Speed | 7.0 / 10 |
Servers | 5.0 / 10 |
User Experience | 7.0 / 10 |
Support | 6.0 / 10 |
Pricing | 4.0 / 10 |
Speedify VPN Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?
Speedify VPN Overview
Speedify boasts of its superiority in providing VPN services optimized for quickness. The Philadelphia-based firm claims to maximize your available bandwidth with its exclusive “channel bonding” technology, resulting in lightning-fast connections. So I decided to assess the validity of Speedify’s claims and determine if it can rival the top VPNs on the market in terms of speed and performance.
After conducting thorough examinations, I was let down by the outcomes. Although Speedify presents itself as a suitable VPN with a proprietary protocol, top-notch security measures, swift speeds, and user-friendly applications for mainstream operating systems, my further evaluations revealed several shortcomings. Namely, it has a limited server infrastructure, questionable privacy regulations, high cost, and an inability to unblock certain streaming platforms.
Speedify comes with a free plan with 2GB monthly bandwidth for you to test out its service. If you need more bandwidth for activities like streaming, you can opt-in for any of the premium plans to get unmetered data. You can then make use of the 30-day money-back guarantee to get a refund if you’re not satisfied.
Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary
- Mixed streaming capabilities. It could only unblock Netflix, HBO NOW, and Hulu, but couldn’t unblock other streaming sites. Jump to my streaming test results.
- Fast speeds on its global servers. I was pleased that Speedify lived up to its name while I was testing it on different servers. Check out my speed tests.
- Easy-to-use apps. All settings are labeled with brief explanations, and I found the apps simple to use on all my devices. Find out about the user experience.
- Responsive email support, but no other support options. My email was answered in less than 30 minutes. Read more about my experience with customer support.
- Too pricey. Speedify is too expensive for a small VPN. Compare plans and pricing.
Speedify VPN Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max (But Can’t Access Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+)
Speedify VPN falls short in its ability to furnish access to geo-restricted content from alternative regions. However, it has a feature called “Bypass” that lets you watch local versions of popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disne+, Hulu, HBO Max, and so on. This means that Speedify will turn off its security for a bit, so you can watch these shows directly. Keep in mind, this isn’t a solution to watch restricted content, but just a way to watch certain shows.
Speedify also has a special mode called Streaming Mode that is meant to improve live streaming and video calls. The software looks at the unique qualities of audio and video streams and adjusts how they are streamed in real time. This is done through a smart algorithm that checks the speed and reliability of your internet connection.
Despite these limitations, testing proved it could access 3 out of 6 streaming platforms during testing. Netflix and HBO Max were both successfully unblocked, providing high-quality streaming of my preferred TV shows. Hulu was also accessible, however, only through a single server located in Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, it woudn’t work with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer.
Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max: Unblocked
Speedify successfully bypassed restrictions on several popular streaming platforms and demonstrated high speeds during evaluations. I accessed my US Netflix account while connected to a server located in New York, allowing me to initiate the viewing of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” promptly without interruption. The video was transmitted in high definition and maintained optimal quality throughout the entire duration of the streaming session.
I conducted an experiment to assess the impact of geographical distance on server performance by comparing the quality of a server in Los Angeles with my own server in Brooklyn. I noted a minor delay in the initiation of each episode, however, the overall quality degradation was minimal despite a faraway server distance.
The performance of HBO Max was consistent with that of Netflix. I examined four servers across the US and was able to access my account and stream content without any noticeable latency. A total of 12 US servers were tested with Hulu, but only the Northern Virginia server #1 functioned optimally. Once I located a compatible server, I was able to access my Hulu account seamlessly and enjoy streaming in high definition with no latency.
Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer: Blocked
During tests Speedify VPN wasn’t able to access Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Even experimenting with servers led to the same error messages.
