Understanding VPN Speeds
A common misconception about VPNs is that they drastically slow down your connection. While some drop in speed is inevitable, the best services minimise this overhead to the point where it’s barely noticeable. In this article we explain how to read VPN speed tests, why speeds vary and which providers offer the best performance in 2025.
What Influences VPN Speed?
- Server distance: The farther the VPN server is from your location, the longer packets take to travel. Choose a nearby server for the fastest performance.
- Encryption & protocol: Stronger encryption (e.g. 256‑bit) can marginally slow throughput. Newer protocols like WireGuard and proprietary variants (NordLynx, Lightway) are more efficient than legacy options like OpenVPN.
- Server load: If too many users share a server, speeds drop. Premium services rotate users automatically to avoid congestion.
How We Test
We measure VPN speeds by connecting to servers in multiple regions and running download/upload tests at different times of day. Results are averaged to account for network variability. We also compare VPN speeds to our baseline (no VPN) to calculate percentage drop.
Top Performers
- NordVPN: Thanks to NordLynx, NordVPN achieved a mere 4‑6 % speed drop in our tests, averaging 950 Mbps. It is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. Get NordVPN — Save 68%
- ExpressVPN: Lightway delivers consistently high speeds (≈ 900 Mbps) and quick reconnections. It’s an excellent all‑rounder. Try ExpressVPN
- Surfshark: While slightly slower (≈ 850 Mbps), Surfshark remains fast enough for 4K streaming and offers unlimited device connections. Get Surfshark – 85% Off
Tips to Improve VPN Speeds
- Use WireGuard or your VPN’s modern protocol for better efficiency.
- Select a nearby server and avoid congested regions.
- Disable unnecessary features like double VPN when speed is more important than maximum anonymity.
- Connect via wired Ethernet if possible; Wi‑Fi can introduce latency.
Conclusion
VPN speed doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. By choosing a high‑performance service and following best practices, you can maintain fast, reliable connections with minimal slowdown. Our speed tests are updated regularly, so check back for the latest results.