Last update: 11.22.2018
Overview
When you have a car with only 4 gears, and sometimes not even those work properly.
VPN Unlimited is a name that implies infinite potential to keep you safe and anonymous on the internet, but is this indeed so? After all, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet – and vice versa. This is what our mission is with this VPN Unlimited review: to find the real potential behind the name.
This VPN service is brought to us by KeepSolid Inc., a company based in New York. Without a doubt, this fact brings with it all the usual concerns about VPNs based in the US – more on that later.
Although there are some good privacy technologies implemented in this VPN, such as obfuscation (KeepSolid Wise), DNS leak protection, OpenVPN, and more, you may still feel a bit of unease about their Privacy Policy.
This service provides user-friendly and easy-to-use clients with little customization needed from the users. This can be a plus for novices and also a big minus for tech-savvy users.
The connection speeds vary from good to catastrophic, depending on the server you choose and its proximity. Since there are 400+ servers in 70+ countries, travelers and expats may still make good use of it. However, if your activities demand absolute anonymity, this service may not become your best friend.
Security & Privacy: Is VPN Unlimited safe to use?
KeepSolid, the company behind VPN Unlimited, is based in New York, which immediately raises some concerns about its privacy. As you may know, the US is one of the least privacy-friendly jurisdictions on earth. Firstly, it’s one of the founders of the international surveillance alliance known as the Five Eyes. Secondly, US law enforcement and intelligence agencies have a lot of power when it comes to getting the information they need—keep that in mind.
Depending on what level of internet security and privacy you’re looking for, these facts may or may not affect your peace of mind. Yet, they still don’t answer the main question: is VPN Unlimited safe to use?
Here’s what the Privacy Policy says about its logging practices:
“KeepSolid Inc. does NOT collect and log any user activities while using any of their VPN services, except the total amount of web traffic for each session and session dates.”
If you contact the customer support about their logging policy, they’ll send you the very same quote in their reply email.
In short, they don’t keep information about you that can easily be traced back to you and link you to online activities.
With that said, it’s also conceivable that the logs they do keep could be used as “pieces of a puzzle.”
We appreciate that VPN Unlimited doesn’t claim to keep zero logs (as many other providers do), but honesty might not save you when the following excerpt comes into play:
“KeepSolid Inc. will never disclose any personal private data to third parties except when we must comply with laws that require such disclosure to law enforcement authorities or other government third-party officials, such as subpoenas.”
Some VPN providers, like ExpressVPN, have already proven how true they are to their promises of keeping no or minimal logs. When forced by governments to provide data, they managed to produce nothing of value. Meanwhile, some, like PureVPN, have failed big time in this respect.
Nonetheless, our VPN Unlimited review acknowledges that the Privacy Policy is not everything. There are also important security features to consider.
Apart from the standard VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and PPTP, this service also makes sure that you can obfuscate your encrypted VPN traffic with KeepSolid Wise. This will obscure your traffic from Deep Package Inspection, which is a method countries like China use to distinguish VPN traffic. Using this protocol will lessen the chance that the prying eyes of your ISP (Internet Service Provider), governments, and hackers will see your online activities as normal traffic. This is definitely a great feature for those who live in China or other censored locations.
VPN Unlimited also comes with DNS leak protection (on by default) and there’s a kill switch on the Windows, Mac, and Android versions (coming on other devices too). A kill switch can protect you from the leakage of potentially-sensitive information if your VPN connection were to drop. Unfortunately, as we found when writing our KeepSolid VPN review, disconnections do happen with this service from time to time.
We should also mention that VPN Unlimited accepts Bitcoin payments, which is positive for privacy. Nevertheless, if you are really concerned about your online security and privacy, you may not find this as the best VPN for anonymity.
Speed & Performance
Sometimes good, sometimes catastrophic speeds.
