VPN for home users – everything you need to know
A VPN guide for home users: what a VPN is, why you might need one, how to set it up on your computer, phone and router, and how to choose a trustworthy VPN service.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an increasingly important tool for privacy and security online. Whether you want to hide your browsing from your internet provider, reach content that is not available in Croatia or stay safe on public Wi-Fi, a VPN is the answer. In this guide you will learn how a VPN works and how to set it up on all your devices.
What is a VPN and how does it work?
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted “tunnel” between your device and the internet. All your internet traffic goes through that tunnel and comes out at a VPN server, which can be anywhere in the world.
How does it work in practice?
- You start the VPN app on your device
- You choose a server (e.g. Germany, the US, the UK)
- The VPN establishes an encrypted connection to that server
- All your traffic is encrypted and goes through the VPN server
- Websites see the VPN server’s IP address, not your real IP address
Result: Your online activity is more private and more secure.
Why might you need a VPN?
1. Privacy
Without a VPN, your internet provider (e.g. HT, A1, Telemach) can see which websites you visit. With a VPN, it only sees that you are connected to a VPN.
2. Security on public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi (cafés, hotels, airports) is often insecure, and attackers can intercept traffic. A VPN encrypts everything, making it useless to them.
3. Access to geo-restricted content
Some content is not available in Croatia:
- Netflix libraries from other countries (US, UK)
- BBC iPlayer (UK only)
- Hulu (US only)
- Sports broadcasts available only in certain regions
With a VPN you can connect through a server in another country – for expats, often their home country. Do respect each service’s terms of use.
4. Getting around censorship
In some countries (China, Russia, Turkey) the government blocks certain websites. A VPN makes them reachable.
5. Protection from targeted advertising
Websites and advertisers track your activity. A VPN makes tracking and profiling harder.
6. Preventing targeted throttling
Some providers slow down (throttle) certain services. With a VPN your provider cannot see which services you use, so it cannot throttle them selectively.
💡 Tip:
A VPN does NOT make you completely anonymous. Sites like Google and Facebook can still track you when you are logged in. A VPN protects you from tracking by your provider, from attackers on public networks and from geo-restrictions.
Free or paid VPN?
Free VPN services
Pros:
- No cost
- Enough for occasional use
Cons:
- Slower: Limited speed
- Data caps: E.g. 500 MB – 10 GB per month
- Fewer servers: Often overloaded
- Ads: Lots of them
- Security risks: Some free VPNs sell your data!
- No Netflix: Streaming services block free VPNs
⚠️ Warning:
Avoid dubious free VPNs! Some sell your data, inject malware or exist only to harvest data. If you choose a free one, stick to reputable providers (e.g. Proton VPN or Windscribe).
Paid VPN services (recommended)
Pros:
- Speed: No limits
- Data: No limits
- Lots of servers: Thousands of servers in dozens of countries
- Streaming: Usually work with popular streaming services
- Security: Strong encryption and a no-logs policy
- Support: 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- A monthly cost (usually a few euros)
Our recommendation: For regular use, choose a paid VPN. The cost is small (roughly the price of a coffee a month), and you get much more privacy and security.
The best VPN services for home users
1. NordVPN (the most popular)
- Price: Good value on longer plans
- Servers: A large network in dozens of countries
- Speed: Excellent
- Streaming: Works with most streaming services (Netflix, BBC iPlayer and others)
- Privacy: An independently audited no-logs policy
- Devices: Several simultaneous connections
2. ExpressVPN (one of the fastest)
- Price: Among the more expensive
- Servers: A very large number of countries
- Speed: Among the fastest
- Streaming: Excellent for streaming and gaming
- Privacy: An independently audited no-logs policy
- Devices: Several simultaneous connections
3. Surfshark (the best value)
- Price: Very affordable on longer plans
- Servers: A large number of countries
- Speed: Very good
- Streaming: Supports all major platforms
- Devices: Unlimited simultaneous connections
4. Proton VPN (the best privacy)
- Price: A free plan is available too
- Servers: A large server network
- Speed: Good
- Privacy: Swiss jurisdiction, open source, independent audits
- Free plan: No data cap (rare!)
5. CyberGhost (the easiest for beginners)
- Price: Good value on longer plans
- Servers: A very large network
- Speed: Very good
- Ease of use: Excellent for beginners
- Streaming: Dedicated servers for streaming services
How to set up a VPN step by step
Setting up a VPN on a Windows computer
- Choose a VPN service (e.g. NordVPN, Surfshark)
- Sign up and choose a plan
- Download the VPN app from its website
- Install the app
- Log in with your username and password
- Choose a server (Quick Connect for the nearest one, or pick a country)
- Click Connect
- The VPN is active – the app will show “Connected”
Setting up a VPN on Android and iOS
- Open the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS)
- Search for your VPN service (e.g. “NordVPN”)
- Download and install the app
- Open the app and log in
- The app will ask for permission to add a VPN configuration – allow it
- Choose a server and tap Connect
- A key or VPN icon in the status bar shows the VPN is active
Setting up a VPN on a Mac
- Download the Mac app from the VPN provider’s website
- Open the .dmg file and drag the app into the Applications folder
- Open the app and log in
- macOS will ask for permission – allow it
- Choose a server and connect
A VPN on your router (protecting the whole network)
An advanced option – the VPN is set up directly on the router, so ALL devices on your network use it automatically:
- Smart TVs, game consoles, IoT devices – all protected
- No need to install a VPN on every device
- Requires a router that supports VPN (e.g. ASUS, Netgear, or a router running DD-WRT or OpenWrt firmware)
💡 Perfect Light – VPN on your router:
We can configure a VPN directly on your router – so your whole home network is protected, without installing anything on each device.
Using a VPN – best practices
1. Turn on the kill switch
A kill switch cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops – so your real IP address never “leaks”.
- NordVPN: Settings > Kill Switch > Enable
- ExpressVPN: Options > General > Network Lock
2. Turn on auto-connect
Set the VPN to connect automatically when you start your computer or join a Wi-Fi network.
3. VPNs and online banking
Some banks block access when they detect a VPN. In that case, you can switch it off temporarily for banking.
4. Test your VPN
Check that the VPN works properly:
- Go to whatismyip.com or ipleak.net
- You should see the VPN server’s IP address, not your real one
5. Pick a nearby server for the best speed
The further away the server, the slower the connection. For streaming and browsing, use the nearest servers (from Croatia: Germany, Austria, Italy).
Is a VPN legal in Croatia?
YES. VPNs are legal in Croatia and most countries – feel free to use one for privacy and security (but not for illegal activities).
Exceptions: some countries ban or restrict VPNs (e.g. China, Russia, the UAE). Check the local laws when you travel.
Conclusion
A VPN has become an essential tool for online privacy and security. Whether you want to hide your activity from your provider, reach geo-restricted content or stay safe on public Wi-Fi, a VPN is the answer. With a good paid VPN and the right setup, you can enjoy a more private and secure internet.
Perfect Light in Zagreb sets up VPNs for home users – from choosing the service to configuring it on all your devices, in English or Croatian.
Filip Curkić
Owner of Perfect Light. Builds websites and SaaS products such as FiskalMe and provides IT support to businesses and home users in Zagreb – in English or Croatian.