When is a VPN not a VPN?

A vector illustration of a hacker climbing out off an app on a smartphone
(Image credit: Getty Images)

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a handy piece of software that encrypts your internet connection, hiding your data from prying eyes. VPNs can also allow you to spoof your location, giving you access to geo-locked content and content blocked in your region.

It can be difficult to discern the best VPNs from those that are phonies, but there are a few things you can keep an eye out for to separate the wheat from the chaff.

In this article, we'll explain what to look out for when trying to find a new VPN, so you can rest assured that you won't pick one that over-promises yet under-performs.

What types of fake VPN are there?

If you're looking for the best VPN, I'd naturally suggest first checking out our buying guide of all the top VPNs on the market

However, if you want to be more on-the-ground and do the searching yourself, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for. We'll explore them more in detail below.

A concept image of internet speed with coloured ribbons flowing out of a computer

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Local Area Networks

Some "VPNs" on the market are not really commercial VPNs at all, and are instead virtual local area networks (LANs).

While these virtual LANs can encrypt your network connection, they are not the same as commercial VPNs. Instead of routing your connection through a tunnel, virtual LANs allow you to bypass the internet and connect with other computers as if they were on the same network.

This means that while this connection is encrypted, virtual LANs cannot offer the same privacy protections as VPNs, for example fully encrypting your traffic or masking your IP address

An example of a virtual LAN that calls itself a VPN is Radmin VPN. Explore more about this provider in our full Radmin VPN review.

A close up of a series of webpages on a computer screen

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Proxies

Proxies are another example of software that may be sold as a VPN without actually being a VPN.

While VPNs and proxies may operate in similar ways, there are a few key differences that mean you won't want to be caught out by a proxy when what you're really looking for is a VPN.

Proxies, like VPNs, can change your IP address. By changing your IP address to one outside your country, you can spoof your location and access geo-locked content.

Also like VPNs, proxies can hide your internet activity from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), however they do this by routing your internet traffic through an intermediary server. This means that your data is exposed to the proxy, unlike with a VPN where it's kept completely hidden.

It's also important to note that proxies do not encrypt your data, meaning that if you are looking for a VPN to do just this, you'll want to avoid any proxies masquerading as VPNs.

The best providers also often come with added extras, such as other cybersecurity tools (like antivirus or malware checkers), to keep you even safer online.

A picture of a skull and bones on a smartphone depicting malware

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Malware

The final, and most dangerous, thing to look out for when choosing a real VPN is malware.

Some VPN apps out there may not be as they seem, and instead contain malware designed to infect your device and steal your data – the exact opposite of what you want a VPN for.

In 2024, over 90 Android apps that had been downloaded over 5.5 million times were found to be riddled with Anatsa banking malware. These apps acted as a Trojan horse for the malware, which was then able to steal users' financial credentials by targeting over 650 banking apps in the US, the UK, Europe and Asia.

While they may seem legit, there are some red flags to keep an eye out for when looking for a VPN – in particular if you're trying to find the best free VPN in the haystack of dodgy providers.

These apps may:

  • Offer too much to be true, e.g. unlimited bandwidth for a free service
  • Have no official website and/or have a very limited website. 
  • Have very few reviews, or only overwhelmingly positive reviews. 

You can also protect yourself from malware by using antimalware to scan apps before you download them and expose yourself to any potential malware. 

Olivia Powell
Tech Software Commissioning Editor

Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor for Tech Software. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and creates content across TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. She is particularly interested in threat intelligence, detection and response, data security, fraud prevention and the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Read more
VPN app on mobile phone
Are VPNs safe?
Illustration of a woman looking concerned, dressed in a green top and blue jeans.
Is a VPN really worth it?
Illustration of a VPN installed on a mobile phone, network strength symbol, location markers, and cogs.
What are the benefits of using a VPN?
Woman using a free VPN on a mobile device, in front of a laptop
The best free VPN in 2025
What is a VPN?
What is a VPN?
Best VPN provider ExpressVPN on a range of devices
The best VPN service in 2025
Latest in VPNs
Chelsea Manning speaking at the NymVPN launch event
Chelsea Manning-backed NymVPN launches in bid to win the "censorship arms race"
ExpressVPN
Calling all students! Protect your online privacy with ExpressVPN's exclusive offer
White NymVPN logo on green graphic background
Introducing NymVPN – could this be the world's most secure VPN?
ExpressVPN Lightway Turbo logo
Fast just got faster – introducing ExpressVPN's Lightway Turbo
ExpressVPN connected on Linux app
ExpressVPN launches huge Linux update – what you need to know
Cartoon image of three people using smartphones and laptops
NordVPN reinforces its security credentials with independent audit
Latest in Features
LG G4 OLED in living room
This is the one setting on your HDR TV most people don't know about — here's how to tweak it
Chelsea Manning speaking at the NymVPN launch event
Chelsea Manning-backed NymVPN launches in bid to win the "censorship arms race"
a red smeg espresso machine with burr grinder is photographed against a blue background
I’m an ex-barista and I know why the coffee you make at home isn’t as good as Starbucks — 3 tips for brewing the perfect cup
A man and a woman wearing grey clothes looking at a white mattress in a store
Buying your first mattress? Here's 9 things you need to know
A comparison photo showing a Helix mattress directly next to a Helix mattress topper
You need a new mattress but don't have the budget — is a new topper worth buying this World Sleep Day instead?
A HoverAir X1 Pro and HoverAir X1 ProMax drone
I have never seen a drone accessory as cool as this one — and it’s the one thing DJI is missing
  • ioo
    Oh my, what a bunch of bull poo.

    Comparing VPN with VLAN... jeez... does the author has a slightest idea the term "virtual LAN" is already taken and means a very precise technology having nothing to do with encryption (obviously she doesn't, otherwise she wouldn't have written what she has written)

    "your data is exposed to the proxy, unlike with a VPN where it's kept completely hidden"... Lol, really? VPN is a tunnel. As every tunnel it does have 2 ends and guess what... even if it's completely dark inside the tunnel, if you stand at the other end of it you will see very clearly who and what goes in and out.
    Reply