Daniel Schwartz Astrill VPN stands out in the VPN world for good reasons. Since 2009, it’s been a go-to for privacy, security, and speed. Its strong reputation comes from its reliable, robust services. Looking for features to protect your online activities? Astrill has you covered! It offers military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy. With a large server network worldwide, it provides extensive coverage. Astrill works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. So, you can secure your internet on any device. In this detailed review of Astrill VPN we will take a look at what the service offers, the pricing, the advantages and disadvantages. There’s also a competitor analysis.
Note: The pricing and other details in this article may change. While we make sure all the information is updated according to the latest available from the service providers, we recommend checking out their websites before making any purchase.
What Makes Astrill VPN Service Unique?
Astrill VPN is packed with features that extend beyond the basics of encryption and privacy. Here are some additional features that make Astrill VPN a comprehensive choice for your online security needs:
1. Smart Mode
Astrill VPN’s Smart Mode allows you to bypass VPN usage for local websites while enabling it for international sites. This feature helps maintain faster local internet speeds and improves overall browsing efficiency.
2. StealthVPN Protocol
The StealthVPN protocol is designed to bypass VPN blocking and deep packet inspection (DPI). This is particularly useful in countries with strict internet censorship, as it disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder to detect and block.
3. App Guard
App Guard is a feature that ensures specific apps only connect to the internet through the VPN. If the VPN connection drops, these apps will automatically be blocked from accessing the internet, protecting your data and privacy.
4. Dedicated IPs
Astrill VPN offers dedicated IP addresses, which can be useful for users who need a consistent IP address for activities such as online banking or accessing remote servers.
5. VPN Sharing
With VPN Sharing, you can share your VPN connection with other devices on your network, such as gaming consoles or smart TVs, even if they don’t support VPNs natively. This feature is especially handy for securing all your devices through a single VPN connection.
6. Unlimited Device Connections
Astrill VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect all your devices with a single subscription. This is ideal for households or small businesses with multiple devices that need protection.
7. Ad Blocker
Astrill VPN includes an integrated ad blocker that prevents intrusive ads, trackers, and malware from interrupting your browsing experience. This feature enhances your privacy and speeds up web page loading times.
8. WebRTC and DNS Leak Protection
Astrill VPN provides WebRTC and DNS leak protection, ensuring that your real IP address is never exposed, even if there are vulnerabilities in your browser or DNS requests.
9. Multiple VPN Protocols
Astrill VPN supports a variety of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec. This flexibility allows you to choose the protocol that best meets your needs for speed, security, and reliability.
10. Router Support
Astrill VPN can be configured on various router models, allowing you to protect all devices connected to your home network. This feature is particularly useful for devices that do not natively support VPNs.
These additional features highlight Astrill VPN’s commitment to providing a versatile and robust VPN service. With advanced options for security, privacy, and usability, Astrill VPN is equipped to meet the diverse needs of its users.
Astrill VPN Pricing Details
Astrill VPN is a premium VPN service known for its robust features and high performance. While it might be on the pricier side compared to some competitors, it offers a comprehensive set of tools and capabilities that justify the cost. Understanding the pricing structure can help you decide if Astrill VPN is the right fit for your needs.
1. Monthly Plan
Cost: $20.00 per month.
Details: This plan offers full access to all features, making it suitable for users who need short-term VPN access or want to try the service without a long-term commitment. It’s ideal for those who prioritize flexibility.
2. Six-Month Plan
Cost: $15.00 per month, billed as $90.00 every six months.
Details: The six-month plan provides a discount compared to the monthly plan, making it a better option for users looking for a medium-term solution. It combines affordability with a commitment that’s shorter than a year.
3. Annual Plan
Cost: $12.50 per month, billed as $150.00 per year.
Details: The annual plan offers the best value for long-term users, with significant savings compared to the monthly and six-month plans. It includes all features and is ideal for those who are confident in their need for a reliable VPN service over a longer period.
What are the Additional Costs and Add-Ons You Get With Astrill VPN
VIP Add-On: For an additional $10.00 per month, users can access VIP servers that provide even faster speeds and lower latency, ideal for streaming and gaming.
Dedicated IP: Available for an additional $5.00 per month, this feature is useful for users who need a consistent IP address for activities such as online banking or remote server access.
Router Plan: Astrill VPN also offers router plans starting at $5.00 per month, allowing you to protect all devices on your home network through a single VPN connection.
Astrill VPN Offers Free Trial and Money-Back Guarantee
Free Trial: Astrill VPN does not typically offer a free trial. However, they occasionally provide limited-time offers, so it’s worth checking their website for any current promotions.
Money-Back Guarantee: Astrill VPN offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the service within the first seven days, you can request a full refund.
Astrill VPN’s pricing reflects its position as a premium service with a strong emphasis on performance, security, and advanced features. While it may be more expensive than some other VPNs, the comprehensive feature set and high level of customer support can make it a worthwhile investment for users seeking robust online protection and privacy.
Pros and Cons of Using Astrill VPN
Astrill VPN offers a range of features and benefits that make it a strong contender in the VPN market. However, like any service, it has its drawbacks. Understanding both the pros and cons can help you decide if Astrill VPN is the right choice for you.
