If you are a user of NordVPN then this blog post is going to be beneficial for you because here I have described 10 reasons why is NordVPN so slow while you are browsing the internet.

NordVPN is one of the top VPN service providers in the world. It is a paid VPN service that provides services to various types of users such as remote workers, streamers, gamers, and general internet users.

With an extensive Server network and unrestricted streaming capabilities, it is the topmost choice for anyone who wants to buy a VPN service.

But, sometimes you will face internet speed problems with NordVPN which is a general problem of any VPN service.

But why does a reputed VPN service like NordVPN become slower than expected sometimes?

Well, be with me, I will show you “WHY”

10 Reasons Why is NordVPN So Slow

There are multiple reasons behind the slow internet speed of NordVPN.

Here we will delve into 10 reasons why NordVPN could experience slower connection speeds and also we’ll explore potential solutions to resolve those issues.

So, without wasting any more time let’s find out the reasons.

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Reason 1: Internet Connection Speed

Internet connection speed plays a significant role in the overall VPN speed. A faster internet connection will result in a smoother VPN experience.

If you are using a mobile internet plan then you can’t expect a great performance from NordVPN.

Mobile internet plans fluctuate according to the network signal strength. This will result in an unstable VPN experience.

On the other hand, if you are using a lease line or fiber optic internet connection then you will experience much smoother VPN connection and higher internet speeds.

Solution:

Use a high-speed and stable internet connection so that the Encryption and decryption process doesn’t take more time.

Don’t use internet speed booster apps. They are just crap and slow down your device as a result you will get slow internet speed on NordVPN servers.

Reason 2: VPN Server Congestion

During peak VPN usage times, VPN servers might experience congestion as more VPN users use the service these times.

This might slow down the server response time and you will face slow internet speed over NordVPN.

However, NordVPN uses load balancing in which the load is transferred to another server in case of server congestion.

But, sometimes this might not work on NordVPN especially if you are using a tier-1 server and you will face slow internet speed issues.

Solution:

You can switch to a tier-2 or tier-3 country server in the dashboard of NordVPN.

Tier-2 and tier-3 countries’ servers don’t have much traffic so you will get a better internet speed during peak times.

Reason 3: Distance of The VPN Server

NordVPN has servers in various countries across the world.

When you connect to a server located far away from your physical location, the long-distance creates latency, which ultimately leads to slower speeds.

Actually, intercontinental internet facilities work through Fiber Optic Cables laid down in the oceans between the continents.

This Fiber Optic cables carry a huge data to transfer between the continents.

When you choose a server location far away from your physical location, it takes more time to transfer data from your device to the VPN server.

So, obviously, this attracts latency and you will face slower internet speed over NordVPN.

Solution:

You should choose a VPN server location near your physical location such as if you are residing in the USA, choosing a country in South America or Canada works faster than Asian countries.

NordVPN gives you the option to choose the server location manually. You can use this feature to select the nearest server.

Reason 4: Encryption and Decryption Process

Every VPN service uses encryption protocols to protect users’ data from unauthorized persons like hackers, ISP, and others during data transfer between the client and server.

And NordVPN is not an exception. Even they use the topmost encryption protocols to ensure the best-ever data protection.

These encryption protocols create a secure tunnel between the client and the server.

But, the downside of VPN encryption protocols is they add more processes (Encryption and Decryption) to the resolution of a query.

These added processes take more time than usual connection and hence you will face slow speed over VPN service.

Solution:

There is actually no solution to this issue. Because the core function of a VPN service is to add encryption to the data packets.

But you can try changing the encryption protocols (OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec) within the NordVPN dashboard and see if the speed increases.

Reason 5: Device Performance

Device performance also impacts the internet speed over NordVPN.

If your device doesn’t meet the minimum system requirement of NordVPN, you will face a slow internet speed issue.

Though NordVPN has not given the minimum system requirement for thier software on thier website or manual, the device configuration actually affects the VPN speed. I am saying it from my personal experience.

When I switched to my MacBook Air M1 from a Windows 7 computer with 4GB RAM and a Core i3 processor, I noticed the increased speed on VPN.

So, I recommend using a good processor and at least 8GB of RAM for your device.

