Rapid VPN - Secure & fast browsing

Rapid VPN is a speedy, complimentary VPN service that is convenient to use on the go! Experience a secure, private, and unrestricted internet connection from anywhere worldwide. Safeguard your personal data and expand your access to content available regionally across the globe.

We encrypt your online connection to prevent tracking of your activities and ensure the safety of your information, especially when utilizing public free Wi-Fi or unsecured websites.

Our worldwide VPN network covers regions such as America, Europe, Asia, and more! Connect to a server of your choice for enhanced security for all your online interactions, personal data protection, and access to streaming services and games unavailable in your area.

Reasons for choosing Rapid VPN:

🚀 Diverse servers with high-speed bandwidth

🚀 Firm commitment to User Privacy - No logging under any circumstances

🚀 Compatibility with VPN-enabled apps (requires Android 5.0+)

🚀 Functional with Wi-Fi, 5G, LTE/4G, 3G, and all mobile data providers

🚀 Intelligent server suggestions

🚀 Unlimited usage and no time constraints

🚀 No need for registration or complex setup

Our Commitment to User Privacy:

We value your privacy greatly. Unlike other VPN providers, we do not retain records of your online activities or personal information. Your actions while connected through Rapid VPN are encrypted and kept entirely anonymous; your personal data is never viewed, stored, or utilized. Upholding your privacy, safety, and security is central to our commitment to delivering exceptional service!

What is VPN?

VPN stands for “virtual private network” — a tool that safeguards your internet connection and privacy online. It establishes an encrypted pathway for your data, shields your online identity by concealing your IP address, and enables safe use of public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Why do you need VPN?

🌐 Usage of public Wi-Fi

VPN is employed to secure your browsing on public Wi-Fi networks, ensuring full privacy. Hackers have various methods to intercept your data on these networks, but with a VPN, your online traffic is invisible to them.

🌎 Access to your content

If you want to enjoy your usual content while travelling globally, a VPN can assist. Employ Rapid VPN on your device to stay updated on social media posts or stream the latest episodes on popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN.

🔒 Online safety is crucial to you

Government agencies, marketers, and ISPs would love to monitor and collect your browsing history and private messages. The best defense? Use a VPN to encrypt your traffic, shield your IP address, and maintain your anonymity on the web. Utilize it at home, at work, and on the move for uninterrupted protection.

🎮 Gaming enthusiasts

Gamers often face issues like DDoS attacks and bandwidth throttling. Luckily, Rapid VPN eliminates these problems for gaming aficionados!

Download the reliable, swift, and complimentary Rapid VPN app immediately!

Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

For any assistance, our round-the-clock customer support team is ready to help via Feedback within the app!

RapidVPN Test 2024 — Read This Before Buying

RapidVPN is a VPN service with servers in a variety of countries. It utilizes the most popular VPN protocols and is usable on the most popular operating systems. Those looking for anonymity and safety online will find that the features of the service could be just what they are looking for. It's easy to set up, has strong support, and unblocks Netflix. But it's no match for our most highly-rated VPNs for unblocking Netflix, which are tried and trusted around the globe. And for good reason, since they all offer the most advanced features for speedy, uninterrupted streaming.

RapidVPN is an experienced and well-established VPN provider that offers server locations in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada and Australia. It uses the PPTP and L2TP VPN protocols, with a 128 bit encryption system, the most popular with VPN users. All subscription plans provided by RapidVPN include the ability to connect two devices simultaneously by default. The connections provided are quick, reliable and secure. RapidVPN guarantees anonymous internet traffic, and takes no logs of user online activity.

RapidVPN was founded in 2007 in the United Kingdom, and has continued to grow in network size and popularity since then. Although not the largest network available, RapidVPN provides fast and secure connections through all the main key locations that you would likely be looking to use, making them a good choice for someone looking at accessing geo-specific websites, or simply looking to protect their identity and security when online.

