Americans are turning tovirtual private networksfor online privacy and protection.

VPNs are legal in most countries.

However, several countries ban or restrict VPN usage, and using one could lead to legal consequences.

Here’s what CNET’s survey uncovered about why and how people use VPNs.

If you’re interested in trying a VPN, I’ve compiled tips from online security experts.

Key takeaways

Who’s using VPNs?

Here’s how that number breaks down:

Men tend to use a VPN more than women.

Half of the men surveyed have used or currently use a VPN, compared with 36% of women.

However, 51% of US adults now useVPNs on their phones.

followed by 50% who use them on their personal computer, laptop or tablet.

O’Farrell thinks using aVPN for mobile phone usageis wise.

Most VPNs support Android, iOS and iPadOS, Long added.

Why are people using VPNs?

Most US adults turn to a VPN for its primary function – to protect their IP address.

The second leading reason is to keep their online activity private.

Other reasons range from streaming video games to accessing restricted content and apps.

Thisprotects your actual IP address, and hides your online traffic from yourinternet service provider.

However, there are limits to what a VPN protects.

It can’t secure your payment information, cookies and account logins.

Users might connect to a VPN to watch regionally locked sports games or ashow only offered in another country.

Others might have even tried a VPN to access TikTok during the hours it was down in January.

“But in my testing, using a VPN to unblock TikTok wasn’t a viable solution.

you’re free to’t always use a VPN to access banned apps, however.

For example, Long couldn’t access TikTok through a VPN during the app’stemporary ban last month.

Some websites and apps have firewalls and VPN detection features that can block you.

Content can also be restricted to certain regions due to licensing agreements and copyright restrictions, Tomaschek said.

It’s also important to understand if accessing content is legal in your country.

However, there are other ramifications it’s possible for you to face.

Your account could be suspended if accessing blocked content violates your streaming service’s user agreement.

Interested in trying a VPN?

If you’re considering trying a VPN, here’s what CNET experts say to look for.

Look for other privacy features – like DNS leak protection and a kill switch.

Tomaschek recommendsExpressVPN,NordVPNandProton VPNas quality providers.

Watch out:VPNs aren’t a security measure to shield you fromidentity theft or scams.

Tomaschek recommends both a VPN andantivirus softwaresince they serve different purposes.

Some VPNs now offer identity theft protection likeExpressVPN’s Identity Defenderand NordVPN’s NordProtect.

More importantly, you’ll have other options if a server is down in one location.

Some VPNs allow eight to 10 devices at once, while others don’t have a limit.

It’s also important to confirm your VPN supports your operating system.

Your gear may also play a part in your VPN’s performance.

We recommend looking at CNET’sbest VPNsto help you narrow down your search.

Methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.

The total sample size was 2,429 adults, of whom 1,057 have ever used a VPN.

Fieldwork was undertaken from Feb. 3-5, 2025.

The survey was carried out online.

The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18 or over).