Planet VPN Review

When considering the use of a VPN, Planet VPN may appeal to some users with its free version that offers unlimited data. However, the restricted server access could be a significant limitation.

For those interested in the premium plan, Planet VPN provides robust security features, including AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy, which can be beneficial for users with multiple devices.

Regarding its performance on popular streaming services, reviews are mixed, which may be a consideration for users prioritizing streaming capabilities. Additionally, there are varied opinions about its user experience, which may affect its appeal depending on individual preferences.

In terms of customer support, it is important to compare Planet VPN with other providers to determine how it measures up within the industry. Evaluating these aspects can help in assessing whether Planet VPN aligns with your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

Planet VPN offers a free version with unlimited data but limited server locations.
Premium version includes 1,260 servers, supporting up to 10 simultaneous device connections.
Uses AES 256-bit encryption and has a no-logs policy for enhanced security.
Streaming is effective for Netflix US but struggles with Disney Plus and Hulu.
Customer support relies on email with no live chat, often leading to delayed responses.

Pricing and Plans

Planet VPN offers a variety of pricing plans to accommodate different user preferences. For those seeking short-term usage, the monthly plan is priced at $9.99. Users interested in longer commitments can benefit from reduced rates, such as the 1-year plan at $3.99 per month or the 3-year + 1-year plan at $1.99 per month. These options provide cost-effective solutions for extended use.

A free version of Planet VPN is available for users who wish to explore the service before committing. This version includes unlimited data access but is restricted to five server locations, offering a limited preview of the full service capabilities.

Planet VPN subscription plans are accompanied by a money-back guarantee—30 days for yearly plans and 14 days for the monthly plan—allowing users to evaluate the service without financial risk.

The payment methods accepted by Planet VPN include credit cards and cryptocurrencies, catering to users who prefer anonymity in transactions. The service frequently offers promotions with discounts of up to 84%, maintaining a competitive edge in the market. These promotions provide an opportunity for new users to access the service at a reduced cost.

Features

Planet VPN offers a range of features aimed at improving your online security and privacy. The service is available in both free and premium versions. The free version includes unlimited data usage and access to five server locations, which may suffice for basic browsing.

For users requiring more extensive options, the premium version provides access to over 1,260 servers in 60 countries, potentially offering improved connection speeds and reliability.

The service allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it feasible to use across multiple devices. Planet VPN is compatible with major operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, facilitating ease of use.

In terms of security, the service employs AES 256-bit encryption, which is widely regarded as highly secure. Additionally, the no-logs policy aims to protect user privacy by not storing online activity data.

For further security, Planet VPN includes a kill switch to protect data in the event of a connection drop and built-in DNS leak protection. However, it lacks some advanced features like split-tunneling and ad blocking.

Despite this, its security features make it a viable option for users concerned with online privacy. Overall, Planet VPN is a suitable choice for both casual users and those with more focused security needs.

Privacy and Security

Planet VPN offers features aimed at enhancing privacy and security for users engaging in online activities. The service employs 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered a standard for securing data against unauthorized access. This encryption method is widely recognized for its effectiveness in safeguarding personal information from potential threats.

The service maintains a no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t keep records of users’ online activities. This policy helps protect user privacy by ensuring that personal information and IP addresses aren’t stored or shared. Planet VPN collects only email addresses for account management, maintaining a minimal data collection approach.

Located in Dominica, Planet VPN is outside the jurisdictions of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, which are international surveillance coalitions. This geographic positioning may offer an additional layer of privacy by reducing the likelihood of data sharing with these entities.

The service also includes DNS and WebRTC leak protection, which helps prevent the inadvertent exposure of a user’s real IP address, thereby supporting online anonymity.

A kill switch feature is available to enhance security. This function disconnects the internet connection if the VPN connection is lost, preventing unprotected data from being transmitted.

Streaming and Torrenting

When considering privacy and security features, Planet VPN offers a mixed experience for streaming and torrenting.