RapidVPN offers a wide range of services and payment plans. The user can opt for dynamic VPN, which allows unlimited switch between servers and unlimited bandwidth, or dedicated VPN. Dedicated VPN allows the user to choose a specific server location in Europe, Australia, Canada or one of several US states. This option also offers unlimited bandwidth, and the servers in the Netherlands and Sweden include a torrent allowance. All of these options include a variety of subscription periods from 1 month to 1 year. Rapid VPN also offers a lifetime VPN subscription option. All of these options include a 3-day money back guarantee.

RapidVPN provides its own VPN applications for Windows and Android, with applications for iOS and Mac OS X coming soon. The service, however, provides users with detailed instructions on how to manually set it up on their Linux, iOS and Mac OS X devices. This means that RapidVPN can be used on most desktop and laptop computers, as well as most smartphones and tablets. RapidVPN provides users with 24/7 customer support, which can be reached through email or webchat.

RapidVPN Features — 2024 Update 7.4

Installation & Apps 8.0

1. Download the program from here

2. Press "Next" in the Setup Wizard (if this doesn"t open automatically then double-click the downloaded file)

3. Click "Agree", then "Next" (don"t make any changes to the tick boxes), then "Install"

4. If another pop-up window appears, click "Install"

5. Click "Next", then select "start OpenVPN GUI" and click "Finish"

6. Log in to the program with the username and password provided in your Client Area

7. Select "Configuration" from the top menu, download the OpenVPN UDP/TCP configuration for your server, rename it as RapidVPNUDP/TCP.ovpn and store it in the config folder for OpenVPN

8. Check that the program is running and then close the application

9. Right-click the OpenVPN GUI icon on your desktop, select "Run as administrator"

10. Right-click the OpenVPN icon in the taskbar (located in the bottom right corner of your screen), select the server you want to connect to, then click "Connect"

11. Enter your RapidVPN username and password

Pricing 9.1

RapidVPN supplies two services; Dynamic VPN and Dedicated VPN. Dynamic allows unlimited bandwidth and switching between servers, whereas Dedicated only allows access to a single server of the users choice – located in either, Europe, Australia, Canada or the US, while it also offers unlimited bandwidth only a limited number of servers include a torrent allowance. Both options allow you to subscribe for a lifetime, or have shorter options ranging from 1 month to 1 year, both plans offer a 3 day money back guarantee.

Reliability & Supportb 5.7

RapidVPN offers a live chat support, as well as the ubiquitous email/ticketing system. They typically respond almost immediately and have a great troubleshooter on their website, including a list of all known errors and their solutions. RapidVPN lives up to its name by providing fast reliable connections, and it's rare to hear of any major problems that last for any long period of time.

Compare RapidVPN With The Top Alternative VPNs

The Bottom Line

Lives up to its name with quick, reliable connections, but lacks in robustness

With the ability to connect 2 devices at once on a standard license, this service may be worth looking at if you intend to use a mobile device as well as connect through your main PC. RapidVPN, living up to its name, provides reliably fast connections to all the key countries. They also guarantee to take no logs of user activity.

This service is great, therefore, to access geo-restricted services like Netflix, but lacks some of the more robust encryption that other users may be looking for accessing secure websites, or attempting to access a free internet while in a heavily censored region. For that we recommend you take a look at our top-rated VPNs, all of which will offer you maximum security and encryption, plus everything you need to suit your browsing and gaming needs.

Or if you're looking for the best VPNs for streaming and want to make sure you're secure, why not check out our top picks?

Basic Guide

Speed up your VPN: Quick tips

Choose a fast VPN server: Opting for a geographically closer server with a lower user load can increase connection speed and stability

Use a wired connection: Ethernet cables often provide greater bandwidth and stability than wireless connections, enhancing VPN performance

Change VPN protocol: Adjusting the rules for data transmission between your device and the VPN server can resolve persistent connectivity issues

Disable firewall and antivirus: Firewalls and antivirus software can hinder VPN connections by blocking specific Internet Protocol (IP) ranges or ports, so temporarily turning them off could enhance connectivity

Use split tunnelling: Routing only necessary traffic through the VPN can alleviate bandwidth demands and potentially increase speed

Enable Quality of Service (QoS): Activating QoS prioritises VPN traffic over other types of network traffic, ensuring a consistent, speedy connection

