Understanding the Differences Between Incognito & VPN

VPNs and Incognito Mode are two commonly used privacy tools surrounded by a lot of confusion. These tools differ in protection level, yet many users aren’t aware of it. In this post, we will explain the core differences between the two and what are the best practices to make the most out of these services.

In short, The Incognito mode only safeguards your privacy from others using the same device, whereas a VPN offers anonymity and security for all internet users. There are more such differences that we will discuss in the article. So, if you want to learn about the difference, this is the right place for you!

What is Incognito Mode in a Browser?

When you use a machine, your data is kept safe for future use. Some applications keep the data for preferences and recommendations, while others keep it for your convenience. Browsers fall into the second category. You might have seen that while using Chrome or any other browser; you can save passwords, keep your accounts logged in, and use website suggestions while typing a search query. All of it comes from the user data generated over time.

This data is available in normal browsing mode for you and the websites you visit. This means the website you visit can see your IP address, and the details of your visit are saved in your browser history. On the other hand, when you go Incognito, you have a new browser window with no history saved. It is best to access websites for which you don’t want to save your history.

However, remember that it can never hide what you are browsing from your internet service provider ISP and browser administrator.

Incognito mode prevents data from being saved in the browser cache and cookies.

Pros of Using Incognito Mode –

Allows you to keep your browsing history clear.
Does not allow data-hungry websites to snoop through your browser history.
Removes unnecessary cookies and cache from the equation, giving you a fresh browsing experience.

Cons of Using Incognito Mode –

Do not hide any data from your internet service provider
Does not provide any sort of protection from malicious attacks.
It is not completely leakproof when it comes to personal data and

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is commonly used to mask or change the IP address that your PC has. Now, why would someone want to change their IP?

Your internet protocol address is the easiest way to track your location. When you browse the web, your IP address is used to reply to the search query. If someone has access to it, they can track you down, record your browsing pattern, and do much more.

Using a VPN, you can avoid tracing and bypass geo-restrictions.

For instance, if you live in New Zealand and want to access some US content, you can select the US server in your VPN client. Now every website you visit and every page you interact with believes that you reside in the US instead of New Zealand. That’s the power of a VPN.

Maintaining online privacy is the user’s biggest challenge, and a VPN helps. There are multiple use cases for using a VPN. The most common ones are –

To bypass the regional barriers while accessing content on streaming platforms like Netflix.
Keep your location and identity safe while accessing shady websites.
It also offers a way around online censorship in countries with strict laws on internet usage.

A VPN makes your original IP invisible to others and allows you to use the internet more freely.

These benefits are great; however, like everything else, VPN has loopholes. For instance, your IP is not accessible to any other website or ISP but is visible to the VPN service provider. They have all the access to your actual IP address before you connect to the VPN and whatever you do after connecting to their server.

This technically means trading your internet tracking rights with the VPN service provider instead of your ISP or browser administrator.

Pros of Using a VPN

A VPN allows you to hide your IP address, often the main source of data leaks.
It creates a layer of spoofed protocol that the offender must penetrate to eavesdrop on your data.
You can access any website, even the ones that are not available for your specific geolocation.

Cons of Using a VPN

Your original IP is shared with the service provider.
Some streaming platforms often block VPN servers due to their internal policies.
Some VPN clients might reduce your internet speed due to outdated and unoptimized servers.

By looking at these explanations, you can see that both tools are quite different. One helps neglect all the generated browsing data, while the other masks your IP address.

The question is, which of these should be used for a safer internet experience? Considering both have shortcomings, what is the best way to keep yourself safe online? The answer to this question is USE BOTH!

VPN & Incognito Mode: A Combination of Success for Private Browsing

The two major problems you can comprehend after going through the differences between VPN and Incognito are –

A VPN compromises your user data saved in your browser but keeps your IP address private.
Using Incognito exposes your IP address to the website but keeps your user data safe from being fetched by the visited website.

Do you see the pattern here?

Using a VPN with Incognito mode can resolve both issues instantly. Didn’t get it yet? Don’t worry! Here’s the explanation –

Run your VPN Client before opening the browser. If you do not have a VPN, you can download Systweak VPN, as it offers great benefits and stable servers from across the globe.
Connect your VPN to the server of your desired location.
Once connected, open your browser and go to Incognito.
Visit the website you want, and you will neither leave your original IP address open, nor the user data will be compromised.

Combining VPN and Incognito mode is a great way to remove all the issues with private browsing. The Incognito mode is like a web browser with no user history, which means there is no personal data to give away. On the other hand, the VPN server masks your original IP and uses a different one, which means it can not be tracked by you, either!

Now show me a browser experience more anonymous than this!

Writer’s Tip –Always take care of data logging while using a VPN. VPN service providers, without a logging policy, keep all the logs for websites you visit and can easily trace your online activities. The ideal solution to this issue is to opt for a VPN service with a “No Log” policy like Systweak VPN!

Using Incognito & VPN Together: Final Thoughts

Combine the above options when you need extreme privacy or want to experience true private browsing. It is also understandable that using the Incognito browser is not always possible, as you need your credentials occasionally. However, you should always use a VPN as it is safe and the best method to keep your IP address free of tracing.

Download the Systweak VPN and try out the combination today. Remember to share your experience with us in the comments below. That’s all for this post. Peace!

Dishank Sharma

A creative tech-writer who loves to explore latest tech-trends & convey them to his readers in the simplest way possible. He loves to blend the crispness of technology with a pinch of creativity while curating best practices for the readers. In his free time, he likes to scribble poetry, listen to rap & travel.