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Unlimited connections: do I need a VPN with completely unmetered connections?
Most individuals will have more than one device they want to protect when subscribing to a VPN – and most VPN providers offer clients and apps specifically for different operating systems, including Windows and Mac, iOS and Android, as well as streaming sticks and game consoles.
But that doesn't always mean you get to enjoy the security and other perks of having a VPN installed on all your devices simultaneously.
What is an unlimited connections VPN?
An unlimited connections VPN – otherwise known as an unmetered VPN – allows you to install and connect to a server on as many devices as you like simultaneously with one single subscription.
That means there's no need for additional subscriptions or to log in and out of devices, and usage is completely uncapped.
Not all VPNs offer this. Some of the top VPN providers we recommend, including NordVPN and ProtonVPN allow ten connections, while ExpressVPN now allows 14 connections. Some offer less, including CyberGhost which limits you to just seven.
IPVanish, however, is an example of one of the most generous VPN providers, allowing unlimited simultaneous connections per subscription.
Who needs a VPN with unlimited connections?
- Families with lots of devices: If you have a family all under one roof who have a ton of devices, you'll want to ensure all devices are protected from online nasties, as well as benefiting from other VPN uses. Considering the average person has 3-4 devices, you're already looking at needing a VPN provider that promises at least 16 connections in a family of four household, which immediately eliminates some of the biggest providers right off the bat.
- Remote workers: If you work remotely, particularly if you work for yourself, this can already add to the amount of devices you might wish to be protected with a VPN subscription. You may have both personal and work devices you wish to cover. More likely to work on the go and utilizing public Wi-Fi, too, VPN encryption on side is a must.
- Streamers and gamers: Whether you consider yourself an avid streamer or gamer – or both – this immediately expands the number of devices you'll want to have your VPN installed on. Particularly when it comes to streaming, as people generally watch TV shows, movies, live sports, etc. across multiple devices depending on where they are. You'll want to ensure your smartphone, tablet, laptop, streaming sticks, TV, and gaming console are all able to connect to a VPN at any one time.
- Tech enthusiasts: If you're mad into your tech – or perhaps you're a tech journalist(!) you might be constantly getting your mitts on new tech and trying it out. That might leave you with more devices than the average person, and an internet connection that's vulnerable without the help of a VPN able to offer its security features on each one.
Who doesn't need a VPN with unlimited connections?
- You don't have many devices: If you've just got a smartphone, laptop, and maybe a TV or streaming device that requires one, some of the top VPN providers' connections limits will still suffice.
- Single/small household: For those who live on their own, with housemates, or a partner, 10 or so connections may more than suffice. With fewer devices and people to cover, unlimited connections likely won't be a necessity.
- Anyone tech savvy enough to install a router VPN: If you've got the technical abilities (and the patience) to set up a router VPN, how many connections a VPN provider offers needn't be a priority. A router VPN means any device connected to your Wi-Fi will automatically benefit from VPN protection. As mentioned, though, a router VPN is cumbersome to set up.
- You're a patient individual: It sounds silly, but the reality is any VPN could cover enough of your devices without offering that shiny unlimited connections selling point. You'll just need to be okay with removing and adding devices to your one subscription every time you reach your limit. It's tedious, but it can be done if you've got your heart set on a particular VPN that meets your (we advise) rigorous checklist – online security is the most important priority after all.
Do I need a VPN with completely unmetered connections?
Really, whether or not an unmetered VPN (one offering unlimited connections) is dependent on your circumstances and needs. Have a lot of devices or a big family under your roof, all with their own devices that need protecting? The 10 connections available on average with a lot of VPN providers may not cut it. If you've only got a handful of devices you want to install your VPN on, you needn't bear it too much thought.
Of course, price always comes into it when making a decision like adding another subscription to your outgoings. It's fair to say, though, that a VPN offering unlimited connections doesn't generally equate to a higher expense in the VPN world. IPVanish has a selection of plans (all with unlimited connections) differentiated by how long you want to commit to the subscription, starting from just $2.19 a month for its 2-year plan (at the time of writing). Compare this to, say, ExpressVPN, which gives you 10 connections on its Basic plan for $2.79 a month.
One thing is for sure: you definitely shouldn't prioritize connections over the most secure VPN.
Yes, VPNs are nifty in that they can help you circumvent geo-restrictions and access content all over the world you might not otherwise be able to access. It's also a great piece of software for protecting and maintaining the strength and speed of your connection from ISP throttling.
Fundamentally, though, it's security software, so it's essential you keep this in mind when choosing which VPN to go for. Does it offer a no-logs policy? Is it equipped with industry standard encryption? Does it list something as essential and efficient as a kill switch in its list of features?
There is certainly a world where you can get the best of both where unlimited connections and the utmost security are concerned – just be careful not to be swayed on that one selling point alone.
