UltraVPN, a VPN provider based in the United States, has swiftly established itself in the industry despite being relatively young, having been founded just four years ago.
One notable aspect of UltraVPN is its commitment to user convenience and affordability. The company offers a highly generous free trial plan, allowing individuals to thoroughly test the service without the obligation of a long-term contract. To ensure the utmost security, UltraVPN utilizes the PPTP, Hydra, and IKEv2 protocols, coupled with 256-bit AES encryption, which represents the highest level of encryption presently available.
A standout feature of UltraVPN is its unique “Instant Mode,” enabling users to effortlessly connect to the VPN without the need for downloading or installing client software. Simply input your username and password, and you’re ready to explore the benefits of the service.
Presently, UltraVPN has gained significant popularity among users seeking a combination of speed, reliability, and affordability in their VPN provider. In this article, we provide an in-depth review of UltraVPN to determine whether it lives up to the considerable acclaim it has garnered.
Table of Contents
UltraVPN Review Basics
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. UltraVPN is a software application that enables users to establish a connection with a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN serves the purpose of encrypting internet traffic, enhancing privacy and security. It also grants the ability to bypass geo-restrictions, enabling access to websites and services that would otherwise be inaccessible in your country.
UltraVPN stands out as one of the most user-friendly VPN options available. Its intuitive user interface makes setup and usage a breeze, catering to multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Utilizing its proprietary protocol, Hydra, UltraVPN boasts a reputation for speed and reliability.
In terms of server infrastructure, UltraVPN maintains an impressive fleet. With over 100 servers across more than 85 countries, users have ample choices for their VPN connections.
One of the standout features of UltraVPN is its strict no-logs policy. The company refrains from retaining any logs related to user activity, ensuring that browsing history, traffic data, and IP addresses remain entirely unmonitored and unrecorded.
Although UltraVPN is headquartered in the United States, known for its stringent data retention laws, it underwent significant changes to its logging policy after being acquired by Pango in 2018. Pango, the owner of various renowned VPNs like Hotspot Shield, Betternet, and VPN360, adheres to a comprehensive privacy policy that has undergone scrutiny by independent reviewers.
According to this policy, a minimal amount of non-identifiable data is collected, specifically relating to connection establishment and the country to which you are connected (while excluding the outgoing and home IP addresses). These anonymized connection logs are secure, as they do not reveal any details regarding your actual activities while using the VPN.
Now, let’s take a quick overview of the key features offered by UltraVPN:
| BASED IN COUNTRY: | UNITED STATES |
| USABILITY: | Very Easy to use |
| LOG FILES: | Strict No Logging Policy |
| LOCATIONS: | 85+ countries, 100+ servers |
| SUPPORT: | Live Chat (24/7) |
| TORRENTING: | P2P & Torrenting Allowed |
| STREAMING: | Unblocks: Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and more |
| ENCRYPTION/PROTOCOL: | 4096-bit DH key, Automatic, Hydra, and IKEv2(IPSec) |
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE: | www.ULTRAVPN.com |
UltraVPN Pros
1. Well–Distributed Network
UltraVPN presents a compact yet formidable server network encompassing 100 servers distributed across 85 countries. These servers are thoughtfully positioned to cover Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania in a relatively balanced manner.
While UltraVPN’s network incorporates virtual servers that reliably deliver connections, it should be noted that the limited size of the network may lead to potential congestion if there is an unexpected surge in customer demand. Consequently, users might experience occasional delays in streaming, gaming, video chats, or other bandwidth-intensive activities during such congestion periods.
Navigating to the server menu from the home screen is a seamless process. Just look for the server menu icon—a small arrow beside the Connect button, displaying the most recent location. When you wish to reconnect, simply select your desired server and establish a connection.
Overall, UltraVPN’s network performs commendably; however, we would appreciate a slightly more robust infrastructure to ensure optimal service quality.
2. User-Friendly Apps
UltraVPN’s applications are designed to be compatible with all leading platforms, encompassing Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. These versatile apps feature a user-friendly interface that strikes the perfect balance between intuitiveness and effortless navigation.
Mac
In this review, we will concentrate on the macOS experience of UltraVPN, considering the similarity between the Mac and Windows clients. We encountered a seamless and hassle-free experience while testing the Mac version of the application.
Establishing a connection is swift, typically taking around 3 seconds, and the client itself boasts a streamlined and user-friendly design. While certain VPNs allow users to reposition program windows as desired, UltraVPN’s Mac client conveniently remains anchored to the top bar of the display, ensuring easy access and unobtrusiveness.
