Almost 50% of Americans use a VPN as Privacy Concerns Grow

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are becoming a common tool for internet users looking to protect their online activity, access restricted content, or save money on services. A recent CNET survey found that 43% of U.S. adults now use a VPN, with nearly half doing so to hide their IP address.

With a growing sense of worry about potential risks of unprotected data, personal information, and more, many are finding ways to up their privacy game. The most prominent way of doing this is by using a Virtual Private Network.

Why People Are Using VPNs

CNET’s research uncovered several key reasons why people turn to VPNs. Here are the top reasons:

• Privacy Protection: 47% of users rely on VPNs to keep their online activity private. VPNs reroute internet traffic through secure servers, masking a user’s IP address. Our top VPN choice even has malware protection/ad blocker service built right in.
• Mobile Use: VPNs are now being used more on mobile devices than ever before. Over half (51%) of VPN users protect their phones, while 50% also use them on computers or tablets.
• Accessing Restricted Content: 17% of U.S. adults have used a VPN to access a restricted website or app. This number jumps to 50% for Gen Z and millennials. The temporary TikTok outage in January 2025 drove more users to VPNs in an attempt to bypass the restriction.
• Saving Money on Streaming: 23% of VPN users take advantage of lower prices in different regions for services like Netflix, sports packages, and live television subscriptions.
• Avoiding Price Discrimination: Some travelers use VPNs to find cheaper flight and hotel prices, though only 9% of users currently do this.

While the reasons vary, it is clear that many of the nation’s youth are trending toward VPN usage.

Who’s Using VPNs the Most?

The survey revealed that younger generations are leading the charge. Half of Gen Z and millennials have used a VPN this year, compared to lower adoption among older age groups.

Men are also more likely to use a VPN than women, with 50% of surveyed men reporting VPN usage compared to 36% of women. Many users continue using a VPN once they try it, with 19% having used one for more than two years.

Legal Considerations for VPN Users

While VPNs are legal in most countries, some nations impose restrictions or outright bans. Countries like China, Russia, Iran, and the UAE have laws against VPN usage, and users in these regions could face fines or other legal consequences.

Even in places where VPNs are legal, accessing region-restricted content could violate terms of service agreements. For example, streaming services may suspend accounts found bypassing geographical content blocks.

Not all VPNs Are Created Equal

While there are tons of different choices when searching for a VPN Provider, not all are created equal and that is why it is important to consider various options before making a selection.

Many who are in the market for a VPN opt for free selections such as Proton, TunnelBear, or Privado, however there are some risks associated with these that you should be aware of.

Almost all “Free VPN” Providers come with a catch and this usually includes the sale of your personal data to 3rd party buyers. We have seen other issues with these in the past as well:

• Free VPN Servers Seized by Authorities were Unencrypted
• These Free VPN Apps are Secretly Collecting Data
• Free VPN Provider has User Data Leaked

For these reasons and more, we recommend purchasing a VPN Service that will take your privacy seriously and make sure information is never in the wrong hands.

Here are some important items to consider when researching various VPN options:

Strong Privacy Protections: Look for AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy.
Fast Internet Speeds: Some VPNs slow down internet connections by 50% or more. A high-quality service should only reduce speeds by 25% or less.
Global Server Network: A larger network of servers provides more options for accessing region-restricted content and avoiding overcrowded connections.
Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports your operating system and allows multiple simultaneous connections.

Surfshark VPN checks all of these boxes and more which is why it is TROYPOINT’s #1 Ranked VPN Selection and has been for numerous years.

As concerns over digital privacy continue to rise, VPNs are becoming an essential tool for many Americans. Whether for privacy, accessing restricted content, or saving money, VPNs are here to stay.

This article was originally published by CNET.