Speed is the second most important point we want to cover in our VPN Unlimited review. Interestingly enough, there are reviews that mention this VPN having 1000+ servers, but the website is adamant – there are 400+ servers in 70+ locations all over the world. Of course, this VPN server fleet is already larger than what lots of other competitors offer. But, it also falls way behind VPN market leaders with their thousands of servers worldwide, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Nevertheless, the number of servers and locations are only part of the equation when it comes to connection speed. Your distance from the chosen VPN server is another important variable that will determine how much luck you will have with VPN Unlimited. For example, you can achieve just about enough speed with the server in Brazil or Japan to stream 4K video on YouTube.
Before running our tests, our baseline speeds were as follows:
Then, we launched our VPN Unlimited 7-day free trial version with the default Optimal Protocol option (OpenVPN). This is what we have found:
New York, US
Hampshire, UK
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Since we were interested in what the KeepSolid Wise protocol can do, we also ran some tests using both the TCP and UDP options. In general, our tests showed that there was minimal change in speed. However, in the case of the Malaysia server, we did get significantly more (UDP):
Our VPN Unlimited review has found that this service offers good enough speeds (with a bit of luck) for general web surfing, unblocking geo-restricted websites, and even HD or 4K streaming. Of course, as you can see, the farther the VPN server, the lower the speeds tend to be. And, let’s not forget about our baseline as well.
We also experienced occasional connection drops. These can be rather annoying when streaming TV shows or playing online games. The connection times can vary. At times, you may end up waiting for as much as 15 seconds when changing to another VPN server.
On a positive note, our VPN Unlimited review must mention that at least the VPN informs you about the workload of their servers so that you can go for a less loaded one. But, we would still like to see improved speeds, which would give the service some versatility.
How to download and install it
Thanks to KeepSolid, you can download, install, and use VPN Unlimited for 7 days for free. So, you can skip the whole purchase step and simply select the Downloads menu (at the top, on the website). Here, you can choose your platform and download your client with a single click.
Our VPN Unlimited review has found that the installation process for this app isn’t any more difficult than installing any easy-to-use software. A couple of Next buttons to click, and that’s it more or less.
You can also access this Downloads page if you scroll down the page and click the Download link in the Pages section of the footer.
This service is available on all major platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac OS, iOS, Windows Phone, Android, Apple TV, and it also has a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
How to use VPN Unlimited
Here’s something unexpected: when writing this VPN Unlimited review, we found that you can use this app for one day (instead of a 7-day trial) without creating an account. This certainly deserves a pat on the shoulder for KeepSolid.
However, if you do sign up for an account, you can enter your credentials and start enjoying whatever online security this VPN may provide to you.
On the main dashboard, you can find a world map with your true IP address displayed and your physical location marked. If you are connected to a VPN server, you can see your virtual IP and spoofed location shown as well. The world map shows all 70+ locations where the servers are. However, this is not an interactive map – you can’t connect by clicking on it.
When you run the VPN Unlimited app for the first time, it will give you some tips (left). Even if the information is useful, the presentation is a bit messy.
By clicking the large blue Start button at the bottom, you can connect to the Optimal server. This server is most likely the closest and least loaded one. If you set the app to start automatically with Windows, the VPN software will connect to the default or configured server in the background.
The interface is quite straightforward and minimal; you won’t have a “wow moment” looking at it for sure. But it is easy to use.
When you click the server list button, a new screen comes up with four tabs: All servers, Recommended, Favorites, and Streaming. The active tab is the Recommend servers tab by default.
If you click your chosen location on any of these tabs, the VPN Unlimited app will start connecting right away. The connection times can vary. By clicking the blue button in the top-left corner you can also run a Ping Test. Click the X button to close the Servers screen and get back to the home screen.
After connecting to a location, your app should look something like this:
As you can see, your real location and the destination are both indicated in the world map. Press the Stop button to disconnect.
If you’d like to change your settings or check your account information, click the 3-Bar icon in the top-left corner for the Menu.
There are four tabs here too: My account, Settings, Information, and Support. The My account tab is the default tab. What you may be the most interested in is the Settings tab. Let’s see what tweaks VPN Unlimited offers:
Well, not too much freedom to play around with the security and privacy settings. But, at least you can toggle the Kill Switch to protect yourself against leaks. And, let’s not forget about the possibility to select from a number of protocols.
