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Unlocator VPN Review 2024
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.
Unlocator is a VPN service known for unblocking streaming platforms seamlessly. With a small network of 44 servers across 37 countries, Unlocator grants you decent access to geo-blocked content in numerous regions. Despite having an average speed, it remains acceptable for media streaming and smooth online gaming experiences.
Founded initially as a DNS service for bypassing geo-restrictions, Unlocator evolved into a VPN with many impressive VPN features. It uses industry-standard military-grade 256-bit encryption and various standard protocols, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv1, and IKEv2. This means you can browse securely, knowing that your ISP or hackers can't track your online activity.Â
However, Unlocator stores some personally identifiable data for 24 hours. Although it has never leaked data, it would be more reassuring if it underwent a third-party audit to prove that claim. Also, the service is based in Denmark, a member state of the 14 Eyes Alliance. Its location means the VPN provider is subject to data-sharing laws. Hence, it might not be the best option for privacy-sensitive users.Â
On the brighter side, it offers popular features like split tunneling, kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also has proprietary features called Unlocator Shield and Unlocator Hybrid. Its support is decent, with in-depth guides for using those features.Â
But before delving into our detailed review, here's a summary table of Unlocator’s essential features.
This Unlocator review will evaluate every aspect of Unlocator's VPN service. We’ll cover its prominent features, streaming capabilities, security features, ease of use, pricing, and more. To understand our process of testing VPNs, you can refer to our guide on how we review VPN services.
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
Even though Unlocator has never suffered a data breach or anything similar, what's concerning is that the company is based in Denmark, a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance. Our Score: 8/10
Understanding the background and jurisdiction of a VPN is crucial for assessing its trustworthiness. These aspects provide insights into how the VPN manages your privacy and security. Here's the situation surrounding Unlocator.
Where Is Unlocator Based?
Unlocator is a VPN service based in Denmark, where it oversees its global operations. Linkwork ApS established the service in 2019. However, Denmark is a member of the European Union, so it has implications for Unlocator VPN users within the region.
First and foremost, you should know that Denmark has laws protecting its citizens' private data. The Danish Data Protection Act supplements the EU's GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). The laws specify how companies can collect, process, and store your private data on their servers.Â
More precisely, these laws are designed to prevent data processors (such as Unlocator) from logging data they don't necessarily need to operate. In other words, only the most essential data can be logged and kept for a maximum of 24 hours. Everything said so far sounds reassuring, although seeing an independent audit of this service would've been better.Â
You should also know that Denmark is a member of the 14 Eyes Intelligence Alliance. Therefore, choosing a VPN based in those 14 countries isn't a good idea. That's also why many VPNs come from exotic locations such as Panama, the British Virgin Islands, or Gibraltar.
Did Unlocator Leak Personal Data in the Past?
No, Unlocator hasn’t leaked any user data. Unlocator was previously only a 'Smart DNS' service. In other words, it was used to mitigate geo-based restrictions and unblock websites. Differently said, it wasn't made to hide your data, as it didn't encrypt your Web traffic. However, that's no longer the case since Unlocator is now a fully-featured VPN service.
There are no reports of data leaks at this time, but Unlocator has a relatively short history, having started offering VPN services in 2019. Only time will tell whether it's worth your trust. However, there are no reasons to believe that this VPN leaks any of your data.
Adding to that, Unlocator's logging policy presents some trade-offs. While they avoid tying online activity directly to your specific account, they do keep temporary logs at a personally identifiable level for 24 hours. This precaution aims to counteract abuse patterns from malicious service usage. However, this could also potentially raise concerns for some users.
Supported Platforms & Devices
Unlocator VPN is steadily expanding its device support. While not yet reaching the most comprehensive coverage, it already caters to popular platforms and routers, with Linux users having a manual configuration option. Our Score: 6.5/10
Now, let's see which platforms this VPN supports. Checking this information on its website can be confusing, so we've simplified it for you.
Unlocator VPN makes life easy with native apps for popular platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire OS, supporting up to 5 simultaneous device connections at once. Even Linux users aren't left out, with the option to manually configure the service. And for those looking for broader network protection, Unlocator extends its reach to routers as well.
But Unlocator's versatility doesn't stop there. This isn't just a VPN service - it also boasts a separate "Smart DNS" functionality, opening up further possibilities for streaming and content access. Unlike the VPN, Smart DNS focuses solely on unblocking content, offering blazing speeds and wider device compatibility, even working on smart TVs, Apple TV, and game consoles.
