LiquidVPN currently operates over 40 servers across 20 locations in 11 countries, providing more than 2,000 IP addresses. While this may not constitute the largest network, the technical specifications are impressive. Let’s delve deeper into what this VPN service offers.
Features
Founded in 2013, LiquidVPN is a U.S.-based provider that prioritizes quality and security over extensive server coverage.
LiquidVPN supports a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Users have the option to use native apps or, if they prefer, download configuration files for the OpenVPN app.
The provider’s website is rich with resources, including setup guides, knowledge base articles, troubleshooting instructions, and detailed user scenarios. It’s one of the most comprehensive collections of VPN guidance available, ensuring that users are well-supported from the outset.
However, the user dashboard could be more intuitive. I had to consult a YouTube tutorial to locate my VPN login credentials, which differ from the member area credentials. Despite this initial hurdle, the software itself is user-friendly.
LiquidVPN offers a support chat feature directly within the desktop app, in addition to traditional support channels like email and ticketing systems.
The desktop application is relatively straightforward to navigate. Upon launching the app, the first task is to log in by clicking the gear icon—a somewhat unconventional design choice since one might expect the login screen to appear immediately after installation.
The main interface allows users to switch server locations by scrolling through a list, with options to favorite servers, sort by region, or filter by ping. Protocols and ports can be selected directly from the main screen, while the settings menu provides further customization options. Users can set LiquidVPN to auto-connect at system startup, automatically reconnect if the connection drops, manage DNS settings, and enable Liquid Lock Mode, which also allows LAN traffic.
While the provider’s website explains all these features, it can be somewhat inconvenient to have to manually search for explanations when unfamiliar with a specific feature. A simple pop-up explanation would greatly enhance usability.
LiquidVPN’s customer support is prompt and professional, and the chat window within the desktop app is especially convenient for attaching logs during troubleshooting.
The Liquid Lock feature functions as both a VPN kill switch and a custom firewall, preventing leaks when additional security is needed.
Torrenting is supported, and LiquidVPN emphasizes that all their servers are optimized for P2P activities. They do not block ports or force torrents through congested networks. With Liquid Lock enabled, users are protected from potential risks associated with connection drops. Full port forwarding is available, directing all incoming ports to the user’s device for improved download speeds.
LiquidVPN also offers three types of VPN connections, allowing users to choose between shared IP, dynamic IP, and modulating IP addresses, depending on their needs.
Pricing
LiquidVPN offers three subscription plans: SideKick, Road Warrior, and Ultimate. The SideKick plan is priced at $7 per month, which reduces to $4.75 per month when paid annually. This plan includes two simultaneous connections, access to servers in 11 countries, and a pool of 564 IP addresses.
The Road Warrior plan is available for $10 per month or $66.84 annually, providing up to four simultaneous connections, access to servers in 11 countries, and 2,168 IP addresses. The Ultimate plan is priced at $18 per month or $105.96 annually, allowing up to eight simultaneous connections.
All three plans offer the same benefits, including unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 customer support, unlimited server switching, and compatibility with multiple platforms. P2P sharing is also permitted.
Payment options include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as well as traditional methods such as PayPal and credit cards. LiquidVPN also offers a seven-day money-back guarantee on all plans, though no free trial is available.
Performance Testing
I subjected LiquidVPN to a series of speed and security tests. The VPN consistently delivered strong performance, both when connected to servers nearby and when connecting to international servers, which is not always typical.
Below are the results from my default speed test, as well as tests on LiquidVPN’s US and UK servers.
The VPN successfully prevented DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, passing all security tests with high marks.
However, LiquidVPN’s streaming capabilities were less impressive. The service was unable to unblock Netflix US, and while it did unblock BBC iPlayer, the connection was inconsistent and suffered from significant buffering times, despite sufficient speeds for low-quality streaming.
Privacy and Security
LiquidVPN prioritizes security, offering robust technical specifications. These include a 4096-bit RSA encrypted handshake, AES 256 data channel ciphers, 2048-bit HMAC firewall, and SHA512 data channel authentication, all of which work seamlessly with OpenVPN to provide a solid security package.
LiquidVPN manages its own servers, reducing the involvement of third parties in handling your data. In addition to OpenVPN, the service also supports SSTP, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSEC protocols. Features such as shared and modulating IP address switching enhance your privacy, while a kill switch and firewall provide protection against DNS leaks.
As a US-based provider, LiquidVPN is subject to data retention laws, mass surveillance, and potential gag orders. It’s advisable to review their Terms of Service and Ethics pages to understand the types of data collected.
LiquidVPN tracks the number of active user logins per account, account status (logged in/out), simultaneous connections allowed per account, public IP addresses assigned by the system, and failed login attempts. They also maintain logs related to rate limits, excessive queries, and attempted amplification attacks, as well as system health and Kernel logs of your device, IPS/IDS firewall logs, and brute force login attempts.
While LiquidVPN supports P2P sharing and offers excellent security features, users should be cautious when engaging in activities that could attract the attention of US law enforcement while connected to this VPN.
