Speed
|
3.0 / 10 |
Servers
|
1.0 / 10 |
User Experience
|
3.0 / 10 |
Support
|
4.0 / 10 |
Pricing
|
3.0 / 10 |
Unblock VPN Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?
Reading time: 17 min
Updated on Nov 7, 2024
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Written By Ashleigh Naidoo Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
Unblock VPN Overview
Unblock VPN has been around since 2009, which made me wonder why I hadn’t heard about it and curious about just how good it was at unblocking restricted content. The company claims to offer users a genuinely unrestricted internet, but when I read that it had only 21 servers in 9 countries, I had to test those claims myself.
In short, Unblock VPN is a basic service with below-average speeds and security features. Although it easily unblocks several streaming sites, its slow connection speeds struggle to maintain HD streams. Its privacy policy suggests that the company could hand user logs over to third parties and the default protocol on its apps is outdated and not secure.
If you want to try Unblock VPN for yourself, the service is backed by a 3-day money-back guarantee. But, you can get faster, more secure VPNs for far less. Unblock VPN will have to adopt a strict zero-logs policy if it wants to compete with the top VPN providers on the market despite any improved compatibility and advanced features.
Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary
- Unblocks Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. I had no trouble accessing Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer but struggled with stream quality. Read more about my streaming experience.
- Slow server network. My speeds dropped by 94% while connected to Unblock VPN. Check out my speed test results.
- Super small server network concentrated in the US and Europe. Unblock VPN has only 21 servers in 9 countries. Learn more about Unblock’s server network.
- Unblock VPN connects some logs and reserves the right to give user info to authorities. Privacy-conscious users may be concerned about Unblock’s use of their data. Read more about my privacy concerns.
- Apps are easy to install once you manage to pay for your subscription. Unblock apps are lightweight because they lack essential security features. Read about my user experience.
- Support is only available through the website. Users need to contact customer support via a form on the website and may wait up to a day for a response. Read about my experience with support.
- A basic service at a high price. Unblock VPN is priced above most other top VPNs on the market, but falls short on a lot of features. View pricing and subscription options here.
Unblock VPN Unblocks Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer (but Can’t Access Netflix and Hulu)
With a name like Unblock VPN, I expected access to a truly unrestricted internet and endless content. I didn’t quite get that — Unblock VPN gave me access to Amazon Prime Video, HBOMax, and BBC iPlayer, but I couldn’t watch Netflix or Hulu. This was frustrating for many reasons, including that I hardly ever have issues with Netflix.
Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer: Unblocked
While connected to Unblock VPN, I could stream Prime Video, but the stream was not great quality or ultra-smooth. Since it can be a hassle to watch Prime Video with a VPN, I was surprised that I could watch it on every US server. I was less impressed at the quality of the stream. While watching Modern Love, there was some heavy pixelation for a few minutes at a time, and I had to wait for the show to buffer each time I fast-forwarded or paused.
I was also able to access HBO Max, and watch full episodes without interruption. And although I still had issues with stream quality, shows didn’t take as long to load, and there was no mid-show buffering. In fact, while watching Veep, I managed a few minutes of HD at a time.
I was most impressed that my colleague in the UK could watch BBC iPlayer since many VPNs struggle to bypass its geoblocks. To Unblock VPN, she tried watching the Gossip Girl reboot. My colleague got the best quality streams on iPlayer with the shortest loading times of all the streaming sites we tried.
Netflix and Hulu: Blocked
Despite trying every US server at different times of the day, I couldn’t unblock Netflix and Hulu. In both cases, I was stopped from loading the site by a privacy error notice from my browser.
Since we had the best viewing experience with BBC iPlayer on its UK servers, I tend to think that Unblock VPN’s few US servers are struggling with user-loads. Even though I successfully bypassed restrictions for HBO Now and Prime Video, I would prefer to use a VPN with better speeds, so I can watch without interruption. Through extensive testing, I found ExpressVPN to be a better option for streaming virtually anything. Not only does it easily bypass restrictions, but it also delivers on quality with optimized streaming servers, unmatched server speeds, and lag-free HD viewing.