However, it doesn't offer the full encryption and privacy shield of the VPN, so if online security is your top priority, the VPN might be a better fit. Ultimately, Unlocator's dual offering gives you the flexibility to choose the right tool for the job, whether it's seamless streaming with Smart DNS or comprehensive online protection with the VPN.
Installation & Initial Configuration
Unlocator comes with a simple installation. It also offers a nicely designed user account section on its website with helpful overviews of your subscription. Our Score: 10/10
For starters, you must get an Unlocator VPN subscription. This is done on the official Unlocator website by choosing a subscription plan and going through the payment process. Once you verify your newly created account via email, you can return to the website and log in to your user account.
Unlocator comes with a neatly designed user account area on its website. You'll get to see the status of your subscription and how much time you have remaining until your subscription is renewed, and you'll get to make all kinds of adjustments. This is also where you'll find comprehensive, step-by-step guides on how to use Unlocator, both for the VPN and Smart DNS services.
Downloading the official app is done easily, without any distractions. Run the installation file, choose where to find the files, and that's it. Once done, Unlocator will show its 'Welcome Screen' and ask for your username and password. Fill out the required information, and that's about it.
Prominent Features
Unlocator VPN comes with a basic set of features – which should meet the needs of average home users. However, it's missing some advanced options. Our Score: 7/10
Unlocator is a reliable VPN service provider that offers its users a fair selection of features. Its robust automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and Unlocator Shield ensure your sensitive data's security.Â
Here are the main features of Unlocator:
- Bank-Level Encryption: Unlocator locks down your digital life with bank-level security. Its impenetrable 256-bit AES encryption, trusted by financial institutions and governments, protects your data from hackers, snoops, and even your ISP.
- Kill Switch: Unlocator offers a kill switch feature that actively monitors your VPN connection on Android, macOS, and Windows. If your connection suddenly fails, this feature will block applications from connecting to the Internet until the VPN connection is re-established. The feature is easy to find and switch on in the app.
- Split Tunneling: If you want to use your VPN with select applications while other apps access the Internet without a VPN, then this feature is for you. Split tunneling allows you to connect certain apps to the VPN server to change your location or protect your data. However, split tunneling is only available on Windows and Android.Â
- Unlocator Shield: The feature is designed to cut off your Internet access whenever you're not connected to the VPN. Hence, you can only access the Internet when you're connected to a VPN server.
- DNS Leak Protection: This exceptional feature guarantees that your DNS requests are accurately routed through the VPN, preventing your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from identifying your IP address.
- VPN Protocols: No matter your preference or platform, Unlocator has 5 VPN protocols to secure your connection. You can choose from OpenVPN (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS), L2TP (Windows, macOS), WireGuard (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), IPSec/IKEv1 (iOS), and IKEv2 (macOS, iOS).
- Unlocator Hybrid: VPNs are great for privacy and security, while Smart DNS is useful for unblocking content. Unlocator Hybrid offers the best of both worlds - you can connect to any VPN server for extra privacy while unblocking streaming services from all over the world. This hybrid solution also secures desktops, routers, and every device in between.
Server Count & Infrastructure
Unlocator VPN has one of the smallest server networks we've seen yet. With only 44 servers on offer, it won't leave anyone impressed. Our Score: 2.5/10
As they say, more servers mean faster connections and broader access, unlocking a borderless Internet. In this section, we'll explore what Unlocator VPN offers in terms of its server network.
Unlocator's current network consists of 44 servers in 37 countries. While this may not be the largest server network compared to VPNs with the most servers, it's important to consider other factors like server performance and strategic locations.
Unlocator maintains its server distribution primarily centered in Europe and North America. This prioritizes users in those regions, ensuring smooth and speedy connections. However, if you're located in Asia and Africa, including the Americas, finding a nearby server might be a bit challenging. Hopefully, they'll add more servers soon to expand their reach and cater to users in other regions.
The situation isn’t all that bad, though, considering it allows unlimited server switching with the option to select specific cities through US, UK, and Canada servers. However, the limited number of servers per location suggests that performance might not be top-notch.
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
This VPN has a very simple UI – which is excellent for inexperienced users. More advanced users will want more freedom and additional fine-tuning. Our Score: 9/10
Let's put Unlocator's user experience to the test on both desktop and mobile devices. We'll explore its interface and how easy it is to get things done, like connecting to different servers or changing your location.
Unlocator comes without a free-floating window. It means that no matter if you're using Windows or macOS, you need to click on the VPN's icon in the taskbar (or system bar) to use it. If you click elsewhere, the window will disappear. This isn't a significant downside, but it can be annoying in the long run.
