In 2014, Wicked Technology Limited, a Hong Kong-based company, introduced VPN.ht to the world. Initially, this virtual private network was integrated with the Popcorn Time BitTorrent platform, but the collaboration was terminated at a later stage.
VPN.ht proudly asserts that their software ensures absolute online anonymity for users. To visually portray their claims, they employ a delightful ensemble of charming and imaginative extraterrestrial guides.
However, a VPN cannot solely rely on the presence of whimsical alien mascots donning bowler hats on their eye stalks to establish its quality.
A successful VPN necessitates a perfect blend of security, functionality, and excellent customer support.
In this comprehensive review of VPN.ht, we shall determine whether this endearing character proves capable of meeting those requirements or if it’s advisable to steer clear of it altogether.
Table of Contents
Overview of VPN.ht Review By Review – itis
| OVERALL RANK: | 62 |
| USABILITY: | Easy to install and use |
| LOG FILES: | No Logging Policy |
| LOCATIONS: | 24 countries, 128 servers |
| SUPPORT: | Quick and easy |
| TORRENTING: | Allowed |
| NETFLIX: | Unblocks Netflix USA |
| ENCRYPTION/PROTOCOL: | AES 256-bit encryption; OpenVPN |
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE: | www.VPN.ht |
VPN.ht Pros
I was genuinely delighted by the multitude of commendable aspects that this VPN offers.
Their commitment to a comprehensive no-logging policy is truly impressive. They refrain from storing any data that could potentially identify you, as well as abstain from tracking your usage information.
The implementation of highly secure VPN protocols and encryption standards sets them apart, ensuring top-notch protection for users.
Furthermore, every server we tested seamlessly supported Netflix without any limitations. Yup, you heard it right – all of them!
Now, let’s delve into the myriad of positive attributes that this program possesses, appreciating the extent of its excellence.
1. Strict No-Logging Policy
It goes against the fundamental purpose of a VPN to retain logs of your information.
When utilizing a VPN, the primary objective is to attain security and anonymity. However, numerous VPNs persist in logging significant personal data and monitoring user activities during their service.
While your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may remain oblivious to your online activities, your VPN remains aware.
VPN.ht, on the other hand, promptly declares its stance of maintaining a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no records are kept.
They reiterate this statement multipletimes.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that a company’s official website can sometimes be misleading. To ensure complete transparency and uncover any hidden truths, it is always recommended to thoroughly review the privacy policy.
In my quest for VPN.ht’s policy, I had to engage in some investigation as it was discreetly tucked away within their Terms of Use page.
And there you have it. VPN.ht refrains from logging your online activities and does not retain any personally identifiable information (PII).
Such remarkable news instills a sense of hope and optimism for this VPN provider.
2. Secure VPN Protocol & Encryption
The next crucial step in assessing a VPN involves examining the protocols and encryption methods employed, as they form another vital piece of the security puzzle. It is crucial to guarantee that even in a VPN service refrains from logging your information, it remains resilient against potential hacking attempts aimed at compromising your data.
Fortunately, this is not a concern with VPN.ht.
As their tunneling protocol, VPN.ht utilizes OpenVPN, widely regarded as the premier VPN protocol worldwide. What sets it apart?
OpenVPN is an open-source protocol, continuously maintained by the collective expertise of the entire online security community. This makes it the optimal choice, developed by the brightest minds in the security industry.
Additionally, VPN.ht employs AES 256-bit encryption, which has proven to be impervious even to the most advanced modern supercomputers. Notably, this encryption standard is utilized by the United States military, the NSA, the FBI, and prominent tech giants like Microsoft and Apple.
Rest assured, you’re in excellent company when it comes to the strength and reliability of VPN.ht’s encryption measures.
3. Decent Speed
VPN.ht delivers satisfactory internet speeds.
While not the fastest we have encountered, they are still manageable and deserve a place in the pros column.
In reality, all VPNs have an impact on speed to some extent. It simply depends on the extent or quantity. Some VPNs have a negligible effect, while others significantly slow down your browsing experience.
During our testing, we assessed two of VPN.ht’s servers—one located in the EU and the other in the US. Comparing their performance to our benchmark speeds, we were pleased with the results.
The speed test conducted in the EU fell comfortably within an acceptable range, which was a pleasant outcome to observe.
EU Speed Test
- Ping: 39 ms
- Download: 88.93 Mbps (8.3% Slower Than 97 Mbps Benchmark)
- Upload: 43.84 Mbps (17.2% Slower Than 53 Mbps Benchmark)
The US speed test is where things got a little dicey.
US Speed Test
- Ping: 123 ms
- Download: 28.73 Mbps (70.3% Slower Than 97 Mbps Benchmark)
- Upload: 12.33 Mbps (76.7% Slower Than 53 Mbps Benchmark)
The speeds experienced in the US were rather disappointing, but it was the commendable EU speed that prevented this VPN from being categorized as a drawback.
