Encrypt.me - Detailed Review
Privacy Tools
Encrypt.me - Product Overview
Overview
Encrypt.me is a user-friendly VPN service that prioritizes simplicity, ease of use, and strong security for its users. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Encrypt.me is designed to keep your data safe, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. It automatically secures your connection on untrusted networks, ensuring your data is encrypted and protected from hackers and ISPs.
Target Audience
Encrypt.me is aimed at average Internet users, including individuals, families, and enterprises, who value simplicity and ease of use over complex customization options. It is particularly useful for those who frequently use public Wi-Fi, such as at coffee shops, airports, or hotels.
Key Features
- Auto-Secure Feature: Encrypt.me automatically secures your connection when you use an untrusted network, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
- Simple and Intuitive Interface: The app has a minimal user interface that makes it easy to manage your online security without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
- Cloud Syncing: Your preferences are synced across all your devices, including iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Macs.
- Wide Device Support: Encrypt.me offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and even Amazon Fire OS 5.0, with no limits on devices or simultaneous connections.
- Transparent Privacy Policy: Encrypt.me has a clear and detailed privacy policy that explains what data is collected and why. While it does maintain some session data for 16 days to handle complaints, it does not monitor your online activities.
- Performance and Security: The service delivers excellent speeds, especially in the US, and protects your browsing with no DNS or WebRTC leaks. It also unblocks several streaming services, although this is not a guaranteed feature.
- Private End-Points: For Team and Family users, Encrypt.me offers private end-points that allow for dedicated VPN endpoints.
Overall, Encrypt.me focuses on providing a straightforward and reliable VPN solution that ensures your data is secure without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Encrypt.me - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Encrypt.me
The user interface of Encrypt.me is characterized by its simplicity and ease of use, which is a key focus of the application.
Simplicity and Ease of Use
Encrypt.me is designed with a minimal and intuitive user interface, making it easy for average Internet users to manage their online security without needing extensive technical knowledge. The app requires minimal configuration; users only need to enter their username and password to connect. This simplicity ensures that users can quickly and effortlessly secure their connections, especially on untrusted networks like public Wi-Fi.
Interface Design
The desktop client of Encrypt.me has a very compact design, which can sometimes feel too minimalist. The main window is small and stuck to the taskbar, making it somewhat inconvenient to use. The server list, in particular, is difficult to browse due to its alphabetical organization using a mix of country names and cities, and the lack of a search function or flags to help identify locations.
In contrast, the mobile app offers a more user-friendly experience. The server list is organized by continents, making it easier to find specific servers. The mobile app also includes additional features such as a dark theme and split tunneling, which are not available on the desktop client.
Automatic Security
One of the standout features of Encrypt.me is its auto-secure functionality. The app automatically detects and secures connections on untrusted networks, ensuring that users’ data is protected without needing manual intervention. This feature is particularly useful for those frequently using public Wi-Fi networks.
Cloud Syncing
Encrypt.me syncs all user preferences across devices via the cloud, ensuring a consistent experience on iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Macs. This synchronization makes it convenient for users to manage their security settings across multiple devices.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience with Encrypt.me is centered around simplicity and ease of use. The app is easy to set up and use, with a clean and straightforward interface. While the desktop client may lack some features and have a cramped design, the mobile app compensates with more functionality and a better-organized server list. This makes Encrypt.me a good choice for users who prioritize ease of use and automatic security protection.
Encrypt.me - Key Features and Functionality
Overview
Encrypt.me, despite undergoing significant changes with its merger with StrongVPN, still offers several key features that are worth noting, especially for those concerned about security and privacy on public networks.Auto-Secure Feature
One of the standout features of Encrypt.me is its auto-secure functionality. This feature automatically secures your connection when you connect to untrusted or public Wi-Fi networks, such as those at coffee shops, airports, or hotels. This ensures that your data is protected from potential hackers and ISPs without requiring any manual intervention from the user.Trusted Networks
Encrypt.me allows users to set up a list of trusted and untrusted networks. This setting enables the VPN to automatically connect when you join an untrusted network, providing an additional layer of security. This feature is accessible through both the desktop and mobile applications.Server Selection
While the desktop client has a somewhat cumbersome server list, the mobile app organizes servers more intuitively by continent and then by country. This makes it easier to find and connect to the desired server. However, the overall server selection is limited, with 68 servers in 49 countries.Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is available on the mobile app but not on the desktop client. This feature allows users to choose which apps or services use the VPN connection and which do not, providing more flexibility in managing internet traffic.Security Protocols and Encryption
Encrypt.me uses OpenVPN for Mac and Android devices, but it is locked into IKEv2 for iOS and Windows. Despite this unusual protocol setup, the VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is a solid security standard. However, it’s worth noting that the Windows client lacks a kill switch, a feature available on Mac, iOS, and Android.No-Logging Policy and Leak Protection
Encrypt.me claims to have a no-logging policy, although past reviews have raised some concerns about metadata logs and tracking. The VPN has passed DNS leak tests, and it includes an option to enable DNS leak protection, which should always be left on for added security.Simultaneous Connections and Bandwidth
Encrypt.me offers unlimited simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth, making it suitable for users who need to connect multiple devices at once.User Interface and Support
The mobile app has a more user-friendly interface compared to the desktop client, with features like a dark theme and easier server selection. Support is available through email (24/7) and live chat during office hours, along with a knowledge base and user forum.AI Integration
There is no indication that Encrypt.me integrates AI into its product. The features and functionalities are based on traditional VPN technology and user settings rather than any AI-driven mechanisms.Conclusion
In summary, Encrypt.me focuses on providing automatic security on untrusted networks, easy-to-use mobile apps, and basic VPN features. However, it lacks some advanced security features and has limited protocol options, particularly for Windows users. Encrypt.me - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Encrypt.me’s performance is generally average. Here are some key findings:
Speed
The service posted combined speed test results of 112.74 Mbps across two servers, which is not bad but certainly not among the fastest. For example, tests showed a download speed of 58.97 Mbps on an EU server and 54.27 Mbps on a U.S. server, both of which are slower than benchmark speeds.
