What Is a VPN? How It Works, What It Protects and What It Doesn’t
A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted connection — a “tunnel” — between your device and a server run by the VPN provider. Your internet traffic travels through that tunnel, and websites see the VPN server’s IP address instead of yours. This guide explains how a VPN works, what it protects, and what it cannot do.
How a VPN works
- You open the VPN app and connect to a server, for example in Tokyo or Frankfurt.
- The app encrypts your traffic and sends it to that server using a VPN protocol such as WireGuard, OpenVPN or a provider’s own protocol.
- The server decrypts it and forwards it to the website. Replies come back the same way.
Your local network and internet provider can see that you are connected to a VPN server, but not which websites you visit or what you send.
What a VPN protects
- Public Wi-Fi: others on the same network cannot read your traffic.
- Privacy from your ISP: your provider no longer sees the sites you visit.
- Your IP address: websites see the server’s IP, which hides your approximate location.
- Access on restricted networks: some VPNs offer obfuscation to work on networks that block VPNs — with no guarantee. See Best VPN for China.
What a VPN does not do
- It does not make you anonymous: logins, cookies and browser fingerprinting can still identify you.
- It does not protect against phishing, malware or scams by itself.
- It moves trust from your ISP to the VPN provider, who can see connection data. That is why logging policies and independent audits matter.
- It may slow your connection, especially with distant servers, obfuscation or multi-hop.
VPN vs proxy vs Tor
| VPN app | Proxy / browser extension | Tor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is protected | Whole device | Usually one browser or app | Tor Browser traffic |
| Encryption | Yes | Depends on the proxy | Yes, multi-layer |
| Speed | Usually fast | Fast | Slower |
| Who you trust | VPN provider | Proxy operator | Distributed volunteer network |
Read more about extensions in our Chrome VPN extension reviews.
How to choose a VPN
Look at the logging policy, recent named audits, jurisdiction, security features (kill switch, leak protection), apps for your devices, obfuscation if you use restricted networks, and the real renewal price. Our step-by-step guide How to Choose a VPN covers each point, and VPN Reviews compares well-known services.
Sources
- EFF Surveillance Self-Defense — Choosing the VPN that’s right for you
- Proton VPN — browser extension (browser-only protection)
Last reviewed: October 17, 2026. Editor: Alex Chang.