Our VPN Unlimited review finds that the “Optimal” protocol is selected by default. This can well be OpenVPN. But, you’re free to select IKEv2 or KeepSolid’s own Wise protocols with the UDP or TCP pairing. It’s worth running some tests of your own to see which one performs better with specific VPN locations. VPN Unlimited may not be as well-equipped as the super-customizable TorGuard, but it still leaves a lot more at your disposal than many competitors.
VPN Unlimited for Netflix
We continue our VPN Unlimited review with an important section for many VPN users. It seems that you can use VPN Unlimited for Netflix and access the Netflix US catalog, for example. However, not all servers will work – some have already been blocked. If you fail to access Netflix, you can try selecting the specialized server from the list.
We’re backing these statements with a number of tests run from Europe. Without a VPN, Netflix’s own speed test (fast.com) showed us 39 Mbps.
According to the Netflix website, the recommended download speeds are:
- 3 Mbps – for SD quality
- 5 Mbps – for HD quality
- 25 Mbps – for Ultra HD quality
VPN Unlimited servers in the US
We tested VPN Unlimited for Netflix with 3 out of 16 server locations in the US. In general, we were pretty happy with what we got. VPN Unlimited also gives each server’s workload, so this might help you in choosing the best option.
US California, San Francisco – Streaming Netflix, Hulu
Our first test bunny, with a workload of 19%, gave us a solid 30 Mbps – enough for streaming in UHD. Unblocking went well, as did the streaming – no stuttering and no long waiting times after skipping parts of the show.
US California, San Francisco – Streaming
A server with no optimization for Netflix or Hulu and about the same workload didn’t disappoint, showing 31 Mbps. The show took a second longer to load (notice we’re skipping the fact that Netflix was again unblocked without any issues, which is not bad for a VPN that you won’t find on most Top 10 lists), skipping was a bit slower, but overall nothing you should whine about.
US New York, New York
Lastly, we wanted to try at least one server on the East Coast, and the obvious choice, with its 46% load and no streaming optimization, was New York. Well, guess what—we got the fastest speed of 35 Mbps! But when we checked the fast.com details, we noticed that the server used for the test was in Phoenix. In any case, none of it mattered as Netflix displayed the dreaded error message.
VPN Unlimited for Netflix outside the US
We had some really witty lines prepared about each country, but it will suffice to say that despite the speeds never dropping below 24 Mbps, we were unable to access Netflix in Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, or Australia.
Speed test results – is VPN Unlimited Netflix-worthy?
It’s possible to access the US Netflix library from servers on the West Coast, and the speed should be good enough for HD, if not UHD streaming. Just keep in mind that your location, internet connection, and many other factors could cause your speeds to be different.
All in all, we don’t believe that this is one of the best VPNs for Netflix or any other media streaming service (even though you should be able to stream BBC iPlayer and Hulu as there are special servers for them).
Feel free to continue your quest for the best VPN by reading our other reviews and comparisons.
VPN Unlimited for Torrenting
It’s not the best of the worst for torrenting, let’s put it this way. Firstly, the service allows P2P traffic, which is a good start. It’s not allowed on all servers, but there are designated P2P servers, which should fulfill the purpose well enough.
The speeds are not the best, but they’re certainly passable. Perhaps the only thing to note here is that we experienced some annoying connection drops – something that was also mentioned by other users. In light of this, you should make sure you have your kill switch on at all times so as not to risk leaking while torrenting.
We end this section of our VPN Unlimited review – there simply are better options out there for torrenting, such as TorGuard and others.
Live chat support
VPN Unlimited offers its customers 24/7 email support. While this works quite well and the replies are quite fast and helpful, it would also be nice to have some instant support method, such as live chat or a phone line.
In any case, you can also visit the Support page on the official site, where you are offered a couple of alternatives. For example, you can browse the FAQ or the manuals. They are well-written and cover most of the relevant topics.
