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Speed should be a deciding factor when choosing the right VPN for you. With a VPN service enabled, everything you do online is routed through its military-grade encryption.
If the VPN takes too much of an impact on your download speeds, then you could struggle to stream TV shows, play online game, work remotely, or browse without interruptions. While almost all VPN applications promise fast, secure connections, real performance depends on several key factors working together behind the scenes.
For instance, a fast VPN should protect your privacy without noticeably slowing your internet connection, but not all services perform equally. Some free VPNs will significantly reduce download speeds or restrict bandwidth in a bid to cut costs and achieve the eye-popping monthly price advertised online.
But the best VPNs offer a secure VPN connection that doesn't significantly alter performance. With the switch flipped, you won't notice any change to your Wi-Fi speeds, thanks to the use of modern protocols, optimised server networks, and unlimited bandwidth policies.
In this guide, we compare leading VPN services to see which ones have the smallest impact on download speeds and bandwidth, helping you choose a provider that delivers strong security without sacrificing performance.
Connecting to a VPN server will add military-grade encryption to everything you do online, keeping your web browsing history and personal data locked away from governments, advertisers, and cybercriminals | KAPE TECHNOLOGIES PRESS OFFICE VPN meaning explained
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. These are security applications that protect everything you do online with military-grade encryption, making your internet activity anonymous and untraceable to anyone that isn't included in the secure connection between you and the website or online service you're accessing.
It's the difference between sending someone a heartfelt message on the back of a postcard that anybody in the postal system can read (without a VPN) or a letter in a padlocked package (with a VPN), which can only be read by the intended recipient.
The best VPNs use the same standard of encryption used by the US government to shield its files and communications. Encryption is used to create a tunnel for all of the communications. This is why it's so important not to rely on a VPN with speed or bandwidth restrictions, since you could soon see a hit to your performance as everything is being routed via this encrypted connection.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that protects and anonymises everything you do online. | UNSPLASH What is a VPN connection?
A VPN connection is a secure, encrypted link between your device and a VPN server. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through this server instead of going directly to websites or online services.
This hides your real IP address and protects your data from hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), and other third parties. VPN connections are commonly used to improve privacy, secure public Wi-Fi usage, access geo-restricted content, and prevent tracking. A strong VPN connection uses modern encryption protocols to ensure your data remains private and unreadable to outsiders.
VPN ban: Can using a VPN get you blocked?
Yes, using a VPN can sometimes get you blocked, depending on the platform. Streaming services, websites, and online games often restrict or ban VPN traffic to enforce regional rules or prevent abuse.
Free VPNs are more likely to be blocked because they use shared, easily detectable IP addresses. While VPNs themselves are legal in most countries, violating a platform’s terms of service while using one can lead to temporary or permanent access restrictions.
How Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) like ExpressVPN use encryption to stop third parties, cybercrooks, advertisers, and broadband suppliers from keeping tabs on your activity online | KAPE TECHNOLOGIES Fast VPN: What to consider when selecting
When choosing a fast VPN, it's best to start by looking at its server network. A provider with many servers worldwide, especially near your location, usually offers better speeds and lower latency because traffic has less distance to travel.
The VPN’s technology also plays a major role in performance. Modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP, which some of the best VPNs, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are built to deliver faster connections while maintaining strong security, making them ideal for everyday use.
Unlimited bandwidth is essential if you want consistent speed. Some VPNs slow connections during heavy usage, so it’s important to choose one that doesn’t throttle your data, especially for streaming or gaming.
Strong encryption shouldn’t significantly reduce speed when the VPN is well-designed. Reliable services balance advanced security standards with optimised performance to keep connections fast.
Support for multiple devices allows you to protect all your gadgets at once without sacrificing speed. For instance, ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time. Features like split-tunnelling can further improve performance by routing only selected apps through the VPN.
