In an era of ever-increasing cyber threats and internet surveillance, the importance of using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your online privacy cannot be overemphasized. Among the myriad VPN service providers in the market, Buffered VPN has garnered attention due to its speed, security features, and commitment to user privacy.
Buffered VPN is a provider that aims to secure your online activity while providing fast connection speeds. Offering more than 40 servers in over 30 countries, this Gibraltar-based VPN service ensures there's always a server ready to provide you with a secure connection, irrespective of your geographical location.
Performance and Speed
One of the key strengths of Buffered VPN is its impressive speed. The service consistently ranks among the top in terms of performance, reducing the likelihood of experiencing frustrating buffering delays while streaming or gaming. However, it should be noted that while nearby servers provide excellent speeds, connections to more distant servers may see a decrease in performance.
Security
In terms of security, Buffered VPN is robust. It utilizes 256-bit AES encryption, an extremely secure protocol that is even used by governments and militaries around the globe. This type of encryption ensures that your data is always secure, even when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Buffered VPN also comes with a built-in kill switch feature for Windows and macOS platforms. The kill switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, thereby preventing accidental data leaks.
Privacy
Buffered VPN respects your privacy. According to their privacy policy, they don't keep any records of your online activity. However, they do store some connection logs for up to 30 days, including your IP address, connection duration, and data transfer volume. It's important to note that these logs don't reveal what you were doing online, just that you were connected to their VPN.
The company is headquartered in Gibraltar, a territory known for strong privacy protection laws and not subject to mandatory data retention, making Buffered VPN a good choice for those looking for a service outside of the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance.
Device Compatibility and Customer Support
Buffered VPN provides apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Additionally, it can be configured on routers, providing VPN protection to all devices connected to the network.
In terms of customer support, Buffered VPN offers both email support and a comprehensive FAQ section on their website. Although it lacks a live chat feature, the support team is known for being responsive and helpful.
Pricing
Buffered VPN offers several pricing tiers, including monthly, annual, and two-year plans. The longer the commitment, the lower the monthly cost. Payment options are versatile and include credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin for those seeking more anonymity. While Buffered VPN doesn't offer a free trial, they do provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros and Cons
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Pros
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Cons
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Fast and reliable connection speeds
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Struggles to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms
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Strong security measures, including 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch
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No automatic kill switch available for mobile devices
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No logs of users' online activity
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Does keep partial connection logs for up to 30 days
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Broad device compatibility
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Higher price point compared to some other VPNs
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Excellent customer support, with responsive email service
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Lack of live chat customer support
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Supports peer-to-peer (P2P) activity across all its servers
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Performance may decrease with more distant servers
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Located in privacy-friendly Gibraltar
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Accepts Bitcoin for payment
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Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
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Alternatives
ExpressVPN: This is widely considered one of the best VPN services. It's known for its superior speed, excellent security, and ability to unblock geo-restricted content from virtually any streaming service, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
NordVPN: NordVPN is another popular choice, offering over 5000 servers in 59 countries. With strong security features including military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the added bonus of CyberSec technology to block ads and malware, NordVPN is a solid choice.
CyberGhost: This VPN service offers a balance of speed, security, and usability. It boasts over 7000 servers in 90 countries and can unblock most popular streaming services. CyberGhost also offers user-friendly apps for all major operating systems.
Surfshark: Surfshark provides a highly competitive service, offering unlimited device connections, a no-logs policy, and robust security features. Additionally, it can reliably unblock a range of streaming services.
Private Internet Access (PIA): Known for its large network of servers, PIA offers reliable connections and robust security features. However, it might not be as reliable in unblocking geo-restricted streaming services.
