A VPN is great for privacy and security, but sometimes it comes with an annoying trade-off — slower internet speeds. Pages take longer to load, videos buffer endlessly, and downloads crawl. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. Most speed drops are caused by easily fixable issues like server distance, protocol choice, or network congestion.
Understanding why VPNs slow down your connection
It’s normal to experience slower internet speeds when using a VPN. That’s because VPNs work by encrypting your traffic and routing it through secure servers before it reaches its final destination. This extra layer of protection adds a bit of complexity — and sometimes distance — to your connection. The slowdown doesn’t mean your VPN is faulty; it’s simply the trade-off for stronger privacy and security.
All VPNs route traffic through encrypted tunnels, which adds some overhead
VPNs protect your data by wrapping it in encryption before sending it across the internet. This process, while essential for privacy, introduces minor performance costs.
- Encryption and decryption take processing power, which can reduce speed slightly
- The “tunnel” reroutes your data through a VPN server, adding a few extra hops to its journey
- Stronger encryption (like AES-256) provides excellent security but adds a bit more overhead
- Speeds vary depending on the quality of the VPN’s infrastructure and your own hardware
Server distance, congestion, and encryption strength all affect speed
Your connection speed depends on how efficiently data can travel between you, the VPN server, and the site you’re accessing.
- The farther the VPN server is from your location, the longer it takes for data to travel
- High server load or congestion can slow performance during peak hours
- Encryption protocols (e.g., OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2) differ in speed and efficiency
- Local network conditions — like your ISP or Wi-Fi strength — also play a role
Not all VPN providers optimize for performance equally
The quality of the VPN service itself makes a big difference. Some providers invest heavily in speed and reliability, while others focus only on basic encryption.
- Premium VPNs use optimized, high-bandwidth servers in multiple regions
- Budget or free VPNs may have limited server options, leading to slowdowns
- Poorly maintained networks or outdated protocols can bottleneck performance
- Reputable providers (like ProtonVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.) continually balance speed and security through newer technologies like WireGuard
Test your baseline internet speed
Before troubleshooting VPN performance, it’s important to know how fast your connection is without the VPN. Running a few simple speed tests helps you understand whether the slowdown you’re seeing is significant or perfectly normal. Most VPNs introduce a small speed drop, but anything more than 20–30% may indicate a configuration issue or an overloaded server.
Run a speed test with the VPN off (e.g., Speedtest.net or Fast.com)
Start by checking your normal internet speed so you have a baseline to compare against.
- Disconnect from your VPN completely
- Visit a reliable testing site like Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or Google’s speed test
- Record your download, upload, and ping (latency) results
- Run the test multiple times at different times of day for consistency
Turn the VPN back on and test again to measure the difference
Next, reconnect to your VPN and repeat the test under the same conditions.
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi or network you used earlier
- Choose a VPN server in your region first, then test with distant ones for comparison
- Record the same metrics (download, upload, ping)
- Repeat tests using different VPN protocols (like WireGuard or OpenVPN) if your provider allows it
Helps identify whether the slowdown is severe or within normal range (10–20%)
Once you have both sets of results, you can quickly tell if your VPN’s impact on speed is acceptable.
- A 10–20% drop is typical for most well-optimized VPNs
- A 30–40% drop may suggest server congestion or inefficient routing
- Anything beyond 50% might point to deeper issues — such as outdated software, bandwidth throttling, or poor server selection
- Knowing this baseline helps you adjust settings, switch servers, or contact support with clear data
Switch to a closer server location
Server distance plays a major role in VPN speed. The farther your data has to travel, the longer it takes to reach its destination. Choosing a VPN server closer to your actual location can significantly improve connection quality, reduce latency, and make browsing or streaming smoother. This simple adjustment often delivers an instant performance boost without sacrificing privacy.
The farther the server, the higher the latency
Distance directly affects how long it takes for your data to move between your device and the VPN server.
- The more physical distance your data travels, the longer the round-trip time
- This results in higher latency (ping) and slower page loading
- Streaming, gaming, and video calls are especially sensitive to latency
- A server on another continent can reduce speeds by up to 50% compared to a local one
Choose a VPN server in your country or nearby region
Selecting a geographically closer server is the easiest way to regain lost speed.
- Pick a server within your country or one region away for optimal performance
- If your VPN offers a city-based server list, choose the nearest major hub
- For streaming or accessing local content, use a server in your target region
- Experiment with nearby options — sometimes one city’s server performs better than another’s
Some VPNs include “Best performance” or “Fastest server” options — use them
Many modern VPNs simplify the process with built-in tools that automatically select the fastest available server.
- Look for features labeled “Best performance,” “Fastest server,” or “Smart location”
- These tools analyze latency, load, and network distance to pick the ideal server
- Great for users who travel frequently or don’t want to choose manually
- Re-run the test occasionally, as server conditions and loads change over time
Try a different VPN protocol
The VPN protocol determines how your data is encrypted and transmitted — and it has a major impact on speed. Different protocols balance security, stability, and performance in different ways. Switching to a faster, more modern protocol can often boost your connection speed without reducing security. Most VPN apps make this adjustment as simple as choosing an option in your settings menu.
