AceVPN Overview
AceVPN is a US-based VPN service provider that has been in operation since 2009, dedicated to enhancing online privacy, security, and freedom for its users.
What AceVPN Does
AceVPN is designed to secure and encrypt internet traffic, protecting users from various online threats such as hacking, ISP spying, Wi-Fi snooping, and eavesdropping. It hides users’ IP addresses and encrypts all data transmitted between the user’s device and the internet, ensuring anonymous and secure browsing.
Key Features and Functionality
Security
- Encryption: AceVPN uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, which is approved for top-secret communication, to secure user data.
- VPN Protocols: It supports multiple advanced security protocols including OpenVPN with TCP/UDP, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and IKEv2. However, it does not support WireGuard.
- No-Logs Policy: AceVPN adheres to a no-logs policy, meaning it does not log users’ IP addresses or the websites they visit. Although this policy has not been independently audited, the company maintains transparency through a report disclosing any government requests for user data.
Performance and Infrastructure
- Server Network: AceVPN has servers in 27 countries, primarily located in Europe, Asia, and North America. This network is relatively small compared to other top VPN providers.
- Speed and Uptime: Despite the smaller server network, AceVPN’s servers are housed in modern datacenters connected to high-speed Gigabit networks, ensuring optimized speed and latency. The service boasts a 99.9% uptime and 24/7 support.
- P2P Support: AceVPN allows torrenting but only on one dedicated P2P server, limiting its appeal for users who frequently engage in peer-to-peer file sharing.
Additional Features
- Free Smart DNS: All AceVPN packages include a free Smart DNS service, which helps in unblocking online censorship and accessing geo-restricted content.
- DNS and WebRTC Leak Protection: The service provides protection against DNS and WebRTC leaks, although it lacks IPv6 leak protection which must be manually disabled.
- Stealth VPN: AceVPN offers a Stealth VPN protocol that provides obfuscation to hide VPN traffic, although setting it up can be challenging.
User Experience
- Setup and Configuration: One of the notable drawbacks is the complicated sign-up and configuration process. AceVPN does not have native apps, making manual setup necessary, which can be inconvenient for many users.
- Kill Switch: The service lacks a built-in kill switch, an essential feature that prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Users must manually set up a kill switch, which is not user-friendly.
Pricing and Support
- Plans: AceVPN offers various plans starting from $5 per month, with options for Ultimate VPN and Premium VPN. It also provides a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- Customer Support: The service includes 24/7 support to help users with any issues they may encounter.
In summary, AceVPN provides robust security features, including strong encryption and a no-logs policy, but it falls short in terms of user-friendly setup, server network size, and the absence of certain advanced features like a built-in kill switch and split-tunneling. Despite these limitations, it remains a viable option for users seeking basic VPN functionality and privacy protection.