No More ISP Throttling: How to Bypass Bandwidth Limit 2024

Key Takeaways: How to Bypass Bandwidth Limits
  • Bandwidth throttling (or ISP throttling) happens when your ISP (internet service provider) deliberately restricts your network capacity.
  • Your ISP may limit bandwidth and slow down internet speeds to decrease operational costs, ease network congestion or prioritize particular traffic — or because you’ve hit a data cap.
  • You can use a reputable VPN service to avoid ISP throttling and maintain a fast internet connection.

Facts & Expert Analysis About Internet Service Provider Throttling

  • The FCC and network priority: Legislation in April 2024 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibits ISPs from throttling lawful content, so bandwidth throttling in the U.S. should ease up.1
  • Internet throttling is more common on mobile devices: Mobile carriers often deliberately slow down internet speeds for streaming to avoid congestion.
  • Bypass throttling with a VPN: Experts suggest connecting to a VPN server to avoid slowdowns in your internet connection.

Few things are more frustrating than slow speeds when you’re streaming a sporting event or playing a fast-action online game. ISP throttling could be causing the drop in speed, which involves your internet service provider (ISP) restricting bandwidth based on your online activity. Fortunately, with the help of a top VPN, you can learn how to bypass bandwidth limit restrictions.

A VPN encrypts your connection so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online and therefore can’t limit your bandwidth. In this article, we’ll show you just how simple it is to bypass bandwidth throttling with a virtual private network (VPN). Plus, we’ll explain exactly what bandwidth throttling is and why ISPs choose to implement it.

Meet the experts

Learn more about our editorial team and our research process.

  • 06/24/2024 Facts checked

    We rewrote our guide on how to bypass bandwidth limits to include new information and an easier-to-read format.

What Is Bandwidth Throttling?

Bandwidth throttling happens when your ISP deliberately limits the speed and amount of data your network connection can accommodate. You’ll find this is typically due to engaging in high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming, downloading large files or playing online games.

High-bandwidth activities take up a lot of room on your ISP’s network, which can cause congestion and prevent other users from accessing the internet without issues. To combat this, your ISP detects your online activity and places temporary limits on your connection if you’re using a lot of bandwidth.

Why Do ISPs Set Bandwidth Limits?

It’s expensive for an ISP to run a network. As the user base grows, it costs more for the ISP to accommodate connections. One way to save money is bandwidth throttling, which reduces data usage on the network without increasing network capacity. Even if your contract states you have unlimited bandwidth, your ISP may still limit your connection to reduce costs.

You may find some ISPs use bandwidth throttling as a means of “network prioritization.” This involves ISPs prioritizing some traffic (for example, video calls) over other traffic it deems less important (like streaming content). Though prioritization can keep internet speeds fast for critical traffic, you can experience bandwidth throttling while engaging in other online activities.

It’s also common for ISPs to impose a limit if you’ve hit your data cap. Instead of cutting off your internet connection, your ISP will place restrictions on your bandwidth. This significantly slows your internet speed, making it difficult to get the best internet speeds for streaming, torrenting or gaming — and it’s a great way for your ISP to encourage you to upgrade your subscription.

How to Bypass ISP Speed Limit Restrictions & Use WiFi Smoothly for Better Download Speed

The easiest and most effective way to bypass ISP throttling is to use a tried-and-trusted VPN service. A VPN securely routes your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel, making it impossible for internet service providers to detect your internet traffic.

vpn ISP throttling
A VPN prevents ISP throttling by hiding your online activity.

When you’re connected to a VPN server, your traffic is effectively hidden from anyone who may be watching, including your internet service provider. If your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online — like streaming on Netflix or torrenting — it won’t trigger a slowdown in your internet speed.

How to Stop ISP Throttling with a VPN: Step-by-Step Guide 

It’s important to use the right VPN to bypass bandwidth throttling. Choose one with top security and privacy features like AES 256-bit encryption, data leak protection and robust protocols that keep your connection speed fast. Our experts recommend ExpressVPN, so we’ll be using it in this guide to show you how to bypass bandwidth limit restrictions.