If Speedify doesn’t unblock the sites you want — for example, when traveling or your ISP has blocked certain sites — it may be better to use an alternative VPN. I recommend you try ExpressVPN if you want to unblock every popular streaming site while still experiencing ultra-fast speeds. I’ve never had trouble using it to unblock all popular streaming services and catch up with my favorite shows.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Speed
- 7.0 / 10Fast Speeds on Short and Long Distance Servers
My evaluation of Speedify demonstrated exceptional fast speed, with the server located in Copenhagen exhibiting superior stability. Conversely, the server situated in Great Britain displayed a slower performance in comparison to other international servers. In regards to usage that requires intricate applications, such as gaming, it is possible to encounter latency, depending on the server you select and where you are.
Speed Test Results
Speedify, as indicated by its name, provides swift VPN services. Before I utilized this platform, my initial internet speed was recorded at 60Mbps. After conducting a series of comprehensive assessments, I was able to determine that the average speed increased by 8.3% to 65Mbps, proportional to the initial speed of 60Mbps.
I examined both local and distant servers to determine if there was any substantial reduction in velocity. Across all servers, I did not experience a decrease in speed that exceeded 10Mbps. The servers in Sydney and Copenhagen resulted in a 68Mbps download speed, while the server in Florida maintained a velocity of 56Mbps. The remotest server, situated in Tokyo, demonstrated remarkable stability at 67Mbps.
The rapid velocity of the servers facilitated the seamless streaming of high-definition video on 5 concurrent devices. The absence of any latency during the process ensured smooth and uninterrupted viewing. Furthermore, an hour-long video conferencing session and simultaneous engagement in computer gaming did not result in any instances of disconnection or lag, thereby exhibiting the robust performance of the servers.
Is Speedify Fast Enough for Gaming? Yes, but the Ping Is Too High
In my assessment of Speedify’s suitability for gaming, I observed fast speeds, however, I also encountered an unacceptable level of latency. Upon connecting to the server that boasts the quickest connectivity, I recorded download speeds reaching an impressive 50 Mbps and upload speeds reaching a maximum of 20 Mbps. Regrettably, the latency levels were far from satisfactory and exceeded the acceptable threshold of 120 milliseconds.
The paramount condition necessary for a superior online gaming experience is low latency, which Speedify does not meet. I would recommend utilizing ExpressVPN, as it has robust servers capable of providing low-ping connections with consistently lower latency, even when connecting to servers that are geographically remote.
Why Most Speed Tests are Pointless & How We Correctly Test VPN Speeds
Speed determines how fast content uploads, so if you're torrenting or streaming, you want the speed to be somewhat identical to your regular internet speed. Since a VPN encrypts your data, it usually takes a bit longer to send your data back and forth, which can slow down your connection. However, if your ISP deliberately slows down your connection (also known as throttling) a VPN might increase your internet speed. Testing a VPN is somewhat pointless because new servers pop up and affect speed. Your speed can also differ according to your location, so your speed test might not match ours. Having said that, we tested the speed in numerous locations to provide you with the average.
Servers
- 5.0 / 10Server Network — Undisclosed Number of Servers in 53 Locations
Speedify operates an undisclosed number of servers in over 30 countries and 50 cities, as reported on its website. Upon inquiring with the support team for a more precise figure regarding the number of servers, I was informed that this information is considered confidential and cannot be disclosed. This approach deviates from the openness exhibited by other VPN services, and in my observation, it can negatively influence their credibility.
Speedify provides dedicated servers for Team users, including companies, businesses, and organizations. This is to ensure a stable IP address and improve internet speed. The servers are located in cities across 6 continents, providing ample options for activities such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
North America has the second highest number of servers with 14, 12 of which are located in the United States and 2 in Canada. Europe has the most servers with 26 locations. Asia has 8 servers, Africa has 2, and Oceania has 3. It is worth noting that the provider does not utilize any physical servers.
One of the distinct features of Speedify VPN is its capability to allow users to select specific servers from a dropdown menu for each country, which is a rare offering among VPNs and greatly appreciated by users. The “Fastest Server” option in the client will choose a server closest to you, but if it is overcrowded, you may experience slow connectivity.
