VPN and Broadband Speed: How to Get a Faster Connection

Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Arnav Sharma

VPNs are essential cybersecurity tools that protect your privacy. However, their usage sometimes results in slower internet speeds that can affect your daily activities. Considering the technology behind VPNs, a minor latency is fully expected. Data goes through a remote server and then travels back to you, which is why you notice a difference in your internet speed.

Nevertheless, other factors are at play here, and all of them can increase latency. These include a VPN’s encryption type and your standard internet speed. So, let’s dive deeper into the topic and learn how to get the most out of your connection speed while using VPN.

Why VPN slows down your connection

When connecting to a quality VPN you won’t notice a significant change in your connection speed. Meanwhile, while using the service for work, gaming, and streaming you could experience serious latency. Here’s why:

Overloaded servers

A VPN connection could be noticeably slower when using an overloaded server. Some servers are more popular than others, and thousands of people could be connected to them at the same time. An overloaded server needs more time to process the data, thus leading to latency. This problem is usually seen with free VPN providers who cannot offer sufficient high-quality servers.

Distance of the server

Another factor you need to consider is the distance from the server you are using. If a server is oceans away, the data will travel longer. When you add the processing time, it’s clear that your connection will be affected by it. That can be troublesome for online streamers and remote workers who use a VPN for video calls.

VPN protocol

A VPN protocol could significantly influence the speed of your internet connection. OpenVPN, considered the standard in the last couple of years, focuses on protecting user privacy but doesn’t offer the best speed. On the other hand, there’s WireGuard VPN, a lightweight protocol that uses ChaCha20-authenticated encryption.

Although AES-256 encryption which is quite common,ChaCha20 outperforms it because of shorter encryption keys. Therefore, OpenVPN and other protocols based on AES-256 can be behind the slower connection.

Can a VPN make your connection faster?

One of the reasons why your connection might seem slow is because of your internet service provider (or ISP). Bandwidth throttling is not rare nowadays because ISPs focus on network traffic and reducing congestion. It is a practice that ensures all internet users have access to the same bandwidth, but it could lead to slower loading times and issues with video streaming.

A VPN encrypts your data, so the ISP won’t be able to monitor your actions online. Usually, ISPs try to curb traffic for gamers, streamers, and others who engage in bandwidth-heavy activities. That’s why a VPN is extremely useful for those who look to escape bandwidth throttling and enjoy the fastest connection possible.

How to improve your VPN speed

Now that you have learned why your connection slows down when using a VPN, it’s time to explore the solutions. Here’s what you can do:

Choose a server with fewer users

Server overload is a frequent problem with free VPNs or VPNs that don’t have a lot of available servers to begin with. Look for the VPN service with the most servers around the globe. Some providers offer a feature where you can see the number of users connected to each server. It could serve as a guideline for choosing where to connect.

Connect to a nearby server

Going for a closer server is a great way to increase your connection speed. Of course, this option is sometimes unavailable, especially if you are trying to access geo-blocked content. To amplify your options, look for a provider who offers a large number of servers and has a good distribution in your areas of interest.

Use the latest protocol

WireGuard is the latest encryption protocol, which consists of fewer lines of code – that’s why it’s easier to deploy and to troubleshoot. Thus, it might be the best choice for users who want to stay safe online and not experience latency. Keep in mind that WireGuard VPN might not be available with all VPN providers because it’s still somewhat new.

Try split tunneling

Split tunneling is a feature offered by some VPN providers that allows you to control what traffic is sent through the VPN. You can prioritize one type of traffic to be encrypted while everything else will go through your usual internet connection. It is designed to reduce the latency and still provide you with safety and privacy where it’s needed.

You can try this feature and see if your internet speed increases with split tunneling. Remember that it might not be the safest option, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. Some of your traffic will be visible and unprotected, which could be a security risk. After all, you never know who might be using the same network and what their intentions are.

Final thoughts

Sometimes a VPN may have a negative impact on your connection speed. The good news is that you can easily avoid it with some essential VPN knowledge. Do some research and choose a premium VPN service with the latest encryption protocol and the highest possible number of servers. It will help you establish secure and fast connections, escape from bandwidth throttling, and enjoy the best internet experience.