It's not unusual for a VPN service to cause a slight reduction in internet speed, since encryption and routing add overhead. Most people won’t notice a difference during everyday use.
Quick ways to speed things up
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Choose a server location closer to you. With 100+ available server locations, you can choose a server closer to your physical location for better speeds. Connecting to a nearby server (such as one in your own country) will generally be faster than connecting to a server across the globe.
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Try Wireguard. Go to Settings > Protocols and select Wireguard. This is the fastest protocol and is recommended for most users.
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Test with the VPN disconnected to understand your base connection speed. This helps identify if the issue is more likely caused by your internet connection or by the VPN.
What to check next
If you tried the quick fixes and are still experiencing a significant and noticeable slowdown, try these steps:
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Reduce the number of connected devices or Wi-Fi networks operating in your space to prevent Wi-Fi congestion.
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Check your device for hardware constraints. Some devices and routers have hardware constraints that limit speed.
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Move closer to your router. The closer you are, the stronger the signal.
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Use fewer programs or tabs at a time. If your device is already running at a high utilization, VPN encryption can add additional strain. Try closing out programs or tabs you don’t need.
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Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your ISP may have troubleshooting suggestions, as well as information about the routing quality they offer.
What about a speed test?
You may notice lower numbers on a speed test while connected to AdBlock VPN. This is normal. The encryption process adds slight overhead that tools like Speedtest.net measure, but which most users won't notice during everyday browsing, streaming, or downloading. If your internet feels fast in practice, there's nothing to worry about.