Speed
|
5.0 / 10 |
Servers
|
3.0 / 10 |
User Experience
|
6.0 / 10 |
Support
|
4.0 / 10 |
Pricing
|
5.0 / 10 |
SecureVPN Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?
Reading time: 17 min
Updated on Dec 7, 2024
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Written By Clement Adegbenro Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
SecureVPN Overview
SecureVPN claims to be the best online privacy solution, promising to unblock websites and VoIP services, secure any wifi hotspot, and protect user data. I was eager to find out if this newcomer lived up to these promises and gave users online security. So I thoroughly tested SecureVPN to see if it’s a good choice among all the options available.
I was impressed with the VPN’s speed, torrenting capabilities, and Netflix access. However, the company does log some user information that it may be compelled to share with government authorities upon request. The limited protocol option isn’t very appealing either, and the only payment option available is PayPal. On top of that, the severe lack of customer support and the extremely brief FAQ section are disappointing.
Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary
- Unblocks some streaming sites. It works with Netflix but fails to access Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max. Check out my streaming experience.
- Good connection speeds. All servers give you good speeds, which are perfect for streaming and torrenting. Jump to speed test results.
- Minimal server options. The number of SecureVPN servers available depends on the app you’re using. Read more about SecureVPN’s servers.
- Easy to use native apps. I was able to download and use SecureVPN on 5 of my devices simultaneously. View which devices SecureVPN works on.
- Support is non-existent. Despite claiming to be available around the clock, my emails were met with no response. Read more about that here.
- Overpriced for what you get. The range of services provided does not match the money’s worth. View all pricing options here.
SecureVPN Unblocks Netflix (But Can’t Access Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max)
Although SecureVPN successfully unblocked Netflix US, it didn’t manage to work on any other streaming service.
Netflix: Unblocked
During my tests it was able to unblock my US Netflix account on the 3 US servers offered by SecureVPN. As soon as I connected to Netflix, I watched Intrusion and Godless without experiencing any lag time. Often, I am not able to access my account because Netflix does not recognize that my IP address is coming from the US. In these cases, or if you are experiencing any other technical issues, SecureVPN can come in handy.
Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max: Blocked
SecureVPN isn’t reliable for unblocking Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max.
Despite its success at unblocking US Netflix, SecureVPN did not work with Amazon Prime Video, and my 4 to 5 attempts were a complete failure. There was an error message every time.
I tried to unblock my Hulu account using various servers and at different times, but unfortunately, I couldn’t gain access to my beloved shows and movies
“It looks like you’re using an anonymous proxy or VPN. You’ll need to disable it to watch Hulu. Hulu Error Code: P-EDU101.”
SecureVPN offers a single UK server location, but isn’t able to access BBC iPlayer. Despite using a UK IP address provided by SecureVPN, a geo-error message kept appearing during testing.
SecureVPN allowed me to sign into my Disney+ account, but that was all I could do. I was repeatedly greeted with a blank screen after signing in.
All tests to determine whether the VPN could unblock HBO Max were also unsuccessful. HBO Max, like many other streaming outlets, has a blocking feature that identifies and blocks common VPN IP protocols. Therefore, if you try to access HBO Max via SecureVPN, you will probably encounter errors.
The fact that this provider can access Netflix at any time is an excellent thing, but overall, its streaming results were below average. On the other hand, ExpressVPN can reliably unblock all of the channels mentioned above. ExpressVPN was tested on a variety of streaming sites and is proven to be extremely reliable. If Netflix US is your only streanming site, however, SecureVPN will work.
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
- 5.0
/ 10
SecureVPN Delivered Decent Speeds Across All Servers
I experienced fast local connections but a significant slowdown on longer-distance connections. Also, the speed results I obtained from locations farther away from me were not that bad either. The download speed was better than the upload speed, however. Overall, SecureVPN offers decent connection speeds adequate for torrenting, streaming, and browsing.
Speed Test Results
I only saw a 6% speed drop on a same-country connection with a base connection speed of 30Mbps, which is pretty good. From my home in the US, I tested the average and maximum speeds of VPN servers in the UK, the US, Italy, and Germany to give you an accurate representation of the VPN’s performance.
An average download speed of 16.9Mbps and a max download speed of 28.2Mbps places SecureVPN above many VPNs on the market. This also makes it a good choice for HD streaming.
The drop in speed is only 6% in the United States, which is quite positive considering how overcrowded the servers are in that area. In light of the positive results I obtained on the US server, I decided to test a UK server due to the popularity of the BBC iPlayer. The result I obtained on the UK server was good despite a significant drop from the result I obtained on the US server. I noticed a drop of almost 48% in my connection speed. This drop was still, however, sufficient for streaming, gaming, or torrenting without any problems.
Lastly, I connected to servers in Germany and Italy in an effort to get better performance this time around. Unfortunately, it did not work out as intended because the speed dropped even more. I got the lowest results while using the Italian server as my connection dropped by 66%.
