Looking for a service that provides you safety and maintains your privacy while browsing online? The fast and responsive Buffered VPN might be for you.
In this highly connected world, it’s essential to protect yourself and your private data from harmful online entities. Hopefully, the insights in this review will help you make a better-informed choice.
Buffered VPN provides fast and efficient performance while having small flaws. Nonetheless, it’s a quality service for its price.
Highlights
- A 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited downloading and streaming.
- Servers across 44 countries.
- Efficient customer support.
- Offers connectivity for up to five devices.
- Zero-logging policy.
Overview
Buffered VPN is a program made for providing privacy and security to users who wish to safely browse content online. As of now, Buffered VPN can be used on Mac, Window, and Linux through the OpenVPN software, which is excellent in its own right.
However, it is important to note that mobile clients have been developed for this program and can be used on devices everywhere.
The company responsible for Buffered VPN is located in Hungary. They claim that the software is one of the fastest and most secure VPN services available today. The good thing about being based in Hungary is that the company doesn’t have to put up with mandatory data retention regulations that are present in other countries.
Though the company has only been up and running for a few years, it has claimed the position of the underdog of the VPN world, slowly climbing the ranks.
But, does it hold up to scrutiny and thorough analyzes? We’re here to find out.
Key Information
- Parent company: Buffered Limited
- Location of incorporation: Gibraltar
- Date founded: 2013
- Refund policy: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS
Privacy
Privacy and security are the key issues for which users choose to opt for a VPN service. But they come in two distinct forms. One consists of features made available by the program itself and the other is regarding your personal information and its storage within the software itself.
Company Privacy Policy
Here, we are talking about the latter as it is equally important. If you go to most VPN websites, you will find that it’s incredibly difficult to navigate through their privacy pages as all the information is constricted in an incredibly arduous form—making it almost impossible to sift through.
Buffered VPN, however, provides a refreshing view of its privacy rules. Their contracts are a perfect example on how to properly present such information. Though it may be a little long, it is important to know exactly how they deal with your data.
In short, Buffered VPN does not store users’ private information anywhere, and this includes their online activities. You get full anonymous browsing with the help of their program and you don’t have to worry about whether your data is being sold to third party companies for marketing purposes.
Due to Buffered’s no usage log policy, the company can never access users’ private records. Since the central servers are placed in the Netherlands, they don’t have to worry about getting warrants for records disclosure.
Moreover, even if in the rarest cases they are asked to share them, Buffered can refuse to do so according to the law there.
Privacy Features
Buffered VPN uses the OpenVPN protocol across all platforms. It’s known for its high-quality standard as far as safety and security is concerned. The control channel utilizes AES-256 for encrypting data, SHA1 hash function for keyed-hash message authentication codes and a strong RSA 2048. Moreover, the data channel utilizes SHA1 and Blowfish 256 cipher, making it nearly impossible for a hacker to penetrate the system.
Though rival products use more bulletproof encryption techniques such as 256-bit, what users get with Buffered is more than enough to keep potential hackers away. Generally, the lesser the encryption, the faster connection you get, which is a nice balance. Also, Buffered allows users to select from various port forwarding options such as 53, 443, 993 and 1194. Due to this, you can use TCP on port 443 and bypass firewalls.
As far as privacy and security are concerned, Buffered VPN offers a solid service.
Speed
When it comes to performance, Buffered does seem to have certain small issues at times. And although they aren’t that common, it is important to know about them.
Sometimes, the VPN service launches cmd.exe, which makes you accept a Windows UAC prompt. This can be a little bit annoying.
The upload speed was incredibly fast, making for a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience.
IP leaks, DNS (Domain Name System) leaks and WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) bug were tested and no leakage was found. All the servers performed well, and we were able to comfortably stream in HD.
All in all, Buffered is a highly efficient but slightly flawed VPN service. It is important to note that the flaws aren’t too problematic and will probably be fixed very soon.
Locations
Buffered VPN has high-speed servers in 44 countries as of now. They’re spread across all continents, making it a truly global service. What is really great is the fact that Buffered never makes any demands to its subscribers and allows them to utilize torrents on all of their servers.
If you can’t find a server specific to your region, you can contact Buffered and the support team will help you out.
Ease of use
Pros:
- Easy access to the software.
