VPNs have become increasingly popular in recent years as individuals and organizations seek to protect their online privacy and security.
While the use of VPNs has been around for decades, the technology has become more accessible and user-friendly in recent years, leading to a surge in adoption.
Now, the question is, how many people use VPNs in 2025? And we’ll answer your question in-depth.
We’ve brought some of the most interesting and the latest VPN usage statistics, so be sure to read the entire article.
VPN Users: How Many People Use VPNs in 2025?
If you ask us or anyone on the internet “how many people use VPNs?,” you won’t get any exact number.
That’s because the precise number of people who use the VPN services world is challenging to determine, as many VPN providers need to reveal usage statistics.
There are various ways to use a VPN without subscribing to a service.
Nonetheless, several studies and surveys have been conducted to estimate the number of VPN users.
According to a 2022 survey, about 31% of internet users globally use a VPN.
However, the percentage was just 25% in 2021.
These numbers suggest that VPN usage is widespread but still needs to be used by most internet users.
Let’s look at various VPN usage statistics to understand this better.
Key VPN Usage Statistics 2025
- More than half of VPN users are male.
- Around 77% of individuals use VPNs for personal use.
- The United Arab Emirates has the highest VPN adoption rate, around 43.18%.
- About 36% of VPN users in the United States and the United Kingdom use the VPN service at least once daily.
- A vast 72% of computer users use a VPN.
- Around 24% of people use an employer-paid VPN.
- Currently, the usage of a VPN that users personally pay for is at 26%.
- VPNs are wholly banned in North Korea, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Iraq.
- 66% of Americans have used a VPN at some point.
- Around 54% of users feel secure while using a VPN.
VPN Usage Statistics 2025: Demographics
1. More than Half of VPN Users Are Male.
We see evident gender diversity when using a VPN while browsing the internet.
Whether for personal or business use, VPN users are primarily male.
A recent study has revealed that around 62% of VPN users are male.
It is concerning as VPNs have become increasingly popular for online security and privacy.
The study also found that men were more likely to use a VPN for activities such as streaming content, downloading torrents, and gaming.
Meanwhile, women were more likely to use it for secure messaging and browsing.
It also suggests that men are more likely to engage in activities that may be deemed risky online.
At the same time, women prioritize their safety and security when it comes to using the internet.
2. Majority of VPN Users Lie in The Age Group of 45 to 60 Years.
VPN usage has been overgrowing in recent years.
However, to our surprise, most VPN users are between 45 and 60 years old.
This age group is particularly attracted to VPN providers due to their higher disposable income levels, allowing them to invest in more sophisticated security solutions.
Furthermore, this age group tends to be more tech-savvy and knowledgeable about the benefits of using a VPN.
As such, they’re more likely to purchase a premium VPN service than younger generations, who may need to learn the importance of using a secure connection.
The same applies in the United States, where 75% of the population aged 45–60 uses a virtual private network.
Following this group, 71% of VPN users fall within the age range of 18-29, 67% within the age range of 30-44, and 57% within the age range of 60-plus.
3. Around 77% of Individuals Use VPNs for Personal Use.
With the increasing demand for online privacy and security, more and more individuals are turning to VPNs to protect their data from hackers, government surveillance, and other malicious activities.
As per the latest VPN usage statistics, around 77% of individuals use it for personal use.
In fact, the primary reason why people use a VPN is to protect their personal data and activity.
They use it while connecting to public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks to hide their IP address from prying eyes.
Around 47% use it to enhance data privacy and security.
Additionally, 46% use a VPN provider while accessing online streaming services, 26% access geo-restricted content, and 16% to torrent.
4. 50% of Individuals Use a VPN Service for Business Use.
Many people use VPN services for business purposes, although they’re frequently connected to personal benefits like unblocking geo-restricted content or protecting personal information.
In fact, according to studies, almost 50% of VPN users utilize them for business purposes.
They can assist companies in safeguarding sensitive information and communications, securing remote access to company resources, and upholding privacy and anonymity when making purchases online.
It is no surprise that VPNs have become an indispensable tool for many firms and their employees, mainly due to the development of remote work and the increased emphasis on cybersecurity.
VPN Usage Statistics 2025: By Countries
5. the United Arab Emirates Has the Highest VPN Adoption Rate, Around 43.18%.
The adoption rate of VPNs varies significantly among countries, with some having higher rates than others.
To our surprise, the UAE stands out above the other countries worldwide when we compare the number of VPN downloads to its population.
The latest VPN statistics show the highest adoption rate at 43.1% and how many people use VPNs in the UAE.
Moreover, Qatar, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia follow close behind, with VPN adoption rates of 39.2%, 37.11%, and 27.06%, respectively.
In contrast, countries like Japan, Thailand, and Nigeria have lower VPN adoption rates, with only 1.48%, 1.91%, and 3.47%, respectively.
Speaking of the United States, it comes at 14 with an adoption rate of 7.13%. And as per this trend, we can expect to see a rise in VPN adoption rate in the Middle Eastern countries in 2023 as well.
6. Approximately 142 Million US Citizens use VPNs
According to a recent report, approximately 142 million Americans now use VPNs, representing about 60% of the country’s population.
The report also revealed that people use VPNs in the United States mainly to protect their online privacy, access geo-restricted content, and avoid online censorship.
These statistics show how popular VPNs are and how many people use VPNs.
7. Around 36% of VPN Users in The United States and The United Kingdom Use the VPN Service at Least Once Daily.
About 36% of VPN users in the US and UK use VPN services at least once a day, according to recent research on VPN data.
It indicates that VPNs are becoming more and more valuable for people in these countries, primarily because of the increasing concerns about online privacy and security.
