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Securing your online presence is of paramount importance and, with rising instances of cybercrime, a virtual private network (VPN), such as VPNArea, serves as your safety blanket, protecting your identity and data from prying eyes.
Our expert testers have exhaustively analysed VPNArea to give you a detailed insight into its features, security aspects and performance. By the end of this review, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of VPNArea and its standing among other VPN services.
Rating: ★★★½
VPNArea offers a comprehensive VPN service at a competitive price. Performance-wise, it provides reasonable speed across its network of over 100 servers. AES-256 cypher encryption ensures a robust security protocol, complemented by a no-log policy. While it lacks an independent audit, its features, which include a dedicated IP and support for eight connected devices, make it a worthy contender in the VPN market.
Our reviewers are dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information so you can make an informed decision when it comes to buying a VPN. We will only recommend a VPN after hours of testing, extensive head-to-head feature comparisons, and after taking into account verified customer feedback and reviews, and the opinions of industry experts.
Our review scores are determined by the following categories:
We research and test a total of 25 elements within these categories, including:
All of our VPN articles are verified by our in-house team of fact-checkers, so you can be assured our content is as accurate and up to date as possible.
Read our VPN review methodology for full details.
Lowest price: £2.40 per month
Free version: No
Maximum number of connected devices: 8
Number of servers: 100+
Encryption: AES-256
VPN protocols: OpenVPN and IKEv2
No-log policy: Yes
Audited: No
Headquarters: Bulgaria
VPNArea has a starting price of $2.99/£2.40 per month for a 36-month package or a one-time payment of $107/£85.94. While there’s no free version, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. VPNArea enables connection to a maximum of eight devices while offering over 100 servers for connectivity. A standout feature is its strong encryption, with AES-256 cypher encryption and a no-log policy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive Pricing | No independent audit |
| Robust security protocol | Lack of a free version |
| VPN Area dedicated IP feature | A limited number of servers compared with some competitors |
| Support for up to eight connected devices | Limited information about the type of servers used |
| Firm no-log policy | Speed can drop when connected |
When comparing VPNArea with its major competitors, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark, it has competitive pricing and similar levels of security. However, it falls short in terms of server count, and its lack of an independent audit makes its no-log policy less verifiable than those of its peers.
| VPN provider | Monthly price | Cheapest price | Free version (Y/N) | No. of Servers | Max. devices supported | Netflix | BBC iPlayer | Disney+ | Amazon | HBO Max | Audit (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPNArea | $9.90 (£7.84)/m | $3.21 (£2.54)/m (2 years) | N | 100+ | 8 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N |
| ExpressVPN | £10.48/m | £5.40/m (1 year) | N | 3,000+ | 5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Y |
| NordVPN | From £10.39/m | From £2.79/m (2 years) | N | 5,400+ | 6 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Y |
| Surfshark | £10.23/m | £1.82/m (2 years) | N | 3,200+ | Unlimited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Y |
| VPNSecure | $9.95 (£7.88)/m | $2.99 (£2.37)/m (3 years) | N | 75 | 5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N |
| CyberGhost | £10.89/m | £1.85/m (2 years) | N | 9,773 | 7 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Y |
VPNArea offers an affordable range of pricing options. The cheapest option starts at £2.40 per month for a long-term commitment of 36 months. For users hesitant about making a long-term commitment, VPNArea provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Subscription term | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly | £8 |
| 12 months | £3.31 per month/£39.69 (upfront) |
| 24 months | £2.57 per month/£62.29 (upfront) |
| 36 months | £2.40 per month/£85.94 (upfront) |
VPNArea has multiple payment options. You can pay for your subscription via major credit cards, PayPal or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for an added layer of privacy.
Payment methods:
Like many VPN services, VPNArea has robust security features, which include AES-256 cypher encryption, a no-log policy and support for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.
The service enables a maximum of eight simultaneous connections, making it suitable for individual users and families across a range of platforms. Or even small businesses.
VPNArea has an anti-DNS leak feature to prevent your internet provider from seeing the domains you’re browsing, as well as an ad block function.
VPNArea has a network of over 100 servers and it claims that 98 per cent of its servers have a dedicated 1Gbps speed port. The servers are located in 55 countries, including 11 servers in the US, three in the UK, and four in Canada.
VPNArea has a no-log policy, meaning it does not store or track user activity, providing users an additional layer of privacy. The company’s headquarters are located in Bulgaria, a country known for its privacy-friendly laws. It operates an amended version of GDPR, the PDPA (Bulgarian Personal Data Protection Act).
