VPN.ac Overview
VPN.ac is a robust and reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) service designed to enhance your online security, privacy, and freedom. Based in Romania, VPN.ac offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to various user needs, from basic privacy protection to advanced security requirements.
Key Features
Security and Encryption
VPN.ac boasts strong encryption options, including OpenVPN with 128-bit and 256-bit AES, as well as Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), which provides stronger encryption for the same key size and is generally faster than RSA. Other supported protocols include L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, PPTP, and WireGuard, although WireGuard requires manual setup.
Apps and Platforms Support
VPN.ac offers native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux (though the Linux client has not been updated since January 2020). These apps are user-friendly and feature-rich, allowing for one-click VPN connections, protocol selection, and advanced settings such as auto-connect and kill switch options.
Simultaneous Connections
VPN.ac allows up to 12 simultaneous connections per subscription, with a specific distribution of 6 connections using WireGuard and 6 using either OpenVPN or IPSec. This is significantly more than what many other VPN services offer.
Router Support
The service is compatible with various custom routers, including DD-WRT, Tomato, Advanced Tomato, OpenWRT, AsusWRT/Merlin, and pfSense, making it easy to set up a VPN connection at the router level.
Secure Proxy and DNS Features
VPN.ac provides secure proxy browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Opera, which encrypt browser traffic using TLS and avoid triggering DPI alerts. Additionally, the SecureDNS feature filters out ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains, enhancing overall browsing security.
Obfuscation and Censorship Resistance
The service includes robust obfuscation features that help bypass network restrictions, particularly useful in countries with strict internet censorship like China. VPN.ac offers dedicated servers optimized for such regions.
Performance and Speed
VPN.ac is known for its fast speeds, achieving up to 350 Mb/s, making it suitable for streaming, downloading, and gaming. It received an 8.5/10 for performance in thorough speed tests.
Additional Features
- Kill Switch: Automatically cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops, ensuring no data leaks.
- DNS Leak Protection: Uses private DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks and monitors DNS queries to maintain user anonymity.
- Double Hop: Offers a multi-VPN feature where traffic is routed through two servers for enhanced security.
- Knowledge Base: Provides detailed guides on various topics, including protocol setup, router installation, and troubleshooting.
User Experience
VPN.ac is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive apps that allow for easy setup and customization. The service includes features like auto-connect, launch on system start, and the ability to tweak settings to match specific user needs. The knowledge base is extensive, offering guides on a wide range of topics to help users troubleshoot and optimize their VPN experience.
Pricing and Support
VPN.ac is competitively priced at $3.75 per month and offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. Customer support is available, and the service includes a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help.
In summary, VPN.ac is a reliable and feature-rich VPN service that excels in security, speed, and user experience, making it a solid choice for those seeking robust online protection and privacy.