Difference in VPN speeds VPN app vs OpenVPN

Amaris on 26/09/2020 - 09:38

Reposting here to get a wider audience :-) ;

I use ExpressVPN to access US Netflix and have recently noticed that I can't get enough speed via the VPN to watch streams in 4K
when I use the ExpressVPN app to connect to a US server on my FireTV 4K.

This is the speed on my Mac without a VPN. Download of 102Mbps
https://www.speedtest.net/result/10147729961

The speed with the ExpressVPN app on the Mac connected to a US (LA) server. Download of 85Mbps. A drop but not bad
https://www.speedtest.net/result/10147761929

When I use OpenVPN on my Synology Router and make the Mac go through that to the US (LA) server. Speed is 30Mbps
https://www.speedtest.net/result/10147776180
The speed is similar to this when the ExpressVPN app is run on the FireTV (i.e about 30Mbps)

Can't figure out why there's such a big difference between the VPN speeds I get when the app runs on the Mac and when VPN is via OpenVPN on the router/ FireTV app.
Could someone help?

Thank you

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Comments

  • XSidd on 26/09/2020 - 10:03
    +3

    VPN protocols primarily use CPU and that dictates performance, some protocols are more efficient than others i.e. wireguard is being widely adopted for this reason.

  • gerrys on 26/09/2020 - 11:22
    +1

    I use Linksys WRT1900ACS with ExpressVPN custom firmware and constantly above 70 Mbps to LAX/DC/NJ Server. I believe their firmware based on OVPN as well.

    I tested OpenVPN on my pocket GLiNet router (crappy cpu) and it never go above 25-30 Mbps.

    So yeah, OVPN chewing CPU power.

    If I were you, get a proper Router hardware that can run ExpressVPN custom firmware (ie. Linksys 1900ACS or 3200ACS).

    I bought 2nd hand WRT1900ACS about 2 yrs ago, loaded with Express VPN custom firmware, it never missed a beat. During summer, I put extra fan on top of the router.

  • b-t on 26/09/2020 - 13:18

    The most likely reason why there's a drop is because your Synology isn't able to process the encryption for VPN fast enough so it can only achieve 30Mbps.

    I had the exact same issue trying to use my existing infrastructure (Synology) to route all my VPN traffic for my home. I couldn't achieve higher than 30Mbps.

    I ended up buying a cheap Dell Optiplex with an i5 that includes AES-NI instructions (which is used for VPN encryption) and then installing pfSense on it. Now my 100Mbps can achieve 100Mbps through ExpressVPN.

    Happy to assist if you need any additional information.

  • clipperroo on 29/09/2020 - 17:32

    I use ASUS RT-AC66U with NordVPN and get only 2Mbps when connected to USA but 50Mbps when not. Any suggestions to improve this?

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