A VPN is used to encrypt your information and change your IP address to help reduce the chance of your device experiencing a cyber attack. Many people also use a VPN service to bypass geo-blocked webpages that they cannot access in the country they are located. Streaming sites, online casinos, social networking platforms, and other sites are often blocked in certain countries, so connecting with a server located in another country will allow users to log on to these pages. 

There are lots of VPN services available online and recently it seems like the average internet user is becoming more aware of the importance of running a VPN while connected to the web. In 2020, approximately 40 million VPNs were downloaded worldwide. With cyberattacks on the rise, it is no wonder why the average internet user has decided to take advantage of the many benefits VPNs offer users. 

Unfortunately, VPNs can impact your internet speed. One of the main problems is the VPN service that you are using. If you are considering changing your VPN, FortuneLords has posted an in-depth comparison of the best free VPNs available today. Check out their well-detailed review to help you decide what VPN is best for you.

Why is my VPN Connection so Slow?

When you use a VPN your data has to travel through a separate VPN server which can cause your connection to respond slowly. Sometimes the reason why your connection is not as fast as it was before you ran a VPN service is that you haven’t the device’s settings changed for optimal performance.

Some users like to take advantage of free VPN services. Lots of these programs use servers that try and handle lots of users all on the same server at the same time causing a delay in your internet connection. Others gain revenue with advertising companies, so the VPN is packed with popup ads and other forms of advertisements that can cause a sluggish connection. Running a VPN service is a very expensive business, so there is often a catch when you download a free version. Perhaps replacing your free VPN program with a paid, quilty service might help you boost your internet connection. 

How can I boost the speed of my VPN

There are many reasons why your VPN might be slow. To help boost the speed of your internet connection while using a VPN, here are a few ideas: 

• Connect to a different server: A quality VPN server often allows users to connect to servers in countries throughout the world. You might notice with a free VPN you will only have a limited choice, but if you have a paid VPN, then chances are you will find servers located in almost every country around the globe. Choosing a server that is close to your current geographical location can help you improve your connection speed. The data being sent won’t have to go to the other side of the world if you connect with a server nearby. Sometimes, servers find it difficult to handle a large number of users at once, so perhaps changing your current server for a less popular server might do the trick.
• Change your current protocol settings: There are lots of VPN protocols available, with each protocol having its own strengths and weaknesses. You can instruct your VPN client to implement the protocol of your choice. If the protocol settings you are currently using is causing a slow connection, it might be time to change these settings. 
• If you are continuing to experience a slow connection after changing the server and changing your protocol settings, it might be time to change your VPN provider. If you are using a free VPN service, there is a strong possibility that this is the reason why your connection is so slow. Speaking with friends in your area that run a VPN on their devices might prove beneficial. As they are located nearby, they might have had a better experience when running a VPN, and because they are close by there should be no reason why yours would run any differently. 

A slow connection might not always be caused by a VPN. Check your internet security settings, your internet provider, and your device’s hardware as these factors can also be the problem.

Summary

If you are thinking of deleting your VPN and not replacing it, you might want to think again. Cybercrime is extremely common nowadays, not just on desktop computers, but on mobile devices too. Running a quilty VPN is essential when connecting your devices to the internet. Victims of cyberattacks often lose sensitive data and resources, credit card details, passwords, and other confidential files.