Using a VPN can provide many benefits such as increased privacy and security when browsing the internet. However, connecting to a VPN can sometimes cause slower internet speeds. Here are some tips to help increase VPN speed on any device.
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Test Your Speeds
The first step is to get a baseline of your internet speeds with the VPN enabled and disabled:
- Connect to the VPN
- Go to Speedtest.net and run a speed test
- Disconnect from the VPN
- Run another speed test on Speedtest.net
Compare the results with the VPN on and off – this will give you an idea of how much your speeds are being impacted. Expect some reduction in speeds when connected to a VPN, but if there is a major difference then the VPN is likely causing significant slow downs.
Change VPN Server Location
One of the biggest factors affecting VPN speeds is the location of the VPN server you are connected to. Connecting to a server farther away means data has to travel longer distances, which can introduce lag and latency.
To improve speeds:
- Connect to a VPN server that is geographically closer to your location
- Try connecting to different servers to test which one provides the fastest connection
Connecting to a nearby server can make a major difference in improving VPN speeds.
Use Alternative Protocols
Many VPNs allow you to choose between different protocols that handle the encryption and transmission of your data in different ways:
- OpenVPN – Most common VPN protocol, offers a balance of speed and security over UDP or TCP
- IKEv2/IPSec – Fast and secure, used by many modern VPNs
- WireGuard – Extremely fast protocol using state-of-the-art cryptography
Try switching VPN protocols to see which one gives the best performance. WireGuard is generally regarded as the fastest protocol available.
Enable Split Tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to route only some of your device’s traffic through the VPN tunnel while allowing other traffic to travel outside the VPN. This avoids bottlenecks that can slow down your connection.
Split tunneling settings can typically be found in your VPN app’s settings. Enable it and configure it so that only traffic from the apps you want to protect travels through the VPN.
Use a Wired Internet Connection
Wireless internet connections are generally slower than wired connections. If possible, use an Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to your router. This eliminates variables like weak Wi-Fi strength that can impact speeds.
Most devices have an Ethernet port that will allow for a wired connection. If your device does not, you can look into options like powerline adapters.
Change Router Settings
Issues with your router’s settings can also impact VPN performance. Some things to try:
- Restart your router – Clears memory and reconnects fresh
- Update router firmware – Can improve performance and fix issues
- Replace old router – Newer routers tend to be faster
- Enable QoS – Prioritizes VPN traffic on the network
Optimizing your home network setup makes it easier for your VPN connection to achieve top speeds.
Using these tips, you should be able to boost VPN speeds on any device. Be sure to test your speeds with different configurations to determine what works best for your setup. With some tweaking, you can retain privacy benefits of a VPN without sacrificing internet speeds.
