What a VPN does
A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through another server, which hides your IP address from the sites and streams you connect to.
When it can help
- Privacy on shared or public networks
- Avoiding ISP throttling of video traffic in some regions
- Accessing content you are entitled to while travelling
What it does not do
A VPN does not make an illegal stream legal, and it can reduce playback speed because your traffic takes a longer path. Always use playlists you have the right to access.