The Rise of VPNs: Why Americans Are Turning to Virtual Privacy Networks

The popularity of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is growing rapidly in the United States, driven by increasing concerns about online privacy, security, and access to restricted content. Between the temporary TikTok ban in January, the rise of AI scams, and growing worries about data tracking, more Americans than ever are turning to VPNs to safeguard their online activity and protect their personal information. In an exclusive survey conducted by CNET, 43% of U.S. adults reported using a VPN, with nearly half of these users citing the protection of their IP address and online privacy as their primary reasons. Cybersecurity expert Neal O’Farrell, founder of Think Security First, believes that using a VPN is a critical step for anyone concerned about being tracked online. "Instead of rolling the dice and hoping no one’s snooping, just don’t take the chance," O’Farrell advises. With privacy concerns on the rise, experts predict that VPN usage will only continue to grow.

VPN Usage on the Rise: A Closer Look at Who’s Using Them

The survey revealed some interesting demographics about who is using VPNs. Men are significantly more likely to use a VPN than women, with 50% of men compared to 36% of women reporting VPN usage. Younger generations are also leading the charge, with 50% of both Gen Z and millennials having used a VPN since the start of 2025. This trend is not surprising, given that younger users are more tech-savvy and often more aware of online privacy issues. Once people start using a VPN, they tend to stick with it: 10% of users have been using a VPN for one to two years, while 19% have used one for over two years.  

The shift in how people are using VPNs is also noteworthy. Historically, VPNs were more commonly used on laptops and tablets, often for work or streaming sports. Today, 51% of U.S. adults are using VPNs on their mobile phones, followed by 50% who use them on their personal computers or tablets. O’Farrell emphasizes the importance of protecting mobile devices, noting that "we transact and conduct so many sensitive discussions and transactions on our phones. Threats are everywhere, and if you’re using your phone as a daily tool, you need to be protecting that." Moe Long, a senior security editor at CNET, adds that the best VPNs seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and mobile networks, making them just as effective on phones as on computers.

Why People Are Using VPNs: Protecting Privacy and Accessing Restricted Content

The primary reason people use VPNs is to protect their online privacy. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults who use a VPN do so to keep their online activity private, while 52% use one to protect their IP address. A VPN works by routing online traffic through an encrypted virtual server, masking the user’s actual IP address and location. This makes it harder for websites, apps, and even internet service providers to track their activity. While VPNs are effective at protecting privacy, they are not foolproof. They cannot secure payment information, cookies, or account logins, and they won’t shield devices from malware or viruses.

In addition to privacy, accessing restricted or banned content is another major reason people turn to VPNs. For example, during the temporary TikTok ban in January, many users attempted to use VPNs to bypass the restriction. While this approach wasn’t always successful—Long noted that he couldn’t access TikTok via VPN during the ban—it highlights the growing mainstream use of VPNs for accessing regionally blocked content. Many users also use VPNs to stream foreign Netflix libraries, watch BBC iPlayer outside the U.K., or access sports games that are regionally locked. Since the start of 2025, 50% of Gen Zers and millennials have used a VPN to access a restricted app or site, and 17% of U.S. adults have tried accessing a banned website or app since January 1, 2024.  

Saving Money: Another Benefit of Using a VPN

While privacy and accessing restricted content are the top reasons for using a VPN, saving money is also a significant draw. According to the survey, 19% of U.S. adults use a VPN to reduce their streaming service costs, including 12% who use one to save on streaming TV, 9% for streaming sports, and 8% for streaming music. Long tested this concept by using a VPN to rent a movie and found that he could save $6 by changing his location to the U.K. Similarly, some users are leveraging VPNs to save on travel expenses, though only 9% of VPN users report doing so. It’s important to note, however, that using a VPN to bypass regional pricing or access restricted content may violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms, potentially leading to account suspension.

How to Choose the Right VPN for Your Needs

For those interested in trying a VPN, experts recommend considering several factors to ensure you find the right one for your needs. Privacy standards are paramount: look for a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logging policy to ensure your online activity isn’t recorded. Additional features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch can also enhance your security. CNET recommends VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Proton VPN for their strong privacy standards.

Internet speed is another important consideration. Many VPNs can slow down your connection, but high-quality options like NordVPN minimize speed loss, making them ideal for streaming or gaming. Server locations are also key: the more servers a VPN offers, the more options you’ll have for bypassing geo-restrictions. Finally, check that your VPN supports multiple devices and is compatible with your operating system. Some VPNs even offer additional features like identity theft protection, further enhancing their value.

In conclusion, VPNs are becoming an essential tool for enhancing online privacy, accessing restricted content, and even saving money. While they aren’t a silver bullet for all online security concerns, they provide an important layer of protection in an increasingly digital world. As privacy concerns continue to grow, it’s likely that even more Americans will turn to VPNs to safeguard their online activity.