VPN users often assume that the more servers a provider offers, the better the overall experience will be. However, Marijus Briedis, CEO of NordVPN, challenges this common notion by stressing that server quality carries far more weight than sheer server quantity.
The Importance of Server Quality Over Quantity
NordVPN deliberately limits server load to only 30% capacity per server. This tactic ensures that each user enjoys consistent high-speed connections and reliable performance. The focus is on maintaining ample bandwidth for every individual user rather than simply increasing the number of servers available.
How Server Load Affects VPN Speed and Reliability
Heavy server load can result in slower speeds, increased latency, and interrupted connections. By restricting the percentage of server occupancy, NordVPN preserves network stability and reduces bottlenecks. This approach directly impacts user experience, particularly during peak traffic times when multiple people connect through popular locations.
When Does Server Count Matter?
While quality takes the forefront, server count still plays a role in distributing user demand across different geographic areas. Cities with dense populations and high VPN usage—Tokyo or New York, for example—benefit from more servers spread across multiple locations. These additional servers help prevent overcrowding but only if their individual performance is managed properly.
Beyond Servers: Holistic VPN Selection Criteria
Consumers should assess more than just the server count when choosing a VPN service. Critical factors include price competitiveness, the range of supported devices, and credible user reviews that reflect real-world performance. A VPN’s ability to balance these aspects alongside server quality will often deliver a more satisfying and secure browsing experience.
Bandwidth Availability as a Performance Indicator
Bandwidth availability per server is a key metric often overlooked in favor of raw numbers. Ample bandwidth allows for smoother streaming, faster downloads, and secure connections without throttling. NordVPN’s strategy emphasizes this by maintaining low server occupancy, maximizing the available bandwidth for every user.
User Experience Validates the Quality-First Approach
Frequent feedback from NordVPN users highlights consistent high-speed connections and minimal downtime, even during periods of heavy usage. This consistency validates the CEO’s stance that prioritizing server quality alongside a moderate load capacity delivers better results than purely expanding server quantity.
Choosing the Right VPN: A Balanced Perspective
A measured approach combining moderate server counts with strict load limits usually outperforms a VPN boasting thousands of servers without clear service management. Evaluating how a VPN provider handles network distribution and resource allocation can guide users toward smarter decisions that align with their specific needs.
Incorporating these insights helps demystify the VPN selection process. Instead of chasing the highest server numbers, focusing on providers like NordVPN that prioritize quality and bandwidth ensures a more reliable and efficient service overall.