Do I really need a VPN? Kim Komando debunks 3 major myths

January 7, 2026

By Kim Komando

Greg in Washington, DC, writes:

“Hi, Kim, Love your show and newsletter. You talk about ExpressVPN, I know they’re a sponsor. I’m a boring average corporate guy, married with three kids. What exactly does a VPN protect me from? Can I use a VPN to avoid paying for subscriptions?” 

Greg, this is one of the most common questions I get. In 2026, a VPN isn’t about going underground. It’s about protecting your digital life.

Myth #1: ‘I have nothing to hide.’

You might not be hiding anything, but you definitely have value. Right now, you’re giving it away for free. In the United States, it’s 100% legal for your internet provider to track every single website you visit and sell that data to advertisers and data brokers. They know where you bank, what medical symptoms you put into AI or Google and how late you stay up watching YouTube or hanging out at a porn site doing research.

Think of a VPN like closing the blinds. 

You’re not doing anything illegal inside your house, but you don’t want a stranger pressing their face against your window, taking notes. A VPN encrypts your connection, so your internet provider can’t see (therefore can’t sell) your habits.

Public Wi-Fi? You’re swimming naked. Without a VPN, anyone at Starbucks with a cheap antenna can intercept your passwords, banking info and emails. A VPN turns readable data into gibberish for snoops and criminals.

Myth #2: ‘A VPN makes me completely anonymous.’

Nope. A VPN hides your IP address from websites and your internet provider, but Google, Facebook and Amazon still know exactly who you are because you’re logged in. 

Many VPNs can also see your traffic, which is why choosing a reputable one matters. 

I chose ExpressVPN because they aren’t able to see your data. Free VPNs are worse than no VPN because they sell all of your info to pay the bills.

Myth #3: ‘I can use a VPN to avoid paying for subscriptions.’

A VPN doesn’t make paid things free. It makes paid things better. You can’t use it to bypass paywalls because that’s theft. But you can unlock the full value of services you pay for.

Here’s an example. Netflix and Disney+ have different libraries in different countries. If you’re paying for Netflix US, you can’t see movies available only on Netflix UK. A VPN lets you virtually move to London and watch what you’re missing. Spoiler: It’s a lot of content.

Another one. I’ve saved hundreds on airline tickets and car rentals by switching to a different city or country using ExpressVPN before booking. You’re not stealing. You’re outsmarting the algorithm.

Ready to close those digital blinds? 

Yes, ExpressVPN is a longtime advertiser on my show. Every year, I evaluate what products are best in class. The sales team doesn’t like it, but my reputation is at stake.

ExpressVPN is still tops. It’s legitimately fast, no buffering, no lag, just seamless browsing like you’re not even using a VPN. It doesn’t log your activity, period. Your data stays private. The kill switch is clutch, too. If your VPN connection drops for even a second, it automatically cuts your internet, so nothing leaks.

Setup takes maybe two minutes, and it works on up to 5 devices at once. Protect your laptop, phone, tablet, whatever. 

✅ Right now, you get 4 extra months free when you sign up. Not happy? They’ve got a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. Zero risk, total protection.*Btw, if you have a question for me, drop it right here. I read every single note.