Packet loss can be quite annoying. After all, nobody likes losing data. It is even more annoying than other issues because it can happen out of nowhere and cause you a lot more trouble that would have probably been avoided. What’s even more annoying is that it’s hard to detect the root cause of the issue.
Sure, you can try and perform diagnostics and troubleshooting yourself, but that’s not always accurate, and most of the time it is hard to identify what you are even looking for. VPNRanks understands that there are a lot of factors that play a role in packet loss, and the cause can range from hardware issues, such as damaged ethernet cables to software issues, such as incorrectly configured routing.
If you’ve been suffering from packet loss issues and you’ve had enough, then this blog might be for you. The rumor going around has been that VPNs can help fix packet loss. In this blog, we will look at whether that’s true or not.
Improving Packet Loss – Are VPNs The Fix?
First, let’s understand what packet loss is. Your data travels to and from your device as a packet. Each packet contains a tiny bit of information about what you are trying to access. Packet loss occurs when some or a lot of these packets fail to arrive at their destination properly.
● Do VPNs Fix Packet Loss?
To be quite honest, VPNs can only do so much. If the packet loss is occurring due to hardware issues like faulty ethernet cabling, then there’s not much a VPN can do. But if the packet loss occurs due to a software issue or restrictions from your ISP, then a VPN can certainly help.
If your ISP is known to provide slow and low-quality internet, then a VPN can help by bypassing these cheap or slow servers that your ISP is using and, instead, connecting you to faster and more consistent servers.
While a VPN can’t work miracles, if there are issues such as slow servers or throttling from your ISP, then a VPN can most certainly help.
Which VPNs Are The Best To Improve Packet Loss?
We’ve made a list of seven VPNs that are the best choice when it comes to remedying an issue like packet loss. Here’s our list.
1. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Owned and operated by Kape Technologies, Private Internet Access is one of the most popular VPNs in the world. It is particularly good if you know that your internet is suffering due to slow servers. PIA has the largest server network in the world for a VPN. With over 35,000 servers in over 100 countries, PIA is quite impressive in its own right.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN also has a large server network. It is also a versatile VPN capable of removing throttling on your internet connection, helping you stream and torrent, and helping improve your packet loss issues.
3. Surfshark VPN
Let’s say you want all the functionality but don’t want to spend too much money. Surfshark has got you in that regard. Its server network might not be as impressive as PIA or NordVPN but its servers provide blazing-fast speeds. Its encryption is also quite impressive, which makes it one of the best VPNs on this list.
4. CyberGhost VPN
Not only does CyberGhost VPN have a huge server network, but it also has apps for just about every platform. So, whether you are using a Windows laptop, an iPhone, or even Amazon Fire TV Stick, you will be able to install CyberGhost VPN on your device.
5. Bitdefender VPN
If you aim to purely remove any sort of throttling on your connection that you suspect your ISP has put on it, then arguably your best option is Bitdefender VPN. It allows for multiple simultaneous connections and has a focus on maintaining privacy and security.
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a versatile VPN that will allow you to bypass your ISP’s servers and remove any throttling, improving packet deliverance. It also comes with features such as a NAT firewall and Anti-DDoS features to provide that extra bit of security.
7. ExpressVPN
If you want a VPN that combines all the above-listed features, ExpressVPN is your best bet. It is the best VPN in the world, according to many tech blogs, and it provides the best all-around VPN experience that money can buy.
Wrapping Up
Packet loss is inevitable, but there is a difference between minimal packet loss and a lot of packet loss. Using one of the VPNs listed above can make quite a difference. Remember that a VPN won’t magically fix your packet loss issues, especially if the problem is with your hardware. But if you are suffering packet loss issues due to your ISP, then a VPN might be the fix you’re looking for.
