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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

5 Fastest VPNs: Download the Best Apps for Speed in 2024

James Everard Updated on 14th August 2024 Fact-checked by Christine Johansen Senior Writer

With so many VPNs claiming to be the fastest, it's hard to know which will actually give you the best speeds. Consistently fast speeds are not a compromisable feature, especially when you want to stream, game, or torrent.

My team and I compared more than 55 VPNs in terms of long and short-distance server speeds and overall performance with various online activities. To ensure accuracy and consistency, we tested each at different times of the day over many months. Tests were performed from the same location and across the most popular devices and operating systems.

ExpressVPN came out on top, with the fastest speeds and most stable connections. Its exclusive Lightway protocol keeps speed loss to a minimum. Plus, its entire global network is optimized for speed, so you can count on fast connections, near and far. You can try it risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it's not for you, it's easy to get a refund. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN Today >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Fastest VPN Services in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Proprietary Lightway protocol provides the fastest speeds we’ve tested on any VPN.
    Checked out by 7000+ users last month
  • NordVPN
    NordVPN
    High-speed NordLynx protocol and strong security features that don’t compromise speeds.
  • Surfshark
    Surfshark
    Fast speeds on unlimited connections to support a full household of devices on 1 account.
  • Proton VPN
    Proton VPN
    VPN Accelerator to boost speeds and improve TCP connections with 1 click.
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Hundreds of specialty servers continuously maintained to improve performance.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Fastest VPNs — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Proprietary Lightway Protocol Provides Fast and Reliable Connections

Best Feature Fastest VPN we tested — only a 2% speed loss on nearby servers
Fastest Protocol Lightway, an exclusive protocol built from scratch for speed and security
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries, so it’s easy to find a speedy nearby connection
Works With Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve tested, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming, gaming, or torrenting. A big part of why it’s so fast is its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is engineered to deliver speedy and reliable connections while still keeping your data secure.

Before testing, our dedicated speed tester’s base speed was 255.90Mbps. When testing its nearby UK servers using OpenVPN, they got an average download speed of 237.99Mbps (a 7% drop). But after switching to Lightway, its speeds boosted to 251.77Mbps — just 2% below the base connection. This is impressive, considering most VPNs slow you down about 10–20% on local servers.

Screenshot showing the speeds of ExpressVPN's global networkUsing ExpressVPN's Docklands server, we watched Wimbledon in Ultra HD on BBC iPlayer

Its excellent performance isn’t just limited to nearby servers — the entire network is optimized for fast speeds. Furthermore, every server offers obfuscation, which kicks in automatically when ExpressVPN detects blocks. This means you can achieve fast speeds even across restrictive networks and firewalls, and this is also the fastest obfuscation method we tested.

True, it's a bit pricier than other top VPNs. Luckily, ExpressVPN offers generous discounts throughout the year, making your subscription a bit more affordable. You can test it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you can get a full refund.

Useful Features

  • Low ping. ExpressVPN has the lowest ping of all the VPNs in this list, with nearby servers at around 26ms. This means you can play competitive online games smoothly and expect lag-free video calls. Using ExpressVPN, I didn’t experience any lag while playing Warzone on my Windows PC.
  • Robust security and privacy features. ExpressVPN doesn’t compromise on security, with AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. All its servers are RAM-only, meaning any data related to your online sessions doesn’t get stored on hard drives.
  • Customization options. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps and sites you encrypt to prevent unnecessary speed loss. The rest of your online traffic goes through your regular unencrypted connection. Additionally, you can configure shortcuts to your most visited websites, making it quick and easy to connect and get straight to them.
  • Smart Location. This feature automatically connects you to the fastest available server based on your physical location. You won’t have to test out various locations to find the optimal connection.
ExpressVPN Offer December 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 61% off! Don't miss out!

