My interest in Le VPN was piqued by two standout features: its extensive server network across 114 countries and its versatile security protocols. Given my frequent travels and diverse usage across PCs and mobile devices, Le VPN appeared to be an ideal solution.
Features
Le VPN, headquartered in Hong Kong, offers a comprehensive suite of standard VPN security and privacy features. Its global server network ensures reliable access from nearly any location. Users benefit from the flexibility to connect via multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP, with options for TCP or UDP ports. For those unfamiliar with these technical terms, Le VPN’s website provides detailed instructions and explanations on configuring the service and the benefits of each option.
A notable feature of Le VPN is its HybridVPN protocol, which facilitates access to geo-restricted content such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. This protocol intelligently routes your traffic through either a VPN or SmartDNS system. While SmartDNS does not offer the same security as a VPN, it allows for unrestricted streaming of global content. During HybridVPN use, your online activity remains secured by VPN protection, with only specific media routed through SmartDNS. Users should be cautious with this feature as it can reduce security, though it offers substantial streaming advantages.
The Le VPN client interface is designed to be user-friendly despite the extensive range of options and settings. For users who prefer minimal configuration, the interface might seem overwhelming. However, Le VPN’s website provides extensive guidance and support, making it one of the most informative VPN resources available. While live support is not available 24/7, the ticketing system is efficient and responsive.
Pricing
Le VPN offers a straightforward pricing structure, unlike many VPNs with complex tiered systems. There is a single plan available with three subscription options: 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month. The 12-month plan is priced at $4.95 per month, while the 1-month and 6-month plans cost $9.95 and $7.50 per month, respectively.
Le VPN also supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, Openbucks, and Boleto, providing more flexibility compared to many other VPN services.
Performance Tests
Performance is crucial for any VPN, so I conducted speed tests before and after activating Le VPN. Here are the results:
Before Activation:
After Activation and Connection to a Local Server:
Although latency was slightly higher, these results are consistent with current VPN performance standards. While browsing and streaming speeds were marginally slower, the impact was minimal. For high-demand activities such as intensive online gaming or rapid torrenting, Le VPN may not deliver optimal performance, but it is adequate for everyday use.
A DNS leak test confirmed that my connection was securely routed through Le VPN’s San Jose server, with no issues detected.
Privacy
In terms of privacy, the company’s policies and procedures are somewhat lacking. Information on this topic is not readily accessible on their website, which typically suggests a lack of emphasis on showcasing their privacy practices. However, after thorough investigation (found at the bottom of their site under “Terms of Use”), it is evident that while the company does not maintain “direct logs” of users’ web traffic, they do not adhere to a zero-log policy. This implies that basic details such as connection times, session lengths, and data usage may be recorded.
Security
Le VPN offers a comprehensive range of privacy settings, all employing AES-256 encryption. While OpenVPN is recognized as the most secure option, users have the flexibility to switch to L2TP or PPTP protocols for enhanced performance or to circumvent network restrictions. This versatility is particularly beneficial for mobile use, especially on older or less common devices that may either lack compatibility with OpenVPN or present challenges during setup.
