FastestVPN
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Content: Our Score:
Speed 2.0 / 10
Servers 3.0 / 10
User Experience 6.0 / 10
Support 3.0 / 10
Pricing 6.0 / 10
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FastestVPN Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?

FastestVPN Overview

At first glance, FastestVPN’s small server network and relatively young age may lead one to question its ability to deliver on its namesake promise. However, given its competitive pricing and comprehensive security features, I decided to take this VPN for a spin and put it through a battery of tests to determine whether it lives up to its claims of being the fastest.

Although FastestVPN may not be the fastest option for streaming, gaming, or torrenting, it excels in protecting your online security. Its stringent no-log policy and robust encryption ensure that your browsing activities remain anonymous and secure. With six protocols to choose from, an integrated ad blocker, and an automatic kill switch, FastestVPN provides a highly personalized online experience.

FastestVPN provides a risk-free 15-day money-back guarantee for you to test their services without any financial obligation. In case you are not satisfied, you can easily switch to other established VPN providers.

Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

FastestVPN Unblocks Netflix (But Can’t Access Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video)

FastestVPN’s streaming-optimized servers, available in 9 various global locations, failed to meet my expectations for streaming needs. While successfully unblocking Netflix US on most US-based servers, it proved inadequate for any other popular streaming platform during comprehensive testing. It is also capable of efficiently circumventing restrictions on niche platforms such as DAZN, Channel 4, ITV Hub, and Hotstar.

Netflix: Unblocked

Streaming US Netflix only had minor hiccups. Unlocking it wasn’t a breeze, but it worked after testing multiple servers. Atlanta was unresponsive, while Chicago and Denver had loading issues. With 3-5Mbps, the loading time wasn’t surprising, but the stream quality was impressive, maintaining its high standard even after buffering.

Screenshot of Dead To Me playing on Netflix while FastestVPN is connected to a server in Los Angeles, US

Netflix could only stream in standard definition while connected to FastestVPN

I would like to mention that FastestVPN successfully gained access to the Netflix libraries of Japan, the UK, and Canada, a remarkable accomplishment worth acknowledging. However, it’s essential not to overlook that the streaming quality on their French server was significantly subpar, making it barely watchable. Consequently, even though the name “FastestVPN” suggests speed, its effectiveness in unblocking Netflix content leaves room for improvement.

Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video: Blocked

FastestVPN servers failed to bypass geoblocks on Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, despite trying most US and all UK servers. These streaming sites either failed to load altogether or presented error messages, such as the one illustrated below from Amazon Prime Video.

Your device is connected to the Internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again.

In the case of Disney+, rather than an error, the site simply wouldn’t load, and all that appeared was a black screen. There wasn’t even a place to enter login details.

With Hulu there were similar results. On my first attempt, I entered my account details only to be told that my login has been “blocked.” After switching to another US server, I could log in, but when I attempted to play Bachelor in Paradise, the site returned an error message.

HBO Max blocked attempts to browse the library. Most disappointing of all was that FastestVPN couldn’t unblock BBC iPlayer. On the website, the VPN claims that it is one of the best services for watching iPlayer, but on every UK server tested, an error always appeared.

If you’re looking for a VPN to stream the shows and movies you already have subscriptions for, you will need a service with better speeds and unblocking capabilities than FastestVPN. Through hours of testing, I found that ExpressVPN easily unblocks all the streaming services mentioned here and many more. Its optimized streaming servers also deliver HD and UHD streams with no lag or buffering.

Speed

- 2.0 / 10

FastestVPN Is Actually Quite Slow

Not only does FastestVPN not live up to its high-speed claims, but it may also be one of the slowest VPNs I have ever tested. The company is quite new and has only about 100 servers, so I did expect some slowdowns and inconsistent connections. What I did not expect is a speed reduction of 96% from my baseline ISP speeds. Not only did the reduction make streaming difficult on most servers, but speeds were also too slow for browsing.

Speed Test Results

While connected to FastestVPN, I had an average download speed of around 3Mbps, a whopping 97% decrease from my baseline speed. My speed before connecting to FastestVPN was 91.01Mbps downloads, 14.06Mbps uploads, and a ping time of 32ms. As soon as I established a baseline, I proceeded to test the speeds of 4 server locations – the US, Germany, the UK, and Japan.