In the world of online security, having a kill switch is not just a bonus – it’s an essential feature that adds an extra layer of protection. VPNArea understands the importance of having a kill switch and has incorporated one into its service, ensuring that your data remains secure even in the event of a VPN connection drop.
A kill switch acts as a failsafe mechanism that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection becomes unstable or is unexpectedly interrupted. This immediate response prevents any accidental data leaks that could occur when your device reverts to the regular internet connection, exposing your sensitive information to potential risks.
The importance of having a kill switch cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to safeguarding your privacy and anonymity. VPN connections can occasionally experience disruptions due to network instability or server issues. Without a kill switch, these interruptions could leave your online activities vulnerable and exposed.
A kill switch is especially critical when engaging in activities that require utmost confidentiality, such as online banking, file sharing or accessing sensitive information. It acts as a safety net, providing an added layer of security and mitigating the risk of accidental exposure.
VPN split tunnelling is a game-changer for online privacy and convenience. With this advanced feature, you can enjoy the benefits of a VPN while still accessing local resources and optimising your internet experience. It’s a powerful tool that puts you in control of your online activities.
Split tunnelling allows you to selectively route your internet traffic through a VPN or bypass it entirely. By doing so, you can prioritise specific applications or websites to benefit from the VPN’s encryption and security while others use your regular internet connection.
Imagine streaming your favourite movies or shows without buffering or lag while protecting your sensitive online transactions. Split tunnelling makes this possible by allowing you to exclude streaming services from the VPN tunnel, thereby optimising your internet speed for a smooth streaming experience. Unfortunately, VPNArea does not offer split tunnelling.
VPNArea employs AES-256 encryption, which is currently the highest level of encryption on the market and is often used by governments to protect top-secret material.
VPNArea offers additional features, such as a dedicated IP, which can be useful for users who need a consistent IP address and detailed streaming servers in different countries.
Our testing method involves using Speedtest by Ookla to measure download and upload speeds when connected to VPNArea servers in the UK, US and Australia. We also tested latency, which reflects the time it takes for data to travel to the VPN server and back.
We tested three essential factors: download speed, upload speed and latency (ping).
Before we dive into the results, let’s do a quick recap on what these terms mean:
To establish a benchmark, we first conducted a test without the VPN. Using Speedtest by Ookla, we recorded these base results:
Upon enabling VPNArea, the stage was set for a series of tests across different geographical servers. Let’s delve into the numbers.
When the VPN was connected to a UK server from the UK, the upload speed outpaced the baseline speed, resulting in 100.85 per cent of the base upload speed. The download speed, however, was slightly slower, achieving 99.84 per cent of the base download speed. The latency was also slightly increased to 26ms.
To the US from the UK, we noticed a drop in both upload and download speeds. Download speeds were about 69.88 per cent of the base speed, while upload speeds took a significant hit, running at only 9.99 per cent of the base speed. We also observed a notable increase in latency to 162ms.
The VPN connection all the way to Australia presented the most drastic changes. Download speeds plummeted to 32.65 per cent of the base speed, while upload speeds decreased to 6.04 per cent. The latency understandably spiked up to 288ms due to the long distance to the server.
VPNArea’s performance differed based on the location of the servers. But what’s clear is that using a VPN, including VPNArea, does impact internet speed. While the extent of the impact varies, it’s often a small price to pay for enhanced security and privacy.
Plus, VPNArea’s performance remained robust, particularly for servers close to the user’s location. Remember, the geographical distance to your chosen server plays a significant role in your internet speed. So choose wisely and stay secure with VPNArea.
| Download speed | Upload speed | Latency (ping) | Percentage of base download speed | Percentage of base upload speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No VPN | 38.53 | 55.21 | 9 | ||
| UK to UK | 38.47 | 55.68 | 26 | 99.84% | 100.85% |
| UK to US | 26.92 | 5.52 | 162 | 69.88% | 9.99% |
| UK to Aus | 12.58 | 3.34 | 288 | 12.58% | 6.04% |
WebRTC technology has revolutionised the way we communicate online, enabling direct browser-to-browser communication without intermediaries. From video chats to live streaming, it offers faster speeds and seamless interactions. However, the downside is that it can potentially expose your IP address to third parties, posing a risk to your privacy. VPNArea passed our WebRTC leak tests, protecting your IP address and privacy online.
When it comes to VPN services, transparency and accountability are of paramount importance. We delved deep into VPNArea’s security measures, specifically regarding data breaches and audits. While its website didn’t provide much information, we contacted its support team to gather the facts.
The live chat was responsive and informed our researcher that VPNArea has not undergone external audits or suffered any breaches, but it has taken significant steps to ensure the security and privacy of its users. Its commitment to encryption, a no-log policy and a responsive support team shows its dedication to maintaining a secure environment. While an external audit would provide additional peace of mind, it is not uncommon for some VPN providers to go unaudited.
