I. Introduction
Unlocator VPN is a virtual private network service offered by Unlocator, a company that originally made its name through providing smart DNS proxy services to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
Building on its specialization in region-hopping, Unlocator launched its own VPN in 2021 to complement its smart DNS product. Unlocator VPN focuses squarely on enabling users to gain access to regionally limited content. However, it has wider applications for internet security and privacy as well.
II. Unlocator VPN Review
An in-depth review of Unlocator VPN across various aspects finds a capable service able to meet the niche needs of its target demographic, but lacking in certain areas regarding broader VPN usage compared to general-purpose rivals.
A. Performance and Usability
In terms of usability, Unlocator VPN offers apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android with easy-to-navigate interfaces. Connecting to one of Unlocator’s servers in over 70 countries takes just a single click on the large power button. Servers automatically select the fastest and optimal protocols.
Once connected, the app shows the user’s true IP address, apparent IP address, location, current encryptions protocol, and chosen server. Bright colors and a clean layout aid quick interpretation of status and settings. However, some user reviews cite connection failures, sudden disconnections, and bugs preventing access to certain servers. Unlocator also suffered a breach exposing 700GB of customer data in late 2022.
Online reviews show mostly positive feedback, with Unlocator VPN garnering an ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot score based on 100+ reviews. Users praise the improved ability to stream geo-blocked content. But technical issues persist for some.
B. Security and Privacy
Unlocator VPN uses industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption certified as highly secure by experts, meaning data remains protected from interception by ISPs, hackers, and surveillance attempts. Users can manually select OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec protocols for advanced protection.
However, Unlocator does store certain usage logs and identifiers where longer retention goes beyond industry best practices. Their privacy policy admits to keeping user IP addresses, device data, dates and times users accessed Unlocator apps and websites, and bandwidth usage – concerning for privacy advocates. Alarmingly, the policy seems to contradict itself regarding logging actual sites visited and online activity while using the VPN. This cloudiness raises red flags over Unlocator’s data harvesting policies.
C. Customer Support and Service
In testing Unlocator’s customer service response time, inquiries submitted via email ticketing and live chat widget both elicited replies in under 5 minutes by knowledgeable representatives well-versed in the service’s offerings. Support avenues stay open 24 hours on weekdays and limited weekend availability.
Compared to sparse customer support among lower-tier VPNs, Unlocator VPN punches above its weight class – reflecting Unlocator’s long-running specialization around geo-blocking issues where thorough troubleshooting proves essential.
D. Features and Functionality
Unlocator VPN comes equipped with typical security provisions like an automatic kill switch cutting the internet if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly and preventing data leaks. Additionally, their proprietary Unlocator Shield add-on boosts anti-censorship capabilities.
The service has wide device support across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Users can directly link routers for protection across smart home devices, though the router app remains in beta. For site unblocking, Unlocator offers optimized streaming servers plus works reliably with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ESPN and most sites with few exceptions like Amazon Prime. Split tunneling lets users decide which apps get routed through the encrypted tunnel.
Protocols include OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2 along with the WireGuard® protocol regarded as the most secure and lightweight option with better speeds. Unlocator allows P2P file-sharing and works with all major torrent clients too.
However, advanced users may find key features missing. There’s no SOCKS5 web proxy, ability to port forward, or DNS configuration options. The sparse server network also lags significantly versus leading rivals boasting thousands of servers. Still, core needs get met, especially for streaming and geo-dodging.
E. Pricing and Refund Policy
Unlocator VPN costs $6.95 monthly, $4.08 every 6 months, or $2.78 per month on 2-year plans. Subscriptions unlock support across unlimited devices like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, routers, and manual setup on Linux/Kodi. A free 7-day trial lets users extensively test the service. Unlocator also backs its VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee for every plan if users find themselves unsatisfied. Specific terms around the returns process remain undisclosed.
Compared to most VPNs charging over $10 per month for monthly plans, Unlocator comes cheaper for casual needs around video sites. Its 2-year rate also beats competitors. Overall, the pricing matches the service’s reliability handling geo-blocks access but less robust security and speed capabilities matching premium cross-platform rivals.
III. Conclusion
In conclusion, this review of core pillars like security, streaming, usability, and support found Unlocator VPN an able simpler VPN solution fine-tuned towards unblocking geo-restrictions. Connection failures and data logging limit endorsements.
But its competitive pricing and strong customer service still make it easy to recommend trying Unlocator VPN on its risk-free week-long trial for anyone frustrated by geo-blocks stopping video site streams worldwide or aiming to enhance security just browsing daily sites. Users valuing rigorous and proven security may prefer more established brands like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Yet Unlocator carves out a niche for bypassing digital borders, accelerating streams and downloads across services otherwise detecting VPN connections. Its specialized servers and configurations cater well to that singular but common need without going overboard on permissions or sacrificing usability. So users happy sticking with those narrow use cases can rely on Unlocator VPN filling that goal at lower costs than its more robust and feature-filled competitors.