While connected, the highest speed I recorded was 4.31Mbps, which is hardly fast enough for standard-definition streaming. And with ping speeds up to 757ms, online gaming just isn’t an option. I expected better performance on servers closer to me, but there didn’t seem to be any difference in speeds based on distance.

Screenshot of speed tests while FastestVPN is connected to servers in the US, the UK, Germany, and Japan

The FastestVPN speeds were consistently slow on all the servers I tested
Ping Download Speed Upload Speed
US – Chicago 1 560ms 4.11Mbps 1.62Mbps
Germany 380ms 3.80Mbps 2.37Mbps
UK 2 353ms 3.91Mbps 1.62Mbps
Japan 757ms 0.57Mbps 0.55Mbps

FastestVPN offers a Smart Connect feature that automatically connects you to the fastest server available based on your location. However, when I tried it out, I noticed a significant decrease in download speed, dropping from 91.01Mbps to just 3.58Mbps – a staggering 96% decrease!

On the whole, FastestVPNs speeds were too slow for reliable streaming, gaming, and in some cases, browsing. If you’re looking for super-fast connection speeds, I suggest using ExpressVPN. While connected, I usually forget that I’m using a VPN at all and use it for everything from streaming to gaming.

Why Most Speed Tests are Pointless & How We Correctly Test VPN Speeds

Speed determines how fast content uploads, so if you're torrenting or streaming, you want the speed to be somewhat identical to your regular internet speed. Since a VPN encrypts your data, it usually takes a bit longer to send your data back and forth, which can slow down your connection. However, if your ISP deliberately slows down your connection (also known as throttling) a VPN might increase your internet speed. Testing a VPN is somewhat pointless because new servers pop up and affect speed. Your speed can also differ according to your location, so your speed test might not match ours. Having said that, we tested the speed in numerous locations to provide you with the average.

Servers

- 3.0 / 10

Server Network — Small Server Network in a Handful of Countries

FastestVPN is a relatively young company, and as expected, its server network is limited. I was taken aback by the lack of specificity regarding the number of servers on the company’s website. While they assert their presence in 39 countries across 55 locations, they do not provide any details on those.

I found that the United States currently boasts the highest number of server locations, totaling 15. Meanwhile, Europe exhibits exceptional coverage, with a total of 30 server locations. However, in the continent of Asia, FastestVPN’s server count is limited to a mere seven, with only three servers present in South America, and none to be found on the African continent. Surprisingly, the provider offers servers in regions known for mandatory data retention laws, such as Russia and India.

Screenshot of FastestVPN website claim of servers and live chat

The FastestVPN website claims to have servers in more locations than customer support

You have the option to select specific countries to explore the available server locations, which include various types of servers for streaming and other purposes. By clicking on any of these options, you will reveal a plethora of server locations with their designated functions.

Additionally, there’s a ‘Quick Connect’ functionality that intelligently selects the fastest or closest server based on your location, providing you with optimal connection speeds. You also have the ability to bookmark your preferred server for effortless access, eliminating the need to search through multiple options every time you need to connect to it.

It is noteworthy that switching between servers is unrestricted and can be done without limitations. Moreover, you can establish connections with particular cities, a crucial feature if you need to access services that are exclusive to specific regions or cities.

Security — Excellent Encryption but Features Are Unreliable

FastestVPN prioritizes your data security and privacy by implementing various advanced measures that work together to ensure that your online activities remain safe and confidential.

Some of the security features offered include:

  • AES-256 Encryption – FastestVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered the strongest form of encryption available today. This ensures that your data is protected from prying eyes and cybercriminals.
  • Multiple protocol options – you can choose from a range of VPN protocols depending on your device. Each protocol has different speed and security features, including Wireguard, OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, and PPTP.
  • NAT Firewall – an NAT firewall blocks unauthorized access to your device and prevents hackers from stealing your personal information. This feature is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
  • Split tunneling – Split Tunneling is a convenient feature that gives you the power to decide which apps or websites utilize the VPN and which ones don’t. During my tests, I was able to be on both a public and private network at the same time thanks to this feature. This feature is restricted to Android and iOS users.
  • Double VPN – FastestVPN has 3 double VPN servers located in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Double VPN technology works by creating an additional layer of protection when you browse the internet. This involves using a “tunnel within a tunnel” to encrypt your online traffic twice, which enhances your privacy and security.
  • Ad blocker and malware protection – the ad-blocking feature stops pesky pop-ups and ads from showing up on your device. This feature makes your browsing smoother and protects you from harmful ads that might have viruses or malware. When I used it, I didn’t see any pop-ups on the many websites I visited, and I didn’t see any ads on YouTube either.
  • Kill switch – an automatic kill switch disconnects you from the internet briefly when the VPN server goes down. It works on Windows, iPhone, and Mac, but is more complicated to activate on Android, where you need to turn on the always-on feature first. Some users may prefer having the option to disable the kill switch, but I don’t mind not having that choice.

Screenshot of a IP, DNS and WebRTC leak test showing no leaks while connected to a FastestVPN server in Canada

The testing tool detected the FastestVPN server IP address in Canada

Additionally, FastestVPN passed my IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests. All my tests showed the IP address of the FastestVPN server I was connected to at the time, and my own details were kept hidden. Overall, I thought that FastestVPN’s security features promised more than it could deliver.

Privacy — Strict No-Logs Policy

FastestVPN’s privacy policy unequivocally affirms its commitment to maintaining user privacy by implementing a stringent no-logs policy. This means that it does not keep any records of your internet activity, browsing history, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. This is particularly important for privacy-conscious individuals who do not wish to have their online behavior tracked or monitored. Even if law enforcement authorities request user information, there is no data to disclose, as none is stored by FastestVPN.

Screenshot of FastestVPN privacy policy

FastestVPN keeps no records of any user information

To provide you with the utmost privacy, FastestVPN only stores your email and payment details for account creation purposes. You can also opt for generating a new email address that doesn’t contain any personal information or purchase the VPN using Bitcoin or other digital currencies if you prefer to remain completely anonymous.

I was able to confirm that FastestVPN’s servers are designed to use only RAM, which allows for the quick and complete erasure of your activity report once you disconnect. This ensures that your privacy and security are fully protected.

The VPN is headquartered in the Cayman Islands, a location that’s great for protecting your privacy. This is because the company is not under the watchful eye of the countries that make up the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes alliance, and the Cayman Islands does not have any laws that require companies to store your personal data.

Torrenting — P2P Is Supported, but FastestVPN Is Vague About the Details

FastestVPN’s website claims that their service allows for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing on nearly all of their servers, but they do not specify which ones are exempt. They do advise against using their servers in the United States, India, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore for torrenting.

Screenshot of FAQ on FastestVPN and P2P filesharing

FastestVPN doesn’t provide any additional information on using its servers for torrenting

FastestVPN may seem like a good choice for torrenting due to its privacy features such as a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and a headquarters located in the privacy-friendly Cayman Islands. However, the reality is that FastestVPN’s speed is consistently slow and its servers are unreliable, which can lead to a frustrating torrenting experience.

ExpressVPN is a more reliable and secure way to share files while ensuring your privacy. This service goes beyond just protecting your information and even provides guidance on how to use it for torrenting purposes.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Does FastestVPN Work in China? Maybe

Based on the information provided by customer support, it is possible to utilize the Fastest VPN service while in China. However, there is a caveat that should be noted. The native applications of FastestVPN are unable to bypass the Great Firewall, which means that you would need to manually configure the service or utilize third-party software such as Cisco’s OpenConnect or AnyConnect to make it work properly.

Personally, I was disappointed to learn that I would need to put in extra effort and time to use the service in China. Additionally, the customer support representative was not very helpful when I asked for further guidance on the manual configuration process for China. When I inquired about it, the rep sent me a link for setting up OpenVPN on Windows (which I do not have) and then ended the conversation.

Screenshot of live chat on using FastestVPN in China and using third-party apps

Customer support didn’t provide much useful information on setting up my devices for use in China

Overall, it isn’t too surprising that FastestVPN is not tried and tested for China since only a handful of VPNs can bypass the Great Firewall. While using a VPN in China, it’s important to note that the security it provides does not grant permission for engaging in unlawful activities. Therefore, it’s advisable to use it responsibly and exercise reasonable caution.

