Should you pay for a VPN?

Are you still using a free VPN in 2025? You probably shouldn't be. The simple act of browsing the web, which most of us take for granted, is already fraught with potential vulnerabilities, from data trackers to malicious attacks. Installing dodgy software like free VPNs is just asking for trouble, and potentially giving bad actors a back door into your network. And while a basic Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers a foundational layer of protection by encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses, the modern threat landscape necessitates a more comprehensive solution.

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

Network Speeds

One of the most immediately noticeable benefits of upgrading to a premium VPN is the improvement in network performance. Unlike many basic or free VPNs that will usually slow your connection down, and impose invisible bandwidth limitations, paid services are typically engineered 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 primary barrier to consistent VPN usage: turning it off because of lengthy load times, or slow download speeds.

Enhanced Security Features

Beyond the fundamental VPN features, a key differentiator of a premium service is its multifaceted security infrastructure. A standard VPN provides a secure tunnel for data, but it often doesn’t protect against external threats encountered on a website. Paid VPN packages integrate features like AI-powered protection against scams, phishing, and malware. It’s a layer of proactive defence that actively scans 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

The inclusion of a robust Password Manager within your VPN simplifies the creation and secure storage of unique, complex passwords. The safest passwords are long, complicated text strings, 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 Controls

For parents, the integration of Parental Control features is a major advantage. This functionality allows for the management of children’s screen time, content filtering to block unsuitable material, and provides insights into their online behaviour, such as their search terms and video viewing history. This capability transforms the VPN from a simple tool for individual security into a comprehensive, family cybersafety solution, offering a means to guide and protect minors in the digital realm.

Cross Platform Access

If you’re going to pay for a service, you would hope that you could use it across your various devices. Choose a premium VPN that works on both Mac and/or PC (depending on your stack), and also provides user-friendly access on your mobile devices and tablets via a dedicated app.

Tracker Blocking

Additionally, some premium VPNs offer built-in tracker blockers. These help to block tracking cookies that run on all sorts 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, fully-featured VPN service like Norton VPN Ultimate is a transformative tool. By combining high-speed, reliable connectivity with integrated protection against malware, tracker blocking, and advanced security features. If you’re seeking even greater anonymity, advanced features like IP Rotation and Double VPN, where your connection is routed through multiple locations, offer a level of privacy that goes well beyond the capabilities of a standard VPN. On top of this, Dark Web Monitoring notifies users if their personal information is found on illicit marketplaces, providing a warning system for potential identity theft.

The investment in such a comprehensive solution is not merely about security; it is about reclaiming control over their digital life and ensuring a safer, more private, and more efficient experience for everyone in your household. For more information, check out the Norton Australia website.