How to Increase VPN Speed (8 Easy Ways to Lower Ping)

There is nothing more frustrating than having a slow internet connection. But did you know that using a VPN can make it even slower?

What if you could flip from endless buffering to smooth streaming—or make “lagging” a relic of your gaming past? You’ve got your hands on an article that’ll run you through how to beef up VPN performance, ensuring a fast VPN connection.

We’re about to explore VPN speed optimization, from VPN latency reduction to getting the best VPNs for turbocharged speeds.

If you are experiencing lag or low ping, there are ways to boost your VPN speed.

Increase VPN Speed – A QuickGuide:

1. Connect to the Closest VPN Server
2. Switch to the Least Loaded Server
3. Select a Different VPN Protocol
4. Upgrade Your Devices
5. Do Not Use Unnecessary Features
6. Switch to a Faster VPN Provider
7. Upgrade Your Internet Plan
8. Use a Wired Connection

What factors affect VPN speed?

Increasing your VPN speed involves knowing what factors usually put on the brakes.

Here’s a comprehensive rundown of what factors affect VPN speed:

1. Server Load and Distance: A server full of users slows things down, just like a long-distance server can. The greater the distance, the greater the lag.
2. Your Original Internet Speed: Your VPN speed can not be greater than your original internet connection.
3. Encryption Level: More encrypted data equals a slower speed
4. Network Setup: Depending on whether you’re using Wi-Fi or a wired connection,  your network can cause a speed bump.
5. VPN Protocol: The packaging method of your data plays a part. Some protocols prioritize speed, while others focus on security.
6. Network Congestion: Rush hour on the internet can slow down your VPN speed, especially if you’re sharing a server.
7. Device Performance: Less powerful devices might trip on speedy encryption and decryption processes, affecting the VPN speed.
8. Firewalls and Routers: If they interfere with VPN traffic, slow speeds are on the horizon. Configuring them properly helps.
9. ISP Throttling: Some ISPs throttle VPN traffic. To dodge this, you might find a stealth VPN or a less-throttled port helpful.
10. VPN Provider: Your provider’s infrastructure and technology investments influence speed.
11. Background Processes: Bandwidth-gobbling apps and processes in the background can slow your VPN. Shutting them down can speed things up.
12. Geographic Restrictions: Websites or services with geographic restrictions can be slower via VPN due to the additional hop to the VPN server.

Knowing these factors is your first pit stop in the race to speed up your VPN. Being at the controls of these speed gears gives you the power to enjoy a flawless, fast VPN connection.

Does VPN Slow Down Internet Speed

Curious if a VPN slows down your internet speed? Indeed, it can. A VPN might typically hamper your speed by about 5% to 30%. This is primarily because it’s busy encrypting and decrypting your data, which takes a bit of time.

The story doesn’t end there. Other factors like the crowd on a server (server load) and how far it’s located (server distance) play a role too.

Additionally, the VPN protocol and network configuration of your VPN provider might steal a bit of your bandwidth, nudging your speed down. But don’t worry, with the right know-how, you can keep your VPN fast.

How to Increase Your VPN Speed

Connect to the Closest VPN Server

Longing for a speedier VPN experience? Start with connecting to the closest VPN server. You see, the distance between you and the VPN server has a big effect on your internet speed. The farther the server, the longer it takes for data packets to zoom back and forth between your device and the server. Not only does this slow down your connection and cause lags, but it also increases latency.

Picture this: you’re in the U.S., trying to browse a local website, but connected to a far-off VPN server. This creates a lengthy round trip for your internet connection, extending connection times and trimming down download speeds. In some cases, it could even timeout.

Thus, choosing a VPN server closest to you can help boost your speed. And best of all, even if you’re connecting within your own country, you still retain all the perks of VPN – privacy and security – unhindered.

Switch to the Least Loaded Server

Here’s a pro tip: connect to the least-loaded server. Each server has limited resources for all the data that needs to be processed. When resources are stretched thin, we say that the server is loaded or congested. In this scenario, all your data goes into a queue, leading to delays and slower internet speed.

Some VPN providers may cap data transferring speeds to manage load better, ensuring a decent experience for all users. But, the best VPN services don’t limit your bandwidth to ensure speedy connections.

Select a Different VPN Protocol

Next, let’s talk about VPN protocols. The one you use can impact your speed, as different protocols use different encryption methods. Some are heavier on security, while others are simpler and faster. Even your ISP can sometimes restrict traffic based on the protocol you’re using.

Remember, stronger encryption translates to more processing time, which can slow down your VPN. But don’t lose hope yet. The modern WireGuard protocol balances strong encryption and speed. If you’re using a VPN app, it usually defaults to the UDP protocol, but you can also try TCP.

Looking for more speed? Then L2TP, IKEv2, and SSTP protocols might be worth considering. PPTP is typically the fastest of all, but it’s a bit of a security weak link. If privacy is a priority, best avoid PPTP.