Common protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and proprietary ones (e.g., NordLynx)
Each VPN protocol uses its own method for encrypting and routing your traffic.
- OpenVPN: highly secure and widely supported, but can be slower due to older encryption methods
- IKEv2/IPSec: great balance of speed and stability, especially for mobile connections
- WireGuard: a modern protocol known for efficiency, simplicity, and top performance
- Proprietary variants (like NordLynx or Lightway) build on WireGuard’s speed with extra privacy features
- Your VPN app likely lists multiple protocol options — most allow switching instantly
WireGuard and Lightway are generally faster while still secure
Newer protocols are designed with performance in mind.
- WireGuard uses lightweight code and optimized cryptography, reducing processing delays
- Lightway (used by ExpressVPN) offers similar speed gains with robust security
- These protocols connect faster, maintain stable speeds, and use less battery on mobile devices
- You still get strong encryption and privacy protection, but with noticeably less lag
Experiment in your VPN settings — speed often improves significantly
Finding the best protocol for your network may take a little testing.
- Go to your VPN’s settings or preferences and locate the protocol options
- Try switching between OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard to compare performance
- Run speed tests after each change to see which gives you the best results
- Some VPNs include an “Automatic protocol selection” option that can optimize for speed automatically
Avoid overcrowded servers
Server congestion is one of the most common reasons for slow VPN speeds. When too many users connect to the same server, bandwidth gets divided among them, leading to lag, buffering, and dropped connections. Choosing less crowded servers — or using a VPN provider that manages load effectively — can make a huge difference in performance.
Many free or public VPNs share limited servers among thousands of users
Free VPNs often struggle with heavy traffic because they have fewer servers and weaker infrastructure.
- Thousands of users may be routed through the same few servers, overloading bandwidth
- High congestion leads to slower downloads, higher latency, and unstable connections
- These services may also throttle speeds intentionally to manage capacity
- Premium VPNs maintain larger, distributed networks to avoid these bottlenecks
Premium VPNs show real-time server load percentages — pick the least busy one
Paid VPN providers often include tools to help you find faster connections.
- Look for a server load indicator in your VPN app — typically shown as a percentage or colored bar
- Choose servers with lower load (under 50%) for smoother performance
- Some VPNs let you sort servers by speed or latency, making it easy to pick the best one
- If available, connect through the “Fastest server” or “Best performance” option
Reconnecting to a new server can instantly boost performance
If your connection suddenly slows down, the issue might be temporary congestion.
- Disconnect and reconnect to the same region — most apps automatically select a less busy server
- Try another nearby city or regional server for comparison
- Periodically switch servers during long sessions to maintain consistent speed
Regular reconnections help you avoid overloaded nodes and maintain optimal throughput
Disable unnecessary features temporarily
VPNs often include extra tools for privacy and security, like ad blockers, malware filters, and double encryption. While these features add protection, they can also slow down your connection by increasing the amount of data being processed. Temporarily turning off what you don’t need can help reclaim lost speed — especially for bandwidth-heavy tasks like streaming or gaming.
Split tunneling lets you route only select apps through the VPN
Split tunneling gives you more control over what traffic uses the VPN and what goes directly through your normal connection.
- Enable split tunneling in your VPN settings to exclude low-risk apps (like YouTube or Spotify)
- Keep sensitive apps (banking, work email, etc.) protected by the VPN
- This reduces data load and improves performance for other activities
- Ideal when you only need the VPN for specific programs or websites
Turning off double encryption or ad-blocking filters may increase speed
Extra layers of protection can slow things down — especially on older devices or slow networks.
- Double VPN (multi-hop) routes traffic through two servers for extra security but doubles latency
- Ad and tracker blockers filter web content, adding a small delay to each connection
- Temporarily disable these features when speed is more important than added filtering
- You can always turn them back on when returning to sensitive or privacy-focused tasks
Useful when streaming, gaming, or downloading large files
Some activities don’t require full-time VPN protection or extra filtering.
- Streaming platforms and online games often perform better with fewer VPN layers
- Turning off optional features reduces lag and buffering
- When downloading large files, less encryption overhead means faster transfer speeds
- Once done, simply reactivate your preferred security settings for normal browsing
Check for local network or Wi-Fi issues
Not every VPN slowdown is caused by the VPN itself — sometimes the problem lies in your local network. Weak Wi-Fi signals, router congestion, or hardware interference can all reduce your connection quality before your traffic even reaches the VPN server. Checking your local setup helps you rule out these common issues and ensures your VPN is performing at its best.
Slowdowns might come from weak Wi-Fi signals or router congestion
Wireless connections are convenient but prone to interference and signal loss.
- Walls, furniture, and distance can all weaken your Wi-Fi signal
- Too many connected devices (phones, TVs, smart devices) can congest your router’s bandwidth
- Competing nearby networks, especially in apartments, cause channel interference
- Try moving closer to your router or disconnecting unused devices to improve speed
Test using a wired Ethernet connection to rule out wireless interference
A direct Ethernet connection is the easiest way to confirm whether Wi-Fi is the culprit.
