So we all know how our privacy is eroding with each passing day. Companies know more about us than we know about ourselves. We’re essentially moving towards a world where there will be no more privacy.
Even the technology we use to stay anonymous online, the technology we trust to safeguard our privacy, keeps logs. We’re talking about VPNs.
Sure, most VPN providers say they offer a zero logs policy. But how can you be certain?
In our experience reviewing VPNs, there is no concrete way to tell whether a company follows a no-logs policy or not.
However, it seems like these days of mistrust may be coming to an end thanks to a revolutionary new concept that promises to entice even more privacy enthusiasts like us: a decentralized VPN.
Yes, that’s right! We recently came across a new VPN by the name of Mysterium Network dVPN. It is a node-sharing P2P decentralized VPN network that is still in its early stages of development.
Mysterium is powered by an open-sourced network, which means that all you tech-savvy individuals out there can easily spot what goes on under the hood of a VPN and learn exactly how your private information is handled, which is not what happens with the vast majority of consumer VPNs.
To test out how practical Mysterium VPN is, we conducted this VPN review by putting this Mysterium through a battery of tests to see how it performs and where it can be improved. Our evaluation is based on its streaming performance, speeds, privacy, security features, torrenting, and other factors.
Let’s dive in to find out if this is really a game-changing VPN.
Mysterium Network VPN pros and cons
Although Mysterium VPN is still a work in progress and is still improving, it is not yet perfect. Based on our testing, the security features appear to be a little lacking, but it has an excellent ability to unblock streaming platforms.
Let’s look at the VPN’s pros and cons and see where it stands:
|
Pros |
Cons |
| It is technologically impossible to store user logs centrally in a decentralized system | Speed tests showed a 30% drop in base speed |
| Cryptocurrency, along with credit cards, GooglePlay, PayPal, and more are accepted for payment | Several DNS leak tests revealed the location of network nodes, revealing inconsistencies in coverage and security |
| Works in China, but not consistently | The beta version is free to try, but users will have to pay with cryptocurrency on a pay-per-use basis. |
| There is no affiliation with the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, or 14 Eyes surveillance alliances | |
| Unblocks streaming sites such as Netflix | |
| Desktop and mobile VPN clients that are both stylish | |
| The ability to run your own node to earn cryptocurrency | |
| A protocol, tool, and infrastructure ecosystem that is open source |
Speed and performance: Is Mysterium VPN fast?
The “node-runners” that provide the IPs you connect to are essential for decentralized networks. The speeds that are provided are determined by the nodes, which should get better over time as more providers join the market.
For speed testing purposes, we chose a close-by Canadian server with a strong connection and performed a speed test. The findings are shown below:
As you can see, we received an average speed drop of 30%, which is normal when considering that you’re using a VPN service. Using these speeds, you can perform all activities you like, including streaming, browsing, and torrenting.
We also connected to its far-away UK server, and got a speed drop of 37%. While this was a bit high, we’re sure that the speeds would improve once the VPN starts offering more nodes.
Streaming: Does Mysterium Network VPN work with Netflix?
Every streaming service we tried was instantly unblocked by Mysterium VPN. First, we connected to a US servers and were able to access the US Netflix library.
Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu, three other popular US streaming services, also functioned without any issues. By connecting to a Canadian server, we could also bypass CraveTV’s geo-restrictions.
There may be a few streaming platforms that the VPN might not be able to access, but that wasn’t the case in our tests. Overall, we were really pleased with its ability to circumvent geo-blocks as it worked just like other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN.
Is Mysterium Network good and safe for torrenting?
Although torrenting is not forbidden by Mysterium anywhere, you need to take privacy issues into account.
Since torrenting is frequently used for illegal activities, the VPN may view it as inconsistent with its standards and exclude it from the whitelist vetting procedure. Hence, before attempting to torrent, be sure that it is legal where you are.
Is Mysterium Network safe and secure?
Strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN and the more recent WireGuard are offered by Mysterium VPN, yet we had some reservations. The network operates similarly to a hybrid Tor-VPN, theoretically providing better security and anonymity.
However, it is slightly deficient in some capabilities found in conventional VPNs, such as a split tunneling, MultiHop, and kill switch.
Moreover, keep in mind that decentralizing the network improves security, but also increases your vulnerability to man-in-the-middle attacks if a node-runner acquires access to your online traffic.
DNS leak test
When we tested the VPN for DNS leaks, the dVPN gave us mixed results. On a few servers, we were absolutely secure.
However, it did leak our DNS/IP once when we connected to its UK server. This is not ideal because leak protection ought to be reliable and constant. Your online activities may be compromised if your DNS address is visible, putting you at risk from malware.
Using Mysterium Network dVPN, your information won’t be logged since the corporation, which is based in Panama, is not subject to any “Eyes” agreements. You are, however, placing a great deal of faith in each node’s service providers.
Mysterium Network servers and locations
The network of Mysterium Network VPN is decentralized. This distinguishes itself from other VPNs because it uses nodes from users all around the world. These nodes basically act as servers and let you connect to them.
The nodes are available across 130+ countries, and has an excellent coverage across Africa, North and South America, Europe, and more. While reviewing, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety of places we could pick from.
Does Mysterium Network work in China?
Mysterium Network clearly mentions on their website that the VPN does work in China. However, they do get blocked sometimes.
The provider further mentioned that they’re trying to refine their bypassing methods, so users can enjoy their service while traveling to China.
Well, we couldn’t help but appreciate their honesty over the service.
Plans and pricing
Using Mysterium VPN is free. This is due to the fact that it is still in the development stages and will eventually switch to a fully crypto-powered configuration.
Once the system is completely functional, customers will pay in MYST. Nevertheless, your average price over time will probably equal to that of a budget-friendly regular VPN. However, this is susceptible to changes in the cryptocurrency market.
Interface and ease of use
Despite having cross-platform compatibility, Mysterium VPN does not currently offer an iOS app. However, it works with Android, macOS, Windows, Avado Raspberry Pi, and Linux.
Desktop versions
Installing the Windows software was really simple, and once you launch the app, you’ll see all your location options.
You must choose from a number of nodes in that country as you cannot specify a specific city. You can see a description of each one’s quality and cost next to it.
Once you’ve installed the app, you don’t need to establish an account or log in. It simply manages your MYST/ETH spending and revenue using a generated “key.”
Remember that you will lose the key and the ensuing cryptocurrency earnings if you delete the app. Moreover, there is also no need to input any payment information.
Mobile apps
The Android app has few configuration choices but is equally user-friendly. You might be a little concerned when the software asks for permission to access storage and images when you install it.
Once it is installed, you can import your private key, which is connected to your MYST/ETH.
Customer support
The chat support is the only way to get in touch with the dVPN’s representatives, and it never seemed to be active at all when tested. It turned out to be more of an online form with a ticket system, where you may expect a response in one day.
After almost 16 hours, we received an email response that was incredibly brief yet provided the information we needed.
In addition, there is an FAQ section that appears to address the majority of common queries.
Conclusion
The future of VPNs may well be decentralized crypto markets, but Mysterium Network dVPN needs some improvement if it wants to draw in users.
There are some privacy issues since you need to be able to blindly trust every node owner. However, one selling feature of cryptocurrency payments, no-login apps, and decentralized monitoring is the natural anonymity they provide.
You also get robust encryption, and the ability to unblock a variety of streaming platforms.
FAQs
Is Mysterium Network safe?
Although Mysterium Network offers excellent encryption, our DNS was compromised once. Since Mysterium VPN is still in its early stages, it is difficult to declare with certainty that it is completely secure.
How do I pay for Mysterium VPN?
Mysterium accepts cryptocurrency and lets you pay anonymously for your security. It also allows you to pay through credit cards, GooglePay wallet, PayPal, and more.