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Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.
Speedify was founded in 2014 by a team of security experts. While the service claims to offer solid speeds and decent security measures, there are concerns that potential users should be aware of.
One issue is Speedify's logging policy—the provider claims to collect minimal information and that it doesn’t monitor or record user activity, but its location in the US (part of the 5-Eyes Alliance) raises questions about government surveillance. There are also alleged reports of past security breaches and data leaks.
Speedify VPN uses encryption and offers unlimited bandwidth, as well as servers in 36 countries. It also offers standard privacy and security features, along with its proprietary Channel Bonding technology, which combines multiple Internet connections to boost speeds.
However, in our tests, the service failed to unblock streaming services that other providers on our list of the best VPNs could easily access. It's not good for torrenting and gaming either due to poor speeds.
Before we dig into details, let's kick off this Speedify review by outlining its key features. Refer to the table below for a quick summary.
In this comprehensive review, we'll examine every aspect of this VPN from an unbiased perspective. We'll inspect its country of origin, supported platforms, UI design, prominent features, server network, performance, and more. To understand our approach to testing VPN services, check out our guide on how we review VPNs.
It's worth noting that we keep this review constantly updated, so you'll learn about any new developments with Speedify if you revisit the page. We'll make it easy for you to see where Speedify currently stands in the global VPN market.
Speedify is a US-based VPN with ostensible connections to the intelligence community. There were also reports about data leaks in the past. Our Score: 2/10
Checking the jurisdiction of your chosen VPN is more important than you might think. By choosing a VPN headquartered in a country with aggressive data logging and mass surveillance, you’re at risk of having your data collected. So, here’s what you need to keep in mind before getting a Speedify subscription.
Speedify is based in the USA, which is a cause for concern. The USA is a member of the 5-Eyes Intelligence Alliance, a group of countries that work together to collect various types of personal data, which is then easily exchanged between the member countries.Â
Speedify was introduced in 2014 as a channel bonding service by Connectify Inc., a company founded in Philadelphia in 2009. However, it isn't the first software product from Connectify. Its parent company relied on Kickstarter in the past to help develop its applications.
The company also received funding from In-Q-Tel, a venture capital firm linked to intelligence agencies like the CIA, DIA, and NGA. In other words, Connectify has cooperated with the intelligence community in the past, either directly or indirectly.
While Speedify changed its privacy policy in 2015, stating that they don’t collect any logs and that the online activity of its users is fully protected, we remain doubtful, especially after discovering online reports of its data leaks.
Therefore, if you're looking for the best possible data protection, you should probably look elsewhere.
Based on discussions online, there's an isolated case wherein Speedify VPN allegedly leaked data. A Reddit user claimed several years ago that Speedify leaked their data, including their social media and email accounts. Although there's no concrete evidence that Speedify was responsible, we would advise exercising caution.
Speedify VPN asserts a no-log policy, emphasizing that they don't log user activities or disclose personal information. However, concerns arise as their privacy policy appears to collect certain user data, like IP addresses, the Web browser you're using, and accessed pages, among others, potentially conflicting with their no-log claims.
The lack of clarity regarding an independent security audit also raises concerns about trusting Speedify for online privacy and anonymity.
No, Speedify isn't a safe VPN provider. Our concerns arise because the service is based in the USA and is part of the 5-Eyes Intelligence Alliance.
Additionally, the connections between Speedify's parent company and intelligence groups raise red flags. Reports of data leaks, privacy concerns, and the absence of a 3rd-party audit also contribute to our reservations about trusting this VPN.
Speedify uses a custom tunnel with DTLS 1.2 for security, and depending on your device, it employs either AES 256-GCM or ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. With its own protocol based on Channel Bonding, Speedify combines various Internet connections (like Wi-Fi and cellular) for an improved connection that supports both TCP and UDP, automatically selecting the best option for different situations.
Despite these security measures, we can't recommend Speedify as a reliable VPN for users who prioritize privacy and security. We suggest exploring other options that prioritize and respect user privacy.
Speedify VPN supports only the most popular devices, so you can’t set it up on most routers, media streaming devices, or any other platforms. Our Score: 6/10
Speedify isn't a typical VPN because it uses proprietary technology to re-route your Web traffic instead of common tunneling protocols. With this said, it’s not surprising to see that it supports a limited number of devices and platforms, which you can find below.Â
Speedify is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.
While Speedify can protect up to 5 devices simultaneously, it falls short compared to other services that offer protection for a larger number of devices. Support for 5 devices is generally sufficient in a home environment, but it may not be suitable for users with larger households.
Speedify also works on Android TV and Fire TV, using bonding technology to prevent interruptions and buffering. This ensures a smooth streaming experience without any connectivity issues on your Android or Amazon streaming device.
Additionally, you have the option to use Speedify on specific routers, including supported Linux devices such as Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS. However, please note that OpenWRT, DD-WRT, and MIPS processors aren't currently supported.