Server Locations
Encrypt.me has 46 server locations across 24 countries, which is on the lower side compared to other VPN providers. This limited number of servers can lead to overcrowding and slower speeds, especially if you are connecting to servers far from your physical location.
Streaming Performance
While Encrypt.me works well with Netflix, it fails to access most other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This is a significant limitation for users who rely on VPNs for streaming content.
Accuracy and Privacy
Logging Policy
Encrypt.me logs certain user data, including IP addresses, the number of bytes sent and received, connection times, and source ports. This data is kept for up to 16 days, which may be a concern for users seeking strong privacy. The service explicitly states it is not intended for hiding illicit activities and will use this data if necessary.
Data Collection
The privacy policy also mentions collecting demographic information, which is used for direct marketing purposes. This, combined with the inability to pay anonymously via cryptocurrency, raises concerns about user privacy.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Features
Encrypt.me lacks several features that are standard in top-tier VPNs, such as a kill switch on Windows, protocol or encryption options, and dedicated streaming servers. Split tunneling is available only on mobile devices, not on desktop clients.
Customer Support
The customer support is unhelpful, with no live chat option and a cumbersome email support system that often directs users to FAQs rather than providing direct answers.
Geographical Restrictions
While Encrypt.me generally works smoothly worldwide, the limited server locations and average speeds can be problematic for users in certain regions.
Conclusion
Encrypt.me provides a user-friendly interface and decent protection with its use of OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. However, it falls short in several critical areas, including speed, server availability, streaming performance, and privacy. For users prioritizing strong privacy, fast speeds, and comprehensive features, other VPN services might be more suitable.
Encrypt.me - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure of Encrypt.me
Individual Plans
- Monthly Plan: $9.99 per month, which is fairly standard in the VPN industry.
- Annual Plan: $99.99 per year, or approximately $8.33 per month. This is slightly more expensive than some competitors.
Short-Term Options
- One-Week Pass: For those needing a VPN for a short period, Encrypt.me offers a one-week pass for $3.99. This is particularly useful for short trips or temporary needs.
Family Plans
- Monthly Family Plan: $12.99 per month, which includes five licenses. This works out to $2.60 per user per month.
- Annual Family Plan: $149.99 per year, or approximately $12.50 per month, still covering up to five users.
Team Plans
- Teams Plan: For businesses, Encrypt.me charges $7.99 per user per month for up to 25 users, $6.99 per user per month for up to 100 users, and $5.99 per user per month for more than 100 users. This plan includes central management and billing.
Free Trial
- Encrypt.me offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. This allows you to test the full service before committing to a plan.
These plans provide a range of options to suit different needs, whether you’re an individual, a family, or a business. Each plan includes features like auto-secure connections on untrusted networks, a minimal user interface, and cloud-synced preferences across all your devices.
Encrypt.me - Integration and Compatibility
Encrypt.me Overview
Encrypt.me, a VPN service, offers a range of integration and compatibility features across various platforms and devices, although it has some limitations.
Supported Platforms
Encrypt.me is compatible with several major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire OS. This broad compatibility ensures that users can protect their internet connections regardless of the device they are using.
Device Compatibility
The service supports a wide array of devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktops. For example, it works on iPhone and iPad models, as well as on Android devices. There are also specific guides and support resources available for each type of device, such as troubleshooting connection issues on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.
Protocols and Encryption
Encrypt.me uses industry-standard encryption protocols, including OpenVPN for macOS and Android clients, and IPSec for Windows and iOS apps. The service employs AES-256 encryption, which is the same standard used by the military and banks, ensuring that web traffic and IP addresses are securely encrypted.