Although it may initially appear as a drawback, the fixed position of UltraVPN’s client interface on the screen actually proves advantageous by saving valuable screen space. Moreover, accessing all the features and settings is conveniently achieved by simply clicking on the icon located in the top bar.
The server list is readily accessible from the main screen, offering the flexibility to not only choose the desired country but also select a specific location within that country—an exceptional feature that sets UltraVPN apart from other VPN providers.
As depicted in the accompanying images, UltraVPN’s interface is designed with user-friendliness in mind, catering even to those less familiar with technology. However, one feature that might cause slight confusion for newcomers is the firewall functionality.
In reality, this “firewall” serves as UltraVPN’s kill switch, ensuring immediate disconnection from the internet in the event of a sudden or inactive VPN connection. This swift action prevents exposure on an unprotected network.
While exploring the Settings menu, we noticed a relatively limited range of customization options. However, users can conveniently navigate to this section to switch between the Hydra and IKEv2 protocols or toggle the kill switch on or off.
While the software boasts an appealing user interface, it does lack several features. For instance, an auto-connect tool that automatically selects the best and nearest server would have been a valuable addition to enhance the overall user experience.
Windows
The Windows application stands out with its exceptional design, offering a range of exclusive features not present in the other applications. Among these features are a reliable kill switch and convenient auto-connect functionality.
With the kill switch feature, your device will be automatically disconnected from the internet in the event of a VPN connection loss, ensuring your online security and privacy. Additionally, the auto-connect feature intelligently selects the optimal server based on your location, seamlessly establishing a connection for an enhanced browsing experience.
Android
Considering the prevalence of mobile device usage for VPN connections, it’s important for VPN providers to prioritize a mobile-friendly interface. The majority of VPN users opt for mobile devices over desktop computers when accessing security software.
Given this context, we commend VPN providers that dedicate attention to the design of their mobile interface. UltraVPN’s Android client exemplifies this approach by offering a seamless blend of rich features and a user-friendly design, mirroring the experience found in the desktop version.
The distinguishing aspect of the Android client lies in its exclusive utilization of Hydra, a protocol renowned for its expertise in ensuring anonymity and bypassing censorship. In fact, Hydra’s resistance to blocking surpasses even that of WireGuard, further enhancing the capabilities of UltraVPN’s Android client.
3. Solid Encryption
UltraVPN prioritizes robust security measures by implementing the AES-256 encryption cipher, reinforced by a 2048-bit key and HMAC SHA256 for message authentication. Widely regarded as one of the most robust encryption ciphers, it is trusted by numerous military and government entities worldwide.
In addition to its formidable encryption, UltraVPN sets itself apart from other VPNs with an array of exceptional security features. These include a built-in firewall, anti-spyware capabilities, and an ad blocker, all working in unison to provide users with comprehensive protection and a seamless browsing experience.
4. Protocols
To establish a secure tunnel, UltraVPN offers a selection of three protocols: Automatic, Hydra, and IKEv2 (IPSec). These protocols provide users with flexibility in choosing the most suitable option for their specific needs, ensuring a secure and reliable VPN connection.
Automatic
By utilizing the Automatic protocol, your device will effortlessly connect to the most secure tunneling protocol currently available.
This protocol is highly recommended due to its ability to provide the utmost level of protection and its constant updates to incorporate the latest security features. With Automatic protocol selection, you can rest assured knowing that you are benefiting from the highest standard of security for your VPN connection.
Hydra
Hydra, developed by Aura and exclusively employed by UltraVPN, is a highly anonymous multi-protocol VPN client that operates on the TLS 1.2 protocol. While Hydra is UltraVPN’s proprietary protocol, it should be noted that its performance may be slightly slower compared to WireGuard.
Another option is IKEv2 (IPSec), a VPN protocol that utilizes the IPSec protocol to establish a secure tunnel. Although IKEv2 is recognized for its enhanced security, it may not match the speed of WireGuard or OpenVPN.
Regrettably, UltraVPN does not currently support the OpenVPN protocol, which is widely acknowledged as the benchmark for VPN security and speed.
5. Fast Speeds
UltraVPN stands out among VPN providers as one of the rare few offering genuinely high-speed connections. With an average server speed of approximately 100Mbps (depending on the country), UltraVPN surpasses the performance of many other VPN services.
This exceptional speed makes UltraVPN an excellent option for users seeking a swift and reliable connection for activities such as gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. Enjoy seamless online experiences and uninterrupted access to your favorite content with UltraVPN’s impressive speed capabilities.