Solution:

Use a high-performance device with enough RAM and a good processor. If you are using VPN router then it must be of 2GB RAM and a good processor.

I have written a blog post in which I recommended 5 best routers for NordVPN that will help you. to choose the best routers suitable for NordVPN.

When it comes to VPN encryption protocols, there are several out there, like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard, SSTP, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, etc.

Some of them are more secure than others. If you want to learn more about the encryption protocols you can read this article.

NordVPN uses OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec encryption to safeguard your data during transit.

These encryption protocols are the best ones in terms of security and privacy, However, higher levels of encryption can lead to increased processing times and result in a subsequent drop in connection speed.

When we choose a higher level of encryption like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec, the data converts into encrypted packets and is transferred to the destination, where during the decryption process these packages convert to readable data again.

This process takes more time than a regular internet connection. That’s why you face a 30% to 40% slower internet speed on NordVPN.

Solution:

There is only one solution to this problem.

A faster internet connection.

So, I would suggest you use a fiber optic internet connection for remote work and streaming or use at least 5G mobile internet if you are doing general browsing.

A good quality internet connection leads to faster data transfer and process and gives you a faster response.

Reason 7: Firewall and Antivirus Interference

Firewalls and antivirus interfere with the VPN encryption and decryption process which leads to slower internet speed.

If your device has a firewall and antivirus then you should disable them to get the most out of NordVPN.

I know, both are equally important for security but if you are using VPN server, firewall and antivirus software definitely interfere with them.

Solution:

Try to disable the Firewall and Antivirus on your device and if you are using a router check if the firewall and antivirus are enabled on the router and disable them.

If the internet speed increases you are good to go without firewall and antivirus and if the internet speed doesn’t change then you may enable them again.

Reason 8: Multiple Simultaneous Connections

Internet speed on VPN service depends on the number of devices used at the same time.

If more devices are connected to the network than usual, you will definitely see a fall in internet speed.

Because, all the devices are using the same VPN network, due to congestion on the network, you may experience lower internet speed.

Solution:

It’s not the fault of NordVPN, but it’s the fault of your side that you can easily resolve.

Just limit the number of active devices and you will see a significant rise in internet speed.

Reason 9: Incorrect VPN Settings

Configuring NordVPN is not actually tough in software if you know some basics of VPN such as protocols, server location, etc.

You just need to login to the software, configure the protocol and server location and you are almost done.

But, keep in mind if you setup the configuration incorrectly, you will face difficulties to connect to the server. And ultimately you will get lower internet speed problem.

Solution:

To know how to setup the NordVPN software correctly you can use thier user manual to know more about NordVPN settings.

Configuring NordVPN on a router is a bit tricky. You need. Proper knowledge of router interface and how to setup protocols, server location etc on router’s software.

However, you can head over to the router manual for more information. But keep things correct otherwise you will get difficulties in connecting to the internet.

Reason 10: VPN Server Load Balancing

As I have mentioned in reason 2, NordVPN uses VPN server load balancing feature which operates dynamically.

Whenever a VPN server gets overloaded due to user congestion the extra load is transferred to another server to maintain the optimum internet speed.

As this process is dynamic, sometimes the software fails to detect the actual load and there may be a delay in the server’s load balancing which may take a minute or two.

During this period you will experience low internet speed.

Solution:

This problem happens in peak time so you can avoid this by using NordVPN at other times.

Also, using tier-2 and tier-3 countries’ servers may get you more speed because they do not need load balancing due to the lower count of users.

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Conclusion

So, here, you have got 10 reasons why NordVPN is so slow. We have also discussed the solutions to them that will help you to increase your internet speed while using NordVPN.

If you are an existing NordVPN user and experiencing the low speed internet over NordVPN then there might be one or multiple reasons mentioned above.

Find the reasons and troubleshoot them correctly and you will easily resolve them by using the solution given here.

But, don’t expect the same internet speed as you get without connecting via VPN. VPN add encryption and decryption process which actually slow down the internet connection and cannot be resolved. However, by finding the reasons mentioned above you can increase the internet speed to a certain level.

Let me know in the comment box if any reason is not listed here, I will definitely add to this list.

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