Originally known for its Smart DNS service, Unlocator has expanded to a full-fledged VPN, promising seamless streaming and robust security. But does it deliver on those promises, or is it just another service riding the VPN wave?
In this comprehensive Unlocator VPN, I tested it across multiple devices and real-world scenarios. From streaming performance to security features, I’ll share an honest breakdown to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.
Here's what you'll learn in this review:
- How Unlocator VPN performs in terms of speed and security
- Its effectiveness in bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship
- The ease of installation and use across different devices
- Whether it's a good choice for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
- If Unlocator VPN is truly as trustworthy as it claims to be
Let's examine what Unlocator VPN has to offer!
In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary
If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of my findings for this Unlocator VPN review:
What You'll Like:
- User-friendly interface: The app is clean and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to navigate.
- Fast connection speeds: I experienced minimal speed loss when connected to nearby servers.
- Strong encryption: Uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption to keep your data secure.
- Streaming capabilities: Unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
- Smart DNS feature: Allows you to access geo-restricted content without the need for a VPN app.
What You May Not Like:
- Limited server network: Only 45 server locations in 37 countries, which is less than some competitors.
- 24-hour logging policy: Keeps some logs for 24 hours, which might concern privacy-conscious users.
- Inconsistent kill switch: The kill switch feature didn't always work reliably in my tests.
- No browser extensions: Lacks dedicated browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers.
What Makes This Unlocator VPN Review Different?
Many VPN reviews out there seem to be copied from the company's website, lacking real-world testing and honest opinions. That's not what you'll find here. For this review, I purchased a subscription to Unlocator VPN and spent two weeks rigorously testing its features on multiple devices.
I used a Dell XPS laptop running Windows 11 as my primary testing device, but I also tried the VPN on a MacBook Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Throughout my testing, I captured numerous screenshots to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
My goal is to provide you with an honest, detailed Unlocator VPN review based on first-hand experience. I'll share both the good and the bad, so you can make an informed decision about whether Unlocator VPN is right for you.
Buying Unlocator VPN
When it comes to purchasing Unlocator VPN, you have a few options to choose from. They offer different versions of their service, including VPN + Smart DNS combo (which they call a Hybrid VPN) or just Smart DNS on its own. You can opt for 1 month, 1 year, or 2 year plans.
I noticed some attractive discounts on their longer-term plans. The 1-year plan comes with a 54% discount, while the 2-year plan offers a whopping 63% discount. If you're on the fence, it's worth noting that Unlocator VPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test the service risk-free.
After careful consideration, I decided to go for the 1-year Hybrid VPN plan. I figured it offered the best balance between commitment and value, especially since I wanted to test both the VPN and Smart DNS features.
The buying process was uncomplicated:
- I selected my desired plan on their website.
- Entered my email address to create an account.
- Chose my payment method (they accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency for those who prefer anonymity).
- Completed the purchase and set up my password.
After the purchase, I received two emails: a receipt from Unlocator via Paddle.com and a welcome email with download links and setup instructions for Smart DNS.
One thing that impressed me was the lack of annoying upsells during the checkout process. Everything I needed was included in my chosen plan, with no surprise costs or add-ons pushed on me.
Installation
Getting Unlocator VPN up and running was a breeze. After logging into my account dashboard, I easily found the download link for my Windows PC. The installation process was quick and painless, taking less than 20 seconds to complete. There weren't any complicated choices to make during installation – just a simple option to add a desktop shortcut if desired.
While the VPN installation was super easy, I should mention that setting up the Smart DNS feature required a bit more effort. However, Unlocator provides detailed instructions on their website, which made the process manageable even for those less tech-savvy.
Interface
Upon launching Unlocator VPN, I was greeted with a clean and tidy interface. The main screen is dominated by a large connect button, making it easy to get started with just one click.
The main interface of Unlocator VPN is simple and intuitive.The interface is divided into several sections:
- Connection Status: At the top, you'll see your connection status and the server you're connected to.
- Quick Connect: The large central button allows for instant connection to the recommended server.
- Server Selection: At the bottom, you can open the server list to choose your preferred location.
- Settings: Access to various configuration options is available through the settings menu.
