PandaPow VPN, based in Hong Kong, offers a range of services including PandaPow Classic and portable VPN routers under PandaPow Wi-Fi. The provider boasts server coverage across 15 countries and supports a variety of platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS. Notably, PandaPow allows three simultaneous connections and features an intuitive cross-platform client. It also provides the option to pause subscriptions and delivers commendable speeds. However, it does not support P2P file sharing and retains connection logs. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Features
PandaPow VPN supports multiple protocols including PPTP, IPSec, L2TP, and OpenVPN. It is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, Windows RT, Chromebook, Linux, and BlackBerry. This extensive compatibility is relatively rare among VPN providers.
Upon subscription, users receive an immediate activation email, allowing them to access their client area, view subscription details, and utilize resources like downloads, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides. While the website’s design is not particularly striking, it is well-organized and user-friendly. Customer support is accessible via email.
The installation of PandaPow’s Windows desktop client is straightforward, taking less than a minute. The welcome email includes essential information, including a VPN username and password distinct from those used for the client area.
The desktop application is a customized version of the OpenVPN GUI, recognizable to users familiar with the latter. The interface is minimalistic but user-friendly. Upon first login, the software offers settings tailored for users in China.
Server selection and connection management are facilitated through a main region window, a connection status window, and a taskbar shortcut for quick server access. Servers are categorized by region—US, Asia, and Europe—with each region offering various locations. For example, Los Angeles features 24 servers, providing a substantial selection.
Although the Windows client lacks a vibrant color scheme, its simple interface is well-suited for beginners. The Android application mirrors this ease of use and includes a server speed test feature, allowing users to test all servers or select specific ones.
PandaPow permits up to three simultaneous connections but allows installation on an unlimited number of devices, provided the concurrent session limit is not exceeded. The Windows client, while minimalistic, supports advanced customization options including protocol and port adjustments, timeout settings, and configuration file edits. Users can also manage server settings, update server URLs, or reinstall TAP drivers if necessary. The application includes a detailed connection log for troubleshooting and offers a shortcut for submitting logs to support.
The service does not include a kill switch or NAT firewall and does not support P2P file sharing. However, it imposes no speed or data limits.
Pricing
PandaPow does not offer free trials but provides a 7-day money-back guarantee for all paid plans. Users can manage multiple subscriptions per account and pause subscriptions when not in use. Pricing for PandaPow Classic starts at $9 per month, $24 per three months, and $84 per year. The plan includes three simultaneous connections and a cross-platform client.
Payment options include PayPal, credit cards, AliPay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, and Tenpay. However, Bitcoin is not accepted. It is important to note that the money-back guarantee does not apply to iTunes purchases due to Apple’s restrictions.
Performance Evaluation
PandaPow demonstrated above-average performance in my speed tests. This can be attributed, in part, to its use of less robust Blowfish encryption. Nevertheless, the results were promising.
Without the VPN, my internet speed was approximately 30 Mbps today:
With PandaPow’s Dallas server, there was a slight increase in speed:
However, speeds decreased notably with long-distance connections to the UK:
and Australia:
The reduction in speed for long-distance connections was not critical, and I was generally impressed with PandaPow’s overall performance. The connection and disconnection processes were consistently swift, with no errors encountered.
However, DNS leak tests revealed that PandaPow was leaking DNS information, which was disappointing:
No WebRTC or IPv6 leaks were detected:
PandaPow performed exceptionally well in streaming tests, successfully unblocking Netflix, HBO, BBC iPlayer, and Australia’s Channel 9 in a single attempt. Streaming was smooth, with minimal buffering.
Privacy and Security
PandaPow is operated by DoEnter Ltd., based in Hong Kong. Given the absence of mandatory data retention laws in Hong Kong, the Best VPN based there are generally considered reliable in terms of privacy. This provides some assurance against surveillance by the Fourteen Eyes intelligence agencies, though there is a possibility of monitoring by the Chinese government. The company provides a concise and clear Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
PandaPow does not actively monitor user activity. However, in the event of receiving a DMCA notice or other indications of user misconduct, PandaPow may temporarily engage in monitoring, filtering, and blocking, including email communication, to identify and address the issue. The provider logs connection data, including IP addresses, timestamps, total data transferred, and transfer speed, which exceeds my preferred level of data collection.
PandaPow will disclose account information to law enforcement if legally required. However, it will not intentionally disclose private electronic communications or account details. Consequently, while PandaPow’s privacy features are somewhat limited, it employs a proprietary protocol based on OpenVPN, utilizing Blowfish-128 encryption, HMAC SHA-1, and an RSA-2048 handshake. These specifications offer baseline security, which is relatively weak.
