Why do you use a VPN?

VPN
1

What’s your specific reason for using a VPN?

2

I was using it to get YouTube Premium cheaper by using a lower priced country.

Now Google’s cracked down on that I’m just using the VPN to make the most out of the subscription that’s left. Probably won’t bother renewing when it’s done.

3

I travel a lot so I would need a VPN to access content like home. In fact, I am probably going to China or Macau SAR so a VPN is needed for me.

4

To hide the fact that I WFH on the opposite side of the country from where I said I lived. Going on 2 years :slight_smile:

5

To route traffic securely through my home network while remote, and to have access to my servers there

6

Watching the international feed for IMSA races in the USA, mostly.

7

To always have an IP address from my home country, no matter where I am physically located.

8

If you know the real use, then it’s lots more use. But if you don’t know the use, then no use.

The most common uses are:

  • Online privacy & security
  • Unlock different apps & websites
  • Change virtual locations
  • Hide IP address

Pro-level uses:

  • Torrenting
  • Gambling
  • Dark web

And lot’s more!

9

Started because of living in China. When I left the country kept it for the Torrents.

10

For access to content blocked in my country. It is required for most streaming services

11

I have some reasons, some of which other users have mentioned.

  1. I wanted a single IP I could connect to in the UK, home country and then allow that IP to access resources in my home network. Could have just had VPN to home network anyway as with having static IP at home too but I have more reasons.

  2. If home network VPN is lost, it would be rather unlucky if this one would be lost at same time. So is much about having reliability.

  3. If doing maintenance on home network, can lead to disruption so wanted to ensure I have this for VPN and it still be working.

  4. I allow my dad access to this particular VPN and don’t need to give direct access to other network.

  5. For all other VPS, I have firewall rules to allow connections only from this one single IP. It helps make network access more secure in knowing it is only possible to target it from this one IP.

  6. The VPN’s I have in different locations on VPS are used to bypass geo-restrictions. On top of that I deploy Pihole and PiVPN combination so as to offer network wide ad-blocking.

12

To complete my 3-2-1 NAS backup strategy.

13

I needed one to keep torrenting. Now I’m also using it to have access to my IP while traveling.

14

I use it mainly to watch documentaries and shows on BBC iPlayer outside of the UK

15

Travel and entertainment

16

I only use my ISP to connect to VPN so that my personal IP address is only exposed to VPN provider.

17

Which one ?

My own VPN, I use to connect to my devices in my own network.
My paid VPN … Torrenting and sites I want to ‘fool’ into thinking I’m from another country

18

To watch the last 2 seasons of a show that never aired in my country. Unfortunately there’s one episode I can’t watch

19
  • anonymity
  • i am overseas
  • government blocks
  • my privacy>corporate need of monetization my id
  • protect my insurance/credit score
  • protect me from govt spying

I am not me…ever.

For DAMN good reason.

20

Secure communication, privacy, cyber crime defense, access to a wider net.