One downside I noticed is that the UI isn't resizable, and there are no alternative themes available. It's also worth mentioning that the interface is only available in English, which might be a drawback for non-English speakers.
Despite these minor limitations, I found the interface to be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for VPN beginners.
VPN Servers
Unlocator VPN offers a network of servers spread across 45 locations in 37 countries. While this isn't the largest server network I've seen, it should be sufficient for most users' needs. If you're looking for VPNs with more coverage, take a look at PIA and NordVPN.
The server selection screen provides a recommended server list. The server list is easily accessible from the main screen. You can search for specific locations or browse through the available options. I like the inclusion of a "Recommended" section, which suggests the best server based on your location and network conditions.
During my Unlocator VPN review tests, I found the connection times to be quick, usually taking just a few seconds to establish a connection. The servers were generally stable, with no unexpected disconnections during my usage.
It's worth noting that Unlocator VPN is based in Denmark, which is part of the Nine Eyes Alliance. This might be a concern for users who prioritize privacy, as these countries are known to share intelligence information.
Gaming
As an occasional gamer, I was curious to see how Unlocator VPN would perform in gaming scenarios. While using a VPN for gaming can help bypass geo-restrictions and protect against DDoS attacks, it can also potentially increase latency.
In my tests for this Unlocator VPN review, I connected to servers within Europe (I'm based in Romania) and played a few online games. The ping times were generally in the 40-50 ms range, which is acceptable for casual gaming but might be a bit high for competitive play. Other top-tier VPNs I've tested managed to achieve 20-30 ms ping times, so there's room for improvement here.
Overall, Unlocator VPN's performance for gaming was decent but not outstanding. It should suffice for casual gamers, but if you're serious about competitive gaming, you might want to look for a VPN with lower latency.
Torrenting
Unlocator VPN supports P2P file sharing on all its servers, which is good news for torrent users. During my tests, I was able to download Linux distributions and other open-source software quickly and without issues.
The VPN's above-average speeds make it suitable for torrenting, allowing for fast downloads. However, it's worth noting that Unlocator VPN doesn't offer specialized servers for P2P activities or advanced features like port forwarding that some heavy torrent users might prefer.
As always, I must remind you to only use torrents for legal content and respect copyright laws.
Streaming
One of Unlocator VPN's standout features is its ability to unblock streaming services. I tested it with various popular platforms and was generally impressed with the results.
Here's a breakdown of my streaming tests:
- Netflix US: Successfully unblocked
- Netflix UK: London servers unblocked US Netflix
- Netflix Germany: Frankfurt server unblocked US Netflix
- Netflix France: Paris server unblocked US Netflix
- Netflix Spain: Spanish server unblocked US Netflix
It's interesting to note that even when connecting to non-US servers, I was still able to access the US Netflix library. This could be a pro or a con depending on what you're looking for.
Smart DNS
One of Unlocator's unique selling points is its Smart DNS feature. This technology allows you to access geo-restricted content without the need for a VPN app, which can be particularly useful for devices that don't support VPN installations.
You can set the Unlocator Smart DNS from the Windows DNS settings.Here are some key points about Unlocator's Smart DNS:
- It's designed specifically for unblocking streaming services.
- You can appear in multiple locations simultaneously, useful for accessing content from different regions.
- It's compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles.
In my Unlocator VPN review tests, I found that Smart DNS successfully unblocked services like DC Universe, TNT, and the US Netflix catalog. However, it didn't work with all services – Pandora and ESPN+ remained inaccessible.
Setting up Smart DNS requires changing your device's DNS settings, which might be a bit technical for some users. Unlocator provides detailed guides, but you'll need to be comfortable with adjusting network settings on your devices.
One peculiarity I noticed is that you need to restart your device after setting up or removing Smart DNS for the changes to take effect. You also need to manually flush the DNS cache when resetting the configuration, which Unlocator explains in their support documentation.
Overall, while Smart DNS isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, it's a valuable feature that sets Unlocator apart from many competitors.
To test Unlocator VPN's speed and performance, I used my Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, running Windows 11. My network setup uses Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 Mbps.
