One of the most common online activities is streaming movies, TV series and videos online but there are also times that you would encounter buffering. We understand how frustrating that could be especially when you are enjoying and you are in the middle of watching your favorite series/movie.
VPN is commonly used whenever one streams. The reason behind this is because it could unblock and bypass geographical restrictions imposed on and by popular streaming platforms. In addition to that, using a VPN has additional benefits and advantages aside from circumventing restrictions. It provides high quality security and protection. It could also solve your throttling problems, reduce packet loss and improve your online gaming experience.
VPN can affect your internet speed
There have been rumors that VPNs affect internet speed and in reality it could. But, take in mind that these reports are a bit exaggerated. If your connection is fritz, using a VPN will not make it unstable but rather it will improve it. This same goes as for WiFi. Though a VPN will not create any havoc, it will, however could make it a bit slower.
Can VPN Services cause buffering?
There is no definite yes or no answer to that question. Instead, we shall answer this by providing you some of the factors that could lead your connection to experience buffering and they are the following:
1. Packet loss
2. Quality of your connection
3. High ping
4. Number of devices connected on the same network
5. Signal power of your WiFi
6. Congested network
7. Peak hours
8. ISP bandwidth throttling
9. Location and latency of your VPN server
Thus, if you are using a VPN and you are experiencing buffering, this does not necessarily mean that it is caused by your VPN. It could be caused by many other factors. In fact, contrary to it, VPN has been proven to solve a lot of other issues such as network congestion, ISP throttling, high packet loss, high ping and many more.
However, if you notice that whenever you are not using your VPN and buffering stops, we suggest that you try to connect to another server as the server you are connected to might be congested.
Connecting to a different server that is closer to you, with a lower ping could help you fix the mentioned issue. We also suggest that you check the load values of the servers of your VPN. This way you could avoid congested servers.
What is the best VPN that does not cause any buffering?
We highly recommend Private Internet Access (PIA). This VPN service provider has proven to be one of the best VPN service providers in the market. It provides high quality of security and privacy features and has the ability to bypass streaming restrictions.
This VPN service provider is under Kape Technologies and they ensure that they provide 24/7 customer support service in case their subscribers encounter problems, issues or have queries. They also offer their new subscribers 30-day money back guarantee.
FAQs
1. How do you stop buffering whenever you are streaming your favorite movie or series?
Using a VPN could aid you in reducing your buffering experience. If you are experiencing high ping or network congestion or packet loss or even ISP throttling, we highly recommend that you subscribe to a VPN service provider.
2. Does a VPN make streaming better?
Yes, most of the time a VPN could improve your streaming experience specially if your ISP throttles your connection.
3. Can a VPN affect internet speed?
Unfortunately, yes it could. The reason behind this is due to the encryption functions that VPN usually provides. Though this is the case, do not worry as it is not as bad as you think it is.
Conclusion
If you are worried about your VPN causing buffering, do not fret as there are several reasons that could cause buffering which your VPN service provider could actually solve. Although there have been reports that VPNs could occasionally cause buffering, there is a way to reduce this and one way is by switching to another server that is closer to your real location. We hope that through this article, we were able to provide you useful and important information about VPNs and buffering.