Overall, the results were quite decent. The biggest issue was the slowdown in upload speeds, which was downgraded by an average of 84% while connected to SecureVPN. Download speed decreased by only about 40% on average.
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.
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Servers
- 3.0
/ 10
Server Network — Small Server List for a Paid VPN
SecureVPN’s premium package has a limited selection of servers that may not be enough for users who want more options in their VPN service. The free version only has five servers available, with two located in the US and one each in the UK, Germany, and Italy on its native client.
However, SecureVPN also offers IPSEC protocol files that you can manually configure to expand your server options beyond the default selection. With this option, you can gain access to additional server locations like Russia, Brazil or South Africa as well as an extra US-based server – bringing the total number of alternative servers offered through its free plan up to 9!
If you’re seeking more server options, CyberGhost is your top choice with over 11,670 servers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Unlike SecureVPN, its extensive network provides a superior solution for all your privacy needs.
Security — Military-Grade Encryption
Despite being quiet about it on its website, SecureVPN’s basic security features are adequate to safeguard your identity.
The security features offered include:
- Military-Grade Encryption – SecureVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is the most secure encryption standard currently available.
- IPSec and OpenVPN – the SecureVPN service utilizes both IPSEC and OpenVPN protocols. It is noteworthy that the service does not explicitly advertise its endorsement of OpenVPN, a well-known protocol recognized for its exceptional security measures, customizable configurations, and efficient speed optimization features.
- Kill Switch – SecureVPN also comes with an in-built kill switch. With the feature automatically enabled, you can rest assured that your privacy and security will still be protected even if the VPN connection drops. Torrent users will undoubtedly benefit from this.
Despite SecureVPN not listing DNS leak protection as a feature, there were no DNS or WebRTC leaks during my test. I conducted my tests both on my laptop and my mobile device, both of which the VPN passed.
Privacy — Contradicting Logging Policy
While SecureVPN claims to provide a secure and private online experience, its data collection practices suggest otherwise. In addition to payment information, it also collects personal information such as your name, home address, email address, user account, and technical identifiers.
Technical identifiers refer to information that can be used to uniquely identify your device or network connection, such as your IP address, device type, operating system, browser type, and version. These identifiers may be used to track your online activities and can be used to correlate your activity across multiple websites and services. This is quite concerning for anyone who prioritizes privacy and anonymity online.
It should be noted that the company keeps usage logs and has stated its willingness to disclose this data to government agencies upon request. This means that what you do online might not be completely private or safe, so it’s important to be careful when using their services.
Furthermore, the fact that the company is based in America is particularly worrying as the country is a member of the 5 Eyes surveillance alliance. Originally composed of only 5 countries, the alliance now includes 14 officially recognized countries and numerous unofficial ones. Members of this alliance work together to collect and share intelligence on targets. This raises questions about the privacy of SecureVPN users’ data.
If you value your privacy, it may be worth exploring alternative VPN providers. I can share from personal experience that ExpressVPN is a strong contender in terms of privacy measures. It operates in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and maintains a verified zero-logging policy, which has undergone third-party audits.
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 — P2P Activity Is Permitted on Premium Plan
SecureVPN’s free plan doesn’t support P2P file sharing, and you’ll need to upgrade to the Premium subscription to access this feature. Despite a limited server selection that may not be optimal for torrenting, it’s worth emphasizing that SecureVPN offers commendable speed. Moreover, the VPN provides exceptional security measures, rendering it a reliable choice for those engaging in torrenting.
Be aware that the provider’s privacy policy does not guarantee log-free usage, and it operates within a jurisdiction that lacks adequate privacy protections. I want to emphasize that my team and I strongly discourage illegal torrenting activities. Therefore, it is advisable to check the laws in your country to ensure that you comply with them.
Does SecureVPN Work in China? No!
SecureVPN has not been claimed to be usable in China by users, and the company does not make any mention of it on its website. While I could not test the VPN myself due to my location, I reached out to the customer support team to inquire about its functionality in China, but unfortunately, I got no response. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that SecureVPN does not possess any obfuscation tools, making it an unreliable choice for usage in countries such as China.
If you plan to travel to China and require a VPN to access your preferred shows and programs from your homeland, I suggest utilizing ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has been proven to work within China.
Server Locations
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User Experience
- 6.0
/ 10
Simultaneous Device Connections — 5 Devices per License
Only 1 simultaneous connection is available with the free plan. However, you can have up to 5 simultaneous connections with the paid version. Currently, this is the industry standard for simultaneous connections, and very few services offer more than that.
If you require connection to more than 5 devices concurrently, I would recommend utilizing CyberGhost as it provides the capacity for up to 7 simultaneous connections. My own experience of testing this capacity with 7 devices revealed consistent, reliable performance across all devices.
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 — Just Covers the Basics
SecureVPN provides both native applications and manual configuration options for popular operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS. Unfortunately, it isn’t compatible with gaming systems, routers, Fire TVs, and other smart devices.