2. NordVPN — NordLynx Offers Strong Security at Top Speeds

Best Feature NordLynx doesn’t remotely save your IP like WireGuard does
Fastest Protocol NordLynx — based on WireGuard, the industry-standard protocol for fast speeds
Server Network 6,800 servers in 113 countries for speedy nearby connections
Works With Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more

NordVPN is another great choice if you’re after a high-speed VPN. Its NordLynx protocol strikes the right balance of speed and security. This is built on the fast WireGuard protocol but sidesteps its minor security concerns using double NAT technology. During our tests, it gave a speed loss of only 2% on nearby servers and around 31% on those further away.

Screenshot showing the speeds of NordVPN's global networkNordVPN’s New York server let me safely watch YouTube videos in UHD without lag

Its Presets feature (on macOS) lets you assign fast servers to your specific online activities. Instead of offering optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, it allows you to customize your own profiles for these activities. For instance, I created a preset called Gaming US, which used the NordLynx protocol and its Miami server since that gave me the best speeds.

NordVPN holds its own in the streaming department as well, nearly matching up to ExpressVPN's capabilities. In our tests, NordVPN could access many popular streaming sites in the best possible quality. We watched It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia in HD on Netflix UK without buffering. Likewise, our international testing team didn’t have any issues streaming Max, DAZN, and more.

My only problem with NordVPN is that you can’t use NordLynx on all devices. For instance, it’s not available on smart TVs, game consoles, or routers. But it is available for all other major OSs like Windows, Android, and iOS. You can test NordVPN for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • Threat Protection. NordVPN’s ad and malicious site blocker works at the DNS level, so the ads never even reach your device. Not only do pop-up ads clutter up web pages and distract from the content you want, but they also cause longer loading times. When I tested Threat Protection, my browsing was smooth and ad-free.
  • P2P servers. If you like torrenting, you’ll appreciate NordVPN’s specialized P2P servers. These offer fast speeds for P2P file sharing. During my tests, I could download a 3GB copyright-free file in under 2 minutes.
  • Advanced security features. In addition to IP/DNS leak protection and a kill switch, NordVPN offers specialized Tor over VPN servers. This lets you browse the dark web on a regular browser without the notorious slowdowns of the Tor browser. You also get Double VPN servers for extra encryption.

3. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections for Fast VPN Speeds on All Devices

Best Feature Fast connection speeds across any number of devices
Fastest Protocol WireGuard, the open-source industry-standard protocol for fast speeds
Server Network 3,200 servers in 100 countries — a large global network for fast speeds
Works With Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections, which not many VPNs can boast. But even more impressive is how it maintains these fast speeds across all active devices. To put this to the test, we connected 5 different devices to the same UK server. Connections were stable, so we had no problem watching Netflix UK in Ultra HD with Surfshark during this time.

Its long-distance speeds are impressive. Australia is on the other side of the planet from our speed tester in the UK, so I was shocked they recorded 155.10Mbps (a 41% speed drop) while using a server there. On its local UK servers, it had an average speed of 249Mbps (a 5% drop).

Screenshot showing the speeds of Surfshark's global networkThe ping on nearby servers was always below 40ms, so I could game without any lag

One of my favorite speed-boosting features is CleanWeb, Surfshark’s highly effective ad blocker, which speeds up loading times by eliminating pop-up ads and trackers. It’s highly effective, but it’s a one-click feature, so it’s not adjustable like NordVPN’s Threat Protection. But that could be advantageous if you favor ease of use over customization.

On the downside, some of Surfshark’s servers can be slow to connect. For instance, it took me 15 seconds to connect to its LA server. But once it’s up and running, you’ll have consistently fast and stable performance. It’s backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free and request a refund if you’re not happy.

Useful Features

  • Ease of use. Surfshark has native apps for the most popular devices that are quick to set up and clearly labeled. With one click, it can automatically connect you to the fastest server or nearest country based on your location. Plus, you can “favorite” your go-to high-speed servers for faster connections.
  • Dedicated IP. For a small extra charge, Surfshark offers the option of getting a dedicated IP address. This IP will be exclusively yours, meaning you won't share it with other users. This helps avoid server overcrowding and potential slowdowns.

