Effect of VPN on Internet Speed

Utilizing a VPN can reduce your internet speed because your data has to travel a greater distance to its endpoint. When you connect to a VPN, your traffic gets encrypted and directed through a distant server, which adds both distance and encryption-related delays that affect speed.

Summary: Tips for Speeding Up Your VPN

Select a VPN server that is located near your physical location.
Change servers if the current one is experiencing slow speeds or is congested.
Opt for fast protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN.
Activate split tunneling to direct crucial traffic through the VPN.
Consider using 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 travel distance and adds encryption overhead, resulting in a slower connection. The degree of slowdown varies based on the VPN provider, the protocol used, and the location of the server.

How Much Speed Reduction Can You Expect from a VPN?

The reduction in speed depends on factors such as server distance, server load, and the infrastructure of the VPN. Servers that are nearby usually cause minimal speed loss, whereas those that are further away may lead to more significant slowdowns. Free VPNs are often more congested and slower due to their limited infrastructure.

Factors Influencing VPN Speeds

1. VPN Protocol

Different protocols influence speed in various ways because of encryption overhead. WireGuard and IKEv2 tend to provide faster speeds, whereas OpenVPN (particularly the TCP variant) may lead to more significant slowdowns.

2. Server Location

Servers that are closer yield quicker connections, while those that are further away introduce latency. Selecting a server near your physical location helps to reduce speed loss.

3. Server Load

Servers that are overloaded with users tend to slow down the connection. Opting for less crowded servers can enhance speed.

4. Quality of VPN Service

The speed of a VPN is influenced by the provider's server network and overall infrastructure. High-quality services invest in well-optimized networks to deliver superior speeds.

Ways to Boost VPN Speed

Choose Nearby Servers: Connect to servers that are located close to you for improved speeds.
Switch Servers: Move to less congested servers within the same area.
Use Fast Protocols: Opt for WireGuard or OpenVPN for the best combination of speed and security.
Enable Split Tunneling: Direct only critical traffic through the VPN to alleviate strain.
Install VPN Software Directly: Utilize the VPN application on your device for better performance compared to router installations.
Change DNS Server: If your VPN’s DNS is slow, switch to a public DNS server.
Close Background Apps: Terminate unnecessary applications to clear up bandwidth.
Use Wired Connections: Ethernet connections generally offer faster and more reliable performance than Wi-Fi.

Can a VPN Enhance Your Internet Speed?

In certain scenarios, a VPN can circumvent ISP throttling, potentially leading to improved speeds for specific activities like streaming and P2P sharing by preventing your ISP from observing and limiting your traffic.

How to Measure VPN Speed

Conduct a speed test without the VPN to establish baseline speeds.
Connect to your chosen VPN server and perform the test again.
Compare the results to assess the VPN’s effect on your connection speed.

Conclusion

Although VPNs can cause a decrease in your internet speed due to encryption and rerouting, selecting the right servers, protocols, and configurations can mitigate this effect. In some instances, using a VPN may even enhance speeds by bypassing ISP throttling.