Liberty Shield VPN, formerly known as UK Proxy Server, is a veteran in the industry, having been operational since 2008. The service provides VPN and proxy solutions across various platforms, but its offerings are relatively limited compared to competitors. The VPN supports PPTP and L2TP protocols and operates servers in ten countries: the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Features
Liberty Shield VPN offers a native client for Windows and Mac operating systems. Users can also configure the VPN manually for Android, iOS devices, and media streaming boxes. Additionally, the proxy service can be set up on game consoles and web browsers.
However, the user experience could be significantly improved. The customer dashboard, where users manage their accounts, support tickets, and downloads, is fragmented and cumbersome. The knowledge base, while potentially comprehensive, is difficult to navigate. The Downloads section is isolated and poorly organized, linking to an inefficient helpdesk. Support ticket management requires a separate user account, which complicates the process further.
I encountered issues with the Liberty Shield Windows client during my test. The installation process was straightforward, but upon rebooting my PC, the software required reinstallation. Additionally, the client displayed “UK Proxy Server” instead of “Liberty Shield” or “VPN Manager,” causing some confusion. Despite being able to log into my account and view my subscription details online, the desktop client repeatedly indicated that I did not have an active subscription.
Support tickets were filed, but due to time zone differences, I was unable to resolve the issue until support hours resumed. The support team eventually addressed the problem, but their failure to acknowledge the initial issue was frustrating, particularly as the 24-hour money-back guarantee period was ticking away.
When I finally accessed the VPN, the client was minimalistic, featuring only a single-window interface with login credentials and a dropdown list for server selection. The protocol options were limited to automatic, PPTP, and L2TP, with the server dropdown locked to “Auto,” which rendered its purpose unclear.
Performance
In terms of performance, Liberty Shield VPN provided acceptable speeds but encountered issues with specific servers. In my initial test, without the VPN, my download speed was approximately 45 Mbps. When connected to Liberty Shield’s US server, the speed dropped to around 8 Mbps.
The client itself is basic, lacking advanced features such as a kill switch or firewall, which are typically expected in a VPN service priced at $10 per month. Peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing of copyrighted content is not permitted. On a positive note, the service allows connections from multiple devices using the same account, though the exact number of supported devices is not specified.
Pricing
Liberty Shield does not offer a free trial, but it provides a 24-hour money-back guarantee for those who wish to evaluate the service. The pricing structure is as follows:
- Monthly: $9.69
- Quarterly: $27.72
- Semi-Annually: $49.91
- Annually: $97.06
Prices are billed in British Pounds, so they may vary with exchange rates. Currently, Liberty Shield accepts only credit card payments. During the subscription process, users are required to select a country, which appears to be necessary for purchasing a VPN router but is unclear for VPN service alone.
A subscription includes access to servers in ten countries, proxy and VPN services via PPTP and L2TP, VPN clients for Windows and Mac, manual configuration guides for other platforms, and ticket-based support.
Tests
Given that Liberty Shield utilizes PPTP and L2TP protocols, I anticipated better performance. In my initial speed test without the VPN, I achieved approximately 45 Mbps for downloads:
With Liberty Shield’s U.S. server, the speed dropped to around 8 Mbps:
Interestingly, the London server performed better despite being a longer-distance connection:
Liberty Shield also fell short in security evaluations. Although it did not leak my IPv6 or WebRTC information:
It did, however, exhibit DNS leaks, which is disappointing:
Regarding streaming capabilities, Liberty Shield functioned as expected. It successfully unblocked content from Netflix U.S.:
HBO:
and BBC iPlayer:
Privacy and Security
Liberty Shield promotes zero logs and complete privacy; however, a closer examination of their Terms of Service (ToS) reveals some concerns. The document states that the provider disclaims any responsibility for issues and prohibits illegal activities. Users are also required to stay informed about any changes to the ToS. When it comes to logging practices, the company asserts a commitment to privacy but admits to logging connection times, server locations, and daily data transfer amounts. Additionally, the desktop app transmits diagnostic data to a third-party analytics firm. Although the provider claims this data does not include personally identifiable information, the lack of transparency is concerning.
Moreover, as a UK-based company, Liberty Shield is subject to extensive surveillance, which compromises privacy protection. The ToS does not clarify how user data is managed or disclosed under legal requirements, leading to doubts about its effectiveness in safeguarding privacy.
Finally, PPTP and L2TP are generally considered inadequate for VPN security. Liberty Shield’s FAQ mentions that OpenVPN support is expected “in the near future,” but it has not yet been implemented
