VPN vs Firewall: What’s the difference? Do you need both?

VPN vs Firewall: Do you need both? This is a critical question for anybody who wants to stay safe online. The simple answer is that you need both because each carries out a completely different security task. When used together, a firewall and a VPN help protect against hackers, malware infections, and online tracking. Keep reading to learn about these critical internet security tools.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an internet security tool that encrypts your internet traffic, preventing anyone from tracking your activities. With a VPN, you can hide your location from websites and pretend to be in a different country, which allows you to bypass censorship or region locks. A firewall, on the other hand, is a network perimeter tool. It enforces security rules to block dangerous traffic, protect against malware, and prevent hackers from getting in.

The main use for a VPN is to stop online tracking. However, businesses also use them to give employees secure remote access to company resources using Site-to-Site VPN for linking offices and Remote Access VPN to log in to business networks from home or while working remotely. A VPN achieves this by encrypting internet traffic so that it is secure in transit. This stops local networks, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking your activities.

Keep reading to learn why it is essential to combine a VPN with a Firewall to block incoming threats, prevent malware infections, and gain online privacy and accessibility.

What is a firewall?

A firewall is the gatekeeper for your network perimeter (think of it like the bouncer in a nightclub, stopping shady individuals from getting in). It inspects network traffic according to configured security rules to block unauthorized access and dangerous content.

Firewalls perform traffic filtering and content filtering at both the packet and application levels. They check IP addresses, ports, and protocols at the packet level to decide whether a connection is allowed. At the application level, they look inside traffic – URLs, HTTP headers, file types, and application signatures – so they can block malicious downloads, stop a misbehaving app, or filter web content.

For example, a packet-level rule might block all inbound traffic to port 3389 (Remote Desktop), while an application-level rule can block access to YouTube or stop a specific program from sending files out, depending on which apps the user chooses to block with their firewall rules.

Remember to enable the native firewall

Both Windows and macOS include native firewalls (Windows’ firewall supports inbound and outbound rules; macOS focuses more on inbound/app controls). You don’t need to pay extra to block unsolicited inbound traffic, but check your OS’s firewall settings to confirm outbound filtering if that matters to you. It’s also important to check that your computer’s firewall is set up and active – it can’t protect you if it’s turned off.

Many consumer routers also include basic firewall functions to protect the whole local network. The router’s firewall manages open ports and secures unused or accidentally opened ports. Closing those ports stops hackers from gaining unauthorized entry and prevents compromised devices from making outbound connections.

That said, advanced Trojans can scan for open ports and utilize common ports if necessary, so it’s essential to understand the distinction between a firewall that only scans inbound traffic and an advanced firewall that also inspects outbound connections.

Advanced firewalls for businesses

Businesses often deploy hardware firewall appliances for stronger defenses. These appliances include Unified Threat Management (UTM) features, Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), malware protection, and application-level controls. Advanced firewalls can spot suspicious outbound traffic, which helps stop Trojans and data exfiltration before malware calls home to a command-and-control server.

Note that intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) complement firewalls by actively flagging or blocking suspicious patterns using heuristic analysis, rather than only enforcing static allow/block rules.

How does a firewall differ from a VPN?

A firewall controls which connections are allowed. It blocks applications, ports, and protocols at the edge of your network. A firewall doesn’t encrypt your traffic or change your IP address, so you need a VPN to gain those security and privacy advantages.

We recommend pairing a firewall with endpoint protection (for example, antivirus) and a VPN (encryption for data in transit). This layered approach reduces attack surface, prevents unauthorized access, and better protects your online activities.

What are the benefits of a firewall?

Here are the benefits of a firewall:

• Filter traffic: inspect and block unwanted connections before they reach your devices.
• Stop malicious traffic: block known attacks, malware downloads, and suspicious packets.
• Separate networks: keep your private LAN isolated from public or untrusted networks.
• Reduce hacks: lower your exposure by closing attack surfaces and stopping obvious intrusion attempts.
• Block spoofed traffic: prevent forged IPs and fake connections from reaching sensitive services.
• Enforce network policy: apply technical rules (ports, protocols, apps) so security is automatic, not just human intent.

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a privacy tool that encrypts your device’s internet traffic before it leaves your device, protecting it on local networks and across the internet. This makes your traffic unreadable to third parties – local wifi networks, ISPs, attackers on public wifi, and even well-funded government agencies. (Though time-correlation attacks may be possible if a VPN retains logs, choose a reputable no-logs provider and check for clear privacy policies and independent audits.)

