ShellFire VPN presents a promising range of features but falls short in performance.
Features
Based in Germany, ShellFire boasts 16 years in the VPN industry and offers servers in 35 countries worldwide. It provides strong privacy and security measures, along with cross-platform support.
The service includes native applications for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Additionally, it supports manual configuration via OpenVPN and PPTP for advanced users, including those using Ubuntu. However, my experience with ShellFire’s applications was less than satisfactory. The free Windows app, Crypto-mining Alpha version of the Windows premium app, and the Android app all exhibited several issues.
The primary concern was the user interface (UI), which did not scale properly. Elements of the application appeared oversized, and parts of the interface were inaccessible without manually adjusting the window. Furthermore, the UI included elements in German, which, combined with an inconsistent translation and a cluttered design, created a confusing user experience.
The app’s settings were notably basic, and the server list lacked organization. Servers were displayed with their location, speed, security, and status (paid/free), but there was no option to sort or filter them effectively. This disorganization made it difficult to find specific servers, such as those in the US, or to differentiate between free and premium servers.
The app’s performance was subpar across the board. Connection drops were frequent, occurring with both the free and premium versions, and the auto-reconnect feature was slow. This issue was also evident in the Android app, where connections were short-lived, often lasting less than a minute. Reviews on Google Play suggest that connection stability is a common problem.
ShellFire does provide manual setup guides, a minimalist FAQ, and email-based support available during business hours. The premium plans include access to select US streaming channels, though streaming requires first connecting to a US server via the default browser. Users can toggle between UDP for faster speeds and TCP for enhanced security. However, the settings offered are basic and do not significantly enhance the user experience.
Pricing
ShellFire offers three subscription plans. The free plan includes servers in Germany and the US, with 128-bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol. Although traffic is unlimited, speeds are capped at 1,000 kbit/sec. Registration and email verification are required for the free account.
The paid Premium plan is priced at €2.90 per month with an annual subscription or €4.00 on a monthly basis. The PremiumPlus plan costs €5.00 per month with an annual subscription or €8.00 monthly. All paid plans feature 256-bit encryption, unlimited traffic, servers in 37 countries, and no speed limits. They also provide direct access to popular streaming services.
ShellFire supports a single concurrent connection per account. Payment options include PayPal, credit cards, Bitcoin, Sofort-Transfer, wire transfer, and Pay-Per-Phone. All paid plans come with a 14-day cancellation policy.
An alternative offered by ShellFire allows users to pay for VPN access using computing power. By installing the ShellFire VPN Crypto version, users can mine cryptocurrency for the provider in exchange for premium features. Note that this crypto-mining version is still in its Alpha phase.
Performance
Throughout testing, connection stability was a significant issue, impacting both desktop and mobile platforms. Speed tests were inconsistent. Here are the results:
- Default Speed:
- ShellFire’s US Server:
- ShellFire’s UK Server:
While DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks were not detected, frequent connection drops affected streaming performance. Both Netflix and BBC iPlayer were able to detect my actual location, and the embedded CBS streaming link experienced similar issues.
Privacy and Security
ShellFire does not log user data; however, as a German-based provider, it must comply with local legal requirements and cooperate with law enforcement if required. Germany’s involvement in international surveillance alliances raises concerns for users regarding data privacy. Additionally, some users report that ShellFire filters certain keywords, such as those related to torrenting. The provider’s Terms of IPTV Service and Privacy Statement are brief, indicating that while ShellFire logs access to its website and user email, it employs cookies, targeted ads, social media buttons, and Google Analytics. Users can opt out of some tracking mechanisms.
In summary, while ShellFire offers several appealing features and competitive pricing, its performance issues and UI shortcomings make it a less favorable option in the VPN market.
