VPN Resource Center
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. It can hide your public IP address, protect traffic on shared networks, and help you appear from another location.
IP Exposure Check
What websites can see right now
216.73.217.69
Risk status
Exposed
Your real IP may be visible.
- Location
- Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
- Network
- Earthlink
- Proxy
- Not detected
- VPN
- Not detected
- Tor
- Not detected
- Fraud Score
- Not available
Connect to a VPN, proxy, Tor, or another network, then refresh this page to verify the change.
How a VPN works
A VPN changes the network path between your device and the internet. Instead of connecting directly to a website, your device connects to a VPN server first, and the VPN server connects onward to the destination.
Your device creates a secure tunnel
The VPN app establishes an encrypted connection from your device to a VPN server operated by the provider.
Traffic exits from the VPN server
Websites and apps see the VPN server IP address instead of the public IP address assigned by your ISP or mobile carrier.
Your visible location can change
When you choose a VPN server in another city or country, your visible IP location usually changes to that server location.
What can you use a VPN for?
Hide your IP address
Mask your real public IP address when browsing, streaming, gaming, or using public Wi-Fi.
Protect public Wi-Fi sessions
Encrypt traffic on shared networks at airports, hotels, coffee shops, schools, and coworking spaces.
Change virtual location
Choose a VPN server in another region for testing, travel, remote work, and region-aware websites.
Reduce network tracking
Make it harder for websites and ad networks to associate activity with your home or office IP address.
Secure remote access
Businesses use VPNs to let employees reach internal resources through encrypted remote connections.
Compare privacy tools
Understand when a VPN is better than a proxy or Tor, and when another method is more appropriate.
How to choose a VPN provider
The best VPN depends on your threat model, location needs, devices, speed expectations, and budget. Do not choose only by price or server count.
No-log policy
Look for a clear policy explaining what the provider does and does not collect. Independent audits are a stronger trust signal.
Kill switch
A kill switch blocks traffic if the VPN disconnects, reducing the chance that apps fall back to your normal IP address.
DNS leak protection
DNS requests should route through the VPN or a privacy-safe resolver instead of your ISP resolver.
IPv6 handling
A good VPN should either tunnel IPv6 safely or block IPv6 traffic to prevent accidental exposure.
Server locations
Choose providers with locations near you for speed and in the regions you need for testing or travel.
Device support
Check support for Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, Linux, browsers, routers, and streaming devices.
Common VPN protocols
WireGuard
Modern, fast, and widely used by consumer VPNs. Often a good default for speed and battery life.
OpenVPN
Mature and trusted. Useful when compatibility and configurability matter.
IKEv2/IPsec
Common on mobile devices and good at reconnecting when switching networks.
Provider protocols
Some VPNs offer custom protocols optimized for speed, censorship resistance, or post-quantum migration.
Personal VPN vs business VPN
Personal VPN
A personal VPN is designed for internet privacy, IP masking, public Wi-Fi protection, travel, streaming, and general browsing. Your traffic exits through a VPN provider network.
Business VPN
A business VPN is designed for secure access to company systems, private applications, internal networks, and remote work resources. Traffic often exits through the company network.
VPN vs proxy vs Tor
| Tool | Best for | Coverage | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPN | Everyday privacy, public Wi-Fi, travel, streaming, and full-device IP masking | Most or all device traffic | Requires trusting the VPN provider |
| Proxy | Browser, app, crawler, and location-testing workflows | Usually one app or browser | Limited encryption and uneven app coverage |
| Tor | Anonymous browsing and censorship resistance | Tor Browser traffic | Slower and often blocked by some sites |
How to set up and verify a VPN
- Choose a reputable VPN provider based on privacy, speed, device support, server locations, and trust signals.
- Install the official app for your device or configure the VPN on your router if you want whole-home coverage.
- Connect to a nearby server for speed or a specific country when location matters.
- Refresh the IP Exposure Check on this page and confirm your visible IP address, location, and network changed.
- Check for DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks if privacy matters for the session.
What a VPN does not solve
- A VPN does not make you fully anonymous if you log into personal accounts or reveal identifying information.
- A VPN provider can become a trusted middleman, so provider reputation, jurisdiction, ownership, and audits matter.
- Some websites block known VPN IP ranges or require extra verification.
- VPNs may reduce speed because traffic is encrypted and routed through another server.
- Browser fingerprinting, cookies, account logins, and payment trails can still identify you.
VPN FAQs
What does VPN stand for?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server.
Does a VPN hide my IP address?
Yes. When connected, websites usually see the VPN server IP address instead of your real public IP address.
Is a VPN the same as a proxy?
No. A VPN usually protects most device traffic and adds encryption, while a proxy typically masks IP traffic for one browser, app, or workflow.
Can a VPN make me anonymous?
A VPN improves privacy, but it does not make you fully anonymous. Accounts, cookies, browser fingerprints, payment records, and behavior can still identify you.
Should I use a free VPN?
Free VPNs can be useful for light browsing, but they often have speed, data, server, privacy, or support limitations. Read the business model and privacy policy carefully.
How do I know my VPN is working?
Check your IP before connecting, connect to the VPN, then refresh this page. Your visible IP address, location, or network should change.