Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on Astrill
In our extensive analysis of 96 VPN providers, Astrill unfortunately falls below the average, with a rating under 54.1% — the average rating determined from our study. Our in-depth review reveals significant concerns with its features and user experience. While Astrill offers some basic functionalities, its lower rating suggests that users might find more robust and efficient VPN solutions elsewhere.
Market Benchmarks
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 Review?
- 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.
About Astrill
Astrill VPN was established in 2009, focusing on providing VPN services for home users and travelers. It’s a registered company in Liechtenstein, designed to offer encrypted and unrestricted Internet access.
Astrill offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $8.29/mo and require a 24-month commitment.
Visit Astrill Online: https://www.astrill.com/
Astrill Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Seychelles |
| Servers | 115 |
| Countries with Servers | 57 |
| Works In China | Likely |
| Encryptions | AES-256 |
| Cheapest Price | $8.29/mo, 24-month Subscription |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, StealthVPN, OpenWeb, Wireguard, and Proprietary |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | Yes |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
Astrill Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about Astrill. As you explore the list, it’s crucial to weigh what sets this VPN apart from competitors against the aspects you might not favor.
The strengths of Astrill highlight its unique advantages in the VPN market – offering features and services that may align perfectly with your specific needs. On the flip side, the cons, while not deal-breakers, are areas that may not meet everyone’s preferences or requirements.
It’s important for you to carefully consider these factors in relation to your individual needs and priorities in choosing a VPN service.
❌ Pricing Above Market Average
Astrill positions itself in the higher-end segment of the VPN market, with its cheapest 24-month plan starts at $8.29/mo.
In comparison, according to our market research, a basic VPN plan average $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months.
You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Astrill justify this higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
✅ Jurisdiction Outside of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
Seychelles-based Astrill is headquartered outside the 14-Eye surveillance network. The company HQ’s location can be advantageous for users seeking enhanced privacy. Being outside these jurisdictions reduces the risk of government surveillance and data requests. Privacy-conscious users often prefer VPNs based in non-14-Eye countries for these reasons.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The term “14-Eyes” refers to a group of countries that participate in a surveillance alliance known as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR). This alliance, an extension of the original Five Eyes (FVEY) agreement, includes countries that agree to collect, analyze, and share intelligence with one another. The 14-Eyes nations comprise the original Five Eyes — the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — plus Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
What does jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes Alliance mean to you as a VPN user?
For those looking for a VPN service, the jurisdiction of the VPN provider is a crucial consideration. Why:
- Data Privacy Laws: Countries within the 14-Eyes alliance have agreements that may involve sharing intelligence and surveillance data. If a VPN provider is based in one of these countries, there’s a potential risk that user data could be collected and shared among these nations. This is particularly concerning for users who prioritize privacy.
- Legal Compliance: VPN providers operating in these jurisdictions may be legally obliged to comply with government requests for data. This compliance could include handing over user logs or other data, even if the VPN service claims to have a no-logs policy.
- Trust and Transparency: For users seeking the highest levels of privacy and anonymity, operating outside the 14-Eyes jurisdiction is often preferred. VPN services based in non-14-Eyes countries are perceived as less likely to be subject to government surveillance and data requests.
✅ Offer a Kill Switch Feature
Astrill enhances its VPN services with a robust kill switch feature. This security measure ensures that if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the user’s device will automatically disconnect from the internet, thus preventing any accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address and online activities.
A kill switch feature is particularly valuable for users who handle sensitive information or looking an added layer of privacy protection.
❌ Not a Zero-Log VPN
According to our research, Astrill does not maintain a strict no-logging policy.
Without a no-logging policy, Astrill may collect and store data about your online activities, potentially impacting your digital privacy. While this is not an uncommon practice (41 out of the 96 VPNs we studied do not maintain a no-logging policy), the absence of a no-logging policy might raise concerns for users highly sensitive about their online privacy.
You should weigh the implications of this policy when considering Astrill and determine if this level of privacy aligns with your needs.
❌ No Double VPN
Astrill’s suite of features does not include a double VPN option. A double VPN function may not be crucial for those with basic security needs, but it could be a major drawback for those seeking advanced privacy measures. Users requiring higher security levels, such as journalists or activists, might need to look for other providers that offer this enhanced privacy feature.
What is a Double VPN?
Double VPN is a more advanced security feature typically offered by premium VPN providers. Typically, only one VPN server is used to route data. Double VPN technology routes data through an extra server. The core benefits of double VPN are a further boost in security and anonymity. Since all your data is protected with an extra layer of encryption, this makes it twice as hard for hackers to crack.
There are some who strongly believe that a double VPN could be an overkill as having data pass through a basic single VPN connection is already almost impossible to compromise. This point of view of course depends on individual circumstance. If your complete anonymity on the Internet trumps all other concerns then using a double VPN may be for you. For example, if you were an investigative journalist or a political activist in a totalitarian country, using a Double VPN would make sense. After all, your life would be at stake.
✅ Support Split Tunneling
Astrill also stands out with its split tunneling feature. This functionality allows you to choose which apps or websites are routed through the VPN and which access the internet directly. The split tunneling feature is a plus for those wanting the best of both worlds: speedy local access without VPN interference and protected browsing for select tasks. Compared to VPNs that do not come with such a feature, Astrill could save you countless hours of frustration.
✅ Likely to Work in China
According to our research, Astrill has demonstrated effectiveness in bypassing China’s stringent internet restrictions. The ability to work in China means Astrill can navigate through the Great Firewall, providing access to blocked content and ensuring communication freedom. This can be a notable advantage – especially you are living in or traveling often to the region.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that this capability may not be consistent in the future. The ever-evolving firewall policies and political factors in China could impact Astrill’s effectiveness. Users should stay informed about these changes to manage their expectations and plan accordingly.
❌ Small Server Fleet
We noted in our market research that the average server fleet size is1,679. In comparison, Astrill operates just 115 servers. This places it below half the market average in terms of server count. While a small server network might suggest limited geographical reach and potentially higher server load, it doesn’t automatically equate to a compromised user experience. You should consider how the server count aligns with your specific needs, such as subscription cost, desired server locations and expected network performance.
✅ Unblock Major Streaming Platforms
Our analysis indicates that Astrill excels in bypassing geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms including Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, or simply wish to enjoy local content while traveling abroad – its proficiency in unblocking streaming platforms enriches your viewing experience without the hassle of geographical limitations.
Bottom Line: Is Astrill Right for You?
Verdict Recap
In our extensive analysis of 96 VPN providers, Astrill unfortunately falls below the average, with a rating under 54.1% — the average rating determined from our study. Our in-depth review reveals significant concerns with its features and user experience. While Astrill offers some basic functionalities, its lower rating suggests that users might find more robust and efficient VPN solutions elsewhere.
When considering our VPN ratings, remember they are for reference only and may not reflect every individual’s unique needs. It’s essential for you to understand your specific requirements and choose a VPN service accordingly.
If your priority is extreme security, features like a double VPN and a jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes should be your focus, rather than factors like pricing, streaming platforms unblocking, or server count. Conversely, if you’re seeking extra privacy for casual internet browsing, advanced security features might be less critical, allowing you to opt for a more basic, cost-effective VPN solution.
We encourage you to actively try and test various VPNs yourself to find the one that best fits your unique requirements.
Alternatives to Astrill
There are many Astrill alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.