VPN Speed Test
Does your VPN slow you down, and by how much? Run the test once without the VPN and once with it. You get the percentage lost for download and upload, and the extra delay.
Step 1: without your VPN
Turn your VPN off, then press the button.
Step 2: with your VPN
Turn your VPN on and wait until it says connected, then press the button.
How the comparison works
Each step measures delay, download speed and upload speed against the CHECKiOX server, and notes the public IP address the server sees. When both steps are done, the tool compares them:
- Up to 10% lost: very little impact.
- 10% to 30% lost: a moderate cost, which is typical.
- 30% to 60% lost: a large cost. Try a nearer server or another protocol.
- More than 60% lost: severe. Try another server, protocol or provider.
If your public IP address is the same in both steps, the VPN was probably not connected, and the tool warns you.
Why a VPN slows you down
- Encryption and routing. Your traffic is encrypted and sent through the VPN company’s server, which adds a detour and some processing.
- Distance. A server on another continent adds delay. Choosing a nearby server usually helps most.
- A busy server. Popular servers are shared by many people and can be congested.
- The protocol. Modern protocols such as WireGuard are usually faster than older ones such as OpenVPN over TCP.
How to get better VPN speed
- Connect to a server near you and try several.
- Switch the protocol in the VPN app, for example to WireGuard.
- Test on a cable, not Wi-Fi, to remove another variable.
- Check your base speed first with the speed vs plan checker, because a slow line stays slow with a VPN.
- Make sure the VPN is not leaking: run the WebRTC leak test.
About this tool
A single run can vary, so repeat both steps once for a fairer picture. The test uses data: about 100 megabytes per step on a 100 Mbps connection, and more on faster lines. The numbers describe your connection to our server, which is a good guide to how a VPN affects you but not a promise for every site.
Frequently asked questions
Does a VPN slow down your internet?
Usually yes, by a little. A typical VPN costs 10% to 30% of download speed because traffic is encrypted and routed through another server. A nearby server and a modern protocol keep the loss small.
How do I test my VPN speed?
Run step 1 with the VPN off, then turn the VPN on and run step 2. The tool compares download, upload and delay, and shows the percentage lost.
Why is my VPN so slow?
Common causes are a distant or busy server, an older protocol, Wi-Fi problems and a slow base connection. Try a nearer server, switch the protocol, and test on a cable.
Can a VPN make my internet faster?
Sometimes. If your provider slows certain traffic, a VPN can avoid that. More often a faster result with the VPN means the first test was disturbed, so repeat it.
Why does the tool say my IP did not change?
Both tests came from the same public IP, so the VPN was probably not connected during step 2. Connect it, wait for the connected message, and run step 2 again.
Related tools and guides
- Speed vs plan checker: are you getting what you pay for.
- WebRTC leak test: is your VPN leaking your IP.
- What is my IP address?: confirm the VPN changed it.
- Internet speed test: the full test.