While using a VPN alongside private browsing can bolster your privacy by encrypting connections and reducing local traces, it doesn’t render you completely anonymous online. Experts advise understanding the limitations and correct setup to maximise protection.
Using a VPN alongside private browsing can improve privacy, but it does not make you invisible online. According to Security.org, Kaspersky, McAfee and TechRadar, private or incognito modes mainly stop the browser from saving local history, cookies and form data on the device you are using. They do not hide your IP address, encrypt your traffic, or prevent websites, internet providers or employers from seeing activity. A VPN fills that gap by encrypting the connection and masking the IP address.
The practical value of combining the two is straightforward. A VPN protects the network path between your device and the internet, while private browsing reduces what is left on the machine after the session ends. Malwarebytes notes that this combination is useful on shared devices and public networks, where you may want to limit both local traces and exposure to third parties. It is also helpful when you want a cleaner browser session without relying on the browser alone for security.
Setting it up is similar across major browsers. Malwarebytes says Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge all support private windows, but the exact shortcut differs. In Chrome, the private window is opened with Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Cmd+Shift+N on a Mac. Firefox uses Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P, while Edge uses InPrivate mode, again with Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows or Cmd+Shift+P on a Mac. Safari users can open a new private window from the File menu or with Cmd+Shift+P.
The VPN itself can be used either through a desktop app or, where available, a browser extension. The key point is that the VPN should be active before or during the private session, so the connection is already encrypted when browsing starts. Security.org and Kaspersky both recommend treating private browsing as a local privacy tool, not a complete security feature. That distinction matters: if the goal is to reduce tracking beyond the device, a VPN is the more important layer.
There are limits to both tools. McAfee and Kaspersky say private browsing does not stop websites from using their own tracking methods, and it does not prevent your network operator from seeing that you are connected. Free VPNs may also come with restrictions, slower speeds or weaker privacy protections, so they should be chosen carefully. For most users, the strongest approach is to use a reputable VPN for connection privacy and private browsing for reducing on-device traces.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
