Encrypt.me VPN prides itself on keeping clients safe and secure while connected to untrusted networks, a common occurrence on public hotspots and Wi-Fi networks. This VPN claims to encrypt you from browser leaks, Wi-Fi eavesdropping, and broadband spying all while being a simple product.
Encrypt.me VPN hides your IP address and cloaks your data—they make an encrypted connection between your PC or smartphone and the VPN server to the destination (the websites you’re visiting).
This interfaces with the Internet and all your online activity that goes through it, cloaking your identity and what you’re doing.
Let’s find out if Encrypt.me VPN lives up to its name and what makes it stand out from the competition.
Encrypt.me VPN Specs & Offers
| VPN Name | Encrypt.me |
|---|---|
| Leak Test | No Leaks |
| Logging Policy | Logs |
| Speed | Fast |
| Torrenting | Torrenting & P2P Forbidden |
| Netflix | No Netflix |
| Jurisdiction | Inside Five Eyes |
| Servers / Countries | 55 / 23 |
| Max Connections | Unlimited |
| Kill Switch | Has Kill Switch |
| Anonymous Payment Methods | Not Available |
| Free Trial | Available |
| Refunds | 30 Days |
| Customer Support | |
| Price Starting From | $8.33 |
Encrypt.me VPN Pros
VPN Speed and Performance: More than fast enough
Speed is one of the major factors that we look for in a VPN. We ran different speed tests using varying transporter and server locations.
Encrypt.me shows promising speeds – a loss of just below 30% which is usually a good indicator of speed. It’s definitely not the fastest but it’s more than good enough.
Needless to say, Encrypt.me VPN did a solid job, with no noticeable throttling. Nice work, Encrypt.me – we like speedy VPNs!
IP and DNS Leak Test: Nice, no leaks!
When it comes to IP and DNS leak test, Encrypt.me VPN lives up to its name.
True to their words, there’s no sign of leaks of any kind when using Encrypt.me VPN. While using this VPN, you can sit back and relax; Encrypt.me will keep you safe.
Encryption and Protocols: Strong and secure (look at all the cool jargon we use to let you know HOW secure)
Encrypt.me features IPSec protocol with 1536-bit minimum DH group encryption on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. They use an open-source protocol called strongSwan, and the IPsec config prefers AES128, SHA256 and MODP2048 for IKE(v1), and AES128 and SHA256 for ESP.
Windows devices run on a strongSwan as well.
For their Mac and Android services, they use OpenVPN protocol and SSL/TLS VPN solution with a custom-generated 2048-bit DH group encryption. OpenVPN uses DHE key exchanges by default, securing your information.
In layman terms, the encryption is extra strong (did you not get that with all the cool numbers and codenames?). With these kinds of encryption standards, you’re good to browse safely.
Kill Switch: Cloaking engaged!
This VPN lacks a traditional kill switch but they offer an industry-first feature called “OverCloak” that they claim acts as a strong kill switch equivalent. To be honest, it sounds like a kill-switch to us, just with a fancy name!
Refund Policy: Easy enough to get your money back
If you realize you’re not satisfied with Encrypt.me VPN after purchasing a month-long worth of service, don’t worry; just hit them up with an email request for a refund.
If you purchased a service to their website, you will definitely get back your payment within 30 days of purchase.
However, Encrypt.me won’t be able to get you, your money back if you purchase a service through one of their applications. But don’t fret; in this case, you can contact iTunes Support and request a refund through them.
Sign-Up Process: Easy enough for anyone
Signing up for Encrypt.me VPN is fast and easy. Just provide your email and password and you’re good to go! You can sign up for a 14-day free trial or jump ahead and pick up one of their plans.
Either way, signing up isn’t a problem.
Product Interface: A clean and simple interface
Their interface is neat and simple and makes using the service a simple and easy affair.
When you log-in to Encrypt.me VPN, it automatically detects your Wi-Fi network and lists it as untrusted. The application is set to turn on every time you’re connected to an untrusted network. Nice safety feature for the user!
If you trust a connection like the one in your home, you can add it to the list of trusted networks in the network section of the settings.
If you try to connect or change the server in the application’s main screen, it won’t do anything. It’ll only change if you go to the Transporter section of the settings and change it directly in there. It’s a bit hassle but once you’re encrypted, you’re good to go.
One more thing: Encrypt.me doesn’t warn you if the VPN fails or successfully connects you to the server, so you may be unprotected for a moment and not even know it.
We don’t like that one bit; VPNs are about security, and for one with “Encrypt” in their name, we’d like to see them keep users informed of what’s happening at all times (Internet security is no laughing matter, Encrypt.me!).
Encrypt.me VPN Neutral Points
Payment Methods: Covers the basics
Compare to other VPNs, Encrypt.me VPN does not offer a wide selection of payment options. They only accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover, and JBC Cards.
They do not offer cryptocurrency, so anonymity-seekers: no bueno.
It’s also worth noting that when you sign up to purchase a service, your billing information will be directed and stored into Braintree’s Payment System’s secure credit card vault.
Device Compatibility: Basic users will be fine, advanced users will not
Encrypt.me can work on the following device types—iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire. So, if you’re a simple person with simple needs, this will do. This is perfect for beginners but a turn off for advanced users.
There are no native routers or Linux setups. They also don’t support TOR browsing.
For all techies out there, yeah, it doesn’t look good, but there are other VPNs with full device support.
Encrypt.me VPN Cons
Servers and Locations: 55 is not a lot…
Encrypt.me doesn’t have the largest network of servers, with just 55 servers across 23 countries and 6 continents around the globe.
It’s not the most expansive network, especially in the VPN Market where many VPNs offer thousands of servers. However, Encrypt.me VPN has decently optimized servers considering the speed tests.
