Few things are more frustrating than not being able to access a website without a virtual private network (VPN). One of those things is when the website takes forever to load once you’ve enabled the VPN.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home, slow internet is always a buzzkill. It makes you wonder if VPN and fast internet can be in the same room?
Oddly enough, buffer-free and lag-free internet is possible with the VPN turned on. Read on to discover why VPN slows down the internet, and what practical fixes can resolve this universal issue.
It can be hard to pinpoint what’s causing slow internet. Sometimes multiple causes are at play, which is why you should try some universal fixes.
Why Does a VPN Slow Down Your Internet?
VPNs are excellent for protecting your privacy and unlocking content that is otherwise unavailable in your region, but it often comes at the price of slower internet. This has to do with how a VPN works, which is why you cannot completely avoid it.
When you enable a VPN, extra steps are added to the data transfer course from your device and back, which lowers speed and increases latency - here’s why:
Encryption Overhead
Data encryption is a vital component of VPNs to equip users with a private and secure connection. Encryption converts your data into unreadable text, making it harder to intercept, but this process takes up significant bandwidth.
Distance from VPN Server
The VPN reroutes your data to a foreign server in order to mask your actual location. The greater the distance between you and the allocated VPN server, the longer it takes for data to travel between both points.
Server Congestion
When there’s too much traffic on a VPN server, everyone gets less bandwidth. Server congestion is more likely to occur with free VPN providers that have few servers and limited bandwidth, which get overloaded during peak hours.
Protocol Limitations
All VPN services aren’t built the same. For instance, free VPNs may employ low-quality protocols, which contribute to low network performance and safety gaps. On the other hand, paid VPNs operate on the latest standards that enhance performance and security.
ISP Throttling
Sometimes slow speeds are the result of throttling from the internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP could be intentionally slowing down your speeds due to network congestion or high data usage. In this case scenario, a VPN can, in fact, help you bypass your ISP and get better speeds.
Is the VPN at fault, or is your ISP dragging you down?
Check your internet speed before and after enabling the VPN to determine what’s up.
How Much Speed Loss Is Normal with a VPN?
How much speed loss you experience with a VPN depends on its quality and the distance between you and the chosen VPN server. You can measure the speed difference by running internet speed tests while the VPN is enabled and disabled.
- The average speed reduction with a top-tier VPN while using a nearby server is around 5 – 15%
- Speed reduction with a free VPN and a faraway server can be as much as 50% or more.
Speed loss up to 20% is reasonable for the average user, as the change does not interfere. For example, if your usual internet speed is about 100 Mbps and turning on the VPN takes it down to 80 Mbps, you should still be able to stream, work, and play without interruptions.
On the contrary, if your speed is halved and reduced to 50 Mbps or less, you may experience lag or delays during rush hour or while conducting high-bandwidth activities. Signing up for a higher-tier plan with more speed and bandwidth is one way to combat the problem.
Is VPN slowing down your internet too much? Perhaps it's time to switch to a better plan or provider that offers higher speeds and ultra-low latency!
Upgrade to fiber-optic for a faster and smoother internet experience.
12 Proven Ways to Stop VPN from Slowing Down Internet
While slower internet is an inevitable consequence of using a VPN, there are several solutions to minimize the effect. Here are a dozen ways to stop the VPN from slowing down your internet too much:
1. Choose the Nearest Server Location
When connecting to a VPN, choose the nearest server to minimize speed loss and increase latency. For example, living in the U.S., it’s better to choose a server in the U.K. rather than Australia. That said, this practice isn’t always practical, especially when you aim to connect to a server in a specific country.
2. Switch to a Faster VPN Protocol
VPN protocols are a set of rules that determine how fast, stable, and secure your connection is. OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard are a few great options offered by reliable VPN providers. Unfortunately, many free VPN services lack the flexibility to choose, so users are restricted to a basic protocol.
3. Avoid Overcrowded Servers
Some VPN providers display the load on a server, so you can pick one that isn’t overcrowded. In case the server load info isn’t available, you can always switch between different options and see which works best. You can also choose a suitable server with reference to the internet rush hours in the host country.
4. Enable Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is a feature that lets you control the network traffic you want going through your VPN. This way, you can apply the VPN to a particular online activity while keeping the rest on your regular internet connection to reduce the burden on your bandwidth.
5. Change DNS Settings
While changing the DNS server does not impact your internet’s base speeds and bandwidth, it can help resolve connectivity bottlenecks and improve latency. Public DNS and specialized DNS providers offer more efficient servers compared to those of ISPs.
