Fastest VPN Services in 2023
Our speed tests reveal which VPNs deliver the best performance without compromising security. Updated monthly with the latest test results.
Speed Tip: Even the fastest VPN will reduce your connection speed somewhat. For the best experience, choose a VPN with servers close to your physical location.
ExpressVPN
Speed Highlights:
- Lightway protocol optimized for speed
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
- Smart Location feature auto-selects fastest server
NordVPN
Speed Highlights:
- NordLynx protocol for maximum speeds
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Obfuscated servers hide VPN usage
Surfshark
Speed Highlights:
- WireGuard protocol support
- Multi-hop connections
- CleanWeb ad and malware blocking
CyberGhost
Speed Highlights:
- Optimized servers for streaming and gaming
- Automatic connection to fastest server
- NoSpy servers for enhanced privacy
PrivateVPN
Speed Highlights:
- High-quality network despite smaller size
- Stealth VPN to bypass restrictions
- 2048-bit encryption with AES-256
How We Test VPN Speeds
Our Speed Testing Methodology
We conduct rigorous speed tests across multiple servers and locations to ensure our rankings are accurate and reliable. Here's how we test each VPN:
Testing Process
- 1Base speed measurement without VPN
- 2Testing on local, regional, and international servers
- 3Multiple tests at different times of day
- 4Testing across various protocols when available
Measured Metrics
- Download speeds across multiple locations
- Upload performance for content creators
- Latency/ping for gaming and video calls
- Connection stability and reliability
All tests were conducted on a 500 Mbps fiber connection from multiple locations in North America, Europe, and Asia to provide a comprehensive picture of each VPN's performance.
Understanding VPN Speed
What Affects VPN Speed?
Server Distance
The closer you are to a VPN server, the faster your connection will be. Choose nearby servers for the best performance.
VPN Protocol
Newer protocols like WireGuard and NordLynx offer significantly better performance than older options like OpenVPN.
Server Load
Servers with fewer active users typically deliver better speeds. Premium VPNs generally have better server-to-user ratios.
Maximizing Your VPN Speed
Try Different Servers
If you're experiencing slow speeds, try connecting to different servers, even within the same country.
Adjust Protocol Settings
Switch between available protocols to find the best balance of speed and security for your specific needs.
Split Tunneling
Use split tunneling to route only specific apps through the VPN, reducing the load and improving overall performance.
Speed vs. Security: Finding the Right Balance
While speed is important, it shouldn't come at the expense of security and privacy. All VPNs featured on this page offer strong encryption and strict no-logs policies in addition to their excellent speed performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a VPN increase my internet speed?
In most cases, a VPN will slightly reduce your connection speed due to the encryption process and routing through remote servers. However, in specific circumstances where your ISP is throttling certain types of traffic (like streaming or torrenting), a VPN might improve speeds by preventing this throttling.
Why is my VPN sometimes fast and sometimes slow?
VPN speeds can fluctuate based on server load, time of day, your distance from the server, and network congestion. If you experience inconsistent speeds, try connecting to different servers or switching protocols.
Are free VPNs fast enough for streaming?
Most free VPNs have significant speed limitations, data caps, and fewer server options, making them unsuitable for streaming high-definition content. For reliable streaming performance, we recommend using one of the premium VPNs listed above.
Which VPN protocol offers the best speed?
Modern protocols like WireGuard, NordLynx (NordVPN's WireGuard implementation), and Lightway (ExpressVPN's proprietary protocol) generally offer the best combination of speed and security. These newer protocols are significantly faster than older options like OpenVPN.