Some apps are sold as "VPN Plus" to speed up your internet connection. Will they really speed up your internet?
There are many ways to set up a VPN service, and some of them are free. You might hear the phrase "VPN Plus" no matter which option you choose. This service claims to offer faster speeds, sometimes even up to 10 gigabits per second. But what does that mean?
This phrase might be hard to understand. Sometimes you'll see "VPN Plus," but you might also see terms like "VPN Accelerator" or "Internet Accelerator." Many people assume this will increase their connection speed, but that's not true. Your speed will still be limited by your internet plan.
A VPN service does not speed up the internet.
One example is ProtonVPN, one of the most popular free VPN services. This service displays the phrase "VPN Plus" and includes messages like "Get connection speeds up to 10 Gbps" or "Browse up to 400% faster with VPN Accelerator." We've included a screenshot to illustrate what we're talking about.
It's important to understand that using a VPN won't speed up your internet connection. For example, if you have a 300 Mbps fiber optic connection, using a VPN won't give you speeds of 600 Mbps or more. Your speed will remain limited to the speed agreed upon in your contract, which in this case is 300 Mbps.
What will happen, and this is very common when using a VPN, is that your connection will become slower. You might notice a slowdown in internet browsing, and this is normal. When using these applications, you connect through an intermediary server, so the connection may be slower compared to browsing without a VPN.
Beware of fake apps
It is extremely important to be wary of fake apps that claim to speed up your internet. They may look appealing and helpful, but they are actually scams. Their goal is to trick you into installing software that may contain malware and compromise your security and privacy.
If you're going to use a virtual private network (VPN), we recommend installing only reputable and secure software. For example, NordVPN or Surfshark are good solutions for browsing the internet safely and without any risks to your security and privacy. Beware of free options or those marketed as more than just VPNs; they could be traps.
Furthermore, VPN Plus services and similar offerings are typically add-ons to regular VPN networks. In other words, they are an extra service you pay for to supposedly get faster internet access.
Ultimately, a VPN won't speed up your internet connection. You'll always be limited to the agreed-upon bandwidth and won't get more than that. This is something you should always keep in mind and avoid making mistakes when installing such applications.