Do You Really Need a VPN? Surfshark, CyberGhost and Bitdefender VPN Compared

A VPN is one of those tools everyone talks about but few people know what it’s really for. In this guide we explain in simple terms what it does, when it’s useful (and when it isn’t), and compare the three VPNs we sell: Surfshark, CyberGhost and Bitdefender Premium VPN.

What a VPN does

When you connect to the internet, your traffic goes through your provider or the Wi-Fi network you’re using. With a VPN, it travels through an encrypted “tunnel” to one of the VPN’s servers, and from there to the site you’re visiting. The result:

• whoever runs the network (for example the Wi-Fi in a café or hotel) can’t read what you’re doing;
• websites see the VPN server’s IP address, not yours;
• you can choose a server in another country, which is handy when travelling.

When you really need one

• Public Wi-Fi: airports, hotels, trains, cafés. This is the most important use case.
• Travelling abroad: to use your services just like at home, for example your bank or your country’s streaming, within the limits of the service’s terms.
• Privacy: if you don’t want your provider or the networks you use to see which sites you visit.
• Remote working from different places.

What a VPN doesn’t do

• it doesn’t block viruses and malware: for that you need an antivirus;
• it doesn’t make you invisible if you sign in to Google, Facebook or other accounts;
• it doesn’t protect you from phishing and scams if you enter your details on a fake site.

Surfshark, CyberGhost or Bitdefender VPN

Our store prices at the time of publishing. All three have apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, a kill switch (it blocks the internet if the VPN disconnects) and a no-logs policy.

See Surfshark VPN

See CyberGhost VPN

See Bitdefender VPN

Guide: using a VPN on your PC

VPN apps look very similar to each other: we show you the steps with Surfshark. The screens are simplified.

Frequently asked questions

Does a VPN slow down the internet?

A little, because your traffic makes an extra stop. With servers close to you, the difference is minimal in normal use, even for HD streaming.

Is using a VPN legal?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in the EU and most countries. Using it for illegal activities is, of course, still against the law.

Do I need one if I already have an antivirus?

They’re two different things: the antivirus blocks threats on your device, the VPN protects your connection. Some suites, like Kaspersky Plus and Norton 360, also include a VPN.