No matter what you’re doing, whether it’s streaming a popular show or having a gaming session with your friends, slow internet speed sounds frustrating. Although a VPN adds a layer of security to your online interactions, it might also be a source of lags and hiccups that ruin your digital experience. That’s why you should choose the right VPN server, a server that provides you with both privacy and speed.

Things are even more serious when it comes to remote work. A laggy VPN stops you from sending important files or participating in virtual meetings. Choosing the right VPN server means minimizing speed loss and protecting your sensitive information.

What Affects VPN Speed

The first thing that comes to mind regarding VPN speed is server distance. The farther you get from the server, the longer it takes for your data to travel. If you pick a server closer to your actual location, you will notice a huge difference in your VPN speed.

Another factor affecting the speed is server load. The more people connected to a server, the slower it gets. You should choose less crowded servers to avoid this bottleneck and have a better experience.

Last but not least, encryption levels also factor in speed. While more sophisticated encryption leads to better security, it can also slow down the connection. While encryption strength is essential for security, it’s equally important to consider speed, as protocols like OpenVPN, though highly secure, often lag behind faster options like WireGuard, according to Medium. It’s important to find the right balance between security and safety. Go for less encryption when you’re casually browsing and opt for stronger encryption when it comes to dealing with sensitive information.

Tools You Need for Speed Testing

In order to understand the speed of each VPN server you have at your disposal, you require special tools. Two of the trusted options are Speedtest by Ookla and Fast.com, which measure the speed of download and upload and also latency. They help you decide between different VPN servers.

Completing the testing process is a piece of cake. First, you have to disconnect from your VPN and run a test to see what your baseline speed is without a VPN. Then, you can run your VPN and choose a server. Run the test for different servers and compare the results to see which one works best for you.

How to Find the Fastest VPN Servers

You have to examine servers in different parts of the world in order to find the server that provides you with the fastest speed. Generally, as mentioned before, if the servers are closer to your in-world location, you will have better speeds because of the shorter distance. So, start choosing from the nearby servers and then expand your search, if necessary.

It shouldn’t be difficult to change servers in your VPN app: there’s probably a list that you can expand and choose a location from. You don’t have to choose the first adequate option you get. Try different servers to find out the best one. Also take note that different servers may offer different speed test results at different times of day due to server traffic.

Remember that the more you spend time finding the right server, the better result you get at the end. This effort will pay off, especially when dealing with high-bandwidth activities like streaming or online gaming.

Special Tips for Streaming and Gaming

For those spending a lot of time streaming shows and movies, it might be better to look for VPN servers specifically designed to access platforms like Netflix and Disney+. With these options, users can bypass geo-restrictions while experiencing high speeds. With speeds above 25 Mbps, users can stream high-quality content without waiting for buffering.

For online gaming, low ping is required, so that lag doesn’t get in the way of fun. Servers with a ping of less than 50 milliseconds are suitable for gaming. The server location also becomes more important in the context of online gaming, as closer servers reduce latency and give you the upper hand in this competitive scene.

To ensure your peace of mind during these high-bandwidth activities, make sure that speed tests are done during high-traffic hours. Nighttime and weekends usually mean heavier traffic for streaming and gaming platforms. Testing at different times of the day guarantees that you find the server that is in line with your online needs 24/7.

Keep Testing for Consistently Fast Speeds

If a VPN server performs well, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be like that forever. Factors such as updates and maintenance affect speed. That’s why users need to test their VPN speed on a regular basis. Even the server you always relied on may slow down after some time, so a quick speed check doesn’t hurt, especially if you want to ensure a reliable online experience.

If the usual server doesn’t perform consistently, consider switching servers. In most VPN apps, swapping servers only takes a couple of seconds, so a fast, reliable connection is just a few seconds away. 

Conclusion: Take Control of Your VPN Speed

It doesn’t have to be a struggle to find the VPN server offering the fastest speed. The tools are available, so with a little bit of time you can achieve your desired experience. Regular speed tests are all you need to make sure of the quality of your connection in streaming, gaming, or remote work.

However, speed is not the only thing you want from a VPN. A perfect VPN is fast, but it’s also secure and reliable. A fast and secure VPN experience can protect your data while delivering high-quality performance. Ensure security and quality with HorizonVPN. Visit HorizonVPN to find servers tailored to your needs and keep your connection running at top speed.