Does VPN Slow Down My Internet Speed? Sep 2026

Technically speaking, all VPNs no matter the brand will slow down your default internet speeds. Cheap or low-end VPNs will slow down your speeds considerably, while premium VPNs will only reduce your connection speeds by 20% to 25%.

For example, on a 100 Mbps connection, you should be able to get 70 Mbps to 80 Mbps downloading speeds ideally. This is an unavoidable trade-off when using a VPN. The way VPNs function inherently leads to slower speeds, and there’s no way to bypass this.

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and sends it through a remote server, ensuring your online activities remain private. However, this process is the main factor behind the decrease in speed.

The encryption and decryption of your traffic, along with the time it takes for data to travel to and from the VPN server, contribute to the delay. That said, there are a few strategies you can try to maximize your VPN speeds.

Why VPN Slows Down My Internet Speed

If you are not using a cheap VPN that might be taking a toll on your connection speeds, there are multiple reasons that may contribute to your slow VPN connection speeds. Let’s take a closer look at some of the prime suspects behind slow VPN speeds:

Server location

The prime reason why you’re experiencing slow speeds is that you’re connected to a VPN server that’s too far away from your actual location. For instance, if you’re located in the Middle East and connect to a U.S server, you’re going to notice a significant speed drop. That’s because it takes packets of data longer to travel between you and the VPN server.

Bandwidth caps

Some VPN providers cunningly use bandwidth caps to prevent a user from extensively using their service. So, if you use VPNs to download large torrent files or stream HD movies, your VPN provider can throttle your connection speeds.

Server Load

Server congestion can cause a slowdown in VPN speeds when too many users are connected to a single server. This issue is often seen with free or slower VPN services that overcrowd their servers, assuming the “free” aspect will suffice.

In contrast, users of premium VPNs with a larger network of servers typically experience less latency and can count on faster speeds.

VPN encryption & protocol

Other culprits behind slow speeds are VPN encryption and protocols. With overhead encryption, your VPN speeds are going to suffer.

The most common protocol known to cause slow speeds is OpenVPN. It is the most secure protocol around however it is considerably slower than PPTP which is significantly faster. But then again, PPTP is less secure as it uses less encryption.

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the current block cipher algorithm used for encryption. It comes in various strength levels, including 128-bit, 192-bit, and 256-bit encryption. The higher the encryption strength, the more robust your data protection will be.

For optimal security, you should aim for the strongest AES encryption in a VPN. However, there is a slight tradeoff to consider: the increased security and privacy provided by the highest encryption level can result in higher latency and slower internet speeds.

Your Base Internet Speed

If your internet speed is already slow, a VPN may not be the sole cause of the sluggish performance. Internet service providers (ISPs) sometimes intentionally limit bandwidth, which can negatively affect your online experience and interfere with activities like streaming or downloading content.

Which VPNs Offer The Fastest Speeds?

Now there are tons of VPNs in the industry. Some are free, others are budget-friendly and there are also high-end VPNs. That said, not all of them are fast.

Here are our top VPN recommendations that are super fast and affordable:

• Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN. Starts from just $2.49/mo (Save 85% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan). Offers 3,200 servers in 100 countries. It can easily be used with the Tor browser. Tested to offer speeds of up to 47.83 Mbps (50 Mbps standard connection). Supports unlimited simultaneous connections and also offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee.

• ExpressVPN – Overall best VPN. Come with 3,000+ servers in 105 countries that offer powerful security and support both torrenting, and streaming. Supports 8 devices simultaneously. Fast enough to offer speeds of up to 40.43 Mbps (50 Mbps standard connection). Costs just $2.49/mo and comes with a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.

• NordVPN – Most Secure VPN. Comes with powerful security features such as Nordlynx, AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, CyberSec, and obfuscated servers. Offers an audited strict no-logging policy. Offers 6,343 servers in 111 countries. Fast enough to offer speeds of up to 36.43 Mbps (50 Mbps standard connection). Costs just $3.49/mo, supports 10 multi-logins.

How to Make Your VPN Speed Faster – 5 Ways

Here are a few ways to improve your VPN speed and get the maximum output:

1. Connect to a VPN server closer to your physical location

In general, the closer a VPN server is to your physical location, the faster your connection is likely to be. When your traffic is routed through a server nearby, it has a shorter distance to travel compared to one located far away.

For example, if you’re in Sydney, you can expect better speeds connecting to a server in Melbourne or Perth than one in New York, or London.

This may not always be feasible if you’re trying to access content from a specific country or connect to a gaming server in a particular region. However, if you’re seeking faster speeds, it’s worth trying different VPN servers near your location to find the one that offers the best performance.

2. Connect to a server with less load

When a VPN server is crowded with too many users, it can become overloaded, causing slower connection speeds. Some VPN providers show the current server load in their app or on their website.

By selecting a server with a lower load, you can typically experience faster speeds. If your VPN provider doesn’t display the server load, you may need to try connecting to different servers to determine which one offers the best performance. In some cases, a bit of trial and error is required.

3. Change the VPN Protocol

Different VPN protocols offer varying benefits in terms of speed and security, and most providers allow you to choose from several options based on the platform you’re using. By selecting the right protocol, you can potentially improve the speed of your VPN connection.

OpenVPN is the most widely used and trusted protocol, known for its balance of speed, stability, and security. However, there are faster alternatives available. Newer protocols like WireGuard, along with proprietary ones such as ExpressVPN’s Lightway and NordVPN’s NordLynx, are now being offered by many providers. These protocols deliver faster speeds without compromising security.

If your VPN provider supports these newer protocols, switching to one of them can significantly enhance your connection speeds.

4. Check your internet speed

If you’re experiencing slow speeds, the VPN may not be the cause. To figure this out, run a quick test to check your internet speed both with and without the VPN. This will help you identify whether the VPN is affecting your connection or if the issue lies with your internet plan or equipment.

5. Restart Your Router/ Devices

When was the last time you rebooted your devices? Just like any other technology, your computer, router, and other connected devices sometimes need a reset. Restarting your computer helps refresh the system, clears up any accumulated memory, and can boost its performance.

Similarly, rebooting your router can help resolve any connectivity issues or glitches that might be slowing down your internet connection. Although it might sound like a simple solution, turning everything off and on again can often lead to noticeable improvements.

After a restart, check your VPN speeds to see if they’ve improved. It’s an easy step that can make a significant difference in optimizing your connection.

Can a VPN improve Internet speed?

Yes, there are situations where using a VPN can actually enhance your internet connection speed.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often throttle your connection when they detect heavy bandwidth usage, such as during file downloads or streaming. The reason behind this is simple: ISPs are profit-driven and seek to limit users who consume large amounts of bandwidth, especially if it affects the overall network.

While it may not be something we like to acknowledge, ISPs are in business to make money, and throttling high-usage activities is one way they manage network resources.

The good news is that a VPN can help you avoid this issue. When you use a VPN, your internet activity is hidden from your ISP, making it impossible for them to monitor your bandwidth usage.

Without visibility into your online behavior, they can’t identify when you’re using more bandwidth than usual and, therefore, can’t throttle your connection. This can result in faster speeds and a smoother experience, especially if your ISP was previously limiting your connection.

Final Words

In conclusion, while a VPN can sometimes slow down your internet speed, there are several strategies you can use to boost your connection. By testing different servers, optimizing your VPN protocol, and ensuring your devices are running smoothly, you can improve your VPN performance.

Try out these tips and see which one works best for you to enjoy a faster and more reliable VPN connection.