Once you click on Unlocator's UI, you'll get to pick a server. Click on the name of the last connected server, and a new panel will open. You can browse all the available servers and choose your favorites (for quick access). Click on any server from this list, and you'll return to the home screen, from where you can finalize the procedure.
Diving deeper, there are two buttons at the top of the window: "Settings" on the left and "Account" on the right. Here's a breakdown of what you can do with these buttons:
- Settings: This button opens up four sections: Connection, General, Tools, and Support. These options give users access to various customizations to tailor the app to their style and preferences. "General" allows basic app customization, while "Connection" provides access to advanced settings like the kill switch, VPN protocols, split tunneling, and more. The "Tools" section is where you’ll see your IP addresses, and you can communicate with a representative via the "Support" section.
- Account: This button lets you see your email, change your password, and check basic information about your subscription. Clicking on the "Subscription Plan" also redirects you to the Unlocator website, where you can choose to pause or resume your subscription if needed.
Mobile apps have a straightforward approach, much like the desktop versions. On both Android and iOS, you'll notice a prominent connect button at the center of the home screen. To establish a connection, a simple tap on the button will do the trick.
If you wish to switch servers, just tap on the location displayed below the button. Once you're connected, keep an eye on the button - it will display a vibrant animation in purple, blue, and green.
The Android app offers a bit more in terms of customization. You have options like enabling split tunneling and Unlocator Shield features. On the other hand, things are too simple on iOS. While there aren't many tweaks available, you can manage connection settings, such as auto-connect and connect on startup, and select your preferred VPN protocol.
Lastly, it's worth noting that Unlocator doesn't offer browser extensions. Instead, they focus on full-device protection through their dedicated apps. This means you won't find a quick add-on, but you'll get the reassurance of comprehensive encryption for all your online activities, not just within your browser.
All in all, Unlocator VPN feels like a very basic VPN – and it has the same interface across all supported devices. It's easy to use, and it seems great for beginners. However, advanced users will probably want more freedom to fine-tune things independently.
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming SupportÂ
Unlocator is a highly capable VPN for unblocking a huge array of media streaming services. It supports gaming but lacks P2P servers for torrenting. Our Score: 7/10
Unlocator VPN makes many promises about unblocking media streaming websites, and we've tested those claims. So, here are the results.
Is Unlocator Good for Streaming?
Yes, Unlocator is good for streaming. We've tested Unlocator against the world's most popular media streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, Max, and BBC iPlayer, and this VPN managed to unblock all of them. We initially used the US server, specifically the Chicago server, for testing. While streaming performance was generally smooth, we observed occasional speed inconsistencies.
That said, Unlocator is strong in streaming. With its ability to consistently unblock a wide range of platforms, it could compete as the best VPN service for streaming. Few other VPNs (or DNS services) come close to their efficiency and reliability for streaming.
Unlocator gives you access to a long list of in-demand US streaming platforms, including:
Outside the US, Unlocator keeps winning against other VPNs for streaming. Here's a quick look at what it can unblock:
Additionally, Unlocator's Smart DNS service is a streaming fan's dream. Bundled with your VPN subscription, it automatically flips to streaming-optimized servers, bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking your favorite content with ease.
Is Unlocator Good for Torrenting?
No, Unlocator VPN isn't good for torrenting. While we managed to download on some servers, others blocked us. This inconsistent picture makes it tough to declare Unlocator "torrent-friendly."
Moreover, Unlocator doesn't officially support torrenting and lacks dedicated P2P servers. Useful torrenting features such as port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy are also unavailable. This suggests potentially limited torrenting access on select servers, but it's unclear and not officially condoned.
We're not that surprised, though. The provider is based in Denmark, a country known for its aggressive stance toward digital pirates. If torrenting is your main goal, consider using the best torrent VPN with dedicated P2P servers and transparent policies. Unlocator's ambiguous stance makes it a potentially risky choice for torrenting.
Is Unlocator Good for Gaming?
Yes, Unlocator is a good VPN for online gaming. However, Unlocator's gaming potential also comes with a side of consideration. While its customer support confirmed gaming support across all servers, its smaller server network compared to some competitors might be a factor for some users.
On the plus side, Unlocator prioritizes low latency, which is critical for smooth gameplay. Nearby servers offer impressive ping, minimize lag, and enhance responsiveness, even when accessing geo-restricted content.
However, distance becomes the enemy as you venture further. Distant servers can introduce significant latency, potentially affecting competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. In other words, sticking to servers closest to your gaming servers is vital to optimize performance and minimize lag.