Pros of Using Astrill VPN
1. Strong Security and Privacy: Astrill VPN uses AES-256 encryption and adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your data remains secure and private.
2. High-Speed Performance: Known for its fast and reliable connections, Astrill VPN’s servers are optimized for speed, providing a smooth browsing, streaming, and gaming experience.
3. Wide Server Network: With servers in over 50 countries, Astrill VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from around the world.
4. Advanced Features: Astrill VPN includes advanced features such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and multiple VPN protocols, enhancing both security and usability.
5. Multi-Platform Compatibility: Astrill VPN supports various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, ensuring that you can secure all your devices with a single subscription.
Cons of Using Astrill VPN
1. Higher Cost: Astrill VPN is more expensive than many competitors, which might be a drawback for users on a budget.
2. Limited Free Trial: Astrill VPN does not typically offer a free trial, which means you need to commit financially to try the service.
3. Short Money-Back Guarantee: The 7-day money-back guarantee is shorter compared to many other VPN providers, giving you less time to decide if it’s right for you.
4. No Monthly Billing Flexibility: The plans can be cost-prohibitive every month, and users seeking monthly billing may find the price high.
5. Inconsistent Customer Support: Some users report varying experiences with customer support, with longer response times during peak periods.
Balancing these pros and cons can help you determine whether Astrill VPN meets your specific needs and preferences for online security and privacy.
Astrill VPN and its Top Competitors Comparison Chart
| Feature | Astrill VPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | CyberGhost | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | VyprVPN | IPVanish | Hotspot Shield | ProtonVPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $12.50/month | $12.95/month | $11.99/month | $12.99/month | $12.95/month | $11.95/month | $8.33/month | $11.99/month | $12.99/month | $9.99/month | $9.00/month |
| Servers | 500+ | 3,000+ | 5,500+ | 9,100+ | 3,200+ | 35,000+ | 700+ | 1,900+ | 1,800+ | 2,000+ | 400+ |
| Countries | 64+ | 94+ | 60+ | 91+ | 65+ | 84+ | 70+ | 75+ | 80+ | 63+ | 60+ |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 | 5 | Unlimited | 5 | 10 | 10 |
| Streaming Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | Limited |
Key Points to Consider:
- Pricing: Astrill VPN’s starting price is $12.50 per month. It’s slightly cheaper than some but more expensive than others like VyprVPN.
- Servers: With 500+ servers, Astrill offers fewer compared to CyberGhost’s 9,100+ servers. More servers can mean better connectivity and speed options.
- Countries: Astrill covers 64+ countries, less than ExpressVPN’s 94+ countries, indicating more global reach.
- Encryption: All compared VPNs use AES-256 encryption, ensuring top-notch security.
- No-Logs Policy: Every VPN in this list adheres to a strict no-logs policy, safeguarding user privacy.
- Platform Support: Each VPN supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and mobile devices, ensuring broad compatibility.
- Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark allows unlimited connections, offering more flexibility compared to Astrill’s 5-device limit.
- Streaming and Torrenting: All VPNs support streaming and torrenting, essential for media and file-sharing enthusiasts.
- Free Trials: Several competitors offer free trials, unlike Astrill, which might appeal to those wanting to test services before committing.
- Customer Support: Astrill provides 24/7 support, which is crucial for resolving issues promptly, matching most competitors except Windscribe, which has limited support.
Use this chart to compare features and prices and choose the VPN that best meets your needs. Each VPN has its strengths, so consider what features matter most to you!
Timeline of Updates:
01/15/2024 – Stealth VPN and OpenWeb Maintenance:
Astrill completed maintenance on its Stealth VPN and OpenWeb protocols. Users were advised to log out and back in to restore full functionality​ .
02/13/2024 – Critical Security Patch Released:
Astrill issued a security update addressing a vulnerability in the Linux DNS component, improving stability on Linux systems​ .
03/28/2024 – Smart Mode and Interface Redesign:
Astrill improved its Smart Mode feature and redesigned the server dropdown menu, adding favorites and a search box for easier navigation​ .
05/05/2024 – Android App Update (v3.12.12):
Astrill released a new version of its Android app, optimizing performance and fixing minor bugs for better user experience​ .
06/01/2024 – Enhanced Multihop Support:
Users can now define custom 2-hop VPN routes, allowing for increased privacy and flexibility in their connections​ .
FAQs
1. What is the primary difference between ExpressVPN and NordVPN?
ExpressVPN offers faster average speeds and a slightly more user-friendly interface, while NordVPN provides a larger server network and additional security features like NordLynx.
2. Is Surfshark suitable for streaming services?
Yes, Surfshark is suitable for streaming, offering competitive speeds and the ability to unblock various streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
3. How does CyberGhost ensure user privacy?
CyberGhost, based in Romania, adheres to a strict no-logs policy and is protected by the country’s strong privacy laws, ensuring that user data is not tracked or stored.
4. Does Private Internet Access work well for torrenting?
Yes, Private Internet Access supports P2P file sharing and torrenting, offering robust security and privacy features to keep users’ activities anonymous.
5. Can I use these VPNs on multiple devices simultaneously?
Most top VPNs, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and PIA, allow multiple simultaneous connections, typically ranging from 5 to unlimited, depending on the provider.
