Quick answer: A VPN can add latency and reduce speed because traffic travels through an additional server and encryption takes processing power.
How it works
Performance varies with server distance, server load, your base connection, and the VPN protocol. A nearby uncongested server often performs better than a distant one.
Practical advice
Test with and without the VPN under similar conditions instead of assuming every slowdown comes from it.
Frequently asked question
Can a VPN ever feel faster?
Occasionally, if routing changes or a network treats certain traffic differently, but it should not be expected to increase the raw capacity of your connection.
Leave a Reply