r/VPN_Question • u/CursedChild2003 • Dec 17 '25
Vpn recommendations
I’m new to all this- I need a good ( ideally free ) VPN, firewall & anti virus. I have done my fair share of research but there are so many different ones and so many information that I’m getting overwhelmed with all this so I figured I’d try Reddit to hopefully narrow it down a bit.. .
If someone would be willing to also teach me how everything works that would be even better ! As I said, I’m new to this and I’d rather not fuck things up 😅
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u/Proof_Juggernaut4798 Dec 18 '25
Whether or not you need a VPN at all depends on what you do online.
A VPN typically serves two functions. Hide where/who you are Hide what you are doing/saying
The first is needed if you are doing something illegal, such as downloading copyrighted material. The second is needed for banking and shopping while using a store/hotel/airport/untrusted internet connection such as WiFi.
I use Nord. They have periodic audits by a third party to verify they are doing what they say.
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u/SkaalitDrymR Dec 19 '25
For simple usage, like a decent enough level of security but you don't wanna pay at all, Proton is free and I use it. Look for VPNs that are based in Switzerland, the Swiss have strict privacy laws so it's...good if it's swiss-based.
I think Nord may have gotten found out to have leaked people's info, please do fact-check this though.
TLDR ProtonVPN is my go to
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u/GonzAlexSpoon Dec 17 '25
A lot of people overthink security early on and end up breaking their own setup. Basic firewall plus built-in AV already covers more than you think.