Security — Latest Encryption Standards
Speedify VPN utilizes the most cutting-edge encryption algorithms that are based on complex mathematical principles to ensure the secure transmission of your data through the network. This ensures that your sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access and ensures a secure browsing experience, regardless of the underlying network infrastructure.
The security features provided by Speedify VPN are:
- Encryption – Speedify VPN employs the advanced ChaCha20 encryption algorithm, which offers a higher level of security than the commonly used AES 128-bit encryption, and is equivalent in terms of protection to AES 256-bit encryption. This encryption algorithm not only provides maximum security for data transfer but also facilitates faster data transfer as a result of its efficient implementation.
- Protocols – instead of relying on prevalent protocols like OpenVPN, Speedify VPN utilizes a proprietary security protocol. The VPN offers compatibility with connections through UDP, TCP, and HTTPS, enabling you to choose the mode of transport that delivers the fastest connection. This characteristic enhances the performance of activities such as streaming, multiple connections, or velocity optimization.
- Kill switch – the kill switch is an essential security feature that can be enabled or disabled by the user. In the event of a VPN connection failure, the kill switch automatically disconnects the user from the internet to avoid unsecured browsing.
- Automatic failover – to maintain the security of your data, Speedify VPN switches to another connection if one connection fails, offering automatic failover.
- Channel bonding – Speedify enables you to combine all of your available online connections to attain the best possible performance. This is particularly beneficial for mobile users who can combine cellular and Wi-Fi connections, as well as gamers who require the lowest possible latency.
- Bypass – the Bypass feature can be activated if specific services are inaccessible while using a VPN. This feature can be utilized on streaming sites and Android services like Android Auto, VoLTE, and Visual Voicemail.
- IP/DNS leak protection – Speedify VPN is equipped with built-in IP/DNS leak protection to prevent the exposure of your real IP address.
You can select a preferred DNS service provider from the available options, including Cloudflare, Adguard, OpenDNS, and Quad9. These alternatives provide supplementary privacy during periods of inactivity in Speedify servers.
Upon performing rigorous evaluations utilizing various servers to test for potential DNS leaks, it brings me great satisfaction to announce that my IP address remained obfuscated throughout the duration of my VPN connection. This can be verified through the visual representation captured in the screenshot presented above.
Privacy — May Share Information With Government
Speedify VPN asserts that it does not gather information related to web browsing, data exchange, or DNS requests. Nevertheless, it still accumulates a series of sensitive data which may be a hazard to users who are vigilant about privacy. This data involves elements such as timestamps of connections, IP address, the volume of data transmitted, email address, and device identification number, among others. This data can be correlated to your identity, thereby compromising your anonymity.
Speedify operates in the jurisdiction of the United States, specifically within the geographic boundaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where no statutory mandates dictate the compulsory collection of data. Nonetheless, it is a common practice among companies based in the US to reveal user information in specific situations. Furthermore, the assertions made by Speedify regarding the lack of logging of user data have not been confirmed through judicial records or impartial assessments.
Speedify also integrates with TOR, which offers a secure way to access the dark web. By using Speedify and TOR together, you can anonymize your web activities, experience faster speeds on the TOR network, and safeguard your data from surveillance.
If privacy is a priority for you, I would advise against using Speedify as there is a potential risk of your data being shared with the government. Instead, I recommend utilizing ExpressVPN, which boasts a comprehensive suite of privacy features and is situated in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction that is exempt from the Five Eyes Alliance and has no internet surveillance regulations.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Torrenting — Server Option for Torrenting Available
Speedify’s technical personnel have confirmed the establishment of a server situated in the Netherlands, designed specifically for peer-to-peer file transfers. I conducted an evaluation of this server through the downloading of materials that are exempt from copyright protection and found it to be highly efficient for the intended use.
I strongly caution against the usage of Speedify for torrenting, as the likelihood of IP exposure to law enforcement entities is significantly higher. A more optimal solution would be to consider utilizing alternative VPNs that possess a superior level of privacy protocols. For example, CyberGhost operates within a jurisdiction that condones torrenting, thus affording a safer environment for downloading which minimizes the risk of malware threats.
