When using a VPN service like ExpressVPN, one of the common concerns many users face is a decrease in internet speed. While ExpressVPN is known for its fast and reliable service, occasional slowdowns can happen. Understanding why this happens and how to resolve it can help ensure you get the most out of your VPN subscription. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind ExpressVPN’s slowdown and provide practical solutions to improve your speed.
Why Is ExpressVPN Slow?
There are various reasons why your internet speed might decrease when using ExpressVPN. Some factors are within your control, while others are related to external circumstances or technical limitations. Below, we break down the most common causes of slow VPN connections.
1. Server Location
One of the most significant factors influencing VPN speed is the server location. If you connect to a server that is geographically far from your current location, your internet traffic has to travel a longer distance, which can lead to slower speeds. For example, if you’re in the United States and connect to a server in Australia, the additional distance could cause latency, resulting in slower speeds.
2. Server Load
Another potential cause of slow VPN speeds is the server load. VPN services like ExpressVPN rely on large numbers of servers in different locations around the world. However, if too many people are connected to the same server at the same time, it can cause congestion and slow down the connection speed. This is especially true during peak usage hours.
3. Encryption and Security Protocols
While ExpressVPN uses strong encryption methods to ensure your data is secure, the process of encrypting and decrypting data can also affect speed. The higher the level of encryption, the more processing power is required, which can result in slower speeds, especially on devices with limited resources. The choice of encryption protocol can also influence your speed.
4. Internet Speed and Bandwidth
Your internet connection speed without a VPN also plays a role in how fast ExpressVPN will be. If you already have a slow internet connection, using a VPN can exacerbate the issue. Additionally, some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) may limit bandwidth when they detect VPN usage, which can cause a reduction in speed.
5. Device and Operating System
Your device’s hardware and the operating system can impact your VPN speed. Older devices or devices with limited processing power may struggle to maintain high VPN speeds. Furthermore, the operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, etc.) and its settings can also affect performance.
6. VPN App Settings
Certain settings within the ExpressVPN app can also affect performance. Features like DNS leak protection, kill switch, and automatic protocol selection can sometimes lead to slower speeds depending on your device, connection, and network environment.
7. Network Congestion or ISP Throttling
Sometimes, network congestion on your local network or ISP throttling can cause a slowdown in VPN speeds. ISPs may intentionally slow down VPN traffic or prioritize certain types of internet traffic, such as streaming or gaming, over others, like VPN usage.
How to Fix ExpressVPN Slowness
Now that we understand the reasons behind ExpressVPN slowdowns, let’s explore how to address these issues and optimize your connection speed.
1. Choose a Closer Server Location
To improve your VPN speed, one of the first things you can do is choose a server closer to your physical location. The shorter the distance between you and the VPN server, the faster your connection is likely to be. ExpressVPN offers a wide range of servers around the world, so try selecting a server that’s geographically closer to you.
2. Select a Server with Low Load
ExpressVPN allows users to switch servers easily. If a specific server is slow due to high traffic, try connecting to a different one. Within the ExpressVPN app, you can quickly check server load by switching between servers in the same region. It is advisable to choose a server with lower traffic for a faster and more stable connection.
3. Change Your VPN Protocol
ExpressVPN provides several VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2/IPSec. Some protocols are faster than others, so it can be helpful to experiment with different options to see which one works best for you.
- Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol designed for speed and efficiency. If you’re experiencing slow speeds with other protocols, try using Lightway for faster performance.
- OpenVPN offers a balance between security and speed but can be slightly slower than newer protocols like Lightway.
To change your protocol, go to the ExpressVPN app’s settings and select the desired protocol.
4. Optimize Your Internet Speed
Before using ExpressVPN, ensure that your internet connection is running at its full potential. You can test your internet speed without the VPN and check your ISP’s performance. If your speed is already slow without the VPN, fixing your internet connection should be your first priority.
Additionally, you can try restarting your router, using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, or upgrading to a higher-speed plan to improve overall internet speed.
5. Disable Unnecessary VPN Features
Some features in the ExpressVPN app can impact speed. You can experiment with turning off certain features to see if performance improves:
- DNS leak protection: This feature ensures your DNS requests are routed through the VPN, but it can cause delays. If you don’t need it for your particular use case, turning it off may speed up your connection.
- Kill switch: While it adds an extra layer of protection, it can cause issues if it’s interfering with your internet connection. Turning it off may improve speed, though it reduces some security features.
You can tweak these settings in the ExpressVPN app settings.
6. Use a Different Device
Sometimes, the issue might be related to your device’s performance. Try using a different device to check if it performs better with ExpressVPN. If your current device is older or has limited resources, consider upgrading to a more powerful machine for better VPN performance.
7. Check for Network Congestion
Local network congestion can also lead to slower VPN speeds. Ensure that no other devices on your network are using significant bandwidth (e.g., streaming videos or downloading large files). Additionally, ensure that other apps or programs on your device aren’t consuming too much bandwidth, affecting your VPN connection.
8. Contact ExpressVPN Support
If none of the above solutions resolve your issue, you can always reach out to ExpressVPN’s customer support. They offer 24/7 live chat and email support, so you can get assistance with troubleshooting. ExpressVPN’s support team can help you identify and fix any issues causing slow speeds.
Is ExpressVPN Always Slow?
While ExpressVPN is generally known for its fast speeds, there may be occasional instances where you experience slower-than-usual speeds. This could be due to temporary server congestion, issues with your local network, or other technical factors.
However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can usually restore your connection to optimal speeds.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN is a powerful tool for securing your online privacy and accessing restricted content. While it’s known for its high-speed connections, occasional slowdowns can happen. Whether it’s due to server location, encryption protocols, device performance, or network congestion, there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix slow VPN speeds.
By selecting the right server, using the fastest protocol, optimizing your internet connection, and adjusting your VPN settings, you can enjoy a faster and more efficient VPN experience.