- Clear, concise guides.
- Simple and intuitive UI.
- Auto-connect feature for instant browsing.
Cons:
- Could have more advanced features.
- Complicated setup for routers.
Buffered VPN allows users to connect up to five devices at the same time, which is exceptional in many ways. Moreover, users can also download and install the software on as many devices as they like, making it incredibly convenient for families that utilize multiple PC’s, tablets, smartphones, etc.
Buffered VPN is incredibly easy to access and use. The below steps are a brief overview on gaining access and using the software.
- Signing Up
- In order to sign up, you have to fill up the form using either your real name or you can use a fake name to protect your identity.
- Then, all you have to do is provide your email, create a secure password and buy the product using PayPal or your credit card.
- After successfully subscribing, you will get an email for confirmation.
- Then you have to log in and complete your profile to download the software.
- Installing
- The software downloads incredibly fast and won’t require you to click on endless pop-ups.
- Installation only takes a few seconds. Once it’s ready, open the program and log in.
- Inside the app, you can select the server of your choice and start browsing.
- For more convenient use, you can go to the settings panel and check “Auto Connect.” The next time you want to browse, all you have to do is double-click on the Buffered icon on the desktop to start the VPN instantly with your favorite server already connected.
Access to Help
What really makes a great difference here is Buffered’s website. If you have any doubts about how to use the program, you will find all the information you need clearly and openly.
The website has setup guides which you can read to clarify any doubts you may have. On top of that, it also serves as an incredible source of information pertaining to VPNs in general.
You can also access the tutorial section, which will take you through the various set ups for different platforms and devices.
User Interface
The interface is amazing, clear, concise and user intuitive. The opening screen displays various flags and locations, a settings button and a connect/disconnect button. Navigating through the program is incredibly easy and even the most novice online user can adapt quickly to its usage.
Buffered VPN also has built-in speed tests that you can use to find out your download speed both in and out of the VPN tunnel. Though this is a unique feature that we usually don’t see in VPNs, it is quite handy to have.
The port discovery mode allows you to scan Wi-Fi networks for open ports. This adds to the usability of the software as you no longer have to connect to networks in places like hotels without having to manually search for them. This makes Buffered perfect to use while traveling for business or pleasure.
Support
Support is a key element of any service. Buffered VPN has undoubtedly one of the best customer support services as far as VPN providers go. The website has 24/7 support which is incredibly fast. We tried contacting support for even trivial matters and discovered that the support was flawless. Not only were the responses fast, but they were extremely polite and patient.
So, if you have any issues with the software, all you have to do is contact support and you will be surprised how efficient and convenient it is.
Moreover, the detailed FAQ also serves as an amazing resource that will not only help you to get solutions for problems but also to educate yourself on the various services and features of VPNs in general.
It’s very important to inform yourself on the technology and purpose behind VPNs and how it can be used for safe browsing online. As society moves more and more into the digital space, it is crucial that you understand both the possibilities and the potential dangers of being online.
Value for Money
Like most other VPN services, Buffered VPN offers three payment plans. All three plans provide the same service; however, the longer the subscription period, the more discounts you get. So if you’re a highly active online user, opting for the longest plan would save you more money in the long run. You can pay online via PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Diners Club.
The shortest plan is a one-month subscription plan and costs $12.99, which may seem a tad bit expensive. However, their second plan is a six-month subscription priced at only $59.94, which saves you around $18 to $20. The third and longest plan is the yearly one which costs $99, bringing the monthly cost to roughly $8.25.
This gives incredible value for the money you’re paying if you consider the prices of Buffered’s competitors.
If you are an active online user and can afford it, the $99 plan is one of the best ones you can get today. What makes Buffered VPN more appealing is the fact that it has a one-month money-back guarantee.
So, you can spend your money on a plan and see if it’s worth using in the long run. If you are dissatisfied, you can get a full refund. This allows you to test the software for a period of up to 10 hours, which is more than you need to check the quality.
What We Like
- Fast and robust.
- Good for privacy and security.
- Allows access to Netflix U.S. and BBC iPlayer.
- Allows Torrents (p2p).
- Highly useful and convenient website for information, with guides and FAQ.
- Fast and responsive 24/7 live chat support.
What We Dislike
- A little pricey if you only need it for a month (but great for long-term users).