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
- 3.0
/ 10
Unblock VPN Is Not Fast
With only 21 servers in 9 countries, I was not surprised that Unblock VPN did not support fast speeds. Its small server network almost guarantees slowdowns on overloaded servers. While connected to unblock VPN, my speeds were reduced by more than 90% and stayed below 4Mbps consistently. At this speed, it is frustrating to stream or torrent anything.
Speed Test Results
While connected to Unblock VPN, my average download speed was 3.6Mbps, a drop of 94%. Since the server network is so tiny, I tested every server to find the best one for streaming. Whether they were near or far, Unblock VPN servers were consistently slow. My speed never reached 4Mbps and often dropped to 2Mbps, making streaming difficult even in standard definition.
Before connecting to Unblock VPN, my download speed was 61.17Mbps.
While connected to Unblock VPN, my tests showed considerable slowdowns in speed, from the US to the Czech Republic:
| Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed | |
| US 6 – New York | 247ms | 3.83Mbps | 1.70Mbps |
| UK 6 – London | 250ms | 3.41Mbps | 1.76Mbps |
| DE 1 – Frankfurt (Germany) | 282ms | 3.65Mbps | 1.56Mbps |
| CZ 2 – Prague (Czech Republic) | 294ms | 3.63Mbps | 1.86Mbps |
In the FAQ section of the website, Unblock VPN confirms that low speeds are to be expected while connected to its servers.
Unblock VPN provides its users with access to streaming sites around the world, but the service does not have the resources to support fast speeds to aid an uninterrupted HD viewing experience.
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 — A Handful of Servers in Europe and North America
Unblock VPN has a very small network of 21 servers in 9 countries.
Most of its servers are in the US and UK — regions with the most popular streaming platforms. Other servers are located in Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Israel. Unblock VPN has no servers outside of Europe and North America.
Unblock VPN’s low server count makes overcrowding more likely which is partly why its speeds are consistently slow.
Security — Military-Grade Encryption, but Little Else
Unblock VPN offers excellent encryption and 4 protocols for its users to choose from — PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, and most recently, OpenVPN. The protocols have varying speed and security capabilities, so you can switch between them depending on your needs at any moment.
| PPTP | L2TP/IPSec | SSTP | OpenVPN | |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| macOS | ✓ | ✓ | x | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ | x | ✓ |
| iOS | x | ✓ | x | ✓ |
| Linux | ✓ | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Routers | ✓ | x | x | ✓ (Only ASUS RT-N12) |
PPTP is compatible with most operating systems, but it is an outdated protocol that is very easy to crack. However, since there are others to choose from, users can simply opt for another protocol for better security of their identity and activity.
Since OpenVPN has become an industry favorite, I was happy to see it added to Unblock VPN’s list. However, when I downloaded the macOS app, I could only choose between PPTP and L2TP. L2TP/IPSec and OpenVPN both offer 256-bit encryption, which is virtually impossible to crack.
To use OpenVPN on their devices, users have to manually configure the protocol. Unblock VPN provides instructions for each compatible device in guides on the website. For macOS, setting up OpenVPN is an 18-step process that involves visiting external links and downloading third-party apps.
Given that many VPN services allow users to switch between protocols with a simple click, I found the additional steps required by this particular service to be excessive. It was disappointing that the best alternative was cumbersome to use.
I checked a few of Unblock VPN’s servers for DNS and WebRTC leaks. Thankfully, my IP address didn’t leak, but the tests picked up an IP in Papua New Guinea while I was connected to a US server. Seeing as my own location and identity were safe from detection, I wasn’t too concerned, but it did make me wonder about the actual locations of Unblock VPN’s servers.
Ultimately, I feel that Unblock VPN has a long way to go in terms of security. At the very least, the company should integrate the OpenVPN protocol into its own interface if it wants the trust and support of privacy-conscious users.
