Should you pay for a VPN?

Are you still using a free VPN in 2025? You probably shouldn’t be. Just browsing the web, which most of us take for granted, already carries many potential vulnerabilities, from data trackers to malicious attacks. Installing questionable software like free VPNs only invites trouble and potentially gives bad actors a backdoor into your network. And while a basic virtual private network (VPN) provides a foundational layer of protection by encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses, the modern threat landscape requires a more comprehensive solution.

So if you are looking for a new VPN. It’s important to know that for a little more each month, you can unlock a whole host of digital life-changing features. Here are some of the key features you should look for:

Network Speeds

One of the most immediately visible benefits of upgrading to a premium VPN is improved network performance. Unlike many basic or free VPNs that typically slow down your connection and impose invisible bandwidth limitations, paid services are generally designed for speed and reliability. This reduces latency and maintains a fast, consistent connection for streaming and large file downloads. The performance aspect is crucial, as it removes the main barrier to consistent VPN use: turning it off due to long loading times or slow download speeds.

Improved security features

Beyond core VPN features, one of the key differentiators of a premium service is its multi-faceted security infrastructure. A standard VPN provides a secure tunnel for data, but it often does not protect against external threats encountered on a website. Paid VPN plans include features like AI-based protection against scams, phishing, and malware. It’s a proactive layer of defense that actively searches for and helps block malicious content before it can compromise a device, whether it’s a PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone. This is a crucial addition in an era where social engineering and sophisticated phishing campaigns are increasingly common.

Password managers

Including a robust password manager in your VPN makes it simple to create and securely store unique and complex passwords. The strongest passwords are long, complicated strings of text that are far too complex to remember. Having a dedicated, encrypted vault to store these passwords is one of the safest ways to protect your accounts.

Parental Control

For parents, the integration of Parental Control features is a major advantage. This feature helps manage children’s screen time, filter content to block inappropriate content, and provide information about their online behavior, such as their search terms and video viewing history. This feature transforms VPN from a simple individual security tool into a comprehensive family cybersecurity solution, providing a way to guide and protect minors in the digital realm.

Cross-platform access

If you have to pay for a service, you hope to be able to use it on your different devices. Choose a premium VPN that works on both Mac and/or PC (depending on your stack) and also offers user-friendly access on your mobile and tablet devices via a dedicated app.

Blocking the tracker

Additionally, some premium VPNs offer built-in tracker blockers. These help block tracking cookies that run on all kinds of websites. The result is a more private browsing session and a significant reduction in the volume of targeted advertising. This is where our current pick, Norton VPN Ultimate, really shines.

While a basic VPN provides a necessary level of data privacy, a modern, comprehensive VPN service like Norton VPN Ultimate is a transformative tool. By combining reliable high-speed connectivity with built-in malware protection, tracker blocking and advanced security features. If you’re looking for even greater anonymity, advanced features like IP rotation and double VPN, where your connection is routed through multiple locations, provide a level of privacy that goes far beyond the capabilities of a standard VPN. Additionally, Dark Web Monitoring notifies users if their personal information is found on illicit markets, providing a warning system for potential identity theft.

Investing in such a comprehensive solution isn’t just about security; it’s about taking back control of their digital lives and ensuring a safer, more private and more efficient experience for everyone in your household. For more information, visit the Norton Australia website.