Our Score: 6.1/10
Ranked 69th out of 198 VPNs
Established in Hong Kong in 2014, VPN.ht positions itself as one of the premier options for private browsing and torrenting. Given this claim, I approached my research with a degree of skepticism. So, do these assertions hold merit?
I evaluated VPN.ht to determine its efficacy as a VPN service. Initially, VPN.ht demonstrated strong performance in unblocking international content on platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and Amazon Prime Video. However, it faced challenges with popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Hulu.
In terms of security and privacy, VPN.ht proves to be a reliable choice. It employs encryption algorithms of 64, 128, and 256 bits to safeguard your connection and supports various protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, and PPTP. A notable drawback, however, is the absence of a functional kill switch.
VPN.ht allows unlimited torrenting and P2P connections, which aligns with its design as a VPN tailored for torrenting, particularly with the Popcorn Time BitTorrent platform.
While the VPN’s network includes 90 servers across 26 countries, which is relatively limited compared to other providers, it does include connections in less common locations like Brazil, Romania, and Poland.
Currently, VPN.ht is compatible with Windows, Unix/Linux, Ubuntu, Redhat, Chromebook, iOS, and Android. It can also be configured for use with routers that support VPN installation.
Cost is often a significant consideration for VPN users, and VPN.ht offers two affordable subscription options. The first month is available for $1, followed by a recurring fee of $4.99 each month. Alternatively, users can choose an annual plan for $3.33 per month, making this option particularly appealing for those looking to save money.
Having explored all aspects of VPN.ht’s services that I could assess, I invite you to read on for a comprehensive review of this VPN.
If you remain uncertain whether VPN.ht is the right choice for your needs, consider exploring alternative reviews to find a VPN that better suits your requirements.
Key Findings at a Glance
- Effective for Netflix: VPN.ht successfully bypasses Netflix’s geo-restrictions but struggles with BBC iPlayer. For detailed streaming test results, refer to my analysis.
- User-Friendly Setup: I encountered no issues during the setup process, enabling swift configuration. For a guide on installation, visit my setup review.
- Intuitive Interface: The VPN.ht application is designed for ease of use, making it accessible for beginners. For an in-depth usability review.
- Reliable Speeds: Connection speeds are sufficient for gaming, HD streaming, and torrenting. Check my speed tests for detailed results.
- Cost-Effective: VPN.ht offers competitively priced subscription plans. For a comprehensive breakdown of pricing, refer to my research.
- Limited Server Network: Compared to other popular VPNs, VPN.ht has fewer servers. More details about its network can be found here.
- Inconsistent Customer Service: Despite having a decent knowledge base, I found customer support to be slow in addressing inquiries. For a full analysis of customer service experiences.
VPN.ht Features — 2024 Update
Rating : 6.8
💸 Price | 3.33 USD/month |
📆 Money Back Guarantee | 30 Days |
📝 Does VPN keep logs? | No |
🖥 Number of servers | 90+ |
💻 Number of devices per license | 3 |
🛡 Kill switch | No |
🗺 Based in country | Hong Kong |
🛠 Support | Via Email |
📥 Supports torrenting | Yes |
Streaming — Netflix and Spotify Perform Seamlessly
In my tests, VPN.ht successfully unblocked both Netflix and Spotify, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted streaming without any noticeable issues.
However, I did encounter challenges when attempting to access other popular streaming platforms, including Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Kodi, and several others.
Unblocked: Netflix and Spotify
Using VPN.ht with Netflix proved to be an easy and efficient process. I connected to six different VPN.ht servers, logged into Netflix, and consistently gained access to international content on each occasion.
For instance, when connected to a VPN.ht server in France, I was able to view French-specific content on Netflix, ensuring a seamless experience with region-specific media.
VPN.ht Streaming Performance
VPN.ht also delivered solid performance when used with Spotify. Once connected to the VPN, I could instantly access music from around the world via Spotify without any issues.
Additionally, I was able to successfully stream content on Disney+, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. These platforms quickly recognized that I was connected through servers outside the US and promptly provided access to international content.
Blocked By: Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Kodi, Vudu, Pandora, and Others
Unfortunately, VPN.ht did not perform as well with other popular streaming services. During my tests, I was unable to access BBC iPlayer, ESPN, Kodi, HBO Go, Pandora, or Hulu using any of VPN.ht’s servers.
When attempting to log into Hulu, the platform did not recognize my credentials while I was connected to the VPN. Similar issues arose when trying to access BBC iPlayer and Pandora, despite testing multiple servers.
Speeds — Consistent and Reliable Connection
In terms of connection speed, VPN.ht provided reliable and consistent performance during my tests, allowing smooth web browsing and HD streaming.
On a 100 Mbps symmetrical connection, I experienced only minimal speed reductions in both download and upload rates. Although upload speeds took a slightly greater hit, download speeds remained relatively high.
The fastest connection I recorded was 76 Mbps download and 37.79 Mbps upload from a server in Germany, while the slowest was 68.13 Mbps download and 28.93 Mbps upload from a server in Japan. On average, I observed a 28% reduction in speed, which is fairly reasonable given that all VPNs cause some degree of speed loss.
To clarify key terms when assessing VPN performance:
- Download speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred to your device.
- Upload speed is the opposite, indicating how quickly data is sent from your device to the web.
- Ping measures the server’s response time—the lower the ping, the better.
In my tests, there was no significant difference in connection speeds between US and European servers, suggesting that users should experience similar performance regardless of which region’s servers they use.
Are VPN.ht’s Speeds Fast Enough for Gaming?
Yes, VPN.ht Supports Smooth Online Gaming
With VPN.ht’s strong connection speeds, online gaming is smooth and uninterrupted. Gamers should not experience any noticeable lag, even when playing graphics-intensive games over the internet.
During my testing, I was able to play a multiplayer game of Minecraft seamlessly while connected to VPN.ht servers, demonstrating that the VPN can handle the demands of online gaming without compromising performance.
Server Network — Diverse Range of Global Servers
VPN.ht offers a solid server network, with over 90 servers spread across 26 countries. What sets this VPN apart is its presence in regions less frequently covered by other providers, including Romania, Poland, South Africa, Serbia, and Brazil.
This allows users to select from a wider range of locations, expanding the available options for connecting to different regions.
One of the standout features is that P2P support is available on all of VPN.ht’s servers. During my testing, I confirmed that P2P connections worked seamlessly on all servers, making this a valuable option for those interested in torrenting.
While VPN.ht’s server count may be smaller than some competitors, its global distribution offers international users a good variety of connection points, ensuring access to a wide range of regions.
United Arab Emirates | Germany | Japan | Serbia |
Australia | Denmark | Korea | Sweden |
Belgium | Denmark | Netherlands | Singapore |
Bulgaria | Spain | Norway | Slovakia (Slovak Republic) |
Brazil | France | New Zealand | United States |
Canada | United Kingdom | Poland | South Africa |
Switzerland | Italy | Romania |