Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on SwitchVPN
In our extensive analysis of 96 VPN providers, we discovered that nearly a quarter fall below a 40-point threshold. Unfortunately, SwitchVPN finds itself among this group. Our in-depth review reveals significant concerns with its features, user experience, and security protocols. We advise potential users of SwitchVPN to carefully examine these critical issues before making a decision.
About SwitchVPN
Symlex VPN is an industry-leading virtual private network company that offers safe and secure internet connections worldwide. Established in 2019, Symlex VPN is based in the Dhaka, Bangladesh and was founded by a team of cybersecurity and networking experts.
SwitchVPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $3.99/mo and require a 12-month commitment.
Visit SwitchVPN Online: https://switchvpn.net/
SwitchVPN Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United States |
| Servers | 250 |
| Countries with Servers | 43 |
| Works In China | Likely |
| Encryptions | AES-256 |
| Cheapest Price | $3.99/mo, 12-month Subscription |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, SSTP, and PPTP and L2TP/IPsec |
| Simultaneous Connections | 3 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | No |
| Support | Live chat, and submit online form |
Market Benchmarks
Are SwitchVPN’s any good in comparison?
The average score across our evaluated VPN services is 51.9%.
SwitchVPN’s score, in comparison, is 35.8%.
Our VPN ratings are based on our research of 96 VPN companies. Our scoring system is crafted to encompass a wide array of perspectives and addresses the needs of different users. Notably, only 10 out of the 96 VPNs we’ve reviewed scored above 75% and 26 VPNs scored below 40%.
SwitchVPN Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about SwitchVPN. 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 SwitchVPN 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.
✅ Competitive Pricing
SwitchVPN offers an economically attractive option in the VPN market. Its cheapest plan, while requires a 12-month commitment, costs only $3.99 per month. This competitive pricing makes SwitchVPN a compelling choice for those seeking affordable online privacy solutions. However, users should still evaluate the overall value of the service, including features, security levels, and customer support, to ensure it meets their specific needs despite the lower price point.
❌ Base in One of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
SwitchVPN operates from United States – a country within the 14-Eye surveillance alliance. Users should be aware of potential data sharing agreements in this jurisdiction. Privacy-focused customers might view this as a concern. It’s important to consider how this may affect data privacy and security.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The 14-Eyes Alliance, also referred to as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR), is an extended intelligence collaboration originally rooted in the Five- and Nine-Eyes alliance. Countries included in the 14-Eyes Alliances are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
The primary goal of this coalition is the exchange of signals intelligence (SIGINT), encompassing electronic communications and data.
How does the 14-Eyes Alliance affect your privacy and security?
The impact of this alliance on everyday life privacy is profound. Member nations, as disclosed in revelations like those by Edward Snowden (watch video), often engage in extensive surveillance of both their citizens and global communications. This means that data collected by one member could be shared with others in the alliance.
Additionally, online services based in a 14-Eyes country may be legally obligated to provide user data to their respective governments, which can then be disseminated among member states. This surveillance culture erodes personal privacy and can pose threats to digital security as there are pushes for encryption “backdoors” that could inadvertently weaken cyber defenses.
Users often consider the jurisdiction of the VPN provider as a key factor in their decision-making process. Those who are particularly concerned about privacy might opt for VPN providers based outside of the 14-Eyes countries to reduce the risk of surveillance and data sharing among these nations.
❌ Not a Zero-Log VPN
According to our research, SwitchVPN does not maintain a strict no-logging policy.
Without a no-logging policy, SwitchVPN 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 SwitchVPN and determine if this level of privacy aligns with your needs.
❌ No Double VPN
SwitchVPN’s suite of features does not include a double VPN option. Without the double VPN, or ‘multi-hop’, your internet traffic cannot be rerouted through two separate VPN servers for additional encryption and security layers. While this may not significantly impact those with basic security needs, it could be a drawback for users 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.
✅ Support Split Tunneling
SwitchVPN 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, SwitchVPN could save you countless hours of frustration.
✅ Likely to Work in China
According to our research, SwitchVPN has demonstrated effectiveness in bypassing China’s stringent internet restrictions. The ability to work in China means SwitchVPN 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 SwitchVPN’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, SwitchVPN operates just 250 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 SwitchVPN excels in bypassing geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms including Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO. 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 SwitchVPN Right for You?
Verdict Recap
In our extensive analysis of 96 VPN providers, we discovered that nearly a quarter fall below a 40-point threshold. Unfortunately, SwitchVPN finds itself among this group. Our in-depth review reveals significant concerns with its features, user experience, and security protocols. We advise potential users of SwitchVPN to carefully examine these critical issues before making a decision.
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 SwitchVPN
There are many SwitchVPN alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.