Since its list of causes is not exactly narrow, there are a lot of factors that play a role in its occurrence. And the culprits range from a bad Ethernet cable to poorly configurated 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’re going to 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 live up to 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 as Private Internet Access can and probably will improve your connection’s quality by a great deal. If you need further help, check our dedicated guide that explains how 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 end up with 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 in terms of improving ping and curbing packet loss.
What are the best VPNs to improve packet loss?
Private Internet Access – biggest server network
Private Internet Access is 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 we’ve 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 wide 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, just switch the server and the issue should go away. Here’s what you need to know about PIA:
An impressive network of over 35 000 servers in 80+ countries Eliminates high ping and packet loss with fast servers Supports up to 10 devices on the same account 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN – foolproof antitracking features
NordVPN is 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 with no 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, for a secure online activity and no packet loss risks, try connecting it directly to your Wi-Fi router. NordVPN supports OpenVPN and offers you the possibility to manually configure it directly to your router. Here are other key features of this VPN program:
No-logs policy Automatic Kill Switch Cloud file encryption DNS leak protection 24/7 Customer support
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.
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. No matter what your daily routine involves, Surfshark VPN will keep your business private, 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:
Holds a network of 800 servers Fast servers to ensure low ping and packet loss incidence One of the best encryption services 30-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost VPN – great VPN apps for all your devices
CyberGhost VPN is yet another excellent VPN service from Kape Technologies that can help you curb packet loss. You just need to launch it, connect to the server of your choice, and the issue should go away. If you only care about speed, you might want to use a recommended server. CyberGhost VPN can recommend the fastest server based on several parameters, such as your location, current speed, and configuration. So, even if you did everything above and the packet loss issue still 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:
Has over 6,400 servers in 89 countries Lets you connect up to 7 devices to the same account Fast servers to help you improve your ping and packet loss 45-day money-back guarantee
As an alternative solution for packet loss, ExpressVPN can 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, with 256-bit AES encryption you eliminate 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 fastness of VPN servers is among the most recognized benefits by the 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:
164 server locations across 94 countries Download anonymously Very fast servers and internet speed No blocked content across borders
Bitdefender VPN – advanced anti-throttling technologies
Bitdefender VPN is a great VPN solution from the popular Bitdefender group, 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 all over the place, a tool such as Bitdefender VPN can help you bypass these problems without significant effort. You just have to launch the VPN, connect to a recommended server, and check to see if the issue still 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:
Lets you unblock various restricted content Secures your Wi-Fi connections Multiple virtual connections
If you want to find out more, check out our Bitdefender VPN review.
However, the packet loss problem should be on your ISP’s side, and not yours or the server you’re trying to connect to, in order for this quick and easy fix to work. Launch VyprVPN on the target PC, connect to a server, then check if your packet loss issue is still occurring. If it does, try another server, or check again that your ISP is the one triggering it. Here’s what you need to know about VyprVPN:
Fast servers to curb ping and packet loss issues Anti-DDoS feature to eliminate worries about DDoS attacks VyprDNS support along with several encryption protocols Includes NAT firewall
➡️ 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 are good ideas that 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 our VPN Hub to discover more reviews, guides, and news regarding Virtual Private Networks.
Should I worry about packet loss?
Packet loss can definitely be a nuisance. If you don’t keep it under control, you’ll face poor internet speed, connection interruptions, and other performance issues. Unfortunately, most of the tools to deal with packet loss are in your ISP’s hands. But if you follow the recommendations we’ve outlined in our guide, you can definitely do your bit in improving 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 little bit above that may still be bearable, but anything over 5% will surely impair connection quality.
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