If you’re wondering whether a VPN slows down the internet, the simple answer is yes. This is because a VPN takes more than one step to go through the Internet connection. For example, routing the user’s traffic through a VPN server and encrypting the data consume some bandwidth. But if you decide to use the services of a really good VPN provider, it doesn’t drop much speed.
Therefore, let’s jump into the guide and learn why does VPN slows down internet speed:
Is Your VPN Crushing Your Internet Speeds?
Yes, but why? Well, The extra layer of encrypting data before sending it to the internet, can slow down the speed. For instance, you might normally download at 100Mbps, but, if you connect to a VPN, this may drop to 80Mbps.
Here’s how this could affect different activities when a VPN slows down internet:
- Regular browsing: You might not feel it too much if you’re browsing regularly. However, it could affect your browsing.
- Streaming: Almost all streaming actions will continue functioning, but connecting to far-off servers could lead to a certain pause time.
- Downloading: This could impact the speed, although the speed would not be very greatly affected. Downloads may increase, and sometimes, even if your VPN avoids ISP throttling.
Still, this is not always true. Connecting to a VPN server closer to your location can reduce latency and improve overall speed.
More Reasons for Your Internet Slowing Down Because of A VPN!
A VPN slows down internet connection for several reasons:
- Server Distance: Distance is another factor; the farther you are from the VPN server, the more latency you will have because it takes time for your data to go through the distance.
- Encryption Overhead: Encrypting and decrypting data consume power.
- Server Load: As mentioned, introducing new users to the VPN server can cause a great deal of load on the server, meaning that the system’s performance can be really poor making, the internet speeds slow for all the users.
- ISP Throttling: Fixed broadband ISPs often degrade VPN speed. But even so, using a VPN can, in one way or another, assist with getting around throttling.
9 Tips to Avoid VPN Internet Slowdowns:
Below are some of the ways that can be adopted to reduce the negative impact of VPN on internet connection speed. Implementing these tips can help you maintain a smoother, faster online experience while using a VPN:
1. Switch to a Nearby Server
Possibly the easiest method for increasing your VPN speed is to switch to the server that is geographically closer to you. The distance data has to cover is inversely proportional to the speed of connection you can expect. But if you’re suffering from a slow download speed, you need to connect to the server in your country or the neighboring country to reduce the latency as much as possible.
2. Avoid Free VPN Services!
While using the services of free VPNs seem to be a good idea, they have disadvantages as a slow connection and over-populated servers. Another disadvantage is that a VPN cannot bypass strong geo-restrictions like on Netflix, and Hulu.
Also, free services can be paid by ads. Paying for a paid VPN offers a better connection, security, and reliability than free VPNs. This is the reason I always recommend paid VPNs like ExpressVPN. For details on it, you can read my ExpressVPN review.
3. Change Your VPN Protocol
Different encryption leads to VPNs having different protocols, meaning speed varies. For example, some protocols make a connection very secure. If a VPN slows down the internet, change to protocols such as WireGuard or IKEv2 as they are normally faster but only slightly less secure.
4. Clear Your Browser Cache
Slow browser issues can often be mistaken due to a slow connection of the Internet. At such point, you, may begin to observe slow browsing activities. A user then must clear cache and cookies. This basic optimization step can enhance your browsing speed when connecting through the VPN.
5. Restart Your Device
Most of the time, the issue is not with the VPN. Your device needs a reset. Most of the devices start properly functioning once they get a restart. So, do it and see the magic.
6. Power Cycle Your Router
You should restart the modem or router to address the issue of VPN slows down internet. The rebooting of the router can resolve network customer problems with your VPN connection and free the router’s memory. Doing simple step can, at times, help to bring back your internet speed to normal.
7. Use a Wired Connection
Wi-Fi is quite useful, but is normally less reliable and slower than a more direct Ethernet connection. Try to use a cable connection while using a VPN. It also gives this setup the capability of minimizing interferences and thus delivering an even more constant and faster internet connection.