Security & Privacy
Unlocator VPN collects plenty of PII information, which can be a reason for concern. However, it also brings strong encryption and capable VPN protocols. Our Score: 5/10
In this section, we'll assess Unlocator's trustworthiness, focusing on three crucial aspects: the VPN protocols it utilizes, its logging policy, and potential IP/DNS leaks that could expose your true identity. By examining these key areas, we'll determine if Unlocator truly walks the talk of privacy and security.
Unlocator VPN Protocols
Available Unlocator VPN protocols usually depend on your platform of choice. The following are the tunneling protocols supported by Unlocator:
- OpenVPN: If you prioritize speed and security, OpenVPN is the recommended protocol for connecting with Unlocator. OpenVPN is available in two distinct protocols: TCP and UDP. OpenVPN using TCP is more reliable as it automatically uses error correction to retransmit data packets during transmission.Â
- L2TP: This has been around for quite some time, but its age has made it less secure compared to newer protocols. However, Unlocator supports L2TP for Windows, which means it can be a good alternative to OpenVPN in specific situations.
- WireGuard: This is an advanced VPN protocol renowned for its top-notch speed and modern cryptography. Its straightforward design provides a seamless VPN experience, making it an ideal choice for users seeking consistent speed and security. WireGuard is available on all supported platforms, including Linux, via manual configuration.
- IPSec/IKEv1: With IPsec taking charge of data encryption and authentication and IKEv1 handling key exchange, they team up to create a secure tunnel. Together, they ensure that your information travels safely, protected from any prying eyes. This protocol is available on iOS.
- IKEv2: This VPN protocol is great for mobile devices. It's known for quickly reconnecting even if your network changes. It also keeps things secure by exchanging keys and authenticating connections. Unlocator offers IKEv2 on Windows and iOS.Â
Does Unlocator Keep Logs?
Yes, Unlocator does keep logs, but only personally identifiable data for a maximum of 24 hours with no backups. It collects your email, address, and IP address, which are needed to handle your subscription. Furthermore, they log some usage data to prevent abusive activity.
It would also be nice to see a third-party audit of this VPN, but we couldn’t find one. So, all in all, we like that this VPN is being transparent about what it does with your data. However, we don't think Unlocator is the best choice if you care about your digital privacy.
Does Unlocator Leak/Expose Your Private Data?
No, Unlocator doesn't leak private data. As you can see from the image below, no DNS leaks were detected.
It means that Unlocator can protect your private data and show your virtual information instead. However, before using Unlocator, make sure to adjust your DNS settings. You can learn more about this after logging in to your account on the Unlocator website.
Speed & Performance
In terms of its performance, Unlocator disappoints. We can recommend it only to those with ultra-fast Web connections. Our Score: 4/10
In order to gauge the impact of Unlocator VPN on Internet speed, we conducted a series of speed tests. First, we measured baseline download and upload speeds without a VPN active, recording 375.18 Mbps and 362.41 Mbps, respectively.
Next, we connected to various Unlocator servers, both geographically close and remote, to evaluate the VPN's performance across different distances. It's common for VPNs to influence Internet speed due to added routing, so we aimed to assess how well Unlocator managed this effect.
The following results detail our findings from the Unlocator VPN speed tests:
- US Server (Chicago): Surprisingly, this most remote server in the US gave us a good performance. With a download speed of 200.80 Mbps, we observed a 46% decrease from the baseline speed. While this speed is better than all other locations, it's still not the best in our books. For the upload speed, it peaked at 3.90 Mbps.Â
- UK Server (London): We tested this UK server multiple times and uncovered disappointing results. The download speed peaked at 7.42 Mbps, marking a 98% drop, while the upload speed was reduced to 3.77 Mbps.
- Canada Server (Montreal): Testing the Montreal server in Canada yielded the highest download speed at 228.95 Mbps. The average speed reduction was decent, at 39%. However, we had a further decrease in our upload speed to 2.94 Mbps.
- Singapore: Next, we tested Singapore, the closest server to our present location. Our download speed clocked in at 186.50 Mbps (a 50% reduction), which was quite disappointing. However, we got stable upload speeds of 177.08. This disparity hints at factors beyond physical distance, warranting a closer look into potential network bottlenecks or server configurations.
- Australia Server (Sydney): Download speeds on this Australian server were significantly lower than anticipated, despite its proximity to our location. Measured at 9.95 Mbps, this represents a 97% decline from our baseline data. The upload speed, at 4.09 Mbps, may still be enough, depending on the specific file size and desired upload times.
- Italy Server (Milan): Moving further away to Italy, the average download speed dipped noticeably by 69% compared to our baseline. Despite this drop, at 117.74 Mbps, it retained a relatively acceptable performance during our test. Upload speeds, on the other hand, only reached 2.98 Mbps.
