If your internet suddenly slows down in the middle of a Netflix marathon, you might be dealing with ISP throttling. And yes, this can still happen, even with net neutrality regulations back in effect. Throttling is especially frustrating because it tends to strike when you’re enjoying something bandwidth-heavy, like streaming or gaming. Smacking your router or rebooting it won’t solve the problem, because the issue isn’t with your hardware.
That said, not every slowdown is caused by throttling. So how do you tell the difference? Why do ISPs do it in the first place? And, most importantly, how can you put a stop to it? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ISP throttling so you can spot it, understand it, and take the right steps to get around it.
What is ISP Throttling?
ISP throttling happens when your internet service provider (ISP) deliberately slows down your internet connection.
This means you’re not getting the full speed you’re paying for because your ISP is limiting the amount of data you can transfer within a specific timeframe. ISP throttling is also known as bandwidth throttling.
The keyword here is “deliberate” because while slow connection speeds can be your ISP’s fault, it’s not always intentional.
Why (and How) Do ISPs Throttle Connection Speeds?
There are four main reasons why your bandwidth can get throttled. Let’s briefly look at each in turn:
1. Congested Network Traffic
This is the most common reason for ISP throttling. Networks can become congested during peak usage times, leading to congestion and slower speeds for everyone.
When that happens, your ISP can throttle your connection speed to reduce the consequent network overload. It also enables the network provider to distribute bandwidth fairly.
Internet peak times are when people are most online, usually evenings and weekends.
2. Data Caps
ISP throttling can also happen when you exceed your monthly data allotment. Rather than completely cutting off your internet access, your ISP can decide to throttle your speed to encourage you to resubscribe or upgrade to a higher-tier plan.
Everything you do online contributes to your data usage, from massive file downloads to sending an email. Once you reach your maximum allowance, your ISP may charge you an extra data charge, suspend your service, or reduce your speeds.
Of course, it must be included in your internet service agreement with your ISP.
3. Paid Prioritization
A service provider or content owner can pay an ISP to cut to the front line, so to speak, when there’s a congested network. In other words, that company gets preferential treatment, and you may find that their content loads faster than that of other companies that don’t pay.
For instance, if Netflix pays an ISP for a “fast lane,” you may enjoy smoother streams while watching Netflix US, compared to, say, Prime Video or Hulu.
Paid prioritization is a controversial practice, as you can imagine. Critics argue that it creates a divide between those who can pay for faster speeds and those who cannot because well-founded companies have an unfair advantage.
4. “Forbidden” Activities
Finally, your ISP can throttle your connection if it finds you engaging in an activity it considers forbidden.
A forbidden activity can be an illegal act or one that goes against its terms of service, such as heavy streaming, torrenting, or even using a VPN. Plus, ISPs have been known to prioritize other traffic over online gaming, resulting in slower speeds for gamers.
What is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) must treat all internet traffic equally. That means they mustn’t discriminate or charge users differently based on content, platform, application, equipment, or mode of communication. In essence, it’s a way to guarantee a level playing ground for all online content and services.
The Federal Communications Commission in the United States takes net neutrality as “a national standard” to “ensure that broadband internet service is treated as an essential service.”
In 2015, it released new rules classifying broadband services as public utilities and outlawed throttling connection speeds and paid prioritization.
However, those rules were repealed two years later, essentially allowing ISPs to go back to their old practices of throttling and charging more for “fast lanes.”
But net neutrality was back as of April 2024. Does that mean your ISP no longer has the legal right to throttle your data in the United States?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Currently, your provider can still throttle you if:
- Your internet plan is capped, and you have exceeded your limit.
- There’s network congestion.
- The throttling doesn’t target specific sites.
How Can I Tell if I’m Being Throttled?
As mentioned earlier, not every internet connectivity issue points to ISP throttling. In reality, detecting throttling can be tricky. The most reliable approach involves using a virtual private network (VPN). Here are the steps you can take when you notice unusually slow connection speeds:
1. Conduct a Speed Test
Pop over to a free internet speed test tool like Ookla to measure your baseline connection speed. The result should show your download and upload speed. The former indicates how fast you can download files, while the latter reflects how quickly you can upload data. Note the resulting speed measurements.
2. Get a VPN
Download a reputable VPN service. You’ll have to pay a small subscription fee for the quality ones, as free services have too many limitations to be practical here. Download and install the VPN app from the official website or mobile app store. Log in with your newly created account credentials.
