VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. But it isn’t the complex-sounding name that’s important: it’s what a VPN can do for you.

Most people use a VPN to get an extra layer of privacy online. That’s where the Private comes in. When enabled on your phone, tablet or laptop, a VPN can help prevent people from seeing what you do while you use the internet. For example, your internet provider can’t slow down your connection speed based on your activity, and it also means it can’t sell your data to third parties which might target you with annoying adverts. Not all ISPs sell data like this, but using a VPN means those that do can’t sell yours.

Another reason to use a VPN is for security. Thanks to the fact that they encrypt your internet connection, you get an extra layer of security as well as privacy. This is valuable when you’re connected to free Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, airports and shopping malls which is often unencrypted because there’s no password.

How a VPN Works
To fully understand how a VPN browser extension works, we need to take a look at what VPNs are and what they can do. Normally when you connect to the internet, you connect to a server run by your internet service provider (ISP) and from there to the site you want to visit.

When using a VPN, you connect from your ISP’s server to a server run by your VPN provider and only then to the site you’re visiting. Rerouting your connection makes it so that you use the IP address associated with the VPN server rather than your own—called “spoofing”—which is great when you want to prevent the site from tracking you.

Using a VPN
The most common way to connect to a VPN server is to use what’s called a VPN client, a program from your VPN provider that you install on your computer or mobile phone—though they’re usually called “apps,” then. Usually, all you need to do is to pick a server to connect to and then hit a button and that’s it, you’ve established a secure connection to the internet. (Modern operating systems have built-in VPN support, but it’s almost always easier to use your VPN provider’s client instead.)

VPN Browser Extensions
A browser extension is a small app or program that can extend the abilities of your browser. For example, you can get an extension that will clip specific parts of a text so you can save it for later, or you could get one that functions as a powerful password manager.

Many, if not most, VPNs will also offer browser extensions which let you connect to a VPN straight from your browser, or at least use some of the functionality associated with your VPN. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer them, for example, and they’re good little tools to have.


How to find the right VPN for your needs
Whatever you want a VPN for, they’re extremely easy to use. And they’re also very affordable, typically costing just a few dollars or pounds per month.

But before you head to your device’s app store and install a VPN, first you need to choose which one to use. They’re not all the same, and you can’t tell by price alone how good they are.

How to install and set up a VPN
Once you’ve paid for your chosen subscription and created an account with the service, install the app on your device. That’s done by searching the app store on your phone, or by downloading it from the service’s website and then installing it from the file you just downloaded.