4. Proton VPN — Overcome Speed Limitations With VPN Accelerator

Best Feature VPN Accelerator to enhance your connection speeds
Fastest Protocol WireGuard, the best out-the-box speed protocol
Server Network 9,306 servers in 112 countries to choose from — enough to prevent user overload
Works With Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Proton VPN offers a VPN Accelerator to boost your speeds, and the results are noticeable. Using a combination of technologies, it overcomes CPU limitations and improves TCP connections. It sounds techie, but all you have to do is click once to enable it. During our tests, this feature instantly boosted the connection from 218.53Mbps to 229.30Mbps on a nearby server. That’s only 4% slower than the base connection.

Screenshot showing the speeds of Proton VPN's global networkConnection times were quick, too — it never took me more than 6 seconds

Mid-distance speeds are particularly impressive, which allowed for speedy torrenting during my tests. I connected to its Lithuania and Indonesia servers (thousands of miles from me in the UK) and found an average 22% speed drop. The speed loss was not even noticeable while I downloaded a copyright-free file.

Despite the impressive speeds, its high latency, especially on long-distance servers, could be a deal-breaker for gamers. That said, the ping on nearby servers was decent, averaging 31ms. You can take Proton VPN for a test run using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • Custom profiles. You can create custom profiles with fast connections based on your desired online activity. For instance, we created a Streaming UK profile that uses the fastest UK server and WireGuard protocol. And it’s cross-platform, unlike NordVPN’s Presets, which only work on macOS.
  • Easy to use. Proton VPN has a user-friendly interface. The World Map feature lets you select a location directly from the map, skipping the hassle of scrolling through a long list of servers.

5. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Easily Find the Fastest Connection for Your Needs

Best Feature Specialized servers for high-speed gaming, streaming, and torrenting
Fastest Protocol WireGuard for speedy connections
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries for fast and reliable connections
Works With Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

CyberGhost has optimized servers, giving you fast and reliable connections for various activities. This makes it super easy to find the right server for your needs. We tested 9 specialty servers — 3 from each category: streaming, gaming, and torrenting. On average, they were 8% faster than regular servers in the same locations.

Screenshot showing the speeds of CyberGhost's global networkLong-distance speeds were the slowest among our selected VPNs

That said, some of its long-distance servers were quite slow, and we lost 49% on its Tokyo server. But you can still have a smooth online session for any activity if you have a fast baseline speed. It’s backed by a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can see how it works for your needs. Note that the monthly plan only has a 14-day refund period.

Useful Features

  • Large server network. This means you can easily find a nearby server for speedy connections. Plus, the servers are pretty reliable, too — we had no problem streaming safely from anywhere without compromising quality.
  • NoSpy servers. These are extra-secure servers located in Romania that only CyberGhost staff can physically access. This prevents third parties from interfering with your data. Plus, these servers use premium hardware to offer faster speeds.

More Fast VPNs We Tested

During testing, we came across several other VPNs that offer good speeds but didn't quite make it to the main list. These are reasonable options with decent performance. However, they might not have the consistent high speeds of our top picks. Let's take a look:

Quick Comparison Table: Fastest VPN Features

A fast VPN provides high speeds not just locally but at long distances, too. What's also important is the VPN's stability to keep your connection from suddenly dropping. A VPN can also minimize slowdowns by offering lightweight, fast protocols and an extensive server network.

Port forwarding is a useful speed booster for fast torrenting. This feature allows your torrent client to connect you directly with more peers than you’d normally be able to. This way, your torrent client gives your seeds priority, considerably improving your download (and upload) speeds.