Server Locations

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Italy
See all supported locations...

User Experience

- 6.0 / 10

Simultaneous Device Connections — 10 Devices per Account

FastestVPN offers the convenience of connecting up to 10 devices simultaneously using a single subscription, which is more than what many other VPN providers offer. Additionally, it provides the option of expanding the coverage to 20 devices by paying an additional cost.

  • 1-month plan: $2.00 for every additional device
  • 1-year plan: $1.50 for every additional device
  • 3-year plan: $1.00 for every additional device

Device Compatibility — FastestVPN Works With All Major Platforms

The FastestVPN service boasts compatibility with a multitude of platforms, catering to both mainstream and niche preferences. Its installation is seamless across Windows, Mac, and Linux bases, while also extending to mobile devices through Android and iOS. In addition, it offers a versatile installation option for routers, Smart TVs, Roku, PlayStation, Apple TV, Xbox, Chromecast, Kodi, and other select devices. To further enhance user experience, FastestVPN also offers convenient extensions for Chrome and Firefox web browsers.

Screenshot of FastestVPN's compatible devices and links to installation guides

Not all listed apps have native apps

Configuring FastestVPN on your router can offer several benefits, such as protecting all your WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously, and exceeding the device limit of 10, without incurring any additional expenses. FastestVPN is compatible with numerous router models, including popular brands such as TP-Link, Linksys, DD-WRT, Tomato, D-Link, Sabai, GL-iNet, Asus, Huawei, Netgear, MikroTik, Netduma, Belkin, TRENDNet, Tenda, and pfSense. Additionally, the FastestVPN website offers its own WiFi routers that come preloaded with the VPN. These routers are priced between $249 and $499.

Ease of Setup & Installation — Quick to Install With Little Configuration

The FastestVPN app is a breeze to install and use, with an impressive range of options for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android available in their respective app stores. Downloading the app takes mere seconds and is super easy. Plus, the website offers comprehensive guides for all types of devices and configurations, perfect for even the most selective users.

Screenshot of FastestVPN's settings page

FastestVPN’s interface is designed with exceptional user-friendliness in mind

While the desktop app looks smooth and isn’t clunky, the window size is unnecessarily large, taking up too much of your screen. This can be annoying, especially considering the limited selection of advanced settings and configurations available.

Steps to Installing FastestVPN on Windows

  1. Go to the FastestVPN website. Open your preferred web browser and visit the FastestVPN website.
  2. Log in or Sign up. If you already have an account, click on the “Login” button and enter your login credentials. If you are a new user, click on the “Buy Now” button and you’ll be redirected to the subscription page where you can enter your email and choose the plan that fits your needs.
  3. Download the FastestVPN Windows app. After selecting your subscription plan, click on the “Download” button to download the FastestVPN app for Windows.
    Screenshot of FastestVPN's Windows version download page
  4. Install the FastestVPN app. Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install the FastestVPN app on your Windows computer.
  5. Launch the FastestVPN app. After the installation is complete, launch the FastestVPN app from your desktop or the start menu.
  6. Enter your login credentials. Enter your FastestVPN login credentials (username and password) and click on the “Login” button.
  7. Choose your server location. Select your desired server location from the list of available options.
    Screenshot of FastestVPN's server and connection interface
  8. Connect to the server. Click on the thunder-like sign to connect to the server you selected. Once connected, your internet traffic will be encrypted and your online activities will be private.

Support

- 3.0 / 10

Customer support at FastestVPN is disappointing. On the website’s “Support” tab, you are given the option to reach out to an agent via 24/7 live chat, send an email, or find answers to your questions in the FAQ section and Setup Tutorials.

As someone who values efficient communication, I find live chat to be the most favorable means of contacting customer service. Throughout my experience with this particular service, I utilized the live chat function on three occasions to inquire about different aspects of the service. It was especially convenient to have access to this feature through the mobile app, freeing me from being tethered to a desktop. I was impressed with the swift response time during my first interaction and appreciated that the entire exchange was concluded in a matter of minutes.

