FastestVPN: A Comprehensive Review

FastestVPN presents itself as a security and privacy solution designed to protect your online data and grant access to geo-restricted content. This review delves into its features, performance, ease of use, and overall value, comparing it to other prominent VPN services in the market.

Feature Set and Performance

FastestVPN boasts a robust collection of features typically associated with premium VPN services. At its core, it offers the fundamental functionality of masking your IP address, enabling anonymous browsing and access to geographically restricted websites and content, including popular streaming platforms like Netflix US, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. This functionality is facilitated by a network of over 350 servers distributed across more than 30 countries. While this server count is smaller than some competitors, a significant advantage is that nearly all servers support P2P traffic, providing users with unrestricted bandwidth for torrenting. This focus on speed and torrenting optimization is a key differentiator for FastestVPN.

Beyond the standard VPN functionalities, FastestVPN integrates several additional security and privacy enhancements. These include:

• 256-bit AES Encryption: Military-grade encryption ensures that your online communications are effectively scrambled, protecting your data from interception and unauthorized access.

• Free NAT Firewall: An integrated NAT firewall adds an extra layer of security by blocking incoming connections, further protecting your device from potential threats.

• Free Malware Protection and Adblocker: These features are enabled by default, actively filtering out malicious websites and intrusive advertisements, enhancing your browsing experience and online security.

• Zero Log Policy: FastestVPN emphasizes its commitment to user privacy by adhering to a strict zero-log policy. This means they do not retain records of your online activities, ensuring your anonymity. The only information retained is your username, password, and login attempts, which are essential for account management.

• Multiple Simultaneous Connections: A single FastestVPN account allows for up to ten simultaneous connections across various devices, offering flexibility for users with multiple computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Compatibility extends to a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Roku, Kodi, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and even supports browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Furthermore, it’s compatible with Apple TV, Smart TVs, PlayStation, and Android TV boxes, highlighting its broad device support.

User Interface and Ease of Use

FastestVPN prioritizes user-friendliness with its intuitive interface. The application features a clean and straightforward design, making it easy to navigate even for less tech-savvy users. The main dashboard clearly displays your current server connection, location, and IP address. The left sidebar menu provides quick access to key functions: Home (dashboard), About (information about the service), Account (account management), Locations (server selection), and Logout.

The process of connecting to a server is streamlined. For users who want the fastest connection possible, the “Smart Connect” feature automatically selects the optimal server based on your location and network conditions. For more granular control, users can manually select a server from the list of available locations.

Advanced settings allow for customization of the VPN protocol (L2TP, PPTP, TCP, UDP, and IKEv2). The availability of TCP and UDP protocols in the iOS app and IKEv2 in the Android version demonstrates a commitment to providing the latest and most efficient protocols for various operating systems. Additional settings include options for automatic startup, automatic reconnection upon disconnection, and automatic disconnection upon exiting the application. The crucial “Internet Kill Switch” feature is also included, immediately halting all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data leaks.

The “Split Tunneling” feature allows users to selectively route specific applications through the VPN while others bypass it. This is a valuable feature for users who need to access both VPN-protected resources and their local network simultaneously.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

FastestVPN offers multiple subscription plans catering to different needs and budgets: 1-Month, 1-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year plans. All plans include the aforementioned features and 24/7 customer support via live chat. The primary differences between plans lie in the cost-per-month and the price savings achieved by committing to longer-term subscriptions. While there’s no free trial option, a 15-day money-back guarantee provides a risk-free opportunity to test the service. Payment options include credit cards and PayPal. The pricing structure is competitive compared to many other VPN providers, offering a good balance of features and affordability. Additional logins beyond the standard ten are available for an extra fee.

Strengths and Weaknesses

FastestVPN offers a compelling blend of speed, security, and features. However, like any service, it has both strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

• Speed and Reliability: FastestVPN consistently delivers fast connection speeds, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Dedicated Netflix Server: The inclusion of a dedicated US Netflix server is a significant advantage for users who want reliable access to the full Netflix US library.
• Robust Security Features: The combination of 256-bit AES encryption, a NAT firewall, malware protection, and an adblocker provides comprehensive protection.
• Multiple Simultaneous Connections: The ability to connect up to ten devices simultaneously is highly beneficial for users with multiple devices.
• User-Friendly Interface: The clean and intuitive interface makes the application easy to use, regardless of technical expertise.
• Competitive Pricing: The subscription plans offer competitive pricing, especially for longer-term commitments.
• Excellent Customer Support: 24/7 live chat support ensures prompt assistance when needed.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Server Network: The number of servers is relatively smaller compared to some larger VPN providers. This might result in slightly higher server load during peak times in certain locations.
• No Free Trial: The absence of a free trial period might deter some users from signing up without prior experience with the service. However, the 15-day money-back guarantee mitigates this to some extent.

Conclusion

FastestVPN presents a strong contender in the VPN market, particularly for users prioritizing speed and security. Its impressive performance, especially for torrenting and streaming, coupled with its comprehensive security features and user-friendly interface, makes it a compelling choice. While the smaller server network might be a drawback for some, the strengths outweigh this limitation for many users. The absence of a free trial is offset by the generous money-back guarantee. Overall, FastestVPN delivers a reliable and effective VPN service at a competitive price, making it a worthy consideration for individuals and businesses seeking secure and high-speed internet access.