Best fast VPN
Express VPN: Get 4 months extra free + 80% off remaining subscription
ExpressVPN does particulary well with fast download speeds, and it boasts VPN server locations in 105 countries, providing access to global coverage. It offers ultra-fast speeds on a 10-Gbps network, essential for high-quality streaming without buffering. With military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like split tunnelling and a kill switch, your online activity stays private — it's why we were positive in our ExpressVPN review
Express VPN Basic
$12.99
$1.99
ExpressVPN is particularly well-suited for its high speeds and low lag time as it boasts VPN server locations in 105 countries, providing access to global coverage. It offers ultra-fast speeds on a 10-Gbps network, essential for high-quality streaming without buffering.
With military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like split tunnelling and a kill switch, your online activity stays private.
Based in the British Virgin Islands — outside Five Eyes jurisdiction — it avoids mandatory data retention laws, which means that even if the company were collecting data (it's not), law enforcement from the UK and US would be unable to compel ExpressVPN to hand over any information about its subscribers.
It supports a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and routers. ExpressVPN stands out from the crowd and allows between 10x and 14x devices to be used at the same time, meaning internet users don’t need to worry about being limited to only one Windows 10, Windows 11, iPhone, Mac or Linux device.
However, there are a few other contenders that also cater to fast download speeds and bandwidth, among other standout features worth noting.
Surfshark: Get 3 months free + 88% off
Surfshark is a fast, affordable VPN known for its strong speeds and wide global coverage, with 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. It delivers smooth streaming, quick browsing, and reliable performance while maintaining solid privacy protections. Beyond speed, Surfshark offers extra security tools like antivirus, ad blocking, and data breach alerts, bundled together in its Surfshark One membership for great value
Surfshark VPN
$12.29
$1.49
Surfshark, established in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, has rapidly emerged as a noteworthy VPN provider. It boasts over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, ensuring extensive global coverage.
The service includes advanced features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and MultiHop for enhanced security. Surfshark has garnered several accolades, including the Best VPN Award from Trusted Reviews in 2021 and recognition from CNET as the Best Value VPN in 2022.
It ranks highly in our own in-depth guide on the best VPN deals of 2026.
Surfshark not only offers reliable speeds, but its strong privacy policies and commitment to security make it a reliable choice for those seeking online anonymity at a low price.
Surfshark isn't just a VPN, either. At checkout, you can bundle 24/7 data breach alerts that flag when a site you use has been successfully attacked by hackers, antivirus software, and an adblocker.
These services are combined in an Amazon Prime-like membership, known as Surfshark One. For a limited time, Surfshark will bundle three months of free access when you sign up for its subscription, including additional features like Alternative ID data protection, antivirus, and data breach alerts.
Fast VPN for security
NordVPN: Get 3 months free + 73% off
NordVPN is a high-performance VPN that balances strong speeds with advanced security features like double VPN encryption, Threat Protection, and Onion Over VPN. While speeds can fluctuate slightly at times, it still delivers fast, reliable connections for streaming and everyday browsing. Backed by industry recognition and a 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN offers a risk-free way to test its speed, security, and privacy features
NordVPN
$8.69
$2.29
With NordVPN, notable features include double VPN encryption, Threat Protection, and Onion Over VPN, which enhance user security and anonymity. In 2022, NordVPN was recognised as one of TIME's Best Inventions, underscoring its innovative approach to cybersecurity.
Its strong reputation and comprehensive feature set make NordVPN a commendable choice for those seeking reliable online protection and privacy.
Like Surfshark, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can treat this no-quibbles cooling-off period like a one-month free trial — giving you enough time to carefully consider whether the VPN subscription you've chosen is right for you. Customer support is available 24/7 so you'll be able to flag any issues, ask any questions, or cancel any time — no matter what timezone you're in.
Fast VPN for online privacy
Proton: Get 56% off your subscription
Created by scientists at CERN, Proton is one of the few secure, trustworthy VPN brands that offers a £0 plan. It's limited to 5 VPN server locations and a more modest download speed, but nonetheless, it's a great way to test out the service before you commit to its full-featured subscription. Upgrade to a two-year plan, Proton will slash 56% off your costs
Proton VPN
$8.09
$3.59
Proton emphasises its Swiss location, shielded by strong Swiss privacy law and other advanced features in its arsenal. It offers Secure Core (its multi-hop architecture), VPN-over-Tor, support for modern protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, plus the usual essentials like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Those choices make it a strong pick if you put privacy above all else.
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