How important is a VPN to you? (feddit.org)

submitted 1 month ago by kapulsa@feddit.org to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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And if you use one, are you happy with it?

I'm trying to get more into privacy and security and VPN is currently a struggle for me (and it seems also for some people in my social circle). It's mostly cost, effectiveness, but also connection issues (not being able to connect to servers, not reaching websites, sometimes slower speed.

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[-] Core_of_Arden@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

Not using VPN - tried it, didn't gain anything from it...

[-] RodgeGrabTheCat@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

~~If I didn't torrent, I likely wouldn't use a vpn. With https sites, my isp can't really see what I'm up to and my ip is never my actual location.~~

I can't get Freetube to work so I've been downloading youtube videos with PipePipe on my phone and watching them on my laptop. No way could I do this without a vpn.

Using Proton right now, it's ok (kind of lacking some features on Linux). Planning on switching to Mullvad before next summer.

[-] hansolo@lemmy.today 1 points 1 month ago

I use both all the time in the same VPN. Other then sometimes switching locations to find a good one, never a problem.

Are you using the Invidious API? Those are broke as hell.

[-] RodgeGrabTheCat@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 month ago

I was using whatever api Freetube comes with. Do you have a recommended of one that works?

[-] hansolo@lemmy.today 1 points 1 month ago

YT broke the Invidious API last month, which barely worked to begin with.

Use your VPN for the thing it's meant to do and don't use any API. Just change the VPN to a non-primary location, and turn off the API or use the local IP fallback. If it doesn't work, change locations again until it works.

[-] RodgeGrabTheCat@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I'll give it a shot. Thanks very much.

I installed Freetube again and it's working without making any changes. Looks like a different Invidious instance is set as default.

[-] hansolo@lemmy.today 1 points 1 month ago

Just turn them off and default to local IP. The Invidious API doesnt work right now.

[-] Tenderizer78@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

A browser can be fingerprinted so I only use it in a separate OS install when I want to keep something private, but it's indispensable so that I have that option.

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[-] jayempee1921@lemmus.org -1 points 1 month ago

I’ve been using PIA since 2015, and I’ve never really had any issues with it, it does what I need it to do and it only costs $40 a year.

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this post was submitted on 25 Oct 2025

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