3 myths about VPN speeds debunked

NordVPN is one of the fastest and most secure VPNs around, reaching 1,249 Mbps speeds via its NordLynx protocol in our own testing. Despite this, common VPN myths push people toward unreliable free tools because they’re uncertain of the difference between free ones and a premium option like NordVPN, with its superior speed and security. Below, we’ve debunked three of the biggest myths to give you confidence that buying VPNs like NordVPN is a great choice.

• NordVPN is one of the top VPNs for speed, hitting 1,249 Mbps via NordLynx and staying consistent across protocols.
• NordVPN comfortably surpasses 1,000 Mbps; free VPNs barely reach it.
• NordLynx is built on WireGuard, which prioritises speed and security.
• Gaming performance from NordVPN is smooth and there’s minimal noticeable lag.

Table showing statistical speeds

As our fastest VPN feature shows, NordVPN is one of the top VPNs when it comes to speeds.

• NordVPN peak speeds (NordLynx): Reached 1,249 Mbps in Tom’s Guide’s latest speed testing (April 2026), comfortably exceeding the 1,000 Mbps benchmark for ultra-fast performance on gigabit connections.
• NordVPN peak speeds (OpenVPN): Delivered 688 Mbps over standard OpenVPN protocols, maintaining strong performance on legacy frameworks.
• Protocol consistency: Delivers balanced speed across both modern and traditional protocols, avoiding performance drop-offs often seen when switching connection standards. This consistency matters more day-to-day than a one-off peak.

Three Myths Debunked

Do VPNs slow down your internet?

NordVPN reaches 1,249 Mbps on its NordLynx protocol in our own testing and stays consistent across protocols where rivals drop off, so browsing, streaming, and live sport feel no different from having no VPN running. The reason it holds up is NordLynx - Nord's build of WireGuard, which routes traffic far more efficiently than older standards.

The slowdown people associate with VPNs comes from that older protocol: OpenVPN. It’s still secure, but in our testing WireGuard speeds ran close to double it (1,249 vs 688 Mbps on Nord). That efficiency gap is what refined actually means here, and it's why a modern protocol barely dents your connection.

Are paid VPNs really any faster than free ones?

NordVPN reached 1,249 Mbps via WireGuard in our real-world testing, and every paid VPN we tried cleared 1,000 Mbps. Free VPNs don't make the table because they rarely get close, and speed isn't down to one thing. Free services run smaller, more congested networks, throttle you once you hit a data cap, and lean on collocated rather than dedicated infrastructure, on top of monetising your browsing data.

NordVPN, by contrast, runs entirely on RAM-only servers, so nothing is written to disk, meaning the experience is quicker and more private. NordVPN is also as an all-in-one privacy subscription featuring Threat Protection Pro for scam protection, next-gen antivirus and web safety.

Although slower speeds are the bulk of VPN myths, there are other drawbacks that you may be unaware of:

• Data usage: The majority of free VPNs slow down even further once you hit a certain limit when browsing; they’re often capped at anywhere from 500MB to 10GB per month, and sometimes throttle your speeds without notifying you.
• Next to no customer support: Free VPNs usually don’t offer customer support if you encounter any issues, leaving you stuck.
• Lack of security: Free VPNs usually run on unsecure connections, so your data can be monetised - but it can also leave your devices vulnerable to potential attacks.

Do VPNs cause gaming lag?

With modern protocols like NordLynx, you get ultra-fast response times, ensuring gameplay stays smooth and competitive in titles like Fortnite or Battlefield 6. Any ping increase from a VPN isn’t noticeable and comes from traffic taking one extra hop to the server, not from Nord specifically. But paid VPNs like NordVPN ensure that ping is low enough that it doesn’t impact anyone’s gaming.

Does a VPN increase ping?

A VPN slightly increases ping, but not enough to make it noticeable during a match. Protocols like NordLynx direct traffic through one of its 7,700 servers across 224 locations, which makes your browsing and online gaming fast and secure throughout. In online games like MMORPGs, battle royales, or most games with separate online multiplayer modes, you can be confident that any additional lag will be minimal on NordVPN.

NordVPN proves why the biggest VPN speed myths are debunked

NordVPN shows exactly why these speed myths are just that - myths. Its NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, delivers stable speeds beyond 1000 Mbps, along with confidence thanks to its independently audited no-logs policy. Ultimately, using NordVPN ensures your connection remains consistently fast, stable, and responsive, with minimal lag..

However, the best way to debunk these myths even further is to try out NordVPN. You can explore NordVPN’s subscription plans backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test NordLynx on your own devices completely risk-free.

FAQ

Disclaimer: Speeds are completely dependent on the ISP (Internet Service Provider) you’re with, and NordVPN is not responsible for a loss of connection, as well as when using location-based servers for streaming services.