Speed
|
1.0 / 10 |
Servers
|
1.0 / 10 |
User Experience
|
1.0 / 10 |
Support
|
4.0 / 10 |
Pricing
|
1.0 / 10 |
Stream Via Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?
Reading time: 9 min
Updated on Nov 3, 2024
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Written By Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Stream Via Overview
With Stream Via setting itself apart from standard VPNs by only offering single or shared residential IP addresses in the UK, I was curious to see if it could deliver on its promised features and justify its high price point.
Stream Via could not deliver on its promises of a secure, residential UK connection. I was unable to connect to my assigned IP address despite multiple days of troubleshooting with the support team. Even if it did work, this is a non-traditional VPN that lacks many security and privacy features that are essential for a modern VPN.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there if you’re looking for a high-quality VPN that can provide a stable, reliable experience. You can read more about those options here to find the perfect VPN to fit your use case.
Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary
Usually, we test a VPNs full set of features for our reviews. Unfortunately, I was not able to connect to Stream Via and so could not test it. Here is what I can tell you.
- Unable to connect to the network. I could not connect to my assigned residential IP through Stream Via Jump here to read about my experience.
- This VPN keeps logs. Stream Via does not have standard privacy protections. Jump here to read about the privacy policy.
- Attentive support. The support team tried their best to help me. Jump here to read about it.
- This was a very expensive VPN. However, I was able to get a full refund. Jump here for the full pricing details.
I Couldn’t Access Any Streaming Platforms Using Stream Via
After paying for a high-priced subscription to Stream Via and downloading the OpenVPN configuration files, I found that I was unable to connect to any of the port options that the network offered. I was unable to put this service to the test and find out if it could unblock my favorite streaming services.
I usually look for comprehensive unblocking capabilities so that I can access my local content libraries while I travel abroad. I also look for reliable, HD streaming capabilities. Unfortunately, this VPN was unable to help me access those features as my OpenVPN client failed to connect to Stream Via’s network.
If you are looking for a VPN that can reliably unblock your home content from most major streaming platforms then I recommend giving ExpressVPN a shot. It can deliver a consistent streaming experience with no lag, buffering, or drops in stream quality.
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
- 1.0
/ 10
Unable to Determine Speeds of this Residential VPN
Since I could not connect to this VPN’s network, I was unable to see what speeds this service offered. Being that no claims are made on the website regarding speed, I was curious to uncover what sort of speeds that this residential UK VPN could offer. Being that it offers a non-traditional VPN setup where you get a static IP address, I was expecting decent speeds given the lack of potential server crowding.
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
- 1.0
/ 10
Server Network — Non-Traditional Single UK IP Address
You’re not getting access to a large network with Stream Via. This VPN gives you a single residential IP address located in the UK. What this means is that, essentially, your connection appears as though you were a UK resident regardless of your actual location.
This service is meant for working individuals who need a consistent location in the UK for things like work or e-commerce. It isn’t built around traditional VPN features like unblocking content in a wide number of regions or offering support for peer-to-peer connections. Unfortunately, I could not test these features given that I could not establish a connection with my allotted port.
Security — No Specific Encryption Standards Mentioned
Stream Via makes multiple mentions of “encryption” being packaged in with its plans; however, it does not specify what standard or protocol is used. I look for AES-256 bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling as key features that let me know a VPN is safe to use. Not only does this site fail to mention any of those features, but it also lacks a native application that would have those details clearly laid out.
Given the lack of a native application and my inability to connect via the OpenVPN GUI, I could not determine the encryption standard of this VPN. Even if it did have AES-256 bit encryption, this service would still lack many quality-of-life features like a kill switch and split tunneling that make for an even more secure experience.
Privacy — Stores Most User Data
Stream Via makes no claims of having a no-logs policy. In fact, this VPN makes it clear that it keeps logs so that it can monitor users who might violate the terms of use. It stores data like your name, IP address, address, country of origin, and your payment information. It will also terminate your account and/or report any illegal activity to the appropriate authorities.
This is not a good VPN if you’re looking for standard levels of privacy. This niche VPN has a different use model than most standard VPNs on the market. For a VPN that doesn’t keep logs or share your data with anyone, I recommend ExpressVPN.
Torrenting — Not Supported
Torrenting is not supported by Stream Via, and your account is likely to be terminated with no refund if you violate this policy.
While it is possible to torrent legally using files in the public domain, I would not suggest even doing that with this VPN as you would risk losing access to the network.
Does Stream Via Work in China? No!
Stream Via makes no claims of working in China, and it is not built around obfuscation or accessing content in countries other than the UK. This VPN simply will not work for users in China because of this fact, even if you were to get the VPN to connect properly. It only offers residential UK IP addresses.
Server Locations
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User Experience
- 1.0
/ 10
I Could Not Access Stream Via’s Network
Despite multiple attempts and reinstallations, I could not access my assigned UK IP address and connect to the VPN’s network. Given that this service runs on OpenVPN, it would normally be accessible on most devices as well as routers. However, my repeated failed connections left me unable to put that to the test.
Installing this VPN is a little trickier than your standard VPN. You have to first install OpenVPN and then import the configuration files. There is a detailed guide on the Stream Via site for doing this, but a native application would be much more user-friendly for beginners.
Aside from configuring via a router, Stream Via does not mention how many simultaneous device connections are supported. Since I was unable to determine this myself, I recommend going with a tried-and-true VPN like IPVanish that offers unlimited device connections and has an easy-to-use native app.
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Support
- 4.0
/ 10
Stream Via has a ticket-based support system but not other forms of contact. The ticket system is rather robust and allows for uploaded files and lengthy descriptions. Despite support being unable to resolve my problem, the team did respond within a couple of hours of my email and had detailed troubleshooting tips.
They did attempt multiple times to help and resolve my issue, but, ultimately, I had to resort to requesting a refund for the service after multiple days of failed troubleshooting. Thankfully, the support team refunded my full subscription amount immediately. If you do happen to get this service to work then you can expect an attentive support team that will go the extra mile to help you with your service.
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
- 1.0
/ 10
This is a very expensive VPN that offers a niche service, and I was unable to get it to work for me. It is not priced anywhere near the same as most traditional VPNs. Given that you only get two pricing options — Dedicated or Shared Residential — with no discounts for long-term plans, it can get expensive fast.
Given my inability to connect to the network, I don’t recommend spending the money for this service as you may end up in the same situation that I did. In my personal experience, the payment process was straightforward, and this VPN provider offered a diverse range of payment methods, including debit/credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies. I was also successful in getting a full refund for my service.
Stream Via offers the following plans
Final Verdict
Stream Via is not worth downloading or paying for since it failed to deliver on basic functions that even the support team was unable to resolve. After multiple days of troubleshooting and attempting to connect to the network, I resigned to requesting a refund. It should not be this difficult to get a VPN to work, especially considering the high price point and tailored use case of Stream Via.
Even if it did work, the site is vague and does not elaborate on key features or aspects of the VPN. It lacks a kill switch, no-logs policy, and torrenting support. If you’re looking for a worthwhile alternative, I recommend going with ExpressVPN as it is loaded with useful security features and has a robust no-logs policy. Not only is it one of the most secure VPNs on the market, but it has also been proven to unblock your home content on just about every streaming service as well as deliver lightning-fast speeds.
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 Stream Via
Is Stream Via good?
Can I use Stream Via for free?
Is Stream Via 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.
| United Kingdom | |
| 2017 | |
| No | |
| 1 | |
| 3 days guaranteed |