The best VPNs use modern protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. They rely on ciphers such as AES-256 or ChaCha20 to encrypt your traffic as it travels to websites and services. This creates a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server.

Key VPN benefits:

1. Stops local networks from knowing what you are doing online. Whether you are on a home network, at work, in school, or using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, whoever controls that network can potentially log the sites you visit. A VPN hides that activity. This can allow network providers to engage in profiling or to keep tabs on the websites you visit, leading to severe privacy invasions. A VPN stops that surveillance, letting you use the internet without being tracked.
2. Bypass network restrictions. When you connect to the internet, you are subject to rules set up by the local network. Ever tried to watch YouTube or Netflix at work? Found that Facebook was blocked in school? Or maybe been blocked from playing a game on public wifi? These blocks are imposed to save on bandwidth or to stop employees from becoming distracted. With a VPN, you sidestep these blocks.
3. Access regional websites and services. When you travel for work or go on vacation, you may find that some accounts and services stop working. Licensing rules mean that streaming websites and TV networks are often blocked overseas. With a VPN, you can regain access to regional websites to keep using them while traveling.
4. Prevent ISP snooping and mandatory data retention. In some countries, Internet Service Providers are legally required to store all your web browsing history and communications metadata. This creates a paper trail of every website you visit, and can allow ISPs and government agencies to uncover exactly who you communicated with. A VPN’s encryption prevents ISPs from reading your web traffic, reducing the usefulness of retained logs for surveillance and improving your privacy.
5. Block government snoops. All around the world, government agencies use online monitoring as a way to keep tabs on people. This surveillance allows the cops to solve crimes, but also creates the opportunity for government agencies to track the activities of honest law-abiding citizens. Because government monitoring can be intrusive, we recommend using a VPN to limit unwarranted surveillance and improve your online privacy.

Remember: Not all VPNs are created equally. Many VPNs lack key privacy and security features, or may suffer from leaks that reveal your online activities. That’s why you should stick to recommended providers with audited no-logs policies, RAM-only servers, a kill switch, leak protection (DNS/IPv6), and modern protocols. Free VPNs and even some paid services often lack these features, so choose carefully.

What VPN features should I look for?

Are you seeking a VPN to enhance your online privacy? Wondering which VPN privacy features are most important? Below, we have included a list of our favorite VPN privacy features. Users wanting the highest protection levels should seek a VPN provider that offers all of these features:

1. No-logs policy and independent audit
2. RAM-only (ephemeral) servers
3. Kill-switch and leak protection (DNS/IPv6)
4. Support for modern protocols (WireGuard/OpenVPN)
5. Safe jurisdiction (privacy-friendly country)
6. Regular security audits and an active development team that quickly patches any newly discovered vulnerabilities

What are the different types of VPNs?

For most home users, a consumer VPN is the right choice. However, the world of VPNs includes several different configuration options used for different reasons. To give you an idea of what’s available, how they differ, and which you might need if you’re setting up a VPN for a business, we’ve summarised the main VPN configuration types below.

Consumer VPNs (Remote-access VPNs – Nord, Surfshark, etc)

This is what most people use to gain online privacy and access regional services remotely. A VPN app on your device creates an encrypted tunnel to a VPN provider’s server. It hides your IP address, encrypts your traffic on public wifi, and helps with privacy and geo-unlocking. Easy to use and perfect for everyday privacy and streaming.

Host-to-host (Transport mode)

Transport mode encrypts only the packet payload, so the headers remain visible. That means the transmitted content is protected, but the endpoints (the machines sending and receiving data) can still be identified on the network. Host-to-host VPNs are commonly used on corporate or other trusted networks to secure specific system-to-system traffic, such as database replication or backups.

Site-to-site (Tunnel mode – network to network)

Tunnel mode encrypts the entire original packet, adds a tunnel header, and keeps traffic encrypted while it crosses the internet. It’s the common choice for linking offices or whole networks securely, because internal addresses and payloads stay hidden – only the VPN endpoints (the tunnel’s outer IPs) and basic routing info are visible to outsiders.

