Effect of VPN on Internet Speed

Utilizing a VPN can cause a decrease in your internet speed since your data has to travel a longer distance to reach its target. When you are connected to a VPN, your traffic is encrypted and passes through a remote server, which adds to the distance and includes encryption overhead that can affect speed.

Summary: Tips for Boosting Your VPN Speed

Select a VPN server that is in close proximity to your actual location.
Change servers if the one you are using is slow or experiencing heavy traffic.
Utilize fast protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
Activate split tunneling to direct essential traffic through the VPN.
Consider switching to a public DNS server for possible speed enhancements.

What Causes a VPN to Slow Down Your Internet?

A VPN encrypts and redirects your data through a remote server, which increases the distance your data must travel and adds encryption overhead, resulting in a slower connection. The degree of slowdown varies depending on the VPN provider, the protocol used, and the location of the server.

How Much Slower Will a VPN Make Your Connection?

The decrease in speed can vary based on the distance to the server, the load on the server, and the infrastructure of the VPN. Generally, nearby servers lead to minimal speed reductions, while those further away can cause more significant slowdowns. Free VPNs typically face more congestion and slower speeds because of their limited infrastructure.

Elements Impacting VPN Speeds

1. VPN Protocol

Different protocols affect speed differently due to the encryption required. WireGuard and IKEv2 generally provide higher speeds, while OpenVPN (particularly in TCP mode) may create more slowdown.

2. Server Location

Servers that are located closer to you offer faster connections, while those further away introduce latency. Opting for a server near your location can help reduce speed loss.

3. Server Load

Servers that are heavily loaded with many users may slow down your connection. Choosing servers with lower congestion can enhance speed.

4. Quality of the VPN Service

The speed of a VPN is largely influenced by the provider's server network and infrastructure. High-quality VPN services invest in optimized networks to ensure better speeds.

Ways to Enhance VPN Speed

Select Nearby Servers: Connect to servers close to your physical location for quicker speeds.
Change Servers: Switch to less loaded servers within the same area.
Utilize Fast Protocols: Opt for WireGuard or OpenVPN for the best speed and security combination.
Activate Split Tunneling: Route only the necessary traffic through the VPN to lighten the load.
Direct Installation of VPN Software: Install the VPN application on your device for better performance compared to setting it up on your router.
Change DNS Server: Use a public DNS server if your VPN's DNS is on the slower side.
Close Background Applications: Shut down any unnecessary apps to free up bandwidth.
Opt for Wired Connections: Ethernet connections tend to be faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.

Can a VPN Enhance Your Internet Speed?

In some instances, a VPN can help you bypass ISP throttling, which may lead to improved speeds for certain activities such as streaming and P2P sharing by keeping your ISP from observing and limiting your traffic.

How to Evaluate VPN Speed

Conduct a speed test without the VPN to establish baseline speeds.
Connect to your selected VPN server and run the test again.
Compare the outcomes to see how the VPN affects your connection speed.

Final Thoughts

While VPNs can lead to slower internet speeds due to encryption and rerouting, selecting the right servers, protocols, and configurations can help minimize these effects. Additionally, in certain cases, a VPN could potentially increase your speeds by circumventing ISP throttling.