Beginner’s Guide: TCP vs. UDP VPN – Which is Better?
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When it comes to data transmission through a VPN, the speed and reliability of the transfer mainly depends on the protocol you are using.
There are two types you can choose from – Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and user datagram protocol (UDP).
If you have used any good VPN app from providers like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, or NordVPN as well as many others, you will find both options in the settings area.
Basically, they both do the same thing, allowing you to transfer data. However, they do this in different ways, which means that it is important to use the method you use.
Basically, one of them FasterThe other is more trusted.
So, depending on what you need, speed or reliability, it is better to know which one to use, and what are the differences between them.
So, let’s start from the beginning and work through it step by step, until you have a better understanding that will allow you to choose the right option for your needs.
What is TCP and UDP and how do they work?
As mentioned, TCP and UDP are network protocols that you can use to transfer data over the Internet.
Data flows from your device to a server you connect to. This means that you use one of these protocols for every action you do online, whether it’s watching online videos, listening to music, chatting with friends, reading articles (yes, you’re using one right now) or something else.
As for how these protocols work, we mentioned that they do pretty much the same thing.
They divide your data into data packets, which are smaller units that are easier to send and receive.
Top tip
data packets It’s like cutting a huge cake into pieces much easier and sending them one by one in smaller boxes.
These packets include various technical details, such as different configurations, your IP address, the server IP address, the data you send, and information that indicates the packet has expired, called the trailer.
However, the difference lies in how this data is transmitted.
How does TCP transfer data?
TCP It is the most widely used protocol, and usually considered the most reliable. When we send data over the Internet, for the most part, we care about reliability, not speed.
So, as mentioned, TCP splits the data into packets, and each packet gets a piece of data known as an identifier.
Besides, it gets a serial number that allows the receiver to identify packets. This way, you know which comes first, and which comes second, allowing it to be reassembled into one complete piece, like putting the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle back together.
Once the packet reaches its destination, a signal is sent to the sender notifying him of the successful transfer.
Top tip
“Successful Transfer” is one of the main features that distinguishes TCP from UDP.
After that, the next package follows, and the process is repeated. If the recipient does not send the acknowledgment signal, the sender sends the same packet again, assuming the first packet is lost.
This way, errors are easier to identify and fix, and the files will arrive steadily and in the correct order.
In the end, the chances of complete data access are much higher. But the downside is that it takes a long time because of all that communication.
NordVPN He says “Because the data is sent sequentially, it helps with data congestion and flow control, and makes it easy to spot and fix any errors” (source).
How does UDP transfer data?
On the other hand, we have UDP, which is much faster but also less reliable.
Where TCP sends data packet by packet, with a connection confirming each previous packet has arrived before sending the next, UDP sends packets in a stream.
Packets are transmitted one by one, but without delay waiting Received all the answer, which makes things faster. However, it also makes it impossible to detect and fix potential errors or packages that have been lost along the way.
Top tip
UDP is like sending an item through the postal system without taking a delivery signature at the end.
In other words, if a packet gets lost in the stream somehow, it simply won’t arrive and the sender will never know that it needs to be sent again.
The recipient will still send an acknowledgment, although once the data transfer is complete in bulk, rather than confirming each segment.
Which protocol to use?
As mentioned, both protocols are VPN compatible, which means you can use either of them, depending on your preference.
Both work well with OpenVPN, which has grown to become the default VPN protocol for most providers.
ExpressVPN allows you to choose between the two when using OpenVPN.
In this way, the privacy and security of your data is guaranteed. As for which one to choose, as mentioned, it depends on why you’re using a VPN in the first place.
Of course, the reliability of TCP may mean that using this protocol is always the best option.
ProtonVPN It states that “TCP may allow you to use your VPN even if you are in a country that blocks VPNs”. (source)
However, this is not necessarily the case. UDP is great for tasks that require fast data transfers, such as live streaming, online gaming, and even VoIP services.
If you have an unreliable internet connection then TCP is much better although you will lose speed.
So in the end it’s all about ‘speed’ or ‘reliability’.
However, don’t worry too much as with most modern devices and fast internet connections while you will notice a difference in speed when testing speeds, you are unlikely to actually notice it.
conclusion
Ultimately, choosing between the two protocols depends on your plans.
For normal and casual browsing, any of them are likely to do the trick. For sensitive actions, where you want your files to be fully delivered, go with TCP.
On the other hand, if you want your files to go as fast as torrenting or streaming, and can afford to lose a packet or two along the way, UDP is the way to go.
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