Will a VPN Stop Throttling? Best VPN to Avoid ISP Throttling

Can a VPN stop throttling? Yes, it can – but it depends on what type of throttling we’re talking about.

Stick around because I’ll clarify below what throttling is, different types of ISP throttling, how to tell if you’re being throttled, and how your VPN can help.

What is Internet Throttling?

Imagine you’re on a highway, cruising smoothly until you hit a toll booth where everyone’s forced to slow down – that’s internet throttling in a nutshell. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) acts as the toll booth, intentionally slowing down your internet speed. This can happen for various reasons, such as managing network traffic during peak hours or limiting speeds on certain high-bandwidth activities like streaming or gaming.

Types of Throttling:

• Bandwidth Throttling: Slowing down your entire internet connection.
• Application-Specific Throttling: Targeting specific apps or services, like Netflix or YouTube, to reduce their data consumption.

Does VPN Stop Throttling?

Yes, a VPN can stop application-specific ISP throttling. Because it can hide your activity and data, the VPN will be able to prevent your ISP from slowing down your internet even when you do bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming or streaming.

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for your ISP to decipher what you’re doing online or which services you’re using.

Since ISPs throttle based on the type of activity (like streaming or downloading large files), encryption prevents them from seeing and thus slowing down specific activities. It’s like having a cloak of invisibility on the internet highway, bypassing the toll booth unnoticed.

However, it’s important to note that the VPN will not bypass bandwidth throttling, especially during network congestion. Though it can hide what you do online, a VPN cannot hide how much data you’re using. ISPs might still slow down the internet for everyone equally, regardless of what they’re accessing.

How do I know if I am being throttled?

Let’s explore some clear signs that might indicate you’re being throttled.

• The Endless Buffering: if your video starts buffering or the quality drops for no apparent reason, it’s a classic sign of throttling.
• Slow Downloads: You’re downloading a new game or a big file, expecting it to be ready in no time, but it’s unusually slow. If your downloads crawl along at a pace that makes snails look speedy, especially when you haven’t hit your data limit, you might be experiencing throttling.
• Test your speed: First, run a test without streaming or downloading anything big, and note your speed. Then, try streaming Netflix, watching YouTube, or downloading again and run another test. A noticeable drop in speed during specific activities is a red flag for throttling.
• Watch the Clock: Does your internet suddenly slow down at the same time each day? ISPs sometimes throttle users during busy “peak hours” to reduce traffic jams on their networks. If your internet consistently slows down during certain times, it’s probably not a coincidence.
• Just Ask: Some ISPs are pretty open about their throttling practices. A quick read through your service agreement or a call to customer support might give you the answers you need.

Spotting throttling isn’t always straightforward, but with a little bit of observation and some simple testing, you can get a pretty good idea of whether your ISP is putting the brakes on your internet. Remember, you’re paying for your internet service, and it’s fair to expect the speed and quality you were promised.

Why is my Internet so slow without VPN?

Considering all of the above information, it is no longer a surprise that many users are wondering how they can boost their Internet speed.

Well, the answer is pretty simple. In this matter, you should definitely use a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) to bypass ISP throttling. With this kind of solution, you’ll always be able to access fast servers.

It will prevent the ISP from throttling your Internet connection, regardless of the site you are running at that moment. Moreover, a VPN can increase internet speed if it’s set up correctly.

Do ISPs care if you use a VPN?

ISPs that restrict data usage will care if you use a VPN. Many VPNs are detectable by your ISP, which is why using a good service like our recommendations below is essential.

Not all ISPs restrict or block VPNs. It depends on the service and on your location. Some Internet Service Providers are forced by the authorities from the country they operate in to log user data.

What are the best VPNs to stop throttling?

1. ExpressVPN – Best to bypass any ISP blockage

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice to stop throttling because it not only reliably redirects your online activity away from your Internet service provider, but it also has strong privacy protocols.

Your activity will be completely private and secure. Many VPNs slow down your speeds, which defeats the purpose in this case. This is not an issue with ExpressVPN, so you can have privacy while still being fast.

ExpressVPN operates on privately owned networks. These networks provide faster access to the websites you want to visit.

In addition to throttling issues, the service can assist you with issues related to Internet censorship, geographic content restrictions, firewalls, and campus filters.

The service also includes unlimited bandwidth and server switches. Few VPNs we’ve tried give you as much freedom when browsing the web.

What else you must know about ExpressVPN:

• DNS leaks protections and tester
• Connection up to 5 devices simultaneously
• Router support
• No logs policy
• 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN

If you are in an area where the ISP is throttling the network, you may want to give this VPN a shot.

Check price Visit website

2. Private Internet Access – The most extensive servers

There’s nothing elaborate about using a VPN to stop ISP throttling. As soon as you connect to any VPN server, your Internet traffic will be encrypted.

From this point on, your ISP can’t see what you do online. You can even stop Verizon packet loss and throttling with a VPN.

We used Private Internet Access in our example above because it’s the best VPN to stop ISP throttling. Made by Kape Technologies, PIA has an extensive network of more than 3,300 servers across 48 countries.

Plus, PIA can protect your data using OpenVPN with up to 256-bit AES military-grade encryption. With this type of characteristic, you won’t have to worry about discovering your private information.