Among UltraVPN’s server locations, the European servers demonstrate an average speed of approximately 130Mbps, providing users with reliable and efficient connections. However, it is worth noting that the servers in Asia offer even greater speed, boasting an average of 160Mbps. Users can take advantage of these fast and responsive connections when accessing UltraVPN’s servers in Asia, ensuring a seamless online experience.
6. Bypass Streaming Geoblocks
UltraVPN excels in bypassing geo-restrictions imposed by popular streaming services like Netflix, granting you access to a wide range of content from any country. This capability is achieved through the utilization of multiple optimized servers dedicated to streaming purposes.
To discover the optimal server for streaming, simply connect to the designated “Streaming” server location within the UltraVPN app. Experiment with different servers until you find one that consistently delivers the desired streaming experience.
Within UltraVPN’s network, you will find four dedicated servers specifically designed for streaming. During our tests, the UK locations performed admirably, exhibiting minimal lag and buffering, alongside excellent video quality. However, it’s worth noting that the Canadian server offered a somewhat mediocre video quality, with occasional delays and buffering issues.
We thoroughly examined UltraVPN’s ability to unblock content across various popular streaming platforms, yielding predominantly positive outcomes, although occasionally encountering unexpected results. In the subsequent sections, we will delve into our findings in more detail.
Netflix
As the streaming service with the most extensive content library, Netflix is typically the primary target for VPN users aiming to bypass geo-restrictions. Unlike other streaming platforms, Netflix implements a unique method of geo-blocking due to its worldwide accessibility.
Netflix distributes its streaming collections across different locations where they are accessible, with each location offering a distinct catalog (excluding countries where Netflix does not operate). Consequently, the content available in the US catalog significantly differs from that of the Canadian catalog, highlighting the geographical variation in content offerings.
When accessing Netflix, a user’s available content collection corresponds to the country associated with their IP address. Given that the American library boasts the largest assortment of content, it is advantageous to employ a VPN that offers an American IP address.
However, individuals attempting to unblock Netflix may encounter additional challenges as the streaming platform has the capability to detect and block VPNs it identifies as untrustworthy.
We are delighted to report that Ultraflix, provided by UltraVPN, is among the select few VPN services that can successfully unblock Netflix. This service employs multiple US-based IP addresses to grant users unrestricted access to the complete American Netflix catalog, ensuring an enhanced streaming experience.
Hulu
Hulu, another prominent player in the streaming industry, has implemented robust measures to prevent VPN services from accessing its platform. This has resulted in the blocking of numerous reputable VPN providers, including those that previously bypassed Netflix’s restrictions.
By leveraging UltraVPN’s UltraFlix servers, users can overcome Hulu’s restrictions and enjoy unrestricted access to its content from anywhere in the world. Similar to Netflix, UltraVPN assigns you a US IP address, enabling you to effortlessly access Hulu’s complete content library, regardless of your physical location.
Amazon Prime Video
With over 150 million subscribers worldwide, Prime Video has gained tremendous popularity. However, there are a few countries, such as Syria, Iran, North Korea, and Mainland China, where the service is not available due to regional restrictions.
Amazon employs a geo-blocking mechanism similar to that of Netflix. Being a global service, it assigns specific content libraries to each location. Consequently, an Amazon Prime Video subscriber will have access to content based on their IP address.
The US version of Prime Video boasts the largest content library by a significant margin. To enjoy this extensive collection, users need to utilize a VPN to acquire an American IP address.
Unfortunately, UltraVPN is not compatible with Amazon Prime Video. The service readily detects the usage of a VPN and presents an error message stating, “Your device is connected to a VPN…
Disney+ and HBO Max
During our evaluation of UltraVPN’s compatibility with Disney+ and HBO Max, we were pleasantly surprised by the streaming quality. While we encountered intermittent lags on both platforms, which could be attributed to fluctuations in connection speeds, the overall video quality remained excellent. Moreover, we encountered no difficulties in discovering functional servers for uninterrupted streaming sessions.
DAZN
In our attempt to unblock DAZN using UltraVPN, we encountered limitations as none of the servers we tested were able to access the content.
BBC iPlayer
Streaming from the BBC iPlayer proved to be a challenging experience with UltraVPN. The playback speed was sluggish, and we encountered several delays during streaming sessions. The video quality was average at best, and at one instance, we encountered an error message when trying to play a new episode of a show.
7. Torrenting
While UltraVPN does not have dedicated servers specifically for torrenting, all of their servers support P2P traffic. You have the freedom to engage in torrenting activities on any server, particularly those labeled with the “Torrenting” location in the app.