  1. Subscribe to Your Chosen VPN

    Visit your chosen VPN’s official website and sign up for a subscription — you’ll find several plans, so pick the one that best suits your needs. You can also take ExpressVPN for a spin with its 30-day money-back guarantee to see if it’s right for you.

    get-expressvpn
  2. Download and Install Your VPN

    Once you’ve subscribed, log in to your new VPN account through your web browser and find the app downloads. There, you can choose the correct app to download and install on your device.

    expressvpn account device download options
  3. Sign in to Your VPN App

    After you’ve installed the app, sign in with your login details. This could be an activation code, an email link or a username and password. Your VPN will guide you through the setup wizard, where you can customize some of your app preferences.

    expressvpn windows app setup
  4. Connect to a VPN Server

    To establish a secure connection that avoids ISP bandwidth throttling, connect to one of the VPN’s servers. You can let the VPN choose the nearest server for the best speeds, or pick a specific location — for example, choose a U.S. server if you want to stream Netflix U.S.

    expressvpn new jersey
  5. Enjoy the Internet While Bypassing ISP Throttling

    That’s it! You’re free to browse the web, download P2P files or watch your favorite streaming services while bypassing ISP speed limits. You’ll no longer experience throttling, as your activity is securely encrypted and undetectable to your ISP.

    expressvpn netflix usa

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Best VPN to Bypass ISP Throttling

A VPN helps you avoid internet throttling by preventing your ISP from detecting your online activity, ensuring your connection speed isn’t limited due to streaming, torrenting or gaming. Below are the top three VPN services that can help you bypass throttling and keep your internet speed fast.

1. ExpressVPN

expressvpn protocol selection
ExpressVPN’s top security features hide your activity from your ISP.

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to stop ISP throttling, with premium security features like AES 256-bit encryption, built-in obfuscation on all servers, and data leak protection that effectively hide the content of your internet traffic. Take a look at our ExpressVPN review for a full breakdown. You’ll get access to numerous server locations and fast speeds that won’t significantly impact your connection.

Logo: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Plans
  • Unlimited GB
  • 8
  • Yes
30-days money-back guarantee
1-month plan, 6-months plan
1-month plan
$12.95/month
6-months plan
$9.99/month
$59.94 billed every 6 month
Save 22%
15-months plan
$6.66/month
$99.95 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter
Save 48%

2. NordVPN

nordvpn obfuscated servers
NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are ideal for masking your online activity.

Specialty obfuscated servers hide VPN use and make it impossible for your ISP to detect when you’re engaged in high-bandwidth activities, thus helping you avoid internet throttling. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol also keeps speeds impressively fast. Check out our full speed test results and information about subscription plans in our NordVPN review.

Logo: NordVPN

30-days money-back guarantee
Basic
  • *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 6
  • Yes
1-month plan, 15-months plan
1-month plan
$12.99/month
15-months plan
$4.59/month
$68.85 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter
Save 64%
2-year plan + 3 months
$3.09/month
$83.43 billed every 2 years
Save 76%
Plus
  • *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 6
  • Yes
1-month plan, 15-months plan
1-month plan
$13.99/month
15-months plan
$5.49/month
$82.35 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter
Save 60%
2-year plan + 3 months
$3.99/month
$107.73 billed every 2 years
Save 71%
Ultimate
  • *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 6
  • Yes
1-month plan, 15-months plan
1-month plan
$15.99/month
15-months plan
$7.49/month
$112.35 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter
Save 53%
2-year plan + 3 months
$5.99/month
$161.73 billed every 2 years
Save 62%

3. Surfshark

surfshark connected uk server
Surfshark is a low-cost option that helps avoid ISP slowdowns.

