Does a VPN slow down my internet?

Some speed reduction is normal when using a VPN. Your traffic is encrypted and routed through an additional server, which adds overhead.

With WireGuard and a nearby server, the speed reduction is typically 5–15% — barely noticeable for most everyday use.

Factors That Affect Speed

• Server distance — connecting to a server far from your location increases latency.
• Server load — a heavily loaded server will be slower.
• Protocol — WireGuard is significantly faster than OpenVPN.
• Your base internet speed — the VPN cannot be faster than your underlying connection.

For tips on improving speed, see VPN is slow — how to improve speed.