone of contention, but VPNs can improve your internet speed, specifically at peak times.

The first is using a VPN to avoid traffic management employed by your ISP. Known as “broadband throttling” this is used to ensure basic internet use is maintained over more demanding activities such as streaming, gaming, and file sharing. The result is longer buffer times and lower quality for streaming TV and movies, poorer latency when gaming, and slower downloads. Employing a VPN protects your data from being identified by the ISP (it is encrypted) and shaped.

4. Install a VPN to Beat Censorship

Live in a country where news sources are blocked? Want to avoid content blocking on the local network you use at school, college, or even work?

By connecting to the internet through a VPN server based in a location where that data isn’t blocked, you can avoid such censorship. Simply use the VPN app to access the data you need – but be careful sharing what you learn.

5. VPNs Are Ideal for Remote Working

Home working is a great way to stay productive, meet targets and deadlines, while dealing with family or health issues.

Although there may be a requirement to use an organization-specific VPN, this isn’t always possible. In addition, such VPNs are typically for connecting directly to your employer’s file servers and email. Wouldn’t it be great to have this level of encryption for your standard browsing, protecting work based emails through your browser and other research?

Now you’ve decided you need a VPN, check our list of the top VPN services.