BolehVPN Review
BolehVPN offers a service characterized by strong encryption and a no-logs policy, which are key considerations for users concerned about privacy.
With pricing starting at $3.70 weekly, it appears cost-effective; however, potential users should compare its features and server options against other available services.
Streaming capabilities may be limited, as BolehVPN reportedly lacks access to major platforms such as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Additionally, the customer support options are not extensive, and its 14-day money-back guarantee is shorter compared to that of many other providers.
Therefore, assessing whether BolehVPN suits individual needs requires careful consideration of these factors.
Key Takeaways
- BolehVPN offers multiple pricing plans with a 14-day money-back guarantee, shorter than the industry standard.
- The service operates 35 servers in 15 countries, with strong encryption but limited features compared to competitors.
- It supports streaming on Netflix and Disney+ but struggles with Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
- User experience suffers due to outdated interface, lack of iOS app, and insufficient customer support.
- Privacy is enhanced by being based in Seychelles, outside 14 Eyes Alliance jurisdiction.
Pricing and Plans
BolehVPN offers a variety of subscription plans tailored to different user preferences. The available plans include a weekly option priced at $3.70, a monthly plan for $9.99, a bi-monthly subscription at $16.99, a six-month plan costing $44.99, and an annual plan at $79.99, which breaks down to approximately $6.67 per month. Each plan supports up to three simultaneous connections, making it feasible for users managing multiple devices.
Compared to other providers such as NordVPN and Surfshark, BolehVPN’s pricing may appear on the higher side, particularly when considering its limited server network and feature set. This pricing mightn’t be competitive for users seeking extensive features at a lower cost, but it could still be suitable if it meets specific user requirements.
BolehVPN offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, which is shorter than the industry standard of 30 to 45 days. This shorter period necessitates a quicker decision on whether the service meets the user’s expectations.
However, the VPN service provides flexibility in payment options, accepting major credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency.
Features
When evaluating BolehVPN’s features, the pricing may not be ideal for all users, yet the service does provide a comprehensive set of security measures. BolehVPN operates a network consisting of 35 servers in 15 countries, which is relatively limited compared to many other providers. Nonetheless, it employs robust security protocols, including 256-bit AES encryption and the OpenVPN protocol, ensuring a high level of privacy and security for user data.
The inclusion of a kill switch is a significant feature that protects against data leaks if the connection to a server unexpectedly drops. The service is compatible with multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and routers. However, it lacks a native iOS application, which might complicate the setup process for iPhone users, often necessitating manual configuration.
BolehVPN permits up to 3 simultaneous connections, which might suffice for individuals managing several devices but could be insufficient for larger households or users with numerous devices.
Despite these limitations, BolehVPN’s security features are suitable for privacy-focused users. Although the server count is modest, it still supports streaming and other online activities. For users requiring additional assistance, their customer support is available to address any technical issues or questions.
Privacy and Security
BolehVPN offers a range of privacy and security features, emphasizing encryption and user confidentiality. It utilizes 256-bit AES encryption and the OpenVPN protocol to secure user data during transmission. This encryption standard is widely regarded as a strong defense against unauthorized access.
BolehVPN is based in Seychelles, which is outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes Alliance, potentially offering more privacy protections.
The company asserts that it adheres to a no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t retain users’ browsing history or connection data. However, for the purpose of maintaining server integrity and investigating anomalies, BolehVPN may temporarily log certain user activities. This reflects an attempt to balance user privacy with operational security.
Additionally, BolehVPN issues a monthly warrant canary to inform users of any legal requests for data, thereby promoting transparency.
For enhanced security, BolehVPN includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch. The kill switch isn’t enabled by default, requiring users to activate it manually to avoid data exposure if the VPN connection is interrupted.
These features indicate BolehVPN’s commitment to safeguarding user privacy and security online.
Streaming and Torrenting
BolehVPN offers features that cater to both streaming and torrenting, with privacy and security as its primary focus. The VPN can bypass geo-restrictions and successfully access major streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Its vStream servers are optimized for streaming, providing access to eight different Netflix libraries.
However, users may encounter difficulties when attempting to access Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, which may limit its appeal for those who primarily use these platforms.
For torrenting, BolehVPN permits the activity, but users must select specific servers to ensure a smooth experience. Choosing the appropriate server is important to avoid slow speeds and potential legal issues, particularly in regions with stringent regulations.
Although BolehVPN supports streaming and torrenting, it isn’t heavily promoted for these purposes, which could lead users to consider alternative VPNs if streaming is their main objective.
Speed inconsistencies can occur, particularly when using long-distance servers, potentially affecting streaming and torrenting performance. Consequently, while BolehVPN provides the necessary tools for these activities, user experiences may vary based on these factors.
User Experience and Apps
Navigating BolehVPN’s user experience presents several challenges. Users of macOS or Windows will find the installation process straightforward. However, the interface of the application is outdated and cluttered, necessitating manual server connections.
The lack of a quick connect feature may make this process less efficient, potentially impacting the overall user experience. Notably, BolehVPN doesn’t offer a native app for iOS, which can complicate installation on Apple mobile devices by requiring additional steps.
Regarding performance, users have reported issues that can disrupt a seamless experience. These performance challenges are significant for those who depend on a stable VPN for routine activities.
While BolehVPN provides 24/7 live chat as part of its customer support, users have noted that the responsiveness is sometimes insufficient, often requiring ticket submissions and waiting for assistance during critical times.
Customer Support
In terms of customer support, BolehVPN primarily utilizes a ticket submission system, which doesn’t include options for live chat or phone support. This can be a limitation, particularly when dealing with urgent matters that require immediate attention.
Users often experience delays in response times for support tickets, which can lead to frustration due to unresolved issues.
The company’s online support resources are somewhat limited. The help section lacks detailed information and comprehensive FAQs, which might be insufficient for users attempting to troubleshoot issues independently.
Although there’s a user support forum designed for community assistance, it may not be particularly helpful for resolving specific technical problems. This scarcity of effective troubleshooting resources can contribute to lower levels of customer satisfaction.
Feedback from users generally indicates dissatisfaction with the customer support provided by BolehVPN. For individuals who prioritize quick and efficient customer support, BolehVPN’s current service model mightn’t fulfill their expectations.
The existing arrangement suggests room for improvement in their approach to customer support.
Comparison with Competitors
In comparing BolehVPN with its competitors, several areas warrant attention.
Regarding pricing, BolehVPN’s subscription begins at $6.66/month for an annual plan. This is higher than some competitors, such as NordVPN and Surfshark, which offer plans starting at $2.99/month and $1.99/month, respectively. Consequently, BolehVPN may be less appealing to users prioritizing cost.
In terms of server availability, BolehVPN operates 35 servers across 15 countries. In comparison, ExpressVPN offers over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, providing users with a wider selection of server locations. This limitation may affect BolehVPN’s ability to unblock content, particularly on streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, where it has more difficulty relative to its competitors.
Performance is an important consideration. BolehVPN experiences an average speed reduction of 34% on US servers. NordVPN, in contrast, reports higher speeds with average download rates around 89 Mbps.
Additionally, BolehVPN’s 14-day money-back guarantee is shorter than the 30-45 days offered by many competitors, allowing less time for users to assess their service.
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Conclusion
Overall, BolehVPN offers decent privacy with strong encryption and a no-logs policy, but it falls short in several key areas. The limited server options and struggles with accessing popular streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video can be frustrating. Its customer support is slow, and the 14-day money-back guarantee is shorter than most, which doesn’t inspire much confidence. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive and reliable VPN, you might want to explore other options.
