FastestVPN Review

Introduction

In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become paramount concerns for internet users worldwide. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a popular solution to address these issues, offering encrypted connections and anonymous browsing. Among the myriad of VPN providers available, FastestVPN has been making waves with its promise of high-speed connections and robust security features. In this comprehensive FastestVPN review, we’ll delve deep into the service’s offerings, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your online protection needs.

What is FastestVPN?

FastestVPN is a relatively new player in the VPN market, having launched in 2017. Despite its youth, the company has quickly gained traction among users seeking a balance of speed, security, and affordability. Based in the Cayman Islands, FastestVPN operates outside the jurisdiction of major surveillance alliances, which can be a significant advantage for privacy-conscious users.

Key Features at a Glance

Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption
No-logs policy
Multiple VPN protocols (including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP)
Malware protection
Ad-blocker
NAT firewall
P2P optimized servers
Unlimited bandwidth and server switching
Support for up to 10 simultaneous connections

Speed and Performance

As its name suggests, FastestVPN places a strong emphasis on connection speeds. But does it live up to the hype? In our FastestVPN review testing, we found the service to offer consistently good speeds across various server locations.

Speed Test Results

We conducted speed tests from multiple locations, connecting to FastestVPN servers in different countries. Here’s a summary of our findings:

Local connections (within the same country): Average speed reduction of 10-15%
Long-distance connections: Average speed reduction of 30-40%
P2P optimized servers: Performed well for torrenting, with minimal speed loss

It’s important to note that VPN speeds can vary based on numerous factors, including your base internet speed, physical location, and the time of day. However, FastestVPN’s performance was generally impressive, especially for a provider at its price point.

Server Network

FastestVPN boasts a network of over 550 servers across 40+ countries. While this isn’t the largest server fleet we’ve seen, it provides decent global coverage. The company continues to expand its network, which is a positive sign for future improvements in speed and reliability.

Security and Privacy

In our FastestVPN review, we found that the service takes security and privacy seriously, offering several features to protect users’ online activities.

Encryption and Protocols

FastestVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is the industry standard for top-tier VPNs. This level of encryption is virtually unbreakable with current technology, ensuring that your data remains secure from prying eyes.

The service supports multiple VPN protocols, including:

OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
IKEv2
L2TP/IPSec
PPTP

While we recommend using OpenVPN or IKEv2 for the best balance of security and speed, having multiple options allows users to tailor their connection based on their specific needs.

No-Logs Policy

FastestVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect or store any information about your online activities. This is crucial for maintaining user privacy and anonymity. However, it’s worth noting that the company has not undergone an independent audit to verify this policy, which is something we hope to see in the future.

Additional Security Features

Kill Switch: FastestVPN includes a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data leaks.
NAT Firewall: This added layer of security helps block unwanted incoming traffic.
Malware Protection: The service claims to offer built-in malware protection, although we recommend using dedicated antivirus software for comprehensive protection.
Ad-Blocker: An integrated ad-blocker helps improve browsing speeds and reduces the risk of malvertising.

Ease of Use and Client Apps

User-friendliness is a crucial factor in any VPN service, and FastestVPN generally performs well in this area.

Desktop Apps

FastestVPN offers dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The Windows and macOS clients are sleek and intuitive, with a simple one-click connect option for less tech-savvy users. Advanced users will appreciate the ability to customize settings and choose specific servers or protocols.

The Linux app, while functional, is command-line based and may require more technical knowledge to set up and use effectively.

Mobile Apps

Mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android devices. These apps mirror the simplicity of their desktop counterparts, making it easy to secure your mobile browsing with just a few taps. However, some advanced features available on desktop clients may be missing from the mobile versions.

Browser Extensions

FastestVPN offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These lightweight add-ons are perfect for quickly securing your browser traffic, although they don’t provide the same level of system-wide protection as the full VPN client.

Streaming and Geo-Unblocking Capabilities

One of the popular uses for VPNs is accessing geo-restricted content on streaming platforms. In our FastestVPN review testing, we found mixed results in this area.

Netflix

FastestVPN was able to unblock Netflix US consistently during our tests. However, access to other Netflix libraries (like UK, Canada, or Japan) was hit-or-miss. If accessing multiple Netflix regions is a priority, you may want to consider other options.

Other Streaming Services

Amazon Prime Video: We were able to access Prime Video US content without issues.
BBC iPlayer: FastestVPN struggled to consistently unblock this popular UK streaming service.
Hulu: Access was intermittent, with some servers working while others were blocked.
Disney+: We were able to access Disney+ content, but experienced occasional buffering.

While FastestVPN does offer some streaming capabilities, it may not be the best choice for users who prioritize access to a wide range of streaming platforms.

P2P and Torrenting

FastestVPN supports P2P file sharing and torrenting on many of its servers. The company provides optimized servers for these activities, which we found to perform well in our tests. Combined with the service’s strong encryption and no-logs policy, FastestVPN could be a good choice for users who frequently engage in P2P activities.

However, it’s important to note that not all servers support P2P, so you’ll need to connect to a compatible server before starting your downloads.

Customer Support

Customer support is an often-overlooked aspect of VPN services, but it can be crucial when you encounter issues or have questions. FastestVPN offers several support channels:

24/7 Live Chat: Available directly from the website, this is the quickest way to get help.
Email Support: For more complex issues, email support is available.
Knowledge Base: A comprehensive collection of guides and FAQs.
Setup Tutorials: Detailed instructions for various devices and platforms.

In our interactions with the support team, we found them to be responsive and knowledgeable. The live chat support, in particular, was quick to respond and helpful in resolving our queries.

Pricing and Plans

FastestVPN offers competitive pricing, especially for long-term subscriptions. At the time of this FastestVPN review, the following plans were available:

1 Month: $10 per month
1 Year: $2.49 per month (billed annually)
3 Years: $1.11 per month (billed every three years)

All plans come with a 15-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free. While this guarantee period is shorter than some competitors (who offer 30 days or more), it should still provide enough time to evaluate the service.

FastestVPN frequently runs promotions and discounts, so it’s worth checking their website for the most current pricing.

Pros and Cons

To summarize our FastestVPN review, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of the service:

Pros:

Good speeds, especially on local connections
Strong encryption and security features
User-friendly apps for most platforms
Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections
Affordable long-term plans
P2P support
No-logs policy

Cons:

Smaller server network compared to some competitors
Inconsistent performance with some streaming services
No independent audit of privacy policies
Shorter money-back guarantee period than some rivals

Conclusion: Is FastestVPN Right for You?

After conducting this comprehensive FastestVPN review, we can say that the service offers a solid mix of features, performance, and affordability. It’s particularly well-suited for users who prioritize speed and basic online security, especially those on a budget.

FastestVPN is a good choice for:

Individual internet users seeking basic online protection
Public Wi-Fi users who need a reliable VPN for security
P2P and torrenting enthusiasts
Users who need to connect multiple devices simultaneously
Budget-conscious consumers looking for an affordable long-term VPN solution

However, if you’re a streaming enthusiast who needs consistent access to a wide range of platforms, or if you require more advanced features like split-tunneling or multi-hop connections, you might want to explore other options.

Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. FastestVPN offers a compelling package, especially considering its competitive pricing. With its 15-day money-back guarantee, it’s worth giving FastestVPN a try to see if it meets your requirements for online privacy and security.

Remember, no matter which VPN you choose, it’s just one part of a comprehensive online security strategy. Always practice good digital hygiene, keep your software updated, and stay informed about the latest online threats and privacy issues.