card

Why you can’t judge a VPN by its server count

12.03.2025
39

Considering a VPN to enhance your online privacy, access restricted content, or avoid ISP throttling? Great decision! But before you commit, think about this: is the number of servers the only factor that matters?

While VPN providers often boast about their server count, there’s a lot more to consider. Simply choosing a VPN for its vast number of servers might leave you disappointed if it doesn’t deliver on other critical aspects. In this article, we’ll dive into why server count alone shouldn’t drive your VPN choice and explore what makes a VPN truly reliable.

Why a higher server count doesn’t always mean better performance

When a VPN has more servers, users have more options, theoretically reducing server load. However, the quality of these servers and other key factors play a larger role in determining your VPN experience. Here’s why server count isn’t the best measure of a VPN’s effectiveness.

Server quality and evolution

The quality of a VPN’s servers depends on the technology they use. Older, budget servers won’t perform as well as newer, high-performance ones. But even a VPN with advanced servers might not be ideal if it doesn’t provide the necessary support for your needs. Reliable providers like Hide Expert VPN ensure their servers evolve with technology, enhancing speed, security, and connectivity.

Your internet connection matters

VPN performance depends on the quality of your internet connection. Even if a VPN offers advanced servers, a slow or limited internet connection can impact speed. For optimal performance, a VPN server needs good uplinks, which rely on adequate bandwidth. A high server count doesn’t offset a poor internet connection; instead, focus on finding a VPN that complements your internet speed.

Intent and usage matter too

A VPN’s utility varies depending on your purpose. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or browsing, specific VPNs cater to these needs with specialised servers. High-speed servers optimised for streaming or gaming, like those offered by our service, enable smoother experiences and can reduce risks of lag or connection drops. While high-tech servers are crucial, your needs should guide your choice.

More tips: How can I make a VPN use less mobile data.

The location of servers is key

Proximity to the server can greatly influence your VPN experience. Choosing a VPN with servers near you typically results in better speed since closer servers reduce latency. A VPN with thousands of servers far from your location may not offer better performance than one with fewer, closer servers. Make sure to check if your provider offers servers in areas relevant to your usage.

Additional factors to consider

While it’s tempting to go for the VPN with the most servers, server count shouldn’t be the only consideration. Here are some tips to help you select a VPN that meets your needs:

  • Security and encryption standards: Opt for a VPN that provides strong encryption, like AES-256, to protect your data from prying eyes.
  • Reliability in different scenarios: Look for consistent performance, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or browsing.
  • Customer support: A VPN with responsive customer support can assist if you encounter issues, enhancing your user experience.
  • User-friendly interface and features: Extra features like split tunnelling and ad blockers can improve functionality, making your VPN more versatile.

Learn more: What to look for when buying a VPN?

Final thoughts

Choosing a VPN based solely on server count can lead to a less-than-ideal experience. Factors like server quality, connection speed, server location, and features are all important when evaluating a VPN. With a well-rounded provider like Hide Expert VPN, you can ensure that every server contributes to a secure, fast, and reliable connection—offering more than just impressive numbers.