The following table presents the previously mentioned server performance data in tabular format for easier reference.
With an average speed reduction of 67%, you need a super-fast Internet connection before turning on Unlocator. Slow connections may result in buffering when streaming and lag when gaming if you also have a high ping on distant servers.Â
Our Unlocator VPN review and tests show one thing: if your baseline Internet speed isn't great, consider faster VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.Â
Customer Support
Unlocator makes up for its lack of 24/7 live chat with in-depth guides on everything from setup to troubleshooting apps and tips and tricks. Our Score: 7.5/10
In case you have any questions, Unlocator VPN offers many ways to get help.Â
- Live Chat: Unlocator offers live chat, but not 24/7. When the support team isn’t online, getting a response takes over 10 hours. Your query will likely be sent to the support team as an email. However, when they do reply, the support team is knowledgeable and friendly to talk to, and they'll do their best to answer your questions.
- Setup Guides: This section offers many useful, straightforward guides on installing the app on different devices and operating systems. It also covers how to use your preferred protocols after setup. Plus, it has dedicated guides for its Smart DNS setup across your devices. Â
- Troubleshooting Guides: The Unlocator team does its best to anticipate issues you might encounter in the app and provide step-by-step solutions. There are currently 35+ guides covering topics like streaming and troubleshooting native apps on various devices.Â
- Tips & Tricks: If you're trying to activate services not built into the app or need advice on signing up for services outside your country, this section answers your questions. The page provides 45+ tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the service.Â
Pricing
Unlocator VPN isn't the most affordable VPN out there. However, you can find plenty of savings in its long-term plans. Our Score: 5/10
Unlocator provides three tiered plans to suit your budget. Opting for longer commitments often leads to significant cost savings. Let's explore their current pricing options below.
How Much Is Unlocator?
Unlocator costs $4.99 per month when you subscribe to the 2-year plan. All plans offer similar features, including free Smart DNS, Unlocator Hybrid, as well as instant privacy and security. These plans have different subscription lengths, and the prices differ based on the chosen duration.
Here are the available plans and their corresponding prices:
- 1-Month Plan: Unlocator's monthly plan is priced at $11.99. This plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, which can serve as a trial if you cancel within the first month.
- 1-Year Plan: Similarly, Unlocator offers a 1-year plan at a total cost of $83.88, reducing the monthly fee to $6.99. If you get this plan, you’ll have a 53% discount compared to the monthly plan.
- 2-Year Plan: This plan costs $119.76 for two years, which translates to $4.99 a month. With this plan, you can save 63% in comparison to the monthly plan.
If you decide to subscribe to Unlocator, we recommend considering its long-term plans. This is where you'll find plenty of savings, with the 2-year subscription bringing the price down to $4.99 per month. In other words, you'll get to save up to 63%.
Instead of a free plan, Unlocator offers a "Refer a Friend" program, allowing you to extend your own subscription by up to 3 months for each successfully referred new subscriber. This program rewards you for recommending Unlocator to others. When your friend subscribes using your referral link and maintains their subscription for over 30 days, Unlocator automatically adds bonus months to your existing subscription.
Unlocator supports credit card payments, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal. Additionally, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, serving as a free trial period. This way, you'll have some time to test this VPN service thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
Unlocator is an average VPN that provides a limited range of features that don't quite justify its price. You can get top-tier encryption, offshore locations, and an exceptional streaming VPN service by opting for other top VPN alternatives with a similar subscription.
While Unlocator offers some interesting advantages, it's not a VPN we’d recommend to everyone. For most average home users without budget constraints, Unlocator may be sufficient. But if you're an advanced user looking for stronger privacy and better value, we strongly recommend NordVPN.
PROS
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption.
- Native apps for different platforms.
- Split tunneling.
- Smart DNS feature.
- 5 simultaneous device connections.
- 30-day refund policy.
- Streaming support.
CONS
- Small server network.
- From a 14 Eyes country.
- Limited advanced features.
- Collects PII data.
| Review Summary While Unlocator may appear to be a competent VPN in certain respects, it does have significant drawbacks. At this time, we can only endorse its use for unblocking websites and streaming media. | 6.5 Overall Score | ||
| Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation | 8 | ||
| Supported Platforms & Devices | 6.5 | ||
| Installation & Initial Configuration | 10 | ||
| Prominent Features | 7 | ||
| Server Count & Infrastructure | 2.5 | ||
| UI/UX Design & Ease of Use | 9 | ||
| Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support | 7 | ||
| Security & Privacy | 5 | ||
| Speed & Performance | 4 | ||
| Customer Support | 7.5 | ||
| Pricing | 5 | ||