Server Access
The VPN provides access to over 100 servers in 49 countries, which is sufficient for most users needing to bypass geo-restrictions or secure their connections while using public networks. However, the server selection is not as extensive as some other VPN services.
User Interface and Apps
Encrypt.me offers user-friendly iOS and Android apps, with ratings of 4.5 and 4.3 respectively on the Apple and Google Play stores. The apps are designed to be simple and easy to use, making it accessible for users who are not tech-savvy.
Limitations
While Encrypt.me integrates well across various devices and platforms, it has some notable limitations. For instance, it lacks a kill switch on Windows, iOS, and Android clients, which is a feature that prevents data leakage if the VPN connection drops. Additionally, the service retains logs for up to 16 days, which may be a concern for users prioritizing maximum privacy.
Conclusion
In summary, Encrypt.me provides good integration and compatibility across a variety of devices and platforms, making it a viable option for users seeking a basic VPN solution. However, users should be aware of its logging policy and the absence of certain advanced features like a kill switch on some platforms.
Encrypt.me - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
Encrypt.me offers customer support primarily through email. Users can contact the support team via email at support@encrypt.me or hello@encrypt.me for any questions or issues they might have. While this method is available, it lacks the immediacy of live chat or phone support, which some users might find inconvenient. The response time for email support is relatively reasonable, with responses typically received within a couple of hours.
Additional Resources
- App Support and Guides: The Encrypt.me app is user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive interface. The app is supported on various devices including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Amazon FireOS. The app itself provides clear controls and settings, making it easy for users to manage their online security.
- FAQs and Help Center: Encrypt.me has a help center where users can find answers to frequently asked questions. This includes information on how to use the service, troubleshooting tips, and details about their policies and features.
- Automatic Security Features: The app includes automatic security features such as the “auto-secure” function, which secures your connection when you use untrusted networks like public Wi-Fi. This feature ensures that your data is protected without needing manual intervention.
Limitations
- No Live Chat or Phone Support: One of the significant drawbacks is the lack of live chat or phone support options, which can make it slower to resolve urgent issues.
- No Browser Extensions: Encrypt.me does not offer browser extensions, which might be a limitation for users who prefer to manage their VPN directly from their browser.
Overall, while Encrypt.me’s customer support is primarily email-based and lacks some of the more immediate support options, the app itself is well-designed and user-friendly, with several automatic features to enhance security.
Encrypt.me - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Encrypt.me
User-Friendly Interface
Encrypt.me is known for its simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to manage their online security without much fuss. The app automatically secures your connection when you use untrusted networks, such as public Wi-Fi.
Auto-Secure Feature
This feature ensures that your data is protected on public networks without the need for manual intervention. It automatically detects and secures untrusted networks.
Cloud Syncing
All user preferences are cloud-synced across devices, including iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Macs, ensuring consistent settings and ease of use.
Excellent Speeds
Encrypt.me delivers impressive connection speeds, particularly in the US, with consistent speeds of 225-240Mbps on a 600Mbps connection. Local servers also perform well, with speeds close to the maximum expected.
Transparency in Privacy Policy
Encrypt.me has a clear and detailed privacy policy that explains what data is logged and why. This transparency is commendable, especially in an industry where such clarity is often lacking.
Security Audits
The company has undergone security audits, which identified and fixed vulnerabilities, adding to the trustworthiness of the service.
No DNS or WebRTC Leaks
Encrypt.me’s apps have been tested and found to have no DNS or WebRTC leaks, ensuring that your browsing remains protected.
Disadvantages of Encrypt.me
Session Logging
Encrypt.me keeps logs of personal session information for 16 days, including incoming IP addresses, virtual IP addresses, bytes sent and received, and connection times. This may not be ideal for users seeking a zero-log VPN.
Limited Features
The service lacks many features that are common in other VPNs, such as manual installation on routers, secure DNS, malware blocking, and split tunneling on desktop clients.
Poor Windows Client
The Windows client is reported to be subpar, with some users experiencing slower connection times and other issues.
No P2P Support
Encrypt.me does not support P2P file sharing, and while it allows BitTorrent traffic, it blocks access to piracy-related sites.
Above Average Prices
The service is considered to be more expensive compared to other VPN providers, which can be a significant drawback for budget-conscious users.
Limited Server Information
The website does not provide clear details on the number of countries or locations available, which can make it difficult for users to make informed decisions.
Overall, Encrypt.me is a user-friendly VPN that excels in protecting data on public networks and offers good speeds, but it falls short in terms of features and logging policies.
