Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on VPN.AC
VPN.AC earns a decent 65.9 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make VPN.AC a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
About 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.
VPN.AC offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $3.75/mo and require a 24-month commitment.
Visit VPN.AC Online: https://vpn.ac/
VPN.AC Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Romania |
| Servers | 130 |
| Countries with Servers | 26 |
| Works In China | Likely |
| Encryptions | AES-128, and AES-256 |
| Cheapest Price | $3.75/mo, 24-month Subscription |
| Protocols | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, and WireGuard |
| Simultaneous Connections | 12 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | Yes |
| Support |
Market Benchmarks
Are VPN.AC’s any good in comparison?
The average score across our evaluated VPN services is 51.9%.
VPN.AC’s score, in comparison, is 65.9%.
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%.
VPN.AC Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about VPN.AC. 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 VPN.AC 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
VPN.AC offers an economically attractive option in the VPN market. Its cheapest plan, while requires a 24-month commitment, costs only $3.75 per month. This competitive pricing makes VPN.AC 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.
✅ Jurisdiction Outside of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
Romania-based VPN.AC 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
VPN.AC 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, VPN.AC does not maintain a strict no-logging policy.
Without a no-logging policy, VPN.AC 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 VPN.AC and determine if this level of privacy aligns with your needs.
✅ Support Double VPN
VPN.AC distinguishes itself in the VPN market by offering a double VPN feature. This advanced option routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers, significantly enhances security and makes it much harder for third parties to intercept your online activities.
A double VPN is an high-level security feature you don’t often get from commercial VPNs. In fact, only 26 out of the 96 VPN providers we studied support a Double VPN feature. A double VPN can be especially useful for users in need of high-level security, such as journalists and activists concerned about stringent online surveillance.
Double VPN feature is a high-level security offering you don’t commonly find among commercial VPNs. Our study of 96 VPN providers revealed that only 26 support a Double VPN feature.
VPN.AC is among this select group, providing this advanced security option. This makes them particularly suitable for users with stringent security needs, such as journalists and activists, who require an extra layer of protection against intense online surveillance.
❌ Split Tunneling Not Available
Unfortunately, VPN.AC does not offer the split tunneling feature in its services. All your internet traffic will go through the VPN server when it’s active.
Split tunneling is a VPN feature that helps manage the flow of data on your device. It allows users to choose which data is sent through the VPN and which is sent through a regular internet connection. This can help increase speed and lower latency for certain tasks. At the same time, critical operations will still benefit from VPN security.
✅ Likely to Work in China
According to our research, VPN.AC has demonstrated effectiveness in bypassing China’s stringent internet restrictions. The ability to work in China means VPN.AC 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 VPN.AC’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, VPN.AC operates just 130 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 VPN.AC excels in bypassing geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, 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 VPN.AC Right for You?
Verdict Recap
VPN.AC earns a decent 65.9 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make VPN.AC a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
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 VPN.AC
There are many VPN.AC alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.