Published in December 2, 2024

How VPNs Affect Your Speed Test Results

Daniel Hollis

By

Daniel Hollis

Edited by Rabeeca Lee Armstrong

PHOTO BY STEFAN CODERS ON PEXELS

VPNs are great for privacy, but they can mess with your internet speed. When you run a speed test while connected to a VPN, your results might not reflect your actual connection. The encryption and routing through servers can slow things down.

Let’s look at three main ways VPNs affect speed test results and how you can fix them: reduced speeds, increased latency, and server choice.

Reduced Download and Upload Speeds

VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, adding an extra step to the data flow. This slows down download and upload speeds.

The speed drop depends on the VPN provider, encryption level, and server quality. If you connect to a distant or overcrowded server, the slowdown is even worse.

To fix this, choose a VPN with fast servers and high-speed protocols like WireGuard.

The post below suggests 5 free VPNs you can use:

Increased Latency

Latency, or ping, measures how long it takes data to travel between your device and the server. A VPN increases latency by routing traffic through its servers before reaching the destination. This can impact online gaming or video calls, where quick responses are key.

To reduce latency, connect to a VPN server closer to your location. Some VPNs also offer gaming-optimized servers with lower ping. Testing different servers can help you find the one with the best performance.

To better understand VPN and how it works, read the post below:

Server Choice Matters

The server you pick plays a huge role in your speed test results. Connecting to a faraway server or one with heavy traffic slows your connection. Some free VPNs also throttle speeds due to limited resources.

To fix this, select a nearby server with low load. Premium VPNs often show server performance, so choose one labeled as “high-speed” or “low-latency.”

If available, use split tunneling to route only sensitive traffic through the VPN while keeping the rest direct.

If you want to know why you should have your own VPN server at home, watch this video:

Best Articles Chosen For You