Encrypt.me - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Encrypt.me with other privacy tools in the market, several key features and alternatives stand out:
Security Features
Encrypt.me is notable for its strong security measures, including 256-bit AES military-grade encryption, which ensures that your online data remains safe from hackers, even on public Wi-Fi networks. This level of encryption is comparable to what many top-tier VPNs offer, but Encrypt.me’s ease of use and auto-secure feature on untrusted networks set it apart.
Dynamic IP Addresses and Split Tunneling
Encrypt.me provides dynamic IP addresses, which change regularly to enhance anonymity and privacy. It also offers split tunneling, allowing users to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which use the regular internet connection. These features are similar to those offered by other VPN services but are particularly user-friendly in Encrypt.me.
User Experience
Encrypt.me is praised for its simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to manage their online security without needing extensive technical knowledge. The app automatically secures connections on untrusted networks and syncs preferences across all devices.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Securiti AI
Securiti AI is a more comprehensive platform that combines privacy and security management. It offers automated sensitive data discovery, AI-powered risk assessments, and consent management, which are more suited for enterprise-level data privacy needs. While it provides a broader range of features, it can be complex to implement and has higher licensing costs.
Protecto
Protecto is an AI-driven data privacy platform that specializes in protecting sensitive information in AI applications. It focuses on detecting PII, PHI, and PCI across large datasets and ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. Protecto is more specialized in AI security and compliance compared to Encrypt.me’s broader VPN-focused approach.
DataGrail
DataGrail is another data privacy management platform that offers real-time data mapping, automated DSR management, and privacy risk assessments. It is more geared towards compliance with privacy regulations and integrates with various third-party tools. Unlike Encrypt.me, DataGrail is not a VPN service but rather a tool for managing and protecting sensitive data within organizations.
Conclusion
Encrypt.me stands out for its user-friendly VPN solution with strong security features like military-grade encryption and dynamic IP addresses. While it is excellent for individual users looking to protect their data on public Wi-Fi and manage their internet usage, alternatives like Securiti AI, Protecto, and DataGrail are more suited for enterprise-level data privacy and compliance needs. Each of these tools has unique features that cater to different user requirements, making it important to choose the one that best fits your specific needs.
Encrypt.me - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Encrypt.me
1. Is Encrypt.me Safe to Use?
Encrypt.me is generally safe to use, but it has some limitations. The service uses industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered secure. However, Encrypt.me is based in the United States, which means the company could be forced to provide customer data to the government. Additionally, they log some user data, such as IP addresses, for 16 days, which might be a concern for those seeking maximum privacy.2. What Data Does Encrypt.me Log?
Encrypt.me logs certain types of data, including the number of bytes sent and received, the length of time connected, the IP address connected from and the virtual IP assigned, and the source port of the outgoing connection with start and end times. This data is permanently deleted after 16 days. While this is more data than some VPNs collect, it is still within the bounds of what many VPNs log to operate their services.3. Does Encrypt.me Have a Kill Switch?
Encrypt.me offers a kill switch, which they call “auto-secure,” but it is only available on Mac, iOS, and Android devices. This feature ensures that you only connect to the internet using the VPN server and prevents your private IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection drops. However, this feature is not currently available on Windows devices.4. What Encryption Does Encrypt.me Use?
Encrypt.me uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is often referred to as “military-grade encryption” because it is the standard used by the U.S. government for top-secret information. This encryption ensures that your data is securely transmitted through the VPN tunnel.5. Does Encrypt.me Protect Against DNS Leaks?
Yes, Encrypt.me offers DNS leak protection. You need to ensure that the “Enable DNS Leak Protection” feature is selected within the application. This feature prevents your DNS traffic from being sent outside of the VPN tunnel, protecting your real IP address from being leaked.6. What Are the Pricing Options for Encrypt.me?
Encrypt.me offers several pricing options:- Mini Plan: 5 GB of data per month for $2.99.
- Monthly Plan: Unlimited data for $9.99.
- Annual Plan: Unlimited data for $99.99, which works out to $8.33 per month.
- Family Plan: $12.99 per month or $149.99 per year for up to five users.
- Teams Plan: $7.99 per user per month for teams, with central management and billing included.
7. Can I Use Encrypt.me on Multiple Devices?
Yes, with any subscription, you can use Encrypt.me on an unlimited number of devices. However, they recommend using one account per user.8. How Do I Cancel My Encrypt.me Subscription?
To cancel your subscription, you can log into your account and click on “Cancel your subscription” in the subscription area. For family or business accounts, you need to email support@encrypt.me using the email you signed up with. If you cancel within 30 days of signing up, you can get a refund by emailing hello@encrypt.me.9. Does Encrypt.me Offer a Free Trial?
Encrypt.me offers a 14-day free trial with no payment details required. This allows you to try out the full service before committing to a subscription.10. Are There Any Browser Extensions Available for Encrypt.me?
No, Encrypt.me does not offer any browser extensions. You need to use one of their client applications to connect to the VPN.