For optimal torrenting performance, the Netherlands server stands out as the top choice due to its exceptional speeds and reliability. Additionally, the UK server is a viable option for torrenting, although its speeds may not match the swiftness of the Netherlands server.
8. Very Affordable
Regardless of the term plan you opt for, you will enjoy identical benefits with UltraVPN. The service allows simultaneous connections for up to six devices, a standard offering among VPN providers.
Furthermore, each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind. As an added bonus, you will also receive complimentary access to the PassWatch password manager and the dark web scan tool, enhancing your online security at no extra cost.
For the most cost-effective option, UltraVPN’s longest package provides exceptional value. With the two-year plan, you’ll enjoy a monthly rate of $1.99. What’s even better is that you’ll only need to make a single payment for the entire duration, amounting to approximately $47.76.
9. Good Customer Support
UltraVPN provides round-the-clock live chat support in English, French, and German, ensuring assistance is readily available. During our testing, we found the live chat agents to be highly responsive and helpful. They addressed all of our inquiries and offered additional information whenever needed.
In addition to live chat, we also reached out to UltraVPN’s customer support via email and received a prompt response within a few hours. The representative we interacted with was courteous and provided valuable assistance.
Overall, UltraVPN’s customer support is outstanding, with 24/7 availability, ensuring that any concerns or queries you may have are promptly addressed by their knowledgeable team.
10. Kill Switch
A kill switch is an essential feature provided by reputable VPN companies. It ensures the protection of your true IP address and personal information by immediately disconnecting your internet access if the VPN connection is compromised.
UltraVPN offers a kill switch specifically designed for Windows, which automatically severs your device’s internet connection in the event of a VPN connection failure. This feature is highly valuable and not offered by all VPN providers.
To enable or disable the kill switch, you can easily access the “Settings” tab within the app and make the desired selection with just a few clicks.
However, in our testing, we found that UltraVPN’s kill switch was not as reliable as those offered by its competitors. It took a few seconds for the kill switch to effectively cut off our internet connection during our tests. Unfortunately, this delay exposed our true IP address to anyone who might have been observing it during those brief intervals.
11. No Logging
UltraVPN prioritizes user privacy by being a no-logs VPN, guaranteeing that no records of your online activities are stored. This essential feature safeguards your privacy throughout your VPN usage.
The privacy policy of UltraVPN is transparent and straightforward. They explicitly state that they neither collect nor retain any logs of their users’ online activity.
Furthermore, UltraVPN emphasizes that they do not monitor the IP addresses of their users or track the websites they visit, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining user anonymity and privacy.
12. Password Manager
Among the complimentary add-ons offered by UltraVPN, the PassWatch password manager stands out as a genuinely valuable feature. It is conveniently accessible as a browser extension on both Windows and macOS platforms. On Android and iOS, it is presented as a mobile app, visually resembling the browser extension. Let’s delve into some of its notable features:
Password Generator
The PassWatch password generator is capable of generating passwords with a maximum length of 32 characters. It provides various customization options, allowing you to include special characters, numbers, and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters in the generated passwords.
Identities
With the PassWatch identities feature, you can securely store your personal information, including details like your name, address, email, and credit card number. All this sensitive data is encrypted and can only be decrypted using your master password, ensuring maximum security and confidentiality.
Secure Me
The Secure Me feature, available as a browser extension, adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your login credentials and storing them locally on your computer. Whenever you visit a website, Secure Me will conveniently and automatically fill in your username and password, making it easier and safer to access your accounts.
Credit Cards
With the PassWatch credit card feature, you can securely store your credit card information. This sensitive data is encrypted and can only be accessed and decrypted with your master password, ensuring the highest level of protection for your financial information.
UltraVPN: Cons
1. Very Basic Features
UltraVPN primarily focuses on providing essential features, which may be sufficient for casual users. However, for those seeking more advanced functionalities, such as browser extensions commonly available in other VPNs, UltraVPN’s offering may seem limited. This restricts its usage to specific devices and excludes others from the compatibility list.
Moreover, UltraVPN lacks RAM-only servers, which could potentially pose a risk to your data security in the event of a server breach. Additionally, it doesn’t incorporate Double VPN capabilities like those offered by NordVPN or ExpressVPN, which provide an extra layer of encryption by routing your data through multiple servers for enhanced security.
2. Limited Device Options
To begin with, it’s important to note that UltraVPN does not currently offer support for Linux operating systems. While this may not be a significant concern for some users, it is worth highlighting for those who rely on Linux platforms.