VPNArea is compatible with various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Amazon Fire TV Stick. The desktop and mobile apps are user-friendly and intuitive, with clear options for server selection, protocol switching and settings adjustments.
For those who prefer alternative operating systems, VPNArea doesn’t disappoint. Its website provides comprehensive guides for Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, Fedora and Mint, allowing users to set up VPN connections on these platforms effortlessly. This level of support showcases VPNArea’s dedication to inclusivity and ensuring compatibility across a wide range of systems.
VPNArea goes the extra mile by offering IKEv2 Setup for users who prefer to configure their VPN connection without using dedicated apps. This flexibility gives advanced users more control over their VPN setup while maintaining the highest level of security.
VPNArea also understands the importance of extending its compatibility beyond traditional devices. such as laptops and phones. It provides guides for setting up VPN connections on routers, Fire TV and Kodi, allowing you to protect your entire network and enjoy a secure browsing experience on your favourite streaming devices.
When it comes to customer support, VPNArea provides multiple channels for assistance, including a responsive live chat and reliable email support.
VPNArea’s live chat support is a standout feature, impressing us with its responsiveness. With just a couple of clicks, we were instantly connected with its team of knowledgeable and dedicated support staff. They were always available to address any queries or concerns, whether it was troubleshooting technical issues, seeking assistance with setup and configuration or simply seeking general product information.
The support staff demonstrated a good understanding of the product and its features, providing valuable insights and tailored solutions to our specific queries.
In addition to its live chat support, VPNArea has efficient email support, for those who prefer a more traditional means of communication. We experienced a swift response time through email, so top marks for the support team here.
Customer reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play are mixed, with many praising the service’s security and privacy features and others criticising its speed, server availability and reoccurring payment options. A balanced view suggests that while VPN Area has strengths in security and privacy, it may need to make improvements in performance and server infrastructure and be clearer with payment options.
“Be careful about the package you are buying if using PayPal. They make you approve a recurring payment, while saying one month on the page. I was charged for another year, which I wanted to cancel. No notifications whatsoever and they take your money.”
Dutman via Trustpilot
“I am having a terrible time with VPNArea right now. I have not been able to log in for two days as I keep getting told my log in details are incorrect. I know 100 per cent they are right. For a service which is supposed to improve peace of mind while browsing the internet I have found VPNArea have done the absolute opposite to me over the last couple of days. I would avoid at all costs based on my last two days’ experience.”
Phil via Trustpilot
“This is a very good VPN. It’s fast and secure. I’ve done DNS leak checks and it passes every time. I do wish the developers would make a TV version. I side loaded it on my Shield and it works, but you do need a mouse for a couple of options. It would also be nice if they would update the app more often and add a connect on device startup switch. The persistent connection switch works great. I did a trial and then signed up for a year of service. I like the static IP locations. Highly recommend!”
A Google user via Google Play
VPNArea offers a wide range of features at competitive prices. With plans starting at just £2.40 per month, VPNArea provides an affordable option for users looking to enhance their online security and privacy. The service boasts a robust security protocol, including AES-256 cipher encryption and a firm no-log policy, ensuring that user data remains protected.
While VPNArea offers an impressive range of features, it does have some limitations. For instance, it has not been independently audited, which may raise concerns for users seeking verification of its security claims. Additionally, the service has a limited number of servers compared with some competitors, which may affect overall performance and server availability.
In terms of compatibility, VPNArea supports a range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and even Amazon Firestick. Its user-friendly interfaces and intuitive apps make setting upand customising the VPN experience easy.
Customer support is another area where VPNArea shines. Its live chat support is highly responsive, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist with any queries or concerns. Email support is also available for users who prefer a more traditional means of communication.
Customer reviews of VPNArea are mixed, with some praising its security and privacy features, while others express concerns about speed, server availability and recurring payment options.
VPNArea offers a reliable VPN service with competitive pricing and robust security features. The inclusion of a kill switch adds an extra layer of protection to ensure data security. VPNArea’s dedicated IP is also a bonus. While it may have some limitations, such as a lack of an independent audit and a limited number of servers, VPNArea remains a strong contender in the VPN market.
With its user-friendly interface, wide compatibility and responsive customer support, VPNArea provides a solid option for users seeking to enhance their online privacy and security.
Overall score: ★★★½
The information in this review is presented objectively and should only be used for informational purposes. Independent Advisor does not support downloading or consuming illegally pirated content or streaming content from locations other than those where the subscription is maintained.