Lowest Price Local Speeds Long-distance Speeds Stability Server Network Fastest Protocol Port Forwarding
🥇ExpressVPN $4.99/month 2% 27% Excellent 3,000 servers in 105 countries Lightway Yes
🥈NordVPN $2.99/month 2% 31% Excellent 6,800 servers in 113 countries NordLynx No
🥉Surfshark $1.99/month 5% 27% Good 3,200 servers in 100 countries WireGuard No
Proton VPN $2.99/month 4% 31% Good 9,306 servers in 112 countries WireGuard Yes
CyberGhost $2.19/month 7% 42% Good 11,690 servers in 100 countries WireGuard No
IPVanish $2.19/month 7% 42% OK 2,400 servers in 135 countries WireGuard No
PIA $2.19/month 12% 39% Good 29,650 servers in 91 countries WireGuard Yes
Hotspot Shield $6.66/month 12% 49% Good 1,800 servers in 80 countries Hydra No
TunnelBear $3.33/month 20% 42% Good 8,000 servers in 47 countries WireGuard No
PrivateVPN $2/month 28% 41% Good 200 servers in 63 countries WireGuard No

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

VPN Speed Test Results: Compared

For the chart below, I took the average speed loss for each VPN and converted it to show what percentage of our base speed was left over. So, the closer to 100%, the better. This just compares speeds in Mbps but doesn’t account for other factors, like consistency or ping.

Screenshot showing the speeds of local and long distance servers by each VPNNote that the base speeds fluctuated during testing, so this data is an average of our results

Research Methodology: How We Tested the Fastest VPNs

We vigorously tested these VPNs' speeds and performance to produce accurate figures. Our designated team speed tester in the UK performed all the speed tests from a single location using the fastest protocol each one offers. They always used the same speed test tool (Ookla) with an average base speed of 250 Mbps.

For local speed results, 10 server locations within 500 miles of the actual location were tested in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The same process was used for long-distance results but with 20 server locations outside of Europe. This allowed us to compare average speeds between 30 results, taking peak periods and potential network congestion into account. Plus, it helped us to see whether the VPNs offer stable connection speeds for HD streaming from anywhere, quick torrenting, and lag-free gaming.

Important Points to Keep in Mind Regarding VPN Speeds

When selecting a VPN for speed, it's important to understand the various factors that influence performance. While speed is a key consideration, it's not the only one. Let's look into some important aspects to keep in mind:

Peak vs Average Speed

Internet speeds can vary significantly, with peak speeds often much higher than the average speeds we experience daily. It’s important to consider this when using a VPN. Peak speeds are rarely sustained due to network congestion, more so with a VPN, as it adds another route for your data.

To optimize VPN speed, consider the server's location and load. Servers closer to you generally offer better speeds, and less crowded servers reduce the likelihood of slowdowns. Also, using a VPN during off-peak hours can help avoid congestion.

Security vs Speed

The level of encryption and the type of protocol a VPN uses can greatly affect its speed. Stronger encryption, while more secure, can slow down your connection. For instance, 256-bit encryption offers robust security but at the cost of speed, whereas 128-bit encryption strikes a better balance.

Protocols also matter — PPTP is fast but less secure, while OpenVPN offers a good mix of speed and security. Additionally, the choice between TCP and UDP protocols can impact your experience. TCP is reliable but slower (suitable for browsing), while UDP is faster (ideal for streaming and gaming). Modern protocols like WireGuard, Lightway, and NordLynx strike the right balance of speed and security.

Slowdowns are also likely to occur as you layer advanced security features. For instance, multi-hop doubles your encryption, but it usually comes at the cost of speeds.

Stability vs Speed

A stable VPN connection is often more valuable than a high-speed one that's inconsistent. Frequent speed fluctuations can disrupt your online activities more than a slightly slower but stable connection.

When testing VPNs, look for ones that offer consistent performance. Occasional slowdowns are normal, but a VPN that regularly has significant drops in speed can be problematic. Stability is key, especially for activities like streaming, gaming, or video conferencing, where a consistent connection is crucial.