- Plug your computer directly into your router using an Ethernet cable
- Re-run your speed tests with and without the VPN active
- If speeds improve significantly, the issue is likely Wi-Fi interference, not the VPN
- For long-term stability, consider using Ethernet for gaming or large downloads
Restart your router and modem if speeds remain inconsistent
Sometimes a simple restart can clear up temporary connection issues.
- Power off your router and modem for 30 seconds, then turn them back on
- This resets network caches and reconnects your devices to the ISP
- Check for firmware updates on your router — outdated software can limit performance
- If the issue persists, contact your internet provider to rule out external slowdowns
Adjust DNS settings
Your DNS (Domain Name System) determines how quickly websites load by translating web addresses into IP addresses. If your VPN uses a slow or overloaded DNS server, it can cause noticeable lag when browsing or streaming. Switching to a faster, more reliable DNS service can speed up website lookups and improve overall connection performance.
Some VPNs use slow or overloaded DNS servers
Not all VPN providers manage DNS efficiently, and slow DNS lookups can add seconds to page loading times.
- Some VPNs route DNS requests through shared or outdated servers
- Overloaded or distant DNS servers can delay website responses
- Poor DNS performance is often mistaken for general VPN slowness
- A quick DNS switch can resolve lag without changing servers or protocols
Switch to faster ones like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
Public DNS providers offer optimized performance and global coverage.
- Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) are fast and reliable options
- These services reduce latency by using distributed, high-speed data centers
- They also prioritize privacy and uptime, unlike many ISP-provided DNS servers
- Test both to see which performs better on your network
Most VPN apps allow manual DNS configuration in advanced settings
Changing your DNS settings usually takes just a few clicks.
- Open your VPN app’s advanced or network settings section
- Look for a custom DNS or manual DNS configuration option
- Enter the new DNS addresses (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google)
- Reconnect to your VPN and test site loading speeds to confirm improvement
- Some VPNs even include built-in options for trusted DNS providers
Update your VPN app and operating system
Keeping your software up to date is one of the simplest ways to maintain fast and stable VPN performance. Developers regularly release updates that fix bugs, optimize encryption protocols, and improve compatibility with new network standards. Ignoring these updates can lead to slower speeds, dropped connections, or unexpected errors — especially as technology evolves.
Performance fixes are often included in updates
Updates aren’t just for new features — they often include behind-the-scenes improvements that directly impact speed and reliability.
- VPN providers routinely release protocol optimizations to enhance connection speed
- Updates may include server routing improvements for better global performance
- Patch notes frequently mention latency or stability fixes
- Regularly updating ensures you’re benefiting from the latest performance tweaks
Outdated versions can cause handshake delays or compatibility bugs
Running old versions of your VPN or operating system can slow down the initial connection process or cause dropped sessions.
- Older VPN apps may have handshake inefficiencies, delaying your connection
- Deprecated encryption libraries can increase CPU usage and reduce speed
- Compatibility issues with new OS updates can cause random disconnects
- Outdated software also introduces security vulnerabilities, making updates critical
Keep both your VPN and OS up to date for optimal performance
Synchronizing updates between your VPN app and operating system helps both run smoothly.
- Enable automatic updates in your VPN settings when possible
- Regularly check for OS updates to ensure network drivers and security layers are current
- Reboot your device after updating to apply all changes
- Staying current guarantees maximum speed, stability, and security across your setup
When to switch VPN providers
If you’ve tried every optimization step and your VPN still struggles with speed, it may be time to consider switching providers. Not all VPN services are built equally — some prioritize security and privacy at the cost of performance, while others balance both with high-speed infrastructure. A well-optimized VPN should offer strong encryption without noticeably slowing your connection.
If speed issues persist across multiple servers and protocols
Consistent performance problems are often signs of deeper network limitations within the VPN itself.
- Test several servers in different regions to rule out temporary congestion
- Try different VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, or OpenVPN
- If you still see poor performance on all setups, the issue likely lies with the provider
- Persistent lag, connection drops, or high ping times are red flags
Compare performance-focused VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or ProtonVPN
Some VPN services are specifically engineered for speed and reliability.
- ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer large, high-speed networks optimized for streaming and gaming
- ProtonVPN provides strong privacy with performance-optimized “Plus” servers
- Check for independent speed test results or third-party performance benchmarks
- Avoid free VPNs — they typically have overcrowded servers and bandwidth caps
Look for providers offering WireGuard or optimized infrastructure
Modern VPNs use advanced technologies to deliver both speed and security.
- Choose a provider that supports WireGuard or its optimized variants (e.g., NordLynx, Lightway)
- Look for VPNs with dedicated high-speed servers and load balancing systems
- Multi-gigabit server networks and smart routing algorithms ensure minimal lag
- Switching to a performance-oriented VPN can result in instant speed improvements without compromising privacy