Surfshark is a VPN that offers unlimited connections to stop internet throttling on your entire network of devices. Its speeds aren’t as fast as those of NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but its robust security suite stops your ISP from detecting your activity. It also has affordable long-term plans, and also plans bundled with other security tools. Read more in our Surfshark review.

Logo: Surfshark

30-days money-back guarantee
Surfshark Starter
  • Unlimited GB bandwidth,
    Unlimited devices,
    Secure VPN,
    Ad blocker,
    Cookie pop-up blocker.
    Plans renew: $231.75 for one year, $417.15 for two years
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
  • Yes
1-month plan, 15-months plan
1-month plan
$15.45/month
15-months plan
$2.79/month
$41.86 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter
Save 81%
2-year plan + 3 months
$2.19/month
$59.13 billed every 2 years
Save 85%
Surfshark One
  • Everything in Starter, plus
    Antivirus protection,
    Identity protection,
    Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts,
    Online Alias
    Plans renew: $239.25 for one year, $430.65 for two years.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
1-month plan, 15-months plan
1-month plan
$15.95/month
15-months plan
$3.19/month
$47.85 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter
Save 80%
2-year plan + 3 months
$2.69/month
$72.63 billed every 2 years
Save 83%
Surfshark One+
  • Everything in One, plus
    Data removal
    Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
1-month plan, 15-months plan
1-month plan
$17.95/month
15-months plan
$5.09/month
$76.35 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter
Save 71%
2-year plan + 3 months
$4.29/month
$115.83 billed every 2 years
Save 76%

Can I Bypass ISP Bandwidth Limits Without a VPN? 

You can try one of the top free VPNs if you don’t want to use a paid VPN. Should you want to avoid VPNs altogether, there are a few other ways to avoid ISP throttling. However, these methods aren’t as fast, easy or effective as using a VPN. Here are other options for how to bypass bandwidth limit restrictions.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan

Subscribing to a package that offers improved speeds and has no data caps may stop bandwidth throttling, but it’ll be more expensive.

Switch Providers

You can change to a different provider that offers higher-quality service with an unlimited data plan, but this can be a tedious and costly process.

Use a Proxy Server

Try a reputable proxy server that won’t leak data to your ISP. However, note that most proxies don’t offer encryption, have limited security features and impose data caps.

Try the Tor Browser

You can try using the Tor browser as a last resort. Like a VPN, it can hide your traffic from your ISP, but you may find your connection is even slower than with ISP throttling. You can learn more in our Tor browser review.

Final Thoughts

If you want to prevent ISP throttling while engaging in high-bandwidth activities, we recommend using a VPN. It’s a great way to stop your ISP from detecting your traffic, and it helps boost your online security. A service like ExpressVPN is a great choice, with fast connections and impressive features that keep your data securely hidden.

Did you find our guide on how to bypass bandwidth limit restrictions helpful? Have you experienced bandwidth restrictions? Which VPN provider helped you bypass throttling for smooth, uninterrupted internet access? Do you use other methods to avoid bandwidth throttling? Let us know in the comments below and, as always, thank you for reading.

FAQ: How to Fix ISP Throttling

  • If your ISP does not provide unlimited bandwidth, you cannot bypass the limit (even with a high-quality VPN provider). Your options are either to upgrade to an unlimited-bandwidth internet plan with your current ISP or to switch to a new internet provider.

  • You can stop bandwidth caps by choosing an internet plan that offers unlimited bandwidth. Otherwise, make sure you carefully monitor your bandwidth and data usage to avoid hitting the cap. You can also save bandwidth by decreasing the video quality when streaming or by switching on an ad blocker while browsing.

  • The easiest way to tell if your ISP is throttling your speed is to run an internet speed test both with and without a VPN connection. If your speed tests show your connection is significantly faster when the VPN is connected, you’re likely encountering speed limits caused by ISP throttling.

Sources:

  1. FCC — FCC Restores Net Neutrality

The post How to Bypass Bandwidth Limit & Stop Internet Throttling in 2024 appeared first on Cloudwards.

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