Quick Guide: How to Speed Test Your VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN since it offers its own superfast Lightway protocol, plus a huge server network for reliable, speedy connections worldwide.
  2. Check your starting speed. Before connecting to your VPN, navigate to an online speed testing tool (like Ookla) to see what your base connection is. Take note of this number.
  3. Connect to and test your VPN. Choose a location from your VPN's server list to test — nearby servers will be the fastest. Then, run another speed test using the same tool. Compare your speeds with and without the VPN.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How to Get Faster VPN Speeds — Simple Hacks

Using a VPN will slow your connection down slightly, but it shouldn’t be more than 20% on local servers with a reliable, fast VPN. However, following these tips can help minimize the impact.

  • Use an ethernet cable. You’ll see the fastest base speeds when you hardwire your computer to the internet. A faster base speed will result in a faster VPN connection speed. Use WiFi only when necessary.
  • Connect to a nearby server. In most cases, the further your data has to travel, the slower your connection speeds will be.
  • Check the server load. Fewer users usually results in faster speeds. Some VPNs display server load as a percentage, with low being less crowded (<15%) and high being very crowded (>75%).
  • Use the VPN’s fastest protocol. Check for a speed-optimized protocol, like Lightway or NordLynx. Otherwise, WireGuard usually provides the best speeds. If you use OpenVPN, also make sure you use UDP, which is generally faster than TCP.
  • Adjust your encryption level. Some VPNs allow you to switch to 128-bit encryption, which is a tad less secure but can boost your speeds.
  • Set up split tunneling. Some VPNs offer this, which allows you to select apps or websites to route through the VPN while the rest of your traffic stays local. For instance, you can protect your torrenting apps with the VPN but keep your Netflix region local. Since you won't be encrypting unnecessary traffic, you'll reduce speed loss.
  • Get a private IP address. Using a dedicated IP can boost your VPN speed, as it's exclusively reserved for your use. This means no shared bandwidth and no slowdowns from overcrowded servers, ensuring a faster, more stable connection.
  • Try different ports. Some VPN-blocking technology restricts particular ports that are associated with VPNs. You can sometimes get around these limitations by switching ports. In addition, port forwarding (if offered) can help boost your speeds — particularly for torrenting since it connects you directly to seeders.
  • Review your software and hardware configuration. If you’re using an older computer or processor or have insufficient RAM, your speeds won’t be optimal. Likewise, some computer programs may interfere with VPN usage. If possible, temporarily shut down programs that may eat up bandwidth, such as torrenting software.
  • Restart your devices. Restarting your router can often resolve speed issues. If that doesn't help, consider resetting it. Additionally, rebooting your PC or mobile device can sometimes clear up glitches that impact your internet speed.
  • Use 5G for faster mobile speeds. Ignore the conspiracy theorists! 5G dramatically increases mobile speeds and reduces latency, enhancing mobile browsing, streaming, and gaming. For VPN users, 5G can help overcome speed reductions thanks to its higher throughput and improved network efficiency.

Get Faster VPN Speeds — Advanced Hacks

  • Utilize AI-driven optimizations. AI optimizations can significantly enhance VPN performance by dynamically selecting the fastest server connections and optimizing data routing paths. This results in reduced latency and improved speeds, especially in environments where network conditions frequently change.
  • Build your own VPN. To build your own VPN, you typically start by setting up a VPN server on a cloud platform or on a dedicated server you own. Install VPN software such as WireGuard, configure security settings, including encryption standards, and ensure your server has a static IP address for reliable connections. This approach gives you complete control over your VPN's setup and security features.

