Effect of VPN on Internet Speed

Utilizing a VPN may reduce your internet speed because your data needs to travel a longer distance to its endpoint. When you connect to a VPN, your data is encrypted and sent through a remote server, which adds distance and encryption overhead that can affect speed.

Summary: Tips to Enhance Your VPN Speed

Opt for a VPN server that is near your physical location.
Change servers if the one you are using is slow or overloaded.
Employ 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.

Why Does a VPN Decrease Your Internet Speed?

A VPN encrypts and redirects your data through a remote server, which increases travel distance and introduces encryption overhead, ultimately slowing your connection. The degree of slowdown is influenced by the VPN provider, the protocol, and the server's location.

How Much Slower Can a VPN Make You?

The reduction in speed can vary depending on the distance to the server, its load, and the infrastructure of the VPN. Generally, servers that are nearby result in minor speed decreases, while those that are further away can lead to more significant slowdowns. Free VPNs often experience higher congestion and slower performance due to limited infrastructure.

Elements Influencing VPN Speeds

1. VPN Protocol

Different protocols can have distinct effects on speed due to the encryption load. WireGuard and IKEv2 typically provide faster speeds, whereas OpenVPN (especially in TCP mode) can slow your connection down more.

2. Server Location

Servers that are closer to you tend to yield faster connections, while those farther away introduce additional latency. Selecting a server closer to your physical location reduces speed loss.

3. Server Load

Servers that are overloaded with users will slow down connections. Choosing servers with less traffic will enhance your speed.

4. Quality of VPN Service

The speed of a VPN is contingent upon the provider's server network and infrastructure. High-quality VPNs invest in optimized networks, leading to better speeds.

Ways to Enhance VPN Speed

Opt for Nearby Servers: Connect to servers that are geographically close for improved speeds.
Switch Servers: Move to less congested servers within the same area.
Utilize Fast Protocols: Transition to WireGuard or OpenVPN for optimal speed and security.
Activate Split Tunneling: Send only essential traffic through the VPN to lessen the load.
Install VPN Software Directly: For better performance, install the VPN application directly on your device instead of through a router.
Change DNS Server: Opt for a public DNS server if the DNS provided by your VPN is slow.
Close Background Applications: Terminate unnecessary programs to free up bandwidth.
Use Wired Connections: Ethernet connections can be faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.

Can a VPN Increase Your Internet Speed?

In certain situations, a VPN may circumvent ISP throttling, potentially enhancing your speed for specific activities like streaming and peer-to-peer sharing by preventing your ISP from tracking and limiting your traffic.

Steps to Test VPN Speed

Execute a speed test without the VPN to establish baseline speeds.
Connect to your chosen VPN server and test again.
Compare the results to assess the VPN's impact on your connection speed.

Final Thoughts

While VPNs can slow your internet due to encryption and rerouting, selecting the right servers, protocols, and configurations can lessen the effects. In some cases, a VPN can even enhance speeds by bypassing ISP throttling.