What is a VPN? Meaning, how it works, & real-world benefits

OpenVPN (UDP/TCP): Widely trusted and flexible open-source protocol. Balances speed and security, works on most devices.

IKEv2/IPSec: Popular for mobile devices due to fast reconnection when switching networks.

Lightway: ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol designed for fast speeds, reliability, and ease of use across all devices.

WireGuard: Modern, lightweight, and secure open-source protocol supported by many VPN providers.

L2TP/IPSec & PPTP: Legacy protocols. PPTP is outdated and less secure, L2TP/IPSec offers better encryption but slower speeds. Not recommended for sensitive use.

SSTP: Microsoft-developed protocol using SSL for secure connections, mostly used on Windows for bypassing firewalls.

256-bit AES encryption: Industry-leading security standard used by ExpressVPN that scrambles your data so only authorized parties can read it.

Authentication & handshake: Protocol mechanisms that verify VPN server and client identity before connections start, preventing unauthorized access.

Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): ExpressVPN generates a new encryption key for each session, so captured data cannot be decrypted even if keys are compromised later.

DNS protection/private DNS: Prevents ISPs or attackers from seeing what websites you visit by resolving domain names within the VPN’s secure servers. ExpressVPN uses its own private, encrypted DNS to protect both your internet traffic and your DNS lookups.

Kill switch: ExpressVPN's Network Lock is a killl switch designed to automatically cut your internet traffic if your connection drops, to prevent leaks of unencrypted data.

Leak testing: Tools built into apps or online services check for WebRTC, IP address, or DNS leaks to ensure your real identity stays hidden.

ExpressVPN can automatically obfuscate your connection to make VPN traffic look like normal internet traffic. This helps prevent detection or blocking by networks that restrict VPN usage. The VPN app activates obfuscation when it detects that the network is interfering with standard VPN connections, helping maintain a stable and secure link in heavily filtered environments.

Shared IPs: Multiple users share the same IP address, enhancing privacy by blending traffic into a crowd.

Multi-hop: Routes your connection through two or more VPN servers, adding extra layers of encryption and privacy, but may negatively impact speed.

Dedicated IP: ExpressVPN offers dedicated IP addresses—static, unique IPs that stay the same every time you connect. They’re tied to a specific VPN location, making it easier to access work resources remotely and avoid constant CAPTCHAs.

ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling, which gives you more control over how your traffic flows. You can route sensitive apps through the VPN for privacy while letting others use your local connection for maximum speed.

Speed and performance depend on several factors, including your VPN protocol, distance from the server, and how efficiently your internet provider routes traffic. If those routes are congested, you might notice a drop in speed.

ExpressVPN minimizes these effects. Smart Location automatically connects you to the fastest server, and the Lightway protocol keeps your connection stable and responsive—so any slowdown is barely noticeable.

How to test: Run a speed test before and after connecting to the same VPN server at similar times. ExpressVPN’s mobile apps include a built-in speed test for quick comparison.

VPN Gateways vs. Concentrators: Gateways are connecting points between networks, while concentrators manage multiple VPN connections simultaneously for scalability.

Remote-access VPN vs. Site-to-site VPN: Remote-access VPN lets individual employees securely connect to corporate networks from anywhere, while site-to-site VPN connects entire office networks via encrypted tunnels.

SASE/ZTNA: Newer security architectures combining networking and access control in the cloud, designed for zero-trust environments.

A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. By routing your data through a secure server, it protects your online privacy and prevents unauthorized access. VPNs also allow you to access content safely, whether you’re at home, traveling, or using public Wi-Fi.

A virtual private network definition describes a VPN as a secure, private connection over the internet. It encrypts your online traffic, keeping hackers, advertisers, and other snoopers out. VPNs also hide your IP address, so you can safely access content from anywhere.

The main types include remote-access VPNs (for individuals), site-to-site VPNs (for businesses), and cloud-based VPNs. ExpressVPN is a remote access VPN built for personal data privacy and secure browsing, using industry-standard encryption to protect your connection on any device.

A VPN purpose is to protect your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. This secures your personal data, even on public Wi-Fi. VPNs also safeguard sensitive information, such as banking details, from cyber threats like hackers or data breaches.

A VPN connection is the secure, encrypted link established between your device and a VPN server. This protects your internet traffic from being intercepted or monitored. With ExpressVPN, this happens in seconds using advanced protocols like Lightway for speed and reliability.

A proxy server reroutes your internet traffic, and masks your IP address but doesn't encrypt your data. A VPN like ExpressVPN offers comprehensive security by encrypting all your traffic. Proxies are only suitable for simple tasks, VPNs provide robust protection against cyber threats, making them ideal for privacy-conscious users.

Yes, VPNs are safe but only if you choose a trustworthy provider. ExpressVPN is built on trustworthy principles, it uses TrustedServer technology that doesn’t write to disk, and has an independently audited no-logs policy to verify we will not—and cannot—log, share, or sell your data.

VPN costs vary based on the provider and plan. Monthly subscriptions typically range from $5 to $15. ExpressVPN offers a range of subscription tiers and all new subscribers can benefit from our 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test all our premium features risk-free.

Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. Many people and businesses use VPNs every day to protect their personal and financial data, secure public Wi-Fi connections, and maintain online privacy. However, a VPN should always be used responsibly and in compliance with local laws.