Disadvantages of VPN: Risks, Leaks & Limitations (2026 Guide)

Related: Best free VPN (UK)

Quick answer: what are the real disadvantages of a VPN?

A VPN is a strong privacy tool, but it comes with trade-offs. The most common disadvantages are slower speeds (especially on distant servers), higher latency that can hurt gaming, occasional blocks on streaming sites, and the risk of misconfiguration causing leaks. Even a premium VPN can’t stop everything: if you’re logged into accounts, tracked by cookies, or your device is infected with malware, a VPN won’t “save” you. That’s why it’s smart to combine a VPN with good browser hygiene and a realistic threat model.

If you often connect on the go, pay attention to public Wi-Fi scenarios: a VPN helps a lot there, but only if it stays connected and doesn’t leak. See VPN on public Wi-Fi for practical setup habits (auto-connect, kill switch, and testing after network changes).

Related: Free VPN (UK)

When VPN protection works (and when it doesn’t)

VPNs are genuinely useful when you need to protect traffic on untrusted networks, reduce ISP-level visibility into the sites you access, or route your connection through another location. They also help when you want to avoid basic IP-based tracking and reduce exposure to local network snooping in cafés, hotels, airports, and shared flats.

• Works well for: encrypting traffic on public Wi-Fi, hiding your IP from websites, bypassing some geo blocks, reducing ISP visibility.
• Doesn’t solve: malware already on your device, phishing links you click, tracking via cookies/fingerprinting, data you share while logged in.

If you’re deciding between a free and paid option, read free vs paid VPN. Many “free” VPNs cut corners: fewer servers, weaker leak protection, aggressive ads, and unclear data practices.

Common disadvantages in plain English

Here are the drawbacks that show up most often in real life. If you recognise your own situation, jump to the test and fix sections below. Also, if you’re comparing privacy tools, see proxy vs VPN—proxies can be lighter, but don’t offer the same tunnel-level protection.

1) Slower speeds (and higher latency)

A VPN adds encryption and routes traffic via a VPN server. That can reduce throughput and increase ping. If speed matters, prefer nearby servers, modern protocols (WireGuard/NordLynx-style), and avoid overloaded locations. You can measure the impact using VPN speed test.

2) Services can block VPNs

Streaming platforms and banking services sometimes flag VPN IPs. You might see CAPTCHA loops, login checks, or “not available in your region” errors. This is common in streaming use-cases—see VPN for streaming—and in some cases you’ll need to switch servers or disable the VPN for that session.

3) Leaks can happen (DNS/IPv6/WebRTC)

A VPN can still leak identifying network data if your device or browser routes DNS or IPv6 outside the tunnel, or exposes IP via WebRTC. This is one of the most important “hidden disadvantages” because everything looks normal until you test. For a dedicated walkthrough, see DNS leak with a VPN.

4) You’re trusting the VPN provider

A VPN shifts trust: instead of your ISP seeing your traffic patterns, the VPN provider can. That’s why no-logs policies, audits, and transparency matter. See no-logs VPN for what “no logs” realistically means and what it does not mean.

Limitations and edge cases (where VPNs disappoint people)

Some limitations are technical, others are about expectations. For example, a VPN can’t stop ad networks from tracking you inside logged-in apps, and it can’t make you anonymous if you reuse the same accounts everywhere. If you want a practical “best setup”, use optimal VPN settings and apply the tests in this guide.

• Weak or legacy protocols: outdated protocols can be less secure and less stable. Prefer modern options—see VPN protocols.
• Device quirks: Windows, mobile OS updates, and certain DNS settings can override what you think the VPN is doing.
• Split tunnelling: convenient, but risky if you don’t understand what’s excluded—see split tunnelling.
• Streaming and sports services: blocks can change week to week (and by server).

Related: Free vs paid VPN (UK)

How to test your VPN (DNS/IPv6/WebRTC)

Testing is simple, and it’s the fastest way to catch the most serious disadvantage: leaks. Do this whenever you change VPN settings, after OS updates, and after switching networks (home Wi-Fi → mobile hotspot → public Wi-Fi). If you want a deeper drill-down, follow the step-by-step guide on DNS leak testing.

DNS leaks

DNS requests should go through the VPN. If you see your ISP DNS while connected, privacy is compromised.

IPv6 leaks

If your VPN doesn’t handle IPv6 properly, your real IPv6 address can appear even when the VPN is “on”.

WebRTC leaks

Some browsers can expose IP details via WebRTC. This is common enough that it’s worth testing on every browser you use.

Fixes by platform (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, routers)

Most VPN drawbacks are manageable once you treat VPN as a system feature, not a single app toggle. For reliability, a kill switch is a must—see VPN kill switch. For routers, see VPN router setup if you want whole-home coverage.

• Windows: use the official app where possible; enable leak protection and kill switch; disable IPv6 if your VPN doesn’t support it; check for conflicting DNS tools.
• macOS: prefer modern protocols (IKEv2/WireGuard where available); retest DNS after sleep/wake; avoid manual DNS overrides unless you know why.
• Android: enable always-on VPN and “block connections without VPN” (if available); watch battery optimisation settings; retest after switching networks.
• iOS: keep the app updated; if the VPN disconnects in the background, treat it as leak risk and test again; avoid sketchy configuration profiles.
• Routers: force DNS through the VPN and consider disabling IPv6 on the router if it bypasses the tunnel; verify with a device-level leak test.

Related: Index

Troubleshooting checklist (fast)

1. Reconnect the VPN and switch servers (prefer nearby locations).
2. Run DNS/IPv6/WebRTC tests again (don’t assume).
3. Enable kill switch and leak protection (if you disabled them).
4. Switch protocols (see VPN protocols) and retest speed and stability.
5. Restart the device after major OS updates (network stack changes are common).
6. For streaming blocks, see VPN for Netflix or VPN for BBC iPlayer and try alternative servers.

FAQ

Can a VPN guarantee complete anonymity?

No. A VPN helps at the network layer, but logins, cookies, fingerprinting and app identifiers can still link activity to you.

Will a VPN slow down my internet speed?

Often yes. Some slowdown is normal due to encryption and routing via VPN servers; good providers minimise it with fast protocols and infrastructure.

Is a free VPN safe to use?

It depends. Many free VPNs have weaker leak protection, fewer servers, and unclear data practices. Compare options in free vs paid VPN.

Does a VPN protect me from malware?

No. Use anti-malware tools and safe browsing habits. A VPN mainly protects data in transit and hides your IP from most sites.

Why should I test for VPN leaks?

Because leaks can expose your real DNS or IP even when the VPN looks “connected”. Use the DNS/IPv6/WebRTC checks above.

Conclusion

VPNs are excellent for privacy on untrusted networks and for reducing ISP visibility, but they come with real disadvantages: speed and latency trade-offs, occasional blocks, and the risk of leaks if your setup is not hardened. If you want the “best possible” daily configuration, use optimal VPN settings and keep DNS leak testing in your routine.