It also supports WireGuard, Shadowsocks, SOCKS5, port forwarding, split tunneling, and a kill switch.

Because it allows you to create 10 simultaneous connections, do not hesitate to share the PIA experience with your family or friends.

What else you must know about PIA:

• No logs or leaks
• 10 simultaneous connections
• 24/7 live chat support
• 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Private Internet Access

Stop ISP throttling and always get top Internet speed using this fast and secure VPN.

Check price Visit website

3. NordVPN – Best used for privacy

NordVPN is one of the best choices to slow unethical bandwidth throttling that appears while you’re running your online activities.

This VPN offers ultra-fast speeds, that will always ensure the best performance, no matter what you do.

Plus, NordVPN comes with tons of servers from which you can choose. With over 5000 servers in 60 countries, you won’t have to worry about not being able to find one that works perfectly for your situation.

NordVPN offers AES-256-bit encryption, which is also preferred by several governments. That’s why it is considered a gold standard of encryption and is always recommended by cybersecurity experts worldwide.

If any of your friends encounter throttling issues, keep in mind that you can share the NordVPN experience with them, as this VPN allows you to run up to 6 simultaneous connections.

Check out what NordVPN has the best to offer:

• Over 5000 servers in 60 countries from all around the world
• Ultra-fast speeds
• AES-256 bit encryption
• Up to 6 simultaneous connections

NordVPN

Looking for one of the best VPNs that will stop throttling? Make sure you try NordVPN.

Check price Visit website

4. SurfShark – Most budget-friendly

SurfShark VPN will help you enjoy the best speeds and also beat throttling decisively. It offers over 3,000 servers located in more than 60 countries. So, you have plenty of options from which you can choose.

This VPN takes care of your Internet traffic encryption, so the ISP won’t ever know whether you’re just scrolling away or watching your favorite TV series on a streaming platform.

SurfShark is able to deliver good connection speed, defeat ISP throttling, and also allow you to stream with Ultra-HD quality on popular sites like Netflix, BBiPlayer, Dinsey Plus, or Amazon Prime Video.

Some of the most impressive features are a no-logs policy and military-grade AES-256-bit encryption. These two will always secure your online activity, protecting you from cyber-criminals.

Keep in mind that you can use this VPN to stop throttling on multiple OSs, like Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. Plus, it allows you to create unlimited connections.

These are the most valuable SurfShark features that you definitely need to keep in mind:

• More than 3,000 servers in over 60 countries
• Works perfectly against ISP throttling
• AES-256 bit encryption
• Compatible with multiple operating systems

SurfShark

If you want a VPN that allows you to create unlimited connections to stop throttling, SurfShark is the best option.

Check price Visit website

5. CyberGhost VPN – Best for mobile hotspot

CyberGhost will always mask your traffic from your ISP and redirect it through an encrypted tunnel. Thus, your ISP won’t be able to see your online actions and throttle your bandwidth.

The AES-256-bit encryption is responsible for keeping your data private. It is one of the most popular designs, which is also used by the US government.

If you’re interested in which protocols are integrated into CyberGhost, well, you have to consider OpenVPN and IKEv2.

According to the manufacturers, this VPN comes with 7,400 servers in 91 countries. Thus, you’ll always be able to find a fast one near your location.

CyberGhost works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebooks, and many others.

Make sure you take a look at CyberGhost’s most important features:

• 7,400 servers in 91 countries
• AES-256 bit encryption
• OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols
• Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebooks, etc.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is preferred by many worldwide users to stop throttling, so maybe you should also give it a try.

Check price Visit website

6. PureVPN – Best used for generating IPs

PureVPN offers full privacy for your web traffic, especially when you’re streaming online. Thanks to its features, your ISP won’t control or slow down your connection speed.

With over 6000 servers located in more than 70 countries, this VPN will always allow you to find the perfect one for you.

Like any other premium solution, PureVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption. This is an international standard that ensures your data is encrypted.

It ensures high security and it’s also adopted by the U.S. government and other intelligence organizations from all around the world.

This VPN works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and many more. Plus, it can be simultaneously connected on 10 devices, so do not hesitate to share the PureVPN experience with your close ones.

Take a look at PureVPN’s most impressive features:

• Over 6000 servers in more than 70 countries
• AES-256 bit encryption
• Works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, etc.
• AES-256 bit encryption

PureVPN

Do you need to stop throttling with a VPN that offers tons of servers around the world? Try PureVPN today.

Check price Visit website

Why does my VPN not work against ISP throttling?

Your ISP could be throttling your bandwidth no matter what type of activity you do online. For example, if you reached a particular data cap, the ISP may start slowing down your Internet speed.

In such cases, a VPN won’t work because it can’t hide the amount of data traffic from your ISP. Although your online activities are hidden, the amount of data they consume is still visible to the ISP.

To summarize, you can use a VPN to stop ISP throttling but only if the bandwidth is limited after filtering your traffic type (streaming, torrenting).

Even if all of the above solutions are great, we suggest using a powerful VPN like Private Internet Access to block bandwidth throttling, thanks to its high-speed VPN servers and superior encryption methods.

You can also check our list of VPNs with a long free trial. Take a look to see which one best suits your interests.

Share your experience and opinion with us by leaving a comment in the section below.