# What a VPN Actually Does—And Whether It's Worth the Monthly Cost
A virtual private network, or VPN, masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making your online activity harder for hackers and internet service providers to monitor. For roughly $3 to $15 monthly, services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark route your data through secure servers, hiding your location and browsing habits.
The protection matters most on public Wi-Fi. Coffee shop networks and airport hotspots lack encryption, leaving you vulnerable to identity thieves who can intercept passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data. A VPN encrypts this traffic before it leaves your device, blocking interception attempts. You stay protected even when connecting to unsecured networks.
At home on your private network, a VPN's value drops significantly. Your ISP still sees your activity, but so does the VPN provider itself. You're trading one party's visibility for another's. If privacy from your ISP concerns you, a home VPN offers real protection. For most people, it adds a layer of security without solving the fundamental problem.
VPNs also let you access content restricted by location and mask your identity from websites you visit. This appeals to privacy-conscious users, though many providers log some user data despite privacy claims. Read the fine print carefully. Some operate in countries with weak privacy laws and may cooperate with authorities.
Free VPN services typically monetize your data or limit speeds severely. Paid providers offer better security and reliability. ExpressVPN runs $6.67 monthly on annual plans, while NordVPN costs $3.99 to $11.99 depending on the commitment length. Surfshark starts at $2.49 monthly on two-year plans.
The real question: do you need one? If you regularly