My team and I are thoroughly informed on the legality of torrenting and thus advise you to familiarize yourself with the applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. It is imperative to ensure that the torrents acquired are devoid of any copyrighted material.
Does Speedify Work in China? Probably Not
Using Speedify within the geopolitical confines of China is a proposition that is contingent upon the strict regulations and firewalls surrounding VPN usage. I was unable to personally validate this through direct experimentation, however, I did seek clarification from the customer support team. The team informed me that while some patrons have experienced success with utilizing Speedify, others have encountered difficulties.
The inevitability of Speedify’s inefficiency in the Great Firewall of China can be attributed to its lack of obfuscation and stealth technologies. An optimal solution for secure internet access during a visit to China would be ExpressVPN, providing a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free purchase and a potential refund if it fails to satisfy one’s needs.
User Experience
- 7.0 / 10Simultaneous Device Connections — Works on 5 Devices at Once
You can connect up to 5 devices at once with Speedify, and you won’t get significant speed reductions by connecting to all of them simultaneously. I tested its speeds while connected to 2 Android phones, 2 Windows laptops, and a Mac, and my speeds only dropped by 2-3Mbps. It wasn’t enough to notice any difference in quality or speed on any of the devices when I watched Tiger King on my Netflix US account.
If you require a VPN solution that accommodates more than just 5 devices, you may want to consider CyberGhost as it allows for 7 simultaneous device connections, ensuring maximum coverage for your privacy and security needs. During my usage of CyberGhost, I was pleased to encounter no instances of disconnections or slow speeds while utilizing all my devices simultaneously.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Device Compatibility — Available for Most Common Devices
Speedify is fully compatible with the dominant technology platforms and operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. However, it must be noted that the free trial’s capabilities do not encompass the Linux platform.
In order to download Speedify, you need to have:
- Windows: 7 or better
- macOS: 10.12 or better
- iOS & iPadOS: 10 or better
- Android: 5.0 or better
- Linux: Ubuntu & Raspberry Pi OS
I carried out all my tests on my Windows 10 device. The ease of operation of Speedify on this system was satisfactory. The channel bonding protocol of Speedify is designed to allow for seamless integration, thus facilitating the maintenance of high speeds despite the shared usage of my mobile WiFi connection with my PC.
This is a result of the channel bonding technology, which distributes internet traffic across a maximum of ten connections (Ethernet, WiFi, LTE, and others), resulting in the optimization of the quickest channel.
Ease of Setup & Installation — It’s Easy to Get Started With Speedify
Speedify VPN’s offerings are not designed for novice users, a characteristic that is not inherently negative as not all VPNs need to cater to those new to the technology. However, the client can be overwhelmed because of all the options, menus, and extra information.
The main window has a lot of unnecessary details and a small on/off button in the top right corner. Some features like live stream testing and statistics don’t belong on the home screen, but there are also links to current news and events on the same screen.
To access important features, like the server list, you need to go through a very detailed Settings menu. The absence of search functionality makes the navigation of the list slightly challenging, however, the list is concise, comprising only 50+ countries.
The Settings menu groups all the different settings into categories that make sense. In the menu, you can adjust privacy and security settings, choose a server, test performance, set limits on data and speed, and define what happens when you go over the limit. The app also has a dark mode, but it’s not perfect since some text is in black and can be hard to read.
Steps to Installing Speedify VPN on Windows:
- Go to the Speedify website. Visit the Speedify website and click on the “Download” button to download the Windows VPN client.
- Install the VPN client. Once the download is complete, double-click on the downloaded file to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Speedify on your Windows device.
- Create an account. Once the installation is complete, launch the Speedify VPN client. You will need to create an account or sign in if you already have one.
- Connect to a server. Once you are signed in, you can select a server from the list of available servers. You can choose a server based on your location or the specific service you want to access.