Host-to-site (Tunnel mode — remote access VPN)

This works like a site-to-site tunnel but for a single device connecting to a remote network. A remote worker’s traffic is encrypted all the way to the remote network’s edge and then decrypted inside that LAN. It’s the classic corporate remote-access VPN used by remote workers and anyone who needs secure access to company resources from home or on public wifi.

VPN vs Firewall: Which do I need?

Do I need a VPN or a firewall? The simple answer to this question is that you need both.

A firewall is a critical security tool that helps protect you against dangerous, unsolicited communications that arrive from the internet. Every internet-connected computer needs strict firewall policies that control its open ports and prevent any lateral movement of potentially dangerous transmissions coming from cybercriminals.

A VPN is an essential tool for anybody wanting to protect their privacy and secure their devices whenever they connect to the internet, whether at home, at work, or using public wifi. With a VPN, you can prevent local network administrators, ISPs, and government snoops from monitoring the websites you visit.

A VPN also helps you bypass online blocks – not only to access regional content and services while travelling or on vacation, but also to gain a buffer against overreaching government censorship. This includes the ability to bypass internet blocks in highly censored countries and to work around some local access restrictions or verification steps that can appear in other countries.

Ultimately, each of these online safety tools performs a completely different task, which is why we recommend both:

• A firewall to shape traffic and block threats
• A VPN to encrypt online activity and enable secure remote access

When do I need to use a VPN?

Wondering when a consumer VPN is needed? We have included the top reasons to use a VPN below:

1. On public wifi: encrypts your traffic so strangers on the same wifi can’t snoop your logins or data.
2. For privacy protection: hides your IP address and stops local networks or your ISP from tracking your online activity.
3. To bypass region locks: access streaming services or websites that are blocked in the country you’re in.
4. Secure remote access: Remote Access VPNs let employees connect to company resources safely from home.
5. Protect against ISP logging: reduces the usefulness of any mandatory data retention by encrypting your traffic.
6. Avoid local network filtering: get around restrictive networks (e.g., work/school) when you have a legitimate need.
   General secure connection: adds an extra layer of data encryption when you care about sensitive accounts or files.

When is a VPN not the best option?

New to VPNs? Not sure when a VPN can cause problems or should be switched off? Below are common situations where you may want to disconnect your VPN.

1. If your company forbids personal VPNs. If your company bans personal VPNs – especially on company-owned devices – don’t use one there. If you need private access at work, stick to your own personal device and follow company policy to avoid repercussions.
2. When you’re on a captive portal (cafe/hotel/airport login). VPNs often block the portal page and stop you from signing in. Log in to the wifi first, then enable the VPN.
3. If the VPN makes a service fail. Some banks, government sites, and streaming services block VPN traffic. If a site won’t work, disable the VPN briefly or try a different server. Your VPN provider may list servers optimised for certain services.
4. When low latency matters (competitive gaming, videoconferencing, etc.). VPNs can add lag, buffering, or higher ping. Only use a VPN when privacy or location spoofing is necessary; pick a nearby server and a fast protocol if you must.
5. If you’re using a shady/free VPN. Free apps that log or inject ads can be worse than no VPN. Use a reputable, audited provider. Shady VPNs can expose you to tracking or data theft.
6. When your device already has malware. A VPN won’t stop malware from stealing data. If you suspect an infection, run an antivirus and clean the device first.
7. To break laws or evade sanctions. Don’t use a VPN to engage in illegal activity or to evade lawful blocks. Follow local laws and company policy. This guide is not legal advice.

Can a firewall block a VPN connection?

Yes. A firewall can stop a VPN by blocking the ports, protocols, or the encrypted tunnel the VPN uses. This is common on corporate or public networks that don’t want anybody using a VPN to conceal their activity. A misconfigured firewall can also accidentally block a VPN on a home network or computer.

How to fix VPN connection issues caused by a firewall

1. Make sure your VPN app is allowed in your device’s firewall or security app.
2. Restart the VPN app and your device.
3. Check you’re using the latest version of the VPN app.
4. Test briefly on a trusted home network: temporarily disable the firewall to see if the VPN connects. If the VPN only works when the firewall is off, the firewall is likely blocking it.
5. If the firewall is the issue, add an allow/exception for the VPN app or the VPN server (your provider should have a guide).
6. Check your router firewall or any ISP blocks – some networks deliberately block VPNs; you may need obfuscation if your provider supports it.
7. If you’re on a work network and need legitimate VPN access, ask IT for help rather than trying to bypass rules yourself.

