Do You Need a VPN? Here's What You Should Know

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What’s needed for complete privacy and security while surfing the web

Co-authored by ExpressVPN and Hannah Dillon

Last Updated: March 13, 2026 Fact Checked

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VPN Overview

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ExpressVPN Features

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Why ExpressVPN is Rated the Best VPN

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Are you concerned about your online privacy and safety? If so, you should consider getting a VPN. VPNs are an extra layer of encryption that keeps your data safe when you're using the internet, no matter what device you're on. In this article, we go over what VPNs are, whether you need one, and some features of the top-rated VPN, ExpressVPN. Keep reading to learn more.

VPNs: Quick Overview

VPNs (virtual private networks) are a way to add extra security when you're browsing the internet. They work by encrypting your data while you’re using the internet so it’s not accessible to others, like advertisers or hackers. One great option is ExpressVPN, which you can get for less than $5 per month.

Section 1 of 3:

Do I need a VPN?

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When you use the internet, your device sends everything you do over cyberspace to other servers, which then send information back to your device so you can pull up a website, log in to your account, watch a video, purchase something, and more.

But when you use the internet without a VPN, all of your data (such as your login credentials, payment information, emails, search queries, and more) may be vulnerable to access by your ISP, hackers, advertisers, and more.^{[1]
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Research source} While some websites have their own encryption (with HTTPS), your data may not be 100% protected all of the time.

This is where a VPN (or virtual private network) comes in. When you enable a VPN, your data is encrypted and sent through a secure tunnel to the VPN server, which then decrypts it and delivers it to its destination. In short, a VPN adds an extra layer of encrypted protection for your data to keep you safe online.

Section 2 of 3:

ExpressVPN Features

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If you've ever wanted to watch something on a streaming service that is available in another country, you're in luck—a VPN can help you do that! By disguising your IP as an IP address from another country, you'll be able to access the streaming libraries available to that country. ExpressVPN promises a secure connection to your streaming services, no matter where in the world you're located.^{[2]
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ExpressVPN works on practically every device out there: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, smart TVs, Kindle Fire, and Nook. It also has browser extensions compatible with most web browsers.^{[3]
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ExpressVPN has a massive network of VPN servers, which means you're not likely to experience any slowdowns when using it. This network of high-speed 10Gbps servers spans 105 countries (including all 50 states), as well as the British Virgin Islands, which has stricter information disclosure laws than other countries.^{[4]
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Research source} This large network helps facilitate a free and open internet that combats censorship.^{[5]
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ExpressMailGuard adds extra protection to your email inbox, no matter what email provider you use. It helps shield you from spam and phishing emails that can steal your information. ExpressMailGuard is included with all ExpressVPN plans, including the Basic plan.
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5-in-1 suiteWhen you subscribe to ExpressVPN's Advanced tier (which is their most popular tier), you get access to a 5-in-1 suite of helpful security tools. You'll get ExpressVPN and ExpressMailGuard in addition to:
- ExpressKeys: ExpressKeys is a password manager that will securely store all of your passwords, passkeys, and payment information that you can easily access across all of your devices.
- Identity Defender: Identity Defender helps you keep your identity safe with data removal and ID theft insurance. It also scans the dark web and alerts you if your data has been leaked.
  - Identity Defender is only available in the U.S.
- ExpressAI (coming soon): ExpressAI is a unique AI model in that your conversations are never used to train AI models, and your data can't be accessed by anyone, even ExpressVPN or the AI model providers.

Section 3 of 3:

Why ExpressVPN is Rated the Best VPN

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ExpressVPN's speed and security make it one of the best VPNs out there. ExpressVPN has been named the best VPN by many websites, and it's CNET's #1 choice, thanks to the company's security, transparency, and innovation.^{[6]
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Research source} CNET also selected ExpressVPN as their editor's choice for fastest VPN and best VPN for streaming.
- ExpressVPN is consistently rated one of the best VPNs around thanks to its no-logs policy, which means it won't save any data about how you use the internet. It doesn't keep a record of your browsing history, downloads, login credentials, credit card information, or anything else.^{[7]
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  Research source} It has also been independently audited by professional service firms KPMG, PwC, and Cure53 to ensure no logs are kept.^{[8]
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- You can sign up for ExpressVPN for as low as $3.49 per month. They’re currently offering 4 months free (73% off) with their Basic Plan!