Will VPN drain your battery? How to save battery while using VPN?

Dominic David

Sep 21, 2023 | 8 min read

VPN
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Overview

VPN is a tool that can protect your online privacy and security, allowing you to browse anonymously on public networks, bypass geographical restrictions, and access blocked websites and apps. However, using a VPN also has some drawbacks, one of which is that it may increase your device's power consumption. So, does VPN drain your battery? Why does VPN consume battery power? How much battery does VPN use? Is there a way to save battery life while using a VPN?

Does VPN drain your battery?

How much battery does VPN use?

Why use a VPN?

How to save battery while using a VPN?

Recommended: MetroVPN

Does VPN drain your battery?

The answer is: it depends on the type of VPN you're using and its settings. Generally, using a VPN will consume more power compared to not using one because it needs to establish an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. This process involves data encryption and decryption, as well as additional network hops, all of which utilize your device's CPU and RAM resources , leading to increased power consumption. Additionally, if you're using complex VPN protocols or encryption algorithms or connecting to a VPN server far away from you, your device will need to do more work to maintain the VPN connection, which can also result in higher battery consumption.

How much battery does VPN use?

Specifically, how much battery a VPN uses depends on many factors, such as the type of device you're using, the operating system, network conditions, VPN settings, and more. Therefore, it's difficult to provide an exact number. However, based on some tests and research, we can draw some rough conclusions:

Using a VPN may increase battery consumption by 5% to 15%.
Different VPN protocols and encryption algorithms have varying impacts on battery consumption. Generally, more complex and secure protocols and algorithms tend to consume more power.

Why use a VPN?

While using a VPN may increase your device's power consumption, it doesn't mean you should forego using one. In fact, there are many benefits to using a VPN, including:

① Protecting your online privacy and security

A VPN can help you browse anonymously on public networks, preventing hackers, ISPs, governments, or other third parties from spying on or stealing your personal data.

② Bypassing geographical restrictions to access blocked websites and apps

A VPN can make you appear as if you're from another country or region, unlocking vast content libraries on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, and more.

③ Improving your network speed and stability

VPNs can help you avoid ISP throttling or interference and network congestion or failures, enhancing your online experience.

How to save battery while using a VPN?

Since using a VPN has many advantages, how can you save battery while using one? Here are some practical tips:

① Choose a high-quality VPN service provider

As mentioned earlier, different VPN providers have varying impacts on battery consumption. Selecting a high-quality VPN service provider can offer you a faster, more stable, and secure VPN connection while reducing the impact on battery consumption.

② Choose a VPN server closest to you

Connecting to a VPN server that's closest to your location can reduce the distance and time data needs to travel over the network, thus lowering battery consumption. MetroVPN offers a Smart Connect feature that automatically selects the optimal VPN server for you, eliminating the need for manual selection.

③ Close unnecessary apps and services

When using a VPN, try to close apps and services you don't need, such as Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, background updates, and more. These apps and services consume your device's resources and battery and can potentially interfere with your VPN connection. Closing them can help you save battery and improve your VPN connection quality.

④ Use power-saving modes

When using a VPN, opt for power-saving or low-power modes. These modes reduce screen brightness, CPU frequencies, RAM usage, and more, conserving battery power and extending your device's usage time.

Recommended: MetroVPN

If you're looking to use a VPN service, I highly recommend using MetroVPN . MetroVPN is a professional, secure, fast, stable, user-friendly, free, and power-saving VPN service with the following advantages:

① Encrypts network activity

MetroVPN ensures that all your internet traffic is encrypted, providing a secure and private connection while browsing.

② Surf anonymously

With MetroVPN , you can browse the internet without revealing your real IP address, maintaining anonymity and online privacy.

③ Strict no-logs policy

MetroVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don't track or store any of your online activities, ensuring the confidentiality of your data.

④ Ultra-fast speed

MetroVPN offers high-speed servers, allowing you to enjoy smooth and seamless browsing without sacrificing performance.

⑤ Access restricted content

By connecting to MetroVPN 's 6,500+ servers, you can bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be blocked or unavailable in your region.