ALTVPN is a great VPN service offering robust encryption and a strict no-logging policy. This VPN, with its roots in Ukraine, claims to be absolutely committed to keeping the online security of users intact.
Another impressive feature of this VPN is its ability to bypass restrictions imposed by China’s Great Firewall as well as streaming services.
While operating on a global scale, ALTVPN shows some consideration for users in Eastern Europe and underlines the necessity of using VPNs to access information that is prohibited in the post-Soviet republics.
In this ALTVPN review, the team of bestvpncomparisons tests this VPN’s speeds, unblocking abilities, security, server network, and efficiency before recommending the VPN to you.
So, without any delays, let’s get started!
ALTVPN pros and cons
Every VPN has unique distinguishing characteristics and trade-offs, and ALTVPN is no different. Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of this VPN review to see how it works:
Pros | Cons |
Very fast | Doesn’t offer a native Windows app |
Super-affordable | Website is in Russian |
Unblocks various streaming platforms | |
Offers a free trial |
Speed and performance: Is ALTVPN fast?
We tested this VPN on a 100 Mbps test connection using our Windows device, and the results were quite impressive.
The first VPN server we tried was in Toronto, and it gave us an average speed of 76.70 Mbps. The next was in New York, and it gave us a slower but still extremely fast speed of 72.16 Mbps.
We further tested the server down under – the Sydney server, and received a speed of 69.23 Mbps. A server in Singapore, located on the other side of the globe, performed admirably by delivering 67.19 Mbps, which is deemed fast.
In short, ALTVPN offers super-fast speeds on all its servers, be it short or long-distance.
Streaming: Does ALTVPN work with Netflix?
According to our ALTVPN review of Netflix, the VPN can easily unblock 8+ libraries of the streaming platform. That’s not all. ALTVPN can also unblock geographically restricted content of other popular streaming services, including Hulu and BBC iPlayer.
The latter is particularly challenging for many VPNs, but we were able to access all of the BBC iPlayer content without any problems by simply choosing a server in the UK. You can check out the screenshot below to confirm this:
Is ALTVPN good and safe for torrenting?
Yes, ALTVPN is extremely safe for torrenting purposes. The VPN allows accessing multiple P2P clients like uTorrent, BitTorrent, and Vuze safely, and lets you download torrents, something many VPN providers are occasionally dubious about.
Is ALTVPN safe and secure?
The next aspect that we covered in our ALTVPN review was that if it’s safe and secure to use from anywhere across the globe. We tested multiple features of this VPN, which are as follows:
Protocols:
Security protocols are essential to stay secure while using a VPN. Therefore, a VPN should provide all the suitable protocols, including the latest ones for its users. ALTVPN offers the IKEv2, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and L2TP/IPSec protocols to its users.
Logging:
ALTVPN offers a zero-logs policy, giving them a significant advantage over many other VPNs on the market. This means that the VPN will not store your IP address, DNS requests, session logs, or any other personal information.
Encryption:
The VPN offers the 2048-bit encryption which protects your data completely and keeps you anonymous. Using this encryption method, users can access any content they desire without worrying about strangers hacking or spying into their data.
Additionally, the VPN also provides you the choice to use the PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) keys, a further data authentication method and cryptographic layer that keeps you anonymous.
Proxy server:
ALTVPN creates an extra VPN redirection through a proxy server, such as Shadowsocks and SOCKS5, so you can further increase your anonymity and circumvent geo-restrictions in countries with stringent network restrictions.
ALTVPN servers and locations
This VPN offers 70+ servers in 23 countries, which is small when compared to the best VPNs in the market.
Although they only have servers in a few places right now, they are constantly expanding, and their servers are quite reliable.
Does ALTVPN work in China?
Yes, ALTVPN specifically mentions that it works in China, and keeps users protected from the stringent Great Firewall of the country.
This is a big deal since only a few VPNs in the industry can actually work in that highly censored country.
Plans and pricing
Plans | Price |
1-month | 699 r. per month ($11.70/mo) |
6-month | 283 r. per month ($4.74/mo) |
1-year | 192 r. per month ($3.21/mo) |
ALTVPN is one of the most affordable VPNs in the market like Surfshark, that offers three different pricing plans: 1-month 6-month, and 1-year.
But, we were happy to see that this service offered a free trial that lasted for a whole day, allowing us to test out the VPN and discover what it’s all about.
A 7-day money-back guarantee was also offered, although it excludes personal IP addresses that are bought separately from the main account.
App Support
ALTVPN only has an app for Windows, macOS, and Android, while other operating systems/devices, including iOS, Linux, and routers are set up using its built-in VPN settings and specific protocol types.
You can try to use the provider’s setup guides on the website, but you’ll need to use the Google Translate option in your browser as the guides are only available in Russian.
Its Windows app is dark in color, with a feature-rich home screen and a big connection button in between. Unlike most VPN’s interfaces, it’s smaller and clean.
At the top-right, you’ll find the settings where you can locate whatever you want easily and customize the VPN.
Customer support
As for support, ALTVPN offers a separate FAQ section, which answers a variety of general and technical queries of its users in Russian.
Moreover, if you looking for a quick response, then you can also leave a quick message to the support team and they’d get back to you with an informative and satisfactory solution in no time.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve reviewed every possible thing of this VPN, it’s time to conclude our ALTVPN review.
Even though this VPN is fast and reasonably priced, it still needs to improve a bit if it wants to compete with the top VPN services. But, if we currently look at what the VPN offers, then it’s great overall.
You get fast speeds, excellent unblocking capabilities, robust security features with the latest protocols, and dedicated apps and settings for all popular OSes/devices.
Liked our review of ALTVPN? Stay tuned for more!