Use a VPN router: Implementing a VPN router can reduce disconnections and save time by eliminating the need to install the VPN software on multiple devices

Tips to increase overall internet speed while using a VPN

Use a fast internet connection: A robust, high-speed internet connection is fundamental to ensure optimal VPN performance and speed; always use a wired option if available

Regularly clear browser cache: This prevents slowdowns caused by storing vast amounts of data and increases internet speed while using a VPN

Disable background apps: Closing unnecessary background applications can free up bandwidth and computational resources, enhancing VPN performance

Use ad blockers: Ad blockers can prevent bandwidth-intensive ads from loading, reducing data usage and potentially increasing internet speed during a VPN session

Factors influencing VPN speed

The speed of your VPN depends on various factors, such as your VPN provider’s routing of the data between servers, your network setup and VPN protocols. Furthermore, distant server locations can cause latency. Encryption, server loads, Central Processing Unit (CPU)/Random Access Memory (RAM) usage and overall network traffic are other determinants of VPN speeds.

Let’s explore some of the main factors to consider.

    Encryption

VPN encryption plays a crucial role in determining the speed of your connection. More robust encryption, like Advanced Encryption Standard with 256 bits (AES-256), provides higher security but demands more processing power, slowing down the VPN connection. On the other hand, AES-128 encryption is lighter and faster but compromises the safety of your data. Each encryption adds extra data to the data stream, consuming more bandwidth and potentially reducing speed. Thus, choosing an encryption type compatible with your device and platform while balancing speed and security is crucial. 

    Server load

The number of users connected to a VPN server directly influences your connection speed. The more users there are on a server, the further its resources are divided, potentially slowing down the service for everyone. This occurrence, known as server overload, is widespread with free or cheaper VPN services without adequate server density and capacity. However, it can also occur with any VPN if the server’s total bandwidth is exceeded. Premium VPNs often provide server load information, helping you select less crowded servers for better speeds. 

    Network congestion

Network congestion arises when a network is burdened with more traffic than it can handle, leading to a data traffic jam. Such congestion typically happens when too many data requests or communications are initiated simultaneously over a network with inadequate bandwidth to manage them. Like a crowded highway during rush hour, this traffic overload can significantly slow down data delivery, affecting VPN connection speeds.

VPN speed test and analysis

The tool for VPN speed testing used and recommended by our experts is Speedtest by Ookla. However, the results are approximations, as VPN speeds can fluctuate based on factors such as your internet connection, computer performance and even your browser.

Here’s a straightforward method you can use:

1. Log in to your VPN account and connect to a VPN server.

2. Visit speedtest.com 

3. Click “Go” and await the initial connection.

4. Read the speed test results, focusing on the download speed.

5. Disconnect your VPN and repeat the process, noting the speed difference.

The percentage change in download speeds with and without the VPN can give a snapshot of the VPN’s performance.

The speed test result shows three key metrics:

    Download speed

This value indicates how quickly data from the internet reaches your device, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). A high download speed allows for fast video streaming, file download and website access. A download speed of around 20-25Mbps is acceptable.

    Upload speed

This measures the speed at which you send data and requests to the internet. A low upload speed can hinder tasks like video calls or live streaming. An upload speed of around 3Mbps for casual usage is adequate, but you might need about 10Mbps for high-quality video streaming.

    Latency, also known as Ping, rate

This measures overall connection speed, denoting the time (in milliseconds) it takes for a data packet to be sent from your device to a server and back. A lower ping number indicates a faster connection. For example, a ping rate of 80ms means it took approximately 80 milliseconds for the data exchange to occur. The ideal value for gamers is well under 50ms, but any ping rate below 100ms is acceptable.

How to optimise VPN speed and performance

Now that we’ve seen what influences your VPN speed, let’s talk about how you can optimise it.

Choosing a fast and reliable VPN provider

An excellent VPN service guards your online activities and provides a seamless browsing experience.

Consider the following factors when you’re on the hunt for the ideal VPN service: 

    Security features

Look for uncrackable Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-256 encryption, secure tunnelling protocols, a no-log policy and a kill switch for optimal privacy and data protection.