All in all, this is not excellent and instant customer support (that we have seen in the case of some top 10 VPN providers) would be better. Since using a VPN service is hardly ever without technical and other issues, we believe that it’s a must to have a fast support system. So here is the part in our VPN Unlimited review where we conclude it has failed us and will probably fail you too.
Apps and extensions
As we have already mentioned in our VPN Unlimited review, this VPN has clients working for the most popular platforms, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The browser extensions work on Chrome and Firefox (see the full list below).
All these clients are quite minimalistic and easy to use with very limited security and privacy customization options.
So, if you are a beginner VPN user, you may be glad to have such a user-friendly VPN app. On the other hand, advanced users may find it unsatisfactory for their needs.
KeepSolid VPN Lite
If this above client list weren’t enough, here’s some good news for you: KeepSolid has released its new, light VPN app called VPN Lite for Android and iOS.
But that’s not all. VPN Lite comes in two versions: Free and Turbo.
Let’s see what this new app offers for both plans:
- No ads
- No registration
- Fast performance
- Intuitive, one-tap interface
- No logs policy
- 24/7 support
- Dark mode
Why and how “Lite”? Well, this VPN doesn’t require registration for starters. No email address is needed, which means a higher level of anonymity. You simply download and install the app for your Android or iOS device, and that’s it.
There are a few major differences between the two plans, of course. The Free VPN Lite only comes with one server, AES-128 encryption (not the best possible), no logs policy, the OpenVPN protocol, 24/7 support, but no ads.
The Turbo VPN Lite app offers 400+ servers in 70+ locations, AES-128 and AES-256 encryptions, no logs policy, OpenVPN and KeepSolid Wise protocols, free 7-day trial, and 24/7 support. This Turbo plan is available for $2.49 per month (billed $29.99 yearly) or $4.99 billed monthly. Fairly low prices, but we’ll need some time to fully test this new product. So, we’ll be back with more on VPN Lite.
Pricing: for this, you can get better
VPN Unlimited can be tried for free for 7 days, or you can purchase the following basic plans:
There is also a 7-day money-back guarantee; however, you may experience some issues getting your money back (in time) as suggested by user reports and comments. If you want more than five devices to use simultaneously, you can add additional devices for an additional monthly fee.
Apart from these basic plans, you can also buy a Personal Server or a Personal IP.
The best thing about the payment options is that in addition to Credit Cards, Amazon, PayPal, iTunes, Google Play in-app purchases, and gift cards, you can remain anonymous by paying in Bitcoin.
If you check the Purchases menu option from within the app, you’ll be offered the following options:
Although these prices are quite reasonable, you always need to consider what you get in return.
VPN Unlimited by Reddit
To cut the not-so-long story even shorter, VPN Unlimited has a limited presence on Reddit. While this VPN provider has all the most important social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), Reddit doesn’t seem to be swarming with reviews, comments, or pros and cons.
As a matter of fact, if you list out all the related Reddit threads from the latter year, you will find that 2 out of 3 are lifetime subscription promotions and one is about using this VPN to access US Netflix. Reddit won’t get you too far this time. If you want to find out more about this service – read our in-depth VPN Unlimited review.
The conclusion of our VPN Unlimited review: no hard feelings, Mr. KeepSolid VPN
This service offers some good security and privacy features – even though we are somewhat concerned about its US location.
The speeds we saw during testing for this review are sometimes average, occasionally very slow (depending on the server). With that said, the speeds we encountered were generally enough to use VPN Unlimited for streaming even HD quality videos.
If you’re looking for the best VPN for torrenting, Netflix, gaming, or any activity that requires the highest possible level of anonymity, we would advise you to keep on searching. Fortunately, the VPN market – though not unlimited – has some other services for you to choose from.
How about learning from other VPN users?
Do you have any related questions? Have you ever tried using VPN Unlimited or any other VPN app in the past? What are your impressions? Maybe you’ve put them in your own VPN Unlimited review?
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