VPN.ht offers an array of appealing features, including affordable pricing, robust encryption, high-speed servers, cross-platform support, and P2P compatibility. It operates 128 servers across 24 countries.
Features
Hong Kong-based VPN.ht has been operating for several years but remains relatively low-profile despite its notable attributes.
A point of concern is the lack of activity on the provider’s social media channels for over a year, with no updates since 2015 on Twitter. The welcome email received was succinct and included a download link for their proprietary desktop software, which remains in Alpha since its 2015 release. User feedback indicates that the client is buggy and in need of an update, but the provider has not responded to comments on its blog.
Further scrutiny on Reddit revealed no responses from VPN.ht regarding discussions about its credibility and reliability. This lack of engagement suggests either a budgetary constraint for PR and marketing or a disregard for such matters. The only regularly updated aspect is their Warrant Canary. Despite these issues, the VPN service itself operates effectively.
Rather than using the outdated Alpha client, I proceeded with the OVPN configuration files for OpenVPN. The customer dashboard, though clean and intuitive, presents challenges with an empty Downloads section and an unusually placed config files generator. Users must navigate to the knowledge base, locate the relevant OS guide, and extract the link to the config files—a cumbersome process. This generator should be prominently featured in the customer dashboard, given the service’s reliance on OpenVPN.
Once located, the config files were straightforward to download, allowing granular control over country selection, protocol, port, and encryption level. The files are clearly named, facilitating easy identification. Installation of OpenVPN was required for first-time users, with step-by-step instructions provided.
Connecting, disconnecting, switching servers, and entering login credentials were seamless. Testing of US and UK servers revealed no bugs or freezes. The only support available is through a ticketing system, as live chat is not offered.
VPN.ht supports up to three simultaneous connections per license and permits torrenting (with caution in countries with strict anti-piracy laws). While OpenVPN is compatible with virtually any device supporting the protocol, native mobile apps for Android and iOS are also available. OpenVPN Connect, alongside the config files, is the most reliable option. The service utilizes 256-bit AES encryption and offers additional servers with 128-bit AES and 64-bit Blowfish for OpenVPN, as well as PPTP, L2TP, and proxy options. However, there is limited customization compared to other providers, such as the absence of a kill switch or firewall. Nonetheless, OpenVPN’s open-source nature and community audits on GitHub enhance privacy and security compared to proprietary software.
Pricing
VPN.ht does not provide a free trial but offers the first month of its $5/month subscription for $1. Its annual plan is reasonably priced at $40, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers.
While multiple payment options are listed (PayPal, Bitcoin, credit cards, wire transfers), I encountered issues with PayPal as the checkout page displayed errors between their credit card processor and PayPal. This issue may be attributed to PayPal’s policies against VPN services, and the provider has not updated users on this matter.
Performance Evaluation
During my testing, VPN.ht consistently delivered high-speed performance across both 256-bit and 128-bit encrypted connections.
Below are the results of my default speed before connecting to the VPN:
- Speed with US Server:
- Speed with UK Server:
- Speed with Netherlands Server:
In terms of security, VPN.ht performed admirably. No DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks were detected.
Originally designed with torrent users, gamers, and streamers in mind, VPN.ht had previously been integrated into Popcorn Time’s torrent client. Consequently, it is not surprising that it successfully bypassed Netflix’s VPN restrictions.
However, it was unable to unblock BBC iPlayer during my test
Privacy and Security
Based in Hong Kong, VPN.ht benefits from relatively strong privacy laws. The provider maintains an updated Warrant Canary and adheres to a privacy policy stating that they do not log traffic data or browsing activity. Registration details, such as email and payment information, are retained but not shared with third parties.
The website uses cookies and trackers, which raises concerns about privacy. The terms of service do not specify connection log details, and the lack of advanced security features, such as a kill switch or firewall, is noted. However, the use of OpenVPN and 256-bit AES encryption aligns with modern security standards. The most significant concerns include the provider’s extended silence on social media, a stagnant development of their native client, and potential issues with PayPal.
