VPN ads are everywhere, but do VPNs actually work? Can they really hide your IP address? Let's break down what a VPN is, how it works, and whether you need one.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. All your internet traffic passes through this tunnel, hiding your real IP address and encrypting your data.
How Does a VPN Work?
Here's what happens when you use a VPN:
- You connect to a VPN server (you choose the location — US, UK, Japan, etc.)
- Your traffic is encrypted using protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN
- Your real IP is replaced with the VPN server's IP address
- Websites see the VPN IP instead of your real one
- Your ISP sees encrypted data going to a VPN server — not which websites you visit
Does a VPN Really Hide Your IP?
Yes — with caveats. A VPN effectively hides your IP address from websites, advertisers, and other online services. However:
- WebRTC leaks can reveal your real IP even with a VPN active. Test with our VPN Leak Test.
- DNS leaks can expose which websites you visit to your ISP
- The VPN provider can see your real IP (choose a no-logs provider)
- IPv6 leaks may expose your IPv6 address if the VPN only tunnels IPv4
What Does a VPN Protect You From?
- ✅ ISP tracking your browsing activity
- ✅ Websites seeing your real location
- ✅ Hackers on public WiFi intercepting your data
- ✅ Geographic content restrictions
- ✅ Some forms of bandwidth throttling
What a VPN Does NOT Protect You From
- ❌ Malware and viruses
- ❌ Phishing attacks
- ❌ Cookies and browser fingerprinting (check your fingerprint here)
- ❌ Logging into accounts that identify you
- ❌ A dishonest VPN provider logging your activity
How to Choose a VPN
Look for these features:
- No-logs policy — independently audited
- Fast speeds — WireGuard protocol preferred
- WebRTC leak protection — built-in
- Kill switch — blocks internet if VPN disconnects
- Many server locations — 50+ countries
- Multi-device support — works on all your devices
We recommend NordVPN — it checks all these boxes with 5,500+ servers, audited no-logs policy, WireGuard (NordLynx), and built-in leak protection.
How to Verify Your VPN Is Working
- Connect to your VPN
- Visit CheckWhatIsMyIP.com — your IP should show the VPN server's location, not yours
- Run our VPN Leak Test to check for WebRTC and DNS leaks
- Check your browser fingerprint to see what else you're revealing