For Windows PC, Connectify Hotspot (a type of virtual router) allows you to share your Speedify connection either wirelessly or through wired Ethernet with other devices. Lastly, Speedify doesn't offer a Chrome extension or extensions for major Web browsers like Edge and Firefox.
Speedify comes with an easy installation process, no matter if you’re using a desktop or mobile device. Our Score: 10/10
This section will walk you through the simple process of installing and setting up Speedify VPN. You'll be enjoying secure connections in no time.
Setting up Speedify is pretty straightforward. After subscribing to Speedify VPN (or if you’re using its free plan), simply download the application for your desired platform.Â
In our tests, installation on both a Windows 11 PC and an Android smartphone was quick and easy, with an automated process. On Windows, simply download the 8 MB Speedify installer file and click on it, and the application installs automatically. After a few moments, you can open the app and begin using it.
For Android and iOS devices, the Speedify app can be downloaded from the respective app stores. Once installed, launch the application and sign in using your credentials. The entire setup process is automated, making it easy for even novice users to get started with Speedify.
Speedify comes with a strong set of basic VPN features that should meet the needs of most non-demanding users. Our Score: 8.5/10
It’s interesting to note that Speedify’s website has clear and thorough explanations of how this VPN works. However, these explanations usually avoid using common VPN-related terms, which is perhaps a way for this provider to differentiate itself from the rest of the pack. That’s why we needed to take a deep look at its set of features.Â
Here’s what you need to know:
We also have to mention that Speedify's DNS privacy feature includes AdGuard, which has a built-in ad blocker. Overall, Speedify provides basic VPN features and adds some unique elements to boost speed for all your Internet activities. However, it's not quite there yet in terms of fulfilling all expectations.
Speedify doesn't disclose the number of servers it has. However, it maintains servers across 36 countries and lets you connect to 50+ locations. Our Score: 3/10
It’s important to know how many servers a VPN has in its arsenal, what countries they’re located in, and whether there are any specialized servers. So, here’s what you need to know about Speedify’s server network.
Despite our efforts, we found it difficult to obtain precise information on the number of servers offered by Speedify. When we inquired about the exact number of servers available, their support team provided a vague response, explaining that the number changes constantly due to adding new servers and switching out old ones.Â
However, they said that each country has at least 2 servers per location, so they probably have over 200 servers at any given time. This lack of transparency regarding server quantity is concerning, as a small network can become overcrowded and result in slow speeds.
While Speedify does offer dedicated VPN servers with its Teams plans for $14.99 per month, it comes at a hefty cost. However, these servers provide higher speeds, static IP addresses, and port forwarding capabilities.Â
That said, the company has servers in 36 countries and 50+ locations, with the ability to connect to individual cities. Although Speedify's server network isn't the smallest we have encountered, it still falls short compared to VPNs with the most servers. It's worth noting that other providers offer more than 6,000 servers at a similar price point.
Thus, we advise potential users to carefully consider the server quantity before committing to this service.
Speedify comes with a relatively simple UI. However, it may take time to master all of its features, as not all aspects of this application are intuitive. Our Score: 6/10
In this section of our review, we'll explore Speedify's desktop and mobile apps, paying close attention to the overall ease of use of its interface. Our aim is to determine whether Speedify proves to be straightforward and user-friendly.
For this review, we checked out the Windows app. Speedify has a different-looking interface that might not be great for average users - they could struggle to find what they need. When you start it up, the home screen will be gray in tone. But once you're connected to the VPN, things light up with colors, so it's easy to tell when you're connected.
At the top-right corner of the home screen, you'll find a toggle button to turn Speedify on or off. Besides that, Speedify provides you access to a range of tools and statistics. Let’s take a look at everything that can be found on this main screen:
Located at the top-left of the home screen is the main menu, where you'll find other additional settings for customization.Â
Speedify has a unique UI that sets it apart from competitors. It may take some time to learn all its options, as some sections may not be intuitive. Also, there are several ways to access the same settings, which may be confusing for inexperienced users. However, the same UI is available across all supported devices, so once you learn it on one device, you’ll know it for the rest.Â
But keep in mind that there are no browser extensions available, so you'll rely on the native apps for desktop and mobile.
Speedify can’t unblock websites like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Prime Video. Even though it supports torrenting, it comes with a limited number of specialized servers, making it unreliable for both streaming and gaming. Our Score: 3/10
VPNs are commonly used to enhance your online experience, covering streaming, torrenting, and gaming. However, not all VPN providers ensure a seamless ride for these activities. So, let's see how Speedify VPN handles these tasks.
No, Speedify isn't good for streaming since it doesn't support geo-unblocking. It can't help you access the libraries of popular streaming platforms from your country. However, it offers a "Bypass" option tailored for viewing your local versions of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, and others.
