Virtual Private Networks (aka VPNs) are used by people from across the world, including the United States. These tools not only conceal your actual identity, but also encrypt your personal data with at the click of a button.
Whether you want to protect your browsing history from ISPs, or unblock geo-restricted content from other countries, using a VPN is your best bet. However, that’s not all it does. Read on as we explain in-detail why you need a USA VPN:
1. Protect Your Internet Privacy
Did you know that American Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are allowed to collect and sell your browsing history for profit? They know everything you do online, from the websites you visit to the content you view, and so on.
If you want to prevent your ISP from monitoring your every move, you should install a VPN on your device. It will mask your original IP address and encrypt all traffic so that you can go about your online activities with complete peace of mind.
2. Use Public Wi-Fi Safely
Many Americans use public Wi-Fi at places libraries, cafes, shopping malls, and airports. After all, it lets you access the Internet on your device for no cost. But while these networks are convenient, they don’t come without their share of risks.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots often lack any sort of security measures, so it isn’t difficult for nearby hackers to intercept and steal your sensitive data. By using a VPN, you can encrypt your entire connection and browse safely on any public Wi-Fi.
3. Dodge ISP Throttling
Are you experiencing inconsistent and slow Internet speeds? Well, you could be a victim of ISP throttling! Most American ISPs deliberately limit your bandwidth when you engage in data-intensive activities such as torrenting, video streaming, and gaming.
Fortunately, you can enjoy throttle-free speeds with a VPN. Upon connection, all your traffic and communications are secured using bank-grade encryption. Your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online, which means they can’t throttle you.
4. Access Geo-Locked Content
You won’t be able to access streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Foxtel, Crunchyroll, and Sky Go from the US due to geo-restrictions. The same goes for the Netflix libraries of other countries – they have a lot of content you won’t find on the US version of Netflix.
With a VPN, you can get around these hurdles by changing your IP address to any country of your choice. Since the streaming service will be tricked into thinking you’re located in a supported region, you’ll gain access to otherwise unavailable content.
5. Evade Blackout Restrictions
Another form of geo-blocking Americans commonly encounter is blackouts. These restrictions are typically enforced on live video streaming, particularly sports events. So, even if you have a MLB.TV or any other streaming service, you won’t be able to stream any local matches online.
The good news is, you can instantly circumvent blackout restrictions using a VPN connection. Just connect to a server in the US where the event isn’t blacked out, and you’ll be able to access the live stream. Yes, it’s as simple as that!
6. Bypass Firewalls at Work or School
When it comes to office or school Wi-Fi networks, you may have noticed that administrators block many websites and services. These establishments impose firewall restrictions to ensure you don’t waste time Facebooking or streaming YouTube videos. By connecting to a VPN, you can easily get past such pesky roadblocks and access anything you want without any restrictions.
7. Avoid Online Surveillance
Thanks to Edward Snowden, we now know that government agencies such as the NSA monitor citizens’ Internet communications. Though “national security” is usually cited as the reason for doing so, let’s face it – knowing that you’re being watched can be uncomfortable. In this scenario, a VPN is the most effective way to keep the government from spying on you online.
8. Book Flights, Hotel Rooms, Car Rentals for Cheap
Have you heard of online price discrimination? Basically, it’s why you have to pay more for a product/service as opposed to someone in, let’s suppose, Colombia. By equipping your device with a VPN, you can compare the prices you get on car rentals, hotel rooms, and flights from different countries and make bookings from the cheapest one.
Final Word
As you can see, there are many benefits associated with using a VPN. However, you can’t expect the same from free VPN services. Most of them are plagued with privacy issues and don’t offer must-have features like a kill switch, unlimited bandwidth, and 256-bit encryption.
They also have fewer and overcrowded servers, which means you’re bound to face slow speeds. For the best VPN experience, you’re better off sticking to paid options. Don’t forget to do your research before settling on any VPN provider, though.
Author Bio
Yasir Shamim is an up and coming Digital Marketer currently working as an Executive at PureVPN with the aim of increasing their search engine visibility. Digital Marketer by day and Tech Fanatic by night, he enjoys reading up about cyber security and technology in general and also loves to share his opinions.