In today’s world, where almost everything is online, data security and privacy have become a top priority. The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has become increasingly popular as people look for ways to protect their online activities from prying eyes. Do you know ways a VPN can save you money though?
How does a VPN work?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) works by creating a secure and encrypted connection between your device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) and a remote server (anywhere in the world) operated by the VPN provider. When you connect to the VPN server, your device’s traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, which helps to protect your online activities from being monitored or intercepted by unauthorised parties.
How does a VPN work? (non-nerdy speak)
VPN providers have servers all over the world. So let’s say you want to go to a website. Normally, your phone will connect to that website directly. With a VPN, you connect instead to one of those servers from around the world, and then it connects to the website, creating a bridge between the two.
How does a VPN help me?
Having the VPN in between can help in so many ways. Firstly, it’s massively more secure, meaning the these big tech companies can’t track your every movement. It also allows you to appear like you’re connecting from a different country, which can actually save you time, money and hassle. Let’s look at how –
Read more below.
For VPN’s we recommend (and use!) Nord VPN. It’s really affordable, reliable and lightning fast.
Ways a VPN can save you money
1. Watch your favourite shows from home, without paying the prices of the country you’re in: For example, when you’re on holiday, connect to a UK server and get access to BBC iPlayer and more.
2. Save money on Subscriptions: For example, Spotify is £9.99 in the UK but $9.99 in the US. With current exchange rates (May, 2023), that makes the UK price $12.32 a month!
3. Save money on International Calls: Heading to Dubai? VOIP (WhatsApp Calls, Facetime etc) is banned there! Use a VPN and call to your hearts content, without paying for international minutes.
4. Avoid paying for Premium Channels: A VPN allows you to connect to anywhere in the world and this can be used to get channels for show you might usually need to pay for. An example of this:
Tennis events are free-streamed in the country they’re being played in but you nearly always need to pay to watch abroad. I.e. the French Open is free in France, but you need a Eurosport subscription to watch it here in the UK.
5. Save money on airfares and hotel bookings: By changing your location, you may be able to find cheaper flights and hotel prices. SmarterTravel tested this and found flights up to $30 cheaper when taking the 10 seconds it takes to put a VPN on.
6. Avoid paying more for Digital Products: For example, Which? found that people in the US were paying a whopping £89 ($109.75) less for Microsoft Office Professional digital software.
A few other non-money related advantages of a VPN:
1. Hide your location: This may not seem like a big deal, but as hackers and technology generally improve, you might be thankful one day that a would-be hacker couldn’t find you.
2. Avoid censorship: Most countries have their own laws and regulations about what their people can and can’t see. Using a VPN, you can get around this, and browse freely!
Are VPNs worth it?
We’ve been using Nord VPN for over a year now and honestly, it really is. With Nord, you’re able to share it with up to 6 devices at the same time, so our families have been able to get in on the advantages too. If you’re based in the UK, getting BBC shows when away, watching sport in other countries for free and for us, testing our websites in different locations. Same goes for domestic USA shows.
We unfortunately weren’t able to get the great deal they’re doing now of 59% off and 3 months free, but we still only paid just over £180 for 2 years, which works out at just over £7 a month, which is nothing for the amount we use it and the money it’s saved us.
Best VPN in the UK?
Nord VPN all the way. Click below to get one of their best deals yet.
