VPN FAQ

Short answers to the questions people ask most about VPNs. Each one links to a longer, sourced guide. Tunnelcheck is independent and isn't affiliated with Opera or any VPN company.

What is a VPN?

A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted tunnel from your device to a server run by the VPN company. Websites see the server's IP address instead of yours, and your internet provider or the Wi-Fi you're on sees only encrypted traffic going to that server. Our what is a VPN explainer covers it in more depth.

Do I need a VPN?

Not for everything. Most websites already use HTTPS encryption, and the FTC considers public Wi-Fi generally safe for that reason. A VPN helps when you don't want your ISP or a network operator to see which sites you visit, on untrusted Wi-Fi, and when you travel. See public Wi-Fi safety.

Are VPNs legal?

Yes in most countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU. China, Russia, Iran, Belarus, Turkmenistan, the UAE, Myanmar and some others ban, restrict or regulate them. Our are VPNs legal page lists the rules with sources. Anything illegal stays illegal with a VPN.

Does a VPN make me anonymous?

No. It hides your IP address from websites and your browsing from your ISP, but the VPN company can see your real IP, and sites still recognize you when you log in or through browser fingerprinting. For strong anonymity, Tor is designed so no single relay knows both who you are and where you go. See VPN vs proxy vs Tor.

Are free VPNs safe?

Many aren't. Research has found free VPN apps with tracking libraries, missing encryption, leaked logs and hidden owners. Free tiers from established paid providers have a better record. See are free VPNs safe and our best free VPNs.

What does no-logs mean?

It's a provider's promise not to record what you do or, ideally, anything that links you to a VPN IP address at a given time. The phrase covers very different practices. Independent audits and real court cases are better evidence than the promise. See no-logs policies explained and our audits tracker.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?

Usually a little, because your traffic is encrypted and takes a detour through the VPN server. How much depends mostly on the server's distance and load and on your own connection. Tunnelcheck doesn't publish speed measurements of its own.

Which VPN protocol should I use?

WireGuard, or a provider's WireGuard-based protocol, is a good default. OpenVPN over TCP can get through networks that block other VPN traffic. See WireGuard vs OpenVPN.

What is a kill switch?

A setting that blocks your internet connection if the VPN tunnel drops, so your traffic doesn't fall back to your normal connection. Turn it on. Android and iOS both have documented gaps; see VPN kill switch.

How do I know if my VPN is working?

Open our What is my IP tool with the VPN on and check you see the VPN's address. Then check for DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC leaks with our WebRTC leak test and the steps in our leak test guide.

Do you have a DNS leak test?

Not yet. For DNS, use well-known external tests such as dnsleaktest.com, ipleak.net or browserleaks.com. Our leak test guide explains how to read the results.

Is it legal to torrent with a VPN?

Torrenting itself is legal, and so is using a VPN in most countries. Sharing copyrighted files without permission is illegal, and a VPN doesn't change that. See is torrenting illegal and legal torrent sources.

Can a VPN unblock Netflix or other streaming services?

Sometimes, but nothing is guaranteed. Streaming services block many VPN addresses, results change often, and using a VPN to watch another country's catalogue usually breaks the service's terms. See why streaming services block VPNs.

Can I use a VPN for online banking?

Yes, but some banks challenge or block logins from VPN addresses, especially foreign ones. Connecting to a server in your own country usually helps. Our VPN for travel guide covers banking abroad.

Do I need a VPN on my phone?

If you use public Wi-Fi often, it's useful. Phone VPNs have limits: Mullvad has documented that Android sends some connectivity checks outside the tunnel, and Proton and Mullvad have documented Apple services bypassing VPNs on iOS. See our Android and iPhone pages.

Can I put a VPN on my router?

Yes, if your router has a VPN client feature. It covers every device at home, including smart TVs and consoles, at the cost of speed on weaker hardware. See VPN on a router.

Can I use a VPN on my smart TV?

On Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV and Apple TV (tvOS 17 and later), yes, through apps. Samsung and LG TVs can't run VPN apps, so use a router VPN or a streaming stick. See VPN on a smart TV.

What is split tunneling?

A setting that sends only some apps through the VPN and the rest through your normal connection. Useful for printers or banking apps, but every exception is unprotected. See split tunneling.

What's the difference between a VPN and a proxy?

A proxy usually covers one app and often doesn't encrypt traffic. A VPN encrypts all of your device's traffic to the VPN server. See VPN vs proxy vs Tor.

How many devices can I use with one VPN account?

It depends on the provider and plan, and some have no limit. A VPN on your router usually counts as one connection. Each of our reviews lists the provider's stated limit with a source.

Does it matter who owns my VPN?

Yes. Several big brands share parent companies, and ownership changes can change practices. See who owns your VPN.

Should I use a VPN when I travel?

It helps on hotel and airport Wi-Fi and with reaching home services. Install and test it before you leave, and check the law where you're going. See VPN for travel.

How do you choose which VPNs to recommend?

Tunnelcheck doesn't test VPNs hands-on. We research them: independent audits, ownership, jurisdiction, court cases and incidents, published specs and official prices with the date checked. Our how we review page explains the method, and best VPN shows the results.

Is this the Opera VPN FAQ?

No. This domain once hosted pages for Opera's own VPN product, but Tunnelcheck is an independent site and isn't affiliated with Opera. For help with Opera's browser VPN, see the VPN section of Opera's help site at help.opera.com; for the paid VPN Pro, see opera.com/features/vpn-pro. Our own independent Opera VPN review looks at how the browser VPN compares with full VPNs.

How can I contact Tunnelcheck?

Use our contact page. We can't give legal advice or support for a VPN company's product; contact the provider for account help.