AstrillVPN offers a wide array of services. From high-security features to fast speed, it’s got it all. Additionally, AstrillVPN works in China, has a no-logs policy, offers protection against DNS leaks and works with streaming services. It unblocks the streaming giant that is Netflix (US).
AstrillVPN keeps your data safe and secures as it complies with the industry standard VPN security features. These include:
- 256-bit AES Encryption.
- Kill Switch. (which is only available on desktop)
- Split-tunneling.
- No-logs policy.
- Multi-hop.
- Port-forwarding. (only available on desktops & routers)
- Connects to five devices simultaneously.
- Fast speed.
It has 300+ servers in more than 30 countries, which makes it easy for users to find local servers. However, it’s difficult to find a server if you’re based in Africa.
Overall, AstrillVPN has great security features, apps for iOS, Android, Linux, Mac and Windows, as well as enabling the user to securely browse, stream and torrent. Let’s get into an in-depth review of AstrillVPN, weighing the pros and cons, and seeing what makes them stand out. Let’s get started!
AstrillVPN Features
- Application Filter
This feature filters out which apps get routed to your VPN and which ones don’t. It gives you full control over how the apps are routed. This feature is available on the desktop app and Android.
- Port Forwarding
AstrillVPN allows users to forward certain ports on secure servers. You can access your devices from anywhere and you can even forward ports to gaming consoles like XBox and PlayStation.
- Smart Mode
AstrillVPN offers Smart Mode, or Split Tunneling, as one of its main features. This feature divides your internet traffic into two parts. The first part is encrypted by the VPN, while the second has direct access to the internet. It’s up to you to decide which apps can forgo VPN protection.
OpenWeb, StealthVPN, Wireguard Protocols
OpenWeb and StealthVPN are proprietary protocols that were developed by AstrillVPN in 2009. They are lightweight and intended for countries that have heavy censorship. AstrillVPN also uses Wireguard, and it’s one of the fastest protocols out there.
AstrillVPN’s Windows app has an additional advanced feature called App Guard. App Guard lets you choose which specific applications you’d want to block while being disconnected from the VPN. It’s useful when you don’t want your IP address to get traced.
AstrillVPN offers a decent experience with all of their protocols. They are fast and are beneficial in all kinds of scenarios. However, OpenWeb offers the most excellent speed.
Servers & Locations
AstrillVPN runs 3000 servers across 57 countries. There are multiple servers in almost all regions, with the exception of Africa. AstrillVPN has servers in all of the major cities of the USA.
You also have IP addresses created just for you, so they won’t be shared with other users. Some services ban and lock your account if they detect a server is using multiple IPs.
AstrillVPN also has VIP servers that are optimized for gaming and allows P2P traffic on more than 200 servers. Overall, AstrillVPN enables torrenting on most of its servers and also offers dedicated IPs and VIP servers.
No-Logs Policy
A no-logs policy is an important feature of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that ensures that a user’s online activity is not recorded or stored. This is often a deciding factor in why people choose to use a VPN, as it provides a secure and private way to browse the internet. AstrillVPN has a No-logs policy that ensures that they don’t store their user’s data.
Speed – Is AstrillVPN Fast?
VPN speeds are a little hard to determine since they depend on so many factors. To find out how fast it is, it’s good to compare your baseline connection speed to the speed test results using the various protocols and servers.
If you use the Wireguard Protocol and test it out on the servers of 50+ countries, you will come to discover that it has the fastest speed when connected to local servers.
AstrillVPN also maintains good speed on distant servers. Websites are loaded instantly and you don’t experience buffering when watching high-quality videos.
The speed of AstrillVPN is as good if not better, as the speed of top VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN. The excellent speed provided by AstrillVPN makes for a great customer experience.
What Devices Work with Astrill VPN?
AstrillVPN has intuitive apps that are easy to use. They have apps for iOS, Android, Mac, Linux and Windows. The mobile apps offer a better user experience as compared to desktop app. Their design and user interface is much better.
The desktop app however, has much more features, and includes a website filter. The Kill Switch feature is also only available on desktops. Overall, the desktop version has more features than the mobile version, but the mobile apps are also pretty great in terms of design and that can’t be denied.
Streaming & Torrenting
AstrillVPN’s servers are compatible with P2P traffic. AstrillVPN is actually great for torrenting and has excellent download speeds. It works with top Torrent apps like uTorrent and BitTorrent. They have over 200+ servers that allow P2P traffic.
These servers also enable Port Forwarding, which leads to faster speeds when you connect it to more peers. AstrillVPN is also good for streaming, and works with top streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu. However, it works best if you’re trying to unblock Netflix (US).
Overall, AstrillVPN offers good streaming and torrenting. It will take some trial and error though to figure out which servers work better with streaming and torrenting.
Plans & Pricing
AstrillVPN is definitely one of the more pricier VPNs out there, but it comes with a variety of features as well which also includes a VIP plan. They have 3 plans, all offering 5 simultaneous connections.
These plans range from one month, one year and two years. You have various payment methods to choose from and these include: debit/credit cards, Perfect Money, Web Money, PayPal, AliPay, Union Pay. AstrillVPN also accepts cryptocurrencies.
Some payment methods like PayPal or credit cards require telephone confirmation, which isn’t that common with Cybersecurity tools. AstrillVPN’s payment plans have additional add-ons that go up to $5. As of now, these are the prices of AstrillVPN’s three major plans:
1 Month Plan: $30 per month
1-Year Plan: $15 per month (pay $180 every year)
2-Year Plan: $12.50 per month (pay $300 every two years)
Overall, AstrillVPN offers three plans in addition to some optional add-ons, and then a VIP plan that offers additional features to give you the best experience.
Customer Support
AstrilVPN has excellent customer service. Not only are their representatives available instantly, but they have lots of helpful resources and guides so that customers can take help if they have any issues.
AstrillVPN has its own Wiki, or should we say it’s own digital encyclopedia, that has video tutorials, frequently asked questions and other useful information. Their FAQs cover most of the basic queries that customers may have, but you would still need to reach out to the customer support team to get in-depth information about certain things.
Their representatives are quick to respond to any issues or queries, and there’s 24/7 live chat, email and a contact form. Overall, their customer support services are great.
Conclusion
Is AstrillVPN worth it? Yes, it is. It offers a bunch of cool features that enhance the user experience. It has industry-standard security features, leak protection, port forwarding, smart mode and split-tunneling. This is great for streaming and torrenting, has fast speeds on both distant and local servers and has excellent customer support. It has something for everyone, and if you’re looking to invest in a VPN, AstrillVPN might be it for you.