Switch to a Faster VPN Provider

In some cases, your VPN provider may be the sidekick in your speed saga. Different providers offer varying speeds based on their network infrastructure and technology. If you’ve tried all the speed hacks and nothing changes, it may be time to switch to a swifter VPN provider. Speed-centric services are better suited for activities like streaming, gaming, or torrenting which need a fast VPN connection.

Use a Wired Connection

A quick and straightforward tip to speed up a VPN is to switch from WiFi to a wired Ethernet connection. Wired connections offer a more stable internet connection and avoid issues like signal drop-offs or interference that might slow down your VPN.

Wireless might be convenient, but when speed is of the essence, plugging into a wired network could just give you the VPN speed boost you crave.

Do Not Use Unnecessary Features

Does your VPN app offer extras? Features like split tunneling, double VPN, or ad-blocking may seem handy, but they can bloat your VPN and chomp up processing power, slowing you down.

To keep your VPN nimble, cut back on using non-essential features. Streamline your VPN service for an optimized online experience.

Upgrade Your Devices

If it’s been years since you got your gadgets, consider an upgrade. Older devices may struggle to keep up with the demands of modern VPN apps and might operate at slower speeds. Up-to-date devices with faster processors can better handle encryption and decryption tasks, improving VPN performance. Remember, a VPN is as fast as your device allows it to be!

Upgrade Your Internet Plan

Last but not least, your baseline internet plan might be the foundational problem. Your VPN speed can’t exceed your internet speed. If you’ve invested in a speed-savvy VPN, but your ISP package is more tortoise than hare, you might bottleneck your own VPN.

Consider upgrading your internet plan to unlock faster VPN speeds. Think of it as greasing the wheels for a smoother, more zippy VPN ride.

Are there VPNs designed for speed?

Absolutely, there are VPNs specifically engineered for speed. Here are a few worth checking out:

• NordVPN: This provider boasts over 5,000 servers in 60 countries. NordVPN uses advanced infrastructure and the WireGuard protocol to offer speedy connections. It’s perfect for streaming and gaming.
• Surfshark: It is known for unlimited device connections and optimized speed servers. Surfshark’s 3200+ servers across 65 countries use WireGuard protocol, providing a fast VPN connection with stable performance.
• PrivateVPN: Dubbed as a ‘high-speed VPN service’, PrivateVPN stands out with its balance of speed and robust security. It offers speedy servers in 60+ countries, catering to those who value speed as much as privacy.

These VPNs have been tailored to provide you with swift and fast connections without compromising security or privacy. Great for everything, from streaming to gaming to just casual browsing!

How to Test Your VPN Connection Speed

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to testing your VPN speed:

1. Disconnect VPN: Before you do anything, disconnect from your VPN.
2. Run a Speed Test: Go to a speed test website like speedtest.net. Click on ‘Go’ and it will measure your current download and upload speeds without VPN.
3. Note Down the Results: Keep a note of these results. They will serve as your baseline internet speed.
4. Connect VPN: Now, connect to your VPN. Choose a server closest to your location for the most accurate results.
5. Run the Speed Test Again: Head back to the speed test website. Run the test once more while connected to the VPN.
6. Compare the Results: Compare the results of both tests. The difference between these will give you an idea of how much your VPN is affecting your speeds.

Remember, it’s perfectly normal for a VPN to slow down your internet a bit due to encryption. However, if the decrease is substantial, you might want to try some of those VPN speed enhancement tips we discussed earlier!

VPN Speed Test Example

I did a speed test on a regular home 50 MBit/s internet plan from a local ISP using NordVPN on speedtest.net

Using the same servers, I tested the local speeds and connections from Europe to the US. Here are the results:

Location	Ping, ms	Download, Mbps	Upload, , Mbps
Local Base	9	55.11	4.94
Local with VPN	14	48.07	4.71
US Base	103	49.79	4.62
US with VPN	103	45.92	4.00

Local Speed test without VPN

Local Speed test with VPN

Europe to the US without VPN

Europe to the US with VPN

Increase VPN Speed FAQ

Can I use a VPN and still have fast internet?

Yes, you can use a VPN and maintain reasonably fast internet speeds. Choose a nearby server, use efficient VPN protocols, and ensure your base internet connection is fast. While there may be some speed reduction due to encryption, it’s often minimal for most online activities.

Do I need technical knowledge to boost VPN speed?

No, technical knowledge isn’t always necessary. Many VPN services offer user-friendly apps with default settings optimized for speed. However, some basic understanding of server selection and protocol choice can help. You can often enhance speed by selecting the right server and protocol without advanced technical skills.

Will a paid VPN service provide faster speeds?

Not necessarily. While paid VPN services often invest more in infrastructure, security, and speed optimization, it’s not a guarantee of faster speeds. Many factors, including server load and distance, affect speed. Paid VPNs usually offer more server options and better support, which can help you find a faster server, but results can vary.

Conclusion

A VPN speed depends on the distance to a server, its load, and the encryption protocol used. A server network configuration and your device’s capabilities also play a role.

Most of the time, the best VPN services have great setups for you to reach fast speeds. If you’re looking for a fast and reliable VPN, try NordVPN.