    Speed and stability

A VPN provider should offer a fast and consistent connection to ensure a seamless browsing experience.

    Server locations and bandwidth capacity

Providers with an expansive network of servers worldwide, like ExpressVPN, with servers in 94 countries, can offer better speeds and lower latency due to a smaller probability of server overload or congestion. Conversely, providers with a limited number of servers, such as Atlas VPN, which only has servers in three locations in two countries, may face higher risks of server congestion. Additionally, consider the VPN service’s bandwidth capacity to avoid potential slowdowns during peak usage times.

    Supported VPN protocols

The variety and security level of VPN protocols the provider supports are important to match your specific needs.

    Device compatibility

Ensure the VPN service is compatible with all your devices and performs flawlessly on your preferred platform.

    Customer support

Round-the-clock customer support can be a lifesaver when you face any issues or have questions about the service.

    Cost

The VPN service should provide good value for the price and fit within your budget.

Selecting the right VPN server

    Consider server proximity 

Typically, a VPN server close to your physical location will yield faster connection speeds, as the data has a shorter distance to travel. For example, if you’re in Boston, you’d likely get a quicker VPN connection from a New York City or Montreal server than one in Sydney or Tokyo. However, this may not always be viable if you aim to access content or services specific to a particular geographic region. 

    Consider server load 

The number of users on a server can impact its connection speed. If a server is overloaded with users, your connection may slow down. Many premium VPN services provide server load information, helping you choose less crowded servers for potentially faster speeds. 

How to choose the most suitable VPN server for optimal speed

Understand your needs: Before selecting a server, identify your particular needs. For accessing geographically restricted content, choose a server in the relevant region, or pick one closer to your physical location for general browsing and security

Test different servers: Try connecting to servers in different locations. Use the speed test tool to measure each server’s speed and reliability and choose the server that provides the best balance of speed and connectivity

Check server load: Many premium VPN providers display the current load for each server. Servers with fewer users tend to be faster and more reliable

Experiment and adjust: Optimal server choice might change depending on the time of day, the number of active users and other factors. Repeat the above steps to ensure you always get the best speed possible

How to configure VPN protocols and encryption

Choosing the correct VPN protocol can play a significant role in the speed and security of your VPN connection. Each protocol has different strengths and might be more suitable depending on your needs. Let’s discuss different VPN protocols and their impact on speed:

    OpenVPN 

This is one of the most widely-used VPN protocols due to its flexibility and balance between speed and security. OpenVPN can operate on the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP). 

Because it prioritises the correct and complete delivery of data packets, TCP provides a reliable connection but at a slightly slower speed. On the other hand, UDP is designed for speed and efficiency. It doesn’t verify the receipt or the data packets’ order, making it faster but slightly less reliable than TCP. You can choose either protocol depending on your speed or data reliability needs.

    IKEv2/IPSec 

Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2)/Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) stands out in its connection speed and stability, making it ideal for mobile users switching between networks (like wifi and mobile data). It establishes, breaks and re-establishes connections quickly, ensuring minimal delay. The downside is that it might be slower than some newer protocols.

    WireGuard 

The newcomer in the VPN protocol arena, WireGuard, offers superior speeds due to its simplified code structure and cryptography. Its lightweight nature allows faster transmission speeds and quicker connection times than older protocols. 

Additionally, specific VPN providers have developed proprietary protocols, such as ExpressVPN’s Lightway or NordVPN’s NordLynx. These protocols claim to offer high-speed connections without compromising security.

    Select appropriate encryption levels

Consider your security requirements and system resources when choosing a VPN encryption level. 

Most VPNs use AES, which provides three levels: 128-bit, 192-bit and 256-bit. Some free VPNs use AES-128, which is lighter and provides basic security at a low computational cost and higher speeds. However, it’s not suitable for handling sensitive information. 

We recommend opting for AES-256 for utmost data security, especially in high-sensitivity environments. Note that the stronger the encryption, the higher the performance requirement. Despite its computational demands, AES-256 provides robust protection against brute-force attacks. This is the encryption level used by top industry players, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, PureVPN, hide.me, CyberGhost and Windscribe.

