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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIn Security.org’s 2026 survey of 1,008 Americans, 42% of U.S. adults said they used a VPN for personal or work purposes, up from 32% in 2025. That is a U.S. survey result—not a global usage rate. Canadian and UK findings measure different populations and behaviors, so they add context rather than a direct comparison.
How many people use a VPN in 2026?
There is no single global VPN-use percentage established by the available 2026 evidence. The clearest adult adoption figure here is from the United States: 42% of adults in Security.org’s survey reported using a VPN for personal or work purposes, compared with 32% in its 2025 survey. The 2026 result comes from a self-reported survey of 1,008 Americans, not a count of active VPN connections or a worldwide estimate. Security.org’s 2026 VPN statistics
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Other country figures use different questions and samples. CIRA reported that 22% of Canadians used a VPN as one privacy-protective action in its 2026 Canadian Internet Trends survey. In the UK, 22% of children aged 11–17 said they had used a VPN in the previous three months. Neither number measures the same thing as the U.S. adult personal-or-work question.
Why do people use a VPN?
Among VPN users in Security.org’s 2026 U.S. survey, 56% cited general privacy and 51% cited general security. International or non-local media access and reducing online tracking were each cited by 27%. These are respondents’ stated motivations; the survey does not establish how effectively a VPN achieves each goal. Security.org’s survey findings
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People who do not use a VPN gave different reasons. In the same U.S. survey, 39% of non-users said they did not need one, 24% said they did not know enough about VPNs, and 19% did not see the benefit. Respondents could select multiple answers, so these figures are not mutually exclusive.
What does a VPN protect—and what does it not?
A VPN creates an encrypted connection, or tunnel, between a device and a remote server operated by the VPN provider. This can help secure communications and can make a device appear to connect from the VPN server’s location. The Internet Society describes VPNs as tools for improving digital security and privacy. Internet Society policy brief, September 9, 2026
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A VPN is not total anonymity. It may make browsing destinations harder for an internet provider or local network observer to see, but it does not erase identity signals from accounts, cookies, apps, or advertising IDs. Sites and services can still recognize a signed-in user or track activity through other means.
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- Malware and viruses: A VPN alone does not protect a device from viruses or malware. Security.org found that 36% of respondents incorrectly believed it did.
- Phishing and fraud: A VPN does not stop deceptive messages, fraudulent sites, or users from handing over sensitive information.
- Public Wi-Fi: Website encryption has made public Wi-Fi safer than it once was. A VPN can add a layer of protection, but it is not mandatory for every public-network connection.
Use a VPN as one privacy and security measure, not as a replacement for device updates, careful account security, or protection against malicious software. Security.org’s 2026 survey and guidance
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- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
What is the most used VPN?
In Security.org’s 2026 U.S. survey, NordVPN was named by 24% of VPN users and Proton VPN by 15%. Norton VPN and Cisco Secure Client VPN were each named by 9%. These are respondent-reported brand-use shares, not rankings of speed, privacy, security, or value. The survey did not investigate why people selected particular brands. Security.org’s VPN brand-use results
A popularity result can help answer which names respondents reported using; it cannot tell you which service suits your needs. When comparing providers, examine the details that affect your use case:
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- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
- What data the provider collects and how its logging and retention policy is written.
- Whether independent audits exist and what systems or claims each audit actually covers.
- Supported devices, simultaneous connections, reliability, and relevant server locations.
- Ease of use and any limits on a free plan compared with paid features.
- The total price after introductory terms, plus the legality and terms of your intended use where you live.
Are free VPNs popular?
Yes. In Security.org’s U.S. annual survey, 43% of VPN users said they relied on a free service in 2026, up from 28% in 2025. These percentages describe surveyed users, not all U.S. adults. The same survey reported an average cost of $21 per month among respondents who paid for VPN access; that is a survey average, not a current quote for any provider or plan. Security.org’s 2026 VPN statistics
Free and paid offerings should be compared on their actual terms rather than assumed to be equivalent. Check data practices, usage limits, available features, supported devices, and what a paid subscription costs after any introductory period.
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- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
Do children use VPNs?
In a 2026 UK study commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and conducted by BMG Research, 22% of children aged 11–17 reported using a VPN in the previous three months. The survey included 2,299 young people: a nationally representative base of 2,029 plus a boost of 270 recent VPN users, weighted to match VPN-use incidence. It measures self-reported behavior among UK children, not all UK residents or children in other countries. DSIT-commissioned research on children and VPNs
Among UK children who had ever used a VPN, 30% cited keeping their online activity private and 23% cited feeling safer by hiding personal information. Those figures describe reasons given by child VPN users, not evidence that a VPN makes a child anonymous or prevents every online risk.
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