VPN Speed Test – How to test correctly
Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN. But how do you test the speed of your VPN correctly? We explain the most important measurements, show common mistakes and compare the fastest VPN providers in 2026.
The essentials at a glance
The most important measured values
Download speed (Mbit/s) determines streaming quality and loading times. Upload speed is important for video calls and cloud uploads. Ping (ms) influences gaming and real-time communication.
How to test correctly
Use speedtest.net or fast.com. Test first without VPN, then with VPN on different servers. Test at different times of day and use a LAN cable instead of WLAN for consistent results.
Why is my VPN slow?
Common causes: server too far away, outdated protocol (PPTP/L2TP instead of WireGuard), overloaded server or a slow Internet connection as a basis. Change the server and the protocol.
The fastest VPNs in 2026
NordVPN (NordLynx) and ExpressVPN (Lightway) achieve the best results in our tests. Surfshark and Proton VPN (WireGuard) follow close behind with excellent speeds.
Frequently asked questions
How much speed do you lose due to a VPN? +
With modern protocols such as WireGuard, the speed loss is only 5-15%. With older protocols or remote servers, it can be 30-50%.
Which VPN is the fastest? +
NordVPN with the NordLynx protocol achieved the highest download speeds in our tests, followed by ExpressVPN with Lightway.
Which VPN protocol is the fastest? +
WireGuard is currently the fastest VPN protocol. NordLynx (NordVPN) and Lightway (ExpressVPN) are based on similar modern approaches.
Can a VPN make my Internet faster? +
In rare cases, yes - if your Internet provider throttles certain services (throttling). A VPN can bypass this throttling. In most cases, the speed remains the same or drops minimally.
How often should I take a VPN speed test? +
Test after installation, when changing servers and if you notice any speed problems. Performance may vary depending on the time of day and server load.