When selecting a VPN encryption level, consider your risk tolerance, operational needs and the sensitivity of the data being protected. Furthermore, ensure to complement AES encryption with strong passwords, multifactor authentication and increased awareness of social engineering and phishing attacks to maximise your data protection. 

    Adjusting VPN settings for speed

Optimising your VPN settings can also increase speed. The two features directly related to speed and performance are split tunnelling and protocol selection. Our researchers have illustrated the process using the NordVPN app, but you can find these functions in the most popular VPN solutions.

    Enable split tunnelling 

Split tunnelling allows you selectively route traffic through the VPN or your regular internet connection. For instance, you can secure your streaming traffic with the VPN while allowing your gaming data to bypass it for a faster experience. To activate split tunnelling, follow these steps:

1. Start the VPN app.

2. Locate and click the gear icon leading to the “Settings” menu.

3. Select “Split Tunnelling”.

4. Activate split tunnelling by switching on the toggle button.

5. Next, you will see two options: disabling the VPN for specific apps or enabling it solely for chosen apps. Determine your preferred choice.

6. Proceed to add the apps you wish to include in your selection.

Routing only necessary traffic through the VPN reduces bandwidth burden, boosting VPN and overall internet speeds.

    Switch VPN protocols

The protocols your VPN app supports are easy to discover in the settings.

With NordVPN, you can select NordLynx (a version of WireGuard), IKEv2/IPSec or OpenVPN. Here’s how to change them. 

1 .Launch the VPN application and click the gear icon to open the “Settings” menu.

2. Locate and select the “Connection” section.

3. Select the dropdown menu with all available protocols.

4. Choose the desired protocol.

After adjusting protocols, reconnect to the VPN. Try using the different protocols to identify the one that works best for you regarding speed and performance.

    Network optimisation techniques

Optimising your network is essential for enhancing its performance and improving your VPN operation. Here are some effective techniques.

    Ensure regular maintenance of your network, including firmware and software updates to add new features and security patches, improving network device performance

    Inspect network connections, including cables, switches, routers and other hardware, to make sure they’re configured, connected and operating correctly

    Optimise bandwidth to allocate enough capacity to vital traffic and applications

    Upgrade your network to increase bandwidth and enhance performance by changing outdated hardware

    Adjust network settings, such as QoS, buffer and packet sizes, to prioritise critical traffic and optimise performance

    Implement network segmentation to set subnetworks, which helps manage traffic and resources better, avoid congestion and enhance security

    Balance network load by distributing requests among multiple servers, which prevents individual server overload, avoids network congestion and enhances performance

    Improving VPN download speeds

Although it’s generally known that VPNs cause traffic slowdowns, you can use them to accelerate downloads. 

    Choose VPN servers with peer-to-peer (P2P) support

Selecting a P2P-optimised VPN server can significantly enhance your download speeds. Unlike conventional server–client interactions, a P2P network employs every device as both a client and server. Since files are divided into smaller segments for downloading from multiple sources simultaneously, a P2P-optimised server offers faster download times.

Investing in a VPN with dedicated P2P support, such as NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost, brings substantial benefits:

Ensures your connection remains stable and secure during P2P transfers

Masks your activity from potential surveillance, including internet service providers (ISPs) and government entities

Bypasses potential throttling by ISPs or disconnections associated with P2P activities

Protects and maintains your bandwidth and speed, delivering efficient and swift downloads

By optimising the capabilities of P2P networks and the security features of a VPN, users can maximise their internet speed potential securely and efficiently.

    Download manager integration

Download manager software, such as Internet Download Manager, enhances the downloading process. Download managers segment files into multiple streams, allowing accelerated and more manageable downloading. Also, they can resume interrupted downloads, providing robust recovery solutions in case of network failures or other disruptions. 

Key benefits include:

   - Improved download speeds by utilising full bandwidth

   - Enhanced security through VPN compatibility

   - Efficient download management and scheduling

   - Advanced recovery and resume capabilities

Incorporating a download manager with your VPN optimises and accelerates the download process while enhancing online privacy.