What the VPN tunnel changes
Without a VPN, your device communicates through the local network directly to internet services. HTTPS protects the contents of most modern web sessions, but the network can still be involved in connection handling and metadata. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server first.
When the extra layer matters most
- Opening company systems or remote-work tools.
- Signing into email, banking, cloud storage, or social accounts.
- Using a hotel, airport, convention, or café network.
- Connecting in a place where the genuine hotspot name is uncertain.
Connect after the captive portal
Public hotspots frequently require a browser-based terms page. That page may not load while the VPN is active because the network has not granted full access yet. Connect to Wi-Fi, complete the portal, then turn on the VPN.
Protect your next public connection
Proton VPN provides a free starting option and premium plans with more servers, features, and simultaneous connections.
Get Proton VPN →Choose the provider, not just the price
A VPN provider can technically handle a large amount of connection data, so reputation and transparency matter. Look for clear privacy policies, independently audited claims, modern protocols, actively maintained apps, and a business model that does not depend on selling browsing data.
Keep the rest of your security stack
Use a password manager, unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, device encryption, automatic updates, and a locked screen. The VPN is one layer in a larger safety routine.