What is an IP address?
Your IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical label assigned to your device by your Internet Service Provider. Think of it as your home address on the internet — it tells other computers where to send data when you request a website, video, or any online service.
Every time you visit a website, your IP address is automatically shared with that website's server. This is technically necessary for data to be delivered back to you — but it also means every site you visit knows exactly who you are and approximately where you are.
There are two versions in use today:
- IPv4 — the traditional format, e.g.
203.0.113.47 - IPv6 — the newer format, e.g.
2a06:98c0:3600::103— designed to handle the massive expansion of internet-connected devices
🔍 Check your IP right now: Visit our homepage to instantly see your IPv4, IPv6, location, ISP and privacy status.
What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a location of your choice. When you use a VPN, websites and services see the VPN server's IP address — not your real one.
VPNs were originally developed for businesses to allow employees to securely access company networks remotely. Today, they're used by hundreds of millions of people for personal privacy, security on public Wi-Fi, and bypassing geographic content restrictions.
The key things a VPN does:
- Hides your real IP address — replaces it with the server's IP
- Encrypts your traffic — nobody (not even your ISP) can see what you're doing
- Masks your location — websites think you're in the server's country
- Protects on public Wi-Fi — prevents man-in-the-middle attacks
How a VPN hides your IP address
Without a VPN, your connection to a website goes directly from your device → your ISP → the website. At every step, your real IP address is visible.
With a VPN, the route changes: your device → encrypted VPN tunnel → VPN server → website. The website only sees the VPN server's IP address. Your ISP can see you're connected to a VPN but cannot see where you're going or what you're doing.
Modern VPNs use AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by governments and militaries worldwide. Even if your traffic were intercepted, it would take longer than the age of the universe to crack without the key.
Important: Not all VPNs are equally trustworthy. Free VPNs sometimes log your data and sell it to advertisers — the exact opposite of privacy. Look for an audited, no-logs provider when researching your options.
Why you need a VPN
You might think you have nothing to hide — but that's not really the point. Here's why people who care about their digital rights use a VPN:
Your ISP logs every site you visit and can sell this data to advertisers. A VPN makes this impossible.
Coffee shop, hotel, airport Wi-Fi — anyone on the same network can intercept unencrypted traffic. A VPN encrypts everything.
Access Netflix US content from Europe, or unblock websites blocked in your country, by connecting to a server elsewhere.
Ad networks track your IP across thousands of sites. Changing your IP frequently with a VPN disrupts this profiling.
9 ways to hide your IP address
A VPN isn't the only option — here's every method, along with honest pros and cons:
For most people, a premium VPN is the only practical solution that combines strong privacy, fast speeds, and ease of use.
How to choose a VPN
There's no single "best" VPN — the right choice depends on your priorities. Here are the key factors worth comparing:
- Jurisdiction — where the company is legally registered affects what laws govern your data
- Audit history — third-party audits provide independent verification of no-logs claims
- Protocol — WireGuard and OpenVPN are widely considered reliable; some providers offer proprietary protocols
- Server network — more locations means more IP options and generally better regional performance
- Device limits — some providers allow unlimited simultaneous connections; others cap at 5–10
- Free tier — a few providers offer limited free plans; most offer money-back guarantees on paid plans
Browse VPN providers
Our VPN providers page gives a neutral overview of 10 well-known services — features, jurisdictions, and use cases, with no rankings or affiliate links.
View VPN Providers Overview