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Can VPN Help with Packet Loss? 7 Best VPNs to Pick From in 2024
Reduce packet loss with VPN for better connectivity & Internet speed
10 min. read
Updated onJanuary 29, 2024
updated onJanuary 29, 2024
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Key notes
Packet loss is annoying. The fact that it occurs randomly and there’s no immediate fix makes it even worse. You can perform some troubleshooting and try to isolate the issue, but most often it will go away by itself.
Since its list of causes is not exactly narrow, there are a lot of factors that play a role in its occurrence. The culprits range from a bad Ethernet cable to poorly configured routing on your ISP’s network.
However, rumor has it that VPNs can fix packet loss for good. Although we agree that VPNs act as a panacea for a wide range of issues, we will debunk the myth once and for all.
Can VPNs fix packet loss?
Realistically speaking, VPNs alone can’t do much if you’re losing packets. However, they can patch a few things up if your ISP doesn’t meet its expectations.
For instance, if you know for a fact that your ISP is not exactly good when it comes to delivering the service you’re paying them for, a VPN might alleviate the issue.
Additionally, if your routing is bad, using a VPN such asPrivate Internet Accesscan and probably will improve your connection’s quality by a great deal.
If you need further help, check our dedicated guide that explainshow to check what causes your packet loss problems.
VPNs route all your traffic through their servers, which are often top-notch, bypassing your ISP’s cheap ones (if that’s the case). That way, you have a far better connection without switching ISPs or investing in new hardware.
However, note that not even VPNs can improve your speed if there’s nothing to improve in the first place. For instance, you can use a VPN on DSL, but it won’t magically upgrade your connection to T1, T3, or fiber optics.
The bottom line is you can expect your VPN to streamline your connection by improving ping and curbing packet loss.
If you are wondering:Does VPN really help with ping?, rest assured that we have an answer for that and a selection of great VPNs that won’t disappoint you.
So, rest assured that using a leading VPN helps youreduce in-game packet loss for Valorant,Warzone,War Thunder,League of Legends,NBA 2K20 gameplay, or even forMediaCom customers.
World-class 24/7 support with 83% for a 3 years plan and 3 months free.
Amazing connection speed with 35% off and 3 months free for the 1-year plan.
Best security protocols with 83% off and 2 months free for a 2-year plan.
What are the best VPNs to improve packet loss?
ExpressVPN– best VPN to improve packet loss
As an alternative solution for packet loss,ExpressVPNcan provide professional help with your internet connection trouble.
If you’re craving software that has awesome features regarding speed or web security, ExpressVPN is probably a wise choice for you to make. Moreover, 256-bit AES encryption eliminates any threat from online browsing.
Briefly, to avoid packet loss on the web you should use this tool because of its supersonic servers. Besides all the pros, the speed of VPN servers is among the most recognized benefits by users.
Therefore, if you want to solve connectivity problems and prevent ISP limitations, a guaranteed solution would be this fast and efficient VPN service.
Check out what you need to know about ExpressVPN:
ExpressVPN
Private Internet Access– biggest server network
Private Internet Accessis an excellent VPN from Kape Technologies that you can use if you want to curb packet loss and improve your ping values without too much effort.
As stated above, VPNs can only improve packet loss if there’s an issue with your ISP.
Therefore, make sure that the issue is not, in fact, with you or the server you want to connect to. PIA has a vast network of servers that you can easily switch between.
For packet loss issues, we recommend using the auto-connect feature. Just launch the app and click on the power button.
The VPN will automatically connect you to the most secure and fastest server based on your actual location and configuration.
If you notice your current connection is dragging you down, switch the server and the issue should go away.
Here’s what you need to know about PIA:
Private Internet Access
NordVPN– foolproof antitracking features
NordVPNis a leading VPN program that can tackle packet loss with its powerful features, including fast and secure P2P.
This VPN solution has no bandwidth limits, allowing you to watch your favorite series online or play your favorite games for as long as you please.
Moreover, you can connect to thousands of servers in 59 countries and stream content without interruptions caused by ISP throttling.
NordVPN provides you with 5500+ ultra-fast VPN servers and lets you connect from up to six devices. And you can use it on Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux.
Alternatively, try connecting it directly to your Wi-Fi router for secure online activity and no packet loss risks.
