VPN Paid App vs Free Extension: Why Pay For VPN?

What is a paid VPN application?

A dedicated VPN application is the VPN software you can install on your device, whether it is a phone, PC, laptop, or tablet. Once you do, a VPN will encrypt your entire traffic and protect your data. How? All your search requests, messages you send, videos you watch, files you download, and any other Internet activities will move through an encrypted tunnel while connected to a remote VPN server. Paid VPNs typically support multiple devices across different platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android, offering broader compatibility than free VPN extensions.

Besides, premium VPN applications like VeePN provide many additional privacy and security features to protect users from different cyber threats, such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, phishing websites, malware-infected links, scammy emails, and more. Paid versions, paid VPNs, and premium VPNs also offer enhanced security, advanced features like kill switches and double VPN options, and broader coverage compared to free options.

Let’s look at the main specifics distinguishing a paid VPN solution from a free browser extension.

The specifics of paid VPN apps

1. It has a full-fledged user interface

The VeePN application is designed to perfectly fit your device. Even if you’ve never used VPNs before, you can set up and run the app in a few simple clicks. All you need to do is sign up, download the app, and install it on your phone or laptop. And there it is – now you can turn your VPN on and browse the web securely. All features, servers, and advanced settings are easy to manage and control. You don’t need to be a tech guru to use such an application. Paid VPN apps like VeePN provide strong security for sensitive activities such as online transactions and streaming, which free VPNs often lack.

2. It’s available for various devices and operating systems 

The main difference between a paid VPN app and a free extension is that the app protects not only your browser-level activities, but the entire system. No matter how many browsers, applications, and other services connected to the Internet you’re using. The app will encrypt all of your traffic, leaving no chance for hackers and snoopers to compromise your activities.

3. It covers your entire Internet traffic 

The main difference between a paid VPN app and a free extension is that the app protects not only your browser-level activities, but the entire system. No matter how many browsers, applications, and other services connected to the Internet you’re using. The app will encrypt all of your traffic, leaving no chance for hackers and snoopers to compromise your activities.

4. It provides access to thousands of VPN servers 

All of your traffic is rerouted through the chosen VPN server. This allows you to hide your actual IP address. Instead, third parties will only see the VPN server’s IP. With the VeePN app, you can opt for over 2,500 servers across 89 locations in 60 countries.

5. It has more powerful features to benefit from 

With the VeePN app, you get access to all the essential VPN features and even some additional perks. Let’s take a look.

• NetGuard is a powerful ad-blocking tool that also protects you from malware and third-party monitoring.
• Kill Switch protects your data by interrupting your access to the Internet if the VPN connection suddenly fails.
• Double VPN enhances your security by adding an extra layer of encryption to your traffic.
• Split Tunneling allows you to exclude some websites and apps from the encrypted tunnel if you need them to work faster (due to the encryption process, a VPN might slightly slow down your connection speed).
• DNS leak protection can prevent potential DNS leaks that reveal some of your data to your ISP (Internet service provider).

6. It allows you to change VPN protocols 

The VeePN app provides reliable AES-256 encryption, the most powerful solution to date. Moreover, you can manage VPN protocols in your app’s settings. These are rules that define how stable, secure, and fast your VPN connection is. Different VPN protocols might be more or less suitable for various needs, such as streaming content, gaming online, or bypassing Internet limitations. VeePN allows you to choose from the three most modern and efficient VPN protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard®, and IKEv2/IPSec. However, not all VPNs offer the same level of security and reliability, so it’s important to choose a reputable service.

7. It’s fast and reliable 

If you need stronger protection that doesn’t compromise connection speed, the VeePN app can handle even the most traffic-intensive activities.

Now you know what you’ll pay for if you choose a paid VPN service. And now it’s time to talk about the free alternative offered by VeePN – the VPN browser extension.

What is a free VPN extension?

A VPN browser extension is a lightweight version of a VPN you can add to your web browser. Just like an application, the extension will run your traffic through a remote server and hide it from prying eyes. However, this applies to your activities within a single browser. Other Internet activities are left unencrypted.

The limited version of VeePN for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge is free. Chrome VPN extensions provide browser-specific VPN protection, but they have certain limitations compared to full VPN apps, such as only encrypting browser traffic and sometimes lacking advanced features like kill switches or split tunneling. However, make sure not to confuse it with free VPN services. Unlike reputable VPNs like VeePN, such apps and extensions may do more harm than good to your cybersecurity. Although some free VPNs are relatively safe, they are often inefficient and lack some essential functionality. Moreover, there are many fake VPNs. Such software may collect your private data and then sell it to third parties it was supposed to protect you from. For more detailed information, you can read our recent blog post comparing free and paid VPN services.

