The most common complaint about VPNs is speed. While some slowdown is inevitable — your traffic is being encrypted and routed through an extra server — a well-configured VPN should feel virtually indistinguishable from a direct connection. Here is how to get the best performance from Redgate.
1. Choose a Server Close to You
The single biggest factor in VPN speed is the physical distance between your device and the VPN server. Every kilometre adds a small amount of latency. For general browsing and streaming, pick the server geographically nearest to your location. Redgate automatically suggests the fastest server when you tap “Quick Connect.”
2. Switch to a Less Congested Server
If your nearest server feels slow, it may simply be under heavy load. In the Redgate app, tap the server list and look for nodes with a lower connection count or a green latency indicator. Switching to a nearby but less busy server often doubles effective throughput.
3. Use a Wired Connection Where Possible
Wi-Fi introduces packet loss and fluctuating latency that a VPN can amplify. If you are on a desktop or laptop, plugging directly into your router with an Ethernet cable can dramatically improve both speed and stability, especially for video calls and gaming.
4. Close Background Apps
Cloud backup services, software updaters, and social media apps that run in the background consume bandwidth even when you are not actively using them. When that traffic is also routed through the VPN, it can saturate the tunnel. Check your system’s network usage and close any unnecessary background processes.
5. Keep the App Updated
Redgate releases performance improvements regularly. Older app versions may use less efficient protocol negotiation or miss server-side optimisations. Always run the latest version to get the best speeds and the most stable connection.
6. Restart Your Router
It sounds basic, but a router that has been running continuously for weeks can accumulate stale routing tables and NAT entries that slow down VPN tunnels specifically. A quick restart clears this state and often resolves persistent speed issues.
With these adjustments, most users report that Redgate delivers speeds fast enough for 4K streaming, video calls, and online gaming without noticeable lag.