6. Use Wired Connection Instead of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi performance varies by location, and speeds are generally slower because several mobile devices are competing for bandwidth on a shared network. Switching to an Ethernet connection can significantly improve speeds and is highly recommended for running data-heavy applications.
7. Disable Background Bandwidth Usage
Background applications and idle devices often hog a substantial portion of our network’s bandwidth. Removing inactive devices from the network and closing/disabling background applications frees up bandwidth and improves speeds.
8. Update Your VPN App
Most active mobile applications, including VPN apps, receive regular updates to introduce new features, eliminate security gaps, and improve overall performance. Your VPN might be slowing down your internet more than usual because of pending updates.
9. Restart Router and Device
Do you remember the last time you rebooted your modem and router/gateway? Restarting your internet equipment once in a while helps reset the network and restore optimal connectivity. The same goes for your computing devices – restart so your devices stay smart!
10. Adjust Encryption Level
You can adjust your home network’s encryption level by changing your VPN protocol or router settings. Sometimes the router’s internet firewall or anti-virus software can take up plenty of bandwidth and lower speeds. Temporarily disabling these security features may improve performance.
11. Get a Paid VPN
High-quality VPNs typically require a paid subscription. These VPNs offer flexible settings, better protocols, high-capacity servers, and added features. As a result, the impact on your internet speeds is negligible, and your devices are protected with advanced security.
12. Upgrade Your Internet Plan
If your internet speeds are far from impressive even when you’re not connected through a VPN, consider switching to a better ISP or upgrading your internet plan. Investing in more speed and bandwidth will enhance performance with and without VPN.
Compare internet providers in your area side-by-side to view the best deals and determine who gives better value.
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Best VPN Settings for Maximum Speed
Recommeded VPN Settings
Recommended Protocols
- 1. Wireguard for optimum speeds
- 2. OpenVPN for unmatched privacy & adaptability
- 3. IKEv2/IPsec for stability on the go
Optimal Encryption Settings
- 1. AES-256 Encryption offers the perfect balance between speed and security
- 2. ChaCha20 Encryption is recommended for devices with low processing power
Auto-Connect vs Manual Setup
- 1. Auto-connect VPN setup is recommended to most users for everyday use - the VPN automatically picks the nearest + fastest server
- 2. Manual setup is suited for advanced users who need to select specific servers & protocols
Kill Switch Impact on Speed
- 1. Keeping the VPN kill switch on is recommended at all times as it has no direct or noticeable impact on internet speeds.
- 2. The kill switch prevents data leaks by blocking internet access during connection failure
Quick Tips to Optimize VPN for Streaming, Working, and Gaming
1. Fixing Netflix and YouTube Buffering
- Switch to a less-crowded server
- Clear browser cache
- Reduce video quality
- Disable firewall
2. Reducing Ping for Online Gaming
- Choose the closest server
- Switch to Ethernet connection
- Enable split-tunneling
- Use a paid VPN with high-quality protocols
3. Optimizing VPN for Zoom and Work Apps
- Use auto-connect to get the fastest server
- Apply split-tunneling to isolate video traffic
- Enable kill switch to prevent data leaks
How to Choose a Fast & Reliable VPN?
The abundance of VPN apps and extensions available today makes it hard to choose one you can truly rely on. Look out for the following warning signs when choosing your VPN:
- Unlimited subscriptions often indicate that the provider is selling your data to monetize the service
- Beware of VPNs requesting access to your apps, gallery, etc., as they can steal your data
- Absence of user policies raises security concerns
- No reliable customer support channels are a red flag
- Dead website/no app updates mean constantly poor performance and outdated protocols
- Reputable free VPNs often have speed and data limitations; you are required to pay for an upgrade
FAQs
Does a VPN always slow internet?
Enabling a VPN encrypts and reroutes your data, so it takes longer to travel from your device to a server and back.
Can a VPN increase internet speed?
VPN may help increase your internet speed in the event that your ISP is intentionally throttling your connection. The VPN masks your online activities, which may result in better speeds.
Is it safe to turn off VPN for speed?
It is safe to turn off VPN as long as you are connected to a private and secure network. However, your browsing data will be visible to your ISP, so it’s best to refrain from visiting sites that may expose critically sensitive information.
Why is VPN slow on mobile data?
Mobile data generally has higher latency, inconsistent speeds, and is prone to network congestion; hence, it tends to become even slower with a VPN.
Which VPN protocol is fastest?
Currently, WireGuard is known to be the fastest and most secure VPN protocol, as it provides an excellent balance of speed and privacy.