This feature allows you to temporarily disable Speedify's protection and access these services directly. In essence, "Bypass" isn't about "unblocking" but a means to turn off Speedify for specific purposes. Our testing confirmed this limitation, as none of Speedify's servers could overcome geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer.
However, Speedify is a good VPN for Starlink users, leveraging its advanced bonding technology. This not only enhances the security of your connection but also optimizes it for improved streaming capabilities, ensuring a seamless and reliable experience.
IRL live streaming platforms like Twitch TV and other streaming services do work with Speedify, but like we said, it can't bypass geo-blocking. So, we can't recommend it for seamless media streaming. If you want to explore other VPNs specifically for streaming, check out our article on the best VPN service for streaming.
No, Speedify isn't good for torrenting. Although it allows BitTorrent traffic on specific servers, the download speed can be frustratingly slow. There are 7 server locations in Amsterdam specifically for P2P, but they might not be as fast, depending on where you are. The catch (and this is a bit of a drawback) is that you can't manually choose a server.
There's also a port forwarding option available on their 'Teams Plan' with a dedicated server for connecting to more peers and boosting speeds. However, it comes with an extra cost. On the plus side, it has a kill switch, which is crucial for torrenting and protects you from IP leaks. However, it lacks SOCKS5 servers, which can speed things up without encryption.
So, it's not the best torrenting VPN, but it's doable if you can live with limited servers and some extra costs for certain features.
No, Speedify isn't a good VPN for online gaming. While Speedify offers the option to opt for the UDP protocol under its Transport Mode setting, which should provide stable connections for latency-intensive applications like gaming, our hands-on experience was different.
We found that even switching Transport Mode to Auto didn't help when playing multiplayer titles on our PC. Speedify provides strong encryption and protection against DDoS attacks, but it's pointless if it negatively affects your gaming experience.
And to add to the letdown, there are no dedicated servers geared specifically for gaming. Overall, we can't recommend Speedify for media streaming, downloading torrents, or gaming. While it has some useful features, its limitations make it difficult to use for these purposes.
Speedify collects plenty of anonymized information, and it’s not built for total privacy. It doesn’t actively leak any data, though. Our Score: 3/10
VPNs are made to keep your privacy safe online, which they accomplish with numerous VPN protocols and different types of encryption. So, let’s see how successfully this VPN can protect your identity.
When it comes to VPN protocols, Speedify VPN uses its own proprietary protocol, which is based on Channel Bonding technology. This technology allows Speedify VPN to combine multiple Internet connections, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, ethernet, and tethered phones, to create a faster and more stable connection.
Moreover, Speedify uses DTLS 1.2 as the core transport security protocol. This protocol provides the same level of encryption used to protect websites like Gmail and Facebook while also handling error correction for optimal performance, even in the face of unreliable lost packets.
Speedify also supports TCP, UDP, and HTTPS transport modes, and can automatically decide what type of connection to use in different scenarios. However, Speedify VPN’s protocol may not be compatible with some devices or platforms. It may not offer the same level of security and privacy as other VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN or WireGuard. Therefore, you should be aware of the pros and cons of Speedify VPN’s protocol before using it.
Despite these security measures, the service is adamant that it’s focused on speed, not security. While this may not instill confidence in users who prioritize security, it's worth noting that Speedify's encryption and security protocols are still based on industry standards, so they provide reliable protection for most users.
Yes, Speedify keeps logs of your activity, including the time, server location, traffic amount, and session duration of each connection, as well as your device and location information. While the VPN claims that it only collects anonymized data that can't be traced back to you, it's still possible for authorities to compel Speedify to reveal user identities.
Despite the VPN's website stating that it doesn't log user data, its privacy policy contradicts this claim. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the information that Speedify collects and how it's being used, even if it's anonymized.
No, Speedify doesn't leak any data. When you connect to a secure server, Speedify assigns you a new IP address. Third parties can only see the information that Speedify allows them to, such as your virtual IP, hostname, ISP, and country of origin of your new connection.Â
As you can see in the screenshot above, our true location remained hidden. Our DNS leak tests demonstrate that Speedify’s IP and DNS leak protection are effective.
Despite its name, Speedify will hardly make your Web connection faster. There are many other VPNs available that provide higher speeds and smoother performance than Speedify. Our Score: 5/10
No matter which VPN you choose, your Internet connection speed will decline due to the effects of encryption and security measures. However, the best VPNs out there will only slow you down by 10-15%, which is tolerable, especially if you have a fast connection to begin with.Â
To see how well Speedify performs, we first established some baseline stats by testing the speed of our Internet without a VPN connection. We managed to get 309.48 Mbps for downloads and 120.56 Mbps for uploads using a 400 Mbps connection. Next, we tested a number of Speedify’s servers.
