A Full Guide to Choose the Best VPN Server Location

Choosing the best VPN server location can significantly enhance your online experience, whether aiming for improved security, faster Internet speeds, or access to geo-restricted content.

This article will guide you through the important factors to consider as a VPN user choosing a VPN server location, ensuring you make a positive decision to satisfy your needs.

What is a VPN Server?

A VPN server is a remote server that connects your device to the Internet. When you connect to a VPN, your Internet traffic is routed through this server, which hides your IP address and encrypts your data.

This procedure safeguards your online activities while making it look like you are accessing the Internet from the server’s location.

For example, if you are in China but want to access US Netflix, all you need to do is connect your device to the VPN and choose a server in the US. Refresh your browser, and you’ll be all set.

Why Does Location Matter?

The VPN server that you connect has a specific location, which can impact various aspects of your Internet usage:

1. Speed and Latency: The physical distance between you and the server can affect your connection speed. Closer servers usually offer faster speeds.So, if you are accessing a server from India, choose one from Singapore, Hong Kong, or Korea.
2. Access to Content: Different countries have different content restrictions. The server location determines what content you can access.This means that if you want to watch BBC iPlayer, you must choose a server in the UK, as IP addresses in the UK can only access content based in that country.
3. Privacy and Security: Some countries have strict data monitoring laws that could affect your privacy.China, for instance, has strict monitoring, so if you are using the local Internet without a VPN, say goodbye to your Internet privacy.

9 Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN Server Location

You need to keep certain factors in mind before connecting to a VPN server. Here are some listed:

1. Purpose of Using a VPN

Understanding why you need a VPN is the most important step before you choose the right server location. Common reasons include:

• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: To access content that is not available or restricted in a specific country or location, choose a server there. For example, to watch US Netflix, connect to a US server or UK server for BBC iPlayer, as mentioned before.
• Enhanced Privacy: For maximum privacy, select VPNs with strict no-log policies so that they remain secure even if a vulnerability occurs. You should also choose servers in countries with strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention policies.
• Maximum Security: VPNs provide maximum security for the data you pass through the servers. The servers are highly encrypted with a military-grade encryption system, preventing data leaks.

2. Proximity to the Server

If the server is closer to your current location, the latency is low, so your connection will be faster. This is necessary for high-speed Internet activities like streaming and gaming.

• Local Servers: Connect to a server within your country or region for general browsing and minimal latency.
• International Servers: To access content from specific regions, select servers in those countries. However, this may increase latency.

3. Server Load and Capacity

A server with too many users will have slower speeds due to congestion. Check your VPN provider’s app for real-time server load statistics to choose a server with a low load.

4. Privacy Laws and Regulations

Some countries have strict data retention laws that could compromise your privacy. Avoid servers in countries with invasive data laws and prefer those in jurisdictions known for their strong privacy protections.

5. VPN Provider’s Server Network

A wider server network provides more choices and the ability to switch servers if one becomes too congested or fails. Look for VPN providers with extensive server lists across various countries.

6. Specialty Servers

Some VPN providers, such as Symlex VPN, offer specialty servers dedicated for specific activities, such as streaming, gaming, and high-speed servers, as well as loyalty servers for special users. These servers are configured to provide the best performance for these tasks.

7. ISP Throttling and Censorship

If your ISP throttles your bandwidth for certain activities, such as streaming or torrenting, choosing a server location where such activities are not throttled can improve your experience. Additionally, some countries censor certain types of content, so selecting a server in a more open country can help bypass these restrictions.

8. DNS and IP Leak Protection

Ensure the VPN server you choose offers robust DNS and IP leak protection. This prevents your location from being exposed even if your VPN connection drops.

9. Test Before Committing

Many VPN services have free trials or money-back guarantees. Use these opportunities to test various server locations to find the one that best meets your needs in terms of speed, accessibility, and privacy.

Common Use Cases and Recommended Server Locations

1. Streaming and Bypassing Geo-Restrictions

• US Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime USA: Connect to servers in the US.
• BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime UK: Use servers in the UK.
• Disney+ Hotstar: Any server in India, preferably Mumbai.

2. Enhanced Privacy and Security

• Use servers in Switzerland or Iceland for strong privacy protection from regular surveillance.
• Evade Censorship by choosing servers in countries like the Netherlands or Sweden, which have less restrictive Internet policies.

3. Gaming

• Choose the server closest to your location for minimum latency.
• To reduce ping times, connect to servers in the country where the game server is located.

4. P2P File Sharing and Torrenting

• High-Speed Servers: Choose servers in countries with favorable file-sharing policies, such as the Netherlands or Switzerland.
• Avoid DMCA Notices: Choose servers in countries with more lenient copyright enforcement.

5. Business Use

• Use servers in the country where you need to access regional business services.
• Secure Remote Work: To ensure the confidentiality of your business data, choose servers in countries with strong data protection laws.

Conclusion

Choosing the best VPN server location is crucial for improving your online experience and securing your digital footprint. You can select a VPN server that meets your specific requirements by considering your purpose, proximity to the server, privacy laws, server load, and specialty needs. Whether you want to stream content, enhance your privacy, or bypass censorship, the right server location can make all the difference.