Additionally, UltraVPN provides a limited range of device options, including PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. If you intend to utilize UltraVPN on devices such as routers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles, unfortunately, the service does not extend support to these platforms at present.
3. Free Trial Needs Credit Card Info
While UltraVPN does offer a free trial option, it’s important to note that signing up for the trial requires providing your credit card information. This approach may be off-putting to some individuals, as other VPN providers offer free trials without requesting such sensitive data.
Getting Started With UltraVPN
The download and installation process for UltraVPN was quick and uncomplicated, in our experience.
Step 1: Download
Visit the website and proceed to download the UltraVPN application.
Step 2: Register for an Account
You will be required to provide your name, email address, and create a password.
Step 3: Log in
After completing the registration process, you can log in to the UltraVPN app using your newly created account credentials.
Step 4: Choose Your Connection
From the list of available options, select the desired country you wish to connect to, and then simply click on the “Connect” button.
Step 5: Connected
You are now successfully connected to UltraVPN, enabling you to browse the internet securely and anonymously.
Accessing Settings
To access the options menu, simply click on the cog icon located at the top left corner. It offers a straightforward interface with a few choices primarily focused on security. For your convenience, you’ll find two icons in the upper right corner leading to your Account and Support.
In the Account section, you can easily check your plan type and the email address associated with your service sign-up. Additionally, within your account dashboard, you’ll find further information accessible by clicking on the “Manage” option.
If you require assistance or have any questions, the Support feature provides quick access to the FAQ area and contact page. Feel free to reach out for help regarding any issues or inquiries you may have regarding the service.
Overall, the VPN setup and usage are designed to be user-friendly. There are no complex menu options or intricate features to navigate. This VPN service offers a simple and sleek interface, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an uncomplicated and user-friendly VPN experience.
Pricing
UltraVPN offers competitive pricing in line with other well-known VPNs. They provide flexible plans ranging from one month to six months and twelve months, with automatic renewal unless canceled. It’s important to note that upon plan expiration, there will be an additional charge for renewal.
For those who are curious, the website of UltraVPN provides an exclusive 7-day free trial, which can be accessed solely on Android and iOS devices. It’s important to note, though, that the accepted payment methods are limited to PayPal or credit/debit cards. While this offers convenience for payment processing, I completely understand the preference for anonymous transactions facilitated by cryptocurrencies.
Rest assured, each UltraVPN package comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing peace of mind and ensuring customer satisfaction.
UltraVPN offers various pricing options that cater to different needs. For a single month, the subscription starts at $7.99, while committing to a one-year plan reduces the monthly price to just $4.99. This pricing structure is particularly impressive, given the VPN’s ability to efficiently unblock content.
However, the true value of UltraVPN shines when you opt for the two-year subscription. With this plan, the monthly cost dramatically decreases to only $2.99, firmly establishing UltraVPN as an affordable choice in the VPN market.
How Secure Is UltraVPN?
Since its acquisition by Pango in 2020, UltraVPN has experienced a significant transformation. This VPN service now offers an impressive range of features, backed by robust security measures, With a focus on robust security measures, UltraVPN boasts military-grade encryption and upholds a strict no logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private and protected. However, it is essential to evaluate its actual level of security.
Under its previous ownership by Aura Group, UltraVPN faced numerous security vulnerabilities, with one of the most concerning being the collection and sale of user data to third parties.
Fortunately, Pango has taken proactive steps to address these issues and enhance UltraVPN’s security. The encryption has been significantly strengthened to military-grade AES-256-bit, ensuring a high level of data protection. Moreover, the implementation of a watertight no logs policy guarantees that user information remains confidential.
To further fortify security, UltraVPN now utilizes perfect forward secrecy. This means that even if the VPN’s encryption keys were to be compromised, your data would remain secure and protected.
These comprehensive security enhancements implemented by Pango have significantly improved UltraVPN’s overall security and instilled greater confidence in its users.
Conclusion
If you are in need of an effective and budget-friendly VPN, UltraVPN is an outstanding option. With a strong presence in over 85 countries and a network of 100+ servers, it offers ample resources to unblock any website or service you desire. By default, UltraVPN employs military-grade AES 256-bit encryption with the Hydra protocol, guaranteeing the security of your data against both government surveillance and malicious hackers.
UltraVPN excels in unlocking a wide range of content, all while maintaining a reasonable cost. Its impressive speed makes it a suitable choice for individuals seeking to unblock foreign game servers or stream content on platforms like iPlayer.
Overall, UltraVPN is highly recommended as a fast, reliable, and affordable VPN service that ticks all the right boxes.
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