Despite the setback, VPN.ht managed to secure a respectable 25th position out of the 78 VPNs we have reviewed.
4. Worked Perfectly with Netflix
Netflix and VPNs.
Once a heavenly combination, akin to peanut butter and jelly.
However, the dynamics have shifted.
Today, they resemble oil and water.
In the past, VPN users could effortlessly bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions and access region-locked content from any corner of the globe. It was a delightful experience.
But alas, Netflix became aware of this practice and took a firm stance against it.
In response, Netflix implemented a new policy, effectively blocking access to their service for individuals using VPNs or proxies.
The screen fades to black, preventing any streaming activities.
That’s precisely why, when you come across a VPN that successfully bypasses Netflix’s restrictions, you hold onto it tightly and never let go!
VPN.nt happens to be one of those exceptional services.
Often, when we discover a VPN that works with Netflix, it’s usually because one or two servers within the network are compatible. However, we conducted tests on five servers within the VPN.nt network, and astonishingly, all five passed with flying colors.
In fact, VPN.nt is among the elite group of only eight VPNs we have encountered that possess this remarkable capability. That’s why it rightfully earns a spot included among our curated selection of top-performing VPNs that effectively function seamlessly with Netflix.
5. Torrenting is Allowed (No Restrictions)
Numerous VPNs impose bans on torrenting services or confine their usage to a handful of sluggish servers located in less desirable locations.
Fortunately, VPN.ht is not one of those VPNs.
As mentioned earlier, VPN.ht was initially developed to seamlessly integrate with a BitTorrent platform, making torrenting one of its core features.
The freedom to engage in torrenting without limitations is a characteristic that all VPNs should wholeheartedly embrace.
The torrenting services provided by VPN.ht are exceptionally reliable and efficient, earning them a well-deserved spot on our list of the top VPNs for torrenting.
6. Responsive Customer Service
I was thoroughly satisfied with the promptness and quality of support provided by VPN.ht’s dedicated staff.
Upon clicking the support tab on their website, users are directed to a comprehensive knowledge base page containing a wealth of frequently asked questions, ensuring quick access to relevant information.
In the event that you are unable to locate the desired information within the knowledge base, you have the option to click on a link situated on the left-hand side, which allows you to open a support ticket for further assistance.
It can be remarkably easy to overlook, but once you click on it, you will find a streamlined process. Simply select the appropriate department you wish to communicate with and complete their convenient form.
When I inquired about their tunneling protocols, I received a response within a prompt 12-hour timeframe.
The response I received was swift and straightforward. While I would have appreciated a bit more elaboration, such as additional context or relevant links for further information, overall, it was a pleasant and satisfactory support experience.
7. Seamless Browsing Experience
Our hands-on test yielded positive results.
Although the installation and log-on process appeared to be time-consuming, it actually took only about two minutes for each step.
I obtained their client program from the official website and proceeded with the evaluation.
After successfully downloading the program, I was greeted by their vibrant dashboard, adorned with the delightful alien characters seen on their website.
With my desired destination set as the UK, I selected a server and established the connection.
I entered my username and password, and with a click on the “connect” button, the connection process commenced. It took a few moments, but before long, I was online and enjoying the benefits of anonymity.
The browsing experience was seamless and effortless. I enjoyed consistent and satisfactory speeds, and Netflix functioned flawlessly, delivering a delightful streaming experience.
I even managed to squeeze in a few moments of Rick and Morty before diving into a plethora of video content on YouTube.
Overall, it was a thoroughly positive experience across the board.
VPN.ht Cons
The initial experience was promising and filled with optimism.
However, we encountered a series of concerning issues that dampened our assessment.
We identified IP leaks and even discovered the presence of a virus, which is considered the ultimate detriment to a VPN’s credibility. Furthermore, the absence of a built-in kill switch greatly unsettled our security-oriented mindset.
Device support was limited, lacking compatibility with popular gaming consoles such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Moreover, the server network was relatively smaller than expected, leading to a sense of disappointment.
For a more comprehensive analysis, please refer to the following in-depth evaluation.
1. Hong Kong Jurisdiction (Outside of 14 Eyes Alliance)
At first glance, VPN.ht’s jurisdiction being outside the extended 14 Eyes Alliance is a positive aspect.
Countries that belong to the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes Alliance collaborate on intelligence gathering and share information amongst themselves. Thus, if one nation collects data on an individual, all members gain access to it.
Fortunately, Hong Kong is not part of this agreement.
However…
The concern arises from the fact that Hong Kong is still under China’s jurisdiction. In China, only “Government sponsored” VPNs are allowed.
But what does this mean exactly?
The situation becomes murky, and that’s where the problem lies.
In essence, it implies that every VPN provider must obtain government approval to conduct its business operations.
Moreover, authoritarian regimes like Russia often demand backdoor access, which fundamentally undermines the core purpose of using a VPN.