Here are the results of my speed tests using Ookla's Speedtest:
- No VPN (Romania): 442 Mbps download, 354 Mbps upload, 14 ms latency
- Chicago: 210 Mbps download, 247 Mbps upload, 137 ms latency
- Los Angeles: 198 Mbps download, 232 Mbps upload, 183 ms latency
- New York: 210 Mbps download, 146 Mbps upload, 118 ms latency
- Germany: 534 Mbps download, 304 Mbps upload, 40 ms latency
- France: 376 Mbps download, 308 Mbps upload, 45 ms latency
- Spain: 313 Mbps download, 286 Mbps upload, 94 ms latency
- Italy: 487 Mbps download, 302 Mbps upload, 47 ms latency
- UK: 477 Mbps download, 280 Mbps upload, 46 ms latency
- Brazil: 424 Mbps download, 289 Mbps upload, 247 ms latency
I was pleasantly surprised by the speed test results. Connections to nearby European servers showed minimal speed loss, and even distant servers like those in the US and Brazil performed admirably. The VPN maintained consistent speeds throughout my testing period, which is crucial for a smooth user experience.
It's worth noting that your actual speeds may vary depending on your location, internet service provider, and the time of day. However, based on my tests, Unlocator VPN offers solid performance that should satisfy most users' needs.
VPN Privacy Features
Shifting focus to privacy, we’ll explore how effectively Unlocator VPN encrypts user data, which secure protocols it employs, and if its no-logs pledge truly protects priavacy.
VPN Protocols and Encryption
Unlocator VPN offers a range of VPN protocols to balance security and speed. Here's what's available:
- Windows: WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP protocols
- Mac, iOS, Android: IPsec and IKEv2
From the Connection screen, you can choose a protocol: WireGuard, Open VPN, or L2TP.I was particularly impressed to see WireGuard support, as it's one of the newest and fastest VPN protocols available. OpenVPN remains a solid choice for those prioritizing security, while IKEv2 is great for mobile devices due to its ability to quickly re-establish connections.
You can easily switch between protocols in the app's settings. For OpenVPN, you can even choose between TCP and UDP transports, giving you more control over your connection.
No-Logs Policy and Transparency
Unlocator VPN claims to have a no-logs policy, but there's a caveat. They do keep logs for a 24-hour period:
"We do not store logs on the individual accounts. We keep a log at a personal identifiable level which is automatically purged at a 24 hour interval with no backups. The purpose of this log is to prevent abuse patterns from malicious usage of the service."
While it's commendable that they're transparent about this, it might be a concern for users seeking absolute privacy. Many top-tier VPNs have stricter no-logs policies without any short-term logging.
Kill Switch
Unlocator VPN includes a kill switch feature, which they call "Network Lock." This is designed to protect your privacy by cutting off internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
You can enable the kill switch and Unlocator shield from the Settings.In addition to the standard kill switch, Unlocator offers a feature called "Unlocator Shield." This is supposed to block internet access whenever you're not connected to the VPN, ensuring all your traffic is always encrypted.
However, I encountered some issues during my testing for this Unlocator VPN review. Neither the kill switch nor the Unlocator Shield worked consistently when I sim ulated connection drops. This is a significant concern, as a reliable kill switch is crucial for maintaining privacy and security.
You can enable both the kill switch and Unlocator Shield in the app's Connection settings. While the features are easy to turn on, their erratic performance is disappointing.
DNS and IP Leak Protection
To ensure Unlocator VPN was effectively protecting my privacy, I conducted several DNS and IP leak tests. Here are the results:
- IP Leak Tests: ipleak.net; perfect-privacy.com - Passed
- DNS Leak Test: dnsleaktest.com - Passed
I'm happy to report that Unlocator VPN passed all these tests, showing no signs of IP or DNS leaks. This means your real IP address and DNS requests should remain hidden while using the VPN.
However, it's worth noting that Unlocator VPN doesn't offer specific settings for DNS or IP leak protection. While the built-in protection seems effective, some users might prefer more control over these features.
Wi-Fi Protection
Unlocator VPN provides automatic protection when you connect to Wi-Fi networks, which is especially valuable when using public hotspots. The encrypted VPN tunnel helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and keeps your data secure from potential snoopers. I also recommend using a strong antivirus solution like Bitdefender and TotalAV for extra protection.
