As the name showcases, FastestVPN claims to be the fastest VPN service on the internet. Spoiler alert, it’s not the fastest! Although if we look aside from it being the fastest, the VPN has many features and is pretty economical also.
It is one of the few VPNs that offer a lifetime subscription plan at very low prices. The highly affordable prices end up making the VPN suspicious to many users. Lets us be honest; we are not used to this generosity.
Therefore, we decided to look into FastestVPN ourselves to see if the VPN is compatible with the rival services. It has recently passed a log audit, and we are excited to know what more changes it has been making. Continue reading to learn if the user-friendly VPN is worth it!
Who owns FastestVPN?
FastestVPN operates under the parent company Fastest Technology Limited. The company was established in 2017 by a group of cybersecurity experts. The aim behind the establishment was to provide users with advanced tech to protect their data. Fastest Technology holds a clear record and has never been involved in any suspicious activity or controversy.
Is it worth the hype?
When you connect to the internet, your personal data becomes vulnerable to online threats. However, you can protect your privacy using privacy tools like a VPN. Remember that not all VPNs are made the same. While some offer robust security, others are very poor at protecting users’ privacy.
FastestVPN is a relatively new VPN service with excellent features and advanced security. The service recently went through a log audit to further amplify its privacy promises and uses RAM-only servers for security. This review will cover the following aspects of the VPN;
- Online privacy: it uses AES-256-bit encryption, which helps secure users’ data and prevent ISP throttling/ online monitoring.
- Safe jurisdiction: it is based in the Cayman Islands and is; a non-member of the Five, Nine, and fourteen eyes alliances.
- Audited no-log policy: the VPN has an audited no-log policy which ensures that it keeps no log of users’ activity and neither tracks their IPs.
- Streaming: it’s compatible with popular streaming sites, including Netflix; however, some sites like Hulu have blocked the service.
- Torrenting and P2P: FastestVPN supports torrenting and P2P downloading on its servers.
- Gaming: the fast speed and security features help gaming and decrease ping time.
- Onion over VPN: users can use both Tor Browser and FastestVPN simultaneously for maximum privacy during online browsing.
We aim to provide legitimate and authentic information about FastestVPN. We browse online forums and use the VPN to find out the truth about the service. Besides, the VPN is passed through various tests, including IP and WebRTC leak tests, to check the service’s privacy. Continue reading if you are curious about what FastestVPN offers.
Security and Privacy Concerns.
Our computers and devices contain a lot of personal information. If somehow they get compromised, all our data and privacy will be at risk. Data theft can also be performed while you are simply browsing the internet; hackers and snoopers are ready to find a loophole to get access to your data.
This is when privacy tools come into view. VPN is also a privacy tool that prevents hackers and ISPs from accessing your data by encrypting it. FastestVPN has various security features, and they help in securing your data. To make this easy for you, we checked out what FastestVPn offers regarding security and privacy; here is what we found.
- Double VPN: this feature encrypts your data twice by passing it through two different VPN servers for extra security.
- Kill Switch: it helps in protecting IP leaks by disconnecting the internet connection when the VPN connection drops.
- NAT Firewall: it filters the incoming traffic and adds extra layers of privacy. It also helps in bypassing firewalls.
- Ad Blocker: it prevents malicious and annoying ads from infecting your device.
- Malware Blocker: this feature works by preventing malware from infecting users’ devices.
The VPN includes all the mainstream features but lacks other premium features such as double hop, obfuscating servers, etc. However, we’ll take a more in-depth look at the privacy and security features of FastestVPN and what the VPN provides.
Log Policy?
The purpose of using a VPN is to protect your privacy and not let anyone spy on your activity. However, it is also not preferable for a user that the VPN service is keeping their logs. We always opt for a VPN with a no-log policy to ensure maximum privacy.
FastestVPN recently got its no-log policy audited by a California-based Certified Information Systems Auditor, Altius IT. However, one thing we didn’t like about the VPN was we got the same IP address every time we logged in. This makes it easier for ISPs to track users when they are constantly using the same IP address.
Jurisdiction
It is important to know where the VPN you are using is operating from, many countries have data retention laws, and it is not secure for a VPN service to operate from these regions. Numerous privacy acts and data-saving alliances are created to collect users’ data in the name of security acts.
FastestVPN is located in the Cayman Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention laws. Although it is associated with the British constitutional monarchy, it has separate legislation and privacy laws. Moreover, it is not alliances with the eyes intelligence.
Past History or Track Record
Fortunately, we found no disturbing records or history of the VPN. It is based in the safe jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands and has a no-log policy. It holds a clear record of providing security and privacy to its users.
However, it has servers in India and Russia. Not to forget that India has recently passed a draconian VPN law meaning that the VPN has to share its data with the government. Besides, Russia doesn’t hold a very clean record when it comes to VPNs; the country regularly blocks VPN services.