2. IP Leaks Detected
IP leaks are a concerning issue that plagues VPN services, exposing your IP address without your knowledge or awareness.
These leaks often occur due to interference from WebRTC APIs or when DNS servers bypass the VPN tunnel entirely. The presence of such leaks is problematic, ranging from being a significant concern to potentially disastrous for user privacy.
During our assessment of VPN.ht, we conducted four tests, and unfortunately, it failed in two of them. This ratio is far from satisfactory and raises significant concerns.
- IPleak.net: Failed
- browserleaks.com/webrtc: Passed
- perfect-privacy.com/dns-leaktest: Failed
- Chrome Extension Leak: Passed
Furthermore, we conducted a thorough scan of VPN.ht’s installation file, examining it for 64 different viruses. Regrettably, our analysis uncovered one instance of adware, which is undeniably an unfavorable discovery.
As a result, not only will your actual physical location be vulnerable to exposure, but the presence of adware also raises concerns about potential data collection on every website you visit.
3. No Kill Switch
Among the top VPN providers available, a crucial feature that sets them apart is the inclusion of a kill switch.
This feature has become an indispensable Plan B for safeguarding oneself against the aforementioned vulnerabilities.
In the event of an interruption or potential security breach, the kill switch acts swiftly by disconnecting your session, terminating the VPN tunnel, and ensuring your protection.
Unfortunately, VPN.ht disappoints in this aspect, as it does not offer this advantageous feature. A definite drawback.
4. Limited Device Support
Computers and mobile devices are undoubtedly essential tools in our daily lives.
In our VPN reviews, we commonly find support for major operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.
However, what truly impresses us is when VPN services offer compatibility with smart devices.
Fortunately, VPN.ht supports all major platforms, including certain routers. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that direct compatibility with Fire TV and PlayStation devices is unavailable, which may be considered a drawback for some users.
5. Limited Server Park, 3 Connections
VPN.ht boasts an impressive network infrastructure consisting of 128 servers strategically positioned across 24 countries.
While the number of 128 servers might appear substantial at first glance, it pales in comparison to the vast server networks offered by the majority of top VPN providers we review. These leading VPNs often exceed ten times the server count of VPN.ht, highlighting the area where VPN.ht falls short in comparison.
Another downside is that VPN.ht restricts access to only three devices concurrently, which falls short compared to the typically offered five or more simultaneous connections by other VPN providers in the market.
VPN.ht Costs, Plans, & Payment Methods
VPN.ht is an economically priced VPN service that offers affordability to its users. They also provide a special promotion for the initial billing cycle, enhancing the value for new subscribers.
The pricing structure of VPN.ht offers great value for its features and services. For the initial month, it is available at a minimal cost of $1, followed by a regular subscription price of $4.99. Opting for the annual plan brings the cost down to $3.33 per month, which is quite reasonable considering the benefits provided.
VPN.ht offers a single premium plan without any tiered options. Regardless of whether you choose a monthly or yearly subscription, you gain access to the full capabilities of the product.
In terms of payment options, VPN.ht accommodates various preferences. They provide acceptance for major credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and other payment methods. several gift cards, Mobiamo, and offer support for 10 different forms of cryptocurrency, ensuring anonymous payment options for users.
VPN.ht ensures customer satisfaction by providing a 30-day money-back guarantee with all of their plans. This demonstrates their confidence in the product and commitment to ensuring a positive experience for their users. It’s always reassuring to see such a guarantee in place.
Do I Recommend This VPN?
No, I don’t.
Initially, we were impressed by several of their features.
Their comprehensive no-logging policy was particularly commendable.
Having a VPN that allows unrestricted torrenting and seamlessly works with Netflix is like the icing on the cake for ensuring online security.
However, the presence of leaks in their system raises significant concerns.
The absence of a kill switch and the inclusion of adware in the install file are serious drawbacks in my opinion.
If they can address these issues by fixing the leaks, incorporating a kill switch, and ensuring clean install files, I would reconsider. But for now, with numerous superior VPN options available, VPN.ht falls short.
It ranks at number 62 out of 78 in our evaluation.
Conclusion
The VPN.ht review by Review – itis provides a comprehensive overview of the features, pricing, and more. VPN.ht offers several pros, including a strict no-logging policy, secure VPN protocol and encryption, decent speed, compatibility with Netflix, unrestricted torrenting, responsive customer service, and a seamless browsing experience. However, there are also cons to consider, such as the Hong Kong jurisdiction (outside of the 14 Eyes Alliance), IP leaks detected, lack of a kill switch, limited device support, and a small server park with only three connections allowed.
When it comes to costs, plans, and payment methods, VPN.ht provides various options to choose from.
Based on the review’s findings, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if VPN.ht is the right choice for you. While it offers many beneficial features, the identified limitations may impact your decision. Consider your specific needs and preferences to make an informed choice about whether to recommend this VPN for your personal use.
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