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What Are the VPN Statistics for Usage in 2023?
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as essential tools for internet users worldwide, enabling safer and more private online experiences. Our report, “What are VPN Statistics for Usage in 2023,” delves into the comprehensive data and insights surrounding the usage of VPNs in this year.
In 2023, VPN usage has been shaped by a variety of factors, including the growing global emphasis on cybersecurity, increased remote work due to ongoing pandemic influences, and the persistent need to bypass geographical restrictions for content access. This report presents a detailed overview of these factors, presenting a snapshot of the VPN landscape in 2023.
Our report covers several key areas. We will explore the overall market size of VPNs, highlighting the regions with the highest VPN usage and revenue. We will look at the top reasons for both individual and business VPN usage, underscoring the major motivations driving this increasing demand.
This report will also look into pricing trends in the VPN market, providing insights into what consumers are willing to pay for these services. We will also touch upon the future outlook, focusing on users’ intent to adopt VPNs in the coming year.
We invite you to explore these statistics and join the conversation on the future of online privacy and security.
The increasing digitization of daily activities and heightened awareness around online privacy have reportedly led to a surge in VPN usage. As of 2023, it is estimated that approximately 35% of internet users worldwide are utilizing VPN services. This percentage represents a significant increase compared to previous years, underlining a universal trend towards more secure and private internet browsing.
In general, 4 main trends have been noticed to go up when it comes to VPN Usage:
Increased global usage: Given the growth trends seen in the previous years, it’s reasonable to anticipate that the global VPN usage would continue to increase in 2023.
Diverse geographical penetration: Countries with internet restrictions or high levels of cybercrime would likely continue to have high VPN usage. More so, VPN usage could also increase in countries with high levels of digital content consumption as users aim to bypass geographic restrictions on streaming platforms.
Rise in mobile VPNs: As more and more users access the internet via smartphones, it’s plausible to expect a significant increase in mobile VPN usage.
Security and privacy remain key drivers: In both personal and business settings, the need for secure and private digital communication would likely continue to drive VPN usage.
What Is the VPN Usage Change 2022-23?
The year-on-year change in VPN usage continues to exhibit an upward trajectory. There has been an estimated 6% increase in global VPN usage from 2022 to 2023. The growth indicates growing concerns about online privacy and security among internet users worldwide, fueled by high-profile data breaches and increasing awareness about digital rights.
Which Are the Top VPN Countries in 2023?
When it comes to geographical distribution, the top three countries with the highest VPN usage are estimated to be China, India, and the United States. China leads the pack due to its strict online censorship policies, while the growth in India can be attributed to its burgeoning digital population and increasing privacy awareness. In the United States, the trend is primarily driven by the rise in remote work and the desire to secure personal and professional data.
According to the data provided, India emerged as the largest VPN market in 2023 with a market size of over $11.6 billion, closely followed by China with nearly $9.9 billion. The third largest market was Indonesia, demonstrating a considerable market size of over $4.1 billion.
The United States, despite being home to many leading VPN providers, stood at the fourth place, with its market size exceeding $2.6 billion. Other significant markets include Brazil and the Philippines with market sizes of $1.59 billion and $1.22 billion respectively.
The middle-tier markets featured Turkey, Russia, Mexico, and Vietnam, each exhibiting market sizes ranging from approximately $864 million to $984 million. Thailand, Germany, Egypt, and the United Kingdom followed closely, demonstrating the global popularity and need for VPN services. And lastly, the data shows that Saudi Arabia has taken a market size of over $483 million.
This comprehensive list underlines the substantial growth and widespread adoption of VPNs globally in 2023, demonstrating their importance in today’s digital age where privacy and security are of paramount concern.
VPN Users Statistics
The data provided below reveals mixed feelings towards VPN usage in the upcoming year. A clear majority, 52% of the respondents, are uncertain and fall into the ‘Maybe’ category. This suggests that while there’s awareness and interest in VPNs, decisions may hinge on factors such as pricing, ease of use, specific needs, or changes in online behavior.
Meanwhile, 41% of respondents definitively stated ‘No’ to getting a VPN in the next year. This could be due to satisfaction with their current internet security measures, a lack of perceived need, or concerns about VPN cost, speed, or complexity.
A relatively small segment, 7% of respondents, affirmed that they will get a VPN next year. These users have likely recognized the benefits of VPN services in ensuring online privacy, security, or circumventing geographical restrictions. The comparatively lower percentage could also highlight an area for VPN providers to boost awareness and education about their services.
How Much Do Users Pay for VPN Services?
The data below provides a snapshot of what individuals are paying for VPN services in 2023.
Almost half of the respondents, 47%, reported using free VPN services. This might be indicative of users’ desire to balance online privacy and security without additional costs, although free VPNs might not offer the same level of service as paid versions.
The rest of the respondents were fairly evenly split among the remaining options. Around 14% spend less than $5 per month on their VPN, offering a balance between cost and the additional benefits of a paid service. A slightly higher proportion, 18%, spend between $5 and $10 per month, suggesting a willingness to invest a bit more for quality and reliability.
Interestingly, only 7% of respondents spend more than $10 per month on their VPN. This could indicate a perceived ceiling for the value of these services among the majority of users.
Lastly, 14% of respondents were not sure about their VPN expenses. This might be due to the costs being bundled with other services, or simply not being closely tracked by the user.
VPN Usage for Privacy
The primary driving factor behind VPN use remains privacy concerns. About 55% of VPN users are estimated to use these services primarily for privacy reasons. New important factors in that aspect have emerged, such as whether or not the service will prevent a VPN Leak, for example. This statistic is a clear indication of the growing apprehension about personal data security (obfuscation), likely spurred by the increasing number of news stories about data breaches and unauthorized data sharing by companies.