8. Disable Unnecessary Software
Normal background applications that demand the use of bandwidth can frustrate a user’s VPN connection. Try to disconnect all unnecessary programs or applications that may be using the internet and check if there is any improvement in your VPN speed.
9. Upgrade Your Devices
Often, newly appearing software requirements could be problematic for older hardware, including VPNs. If the problem is on the side of the hardware, try to update to better and more optimized hardware because VPN requires a lot of work on encrypting data and processes hence causing the slow speeds.
So, if you attempt the tips mentioned above, you should be able to optimize your VPN connection speed for enhanced usage of the internet. If you are still having problems, you may wish to seek other additional information on how to improve your internet connection.
Will a VPN Stop Buffering?
Sometimes. Your internet connection cannot sustain a consistent flow of data supplied to your device. Generally, a VPN can sometimes add to buffering since it restricts your speed, but it has its role in minimizing buffering when the ISP is limiting the traffic to streaming servers.
Although a VPN will hide your traffic, it might help keep the stream constant which means buffering is minimized.
Do VPNs Offer Both Speed and Security?
Finding a VPN that can deliver top speed with protection can be rare, but most leading VPN services deliver. For example, the VPN providers such as ExpressVPN and Surfshark provide high-speed and reliable security measures which do not result in VPN slows down internet.
Moreover, using these VPNs, you can watch the latest content like Dress My Tour Season 1 where 11 rising fashion designers compete to create outfits for famous musicians. Further, you can watch Exploding Kittens to explore the antics of Godcat and Devilcat.
What Are the Best VPNs for Internet Speed?
Here’s a comparison of two top VPN services that offer both speed and security:
| Service | Best Price Option | # of Servers | Max Devices per Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | $6.67/month (15 months) | 3,000+ | 8 |
| Surfshark | $2.49/month (24 months) | 3,200+ | Unlimited |
Get ready to watch the feud between Taylor Swift and music mogul Scooter Braun with these VPNs. Also, you can watch Severance Season 2 and get an idea about the lives of Mark, Helly, and Irving.
Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection
Optimizing your internet connection is not only limited to the set up of your VPN. Consider these additional steps:
- Upgrade to a router with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 standards: These newer standards are known to provide faster and much more reliable links.
- Centralize Your Router’s Location: User should also place their router centered at the house or in a middle of the coverage area.
- Use an Ethernet Cable: To get a better connection and one that is faster and more stable, you need to connect your computer to your modem/router directly.
- Remove Unwanted Users: Make sure that only the specific devices which are allowed should connect on the network.
- Consider a Faster Internet Plan: If you often encounter slow internet speeds, then it may be high time to upgrade your plan.
ExpressVPN Review: Which VPN Does Not Slow Down Your Connection?
Below is a recommended YouTube video discussing how ExpressVPN minimizes the impact on internet speed:
This video shows that ExpressVPN can provide users with fast speeds of VPN service by having an optimized server and efficient protocol. ExpressVPN is always ahead in terms of delivering fast connections with added security features.
FAQs
Generally, a VPN can slow your connection by 10-30%.
There are possible causes, such as server congestion, how far the server is from the user, and the ISP speeds up the user’s connection.
Yes, especially if your ISP is capable of discriminating one kind of traffic from the other.
It depends on the speed at which your connection was initially and the VPN service that you choose.
Yes, if the VPN server is slow or unstable a user may face connectivity problems.
A VPN is not data hungry but encryption can add slightly more to the data consumption.
Yes, difficulties with the connection might occur with VPN, if there are problems with VPN server or your network.
Conclusion
Nonetheless, a VPN slows down internet connection, but its effect is negligible, especially when you go for a good provider like ExpressVPN or Surfshark. As seen in this guide, it is possible to maintain the privacy and security of your online identity without compromising on speed.
We’re sure you won’t search for questions like can a VPN slow down your internet connection, if still something is unclear, then comment below and our team will assist you.