How to Pick a Server
Summary
Distance, load, and purpose are the three things that decide which vpn.now server works best for you, and how to weigh them when you choose.
On this page
Rule 1: closer is faster
Every kilometer between you and the server adds a little delay. For everyday browsing, pick the server closest to where you are. If you live in Germany, a Frankfurt or Amsterdam server will almost always beat one in New York.
You choose a server location when you create or edit a device on the devices page.
Rule 2: check the load
A nearby server that is overloaded can be slower than a slightly farther one with free capacity. Before you commit, glance at the server status page. Each server shows a load meter. Green means plenty of room. What each level means in numbers is covered in server load levels explained.
Rule 3: match the server to the task
- Everyday privacy: nearest low-load server. Speed first.
- Appearing in a specific country: pick a server in that country, since websites see the server's location as yours.
- Public Wi-Fi protection: any nearby server works. The encryption matters, not the location. See VPN for public Wi-Fi.
Switching servers
You can change a device's server at any time from the dashboard, then re-import the updated config into your VPN app. If speeds disappoint after switching, the checklist in fixing slow VPN speeds will help you compare options fairly.