VPNs are hot, and not without reason. Whether you want to browse safely at a coffee shop, watch Netflix USA from the Netherlands or wipe your digital tracks: a VPN is your secret weapon. But what exactly is a VPN? And why should you use one?

What exactly is a VPN?

Picture this: you are sitting in a café with free Wi-Fi. Sounds ideal, right? Until you realize that anyone on that network can watch what you are doing. From your Instagram sessions to your banking. And this is where a VPN comes in.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a kind of ‘secret tunnel’ between your device and the internet. Everything you do is encrypted. That means: nobody can peek over your digital shoulder. Not your internet provider, not a hacker in that coffee shop, nobody.

That tunnel first sends your internet traffic to a VPN server. Only then does it go out into the wide world. It is like putting on your coat and sunglasses before you step outside. And your IP address? It changes to that of the server, so your location stays hidden as well.

What can you do with a VPN?

Browse safely on public networks

Public Wi-Fi is really convenient, but also super unsafe. With a VPN you can check your email or do your banking without worries, even at Schiphol Airport or on the train.

Get around geo-blocking

Want to watch US Netflix series or open a YouTube video that is “not available in your country”? A VPN makes this child’s play. You simply choose a server in the country where the content actually is available. Voilà!

Protection against tracking and ads

Did you know that websites follow you with cookies, trackers and digital fingerprints? A VPN throws a wrench in the works of all those online snoops. No more annoying ads following you around like a stalker.

Safer remote working

Do you work remotely? Then a VPN is a must. It keeps your company data safe and makes sure you can log in to internal systems securely, without the risk of data breaches.

Why is a VPN useful for you?

  • ✅ Privacy: Nobody sees what you do online.

  • ✅ Security: Your data is encrypted.

  • ✅ Freedom: Access to all content, wherever you are.

Are there any downsides?

To be fair: a VPN can make your internet a bit slower, especially if you choose a server on the other side of the world. And some streaming services try to block VPNs (although some VPN providers have clever tricks for that). But that usually does not outweigh the benefits.

The most widely used VPN protocols

A little tech talk (but kept simple):

  • OpenVPN: The classic. Secure, reliable, but a bit slower.

  • WireGuard: The new star. Lightweight, lightning fast and super secure.

WireGuard is ideal if you want to combine speed and security. OpenVPN, on the other hand, is handy if you are working on an older device.

Create your own VPN with a VPS

Do you want real full control? Then you can set up your own VPN on a VPS.

What is a VPS?

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual server that you rent from a hosting company such as Theory7.net. It is a slice of a physical server, but entirely yours. Ideal for your own projects, and therefore also for your own VPN server.

Why you would want to set up your own VPN

  • You decide who has access

  • No logs or tracking (which commercial VPNs sometimes do)

  • You choose which country your server is in

Check out our guide on installing a VPN on your own VPS (coming soon), or ask our support team for help.

👉 Check out our VPS plans and start your own VPN today!

Why you need a VPN right now

A VPN is no longer a luxury, it is a must. Whether you travel a lot, work with sensitive information or simply take your online privacy seriously, a VPN gives you peace of mind, security and freedom.

Do you prefer convenience? Then go for a commercial VPN.

Do you want full control? Then set up your own VPN with a VPS from Theory7.

🛡️ Want to build your own VPN?
Check out our super fast and affordable VPS plans now and start your own VPN server today!

Further reading