FastestVPN Review
When it comes to choosing the right VPN provider, be sure to check all the best ones first before committing.
FastestVPN tries to live up to its name by indeed being one of the VPN services out there with faster speeds. In this FastestVPN review, we found that it comes with excellent download speeds, an uptime of 99.9%, unlimited bandwidth, and easy server switching.
Additionally, it offers top-notch services on par with top VPN providers. FastestVPN provides applications that support multiple platforms such as Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android, Kodi, and routers.
Security-wise, they operate on AES-256 bit encryption with OpenVPN, though in conducting this FastestVPN review, we realized that this has to be configured manually. Subscriptions come with more features that help protect not just your activity online, but also your system from malicious software. Originally, they did not have an internet kill switch provided but for this FastestVPN review, we confirm that they do now.
FastestVPN allows torrenting and all P2P connections on their application. They also have some success in circumventing many geo-blocked sites. We can conclude from our FastestVPN review that it is also an okay choice for users in China.
They have a very good privacy policy, being that they are located in the Cayman Islands, where banking info is secret, and they do not keep logs of any internet activity.
With servers in just 40 countries, it might not seem enough, though this is quite a good number of servers if you are just using VPN for simple connections like streaming online, torrenting, and so on.
Their monthly subscription plan is a bit on the expensive side, but going for their limited time five-year subscription will save you a lot since it goes for just $1.11 per month. They also have other subscriptions that are affordable.
In addition, with one account you can connect up to five devices simultaneously. They accept payments through PayPal, Bitcoin, Mastercard, Alipay, and Visa.
This FastestVPN review found that they provide 24/7 online support, and also offer other customer support services like email, FAQ section, and online tutorials.
Keep reading to learn more about this VPN service provider in this FastestVPN review.
Is FastestVPN safe to use?
In terms of security, FastestVPN has some pretty decent features. FastestVPN offers five protocols each with AES 256-Bit encryption for both Windows and Mac users, making it highly flexible.
Those of you who have been VPN shopping for a while will know exactly what to look for: a “military-grade” AES 256-bit encryption, preferably with OpenVPN as one of their choices of tunneling protocols. FastestVPN does check these boxes, but the OpenVPN protocol has to be manually configured.
Apart from that, FastestVPN offers subscribers a free NAT firewall, malware protection, and an ad blocker. Now, FastestVPN has also implemented a kill switch feature, making its security features even better. In addition to their no-logs policy, they are based in the Cayman Islands, so you can breathe a little easier when they say that your privacy is protected.
Speed & performance
Connecting via FastestVPN dinged the speeds by about 10 percent, but overall, this aspect of the service was not bad, it’s just not the fastest we’ve seen. For maximum speed performance, choose PPTP for Windows and Ikev2 for Mac with other protocols varying in speed. However, both default to PPTP, which is not very secure. For newcomers, OpenVPN can be a bit of a struggle to install.
However, the main concern is the download speed, which was not affected in any major way. Therefore, streaming and downloading of files is still possible without major glitches. We tested the Norway server, where pings clocked in at 32 ms, downloads at 89.38 Mbps, and uploads at 25.32 Mbps, which is still acceptable for a VPN speed.
It might not be the fastest speed, but it is reliable enough for uninterrupted browsing and streaming experience.
Download and installation
Downloading and installing FastestVPN is similar to other VPNs or installing any software on your device.
Installation is as simple as clicking on the device option you want and downloading the install file – it even has a helpful box display showing each option. After the installation is complete and you have chosen your preferred plan, all you need to do is choose your preferred server location, or you can pick the recommended location if you are new to VPN.
Apps & extensions
The VPN service is built for different devices including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Users can connect five different devices at once using one account.
The desktop app is simple and easy to use, with a bright blue and yellow interface that doesn’t take very long to figure out. Click the circle with the lightning bolt in the middle of the app, and you’re connected.
It’s also compatible with eleven router types and Kodi. There are specific apps in place found in iOS and Google Play and to top it off, it’s actually compatible with Apple TV, PlayStation 3 and 4, Roku and Xbox as well!
FastestVPN also provides features such as NAT Firewall, Malware Protection, Ad-Blocker, and even support for UNIX-based servers.
Pricing
FastestVPN has three plans on offer — one month, one year and three years:
- The monthly plan costs $10.00 a month.
- The one-year plan costs $2.49 a month.
- The three-year plan is $1.11 a month, which is an 83% discount.
All plans come with a 7-day money-back guarantee, but there is no trial offer. We also noticed limited-time subscription offers at different times. Currently, they are advertising a lifetime plan for just $83.
FastestVPN for torrenting and Netflix
While torrenting, hiding your IP address is your top priority. ISPs can easily track your online activities and you can get flagged if you attempt to download or get a copyrighted file.
The quickest way to hide your IP address is by using a VPN. FastestVPN allows for unlimited bandwidth and does not restrict torrenting activities. If the security protocols are in order, this is a great option for torrenting, given their acceptable speeds.
In terms of streaming, FastestVPN is quite capable of unlocking various streaming services as well. For starters, it has a dedicated server for Netflix US, which works fairly reliable. Furthermore, streaming services from other countries, such as BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hotstar, are no obstacle as well.
Does it work in China?
For users in China, FastestVPN has servers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as Australia and India, which can provide a connection to the outside world. You can manually configure your settings to L2TP or OpenConnect, meaning that you’ll be needing the technical know-how. But as China’s legislation on VPN service providers is ever-changing, hence there is no guarantee that FastestVPN won’t be blocked in time.
If FastestVPN wanted to sell their subscriptions as ones that can bypass Chinese censorship, we’re pretty sure that info will be listed somewhere on the homepage as a key feature, and not in the fine print.
For this purpose, go with a tried and tested VPN service instead.
Customer support
Despite complaints from other reviewers, we found FastestVPN to have good customer support.
In their FAQ section, they provide detailed information for user queries. They also provide online tutorials with screenshots that help you with any trouble you have.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, use the support ticket to send them your questions.
Apart from that, the fast and professional 24/7 online chat support provides help to any issues you may have, be it troubleshooting, setup or any questions.
Conclusion of FastestVPN review
Overall, FastestVPN does well in protecting your security. Having fixed the issues related to DNS leaks, their encryption and security protocols allow you to browse the web in peace, without unwanted eyes prying on your every move. Being an offshore based company also means that whatever little personal data that’s in their hands, will remain secure.
Customer support receives high marks, and we were impressed by the service, though others may not feel the same. The app is easy to use, but certain things have to be configured manually, which may be a stumbling block for newbies.
Torrenting is possible, as there is no restriction, and you have unlimited bandwidth. There is no trial version if you are planning to test out FastestVPN for this purpose. They do have a 7-day money back guarantee, but you need to have used less than 3GB of bandwidth to be eligible.
On the other hand, FastestVPN’s speeds are decent, but closer to average. This would not be ideal for high capacity gamers, nor is it a good option for use in China.
FastestVPN utilizes the cheaper-if-you-take-out-a-longer-subscription pricing tier, but if you just want to try for a month, you’ll find cheaper options out there. Choose FastestVPN for your web browsing security needs, but for everything else, look elsewhere.
Pros
- Easy to use interface
- Unlimited torrenting
- Good pricing plans
- Apps for all main platforms
- Decent security credentials
Cons
- Speeds are average
- Not great for use in China