Are you an Internet user with a limited monthly data plan? If the answer is yes, then you probably need to think about the ways to reduce data consumption. This is particularly important for VPN users because the service might have a much greater impact on the bandwidth than you think.
A report shows that 50% of users rely on a VPN for easier access to entertainment content such as video streaming, music downloads, and similar. This is where VPNs can seriously deteriorate your Internet data plan, so we suggest optimizing data usage in a few simple steps. This post will show you:
- How VPNs work and increase data usage
- 5 ways to optimize VPN data usage
As a VPN user, you probably understand the basics of VPN technology, but do you know how it affects the bandwidth and data usage? We’ll start from scratch just make things easier for you.
First of all, a VPN connection is there to anonymize your online ventures and hide you from advertisers, government agencies, and malicious users eager to steal your personal information. A typical user relies on VPN providers to:
A VPN makes it possible because it encrypts the connection, so your Internet Service Provider (ISP) cannot see what you are doing online. While data transfers are still ongoing, ISPs are not able to track your work and store information about you.
The second important aspect of a VPN is that it adds the extra layer of information while completing online data transfers. According to IT analysts, the overhead could go up to 15%. It means that 1,024 MB of data consumption could go up to 1,177 MB when the VPN is activated.
It may not look like a big issue for users with unlimited data packages, but the situation is completely different for users who have 5 GB or 10 GB a month. In this case, every file transfer counts and adds to the overhead total.
The real question is: What can you do about it? Keep reading to find out!
If you are looking for a perfect solution to the problem, let us assure you that there is no such thing. You can never leave the VPN activated around the clock and expect it not to eat up your data plan. On the contrary, you have to take a more realistic approach and opt for a compromise.
Luckily enough, there are several methods to test here, so you can choose the one that suits your browsing habits the most or even mix various techniques as needed. Here are the five most commonly-used VPN optimization hacks:
The first tip on our list is a genuine no-brainer, but it is so simple that most users fail to take advantage of it. Namely, you can simply turn off your VPN when you don’t need it.
This is very important if you know that digital devices work in the background 24/7 and thus maximize data usage. When you leave a VPN activated around the clock, you can expect it to eat up much more data than necessary.
Here’s a practical example of how to use a VPN without wasting data – enable the service only when you are trying to access blocked content or transfer sensitive files. Don't forget to enable KillSwitch option and DNS Leak Protection to avoid leaking your IP adddress if your connection is suddenly broken.
The second tip is closely related to the first one, but it makes the data optimization process semi-automated. What does it mean?
Well, it means you can manually configure the VPN in a way that suits your data consumption habits the most. Professional VPN providers will allow you to enable and/or disable the VPN connection for every app or program separately.
In such circumstances, a VPN will only activate when you launch a given application. All the other tools and services that heavily rely on the Internet connection will be left without VPN protection.
For example, you can install Chrome VPN Proxy extension or Mozilla Firefox VPN addon and browse websites with a VPN from Trust.Zone while other programs on your device are working without a VPN
Another very simple tip is to utilize a public Wi-Fi network whenever you spot one in your range. This will not directly reduce the impact of a VPN on your data optimization plan, but it will eliminate the need to use your Internet service at a given moment.
The best thing about it is that you already have the VPN connection established, so you don’t need to worry about cybersecurity and possible data leakage.
Another useful tip is to select the VPN server that is closest to your physical location. For example, users from San Francisco should go for the VPN provider with nearby servers to eliminate data-waste.
This suggestion is all about the technical aspects of VPN functioning as the nearest server will use the fewest checkpoints for data processing. In other words, nearby servers can handle file transfers much faster and more efficiently than faraway servers. The result is that you do not waste bandwidth and do not increase data usage more than needed.
With Trust.Zone you get this feature by default.
Although you might be searching for the cheapest solution currently available online, our tip is to stay away from suspicious and unknown VPN providers. Platforms offering totally free VPN services are likely to make up for it some other way and cooperate with third-party providers, which almost always leads to additional data leakage. You don’t want to allow it, so do your best to hire a trustworthy VPN platform.
The Bottom Line
VPN users enjoy many practical benefits, but they must know that the service comes with a few downsides as well. VPN providers are known for increasing data usage, which is a pain in the neck for people who have limited monthly data plans only. You are now able to control the VPN and reduce data usage enough to keep the Internet connection fully operational the whole month.
Author BIO
James Murphy is a writer at the top essay writing services uk, where he provide dissertation help. James is covering a wide range of other topics such as social media and digital marketing. He is a father of two lovely toddlers and a dedicated supporter of the New York Yankees.
