If you ever needed to fake your location, like to access geo-restricted content, you’ve probably been recommended location spoofing or VPNs. While they seem to do the same thing, are they actually the same? Let’s break it down.
Content
- What is Location Spoofing?
- What is a VPN?
- The Differences Between Location Spoofing and Using a VPN
- The Uses of Location Spoofing
- The Uses of a VPN
What is Location Spoofing?
Although the term location spoofing can be used for any technology that fakes real location, it mainly refers to GPS spoofing where the GPS signal of a device is manipulated to show fake latitude and longitude values. The spoofing happens at the device level, making every app with location access think you are in that fake location.
Image source:
Vecteezy
You can fake your location using a mock location app that can spoof your location to an exact place using latitude and longitude values. Since it needs a GPS-supported device, it’s mainly done on smartphones and tablets.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts and reroutes your network traffic through a server in another location. Apart from many other security benefits, a VPN also changes your perceived location since the traffic originates from the VPN’s server which could be anywhere in the world.
Image source:
Vecteezy
The service first encrypts your traffic so hackers or the ISP can’t see it, and then it routes that traffic through a selected server. The destination source will see the traffic originating from the server’s IP address, making the server’s location your location. You can learn more about what is a VPN in our detailed guide.
The Differences Between Location Spoofing and Using a VPN
While both methods can fake your location, their implementation and use widely varies. Below you’ll find key differences between spoofing location and using a VPN:
| Feature/Aspect | Location Spoofing | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Operation level | Location spoofing works locally and only manipulates GPS signals. It will only affect location-based apps and services. | VPNs work at the network level, encrypting and routing network traffic only. |
| Location Accuracy | Since it uses latitude and longitude values, you can spoof location down to the exact street and building/house. | The server’s IP address is used; not the exact physical location. Therefore, the location is traceable to the country/state or the city in some cases. |
| Performance Impact | Most of the popular location spoofing apps are free to use. For example, the Fake GPS Location app for Android is free and doesn’t contain any ads. | VPNs can slow down network speed since the traffic needs to be encrypted and rerouted. Many VPNs also have heavier apps due to many complex features. |
| Location Leakage Risk | The apps that can access location data usually need internet access as well. This means they can probably still see your IP address (if they want) even if the GPS coordinates are fake. | Most online apps/services mainly depend on the IP address to track location, which the VPN protects. For additional methods, they will require more permissions, which you can monitor and decline. |
| Cost | Most of the popular location spoofing apps are free to use. For example, the Fake GPS Location app for Android is free and doesn’t contain any ads. | Although free VPNs exist, they usually aren’t trustable due to privacy/security risks. You’ll need to buy a premium VPN service to safely use it and access all the locations. |
The Uses of Location Spoofing
Location spoofing is mainly used for apps that rely on location data for services. It becomes even more important if they are tracking the exact location since GPS location is mainly used for that.
Image source:
Vecteezy
Below are some common uses of location spoofing.
- Social media location check-in: many social media apps like Facebook, Swarm, Twitter, etc. have features that use the current location for updates. You can spoof the location if you don’t want to share the actual location.
- Augmented reality apps/games: some augmented reality apps provide content and features based on your exact location. Location spoofing can help access that without being physically present.
- Food delivery apps: food delivery apps often restrict restaurants and menus to your specific location. With location spoofing, you can access restaurants and menus from different locations.
- App testing: Developers with apps offering location-based features can test apps easily by spoofing different locations.
Of course, spoofing location can be against the TOS of some apps and services, so make sure you read their terms to ensure you are not penalized.
The Uses of a VPN
While great for online security and privacy, VPNs’ location-changing feature makes it great for many activities that GPS-based location spoofing can’t provide.
Image source:
Vecteezy
Below are some common uses of a VPN location-changing feature:
- Access online geo-restricted content: Online websites or streaming platforms often restrict their content for specific countries and mainly use the IP address for tracking. VPN can change the IP address to a supported country to access them. This is especially useful when traveling to a restricted country.
- VPN for gaming: VPNs have many uses for gaming as well. You can access different servers, play new games early, or play geo-restricted games.
- Help with trip planning: If you are planning a trip, VPN can help by showing local offers before you reach the destination. Many businesses have different prices and services for locals, you can book them and plan ahead without being there.
It’s worth mentioning that some content requires both a VPN and location spoofing, as services may verify location in different ways. You can either pair a VPN with a spoofing app or use a VPN like Surfshark, which offers a built-in location spoofing feature.
Image credit: Vecteezy.
Karrar Haider –
Staff Writer
Karrar is drenched in technology and always fiddles with new tech opportunities. He has a bad habit of calling technology “Killer”, and doesn’t feel bad about spending too much time in front of the PC. If he is not writing about technology, you will find him spending quality time with his little family.
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