You can configure the app to launch on startup and connect automatically, ensuring you're always protected. In the General settings, you'll find options like "Stop all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly," which adds an extra layer of security.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which ones access the internet directly. This can be useful for optimizing speed or accessing both local and foreign content at the same time.
The split tunneling settings can be accessed via the Connection settings.To set up split tunneling in Unlocator VPN:
- Go to Connection > Split tunneling
- Select the applications you want to include or exclude from the VPN tunnel
- Click Save to apply your changes
The split tunneling settings lets you select apps for the tunnel.I appreciate that Unlocator VPN provides a predefined list of installed applications to choose from, rather than requiring you to browse for executable files manually. This makes the feature more user-friendly.
Unlocator also offers an "Inverted Mode" for split tunneling, which allows you to choose apps to access the internet via your standard ISP while everything else goes through the VPN. This isn't a common feature among VPNs and adds some extra adaptability.
In my Unlocator VPN review tests, split tunneling worked for some apps but not others. While it's a useful feature when it works, the inconsistency was irritating.
Device Compatibility
Unlocator VPN offers good device compatibility, supporting a wide range of platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Smart TVs
- Roku
- Apple TV
- And more
You can use Unlocator VPN on up to 5 devices simultaneously with a single subscription. This should be sufficient for most users, although some competitors offer more simultaneous connections.
One notable omission is the lack of browser extensions. If you prefer to use a lightweight VPN directly in your browser, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Unlocator VPN Review: Conclusion and Recommendations
After thoroughly testing Unlocator VPN, I can say it's a mixed bag. There are certainly some strong points, but also areas where improvement is needed. Here are my final thoughts for this Unlocator VPN review.
Strengths:
- User-friendly interface that's easy to navigate
- Good server speeds, especially on nearby servers
- Effective at unblocking streaming services
- Smart DNS feature is a valuable addition
- Supports modern protocols like WireGuard
Areas for Improvement:
- Limited server network compared to top competitors
- 24-hour logging policy may concern privacy-conscious users
- Inconsistent kill switch performance
- No browser extensions
- Split tunneling doesn't work reliably with all apps
Recommendations:
- If streaming is your primary concern, Unlocator's VPN + Smart DNS combo is worth considering. It's effective at unblocking content and offers flexibility across devices.
- For general VPN use, connect to nearby servers when possible for the best speeds. Take advantage of the WireGuard protocol for a good balance of speed and security.
- Be cautious when relying on the kill switch for critical privacy protection, given its inconsistent performance in my tests.
- If you're particularly privacy-conscious, you might want to look for a VPN with a stricter no-logs policy and more reliable privacy features.
- Casual users who primarily need a VPN for basic privacy and occasional geo-unblocking will likely find Unlocator VPN sufficient. However, power users or those with specific needs (like robust torrenting support or advanced customization) might want to explore other options.
Overall, Unlocator VPN shows promise but has room for improvement. It's a decent choice for streaming enthusiasts and casual VPN users, but those seeking top-tier privacy features or a vast server network might want to keep looking.
Not sold on Unlocator? There’s are other more robust VPN providers and I can recommend some of them. CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are excellent choices. Explore our top VPN picks for 2024.
FAQs
- Is Unlocator VPN safe to use? Unlocator VPN uses strong encryption and passed our leak tests. However, its 24-hour logging policy and inconsistent kill switch performance raise some concerns.
- Can Unlocator VPN unblock Netflix? Yes, Unlocator VPN successfully unblocked Netflix in our tests, including US Netflix from various server locations.
- Does Unlocator VPN work in China? Unlocator doesn't specifically advertise functionality in China. Given its limited server network and lack of obfuscation features, it may not be the best choice for use in heavily restricted countries.
- Is Unlocator VPN good for gaming? Unlocator VPN offers decent performance for casual gaming, but its slightly higher ping times compared to some competitors might not be ideal for competitive gaming.
- How does Unlocator's Smart DNS feature work? Smart DNS allows you to access geo-restricted content by changing your device's DNS settings, without using a VPN. It's particularly useful for devices that don't support VPN apps, like some smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)
Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.