Encrypt.me Review
When considering Encrypt.me as a VPN solution, it’s crucial to evaluate both its strengths and limitations.
Encrypt.me provides unlimited server switches and employs robust AES-256 encryption, which are significant advantages for users seeking strong security measures.
However, the VPN’s limited server network may not meet the needs of those requiring broad geographical coverage. Additionally, its logging policy may raise privacy concerns for some users.
For streaming enthusiasts, Encrypt.me’s performance might not be optimal compared to other VPNs in the market.
Overall, while Encrypt.me offers certain benefits, it is important to carefully assess whether it aligns with your specific requirements and if there might be better alternatives available.
Key Takeaways
- Encrypt.me offers a 2-week free trial with no credit card required, but pricing is less competitive than many alternatives.
- The VPN supports up to 12 simultaneous connections but lacks a kill switch for Windows, posing data exposure risks.
- Logging practices involve storing originating IPs and timestamps for 16 days, which may concern privacy-focused users.
- Streaming capabilities are limited, with challenges in bypassing geographical restrictions on popular platforms like Netflix.
- Customer support is primarily via email with an average response time of 2 hours, lacking live chat or phone options.
Pricing and Plans
Encrypt.me offers a range of pricing and subscription plans designed to accommodate various user needs. The service provides a monthly subscription at $9.99, and an annual plan priced at $99.99, averaging approximately $8.33 per month. For users requiring short-term access, a weekly pass is available for $3.99. These options allow users to select a plan that aligns with their budget and usage preferences.
For families, Encrypt.me provides a plan that supports up to five users at a cost of $12.99 per month or $149.99 annually. This equates to about $2.50 per user each month if fully utilized.
Businesses can consider team subscription plans that start at $15.98 per month, with the per-user cost decreasing as the number of users increases.
A free two-week trial is offered, enabling potential users to evaluate the service without the need for credit card information. It’s important to note that payment methods are limited to major credit cards, with no anonymous payments accepted.
Features
Encrypt.me offers a range of features designed to meet the needs of its users. The service provides unlimited server switches, allowing connections to more than 100 servers across roughly 60 global locations. This capability facilitates access to content from various regions, enhancing user flexibility.
The VPN accommodates up to 12 simultaneous connections, enabling multiple devices to be secured concurrently—a practical feature for households or individuals with several gadgets.
On the security front, Encrypt.me incorporates a kill switch on Mac, iOS, and Android platforms, which serves to prevent data exposure by disconnecting the internet if the VPN link is disrupted. However, this feature is absent on Windows systems.
Android users benefit from split tunneling, which permits selective routing of app traffic through the VPN or directly to the internet.
Encrypt.me prioritizes user security through the implementation of 256-bit AES encryption, consistent with industry standards for safeguarding data. This level of encryption is widely regarded as effective in protecting sensitive information.
Privacy and Security
Encrypt.me offers privacy and security features that may not fully meet the needs of users seeking complete anonymity. The service employs AES-256 encryption, a widely recognized industry standard for securing data. However, their privacy policy and logging practices may be concerning for some users. Encrypt.me logs originating IP addresses and connection timestamps, retaining this data for 16 days. This approach may not be suitable for users, such as political activists, who require a higher level of data privacy.
On the positive side, Encrypt.me provides DNS leak protection, and tests have shown that only Belgian IP addresses were detected, suggesting that real IP addresses remain secure from leaks. This feature aids in maintaining user privacy. Additionally, a kill switch is available for Mac, iOS, and Android devices. However, the absence of this feature on Windows may result in potential data exposure if the VPN connection is interrupted.
Encrypt.me underwent audits in 2016 and late 2019, providing some level of external evaluation. Despite this, the logging practices may not satisfy users who prioritize stringent privacy measures. For those who require high anonymity, these privacy aspects might make Encrypt.me less suitable.
Streaming and Torrenting
In assessing Encrypt.me’s capabilities in streaming and torrenting, certain limitations become apparent. The VPN service struggles to bypass geographical restrictions on streaming platforms such as Netflix, constraining access to content that’s restricted by region. This limitation is noteworthy for users prioritizing streaming services.
Regarding torrenting, Encrypt.me does allow it but with several limitations. The service isn’t specifically optimized for torrenting and restricts access to certain piracy-related sites, which could impact the user experience.