So why is it that FastestVPN is not banned in Russia yet? We don’t know the answer, and we hope the service is not compromising users’ data for this sole permission to operate its server in Russia.
Encryption
Encryption decides the security of a VPN. If the VPN uses strong encryption, it will provide better security than one with old and worn-out encryption ciphers. Encryption prevents data leaks and protects users’ data from becoming vulnerable to hackers.
FastestVPN encrypts users’ data by using AES-256-bit advanced encryption. It is the most secure and reliable encryption cipher, which is also used by industries and the military. Moreover, AES-256 is the hardest cipher to crack and unencrypt.
VPN Protocols.
VPN protocols determine how your data will travel through a network. Every protocol is built differently and serves different purposes; it is essential to choose the right encryption cipher and tunneling protocol for a complete experience. FastestVPN offers a variety of tunneling protocols to ensure users’ safety.
- SSTP: It can bypass firewalls and offers robust security. However, it is only used on Windows.
- L2TP: it offers average speed and reliable security. It is not the best choice for streaming or torrenting.
- IKEv2: it works best for switching connections on mobile devices.
- OpenVPN UDP/ TCP: an open-source protocol great for fast speed and unblocking censorships.
It lacks one of the most important WireGuard protocols. However, OpenVPN is also a reliable option and can be used for streaming. Besides, the VPN offers an Auto Protocol button that automatically chooses a protocol for you.
Can FastestVPN be used for Streaming?
According to a Forbes survey, around 78% of US households subscribe to one or more than one streaming services. But streaming sites also have many drawbacks, including geo-blocks, ISP throttling, and malware threats. Therefore, people use VPN services to hide their IP addresses and prevent these issues. FastestVPN promises to unblock all major streaming sites and offer fast speed. However, to test these claims, we checked the VPN’s performance ourselves.
- Prevent ISP throttling: With fast encryption and unlimited bandwidth, Surfshark prevents ISP throttling.
- Streaming-optimized servers: it offers servers optimized for streaming which helps in bypassing censorship.
- Kill Switch: it helps in protecting IP leaks by disconnecting the internet connection when the VPN connection drops.
- Netflix: only US servers.
- BBCiPlayer: UK servers.
- Amazon Prime: blocked.
- Hulu: Blocked.
- HBO Max: Blocked.
We tried unblocking major streaming sites with FastesVPN, and this is how it went!
Unblocking Netflix.
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms, but due to copyright issues, it applies geo-blocks. These geo-blocks prevent users from accessing different content libraries. However, a VPN can help unblock these geo-blocks. FastestVPN has streaming-optimized servers and claims to be the fastest service on the internet. So we tried accessing Netflix with it.
We connected to a US-based optimized server and connected to the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol for fast speed. Moreover, we enabled the Kill Switch for privacy and opened the Netflix app. The site was easily unblocked, and the speed was good enough for HD streaming. Surprisingly. all the streaming-optimized servers worked well with Netflix.
How we set up FatestVPN for Netflix;
- Download the FastestVPN app and Log in with your email.
- Choose your subscription plan.
- Connect to a US-based optimized server.
- Enable the Kill Switch and choose the UDP protocol for high speed.
- Open the Netflix site or app on your device.
- Start streaming!
You must have a Netflix subscription to unblock other regional libraries.
Can you access BBCiPlayer with FastestVPN?
BBC iPlayer is another streaming platform with popular movies and TV shows. The site also has restrictions and is only available in the UK. therefore, used FastestVPN to unblock the site.
The VPN could unblock BBC iPlayer; we connected to the UK-based optimized server to bypass geo-block. Moreover, the Kill Switch prevented IP leaks and the picture quality was good. However, it took us a few tries to unblock the site. The overall experience was good but definitely not the best.
How I set up FatestVPN for BBCiPlayer;
- Download the FastestVPN app and Log in with your email.
- Choose your subscription plan.
- Connect to a UK-based optimized server.
- Enable the Kill Switch and choose the UDP protocol for high speed.
- Open the BBC iPlayer site on your device.
- Start streaming!
Users must have a BBC iPlayer subscription to unblock the site.
Does FastestVPN allow Torrenting?
Users can Torrent with FastestVPN, but it is not the best choice for it. Torreeitng requires fast speed, and FasetesVPN is not reliable when it comes to providing high speed. It took us 4 minutes to download a file, and we used the Split Tunneling feature to add more privacy. You can also enable the Kill Switch, but we experienced a major decrease in speed while using Kill Switch. The VPN offers the following torrenting-focused features.
- Split tunneling feature: Users can choose which data travels through a regular network and which gets encrypted. It increases speed and privacy.
- Kill Switch: It prevents IP leaks during uncalled connection drops.
Here is how we configured FastestVPN for torrenting,
- Download the FastestVPN app and select your subscription plan.
- Connect to a nearby server and enable Split Tunneling.
- Open the torrent client of your choice and start downloading.
Overall, FastestVPN is a reasonable option for torrenting, but there are other better services available on the internet.