Stop Internet Throttling with NordVPN
3. Conduct the Speed Test Again
Connect to a nearby VPN server, then head back to the speed test tool and run the same test. You want to conduct the second test close to the time you did the control test. If your new speed test results indicate that your internet speed is significantly faster than before, your ISP may have throttled your speed due to network congestion.
How Can You Bypass ISP Throttling? Try These Approaches
If you’ve determined that your connection speed is being throttled, you probably want to bypass the restriction and return to your bufferless streaming or lag-less gaming.
The potential solutions below can help you stop Internet throttling.
1. Use a VPN
A VPN is the most effective way to get around ISP throttling.
If you’re wondering how that works, here goes: When you connect to a VPN, it encrypts your network traffic, making it unreadable to your ISP and other prying third parties. Meanwhile, that traffic is rerouted through a secure tunnel to a remote server. That spoofs your actual location (and what you’re doing online) from your monitoring ISP.
Aren’t you just playing into your ISP’s hands by using a VPN? After all, we mentioned that your service provider may throttle your connection if it detects VPN use. Well, some quality providers, such as those discussed below, obscure your VPN-enabled traffic, disguising it as regular network traffic.
2. Upgrade Your Plan
What about upgrading your internet plan? It’s a straightforward option for dealing with the most common forms of ISP throttling. That should come with a boost in bandwidth that improves your overall speed and reduces the chances of throttling. An unlimited plan may be a good idea if you consistently hit data caps and get throttled.
That said, you must consider the extra monthly costs of upgrading your plan. Check it to see if the benefits of a plan with a higher (or no) data cap justify the additional expense and if it fits into your budget. In addition, review the ISP’s policies to make sure you’re not just switching to a different plan with similar throttling.
3. Change Your ISP
Another way to avoid your ISP’s throttling practice is to avoid the ISP altogether. Different ISPs have different policies and practices regarding throttling. Switching your provider offers a fresh start, potentially with a new ISP that doesn’t slow down your connection speed and limit your internet experience.
When choosing a new ISP, you want to research a provider’s reputation for throttling and reliability. Read online reviews and user comments on social media.
What’s more, compare pricing and plans to find the best value for your money.
How to Stop ISP Throttling With a VPN
Of the approaches discussed above, a VPN is a convenient way to beat ISP throttling. It’s also far from complex. You just need a subscription to a trusted VPN service like NordVPN. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose a Reliable VPN Service: You want a speedy VPN with plenty of servers and advanced privacy features like obfuscation. Sign up and pay for a subscription plan.
- Download the VPN App: Download and install the VPN application on your device. Most top providers have apps for the popular platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS).
- Configure the VPN: Launch the app and sign in. Head to the settings and set up the VPN for private browsing. Enable the Kill Switch to prevent your traffic from leaking when the VPN connection drops. In addition, enable obfuscated servers if your VPN offers the feature.
- Connect to a Server: Navigate to the server selection menu and pick a server. Alternatively, head to obfuscated servers if you have a provider like NordVPN with a separate category. Click to connect to a server and wait a moment while the VPN establishes the connection.
- Browse Without Throttling: Now, you can go about your usual online activities without worrying about super-slow connection speeds.
What About VPN Throttling?
While a VPN can help you avoid ISP throttling, some VPN users are not immune to throttling. Ironic, isn’t it? The problem is that some services may cut into your VPN speed due to server congestion, limited bandwidth, data caps, or their own internal policies. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re trying to escape ISP throttling.
This situation is common with free VPNs. For example, if you choose a free provider with a bandwidth limit and then reach the data limit you’re allowed to transmit during a given period while connected to the VPN, it may reduce your connection speed until the next bandwidth cycle.
To avoid this:
- Read our VPN reviews to choose one with a track record and reputation for consistent speeds and no bandwidth or data limits.
- Select VPN servers located nearby to reduce latency.
- Study the terms and conditions of your VPN service, including any policies on bandwidth limitations or usage caps.
The Best VPNs for Stopping ISP Throttling
By now, you must have gotten the hint that using a VPN is the best way around ISP throttling. But with so many VPNs promising high-quality service, how do you know which is legit?
With the carefully curated list below, we made it easier to choose.
9200 servers
167 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a highly reputable, super-secure provider based in Panama. According to our extensive tests, it is the best VPN to stop Internet throttling.
