Daniel Markuson, Internet Security Enthusiast and a Digital Privacy Expert at NordVPN, explains what causes slow VPN connections and provides tips on what users should do to improve their VPN experience.Â
A VPN has become a must-have personal cybersecurity tool in the past years, alongside an antivirus, firewall, password managers, and others. Whether it’s privacy online, safe browsing on public Wi-FI, or accessing content unrestricted, a VPN is needed to secure the internet connection. However, some VPN skeptics point out that the tool has downsides, the most common of which is that a VPN makes you sacrifice performance.
What Causes Slow Internet Speeds
Internet performance depends on a number of factors, so the concern over VPN latency (the time it takes a data packet from a device to reach a VPN server) might be overstated. If the internet speed offered by your internet service provider (ISP) and the plan you pay for is slow, a VPN won’t be the culprit. Sometimes, ISPs can throttle bandwidth intentionally for specific websites or particular times to prevent users from streaming videos or downloading content as fast as they usually would. In this case, a VPN is the good guy helping you bypass speed limitations by routing the traffic through a server of your virtual private network.
Dated internet equipment like a modem or router can also create a bottleneck for your speeds. If your unit is older than five years, you should upgrade to a newer one — it will be at least ten times more powerful, and the difference will be tremendous. Also, think of other devices connected to your home network that may slow down your performance. Some laptops, smartphones, and tablets can use an older-generation wireless standard, slowing down speeds for all your other gadgets.
If you use a VPN for safe browsing online, you won’t even notice any change in performance. However, if you employ a VPN for streaming, gaming, or peer-to-peer file sharing, you may notice a slight or, in some cases, a significant decrease in your connection speed. Luckily, you can always reduce the impact of latency and make it barely noticeable by an easy-to-follow routine.
Learn More: What Is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? Definition, Components, Types, Functions, and Best PracticesÂ
Practical Steps to Increase Your VPN speeds
First, you need to pick a reliable VPN service provider. Those usually come with paid subscriptions, as the product developers need to invest in infrastructure improvements and the latest technologies to offer a top-notch user experience. Trustworthy VPNs also provide a wide range of servers and countries to choose from.
Check your internet speed with and without a VPN to determine whether the VPN is responsible for the connection slowdown. The issue may be caused by your internet service or hardware.
Start with restarting your devices. Noticeably slow internet connection might be caused by your router or modem memory leaks or other technical issues. The same goes for your computer or smartphone, which may simply need a fresh start — the old-fashioned turning it off and on might do the trick.
Learn More: Choosing the Best VPN: 5 Tips for First-Time Users
VPN Server Location Matters
When using a VPN, select a server that is geographically closer to you — for example, in your own country or a neighboring one, as the distance between you and your VPN server plays one of the greatest roles in upload and download speeds. A server located at a greater distance means your connection needs to travel all the way to your picked destination and back to you.
Server loads also impact the VPN speed. A server can only process a certain number of users, and when that limit approaches, users can face slow connection speeds or even fail to connect. Premium VPNs can offer high speeds because they have a larger server infrastructure, which means less crowding on a single server. The greater the number of servers, the more connections hosted.
Change your VPN protocol. All VPNs run on protocols that make sure your traffic is securely encrypted. Leading VPN providers allow users to switch between different VPN protocols in the app setting and choose the one that best fulfills their needs. When in need of speed, try changing the protocol until you find the fastest connection.
If possible, use a wired connection. Wi-Fi with multiple gadgets and appliances connected to its network may limit your internet speed. Wired connections usually support much higher connectivity speeds.
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