Effect of VPN on Internet Speed

Utilizing a VPN can result in a slower internet connection because your data has to travel a longer distance to reach its final destination. When you are connected to a VPN, your data is encrypted and sent through a remote server, which adds distance and encryption overhead that can diminish speed.

Summary: Ways to Enhance Your VPN Speed

Select a VPN server that is near your physical location.
Change servers if the one you are using is slow or overloaded.
Opt for fast protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN.
Activate split tunneling to direct critical traffic through the VPN.
Switch to a public DNS server potentially to enhance speeds.

What Causes a VPN to Slow Down Your Internet?

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

How Much Slower Will a VPN Make You?

The extent of speed loss depends on how far away the server is, its current load, and the infrastructure of the VPN. Servers that are nearby usually cause minimal speed drops, while those that are further away have more significant slowdowns. Free VPN services often experience higher congestion and slower speeds due to their limited infrastructure.

Elements Influencing VPN Speeds

1. VPN Protocol

Different protocols can affect speed in various ways due to encryption overhead. WireGuard and IKEv2 generally offer better speeds, whereas OpenVPN (particularly TCP) might result in a more noticeable slowdown.

2. Server Location

Servers located nearby produce faster connections, while more distant servers introduce additional latency. Selecting a server that is close to your physical location can help minimize speed loss.

3. Server Load

Servers that are overloaded with users can result in slower connections. Choosing servers with less congestion can lead to speed improvements.

4. Quality of VPN Service

The speed of the VPN is influenced by the provider’s network of servers and infrastructure. High-quality services invest in optimized networks, enabling faster speeds.

Ways to Enhance VPN Performance

Opt for Nearby Servers: Connect to servers that are close to your location for increased speed.
Change Servers: Switch to less crowded servers within the same geographical area.
Utilize Fast Protocols: Use WireGuard or OpenVPN for the best combination of speed and security.
Activate Split Tunneling: Direct only necessary traffic through the VPN to lessen the load.
Install VPN Software Directly: Install the VPN application on your device for superior performance compared to router installations.
Modify DNS Server: Change to a public DNS server if your VPN’s DNS is sluggish.
Shut Down Background Apps: Close any unnecessary applications to free up bandwidth.
Utilize Wired Connections: Ethernet connections are generally faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.

Can a VPN Enhance Your Internet Speed?

In certain situations, a VPN may help circumvent ISP throttling, potentially improving your speed for specific activities such as streaming and P2P sharing by preventing your ISP from tracking and limiting your traffic.

How to Evaluate VPN Speed

Perform a speed test without the VPN to establish baseline speeds.
Connect to your chosen VPN server and conduct the test again.
Analyze the results to determine the VPN’s effect on your connection speed.

Conclusion

Although VPNs can cause slower internet speeds due to encryption and rerouting, selecting the right servers, protocols, and settings can help minimize any negative impact. In some cases, a VPN may even boost speeds by avoiding ISP throttling.