Skip to content
How it worksToolsPricingAd BlockerFAQ
Add to Chrome — Free

VPN & Privacy Glossary

The VPN & privacy glossary

Plain-English definitions of the terms behind VPNs, proxies, and online privacy — each explained in a sentence or two, with a note on how it affects you. No jargon, no fluff.

Add to Chrome — FreeFree forever · 7-day Premium trial
  • 12 terms defined
  • Plain English
  • Free VPN for Chrome

All terms

Browse the glossary

Tap any term for an answer-first definition, why it matters for your privacy, and where to go next.

Proxy

A middle-man server that fetches web pages on your behalf.

Read definition

IP Address

The number that identifies your device on the internet.

Read definition

DNS

The internet's address book that turns names into IP addresses.

Read definition

Encryption

Scrambling data so only the intended party can read it.

Read definition

Tracker

A hidden script that follows your activity across websites.

Read definition

Geo-Blocking

Restricting content based on your geographic location.

Read definition

Incognito Mode

A private browsing window that only forgets local history.

Read definition

ISP

The company that provides your internet connection.

Read definition

HTTPS

The secure, encrypted version of the web's HTTP protocol.

Read definition

Cookie

A small file sites use to remember you between visits.

Read definition

Kill Switch

A safeguard that blocks traffic if the VPN drops.

Read definition

VPN Protocol

The rules that define how a VPN builds its secure tunnel.

Read definition

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The questions people actually ask before they install — answered plainly.

  • A VPN glossary is a reference that defines the key terms behind VPNs and online privacy — like proxy, IP address, DNS, and encryption — in plain language. This one keeps each definition to a sentence or two so you can understand a term quickly and see how it affects your privacy.

  • Start with IP address, proxy, and encryption — they explain what a VPN actually changes. Then trackers and cookies explain how sites follow you, and DNS, HTTPS, and kill switch explain the finer points of staying private. Each has its own entry here.

  • It depends who runs it. Plenty of free VPNs pay their bills by logging and selling browsing data — that's the real catch. Zippa is funded by people who upgrade to Premium, not by your data, and we keep a strict no-logs policy, so there's nothing to record or sell in the first place.

  • No. Add Zippa to Chrome, pick a location, and start browsing on the free plan — no account or card required to begin. You only create an account if you decide to upgrade to Premium, which starts with a 7-day free trial.

Put the terms to work

The fastest way to understand a VPN is to use one. Add Zippa free — or start with what a VPN is.

Add to Chrome — FreeNo card · Cancel anytime

Explore more ways to browse free

Same one-click extension, different job to be done. Pick the guide that matches what you need.

Free VPN for ChromeThe one-click free VPN proxy that lives in your Chrome toolbar.VPN Proxy ExtensionA lightweight proxy extension that reroutes your browser traffic.Unblock WebsitesReach sites blocked at school, work, or by your region.Hide Your IP AddressSwap your real IP for one in another country in a click.What Is My IP?See your public IP, location, and ISP live — then hide it free.IP Address LookupSee exactly what your IP address reveals about you.How to Change Your IPGet a fresh IP address in seconds — no settings to touch.What Is a VPN?A plain-English guide to what a VPN does and when to use one.VPN Leak TestCheck whether your VPN is actually hiding your real IP.Am I Being Tracked?See how sites follow you online and how to make it harder.

More from Zippa

Free tools, side-by-side comparisons, use-case guides, and a plain-English glossary.

Free privacy toolsWebRTC & DNS leak tests, browser fingerprint, user agent, and a password generator.Compare VPNs & proxiesBest free VPN for Chrome, proxy vs VPN, Tor vs VPN, and honest alternatives.VPN for every situationGuides for Chromebook, school, work, public Wi-Fi, and travel.VPN glossaryPlain-English definitions of VPN, proxy, DNS, WebRTC, and more.

VPN by location

Free: US, UK, Netherlands, Singapore. Premium adds Germany, France, Japan, India, Australia, Canada.

Or head back to the Zippa VPN home page.