This technology could enable significant savings on online purchases

The VPN (Virtual Private Network) is often seen as a tool for online privacy, allowing users to hide their IP address and browse anonymously. However, in recent years, an unexpected use has emerged: saving money while shopping online. From airline tickets and streaming subscriptions to video games, more and more internet users are wondering if they can actually shop for less using a VPN. Let’s find out.

Understanding Dynamic Pricing

Before exploring the role of a VPN, it’s essential to understand the concept of dynamic pricing. On the internet, prices for products and services are not fixed. They vary based on several factors, including the user’s location. Platforms adjust their pricing to match the purchasing power of specific countries or regions, often based on purchasing power parity. For example, a Netflix subscription costs significantly less in Argentina than in Germany.

This practice relies on the user’s IP address, which reveals their geographical location. This is where a VPN comes into play: it hides the real IP address and simulates a connection from another country. This allows users to access prices set for other regions—often at much lower rates.

Where Can a VPN Help You Save?

Travel, Flights, Hotels, and Car Rentals

Numerous tests show that it’s possible to reduce the cost of flights or hotel bookings using a VPN. However, this requires patience and precision. You need to test various locations through your VPN (preferably low-income countries), clear your browser cache, and repeat the process until you find a better deal.

Streaming Services

In the streaming world, VPNs are often used to bypass geographical restrictions imposed by platforms like Netflix. By hiding a user’s real IP address and assigning them a virtual one, a VPN allows access to content libraries from other countries. However, not all VPNs offer the same performance. To fully enjoy the content of SVOD platforms (Subscription Video On Demand), it’s crucial to choose providers with servers optimized specifically for streaming.

Online Video Games

Gamers can also benefit from a VPN. Platforms like Steam adjust their prices based on the user’s region. With a VPN, you can purchase video games or additional content (DLCs, downloadable content) at lower prices, often by connecting to servers in Argentina or India.

Taking Advantage of Free Trial Periods

A VPN can also help bypass the limits of free trials imposed by certain services. By changing your IP address, you can reset these trials and save on subscription fees.

Recommended VPN Providers

NordVPN

With over 6,300 servers across 111 countries, NordVPN stands out for its extensive coverage and security features. Its 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to test the service risk-free. Many users report significant savings using servers in countries like Turkey, Argentina, or India.

ExpressVPN

Although more expensive, ExpressVPN remains a popular choice thanks to its high speeds and network spanning 105 countries. It includes advanced privacy tools and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PureVPN

With more than 6,000 servers and competitive pricing, PureVPN is an attractive option for saving on travel or online services. Its ease of use and anti-tracking features further enhance its appeal.

Limitations and Precautions

Despite the potential savings offered by VPNs, there are some limitations:

Cookies and Browser Cache: Websites track your activity through cookies. To get the best results, clear them after every test.
Regional Compatibility: Some content, particularly video games, may be subject to regional restrictions (e.g., SECAM, NTSC, PAL). Check before purchasing.
Free VPNs: These often provide limited coverage and are increasingly detected by websites, making them less effective for achieving expected savings.

More Than Just Savings: A Step Towards Empowerment

Consumers increasingly feel manipulated by algorithms. Observing how the prices of products or services change based on frequency of visits, competition, or shopping habits is often perceived as unfair or even deceptive. Using a VPN can thus become an ethical act of resistance against the practices of major international retailers.

With a VPN, consumers can not only save money but also regain control over their purchasing decisions—a crucial step in an increasingly data-driven world.

Article written in partnership with alternativeninderaltmark.de