Your IP address is visible to every website, app, and service you connect to. This guide explains what that means, why it matters, and what options exist for protecting your privacy.
By the IPPrivacyCheck Team · Updated May 2026
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You might not realise it, but your IP address is leaking information every second you're online.
Nearly 4 in 5 websites embed third-party scripts that log your IP address and build a profile of your browsing behaviour.
Source: Ghostery Privacy Report
IP addresses feature in nearly every major data breach — making your real address a target for attackers and data brokers.
Source: IBM Security Report 2023
Mandatory data retention laws require ISPs in over 30 countries — including the UK, Australia, and EU members — to record your browsing history.
Source: Privacy International
A VPN routes your connection through a secure server, replacing your real IP with a private one. Nobody can trace activity back to your real address.
A VPN is the most common solution, but several approaches exist — each with different trade-offs.
Encrypts all traffic and replaces your IP system-wide. Easy to use, fast, and works for most purposes. Requires a paid subscription for reliable service.
Routes traffic through multiple relays, providing strong anonymity. Significantly slower than a VPN. Free and open-source. Best for high-privacy browsing.
Hides your IP for specific apps or browser traffic only. Does not encrypt your connection — not suitable for privacy-sensitive use cases.
Switches to your carrier's IP address. Still logged by your mobile carrier. A temporary measure, not a privacy solution.
A technical option for developers and advanced users. Highly secure but requires server access and configuration knowledge.
Designed for anonymous communication within the I2P network. Highly private but complex to set up and limited in what regular websites you can access.
Each method hides your IP address differently. Here's how they compare on the factors that matter most.
| Feature | VPN | Tor Browser | Proxy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hides your IP | ✓ Yes (system-wide) | ✓ Yes (browser only) | Partial (one app) |
| Encrypts traffic | ✓ Yes (AES-256) | ✓ Yes (layered) | ✗ No |
| Speed | Fast (minimal impact) | Very slow | Moderate |
| Anonymity level | High | Very high | Low |
| Cost | ~$3–12/month | Free | Free–low cost |
| Ease of use | Very easy (one click) | Easy (download browser) | Varies |
| Best for | Everyday privacy, streaming, public Wi-Fi | High-risk browsing, journalism | Bypassing simple geo-blocks |
For most users, a VPN is the right balance of privacy, speed, and ease of use. Tor is the better choice when anonymity is critical and speed is not.
Setting up a VPN takes less than five minutes. Here's the full process from sign-up to verified connection.
Look for a provider with an audited no-logs policy, WireGuard support, and a money-back guarantee. See our VPN provider comparison for a breakdown of five well-known options.
Create your account on the provider's official website. Download the app for your platform — Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android. Most providers support up to 10 simultaneous devices on one subscription.
Run the installer and log in with your credentials. The app will download the current server list automatically. On mobile, enable the VPN permission when prompted.
Tap "Quick Connect" for the fastest nearby server, or pick a specific country from the server list. For streaming geo-restricted content, connect to a server in the target country. For best speed, connect to a server geographically close to you.
Visit our homepage while connected. Your displayed IP address should match the VPN server's IP, and your location should show the server's country — not your real one. If your real IP is still showing, disconnect and reconnect.
Five well-known VPN services compared side by side — features, jurisdiction, pricing, and what each is best for.