Have you ever come across a VPN called OysterVPN? This article is all about finding out if it’s worth your time and money.
I was curious so I decided to give OysterVPN a try and see for myself. I was pleased to find a deal that seemed pretty fair.
For just $9.99, I got a 1-month subscription plus 3 months extra, and there was a comforting safety net – a 30-day money-back guarantee. This meant I could really explore OysterVPN’s features, and if it didn’t meet my expectations, I wouldn’t be stuck with it.
Thus, in this review, I’ll share my experience with you. Whether you’re working from a coffee shop, streaming your favorite shows, or just want to keep your browsing history to yourself, a reliable VPN is a must-have.
But with so many options out there, picking one can be tricky. To find out if OysterVPN is worth the price, I’m reviewing how easy it is to use, how well it protects your privacy, and how well it protects your data.
Keep reading to find out if OysterVPN is the security and privacy solution you’ve been looking for! 🌐🔒
What is OysterVPN?
OysterVPN is a VPN service based in Dublin, Ireland, offering “privacy for your digital life.” Its main goal is to enhance online anonymity, allowing users to access content that might be restricted in their region and to boost overall privacy and security while browsing the internet.
The primary function of OysterVPN is to make you appear anonymous online by separating your physical location from your online activities. After signing up, you can choose from a variety of secure VPN servers located in 17 different countries.
A key feature of OysterVPN is its ability to support up to five devices simultaneously, providing comprehensive protection across all your devices.
It offers apps for a range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. However, at the time of this review, it doesn’t support Linux, but as the website shows, it is coming soon for Linux, too.
Another important aspect of any VPN service is how it handles your data. OysterVPN operates with a no-log policy, meaning it doesn’t collect or store any more data than is necessary for running the service.
This policy is crucial for users concerned about their online privacy and data security.
OysterVPN Features
When I tried out OysterVPN, I found some really good features that made me feel safe online. Here’s what I liked:
1. Strong Encryption
It uses a really strong security method, just like what banks and armies use. This made me feel confident that my online information was well protected.
2. No-logs Policy
OysterVPN doesn’t keep track of what you do online, like the websites you visit or files you download. This is great because it means my online activities stay private.
3. Kill Switch
This is a safety feature. If the VPN stops working, it immediately cuts off my internet. This stops any accidental sharing of my personal info.
4. VPN Protocols
It offers four different ways (protocols) to connect to the VPN. I liked the IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN protocols because they are fast and safe. But I wish they had WireGuard, too, as it’s even faster.
5. Perfect Forward Secrecy
This feature changes the security key often, so even if someone gets hold of a key, they can’t get much info. I think this is a smart way to keep past and future data safe.
Leak Protection: I tested OysterVPN in many countries and was happy to see that it didn’t leak any info. But, it would be better if it also had protection against IPv6 leaks, which many other good VPNs have.
OysterVPN Speeds
When I was checking out OysterVPN, one of the things I really focused on was how fast it is.
Speed is super important for a VPN because you want to be able to browse the internet and use different websites and services quickly and without any trouble.
I tested OysterVPN’s speed in a few different ways to get a good idea of how it performs.
I used my desktop computer, my laptop connected to the internet through my Android 13 smartphone (like a hotspot), and the Android app itself. I did these tests in two places, the UK and Switzerland.
Here’s what I found:
OysterVPN on Desktop
On my home wired connection, my internet speed is usually 43Mbps. With OysterVPN connected to a server in London, it dropped to 25Mbps, which is a bit slower.
But when I connected to a server in Switzerland, the speed was better, around 34Mbps.
OysterVPN on Android App
The app was easy to use. But remember, the speed on your phone will depend on how good your internet connection is.
When I tested it, the fastest speed I got was about 34Mbps on the London server and 22Mbps on the Switzerland server.
OysterVPN with Mobile Hotspot
This was really interesting. Normally, using my phone as a hotspot, I get about 32Mbps download speed.
But when I turned on OysterVPN and connected to the London server, my speed went up a lot to around 90Mbps. And I even got these speeds while I was on a fast-moving train!
How Safe is OysterVPN?
When I looked into how safe OysterVPN is, I found some good things and a few concerns. Let’s go through what I learned about its safety features:
1. Supported Protocols
OysterVPN uses several protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. These are common and generally considered secure.
2. Lack of WireGuard Protocol
One downside is that OysterVPN doesn’t support WireGuard yet. WireGuard is a newer protocol known for being fast and secure, so it’s a letdown that OysterVPN doesn’t have.
3. Live Chat and IP Address
I noticed something a bit worrying about their live chat feature. It can detect your IP address and location. This isn’t ideal if you’re trying to stay completely anonymous.
4. Logging Policy Concerns
Their logging policy has some potential issues. In certain situations, it might not be the best to keep your information private.