Now that we cleared up the potential confusion let’s explore the main specifics and features you can access with a free VPN browser extension.

The specifics of free VPN extensions

1. It only works within your web browser 

Again, the effect of a free VPN extension is limited to a single browser. Unlike the VeePN application, it won’t cover the rest of your traffic. So your activities in other browsers and apps will remain unprotected.

2. It has a limited number of servers to choose from 

The free version of the VeePN browser extension provides access to up to 10 servers in 6 countries. It may be enough to change your IP. However, free VPN extensions often come with limited servers, which can impact speed and reliability. But for more specific activities, it’s best to upgrade your plan.

3. It has fewer features than the app 

The browser extension has several strong features to opt for. In particular, these are:

• AdBlock, an analog of NetGuard that blocks intrusive ads and protects you from malware and third-party trackers
• Smart Location allows you to manage which websites can access your real IP address and which ones will only see the VPN server’s IP.
• Exclude List is a lightweight version of the app’s Split Tunneling feature. It allows you to exclude certain websites from the encrypted tunnel.

There are even more functions available for free VeePN extension users. For example, WebRTC Blocker prevents IP leakage during real-time communication. Some other handy features block tracking social media widgets and buttons, remove “Accept cookies” notifications and pop-ups, and more.

Keep in mind that free VPN extensions may impose data limits that restrict usage, especially for streaming or large downloads.

That said, is a paid VPN more secure? Of course it is, as several powerful tools, such as Kill Switch and Double VPN, are unavailable to free extension users.

4. It’s not as fast as the VPN app 

Although a free VPN extension doesn’t slow down your Internet speed significantly, it may not be a great choice, especially for activities requiring higher connectivity speed, like, for instance, online gaming. Free VPN extensions may have slower speeds and slow speeds due to server limitations and high user loads, which can negatively impact streaming, browsing, and overall user experience.

Now, let’s make a round-up summarizing the comparison of a paid VPN app and a free browser extension to get a better picture of how things look like.

Security risks of free VPNs

While free VPN services may seem like an easy way to boost your online privacy, they often come with significant security risks that can put your data in jeopardy. Many free VPNs lack strong encryption protocols, leaving your internet traffic exposed to hackers and other malicious actors. In some cases, these free VPN providers use outdated or weak encryption methods, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept your sensitive information.

Another major concern is the presence of malware in many free VPN apps. Some free VPNs have been found to contain malicious code that can infect your device, steal your personal data, or even take control of your online activities. This not only undermines your privacy and security but can also lead to identity theft or financial loss.

Additionally, because free VPNs often cut corners to keep their services running, they may not invest in the latest security features or regular software updates. This leaves users vulnerable to new and evolving cyber threats. For anyone serious about online privacy, it’s crucial to choose a VPN service that uses robust encryption protocols like AES-256 and is committed to protecting your privacy and security at every step.

Data tracking and free VPNs

One of the biggest drawbacks of using a free VPN is the risk of data tracking. Many free VPN providers make money by collecting information about your browsing habits and selling it to third-party advertisers or data brokers. This means that while you might be hiding your IP address from your internet service provider, your online activity could still be monitored and monetized by the very VPN service you’re using.

This practice can seriously compromise your privacy and security, as your personal information, browsing history, and even your real location may be shared without your consent. Unlike paid VPN services that typically have a strict no logs policy, many free VPNs do not guarantee that your data will remain private. In fact, some free VPNs explicitly state in their terms of service that they collect and share user data.

To truly protect your online privacy, it’s important to choose a VPN service with a transparent logs policy and a proven commitment to not tracking or selling your data. Paid VPN services are more likely to offer these guarantees, giving you peace of mind that your information stays private and secure.

Paid VPN app vs. free browser extension. The round-up

As you see, although both solutions are efficient, a paid VPN application has much more to offer. Most free VPNs and free services come with significant limitations, such as slower speeds, fewer server options, and restricted features, and may also pose privacy concerns due to potential data logging or selling. Basically, with a premium version, you get better online security and more privacy features, enhanced connection speed, and a vast number of servers to choose from.