NordVPN supports OpenVPN and allows you to configure it on your router manually.
Here are other key features of this VPN program:
NordVPN can fix packet loss issues and improve your overall online experience. Moreover, the price options are flexible and it’s the ideal choice if you want to use it for business purposes.
NordVPN
Surfshark VPN– speedy servers on a budget
Surfshark VPN, from Surfshark LTD, is one of the best services when it comes to state-of-the-art encryption technologies.
Surfshark VPN will keep your business private, no matter what your daily routine involves, away from prying eyes.
It can tackle mundane tasks such as lifting geo-restrictions, improving ping, and, more importantly, reducing packet loss.
However, note that packet loss reduction can be achieved only if the issue is with your ISP. If you have bad hardware or the server you’re connected to has some trouble, a VPN won’t be able to fix things.
Here’s what you need to know about Surfshark VPN:
Surfshark VPN
CyberGhost VPN– great VPN apps for all your devices
CyberGhost VPNis yet another excellent VPN service from Kape Technologies that can help you curb packet loss. You need to launch it, connect to the server of your choice, and the issue should go away.
You might want to use a recommended server if you only care about speed. CyberGhost VPN can recommend the fastest server based on several parameters, such as location, current speed, and configuration.
So, even if you did everything above and the packet loss issue persists, you can switch the server. Disconnect from the current one, pick another one, and re-establish the connection.
We’re sure you will find the right combination in no time.
Here’s what you need to know about CyberGhost VPN:
CyberGhost VPN
Bitdefender VPN– advanced anti-throttling technologies
Bitdefender VPNis a great VPN solution from the popularBitdefendergroup, which aims to help you overcome privacy, security, and connectivity issues from the same place.
So, if you suspect your ISP is throttling your connection or leaking packets everywhere, a tool such as Bitdefender VPN can help you bypass these problems without significant effort.
You have to launch the VPN, connect to a recommended server, and check to see if the issue persists. If not, you’re a winner. If it does, you can try another server.
Here’s what you need to know about Bitdefender VPN:
If you want to find out more, check out ourBitdefender VPN review.
Bitdefender VPN
VyprVPN– dedicated DNS security
VyprVPNis a strong VPN service from Golden Frog GmbH, which can help you tackle issues such as high ping, poor connectivity, or packet loss.
However, the packet loss problem should be on your ISP’s side and not yours or the server you’re trying to connect to for this quick and easy fix to work.
Launch VyprVPN on the target PC, connect to a server, and then check if your packet loss issue is still occurring. If it does, try another server or check that your ISP is triggering it.
Here’s what you need to know about VyprVPN:
VyprVPN
How to prevent packet loss?
If you want to make the best of your connection and prevent packet loss from happening or at least keep it a little bit under control, you can make some changes to your network configuration.
➡️Use a good Wi-Fi router: if you are on a wireless network, it’s very important to make sure your data is transmitted via a stable router
➡️Try to reduce the number of connections:one of the most common reasons for packet loss is network congestion; try to disconnect unused devices and close web browser tabs or other idle activities
➡️Connect using Ethernet: many users say that their packet loss issue improved after enabling a wired connection
➡️Update your network adapter drivers: make sure that you run the latest version. Otherwise, you will experience connectivity problems, bugs, and packet loss
These are not mandatory if you decide to use a VPN, but they are good ideas you can try if you have problems with your connection.
Concluding here, consider our guide that explains everything there is to know about packet loss and how to fix it.
You can also visit ourVPN Hubto discover more reviews, guides, and news regarding Virtual Private Networks.
Should I worry about packet loss?
Packet loss can be a nuisance. If you don’t keep it under control, you’ll face poor internet speed, connection interruptions, other performance issues, and even100% packet loss.
Unfortunately, most of the tools to deal with packet loss are in your ISP’s hands. But if you follow the recommendations outlined in our guide, you can do your bit to improve your online experience.
How much is an acceptable packet loss?
Any amount of packet loss is a sign of a problem. However, there’s an acceptable level that won’t create noticeable network issues.
That’s usually the ratio between 1% and 2.5%. A bit above that may still be bearable, but anything over 5% will surely impair connection quality.
More about the topics:packet loss,VPN
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
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