5. Automatic Kill Switch
This is a positive feature. Suppose your VPN connection drops suddenly, and the kill switch cuts off your internet. This stops any data leaks that could happen.
6. Registration Information
To sign up, you have to give your email and billing information. This is pretty standard, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for total anonymity.
So, is OysterVPN safe?
It’s not explicitly dangerous, but there are some risks. For instance, if the authorities ever asked OysterVPN for server logs, they could potentially find your name and billing details.
And if you’ve used live chat, maybe even your IP address. This could lead back to you.
So, while OysterVPN has good security features, it might not be the best choice if staying completely anonymous is your top priority.
OysterVPN Customer Support
When I was using OysterVPN, I took a look at their customer service options to see how helpful they are.
Here’s what I found:
Support Center on Website
OysterVPN has a pretty good support center on their website. It’s filled with FAQs, setup guides, and tutorials for troubleshooting. This is really handy if you like to find answers on your own.
Blog Content
They also have a blog on their site. When I checked, there weren’t many articles – less than 10 – but it’s a start and could be useful for some users.
Live Chat Support
OysterVPN advertises 24/7 live chat support. Also, they take your permission to use your name and email ID before the chat begins.
Although I did not get a reply to my query on live chat, I got the answer in the FAQ section. Sometimes, even ad blockers can cause issues with these chat widgets.
OysterVPN Mobile Apps
When I tried out OysterVPN, I used their apps on different devices to see how easy they were to use. Here’s what I found:
Mobile Apps (Android & iOS):
OysterVPN has apps for both Android and iOS, which are quite straightforward to use.
The server selection menu was nice. It recommends the fastest server for you, lets you see the servers you’ve recently used, and you can even mark some as favorites for quick access.
The ad blocker is included in both mobile apps, but split-tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN, is only available on the Android app. This isn’t a big deal, though, since most VPNs don’t offer split tunneling on iOS.
Windows App:
The Windows app is similar to the mobile apps and adds a handy search bar to find servers quickly. It also has a feature for split-tunneling specific websites, which is a nice touch.
OysterVPN Pricing
OysterVPN is offering a few different pricing plans, each catering to different needs. Let me break them down to see which one might be the best fit for you:
1. 1-Month Plan + 3 Months Free
This plan is priced at $9.99 per month. When you choose this plan, you’ll be billed $9.99 initially, which covers the first four months (including the 3 free months).
After that, you’ll be billed $9.99 each month. This plan is great if you want to try OysterVPN for a short period without committing to a longer term.
It’s ideal for those who need a VPN for a temporary project or a short trip.
2. Lifetime Plan (Limited Time Offer)
This is a special offer where you pay a one-time fee of $49.99 and get access to OysterVPN for life. The monthly cost works out to be around $0.42.
This plan is an excellent choice for those who are sure they’ll use a VPN regularly for many years. It’s a significant upfront cost, but it’s very cost-effective in the long run.
3. 1-Year Plan (40% Off)
This plan is offered at a discounted rate of $2.50 per month, billed at $29.99 every 12 months. It’s a good middle ground between the short-term commitment of the monthly plan and the long-term commitment of the lifetime offer.
This plan suits those who are comfortable with using OysterVPN for at least a year and want to save money compared to the monthly plan.
All these plans come with unlimited data, 24/7 support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which adds a safety net in case you change your mind.
How do you select the best plan for you?
The best plan for you depends on how long you plan to use the VPN and how much you’re willing to pay upfront. If you want flexibility, go for the monthly plan.
If you’re looking for a long-term, cost-effective solution, the lifetime plan is the way to go. And if you want a balance of both, the annual plan would be most suitable.
OysterVPN Pros & Cons
What I Like About OysterVPN:
- Supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols for secure connections.
- Includes an automatic kill switch for extra safety.
- Easy installation process.
- Allows torrenting on all servers.
- Provides good download speeds on most servers.
- Features a decent and user-friendly interface.
- Successfully unblocks US Netflix.
What I Don’t Like About OysterVPN:
- Upload speeds are relatively low.
- Lacks the newer and faster WireGuard protocol.
- Logging policy could pose privacy risks.
- Has a limited number of servers compared to larger VPN networks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, OysterVPN stands out as a budget-friendly and effective VPN option. It offers a good balance of speed and security, making it suitable for activities like streaming, gaming, and downloading without breaking the bank.
The app is user-friendly and compatible with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices.
The ability to use OysterVPN on up to five devices simultaneously with one subscription provides great value, ensuring all your devices are covered.
While OysterVPN does have some drawbacks, as I’ve mentioned earlier, many of these are minor. There’s room for improvement, and it would be great to see these changes in future updates to enhance its overall performance.
So, if you’re looking for a VPN that offers solid security and performance at an affordable price, OysterVPN is certainly worth considering. It’s a practical choice for those who need to safeguard their digital activities without spending a lot.
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