Privacy — Privacy Policy Suggests User Privacy May Be at Risk
Unblock VPN is headquartered in the Czech Republic, which is not a part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. This is great news for user privacy since the company is not required to hand over user information at the request of the Alliance’s member countries.
In the privacy policy of Unblock VPN, I discovered that they do retain certain logs, although they assert that they do not maintain a record of your online activities. However, they do admit to storing timestamps, bandwidth information, and your original IP address.
Even more concerning is that the company reserves the right to use your logs as they see fit, including by identifying specific users and handing over information to law enforcement agencies, governments, and basically anyone else who suspects you of any potential criminal activity.
This privacy policy, coupled with the fact that you have to provide your country of residence and full name to sign up for the service, is bad news for users’ privacy.
Torrenting — Unblock VPN Allows P2P Connections on Its Swedish Server
According to the FAQ section on the website, Unblock VPN supports torrenting on its Swedish server, with the exception of copyrighted material. Essentially, this just means that piracy is forbidden.
Unfortunately, other than this one FAQ, Unblock VPN provides no further information about torrenting anywhere else. In its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, there is no mention of it.
The lack of support could be explained, in part by the fact that the Czech Republic signed on to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) in 2019. The GDPR is a European data protection agency that protects user privacy on the internet and advocates for a total ban on file-sharing sites. This could be why Unblock VPN is hesitant to provide additional information on torrenting or mention it in its privacy policy.
Besides providing only 1 server for torrenting, Unblock VPN does not offer the privacy measures, security features, and speeds for a safe and hassle-free torrenting experience. For fast and anonymous file-sharing, I recommend ExpressVPN. The VPN has a proven no-logs policy, unbeatable speeds, and provides resources and around-the-clock support on torrenting.
Does Unblock VPN Work in China? Maybe
According to the website, Unblock VPN does work in China. In the FAQ section, some details are provided on configuring the VPN for China, but it isn’t straightforward. For instance, the link to IP server addresses was dead, and the instruction to “modify your VPN client configuration” didn’t really mean anything to me.
I reached out to customer support for clarification on setting up my account for China, and I am still waiting for a response. Ultimately, since very few VPNs can bypass the Great Firewall and Unblock VPN has no servers in Asia, I’m not surprised that the configuration hasn’t been well-documented.
Server Locations
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User Experience
- 3.0
/ 10
Simultaneous Device Connections — Only 1 Device Is Permitted on Every Subscription
Unblock VPN users are only allowed 1 device connection at a time. For users who would like to use the VPN on multiple devices at a time, Unblock VPN suggests signing up for an additional subscription.
It is unusual these days for VPNs to only let you connect to 1 device at a time. Industry standards are usually capped at, at least 5 simultaneous devices these days. If you are looking for a VPN that allows loads of connections at once, you can try IPVanish that gives you an unlimited number of devices on one subscription.
Device Compatibility — Native Apps Are Only Available for Windows and macOS
Unblock VPN is compatible with the most common operating systems. However, It only has native apps for Windows and macOS. For Android, iOS, Linux, and routers, the VPN is only available through manual configuration.
Since there are no apps or smart DNS for smart TVs and gaming consoles, your best bet is to set up Unblock VPN on your router and protect all your WiFi-connected devices. Unblock VPN is compatible with the following routers:
- MikroTik
- Asus (RT-N12)
- TP-Link (TL-WR841N)
- DD-WRT
- Netis
Unblock VPN’s router compatibility is also minimal and excludes most router makes and models.
Ease of Setup & Installation — Easy to Install, but Lacking in Functionality
Unblock VPN apps are fairly simple to download but don’t provide the best user experience. Signing up for an Unblock VPN subscription proved to be a hassle in itself. After being asked to give my full name and country of residence, I had trouble paying for my subscription. The only payment method available was PayPal, even though “Credit Card” was listed on the form.
