VPNSecure, also known as VPN.S, is an Australian-based VPN provider established in 2010. The service boasts an extensive network, covering 41 countries with self-managed servers in each location. VPNSecure supports a range of encryption protocols, including PPTP, SSH Socks, and OpenVPN, with robust 128-bit and 256-bit encryption options.
Features
VPNSecure operates on a strict no-logs policy, ensuring a high standard of security and privacy. Users benefit from unrestricted bandwidth and unlimited server switching. The service supports peer-to-peer (P2P) activities and is compatible with a diverse array of devices.
The VPNSecure OpenVPN client is available for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux operating systems. Notably, the client is user-friendly and requires minimal configuration, making it ideal for beginners. To get started, simply log into the Members Area, select the installer for your operating system, and follow the straightforward installation wizard. Once installed, launch the application, log in with your credentials, and you are ready to use the VPN.
The application features both light and dark themes and supports multiple languages. It offers an intuitive interface, with the main screen displaying a list of servers organized by country. Connection status is shown in the top bar, while the bottom bar indicates your current location, public IP, and membership type. To connect to a server, select it and confirm your choice. An active server is marked with a lightning bolt icon, which you can click to disconnect. The VPNSecure website is similarly user-friendly, and their support services are exceptional, available 24/7 through a live chat feature that appears on every page.
Support is also accessible via the desktop app, email, and the Support page on their website, where users can create support tickets. Additionally, VPNSecure provides a comprehensive knowledge base filled with installation and troubleshooting guides.
The desktop client’s settings are accessible via the hamburger icon in the top left corner of the app. Users can enable leak protection and activate a kill switch. The app also includes a Stealth VPN feature with automated Obfsproxy to enhance anonymity.
Advanced Routing options allow users to route traffic through the VPN for specific domains or exclude certain domains from VPN traffic. Advanced Config options enable users to add custom OpenVPN configuration settings if needed. Connections via SOCKS/HTTP servers are also supported. The app clears connection logs upon each start, and users can choose to keep or remove their Favorites. VPNSecure offers detailed explanations of its underlying technology, including RSA-2048 handshake encryption and AES-256-CBC HMAC authentication, with OpenVPN servers utilizing UDP and TCP protocols.
Pricing
VPNSecure offers flexible pricing plans. The monthly subscription starts at $9.95, with reduced rates of $49.80 for a six-month plan and $79.92 for an annual subscription. All plans include access to OpenVPN desktop and mobile clients, a full range of servers, HTTP proxy, and Smart DNS. Users can connect multiple devices, provided they connect to different servers.
A free subscription is available with a 2GB data cap and access to a single US server. For unrestricted access to all servers and features, a 2-day trial is available for $2. This trial must be accessed through the Members Area by registering and selecting the “trial from $2” option from the dashboard.
Standalone plans are also offered for PPTP at $7.95 per month and HTTP Proxy at $4.95 per month. All plans come with a 15-day money-back guarantee, and payment options include PayPal, credit and debit cards, Payza, Cashu, Perfect Money, and Bitcoin.
Performance Testing
In testing, VPNSecure demonstrated acceptable performance with a moderate speed reduction while connected. Streaming SD video was feasible even with the VPN enabled. Below are the speed test results for the US and UK servers:
Additionally, tests for DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks were conducted, and the results showed no leaks, confirming the service’s reliability in maintaining privacy.
Testing Results
I evaluated VPNSecure using a relatively slow default connection:
When the VPN was active, there was a noticeable reduction in speed, but it remained within acceptable limits, allowing for smooth streaming of SD video. Below are the results for the US server:
and the UK server:
Additionally, I conducted tests for DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. All tests produced excellent results with no leaks detected.
On the downside, the desktop client exhibits some issues. Connection drops are relatively common, certain servers experience lag, and server status is not displayed.
If your goal is to access Netflix US, you might be disappointed. I attempted to access BBC iPlayer, which was successful only after a detailed conversation with a support agent. Currently, BBC iPlayer is accessible only via one UK server, and its performance is subpar. The video experienced significant buffering times and could not load in HD, though it is still usable.
Privacy and Security
VPNSecure deserves commendation for its straightforward, concise Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which are condensed into a single page outlining all essential details about the VPN provider. They maintain a strict no-logs policy, which enhances privacy as there is nothing to provide to law enforcement. While the provider is based in Australia, a member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance, they counterbalance this with a Warrant Canary page and permit P2P activities. Given their robust OpenVPN implementation and no-logs policy, I would recommend VPNSecure as a private and secure option, despite its country of origi