Troubleshooting
If the VPN is not working, here is what to do in that case,
- Switch to a different VPN server.
- Try changing the tunneling protocol.
- Ensure using the updated version of your VPN app.
This will hopefully help you, and if you still face any issues, contact Customer Service.
Does FastestVPN support Gaming?
Just like streaming, gaming is also a very popular source of entertainment. However, gaming also has different issues like geo-blocks, censorship, and ISP throttling. FastestVPN is a good choice for gaming as it can unblock various games and prevent ISP throttling. Moreover, it can also bypass censorship and firewalls.
- VPN protocols: Fast protocols like OpenVPN(UDP) ensure high speed and maximum security.
- Malware Blocker: it blocks malicious ads from affecting your device.
We connected to a US-based server and selected the OpenVPN(UDP) Protocol of high speed. The VPN efficiently decreased ping time and prevented DDO attacks. However, the speed wants fast enough, and the game lagged a few times. In short, FastestVPN is a good option, but it needs improvement regarding speed.
Can You Securely browse through Tor with FastesVPN?
Tor Browser, also known as Onion Browser, is used for accessing the dark and deep web. As these webs are very risky to access, it is unsafe for users to use the Tor browser without any protection. A VPN adds extra layers of privacy while using the Tor browser.
- Onion over VPN: it allows users to use VPN and Tor simultaneously. It helps in preventing users’ devices while using Tor and prevents your data from getting compromised.
- Split Tunneling: it works by allowing users to select which app data travels through encrypted tunnels and which travels through the regular network.
You can set up your VPN in two ways;
- Tor over VPN: The safest method that hides your IP from the government and removes location tags from your IP to prevent tracking.
- VPN over Tor: In this method, the VPN service can see your Tor activity, and it is harder to set up.
I prefer Tor over the VPN method as it assures more security and privacy. All you have to do is choose an easy and fast server and enable Split Tunneling. After that, open the TorBrowser and start browsing with safety.
Pricing and payment methods.
The VPN offers three payment plans and is one of the few services that offer a lifetime subscription plan.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| One-month plan. | $7/m |
| One-year plan. | $2.08/m |
| Lifetime plan. | $40/m |
Users can pay through the following payment methods;
- Credit card.
- PayPal payments.
It also accepts anonymous payment methods,
- Bitcoin.
- Litecoin.
- Ethereum.
- Bitcoin Cash.
Moroever, All plans come with a 15-day money-back guarantee, free Internxt 2TB Cloud Storage, and Password Manager.
Customers support – How user-friendly is FastestVPN?
Good services also care for their users and offer the best possible customer support. FastestVPN provides the following customer support methods,
- Email.
- Live Chat.
We contacted the live chat support, and within a few seconds, we were connected to an agent.
It asks you to give your email before starting the live chat. Users can also directly email FastestVPN about their queries. The replies were fast, and we got the answer to our question very easily. Overall, it was a smooth experience showing that FastestVPN cares about its customers.
Pros and cons.
Here is a table of all the major pros and cons of FastestVPN.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has AES-256-bit encryption which helps in securing users’ data. | The speed is very slow. |
| It offers split tunneling and Kills Switch features for extra security. | It has a very limited number of servers. |
| It has streaming-optimized servers to unblock streaming sites. | The VPN lacks a Smart DNS. |
| NAT firewall helps in bypassing firewalls and provides security. | Various streaming sites, including Hulu, have blocked it. |
| It has an audited no-log policy which ensures that it does not monitor users’ activity. | It lacks browser extensions. |
| The VPN is based in a safe jurisdiction, so users don’t have to worry about third parties accessing their data. | There is no WireGuard protocol. |
| It offers a lifetime subscription plan for only 40$. |
Final Words
FastestVPN is a relatively new service that provides robust security and good tunneling protocols. Users get AES security and OpenVPN protocol along with other security features. It also has streaming-optimized servers and supports torrenting and Tor over VPN. Moreover, it is based in the Cayman Islands, free from data retention laws, and not a member of Eyes Intelligence.
Aside from all these benefits, FastestVPN lacks some major features, such as WireGuard protocol and browser extension, and the speed is also very slow, although the name states otherwise. Overall, it is a good service for beginners but unsuitable for users wanting high-speed streaming and other activities.
FAQ
It is a reliable VPN with good speed and advanced security. It offers an audited no-log policy with other unique features, including a NAT firewall, Kill Switch and Split tunneling.
Yes, the VPN works well with Netflix and can easily unblock Netflux US. It has streaming-optimized servers for better performance and fast speed.
It is owned by Fastest Technology Limited, which started in 2017 and is the parent company of FastestVPN.
No, the service is not free, and users must purchase a paid subscription to use FastestVPN. It offers three subscription plans, including a lifetime plan. All plans have a 15-day money-back guarantee, Internxt 2TB Cloud Storage, and Password Manager.