That data privacy-friendly headquarters means it isn’t mandated to store user logs. Just to be sure, it operates a strict no-logs policy that multiple independent audits have verified.
NordVPN implements military-grade AES 256-bit to scramble your data, so not even your ISP can make out what you’re doing online. It also offers an advanced kill switch and specialized obfuscated servers to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
The provider offers the fastest connection speeds in the industry. Thanks to its well-maintained network, high-bandwidth servers, and custom NordLynx protocols, you won’t notice a performance drop. Plus, there are no data caps or bandwidth limits to worry about.
NordVPN is widely compatible with native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as manual configurations for a bunch of other platforms and devices. One subscription covers up to 10 devices at once.
Best of all, the VPN’s subscription prices aren’t expensive. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you have ample time to decide if it’s the best solution to bypass ISP throttling.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN presents reliability and an ultra-secure experience in a lightweight, user-friendly package. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, outside any intelligence-gathering jurisdiction. Like NordVPN, it has commissioned multiple independent audits of its no-logs policy.
We especially like the fact that the provider automatically disguises your VPN traffic as long as you’re connected to its Lightway protocol (set by default). That means your VPN can’t see your activities or that you’re using a VPN, and so can’t throttle your connection. It employs industry-standard encryption and is loaded with advanced privacy tools.
On top of that, ExpressVPN guarantees stable, reliable connection speeds for online gaming, browsing, and downloads. Plus, you can stream all you want without enduring frustrating buffering. It’s so performance-friendly that we consider it one of the fastest VPN services on the market.
If we must pick out a flaw, it’s the VPN’s rather expensive pricing. When you purchase an account, your active subscription lets you connect up to eight devices simultaneously. You can check out the VPN’s service before committing to the long-term, thanks to its 30-day refund window.
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access makes this list despite being based in the United States, where ISPs have been known to throttle connection speeds and browsing sessions can be logged. However, after twice battling it out in court and commissioning third-party checks of its no-logs policy, it has convinced us that there’s nothing to worry about in that area.
Building on that, PIA is a feature-packed service. For instance, it offers Multi-Hop, a way to layer your VPN connection with even more security.
Activating PIA’s Multi-Hop also disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic to trick your ISP, potentially preventing it from throttling you when using a VPN. Furthermore, there’s no bandwidth or data cap.
For all that, PIA has some of the cheapest VPN plans you can buy. To make it stand out even more, PIA allows you to connect as many devices as you want to a single subscription. And then, it wraps up that excellent value-for-money offering with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Final Thoughts
We hope this comprehensive guide answers all your questions surrounding ISP throttling.
We discussed what it is, how to detect it, and the sure-fire approaches for bypassing Internet throttling. Remember, even though net neutrality rules are back in place, there’s still a real chance that your ISP will throttle your internet connection when you engage in bandwidth-heavy activities.
The most reliable way to get around ISP throttling is a quality VPN like those we highlighted and discussed above. NordVPN is our favorite option, for good reason. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to check it out risk-free.
FAQs
You now know what Internet throttling is and how to stop your ISP from doing it, but you might still have some unanswered questions.
How can I tell if my ISP is throttling my internet?
Signs of throttling include:
- Sudden slowdowns during streaming or gaming
- Buffering on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu
- Reduced speeds at specific times of day (peak hours)
- Speed test differences between regular use and VPN use
You can confirm by running speed tests with and without a VPN. If speeds are faster with a VPN, throttling is likely.
Can a VPN slow down your connection speed?
Yes, your internet connection speed takes a hit because of the extra steps a VPN adds to the connection process. However, the drop in performance is barely felt with the best VPNs. What’s more, in the case of ISP throttling, a VPN can actually increase your original connection speed.
How do I stop my ISP from throttling my Internet?
The most effective way to stop ISP throttling is using a quality VPN. A VPN encrypts your network traffic and hides your online activities from your ISP. It also masks your actual location.
Is ISP throttling legal?
That largely depends on where you are. For instance, an ISP can only throttle data under very specific conditions in the United States, thanks to the FCC’s net neutrality laws.
Does ISP throttling affect both mobile and home internet?
Yes. Carriers and ISPs can throttle mobile data and home broadband connections alike, especially for activities like video streaming, hotspot use, or torrenting.
Can ISP throttling affect online gaming?
Yes. Throttling can cause lag, high ping, and packet loss, making online gaming frustrating. Using a fast VPN can stabilize your connection and reduce these issues.