Additionally, users might experience a reduction in download speeds, with noticeable differences across operating systems. For example, Mac users might experience a drop from 70.43 Mbps to 29.44 Mbps, while Windows users could see speeds decrease from 28.46 Mbps to 5.17 Mbps during torrenting activities. Such speed reductions can be inconvenient, particularly when downloading large files.
Encrypt.me provides dynamic IP addresses, potentially aiding anonymity during torrenting. However, the service’s data logging policy raises privacy concerns, especially for users involved in file sharing.
The absence of a kill switch for Windows users and the limited options for split tunneling could also expose users’ data during any connection interruptions, presenting an additional challenge when using Encrypt.me for torrenting activities.
User Experience and Apps
Analyzing Encrypt.me’s user experience and applications indicates a range of strengths and weaknesses in functionality and design. For users of the Windows client, the experience may be less than optimal due to its outdated design and limited interface, which can complicate navigation, particularly when adjusting settings or selecting servers.
Nevertheless, the app’s availability across multiple platforms, including Mac, iOS, Android, and Amazon FireOS, is advantageous. However, the absence of a native Linux client remains a limitation.
In contrast, the mobile version of the app appears to perform better. It has received ratings of 4.5 on the Apple Store and 4.1 on the Google Play Store, indicating generally positive user experiences. Features such as the ability to save favorites and enable auto-secure connections are practical, although the interface’s simplicity might pose challenges when selecting servers or understanding terms like “Transporters.”
A notable feature of Encrypt.me is its support for unlimited device connections under a single account, which simplifies the management of multiple devices.
Despite the straightforward nature of the app, this simplicity can occasionally result in confusion rather than clarity when navigating its features.
Customer Support
The customer support system at Encrypt.me relies mainly on email communication, presenting a mixed experience for users. The typical response time for inquiries is approximately two hours, which is reasonable, though the lack of options such as live chat or phone support may be a limitation for those requiring immediate assistance.
The email-only format restricts real-time interaction, potentially leading to inconvenience for users needing swift solutions. User feedback regarding customer support is varied, with the service holding an overall rating of 3.2 on Amazon, pointing to some inconsistencies.
While some users report satisfactory resolutions to their issues, others may not share the same sentiment. Encrypt.me offers a knowledge base for straightforward queries, but it may not suffice for more complex troubleshooting needs.
For cancellations, family and business account users must contact support via email, whereas individual subscriptions can be managed through account settings. Community forums provide an additional platform for interaction, enabling users to exchange feedback and stay informed about internet security trends through the company’s blog.
While the support system meets basic requirements, there’s potential for enhancement, particularly for users in search of more comprehensive support options.
Comparison with Competitors
When evaluating Encrypt.me in comparison to its competitors, several aspects stand out. In terms of pricing, Encrypt.me is less competitive, particularly when compared to NordVPN, which offers a more economical $5/month plan with a yearly commitment.
For users interested in connecting multiple devices, Encrypt.me allows unlimited connections, a feature also available with Proton VPN and Surfshark. These competitors, however, provide stronger privacy measures and a wider server network.
Encrypt.me has a relatively limited server network, consisting of approximately 107 servers across 49 countries. By contrast, ExpressVPN offers a more extensive network with servers in 94 countries, which can enhance user accessibility.
In terms of streaming capabilities, Encrypt.me faces challenges in bypassing geographical restrictions, whereas competitors like CyberGhost and NordVPN are more adept, making them preferable for users interested in streaming content.
Regarding privacy, Encrypt.me’s 16-day data retention policy may be a concern for privacy-focused users. This policy lacks the transparency offered by competitors such as IPVanish.
For individuals prioritizing privacy and clear logging policies, exploring alternatives may be advisable. Overall, while Encrypt.me has certain advantages, its limitations in pricing, server network, and privacy practices make it less attractive compared to other VPN services.
Conclusion
If you’re considering Encrypt.me, weigh the pros and cons carefully. While its unlimited server switches and strong AES-256 encryption are appealing, the limited server network and 16-day logging policy might be dealbreakers for privacy-focused users. Streaming and torrenting aren’t its strong suits either, so if accessing geo-restricted content is a priority, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, explore more comprehensive alternatives before deciding if Encrypt.me truly meets your VPN needs.