Ease of Setup & Installation — User-Friendly Apps
SecureVPN was very easy to install and use. The entire process took me only a few minutes, from downloading the application to connecting to a server. The application’s interface appears overly simplistic, with only a connect or disconnect button located in the center and a drop-down menu at the top to select the server for connection. Just that — no other options are available.
There’s no way to change the protocol, and the kill switch feature is inbuilt, so it’s basically featureless. Although the simplistic design may appeal to new users, advanced users looking to adjust settings to their liking may not find this appealing.
Steps to Installing SecureVPN on Windows
- Visit the SecureVPN website. Go to the SecureVPN website and download the installer for Windows.
![Screenshot of SecureVPN’s application download page]()
- Install the application. Once the download is complete, double-click the installer to start the installation process. Follow the prompts to install SecureVPN on your Windows computer.
![Screenshot of SecureVPN’s application download page]()
- Launch the SecureVPN app. Once the installation is complete, launch SecureVPN and create an account. You will need to provide an email address and create a password.
- Establish connection. Once you have created an account, select the server location you want to connect to and click the Connect button. You are now securely connected to the internet through SecureVPN.
![Screenshot of SecureVPN’s server and connection interface]()
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Support
- 4.0
/ 10
SecureVPN only offers an email ticketing system, which can be annoying if you have an urgent problem. The first time I visited the website, I saw a statement that says customer support is accessible around the clock and 7 days a week. This led me to assume live chat would be offered, but it wasn’t, which was disappointing.
I found that the support offered by this company is somewhat vague and the website lacks informational guides. It’s undoubtedly one of the areas I’d like SecureVPN to improve.
When you visit our FAQ page, you will find that there are only 4 questions answered. This is not very comprehensive. It is also interesting that when you visit the FAQ section, the contact hours for the company change to 9 am – 5 pm EST, 7 days a week. As you can see, this appears to contradict the available hours stated on the website’s homepage.
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.
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Pricing
- 5.0
/ 10
Although SecureVPN offers a wide range of four subscription plans tailored to different user needs, its pricing may seem a bit high for the features it provides. These plans include a free plan, a monthly plan, a 6-month plan, and an annual plan. The paid plans offer unrestricted VPN sessions, unlimited data transfers, and the capability to connect up to 5 devices at the same time, providing you with greater flexibility and convenience.
The free plan limits users to access 1 device at a time and restricts monthly data transfer to 1000 MB, along with a maximum session duration of 20 minutes. It is important to note that presently, SecureVPN exclusively accepts payments through PayPal. Unfortunately, this restricted payment option could deter individuals who prioritize their privacy, as it necessitates the disclosure of personal details when completing the billing procedure.
SecureVPN’s 7-day money-back guarantee is a great opportunity for users to try the service without any risk. Although it may not be as generous as other providers’ guarantees, which typically range from 30-45 days, the duration is still ample for you to determine if the service meets your needs. If you are unsatisfied with SecureVPN, you can refer to this list of VPNs with the best monthly plans, where you can find other recommended alternatives that are worth considering.
SecureVPN offers the following plans
Final Verdict
SecureVPN has more cons than pros. The VPN provider boasts decent speeds, employs military-grade encryption, and offers a kill switch that will ensure you remain protected even if the VPN server fails. Furthermore, it has been tested to be IP and DNS leak-free and is suitable for torrenting.
There is, however, another side to it as well. A number of issues plague SecureVPN, including its questionable logging policy, lack of server coverage, ambiguous user interface, high price tag, and inability to support many of the top streaming platforms.
To ensure that you are protected from all these vulnerabilities, I recommend you try using ExpressVPN instead. It unblocks all major streaming platforms, has blazing-fast speeds across its massive network of servers, and has top-of-the-line security to protect your online privacy.
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 SecureVPN
Is SecureVPN good?
No, I can’t consider it a good product because its negatives outweigh the positives. The presence of any kind of user data logging is always a cause for concern. It doesn’t matter how well a VPN runs, if it retains my information it doesn’t serve its primary function of providing privacy and security. The price is also steep considering you can find far better VPNs for much less money.
Is SecureVPN really safe?
Not totally! Despite the military-grade encryption and leak protection that SecureVPN offers, its retention of logs containing technical identifiers such as IP address, device type, operating system, browser type, and version is a major cause for concern. The fact that it is based in an unfavorable jurisdiction and states its willingness to provide your information upon request is also troubling.
Can I use SecureVPN for free?
Yes! SecureVPN has a free plan, but with some restrictions. The plan allows you to use up to 1000 MB of data per month, restricts simultaneous connectivity to a single device, and limits the session duration to a mere 20 minutes. In addition to this, SecureVPN offers a 7-day refund policy.
Free VPNs lack adequate security, may collect and sell your data, have limited bandwidth and slower speeds, and often provide poor customer support. It’s best to use a reliable paid VPN service for optimal security, privacy, and performance. If you’re low on budget to try out paid VPNs, here are some reliable free VPN options to consider.
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.
| United States | |
| 2015 | |
| Yes | |
| 5 | |
| 7 days guaranteed |
