Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
X-VPN and VPN.AC are two Virtual Private Network (VPN) services with varied strengths and weaknesses. X-VPN, based in Hong Kong, boasts an impressive network of over 8,000 servers across 65 countries. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and supports up to 5 simultaneous connections, but lacks a no-logging policy and ad-blocking feature. VPN.AC, headquartered in Romania, offers a cheaper monthly subscription at $3.75, supports up to 12 simultaneous connections, and includes unique features like the double VPN and ad-blocking. However, it only offers a 7-day money-back guarantee and has a smaller server network with only 130 servers across 26 countries. Both VPNs have AES-256 encryption and browser extensions. Considering these factors from a user’s perspective, VPN.AC appears to be the better choice due to its lower price, additional security features, and stronger privacy laws in its jurisdiction country.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: X-VPN vs VPN.AC
| VPN Company | X-VPN | VPN.AC |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Hong Kong | Romania |
| Cheapest Price | $4.79/mo over 12-month subscription | $3.75/mo |
| Monthly Price | $11.99 | $9.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 7 days |
| No Logging Policy? | No | No |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-128, and AES-256 |
| Protocols | L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, Everest Protocol | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 8,000 | 130 |
| Servers Countries | 65 | 26 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 devices | 12 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | No | No |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, X-VPN and VPN.AC are standout choices.
VPN.AC’s service begins at $3.75/mo for 24-month subscription. X-VPN costs $11.99 a month when you subscribe on month-by-month basis and costs just $4.79 per month when you go with annual subscription.
VPN.AC Plans
X-VPN Plans
Jurisdiction: VPN.AC Better
The headquarters location of a VPN company is not just a geographical factor but a pivotal aspect that defines the legal framework within which a VPN operates.
Different countries have varying regulations regarding data retention, surveillance, and the extent to which government authorities can demand access to user data. For instance, companies based in countries that are part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance might be legally obligated to collect and share user data with government agencies. Conversely, a VPN company headquartered in a country with strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention requirements (ie. Panama, British Virgin Islands, etc) can offer greater assurances of user privacy and data security.
Based in Hong Kong and Romania, both X-VPN and VPN.AC offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance*. Both VPNs are not legally obligated to collect and share user data with (especially European and America) government agencies.
However, Hong Kong has undergone significant changes under the influence of China and its legal system, particularly since the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020. This law’s ambiguous nature allows for wide-ranging interpretations and enables authorities to potentially access personal data and monitor online activities more intrusively. Furthermore, the legal integration with mainland China means that data collected in Hong Kong could be subject to China’s stringent cybersecurity laws, which include mandatory data retention and sharing with government authorities.
In contrast, Romania comes with strong privacy regulation and less intrusive data retention laws; and therefore, allows VPN.AC to offer a lower risk of government-led surveillance and higher degree of user privacy. Hence, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, VPN.AC represents a safer choice.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: X-VPN Better
The server fleet size of X-VPN and VPN.AC is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. X-VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 8,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, VPN.AC maintains a more modest server presence, with only 130 servers across 26 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from VPN.AC, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of X-VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Why the Number of VPN Servers Matter?
The size of a VPN’s server fleet significantly impacts user experience in several key areas.
Firstly, a larger server network ensures a more evenly distributed user load, which translates to faster internet speeds and reduced risk of server overload. This is crucial for maintaining high-speed connections, especially important for streaming, downloading, and browsing. In contrast, a smaller server fleet might face challenges handling high traffic volumes – which often leads to slower speeds and longer connection times. Additionally, extensive server coverage offers users a wider choice of geographical locations, enhancing the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access diverse content.
Additionally, extensive server coverage offers users a wider choice of geographical locations, enhancing the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access diverse content. From a privacy standpoint, a larger server fleet can offer better anonymity, as user activities are dispersed across more servers, reducing the likelihood of tracking and data breaches.
No Logging Policy: VPN.AC Better
There is a significant difference in user privacy and data security whencomparing the two VPN companies’ no-logging policty. VPN.AC’s no-log policy ensures that users’ online activities, including browsing history, IP addresses, and bandwidth usage, are not recorded; thereby offering a higher level of privacy and security. In comparison, X-VPN does not adhere to a no-logging policy. This implies that the company might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: X-VPN Better
X-VPN extends a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee* to its users, providing a substantial period for a full assessment of its services. In contrast, VPN.AC opts for a more condensed money-back guarantee period. While this shorter timeframe does offer a window for service evaluation, it might be a point to consider for users who are looking for a longer duration to thoroughly test the VPN’s fit with their needs.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Double VPN Feature: VPN.AC Better
VPN.AC stands out with its double VPN feature, something X-VPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then VPN.AC is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we studied, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Ad Blocking Feature: VPN.AC Better
A notable difference between X-VPN and VPN.AC lies in their additional features – particularly blocking unwanted advertisement. VPN.AC offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, X-VPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
To sum up and conclude, for users seeking a VPN with a robust privacy policy, ad-blocking feature, and double security layer, VPN.AC is the better choice. However, X-VPN provides a wider server network and a longer money-back guarantee period, making it a suitable option for those prioritizing server options and extended service evaluation.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use ourX-VPN and VPN.AC comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About X-VPN & VPN.AC
VPN.AC
VPN.ac, established in 2012, is operated by Netsec Interactive Solutions, an IT security company. This service is noted for its strong emphasis on security and privacy, with features like secure DNS and multiple encryption protocols. VPN.ac is based in Romania, a country with strong privacy laws.
To learn more, read our VPN.AC review.
X-VPN
X-VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) company established in 2017. It was founded by Daniel Lee who has over 10 years of experience in the internet and security industry. The company headquarters is based in the Hong Kong, but it has operations worldwide. X-VPN provides a secure and private internet browsing experience for its users while preserving their anonymity and data privacy. X-VPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $4.79/mo and require a 12-month commitment.
To learn more, read our X-VPN review.