A large reason that many people don't invest in virtual private networks (VPNs) is that they feel it shouldn't cost them that much just to protect their online data privacy. However, a VPN can actually act as a substitute for a great deal of software tools you have in your gadgets, and can improve your browsing while saving you loads of money. Here are a few fantastic things VPNs can help you do:

1. Unblock YouTube

Since a VPN gives you access to servers that are in remote locations, it allows you to unblock YouTube and watch your favorite videos from locations where you may not have access. Some VPNs assign static IP addresses, making you look like you are accessing the platforms from the same virtual location every time.

2. Bypass ISP limitations 

If you are using a campus network or a restricted home network, you may find yourself unable to access some content. The limitations on what you can browse can lock you out of your favorite online activities and make the internet boring. A VPN can help you circumvent these restrictions and provide you with an anonymous gateway to the content available to people outside the network.

3. Online shopping while abroad

Much like streaming platforms, multinational eCommerce stores have exclusive content for people in various geographical locations. Others don't operate in some regions altogether, making it impossible to shop from your favorite store. Fortunately, a VPN service can provide you with a virtual location to help you access whatever online platform you want and go about your shopping as if you are at home.

4. Speed up gaming

VPNs are known to slow down connections since they have to encrypt each of the data packets sent over the internet. But this isn't always the case. Sometimes, internet service providers (ISPs) slow down or throttle connections when an individual is found to use too much bandwidth. VPNs are not affected by this throttling. They only affect your connection's unaltered speed, meaning there is a good chance they will not slow it down as much as your ISP would.

5. Avoid traffic shaping

In traffic shaping, the ISP decides how much bandwidth you get for specific applications. Often, it is streaming sites such as Netflix and YouTube that these ISPs target. A 2015 report shows that many ISPs in the US reacted to the sudden surge in Netflix subscriptions by throttling connection to the service. Many are still doing it, and this affects performance, but you can get around it with a VPN. Note that most performance issues have nothing to do with connection throttling or traffic shaping, but it's worthwhile to try connecting through a VPN if you seem to have problems with specific applications.

Conclusion

A VPN is a must-have tool for any individual who is always on the internet. For business, that is not even up for discussion; you've got to have a VPN to keep your company and customer data safe from hackers. The above mentioned benefits are just some of the things a VPN will help you accomplish. Usually, the more you use it, the more useful you will find it.