FinchVPN, based on OpenVPN technology, is compatible with a wide range of platforms and boasts solid security features on the surface. However, a closer examination reveals both strengths and areas for improvement.
Features
Founded in Malaysia in 2012, FinchVPN has grown its network to include over 55 servers across 20 countries. It supports major operating systems such as Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Linux.
The provider’s website is well-structured, offering comprehensive FAQs, downloads, setup instructions, and instructional videos. For ease of use, FinchVPN provides a config file generator, allowing users to download a zip archive of configuration files tailored to their subscription. This feature simplifies connecting to FinchVPN servers using the native OpenVPN client, eliminating the need to enter login details for each server individually—a notable convenience.
However, the desktop application for Windows has some drawbacks. It occasionally freezes, and its status indicator can be misleading, showing “Connecting” even when the connection fails. Additionally, while the app includes a server load testing feature for real-time availability, the interface could be more user-friendly. The server status tab appears as a pop-up window that prevents connections from the main app window, which can be frustrating when quick connectivity is needed.
On the positive side, the application supports protocol switching and includes an Anti-DPI feature to prevent Deep Packet Inspection. Torrenting is permitted, with P2P-ready servers clearly marked. For users with bandwidth limitations, a traffic usage counter is available. However, it is important to note that FinchVPN permits only one device connection per account and lacks a kill switch.
Pricing
FinchVPN offers three plans, each including OpenVPN support and encryption. The free plan requires an email address and provides 3GB of monthly bandwidth with limited server access.
The Pro plan, priced at $1.61 per month, is designed for light users and includes 25GB of monthly bandwidth. The Premier plan, available for $3.21 per month, removes the bandwidth limit and includes additional features such as port forwarding and live chat support. It is worth noting that FinchVPN does not offer a money-back guarantee, though the low prices may mitigate concerns over this policy.
A one-week trial is available for $1, with an additional transfer fee bringing the total to approximately $1.35. FinchVPN accepts a wide range of payment methods, including Bitcoin, PayPal, credit cards, and some regional options.
Tests
In terms of performance, FinchVPN showed mixed results. While it did not significantly affect connection speeds, as evidenced by the following speed tests:
- Speed Test Before Connecting:
- Speed Test With VPN Enabled:
The service did, however, exhibit DNS leaks:
- DNS Leak Test:
The WebRTC leak detection results were also concerning:
- WebRTC Leak Test:
Despite acceptable speeds and encryption, FinchVPN’s performance in basic security tests was disappointing. It is suitable for streaming services like YouTube and Spotify but may not be reliable for accessing more secure or restricted content.
Moreover, FinchVPN did not succeed in unblocking US Netflix libraries or BBC iPlayer, further limiting its utility for accessing geo-restricted content.
Privacy and Security
The service supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPsec, offering a range of configuration options. For optimal privacy and security, it is recommended to use Open VPN. The encryption standards employed are Blowfish 128-bit, 160-bit, and up to 256-bit AES. While these encryption methods are robust, the service did not pass my security evaluations.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The provider claims to prioritize user privacy but outlines several practices that could be deemed intrusive by reasonable standards:
“We reserve the right to monitor the Service and disclose any information as necessary or appropriate to comply with laws, regulations, or governmental requests.”
The provider retains personal information such as names and contact details. More critically, they store connection logs, including timestamps, data usage, and user IP addresses and IDs.
Given these factors and the provider’s base in Malaysia, torrenting may be relatively safe. However, individuals with stringent privacy requirements might consider exploring alternative options.
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