VPN Usage for Geo-Restriction
Accessing geo-restricted content is another major reason why people turn to VPNs. Approximately 45% of VPN users are estimated to use these services to bypass geographical restrictions (also known as geo-spoofing) imposed by certain websites or streaming services. This is particularly prevalent among users who wish to access a wider variety of entertainment options or who are traveling abroad and want to maintain access to their home country’s content.
VPN Use: Mobile vs Desktop
Reflecting the shift towards mobile internet usage, an estimated 60% of VPN users are now accessing these services on mobile devices. This trend mirrors the wider digital shift towards mobile internet browsing and highlights the growing importance of securing mobile data, particularly given the increasing use of mobile devices for tasks that involve sensitive information, such as online banking or remote work.
Personal VPN Usage
The statistics provided demonstrate the primary reasons for personal VPN usage in 2023.
At the forefront of these reasons is ‘Privacy’, with 59% of personal VPN users identifying this as their main reason for using a VPN. This suggests a strong desire among individuals to protect their personal information and maintain their privacy online.
Close behind is ‘Security’, identified by 57% of users. This reinforces the importance of VPNs in protecting users from potential security threats and cyberattacks, a concern that continues to grow with increasing digitization.
The desire to ‘Hide Activity from Tracking’ is another notable reason, cited by 44% of VPN users. This reflects concerns about digital surveillance and the increasing value placed on the ability to browse the internet anonymously.
‘Access to Streaming Content’ is also a significant factor, with 37% of users employing VPNs to bypass geographic restrictions on certain streaming platforms, highlighting the role of VPNs in enhancing digital entertainment experiences.
Lastly, ‘Protection from Wi-Fi’ is a primary reason for 28% of VPN users. This indicates a considerable proportion of people using VPNs to ensure their online activities are secure when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Overall, the data paints a picture of increasingly privacy – and security-conscious internet users leveraging VPNs to ensure a safer and unrestricted internet experience.
Business VPN Usage
With more businesses adopting remote work policies and prioritizing data security, corporate VPN usage has seen a significant increase. The growth rate for corporate VPN usage in 2023 is estimated to be around 10%, a reflection of the shifting work patterns and the increasing reliance on digital tools for business operations.
The data presented reveals several key reasons for the usage of VPNs in business environments in 2023.
Topping the list is adherence to ‘Workplace Policy’, with 70% of businesses implementing VPN usage as a part of their policy framework. This suggests that the majority of businesses recognize the importance of secure(encrypted) connections, especially when dealing with sensitive corporate information.
‘Access to Private Company Networks’ stands as the second most significant reason, with 62% of businesses utilizing VPNs for this purpose. This shows the role of VPNs in ensuring secure access to company resources, regardless of an employee’s location.
‘Security’ is another major reason, with 40% of businesses emphasizing the use of VPNs to safeguard their data against potential cyber threats. ‘Privacy’ and ‘Wi-Fi Public Protection’ are also contributing factors for VPN usage in businesses, standing at 18% and 11% respectively. These figures underline the essential role of VPNs in protecting organizational data from exposure over public or less secure networks. And that is visible in companies now using new secure solutions, such as Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFC), for instance.
Business VPN vs Cyber Threats
The increase in cyber threats, particularly those targeting businesses, has pushed companies to enhance their security measures, implementing means, such as VPN kill switches and using SSTP and SHA. As part of this trend, around 70% of businesses are estimated to have increased their VPN usage in 2023. These services are increasingly seen as a crucial tool in the fight against cybercrime, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive business data.
VPN Usage by Age Group
In terms of age demographics, the 25-34 age group continues to be the leading demographic in VPN usage, accounting for approximately 30% of all users. This group tends to be more tech-savvy and more aware of online privacy issues, which may explain their higher usage rates. Other age groups, while showing lower usage rates, also exhibit growing interest in VPN services, mainly tied to privacy concerns, such as Five Eyes.
VPN Usage Projections for 2024 and Beyond
The VPN market size has shown a significant upward trend from 2019 to 2027. Starting from a market size of $25.41 billion in 2019, it experienced substantial growth and nearly doubled to $44.6 billion in 2022.
The growth continued in the following years, with a remarkable surge projected in 2026, reaching a market size of $77.1 billion. Interestingly, a slight dip is forecasted in 2027 to $75.59 billion. The data reflects the increasing global reliance on VPN services for enhancing online privacy and security. However, the slight decrease projected for 2027 might suggest a potential market saturation or the emergence of new, competing technologies.
VPN Usage Statistics 2023 – Conclusion
The increasing reliance on VPNs, underpinned by rising concerns over privacy, security, and the need for unrestricted access to global content, underscores their importance. The diverse price points, global market sizes, and user intentions offer valuable insights for both providers and consumers, hinting at areas of potential growth and innovation. As the digital world continues to evolve, understanding such trends will be crucial in navigating our shared digital future.
References
- Security.org – 3rd Annual VPN Consumer Report – https://www.security.org/resources/vpn-consumer-report-annual/
- Statista.com – Size of the virtual private network (VPN) market worldwide from 2019 to 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars) – https://www.statista.com/statistics/542817/worldwide-virtual-private-network-market/
- Earthweb.com – How Many People Use VPNs in 2023? (VPN Usage Statistics) https://earthweb.com/vpn-statistics/ – https://earthweb.com/vpn-statistics/
- Websiterating.com – Biggest VPN Markets – https://www.websiterating.com/vpn/how-many-people-use-a-vpn/