Also, with the increasing frequency of data breaches and cyber attacks, it is predicted that the number of individuals, especially in these countries, turning to VPNs will rise in 2023 as well.
8. Nearly 60% of US Citizens Who Don’t Use VPN Services Believe They Don’t Need One.
Despite the increasing popularity and usage of VPNs, some Americans still don’t need this service.
According to the sources, around 60% believe they don’t need a VPN service.
This may be because they don’t engage in any activities that require privacy or have nothing to hide.
Some may also need to know the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks or VPNs.
However, it’s essential to understand that a VPN can provide an extra layer of security, so if you aren’t using one, you should consider it.
VPN Usage Statistics 2025: By Devices
9. A Vast 72% of Computer Users Use a VPN.
In today’s world, where data breaches and cyber crimes are common phenomena, online security has become one of the top priorities for both individuals and businesses.
As a result, more and more users are turning to VPNs to safeguard their online security.
In fact, as per some latest VPN usage statistics, more than 72% of laptop and desk users use a VPN.
It has increased sharply from just a couple of years back. It’s a good sign since people take online security and privacy seriously.
10. Approximately 69% of Users of Mobile Devices Use a VPN.
Recent research shows that 69% of mobile device users use a VPN to safeguard online activities.
It makes sense since these devices are more frequently used on public Wi-Fi networks.
Additionally, it has been observed that while 52% of iOS users use a VPN on their devices, only 37% of Android users do so.
That’s a vast difference between these two most popular mobile operating systems.
The higher usage of VPNs on iOS devices may be due to the tighter security and privacy controls built into the iOS operating system and the popularity of third-party VPN apps in the Apple App Store.
VPN Usage Statistics 2025: Paid Vs. Free Ones
11. Majority of People Use a Free VPN.
A recent study shows that 47% of VPN users opt for a free service.
Although that’s a huge percentage, it’s necessary to understand many factors that can influence this decision.
For instance, some users might be unwilling or unable to pay for a VPN service, while others might need to know the potential risks often with free VPNs.
However, you should be aware of free VPNs’ potential risks and limitations and be careful while evaluating their needs.
Ultimately, the final decision will depend on your needs and priorities, but we suggest using a paid one.
12. Around 24% of People Use an Employer-Paid VPN.
Recent VPN usage statistics show that about 24% of people use an employer-paid VPN, meaning their employer offers them access to a VPN service as part of their job.
That’s especially common in industries where employees work from home, such as finance, consulting, and technology.
This ensures that employees can also safely access computer resources outside the office.
It ensures that all sensitive information is protected from prying eyes and that employees can work effectively from anywhere (including at home).
Apart from that, it also protects employees’ personal information when they use public Wi-Fi networks.
13. Currently, the Usage of A VPN that Users Personally Pay for Is at 26%.
VPNs have become increasingly popular due to growing concerns over online privacy and security.
According to some research, the usage of a VPN that users personally pay for is now at 26%.
Almost one-quarter of internet users concerned about online privacy and security have subscribed to a paid VPN service.
The remaining majority may either be using free VPNs, which are often less secure and reliable or not using a VPN at all.
Other VPN Usage Statistics 2025
14. VPNs Are Wholly Banned in North Korea, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Iraq.
While VPNs are widely popular and used around the world by individuals, businesses, and organizations, there are some countries where they’re entirely banned.
That is, their use is illegal and punishable by law. Four such nations are North Korea, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Iraq.
In North Korea, the government strictly controls access to the internet and has completely banned the use of VPNs to prevent citizens from accessing information from the outside world.
And anyone caught using a VPN will face severe punishment, including imprisonment or forced labor.
On the other hand, VPNs have been banned in Belarus since 2015 under a law prohibiting using any technology that can be used to access websites blocked by the government.
Moreover, their government has been known to arrest and fine individuals caught using VPNs.
15. Russia, China, Egypt, and Turkey Restrict VPN Use.
Russia, China, Egypt, and Turkey are countries that have implemented restrictions on VPN use, despite it being technically legal.
The Russian government has mandated that VPN service providers restrict access to websites designated illegal by their government.
And that’s why many VPN service providers must adhere to these regulations.
Similarly, China has implemented strict internet censorship measures that block access to many websites and online services.
On the other hand, in Egypt and Turkey, VPN providers are needed to keep logs of user activity for two years, and the authorities have been known to block access to VPNs that don’t comply with these requirements.
16. 66% of Americans Have Used a VPN at Some Point.
According to various surveys conducted by reputable organizations, it has been found that around 66% of Americans have used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) at some point in their lives.
There is growing awareness of the importance of online privacy and security.
Moreover, as technology continues to evolve, more and more people will likely turn to VPNs to protect their online activity and keep their personal data safe from prying eyes.
17. Around 54% of Users Feel Secure While Using a VPN.
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between a user’s device and the internet, allowing them to browse the web privately and securely.
That’s why a study of VPN users suggests that 54% report feeling more secure.
However, using a VPN in conjunction with other best practices for online safety is essential, such as using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and being cautious while clicking on unknown links or downloading files from unknown sources.
18. Only 27% of VPN Service Providers Have Servers on All Continents.
According to various surveys and studies, only about 27% of VPN providers have servers on all continents.
However, having servers on all continents is vital for VPN providers because it allows them to offer their users the most comprehensive coverage possible.
Conclusion
That’s all for today’s article about various VPN usage statistics.
It’s no wonder VPNs are gaining popularity in a world where internet anonymity and security are becoming increasingly essential.
While the exact answer to the question “how many people use VPNs?” is hard to come by, it’s clear that the popularity of VPNs is on the rise.
For this reason, a VPN may be the best option for you if you’re concerned about the security of your data.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your online identity – join the millions worldwide who are already using VPNs today!