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A majority use VPNs to protect their IP addresses and usage is highest among Gen Z and millennials.

Accessing banned or restricted content and attempting to save money on services are popular uses.

VPN on phone in front of US flag

VPNs also act as a lifeline for those suffering from internet censorship and government restrictions.

Experts expect America’s 43% figure to rise and VPN usage to become more important than ever.

But what exactly are people using VPNs for and should you get in on the act too?

NordVPN | 2 years | $3.39 per month$3.39 per month

It comes with top-tier privacy credentials and is super fast.

Playing or streaming video games was also the reason for VPN usage for 15% of Americans.

The recentTikTok bansaw many Americans give a shot to pull up the app via a VPN.

People using ExpressVPN Aircove to watch streaming content

This was ultimately unsuccessful, however 12% of people said they use VPNs for accessing banned apps.

These apps are often very easy to use and don’t affect the performance of your phone.

50% of people use a VPN on their computer or laptop.

Young people using smartphones

There is also the option to protect your devices at source, with arouter VPN.

This is especially good forsmart deviceswhich may not have a native VPN available.

Installing a router VPNisn’t the easiest, butExpressVPNdoes offer its ownAircoverouter.

Cartoon image of hacker stealing passwords

Who is using VPNs?

Interestingly, U.S. VPN usage does appear to be more popular with men.

Half of men surveyed use one, compared to 36% of women.

Illustration of a woman looking concerned, dressed in a green top and blue jeans.

Gen Z and millennials are the largest adopters of VPNs, with 50% of each group using one.

VPNs work out cheaper per month for the longer plans.

Why should you use a VPN?

Illustration of a VPN installed on a mobile phone, network strength symbol, location markers, and cogs.

Your IP address is masked and your browsing is hidden.

Super fast streaming

As mentioned earlier, streaming your favorite shows is a very popular VPN use.

Has your comfort show left Netflix?

Floating eyeballs watching a red laptop

What’s more, your streaming won’t suffer thanks to the super fast speeds of many VPNs.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro has just beenrated as the best VPN malware protection.

These features can flag any suspicious looking websites or messages, warning you they might be scams.

Young Asian woman using a laptop on a train

ExpressVPN’sIdentity Defenderand NordVPN’sNordProtectoffer protection against identity theft and cybercrime.

They both provide up to $1 million in cyber insurance as well as ID monitoring.

Identity Defender includes a data removal service and NordProtect includes up to $100,000 of cyber extortion protection.

Flag of Iran flying

You might want to give one a go.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.

For example: 1.

A man using a VPN in an airport next to red luggage

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).

Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.

Cartoon image depicting Surfshark�s Bypasser feature for iOS

Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

IPVanish

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Collection of VPN apps on iPhone screen

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Garmin Vivoactive 6 in emerald green with the Morning Report shown on the screen

2025 Toyota bZ4X at New York Auto Show.

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Sebastian De Souza as Garrett and Sofia Carson as Alex in “The Life List” on Netflix