Effect of VPN on Internet Speed

Using a VPN may reduce your internet speed because your data has to travel a longer distance to reach its target. When you're connected to a VPN, your data is encrypted and sent through a remote server, which adds distance and encryption processing that can slow down your connection.

Summary: Tips to Enhance Your VPN Speed

Select a VPN server that is geographically close to you.
Change servers if the one you are currently using is slow or overloaded.
Opt for high-speed protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN.
Activate split tunneling to send critical traffic through the VPN.
Use a public DNS server for possibly improved speeds.

What Causes a VPN to Slow Down Your Internet?

A VPN encrypts and reroutes your data via a remote server, increasing the travel distance and adding encryption overhead, which can reduce your connection speed. The degree of slowdown varies depending on the VPN service, the protocol in use, and the server's location.

What is the Impact of a VPN on Your Speed?

The extent of speed loss is influenced by the distance to the server, the load on the server, and the VPN's infrastructure. Servers that are nearby usually result in minimal speed reductions, whereas those that are further away may lead to more significant slowdowns. Free VPN services often experience higher congestion and slower speeds due to their limited infrastructure.

Elements Influencing VPN Speed

1. VPN Protocol

Select protocols can have different effects on speed due to the overhead of encryption. WireGuard and IKEv2 are often faster, whereas OpenVPN (especially TCP) might create more latency.

2. Server Proximity

Connecting to a server that is closer will provide a quicker connection, while a distant server introduces more latency. Choosing a nearby server can help minimize speed loss.

3. Server Congestion

Servers that are overloaded with many users will slow speeds down. Opting for less crowded servers can enhance performance.

4. Quality of VPN Services

The speed of your VPN is tied to the provider's network quality and infrastructure. Reliable services typically invest in optimized networks, leading to better performance.

Ways to Enhance VPN Speed

Select Nearby Servers: Connect to servers that are situated close to your location for improved speeds.
Change Servers: Switch to less congested servers within the same area.
Utilize Fast Protocols: Opt for WireGuard or OpenVPN to achieve the best speed and security.
Activate Split Tunneling: Direct only essential traffic through the VPN to lessen the burden.
Install VPN Software Directly: Use the VPN application on your device for better performance compared to router installations.
Change DNS Server: Consider switching to a public DNS if your VPN's built-in DNS is slow.
Close Background Applications: Terminate unnecessary applications to allow for more bandwidth.
Use Wired Connections: Connections through Ethernet are generally faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.

Can a VPN Improve Your Internet Speed?

In certain situations, a VPN can work around ISP throttling, potentially increasing your speed for specific activities like streaming and P2P sharing by stopping your ISP from tracking and restricting your traffic.

Methods to Test VPN Speed

Perform a speed test without the VPN to establish baseline speeds.
Connect to your preferred VPN server and conduct the test again.
Compare the outcomes to assess the VPN's effect on your speed.

Conclusion

While VPNs may slow down your internet due to encryption and data rerouting, selecting the right servers, protocols, and settings can mitigate this impact. In some circumstances, using a VPN might even enhance your speeds by overcoming ISP throttling.