Remember: Only disable your firewall for a short test on a trusted home network, and re-enable it immediately. Don’t disable protections on public wifi or on devices with sensitive data.

Can encrypted VPN traffic hide payloads from my firewall?

Yes. Encryption works to hide what’s inside a connection, which means a basic firewall might be unable to read files or commands traveling through a VPN. Despite this underlying potential, which sounds worrying, it doesn’t mean VPNs are dangerous. Used the right way, a VPN works alongside a properly configured firewall to give you both privacy and perimeter protection.

Think of a VPN as a sealed envelope. A firewall can see who the envelope came from and where it’s going, but not what’s inside. That’s great for privacy, but potentially allows clever attackers to hide bad stuff in the envelope. Despite this caveat, an envelope plus a gate remains much safer than an open door.

Bottom line: a VPN can conceal payloads from simple firewalls, but pairing a reputable VPN with device firewalls, up-to-date antivirus, and sensible network rules gives you privacy without making you easy prey. This is why we recommend using both.

Worried that your VPN is concealing dangerous traffic from your firewall? You can briefly disconnect the VPN to let your firewall inspect traffic directly — but do this on a trusted home network, run an antivirus scan first, and re-enable the VPN when engaging in any activities that require privacy or location spoofing.

What is a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)?

An NGFW is a step up from the firewall built into your OS (Windows or macOS). This type of advanced firewall does more than block ports — it monitors applications, performs deep-packet inspection (DPI), and adds intrusion prevention, Unified Threat Management (UTM) features, TLS inspection, and centralized logging and analytics.

That gives networks better visibility into traffic from apps, malware, and even some encrypted connections. NGFWs are mainly used by businesses and security-conscious organisations because most home users get adequate protection from a good router or the native OS firewall.

The trade-offs of upgrading to an NGFW are added cost, extra complexity, and possible privacy or performance deficits (if you enable features like TLS inspection). If you’re a regular home internet user, upgrading to an NGFW is probably unnecessary. That said, some advanced security suites and antivirus apps offer extra features your native firewall may lack, such as scanning outbound traffic to spot dangerous apps or malware.

Popular third-party firewalls and appliances that suit home users (and what they’re best for):

• Little Snitch. A macOS endpoint app firewall that monitors and blocks outbound connections. Best for Mac users who want app-level control.
• Firewalla (Gold / Gold SE / Gold Plus). Good for non-techy home users who want stronger protection with minimal fuss.
• Sophos Home (advanced firewall). A software/security suite that adds network protection without extra hardware – ideal if you don’t want extra hardware.
• Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine (UDM-SE / UDM-Pro). Better for power users or anyone already using UniFi gear. It gives enterprise-style controls for the home.
• Netgate (pfSense) appliances. Supported hardware appliances that run pfSense (pfSense+). Best for home offices that want a commercial-grade pfSense experience.
• pfSense / OPNsense on a mini-PC (Protectli / Qotom). DIY mini appliance running open-source firewall software. Best for advanced users who want enterprise-grade features and don’t mind additional setup.

Can a VPN provide secure remote access for remote employees?

Yes. If you run a small business, a VPN is one of the simplest, most effective ways to secure remote access for your employees. A Remote Access VPN encrypts each employee’s connection, protecting credentials, files, and apps when staff work from home or on public wifi.

Bear in mind that a managed corporate VPN is different from a consumer VPN app. For linking offices, a Site-to-Site VPN creates a secure tunnel between sites (offices and remote locations), so resources stay private. When deployed and managed correctly, these solutions provide a secure connection for remote employees.

Consumer VPNs differ because they don’t connect you to company resources through a private tunnel – they give you an encrypted connection to a remote proxy run by the VPN provider.

That said, many remote workers still use consumer VPNs on public wifi to stop local networks from monitoring their traffic and to protect against insecure networks that could expose them to hacking.

What are customizable security rules for firewalls?

Customizable security rules let you decide what your firewall should allow and what to block.

You can use these rules to stop Remote Desktop access, prevent a specific app from using the internet, or close unused ports. Rules can be set by app, website or IP address, port, time of day, or categories like “streaming” or “adult content.”

Most home users don’t need dozens of rules – just the basic default ones. For example: keep the firewall on, close unused ports, block unknown IPs, and limit which apps can access the internet. That said, advanced users may add more rules depending on their needs.

VPN vs Firewall FAQs