Still, we’d like to see more choice – a lot more.
Netflix Test: It’s the luck of the draw
There’s no denying that Netflix is a tough nut to crack; that’s why finding a good VPN that allows us to watch our favorite series and movies on Netflix is a must for some.
In our tests, Encrypt.me failed to unblock Netflix, meaning it’s no use for users looking to binge-watch series. It works on some US-based servers, but it took us 3-4 servers before we found one that works.
Finding a server that works with Netflix with Encrypt.me’s service is luck, pure and simple.
Encrypt.me VPN notes that their top priority is to ensure privacy on untrusted networks.
If you’re looking for a VPN that gets around streaming restrictions, Encrypt.me is not the VPN for you. (Luckily for you, here are some alternatives that do work!)
Torrenting Policy: No, no, definitely not
If you’re a torrent-addict, this VPN also falls short. Encrypt.me VPN blocks any protocols regarding peer-to-peer file sharing or any piracy websites by default.
They made clear that this is not the appropriate VPN to download copyrighted material.
For those looking to torrent? Seek services elsewhere, starting with the best VPNs for torrenting.
Pricing & Plans: Expensive by anyone’s measure
Encrypt.me VPN offers a range of subscription plans; they start with a weekly pass costing $3.99 ideal if you’re on a short trip, but pricey.
They also have a monthly pass worth $9.99, and a yearly pass worth $99.99; again, expensive.
Encrypt.me VPN doesn’t stop there – they also have family and team plans too. The offers range from $12.99/month to $149.99/year for 5 family members and $15.98/ month for 2 team members; so if you’re set on going with Encrypt.me, it might be cost-effective to buddy up and buy together, splitting the cost between you all.
If you don’t want to jump right in, Encrypt.me VPN offers a 14-day trial. No card required. Fairly generous!
Startups like Encrypt.me usually charge a bit more for the product – even if it doesn’t check all the boxes you want. That’s the reality of Software-as-a-Service type of products, or as Encrypt.me likes to call themselves, a “Security-as-a-Service.”
Lastly, if you read the entire pricing page, you’ll find they also offer a Mini Plan. The Mini Plan costs $2.99 per month with a bandwidth limit of 5GB per month. They don’t boldly show this package off, but it’s there!
Customer Support: Well, where is it?
Customer Support is not where Encrypt.me’s service shines, let’s start with that.
Like most other services, they offer a knowledge base you can browse for answers to your questions. However, Encrypt.me VPN doesn’t offer a live chat option – something that makes our VPN-loving eyes light up when we see it. They also don’t have a ticketing system. Wait, what? No support system?
Well, not exactly. They have a “Contact Us” button that redirects you to your email account. Unfortunately, it took them a few hours to respond.
We’ve seen much much better support services – oh Encrypt.me, why do you do this? We believe this also goes back to the company being a startup. Lack of funding, lack of resources for proper customer support.
Logging Policy: Your information is not your own
Let’s not beat around the bush – they log some of your information. It’s emphasized in their Privacy Policies.
They keep personal information for sixteen (16) days and delete it once that time is up. Not exactly comforting; that’s plenty of time for your information to be passed on to authorities and government agencies.
Encrypt.me VPN as a Business
A team made of engineers, designers, business strategists, and product perfectionists—Encrypt.me aims to keep people safe from untrusted networks. Founded in 2011, Encrypt.me was owned and operated by StackPath LLC (yes, it’s the same StackPath that owned IPVanish). In early 2019, J2 Global acquired several VPN brands to expand on their cybersecurity and internet solutions portfolio. StackPath’s VPN services were part of the acquisition including IPVanish, SaferVPN, and StrongVPN. J2 Global also owns PCMag and Mashable so we expect to see these VPNs on some “best VPNs” lists on these sites.
Encrypt.me started from the idea that an individual’s data should be secure while working from cafés and public spaces. Believing that VPNs at the time were difficult to use, their team chose to manufacture the least demanding service to protect user privacy and browsing activities.
Previously known as “Cloak VPN,” their first open beta opened in 2012 (and don’t get confused with cloakVPN – a VPN we don’t recommend).
In April 2016, Cloak joined the StackPath group. In June 2017, the name “Cloak” was rebranded to Encrypt.me. Currently, the company has offices in Seattle, Dallas, and Orlando.
In August 2019, Encrypt.me’s VPN service became an addon benefit for eero – a home WiFi system company acquired by Amazon in earlier that year. Their new “eero Secure+” plan includes consumer security solutions like 1Password, MalwareBytes, and encrypt.me VPN. Does this make encrypt.me the de facto Amazon VPN?
Jurisdiction: The place where Encrypt.me must uphold the law over your rights
Encrypt.me VPN is a US-based VPN headquartered in Dallas, USA.
This means that when the US government calls, they are bound to comply with government requests for data collection. If that happens, consider that other members of Eyes Alliance now have access to the same information in their database. Not great if you’re doing questionable activities (we’re side-eyeing torrent users right now), not that you can even do that with Encrypt.me in the first place.
Encrypt.me VPN Conclusion: Beginner-friendly
Some features of Encrypt.me VPN are perfect for beginners. They also don’t throttle speed, they provide a clean interface, plus a generous 14-day free trial.
However, if you’re looking for a good VPN to invest your money with, don’t bother with Encrypt.me VPN – doubly so if you’re experienced with the use of VPNs.
There are other VPNs out there that don’t log your sessions, allow Netflix and torrenting, and provide healthy levels of customer support.
Encrypt.me VPN is pretty basic and there’s a whole lot out there that provide top features at cheaper prices, although there are varying price points that accommodate for different groups of people.
To get you started, we recommend you check out our top 10 list.
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