Top 21 Best VPN Uses You Should Know About

Sure, we have all heard it before: “You need a VPN to protect your online privacy.” And while safeguarding your digital data is indeed one of the primary purposes of a Virtual Private Network, this tool has a myriad of other advantages up its sleeve.

Curious about what a VPN can do for you besides the usual? In this guide, we will uncover the best VPN uses (both popular and lesser-known). Whether you are a tech guru or just beginning your VPN journey, there is something new for you to discover.

Things You Can Do with a VPN: 21 Best VPN Uses

Here is a list of things you can do with a premium VPN like PureVPN:

1- Stream Geo-Blocked Content

Streaming platforms apply different types of regional restrictions. For example, Netflix offers different libraries based on your location, while services like BBC iPlayer and Hulu are blocked entirely outside specific countries. A VPN lets you switch your IP address to access content as if you’re in the region where it’s available, so you can enjoy more movies and TV shows.

2- Level Up Your Gaming

A VPN helps you connect to locations nearby game servers for lower ping and improved matchmaking. It also reduces lag by encrypting your traffic, making it close to impossible for ISPs to throttle you. Plus, you can unlock region-locked titles, access early game releases and even reveal lower game prices on platforms such as Steam by switching regions.

3- Protect Your Privacy

Your online activity is constantly tracked by ISPs, advertisers, cybercriminals, and even websites. Encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP address makes it much harder for anyone to monitor or profile you. Whether you’re using public Wi-Fi, streaming, or shopping online, a VPN keeps your personal habits and sensitive data private.

4- Save Money

Online prices often change based on your location or browsing habits, especially when it comes to flights, hotels, software, and subscriptions. By switching your virtual location with a VPN, you can compare regional prices and find better deals. It’s one of the smartest ways to potentially save big on everyday digital purchases.

5- Avoid Network Restrictions

Some networks, such as those at schools, workplaces, or in public places, limit access to specific websites or apps. A VPN helps you get around these hurdles by masking your online activity, letting you browse freely and use blocked services. It’s a simple way to restore open access to the internet without compromising security.

6- Use Public Wi-Fi Safely

Free Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, or hotels is convenient, but often unprotected. Hackers can exploit these networks to intercept passwords, credit card info, or private messages. A VPN encrypts your traffic, turning exposed connections into secure tunnels. Even if someone tries to snoop, your data stays invisible and safe.

7- Avoid Bandwidth Throttling

Some ISPs slow down your connection when they detect high-bandwidth activity like gaming or streaming. A VPN disguises your online traffic, preventing your ISP from selectively throttling speeds. While VPNs may cause slight overhead, the gain in consistent performance often outweighs the drop, especially during peak hours.

8- Avoid Censorship

In countries with restricted internet access, platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Google may be blocked. A VPN routes your traffic through open regions, masking your IP and bypassing government-imposed firewalls. Whether you’re a resident or traveler, it’s a reliable way to stay connected and informed.

9- Protect Mobile Devices

Phones and tablets face just as many online threats as computers. By downloading a VPN app on your mobile, you can secure your connection and protect everything, from browsing and messages to online payments and streaming sessions. Even on public Wi-Fi or mobile data, your sensitive info stays safe from threats.

10- Keep Conversations Private

Unlike WhatsApp or Signal, not all messaging apps offer end-to-end encryption, leaving your chats exposed to interception. Fortunately, you can add a layer of protection by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address using a VPN. That way, your private messages stay private, regardless of the app you’re using.

11- Use VoIP Services

VoIP apps like Skype, Viber, and others are blocked or restricted in some countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China. A VPN helps you dodge these VoIP restrictions by routing your traffic through regions where access is allowed. The result? Smooth, uncensored voice and video communication from anywhere.

12- Access Work Networks Remotely

When you’re working outside the office, secure access to company resources is essential. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel to your office network, protecting files, emails, and internal tools from external threats. It also blocks unauthorized access, keeping your workflow both private and fully protected.

13- Circumvent Sports Blackouts

Sports blackouts happen when leagues or broadcasters restrict certain games by region. With a VPN, you can switch your virtual location to get around those restrictions in an instant. For example, if a Celtics game is blacked out in Boston, connect to a server elsewhere, like Chicago, to stream it without issues.