In terms of streaming, Planet VPN is effective in unblocking Netflix US, granting access to its extensive library. However, it encounters difficulties with other platforms such as Disney Plus and Hulu due to persistent geo-restrictions. The free version limits users to just five server locations, which restricts access to Netflix libraries outside the US.

Regarding torrenting, Planet VPN has notable limitations. The free version doesn’t support P2P activities, necessitating an upgrade for torrenting capabilities. While the premium version permits torrenting on all paid servers, users have reported inconsistent speeds.

Even with the premium service, torrenting download speeds are often slower than direct internet connections, potentially affecting user experience.

In comparison to other VPN services like NordVPN, Planet VPN’s performance is less competitive in terms of optimized streaming access and speed.

While it functions adequately, other options may offer better experiences for streaming and torrenting needs.

User Experience and Apps

Planet VPN’s user experience varies significantly between its mobile and desktop platforms. The mobile applications are noted for their reliability and ease of use. The installation process is straightforward, typically taking less than five minutes, and the app’s clean interface and intuitive design facilitate easy navigation.

Users can connect up to 10 devices across various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, which is beneficial for households with multiple devices.

In contrast, the desktop applications present some challenges, such as frequent crashes and freezes, which can be a source of frustration. Despite these issues, the installation process remains quick and efficient across all platforms. The browser extension also features a streamlined design, contributing positively to the overall user experience.

Regarding performance, Planet VPN makes it relatively easy to locate nearby servers, which helps in maintaining satisfactory connection speeds. However, the lack of a quick-connect feature might be inconvenient for those who prefer automatic server selection to optimize performance.

Customer Support

Planet VPN’s customer support system primarily relies on email communication, which may not always be the most reliable method for users seeking prompt assistance. The average response time is approximately 24 hours, and users often report receiving responses that aren’t particularly detailed or tailored to their specific issues.

This can be a challenge, especially for those needing immediate help with troubleshooting or managing their subscriptions. The service doesn’t currently provide live chat support or an extensive library of support guides.

This lack of immediate assistance options can contribute to a perception of inadequate customer support. Additionally, without a comprehensive knowledge base or tutorials, users have limited self-help resources, which can make it difficult to independently resolve issues.

Instances of delayed or missing responses from customer support can lead to user dissatisfaction. This inconsistency and slow response time may contribute to frustration among users.

Improving these areas could potentially enhance the overall user experience with Planet VPN by ensuring that support is accessible and effective when needed.

Comparison with Competitors

When evaluating Planet VPN in comparison to its competitors, there are notable distinctions in pricing, features, and performance. Planet VPN offers a lower starting price of $1.99 per month, which is less expensive than prominent competitors such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN. However, this lower cost is associated with fewer advanced features and less optimization in performance, areas where leading VPNs tend to be more robust.

Regarding simultaneous connections, Planet VPN supports up to 10 devices. This is more limited compared to Surfshark, which offers unlimited connections, providing greater flexibility for users with multiple devices.

When it comes to streaming capabilities, Planet VPN faces challenges in accessing major platforms like Disney+ and Hulu. In contrast, NordVPN and ExpressVPN have established themselves as effective options for unblocking a wide range of streaming services.

Speed performance is a significant factor, and Planet VPN experiences an average speed reduction of 43% on distant servers, which is more pronounced than the minimal speed loss typically observed with its competitors on international servers.

Furthermore, customer support with Planet VPN isn’t as comprehensive, lacking the 24/7 live chat support that’s standard with top-tier VPN services. This limitation may affect the user experience, particularly for those who need immediate assistance or detailed support.

Conclusion

If you’re considering Planet VPN, it offers a decent free option and a reasonably priced premium plan. You’ll appreciate the strong security features like AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy. While it unblocks Netflix well, streaming on Disney Plus might disappoint. Mobile apps work smoothly, but desktop issues could be frustrating. With email-only support, it’s less competitive than other VPNs. Overall, weigh its strengths and limitations before deciding if it’s right for you.