I consulted the FAQ and found that I had to ask customer support to enable my account’s credit card payment option. I found this odd, and since the only way to contact an agent is through a form on the site, the whole process was unnecessarily tedious. It took hours to do what should take minutes.
After making my purchase, downloading the app was relatively easy. The apps are lightweight, but only because they have minimal functionality. The Mac app allows you to choose a server, select one of two protocols, and click connect. Beyond that, there are no more options or settings.
There is a “Live Chat” button on the app, but it doesn’t seem to be linked to anything — clicking it does nothing.
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Support
- 4.0
/ 10
Unblock VPN offers very basic customer support via a form on the website. Responses take anywhere from a few hours to a day, but agents are generally friendly and helpful.
Users can also find answers to their questions in the FAQ section of the website and through detailed installation guides under “Downloads.”
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
- 3.0
/ 10
Unblock VPN subscription fees run too high for the value it provides. Even though it claims to have the “lowest price,” all 8 subscription plans have fees that compete with other accomplished VPNs on the market, but it offers no comparable features.
Payment methods are limited to PayPal — you can pay with a credit card only if you ask customer support to enable the option on your account. There is no option to pay with crypto, which is another privacy fault.
Unlike most other providers, Unblock VPN offers no discounts on longer-term plans (except its 1-year plan), giving users no incentive to choose longer subscription terms. On top of that, display prices are not totally accurate as Unblock VPN does not adjust the prices you see to include EU VAT, even though they charge it on every purchase.
Unblock VPN offers a 3-day money-back guarantee on all of its plans which is definitely too little time to assess the VPN’s performance.
Unblock VPN offers the following plans
Final Verdict
After extensive testing, I ultimately cannot recommend Unblock VPN. Although it managed to bypass the geo-blocks for several streaming sites, I was disappointed by the small server network, lack of security features, slow connection speeds, and vague privacy policy. When testing a small provider, I usually give them a bit of leeway, but having to wait hours to simply pay for a subscription was an inconvenience I feel they could have avoided.
The apps lacked elementary security settings, and configuring OpenVPN was a task that would require hours — despite it being the industry standard.
Unblock VPN’s prices are higher than most premium VPNs on the market, and the company offers a measly 3-day money-back guarantee. For less than half the subscription fee, you can try CyberGhost instead — a VPN with advanced security features, a transparent privacy policy, and high-speed streaming optimized servers. Best of all, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, which tells me the company believes in the quality of its service.
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.
FAQs About Unblock VPN
Is Unblock VPN good?
No. Unblock VPN offers excellent encryption and has impressive unblocking capabilities but falls short in other areas. Consistently slow connection speeds make streaming difficult, and the lack of privacy measures puts users’ data and identity at risk. Apps are only available for Windows and macOS, with other devices requiring manual configuration.
If you’re looking for a VPN with excellent speeds, watertight security features, and a user-friendly privacy policy, I recommend CyberGhost. You can get it for way less than Unblock VPN, at only $2.03, and truly test its performance by taking advantage of CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee.
Can I use Unblock VPN for free?
Yes. Unblock VPN offers a 3-day free trial for users to test the service, but it has some serious limitations. Users of the free version can only connect to a server for 5 minutes at a time, after which they are automatically disconnected. You are also limited to 20 sessions a day, which amounts to less than 2 hours of connection time.
If you would like to try out a safe free VPN for more than 5 minutes at a time, I suggest having a look at this list.
Is Unblock VPN really safe?
Not entirely. Unblock VPN offers 256-bit encryption, and my tests showed no DNS or WebRTC leaks, but it isn’t a zero-logs VPN, and its privacy policy suggests some alarming uses of user information.
For a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and a favorable privacy policy, I suggest using ExpressVPN. You can test all of ExpressVPN’s security features for yourself as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the service doesn’t live up to your expectations, you can quickly claim a refund through the 24/7 live chat.
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.
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.
| Czech Republic | |
| 2009 | |
| Yes | |
| 3 | |
| 3 days guaranteed |
