Like many, I once believed free VPNs were a smart way to protect my privacy. Just launch the app, pick a server, and you're set. But the more I researched, the clearer it became: when the product is free, you're likely the product.
My wake-up call came when my phone started overheating after using a popular free VPN. After reading how VPNs actually work, the pieces fell into place. Now I only use paid, open-source VPNs with audited policies. Yes, it costs a few dollars monthly – but my digital privacy is worth every cent.The Problem With Free VPNs