Here are all the speed test results:
Overall, Speedify's server performance varies depending on location. All servers caused some slowdown compared to our baseline speed, averaging a 56% reduction. However, distant servers affected download speeds more significantly. For the fastest speeds, prioritize connecting to servers closer to your actual location.
The service also promises to make your Web connection faster by combining different types of connections with their Channel Bonding technology, so we tested that claim as well.
We put Speedify to the test on our Android phone, where we attempted to combine our Wi-Fi network with our carrier’s 4G network. Our goal was to achieve a speed of more than 370 Mbps since we managed to get 370 Mbps download speed over 4G and 317 Mbps download speed over Wi-Fi.Â
However, when we conducted a speed test within Speedify, we only managed to get a combined speed of 252 Mbps. This falls short of the lofty claims made by Speedify, and we couldn't observe any tangible benefits. For absolute top speeds, you might want to explore other options we've reviewed in our guide to the fastest VPNs.
Aside from checking FAQs and articles on your own, you can also contact the provider via email. Sadly, live chat isn't an option with Speedify. Our Score: 7/10
When it comes to customer support, Speedify falls short in a few areas. While they do offer email support, there is no live chat support available, which can be frustrating for users who need immediate assistance. Additionally, representatives are only available during specific hours.
Here's what you can expect from their customer support channels:
While Speedify's customer support channels provide some assistance, the lack of live chat support and limited availability of representatives can be inconvenient for users.
Speedify offers several pricing plans. However, considering everything it includes (and everything it doesn’t), it seems slightly overpriced. Our Score: 5/10
Speedify's subscription plans are divided into three categories: Individuals, Families, and Teams. Users can choose the appropriate plan based on the number of people planning to use the subscription.
Each plan is available for monthly and yearly periods. Additionally, the subscription fees for these plans are considerably high, which could be a concern for budget users.Â
Speedify costs $4.99 per month if you subscribe to the 3-year plan. While there are other subscription plans available, this review will focus on the 'Individuals' plan. All 'Individuals' plans include the same features, offering unlimited VPN usage and allowing connections on up to 5 devices per account.
Let's review the costs of each term length in detail.
Speedify also offers two other categories of plans for those needing more simultaneous connections and higher device limits: Families and Teams.
If you get the yearly plan of the Families or Teams plans, you'll save 50%. Additionally, Speedify offers a non-renewable 2-year pass for a one-time payment of $99.99.
However, its payment methods are limited to credit or debit cards, PayPal, and Venmo. The fact that Speedify doesn't accept Bitcoin or any other virtual currency means there's no way to buy the subscription anonymously.Â
Furthermore, Speedify doesn't offer many features compared to top VPNs, so we don't believe that sticking with the service for three years—the only way to get a good deal here—is a smart choice.
Yes, Speedify offers a free plan, but with a small data cap of 2GB. Although you can connect up to 5 devices, Speedify stops working until the next month if you exceed the limit. This might not be enough for most Internet activities, particularly if you plan on streaming videos or downloading large files.
Apart from the free plan, if you go for the annual subscription on Windows, macOS, and iOS, you get a 7-day free trial. This is a good way to try Speedify. Just a heads up, though - this perk isn't up for grabs on Android and Linux.
If you do need more data, you can take advantage of Speedify's 30-day money-back guarantee. Just know that Speedify can't give refunds for purchases made via Apple's App Store or Google Play. For these transactions, you'll need to request a refund from those companies.
There are also other free VPN options available that offer more bandwidth and features. So, if you’re on a tight budget, it may be worth checking out other providers that can deliver better value than Speedify's free plan.
Our Speedify VPN review shows that this service has potential but also has some drawbacks. Speedify claims to provide fast connection speeds through 'Channel Bonding' but can’t deliver on its promises.
It also falls short in terms of unblocking capabilities and advanced security features. Considering its mediocre performance, it’s hard to justify its relatively high price point. While Speedify can improve live streaming and video conferencing, plenty of other VPNs offer wider server networks, more transparent privacy policies, and better unblocking capabilities for lower prices.
You can certainly give Speedify a try by taking advantage of its 30-day refund policy, but we strongly recommend NordVPN for a more reliable and comprehensive VPN experience.
PROS
CONS
Review Summary Speedify’s Channel Bonding protocol is intriguing, but it doesn't seem to prioritize privacy protection. On top of that, it's unable to unblock most streaming services, it collects user data, and it has poor performance. We simply don't recommend this service. | 5.3 Overall Score | ||
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation | 2 | ||
Supported Platforms & Devices | 6 | ||
Installation & Initial Configuration | 10 | ||
Prominent Features | 8.5 | ||
Server Count & Infrastructure | 3 | ||
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use | 6 | ||
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support | 3 | ||
Security & Privacy | 3 | ||
Speed & Performance | 5 | ||
Customer Support | 7 | ||
Pricing | 5 |