Can a VPN Increase Internet Speed?
Reading Time: 5 minutes Every single internet user has become accustomed to a certain quality of service from their ISP, but the need for additional precautions has brought on the increasing use of VPNs on a global scale. The acronym has become synonymous with internet anonymity and privacy, enabling you to bypass typical routes online and preserve your IP address from prying eyes, safe-keep your private information, browsing history, as well as specific kinds of activity online.
Naturally, since this implies the use of a virtual go-between, one would assume that the time you’d need to reach your online destination would increase. In reality, that doesn’t have to be the case, as a solid, secure VPN comes with a few specific perks that might also enhance your internet speed. Alternatively, a poor choice of your intermediary might lead to slow connectivity and other issues, ranging from compromised security to legal risks depending on your location.
When you’ve done your homework and you know exactly how to use the right VPN, you might have the necessary edge that will also help you improve the speed of your internet connection. Here are a few factors to consider in this process that will help you make the most sensible choice for you and your internet usage needs.
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Performance capabilities of your VPN
One of the most common issues related to your ISP is how they manage your traffic. When they use slower routes, even though the inherent capability of your internet package offers higher speeds, you’re going to experience a sluggish connection. These slower routes are sometimes chosen simply because, at the time, your ISP is dealing with network congestion and traffic oversaturation on specific sites, unrelated to your internet quality or bandwidth.
Enter: a strong and reliable VPN with its own selection of online pathways. Once encrypted, your data and traffic can take different routes from those your ISP would have initially chosen. As a result, you enjoy a faster, more seamless browsing experience in addition to online anonymity.
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Understanding bandwidth throttling
When you choose your ISP package, you always try to find the most advantageous speed available relative to the price, so that your investment really pays off. However, when you notice that your speed is dwindling during certain activities such as torrenting or streaming, there’s a chance that your ISP is resorting to bandwidth throttling: imposing intentional limitations to your internet speed or bandwidth to deter you from the abovementioned activities.
This is where your VPN truly shines. Once you choose your VPN, you should compare your internet speed with and without the VPN: if you notice the speed is significantly greater with your VPN, chances are that you’re experiencing throttling. When your data is encrypted, then your ISP doesn’t recognize the incoming and outgoing traffic, instantly elevating the pace and quality of your connection. It turns out, greater online privacy ensured by your VPN definitely contributes to a more reliable internet connection.
The role of your VPN provider
Choosing your VPN is perhaps the most vital factor in how it will affect your internet speed. In simple terms, the better your VPN provider, the faster your connection will be as a result of your choice. That is precisely why choosing the right VPN solution with specific features that will ensure a smooth and secure online experience is essential for your browsing experience. When your VPN uses strong encryption, provides unlimited bandwidth, and is available across different devices, you can consequently improve the speed of each search.
That said, the most trustworthy VPN providers ensure that the time needed to encrypt your private data doesn’t impair your experience online. Speedy and safe uploads, downloads, and browsing are all a must when you invest in a VPN.
Hacks to handle your VPN properly
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones that are most helpful, but they elude us because we keep looking for a more complex option. Simply put: have you tried restarting your device if your connection is extremely slow? You’d be surprised how many times that particular solution resolves your speed issues.
Alternatively, resetting your router and checking your modem can be another technical solution to increase your internet speed – so don’t be too hasty to blame your VPN, because it might actually contribute to better connectivity while your tech could be the underlying issue. Finally, are you using an outdated device that cannot really use the maximum internet speed? Try using your VPN on the most advanced device you have, to see how your connectivity compares. In these situations, using a powerful VPN actually brings the best out of your more contemporary devices.
Location as the breaking point
Sitting at home, carefree, and browsing your heart out, it’s easy to forget the pure geographical distances between yourself and the websites you’re visiting, and the servers on which they are stored. Chances are that no matter what precautions you take, you’re still going to experience a bit of stalling when you’re located, for example, in the US, trying to explore an Australia-located website.
Add to that, if you’ve chosen a VPN provider that has servers in a remote location compared to your own, you risk adding even more delay to reach your target address. That is why choosing a trusted provider means taking all of their features and benefits into account, their server locations for your VPN included.
Scaling back on security for speed
If you’ve checked all other options, and you’re still experiencing a delay in your connectivity, you might find that some of your security software solutions are adding too much strain. Some solutions tend to filter and scan each and every target address you try to visit online, which in turn might slow down your internet speed no matter how fast your internet should be or how strong your VPN is.
Remember, a well-selected VPN has its own built-in security protocols that aim to prevent hacking and increase your cybersecurity. So, if you want a speedier search, you can try disabling some of those security features that aren’t essential for a smoother experience.
As with so many other tech-related issues, there’s no one-size-fits-all or a uniform solution that will help every internet user in their online endeavors. With a bit more knowledge at your disposal, learning how to properly select and use your VPN and your ISP for that matter will become an easier task that will ultimately lead to a more seamless, faster browsing experience on a daily basis. When all that is settled, you can always rely on a few handpicked tricks that might give your connection that necessary nudge in the right direction and safely enjoy the world wide web.
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