Benefits of Using a Fast VPN

If you regularly engage in data-heavy tasks, using a high-speed VPN can significantly enhance your experience. Here are some key benefits of using a fast VPN:

  • Improved streaming quality. A fast VPN ensures you can stream in HD or UHD from anywhere. Whether you're watching your favorite shows or streaming live sports, a speedy VPN minimizes buffering and supports higher resolutions without lag.
  • Efficient torrenting. If you frequently file share via P2P networks, a fast and reliable VPN is super important. It secures your connection while maintaining high download and upload speeds, making the process quicker and more reliable.
  • Enhanced gaming experience. A fast VPN reduces latency, prevents lag, and provides a more consistent connection, which is crucial for competitive gaming. Plus, it lets you download game files and updates without slowdowns.
  • Seamless video conferencing. With remote work and virtual meetings becoming more common, a fast VPN ensures that your video calls are clear and uninterrupted, even when connecting to servers in different countries.

FAQs on the Best Fast VPN Services

What affects a VPN’s speeds?

Your base connection, server distance and load, VPN protocol, encryption, and whether you’re using UDP or TCP all affect a VPN’s speeds. While the fastest VPNs are designed to minimize speed loss, your speeds will still fluctuate depending on these factors. That’s because your traffic is routed through at least one additional server before it reaches its final destination, which slows your connection. A server’s load can slow your connection further, particularly during peak times.

On top of that, encrypting your data takes time (but it’s worth it to keep you safe). Some encryption protocols are more data-intensive than others, which can slow your connection down as well. Similarly, UDP connections are usually faster as they don’t wait for missing packets (chunks of data) like TCP connections do.

All of this means it’s hard to control every factor affecting a VPN’s speeds. I recommend testing different VPNs yourself to see how well they perform on your connection, as our speed testing setup will likely differ from yours.

How can I improve my VPN speeds for gaming?

The main factor is finding a server with low latency. This is usually your nearest server location. If you want to play in another region, check the VPN app to find the server nearest you (or nearest the gaming server). Some VPNs list each server's ping, distance, and user load to make it easier for you to select the best gaming connection.

Some games even display their ping. Otherwise, you can run a simple ping test — here's how:

  1. Note the server you'll be using. Find out the domain or IP address of the game's server you'll be playing on. This may take some research.
  2. Open Command Prompt/Terminal. Which you'll open depends on whether you use Windows or macOS. You can find these by using your search bar to type either "Command Prompt" or "Terminal."
  3. Find out the ping. In Command Prompt/Terminal, type "ping" followed by the game's server domain or IP address. Take note of this number. Then, follow the same instructions after connecting your VPN to make a comparison.

You can also improve your speeds by switching to the VPN's fastest protocol. WireGuard is generally the fastest — however, some VPNs offer their own speed-optimized protocols.

Which VPN protocol is the fastest?

WireGuard is usually the fastest, but it doesn't beat a few VPNs' proprietary protocols. You can sometimes get even better speeds than WireGuard by using a VPN's unique protocol. For instance, we experienced faster speeds with Lightway and NordLynx protocols.

Not all VPNs offer their own protocol or even WireGuard. As a runner-up, OpenVPN produces decent speeds while providing strong security (but only with UDP). On the other hand, PPTP and L2TP are older protocols that offer fast speeds but at the cost of reduced security.

How can I boost my torrenting speeds with a VPN?

There are a few things you can do to get faster speeds for P2P sharing. However, most VPNs on this list gave us fast torrenting speeds without having to configure any special features. That said, you can try the following tips to get better torrenting speeds:

  • Enable port forwarding. Many VPNs offer torrenting-specific features to help boost speeds, such as port forwarding. This feature allows you to connect to more seeders and peers to increase speeds.
  • Disable NAT firewall. NAT firewalls can also cause slow torrenting speeds. Some VPNs offer the option to disable these firewalls in settings, which will prevent you from failing to connect to seeders (and from peers failing to connect to you).
  • Use a SOCKS5 proxy. Some VPNs offer SOCKS5 proxy credentials, which can also boost torrenting speeds. I advise caution, though; this happens outside the VPN, so it doesn't encrypt your data. Still, it’s an option if you’re not too concerned with privacy.

