I always use a VPN to keep my computer data safe, but that’s just the beginning. From smart TVs to gaming consoles, VPNs can do much more than you might think, adding security and unlocking some pretty cool perks.

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A Lightweight VPN for Browsers

A VPN browser extension serves a similar purpose to a regular VPN (virtual private network) by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet connection. However, it only affects your browser, which has several benefits:

• Lightweight and faster: A VPN browser extension only encrypts and reroutes traffic from your browser, not the whole device, which reduces strain on its processor and often results in faster browsing speeds.
• Quick and easy to use: Installation is quick and easy, and, once installed, it offers more convenience than a full VPN, usually requiring just a couple of clicks to activate.
• Targeted protection: Only your browser traffic goes through the VPN browser extension, with other apps, such as music and TV streaming or video conferencing, using your regular full-speed connection.
• Cost-effective or free: VPN browser extensions are usually cheaper than full-service VPNs, and even free in some instances, which, while not as secure, may be enough for casual users.

It should be noted that while using a VPN browser extension has many advantages, they do not offer the same level of protection as a regular (full) VPN. Some VPN browser extensions act as proxies, which do not use end-to-end encryption like true VPNs.

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4

A Dedicated VPN for Gaming

Gamers will find that a dedicated gaming VPN offers several advantages, especially if optimized for low latency and performance.

• DDoS protection for competitive players: For those involved in competitive gaming, especially eSports players and streamers, masking your real IP address makes it much harder for someone to flood your connection and knock you offline.
• Bypass georestrictions and IP bans: A VPN can help access a game or server restricted to certain regions or purchase a game unavailable in your country. It can also serve as a workaround if your IP has been unfairly banned from a server.
• Solve ISP-related latency or routing issues: Some VPNs reduce latency by routing traffic through optimized servers if your ISP is routing inefficiently. A VPN can also offer a more direct or faster path between you and the server, if it’s located far away.

Remember that free or poorly optimized VPNs usually provide a slower connection and aren’t suitable for gaming. Some companies, including Nord VPN, offer dedicated gaming VPNs with ultra-fast servers for an improved gaming experience.

3

Use a VPN With Your TV

There are several practical benefits to using a VPN with your smart TV, especially if you are concerned about privacy or travel regularly.

• Access georestricted content: If, like me, you are a regular traveller, you’ll know the frustration of being unable to access your favorite shows overseas. Not only does a VPN circumvent geo-restrictions, but changing your virtual location means you can access content that is only available in other regions.
• Improved privacy and security: Encrypted internet traffic means that your ISP or third parties cannot monitor your online activity as easily. It also prevents advertisers from tracking you and adds a layer of protection if you ever connect it to a public network (like in motorhomes or shared accommodation).
• Avoid bandwidth throttling: Sometimes, an ISP will considerably slow down (throttle) your connection when it detects a high volume of traffic. A VPN can prevent this by masking your data usage.

The flipside of using a VPN with your smart TV is that you may be limited to what’s available on your smart TV app store.

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2

A Comprehensive VPN for Your Router

Set up a dedicated VPN on your router to provide powerful benefits throughout the home or office, without managing installations on individual devices.

• Always-on protection: With a VPN installed on your router, all connected devices are covered, with consistent encryption and IP masking for game consoles, phones, tablets, IoT devices, and smart TVs.
• Easy device management: Once the VPN is installed, the router handles everything. You don’t need to install VPNs on multiple devices and remember to activate each one.
• Simplified setup and control: You can manage your VPN settings, server location, and encryption protocols from one place. This makes it easier to manage large households or offices with many computers and devices.

Not all routers support VPNs, and there are pros and cons when it comes to router VPNs. It’s worth remembering that a VPN installed on your router can reduce your internet speeds across all your devices, especially if you have a less-powerful router with weaker hardware.

1

A VPN for Smartphones and Tablets

Our data is vulnerable to cybercriminals, scammers, and data breaches on mobile devices, and this is often where our most sensitive information is found. This is why using a VPN on our smartphones and tablets is all the more important, especially when connecting via an unfamiliar network.

Most VPN providers offer access for multiple devices on a single plan. Be sure to protect as many devices as possible for your subscription (for example, Express VPN protects up to eight devices), and perks can include ad blockers, 4K streaming support, password managers, and built-in threat detection.

Protecting our online privacy and security has never been more critical. VPNs provide an essential and relatively inexpensive solution to the widespread misuse of our data by scammers, data brokers, advertisers, hackers, and cybercriminals, to name a few. By extending VPN protection across several devices, you’re not just enhancing your online security; you’re taking better control of your entire digital footprint.