14- Download Torrents Safely

Torrenting exposes your IP to everyone in the swarm, making you a target for snooping or throttling. By masking your IP address and encrypting your traffic with the help of a VPN, you can keep both your identity and activity private. It’s a must-have for secure, anonymous, and uninterrupted P2P file sharing.

15- Prevent Online Tracking

ISPs, advertisers, and even governments can track your online activity and collect data without your consent. What a VPN does is encrypt your connection and replaces your IP with one of its own, making it difficult for anyone to monitor or profile you. It’s a simple way to reclaim your digital privacy and avoid targeted tracking.

16- Stay Safe While Traveling

Internet access varies widely across countries. Some enforce strict censorship, others have weak privacy protections. A VPN lets you browse as if you’re back home, keeping your connection private and unrestricted. It also protects your data on public Wi-Fi, helping you stay secure on the go.

17- Access Home Network Securely

When you’re away, accessing your home computer remotely can expose your data if the connection isn’t secure. By using a VPN to create a private, encrypted tunnel to your home network, you can enjoy safe access to files, devices, or even smart systems without exposing your IP or leaving data unprotected.

18- Access Local Sites Abroad

Some websites behave differently when accessed from abroad—changing languages, layouts, or even locking you out. A VPN lets you connect to servers located in your home country, making it easier to access familiar services such as banking, news, or streaming without facing any roadblocks.

19- Secure Smart Home Devices

Smart home gadgets like cameras and thermostats are often exposed to the internet with minimal protection. A VPN encrypts traffic coming from your home network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and adding a layer of defense to your IoT devices without requiring complex configurations.

20- Get Unbiased Search Results

Search engines often tailor results based on your location, IP address, and browsing history. By masking your IP with a VPN, you reduce regional bias and filter bubbles. This helps surface more neutral, location-independent search results, making it ideal for research, planning, or comparing prices fairly.

21- Protect Crypto Transactions

Cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges are prime targets for cyberattacks. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, shielding login credentials and transaction details from snoopers, especially on public Wi-Fi. It’s a crucial step toward securing your digital assets against theft or surveillance.

Bonus VPN Features You Shouldn’t Overlook

Beyond core VPN use cases, some premium providers bundle extra features that expand your privacy, security, and control online. These aren’t available with every VPN, but when included, they turn a good VPN into an all-in-one privacy suite. For instance, PureVPN gives you:

Dark Web Monitoring

Receive real-time alerts if your personal details appear in dark web marketplaces or leak databases. This lets you act quickly to change passwords and protect sensitive accounts before damage is done.

Password Manager

Securely store and autofill your logins using an encrypted vault. You can also generate strong, unique passwords in one click, making it easier to stay safe without remembering dozens of credentials.

Remove My Data

Submit automated removal requests to dozens of data broker sites that collect and sell your personal information without consent. Track the status of your removals through an easy-to-use dashboard.

Tracker and Ad Blocker

Block invasive ads, web trackers, and analytics scripts that follow your every move online. With this feature enabled, you’ll be able to browse faster, reduce clutter, and keep your behavior private.

Things you can’t do with a VPN

VPNs are great at keeping you protected and the list goes on, but there are still some things they can’t help you with:

• Absolute anonymity: While VPNs significantly improve your privacy by masking your IP address and encrypting your online data, they don’t guarantee absolute anonymity on the internet. 

• Full security: VPNs are adept at securing your data during transit using robust encryption methods. However, they are not comprehensive security solutions and can’t protect you from, say, phishing attacks

• Access every website: VPNs excel in bypassing geo-restrictions to grant access to blocked websites. However, they can’t unlock paid content or websites requiring a subscription or payment.

Use PureVPN for Added Security and Protection

With PureVPN’s advanced security protocols, such as 256-bit encryption, IP leak and DNS leak prevention, you are always anonymous on all websites. This keeps you away from scammers.

Also, PureVPN has 6500+ servers globally and that lets you connect to any country to enjoy the show or movie you so loved. It’s also a brilliant option for secure gaming and streaming this holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Word 

VPNs are now a must-have for people who want to stay safe and private online. Our top 12  uses show just how useful they can be. Whether you are watching shows from other countries or keeping your personal details safe, it is important to use VPNs the right way. Always stay within the rules and be respectful online.