- Enable the VPN connection. To enable the VPN connection, click on the “Connect” button. You will see a notification when the VPN connection is established.
- Enjoy secure and private browsing. You can now browse the web securely and privately, with your online activities protected by Speedify VPN.
Support
- 6.0 / 10Speedify VPN distinguishes itself with its remarkable customer service, exhibiting a vast repository of resources, including guides, FAQs, troubleshooting manuals, and more, accessible through its website. The support team demonstrates remarkable efficiency in addressing inquiries and responds within minutes. The communication mode with the support team is limited to email, missing a live chat feature. Nevertheless, the website features a messaging platform resembling a live chat interface.
Upon transmitting a message to the support team, an automated response is instantly generated, specifying the business hours of operation, among other details. Analysis of this response reveals that Speedify does not offer round-the-clock customer support. The Speedify client also provides access to the company’s social media profiles, serving as a backup option for sharing issues and reviewing comments made by administrators and fellow users.
In summary, my experience with Speedify’s customer support was an unanticipated revelation of exceptional quality. Despite the absence of a live chat function, it serves as a sterling example of the manner in which a VPN service provider ought to interact with its customers.
How We Test Customer Support and Why Should You Care
We personally test the customer support team of every VPN we review. This means asking technical question through the live chat feature (where applicable) and measuring the response time for email questions. Whether you need to connect to a specific server, change your security protocol, or configure a VPN on your router, finding a VPN with quality customer support should be important to you.
Pricing
- 4.0 / 10Speedify fails to justify its cost given the lack of features and its insufficiently expansive server network. It offers subscriptions for individuals, families, and teams.
The individual subscription consists of four options, including a free plan that provides a 2GB monthly data allowance, and three premium plans. I understand that the Team plan is designed to meet the needs of corporate users. It offers centralized account management and API integration functionalities that are specifically geared towards organizational requirements.
The premium plan extends a 7-day trial to individuals who enroll through the iOS or Android platform. Additionally, regardless of the chosen plan, you are entitled to a full reimbursement within a 30-day period, if the service is deemed unsatisfactory.
The methods of payment available are restricted to credit/debit card transactions and PayPal utilization. Speedify employs third-party payment processors, such as Fastspring, Stripe, and Recurly, to facilitate payments for its services.
In conclusion, Speedify doesn’t offer great value for money. Our best monthly VPN providers provide a more comprehensive suite of features at a significantly lower cost. CyberGhost, for example, boasts a vast server network, expeditious data transmission rates, a multitude of P2P servers, and an unwavering commitment to privacy.
Speedify VPN offers the following plans
Final Verdict
Speedify, although commendable in its high-speed functionality and user-friendly interface, lacks in comparison to the top-rated VPNs in terms of comprehensive offerings. Our free Speedify version, while it provides a decent entry point for accessing our servers, comes with a constraint – you’re limited to just 2GB of monthly data usage. This limitation makes it less than ideal for users who need a more substantial amount of data. Additionally, Speedify’s privacy policy has caused some concern among users, and its premium plans are considered overpriced in comparison to other VPN providers.
On the other hand, ExpressVPN provides a comprehensive server network, a transparent privacy policy, and the ability to unblock all popular streaming platforms, which are critical features that Speedify VPN lacks. Additionally, you can test ExpressVPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee offering and request a refund if you are not satisfied with your experience.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
FAQs About Speedify VPN
Is Speedify VPN good?
Can I use Speedify VPN for free?
Yes! Speedify offers a free version that enables the connection of 1 device and the utilization of up to 2GB of data on a monthly basis. The free version does not necessitate the creation of an account, however, it is only sufficient for basic internet browsing and emailing. Additionally, the provider has implemented a 7-day gratuitous trial of its premium version, allowing for a thorough examination of its capabilities.
Luckily, there are free VPNs with more bandwidth and features to help you connect multiple devices, as well as unblock all popular streaming platforms. You can check this list of free VPNs that provide high bandwidth to get the best out of your internet experience.
Is Speedify VPN really safe?
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.