The vpn market - France (2024)

The global VPN market has seen robust growth starting from 2020, with significant expansion in terms of both market size and user base. By 2022, the market size grew to nearly $1.125 billion in France, indicative of the burgeoning demand worldwide. This growth is driven by an increasing awareness of cyber security and the rise in data breaches, with companies investing more in secure connections, mirroring a 2.3% increase in cybersecurity budgets in France.

VPN users tend to be largely male, primarily aged between 18-49, and use VPNs predominantly on smartphones and computers for streaming, work, and security purposes.

The market, while appearing open, has notable concentration with major players like Nord Security and Kape Technologies owning multiple popular VPN brands. The French market has tripled its number of VPN downloads in two years, signaling a strong demand where free VPN services also play a role albeit with limitations. While usage is legal in France, the market could see regulatory changes, particularly concerning VPNs that could bypass national laws, potentially impacting availability on platforms like Google Play and Apple's App Store.

Emerging Trends in the French VPN Market

The virtual private network (VPN) market in France has witnessed a robust expansion in recent years, evidenced by the nearly threefold increase in VPN downloads from 2020 to 2022. This growth is fueled by various factors, including heightened cybersecurity concerns, increasing internet use, and the versatility of VPN applications. Adoption of VPN services appears particularly nuanced with respect to demographics. When it comes to device usage, VPNs are predominantly used on smartphones and computers, capturing between 60 and 65 percent of the user base for each device type, respectively. Despite the ubiquity of tablets, they seem to lag substantially, with only around 20 percent of users employing VPNs on such devices.

The principal drivers for VPN use in France align closely with the service's core benefits: enhanced video streaming services, work-related confidentiality, and bolstered online security. Notably, factors like privacy and travel, despite being less prevalent uses, point towards potentially untapped markets for VPN applications. In the corporate realm, cybersecurity has taken center stage, with an appreciable number of businesses, including microenterprises and small to medium-sized enterprises, experiencing cyber threats. The tumultuous cyber landscape, with attack-induced financial losses generally surpassing the $100,000 mark, has catapulted VPNs as a safeguarding mechanism for corporate networks, particularly with the advent of widespread remote work practices. Companies in France have responded to the cybersecurity imperative by reinforcing their cybersecurity budgets and security measures, with more than 40 percent having fortified or introduced VPN connections by 2021. 

The estimated VPN market in France has soared to over $1 billion in sales, as businesses acknowledge the indispensability of VPNs in mitigating data breaches and ensuring secure teleworking. The accentuated screen time among French citizens, with over half the population spending upwards of 22 hours per week online, suggests a fertile ground for VPN services.

The Leading Forces in the VPN Industry

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) market is a dynamic landscape with a host of key players, each bringing unique features and services aimed at securing digital communications and providing internet privacy for users worldwide.

Four of these industry leaders, with their individual strengths and market strategies, stand out in the global VPN sector.

• Kape Technologies - The Conglomerate of Trusted VPN Brands Originally known for a controversial past under the name Crossrider. Kape Technologies has pivoted to become a prominent name in the VPN industry. With the acquisition of established VPN services such as Zenmate, CyberGhost, and the heavyweight ExpressVPN. Kape Technologies has positioned itself as a significant player offering varied privacy solutions. The group's commitment to revamping its focus on user privacy and security is evident in the rebranding efforts and the management of these reputable VPN services.
• Nord Security - An Assurance of Strength and Reliability Nord Security, formerly known as a single product, NordVPN, has expanded its horizon by acquiring Surfshark and Atlas VPN. While each brand under Nord Security maintains its operational independence, they share a common vision of providing robust online security solutions. NordVPN itself is synonymous with high-quality service, offering features like antivirus protection and ad-blocking capabilities. The merger with Surfshark, appreciated for its powerful service and similarly useful features, creates a potent coalition in the VPN market.
• Surfshark - The Vanguard of Online Privacy Surfshark has earned respect in the industry as an efficient VPN provider that delivers valuable features such as ad-blocking and an intuitive interface. Its fusion with NordVPN under the Nord Security umbrella has not diminished Surfshark's individual clout but instead enhanced its reach and developmental capabilities. Surfshark continues to offer competitive advantages with its economical subscription plans, tailor-made features, and commitment to user privacy.
• ExpressVPN - The Standard for Excellence in the VPN World Noted for its remarkable speed and security, ExpressVPN has long been a fan favorite for users who prioritize these aspects. Even after its acquisition by Kape Technologies, ExpressVPN has sustained its reputation for providing a versatile and highly secure VPN experience. Its presence across platforms and user-friendly interface have cemented its position as a premium choice for customers seeking a no-compromise VPN service.

Each of these titans brings distinct advantages to the table, serving different customer needs and preferences. Whether it's Kape Technologies' versatility through multiple brands, Nord Security's shared technical knowledge and advanced features.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/05/2024

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Trends in the size of the global VPN market
• Number of VPN users worldwide
• VPN downloads worldwide
• Evolution of VPN downloads in France
• Growth in the number of VPN downloads in France
• Percentage of French people using a VPN by age group
• Percentage of French people using a VPN by gender
• Why use a VPN?
• VPN usage by device
• Effects of a cyber attack on businesses
• Company budgets for cybersecurity
• Are companies setting up VPN connections to their networks?
• Percentage of the population watching videos, films or other audiovisual programs on the Internet
• In total, whether for personal or professional use, and regardless of location, how many hours a week do you spend in front of a screen?
• Actions taken to limit access to personal data
• The fastest VPNs
• Subscription prices for the seven most effective VPNs in France
• Internet users by device type