If you have read the advantages of using a VPN, well there are a few disadvantages about using a VPN as well. They won’t outway the advantages, but you should definitely know about the disadvantages as well.


1.Speed loss

When using a VPN, your traffic will be rerouted and encrypted. While this improves security, the connection can be a bit slower compared to using a connection without a VPN.


2. Blocked

Sometimes internet providers or service providers (like Netflix) can detect VPN IP addresses and can be configured to block connections if you’re using a VPN.


3. Quality of encryption

For consumers, the quality of the encryption can be hard to confirm or check. You should always opt to choose a VPN with an as high as possible bit encryption.


4. VPN usage illegal in some countries

Generally speaking, VPN usage is legal. There are however certain countries which have laws in place in order to restrict using a VPN.

Known countries to have special laws against VPN usage include:

  • China (Government Controlled)
  • Iran (Government Controlled)
  • Oman (Government Controlled)
  • Russia (Government Controlled)
  • Turkey (Government Controlled)
  • United Arab Emirates (Government Controlled)
  • Belarus (Banned)
  • Iraq (Banned)
  • North Korea (Banned)
  • Turkmenistan (Banned)

If you are living in a country listed above, use the VPN at your own risk!


Disadvantages of using a free VPN

While using a free VPN service certainly provides you with a cost-saving measure, they usually have a few disadvantages attached to them:

  • Speed limit
  • Datalimit
  • Commercials
  • Download restrictions
  • Unsafe VPN applications (Additional malware and spyware)

The advantages outway the disadvantages.

View our list of top 5 VPN providers

And protect your online security!