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I often see posts on here saying people should be using a VPN all the time. There are loads of BF deals on, so if I want one now is the time (I have 50gb free Windscribe which I never remember to use at the moment).
So why do I need one? What's the benefit for a pretty boring internet user?
Most popular reason in the UK at the moment is accessing adult sites, but there are some cyber security benefits.
Personally I only use mine (NordLayer) when I'm using public Wifi, or I want to visit an adult site or pirate bay etc.
In simple terms, they hide your internet activity from your Internet provider and anyone else on your network who may want to spy on you.
I should add that there is a strong case to suggest that some of the VPN suppliers use what you do through their service as a revenue stream, ask yourself: "If it is free/cheap, how are they making money?".
If I absolutely needed a VPN, I'd go for something that is going to be private. Mullvad is currently top of that list, Proton behind it. Nord is ok. Anything built in China or Shanghai is out (Astril, etc).
You may find that some sites will block you based on your exit IP and its correlation with VPN use so, if you are using one to go past restrictions, that might be a factor. It's also possible that some VPNs will not work in some countries (China being an obvious answer here. It's also illegal to use a VPN in China FWIW).
We got one to watch the footie while on holiday, also use it to watch aussie horse racing as a friend is a jockey over there and we can therefore watch him by pretending to be in Australia.
If I absolutely needed a VPN, I'd go for something that is going to be private. Mullvad is currently top of that list, Proton behind it. Nord is ok. Anything built in China or Shanghai is out (Astril, etc).
Why not PIA out of interest? Mullvad seemed good but doesn't support port forwarding.
I signed up to Proton when I wanted to watch the free DH World Champs coverage, which was geo-restricted.
It's easy to use and handy for grot as well obvs, but I may cancel it soon as I need to tighten me belt.
'Need' is maybe a bit strong, but it doesn't hurt to have one - whether you're browsing on the free open wifi at the airport, wanting to listen to TMS while on holiday, or just wanting a bit more privacy.
I'd look at PIA, as per here: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/private-internet-access-review
I use it for security whilst out and about and for watching John Oliver on Youtube.
I usually have it set to Belgium out of habit as I find adverts less annoying when they're in excitable Flemish.
Cool, sounds like I probably don't need to worry too much. I rarely use WiFi outside of home and work, and the freebie Windscribe is probably plenty for those rare times.
I signed up to Proton when I wanted to watch the free DH World Champs coverage, which was geo-restricted.
It's easy to use and handy for grot as well obvs, but I may cancel it soon as I need to tighten me belt.
Proton have deal on for BF, something like €2.99/month vs. €9.99/month that I had been paying (as long as you pay for 12months upfront) Also works for existing subscribers (they even prorated for the rest of the month that I'd already paid for which was nice!)
Don't have a VPN on all the time though, just when needed.
No. Ultimately you're just passing your trust from your ISP to your VPN provider. If you're using something that's insecure when using your ISP then you've got bigger problems IMO.
I'd only consider it to evade region restrictions, and possibly for the most odd of dodgy WiFi connections, although if in doubt I don't think I'd even connect to a dodgy one. Free 50GB Windscribe is fine for that usage unless you're watching all the footy over a VPN.
Proton have deal on for BF, something like €2.99/month vs. €9.99/month that I had been paying (as long as you pay for 12months upfront) Also works for existing subscribers (they even prorated for the rest of the month that I'd already paid for which was nice!)
I'll have a look thx, how did you sign up for it pls?
Nah nothing that fancy. And I'd be unlikely to be checking banking or anything on remotely dubious WiFi. More likely just reading on here tbh.
Well this has saved me a few bob anyway, so that's nice.
I'll have a look thx, how did you sign up for it pls?
I logged into the app on my laptop and the deal popped up there. But the same one is available via their website:
https://protonvpn.com/l/bf-vpn-offers-2025
cheers boss
I got NordVPN during the summer so I could watch ITVX Tour De France highlights whilst in Spain. I'm keeping it so I can watch cycling on Australian network this year. It does occasionally interfere with me getting data on my phone and I have to disable it to resolve this. I'm pretty meh about it, only real benefit (other than the adult thing) is accessing overseas tele. I certainly don't feel I need it for security.
It can, supposedly, help when searching for flight prices as airlines charge different amounts depending on which country they think you're in...
And some streaming services are MUCH cheaper in places like India (eg F1TV)
Having said that, I'm not sure what hoops you'd have to jump thru if your credit card/bank accounts doesn't match the IP address. But suitably motivated cheapskates somehow get it to work...
I travel about all over Europe and it's useful for accessing various countries TV streams.
Can also watch various YouTube videos that are location restricted. Was in the UK recently and was surprised that some YouTube videos required a security check.