DotVPN Review 2023: Beyond the Flashy Commercials - Our Verdict
DotVPN is a great service if you're looking for a VPN to protect your privacy online. With a no-logs policy, an easy-to-use interface, and custom apps for iOS and Android, you can keep your private information private while you surf the web. It's also very affordable, with prices starting at only $2.95 per month. However, it's important to take a closer look at its features before you sign up, because it does lack some basic features, such as support for torrents.
Privacy policy
DotVPN's privacy policy leaves a lot to be desired. Although the company claims to have a no log policy, it's not exactly clear what they're doing with all of their data.
DotVPN operates from Hong Kong SAR. Unlike other VPNs, it's not part of the Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. This means that it's not subject to any data retention laws. And it's far from the surveillance networks of the Five Eyes or Seven Eyes.
In the event that you're not satisfied with the service, you have 30 days to cancel. But you will have to provide your name, payment details, and a reason for your cancellation. Once you've provided these, you should expect to wait a few hours before a customer service representative gets back to you.
The DotVPN website does not list countries covered by the service, but there are several to choose from. You can also download a desktop app for Windows, macOS, and iOS.
As for security, DotVPN uses AES-128 encryption. While this isn't as secure as AES-256, it's still good enough for basic protection. Besides, there are no extra costs.
DotVPN also has an ad and tracking blocker. It doesn't block a lot of ads, but it does offer a high level of protection.
Unlike most VPNs, DotVPN doesn't support torrenting. Instead, it's mainly designed to unlock geo-restricted content.
DotVPN has a 30-day refund policy. However, it requires proof of a technical problem. If you have a problem, contact the DotVPN customer service team. They should be able to process your refund.
DotVPN offers a browser extension, an Android and iOS mobile app, and a desktop app for Windows and macOS. All of these have an IPSec or OpenVPN tunneling protocol.
No-logs policy
DotVPN is one of the few VPN services that claim to have a no-logs policy. This is a good thing, because you want to protect your privacy online. However, there are a few VPNs that have been caught handing over user data or cooperating with law enforcement.
HideMyAss, a VPN that claims to have no logs, actually logged users' activities. It also logged their IP addresses, connection timestamps, and even content.
One of the most reliable no-logs VPNs is ExpressVPN. Despite its acquisition, it continues to operate independently. The company provides 256-bit AES encryption, consistently fast speeds, and tons of security features.
NordVPN, a Panama-based VPN, is another good example of a no-logs VPN. The service doesn't keep connection or usage logs, but it does keep customer service and payment information. In addition, it complies with warrants, gag orders, and government letters.
Private Internet Access is another provider that says it has no logs. While it does log some customer data, it's not as detailed as some other providers. For example, the VPN claims to only log the last 20 connection records.
Another good no-logs VPN is Perfect Privacy. They have a RAM-only server network. That means the data is permanently erased when the server is rebooted.
Depending on the jurisdiction, a VPN may be required to collect and store certain data. This is why it's important to read the no-logs policy. If it doesn't state this, look elsewhere.
Some no-logs VPNs only record generic data, such as connection time and bandwidth. Other providers use cookies to track browsing activity.
The no-logs policy of some VPNs is misleading, though. You should always check with the provider first.
Easy-to-use VPN
DotVPN is an easy-to-use VPN for desktops, smartphones and browsers. The service offers a secure and reliable way to browse the web, allowing you to bypass blocked websites and services, such as Netflix, HBO Go and Hulu.
Unlike many other VPNs, DotVPN is free to use. You can download the app from the web or the Google Play Store. After you've installed the VPN, you'll need to create a user profile.
You can download a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, and you'll also get extensions for Chrome and Opera. In addition to the VPN, you can purchase a proxy add-on for your browser. These allow you to connect to servers in locations of your choice, and encrypt your internet traffic.
Although DotVPN claims to have a no-logging policy, it does retain some personal information. It keeps only your email address and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) IP address, and it keeps this data for a full 24 hours. However, you can always get a refund.
DotVPN provides an unlimited bandwidth and free server switches on its premium plan, as well as Cloud firewall protection. This allows users to choose from over 700 servers in more than 10 countries. But while the premium plan offers faster connections and access to Netflix, the speeds are not as good as the free version.
In addition to the website, DotVPN also has a support center with answers to common problems. There's no live chat support, but you can fill out a form and receive a response within hours.
DotVPN is also available for iPhones and iPads running 8.0 or later. It uses AES-128 encryption for the iOS system, although it is not as strong as AES-256.
Custom apps for iOS and Android
DotVPN is a virtual private network that enables users to connect to a server in a remote location. This enables a user to access websites that are blocked or restricted in their country.
DotVPN offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. They are quick and easy to use, but do not offer full VPN functionality.
DotVPN has a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The apps are compatible with all of the latest models of iPhone and Android. However, they are glitchy and sometimes don't work.
DotVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee. You can also pay with a Paypal account or credit card. If you want to cancel your subscription, you'll need to send an email to support. Despite the fact that the support team isn't always available, they're usually fast and responsive.
Although DotVPN offers custom apps for both iOS and Android, there's no dedicated application for macOS. There aren't many guides to the service on the website. Some updates are referenced, but they are often years old.
DotVPN does not allow torrenting or P2P traffic. It also has a limited number of connections. In addition, the company doesn't provide a kill switch or split tunneling.
DotVPN uses a combination of OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) and IPSec. These are open-source encryption protocols that offer the best balance of performance and security.
Unlike other VPNs, DotVPN does not record any of your Internet activity. However, it does keep your IP address for 24 hours. But this information isn't used to identify you.
DotVPN offers a free plan that can be used for protected web browsing. Those who are looking for a more secure option can choose a premium plan.
Doesn't support torrents
DotVPN is a proxy service that enables you to unblock restricted websites. It is available as an extension for browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Opera. The company also has apps for Android and iOS.
Unlike other VPNs, DotVPN has no dedicated torrenting servers. Rather, it primarily works for users who need to access sites that are blocked by their government. However, it does provide a firewall.
DotVPN has an extensive network of 700 servers in 12 countries. Users can choose from a free plan or a monthly or yearly premium plan.
The free version offers limited features and content. If you want to use it to download video and audio files, you'll need to upgrade to a paid subscription. You can pay by PayPal, credit card, or a local payment system.
DotVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This gives you enough time to try the service and make a decision about whether to purchase.
Unfortunately, DotVPN does not work with Netflix or most streaming services. There are other VPNs that are compatible with these programs. Besides, many ISPs block VPN connections, making it difficult for you to access these services.
Regardless of the reason you're using a VPN, your internet connection may slow down. Also, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will be able to monitor your activity. Therefore, it's important to enable a kill switch.
Most torrent clients allow you to set limits on upload and download speeds. This way, you can keep your connections safe. To do so, you can disable IPv4 and IPv6 in the VPN client settings. That way, your ISP won't be able to see your activity.