Will a VPN speed up my internet connection?

In most cases, no, it won't give you speeds faster than your base connection. However, the fastest VPNs will maintain speeds as close to your starting point as possible by minimizing speed loss.

On the other hand, if your ISP throttles your speeds, a VPN can actually increase your speed. Sometimes, ISPs will throttle your speeds if you're using a lot of data in your online activities — such as torrenting. Using a VPN can prevent this by encrypting your traffic so your ISP won't see what you are doing online. This way, you can avoid having your connection throttled.

VPN browser extension vs app: which is faster?

VPN browser extensions can sometimes be faster than VPN apps, but that’s usually because they’re just proxies and don’t offer encryption. Uniquely, ExpressVPN’s browser extension connects directly to the main app, giving you the full protection of a VPN. Plus, it’s the fastest VPN we tested.

While proxies change your IP address like a VPN, they don’t encrypt your data and will only work within the browser. As long as you choose a fast VPN, then you shouldn’t need to risk your security and privacy with a VPN extension anyway. The VPN’s app will protect your entire device with military-grade encryption and offer a much more extensive server network in most cases.

What is the fastest VPN for Android and Fire Stick?

I found ExpressVPN to be the fastest Android VPN — when we tested it with a mobile phone, the speeds were only 5% slower than the base speed. Some VPNs limit the protocols you have access to on your mobile device. However, ExpressVPN offers its Lightway protocol on Android. Meanwhile, the majority of VPNs ranked above have reliable apps for Fire Stick.

How do I find the fastest VPN server?

Usually, the closest server to you will be the fastest. It's also best to find a server with low user load because congestion causes speed loss. The VPNs on my list provide information to help you easily identify the fastest server based on your location.

Some VPNs display your distance to the server, user load, ping — or a combination. Alternatively, you can use the VPN's quick-connect feature. This will allow the VPN to select the fastest server based on your location. It’s still worth testing for yourself though. We could often find faster servers than those the VPNs connected us to.

What’s the fastest free VPN?

I haven’t found a fast free VPN, but the VPNs on this list offer a money-back guarantee, meaning you can try them for free. This means that you can try them knowing that a refund is available should you ask for it within the permitted time.

The problem with free VPNs is that they are extremely limited. They come with severe data and/or speed caps, making it almost impossible to use them for much. It’s also normal for free VPNs to only offer a few servers, so congestion reduces speeds even more. The data allowance is usually only enough for 1–2 hours monthly for streaming. These limitations are put in place to encourage you to upgrade to a paid plan.

Plus, they can slow you down even more by interrupting you with targeted ads. Not to mention, free VPNs can sell your data and put your privacy at risk. It's not worth it when you can get a premium VPN for the monthly price equivalent to a coffee.

Get the Fastest VPN Today

With so many VPNs claiming to be the fastest, it takes a lot of testing to determine which truly are. Still, my team and I wanted to get to the bottom of it, so we took the time to do the testing ourselves. The VPNs that made it to my shortlist gave us top speeds by offering fast protocols, large server networks, and intuitive features.

From these, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we have tested. It offers its own Lightway protocol and a huge network of consistently fast servers that give you reliable connections. This means you can enjoy HD streaming from anywhere, uninterrupted browsing, lag-free gaming, and quick torrenting. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN’s speeds risk-free. If it’s not for you, it’s easy to claim a refund.

To summarize, the fastest VPNs for 2024 are...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 61%!
2
9.4 /10
9.4 Our Score
Save 74%!
3
9.3 /10
9.3 Our Score
Save 87%!
4
9.2 /10
9.2 Our Score
Save 70%!
5
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 83%!
Privacy Alert!

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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 61% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

James conducts rigorous hands-on research and testing to evaluate dozens of VPNs for his articles. He's an advocate for digital freedom.

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