So, when is it enough to use a free VPN extension, and when you can’t do without a paid app? Let’s find out.

When it’s OK to use a free VPN extension

Let’s look at the situations when a free VPN extension will effectively cover your needs.

• You need quick access to the basic VPN features. If you need to instantly alter your IP address and enhance your cybersecurity while surfing the web, a free browser extension will come in handy. It will take you a single click to hide your activities from your ISP, ad agencies, and other potential snoopers.
• You need to access geo-limited content or blocked content via your browser. As mentioned above, the number of VPN servers available with the free browser extension is limited. However, if you don’t have any preferable location when reaching a geo-limited or otherwise restricted or censored website or service, a browser extension might suit your needs.
• You are a privacy conscious user looking to enhance your online privacy. Privacy conscious users often choose free VPN extensions to protect sensitive information and maintain privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi or when accessing region-restricted content. However, be aware of the limitations of free VPNs.
• You use incognito mode for extra privacy. While incognito mode prevents your browser from saving history and cookies, using it alongside a free VPN extension does not guarantee complete anonymity, as some user activity may still be logged by the VPN provider.
• The connection speed is not your main priority. If you go online to scroll your Facebook feed or shop online, you may not need top-tier connectivity. That is where a free VPN extension will likely be enough. However, for more intensive activities, it’s better to subscribe to a dedicated VPN app.

When you need a paid VPN app

Now let’s see when it’s a good idea to switch from a free extension to a premium plan and install a dedicated app on your device.

• You’re dealing with sensitive data. Some activities, such as money transactions and crypto trading, require a more advanced approach to cybersecurity. Thanks to some extra features, such as NetGuard and Double VPN, a paid VPN app will take your safety to the next level. Keep in mind that using free VPNs for sensitive activities can expose you to vpn security risks, such as weak encryption or data leaks, which may compromise your privacy.
• You’re visiting a country with limited Internet freedom. Online censorship is a hot topic today, as many governments limit users’ access to certain websites. And those are often quite popular services you probably use every day. For instance, when visiting China, you won’t be able to enter Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, Twitter, and so on. Censors use advanced techniques, such as the Great Firewall and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), to block restricted websites and monitor your traffic. To overcome those limitations, you will need the capacities of a full-fledged VPN solution.
• You need to encrypt your traffic across all browsers and apps. If you truly value your Internet privacy, encrypting your data within a single browser may not be enough. Third parties can still track many of your activities performed outside the browser. Besides, malicious third-party apps can monitor your location, attack your device with malware-infected pop-ups, and even spy on your phone. From this perspective, a dedicated VPN app protecting your data at all levels can become an essential component of your security toolkit. Protecting your online identity is crucial for maintaining privacy and security across all your digital activities.
• You want to improve your gaming experience. As already said, online gaming requires the highest connection speed possible. An upgraded VPN plan ensures a more seamless gaming experience without compromising your security. Moreover, when using a VPN, you can avoid lags and even stop Internet throttling often imposed by Internet providers.

Not every free vpn is safe—users should carefully evaluate the safety of free vpn options, paying attention to privacy policies, encryption standards, and data logging practices before relying on them for important tasks.

What to look for in a secure VPN

Choosing the right VPN service is essential for anyone who values privacy and security online. When evaluating VPN services, start by checking their encryption standards look for VPNs that use strong protocols like AES-256 to ensure your data is protected from prying eyes. A strict no logs policy is also crucial; this means the VPN provider does not collect or store any information about your online activity, keeping your browsing habits private.

Server locations and the number of available VPN servers are also important factors. A wide range of server locations allows you to access content from around the world and helps maintain fast, reliable connections. Advanced features such as kill switch functionality and two-factor authentication add extra layers of protection, ensuring your internet connection remains secure even if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

By prioritizing these features: robust encryption, a no logs policy, diverse server locations, and advanced security options: you can select a VPN service that truly safeguards your online privacy and security, giving you confidence every time you connect.

Looking for a trustworthy VPN service? – Try VeePN!

So what’s the bottom line of our comparison? A free VPN browser extension may be suitable for regular Internet activities. It provides the essential functions and increases your security on the browser level. In contrast, a paid VPN application is the best choice for those striving for protection at all levels. It offers even more advanced features, servers in many different locations worldwide, and top-tier connectivity. 

Luckily, VeePN provides both solutions. You can try our service with a 30-day money-back guarantee and secure your data on the preferred device, platform, or browser.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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