For my second and third messages, I waited at least 10 minutes for someone to respond and the same amount of time between every message I sent. I got the impression that many of the messages were cut-and-paste responses and not directly related to my questions.

My questions about using the kill switch on Android remained unanswered after talking to the rep for over an hour. The only tech “support” he provided required me to restart the app, disconnect from the server and reboot my phone. Each time I told him I had done what he asked, he seemed to get a bit more impolite.

Finally, I tried to send an email to support via the website. But, when I clicked “Email Support”, nothing happened — it was just an unlinked “button”.

Overall, I felt like FastestVPN support provided less information than a Google search and took longer. And, every time I used the live chat, I was helped by the same rep, which makes me wonder if the VPN really has the resources to provide adequate customer service through live chat.

How We Test Customer Support and Why Should You Care

We personally test the customer support team of every VPN we review. This means asking technical question through the live chat feature (where applicable) and measuring the response time for email questions. Whether you need to connect to a specific server, change your security protocol, or configure a VPN on your router, finding a VPN with quality customer support should be important to you.

Pricing

- 6.0 / 10

FastestVPN subscription fees are comparable to other premium VPNs even though its service lags behind them. The 1-month plan is pretty pricey, but longer subscription terms get you great discounts.

FastestVPN has an extensive range of payment options available to customers. These options encompass all major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, UnionPay, JCB, American Express, and Discover, as well as the widely used online payment system, PayPal. Also, it has expanded its payment options to include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Dash, providing you with even greater flexibility when making purchases.

FastestVPN offers a 15-day money-back guarantee on all of its plans. The refund duration offered by this VPN is shorter than what most other providers offer. However, it still provided me with sufficient time to assess the performance and capabilities of the service. However, if you are seeking a VPN that provides an extended evaluation duration beyond that which is supplied by FastestVPN, contemplate selecting any of the best month VPNs featured on our comprehensive list.

FastestVPN offers the following plans

Lifetime Plan
 
$40.00
per month
 
View Plan
1-year plan
$40.00
$2.08
per month
Save 95%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 95%
1 Month Plan
$40.00
$7.00
per month
Save 83%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 83%

Final Verdict

While FastestVPN may not necessarily live up to the expectations set by its name in terms of speed and accessibility to certain streaming services, it is worthy of praise for its abundant security and privacy features that are comparable to those provided by top-tier VPNs.

In addition to these noteworthy features, it is headquartered in the Cayman Islands, a jurisdiction that does not mandate data retention and is beyond the jurisdictional reach of the 5-9-14 alliances. Furthermore, FastestVPN allows for up to 10 device connections per plan and offers additional simultaneous connections for a nominal fee, which is a more generous allowance than most of its competitors. What sets FastestVPN apart, however, is its long-term subscription plan prices, which offer unparalleled value for money and are a definite advantage in a fiercely competitive VPN industry.

For around the same price per month, you can try CyberGhost instead — a VPN with excellent speeds, streaming-optimized servers, and genuine round-the-clock customer support. CyberGhost also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee — 3 times as long as FastestVPN’s refund period.

FAQs About FastestVPN

Is FastestVPN good?

No. FastestVPN offers excellent encryption and a strict no-logs policy but little else. While connected to FastestVPN, my speeds were consistently low, making streaming and torrenting difficult. Even though its apps are easy to use and set up, there were very few features, and even available tools didn’t work as expected.

Can I use FastestVPN for free?

No. You can’t get FastestVPN for free, but you can try it for 2 weeks using its 15-day money-back guarantee. You will have to pay for the VPN subscription upfront, but if you change your mind before the 15 days are up, you can simply ask support for a refund.

Finding a free VPN with good coverage, speeds, and privacy policies is quite tricky. Free VPN providers generally don’t have the resources or capacity to provide secure and reliable services. However, if you would like to try a safe free VPN, I recommend checking out this list.

Is FastestVPN really safe?

Yes. FastestVPN offers military-grade encryption, and my IP, DNS, and WebRTC tests showed no leaks. Its privacy policy is clear about its strict no-logging policy, and its Cayman Islands headquarters means your data is safe from any data retention laws and the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.
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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.