SwitchVPN – short, sharp, and to the point.
When reviewing any potential VPN provider, it’s always a good idea to review the Terms of Service. Upon reviewing SwitchVPN’s ToS page, the first reaction was “That’s it!?”. The second was “Why is this so easily understood?”. It is a short page that spells out in no-nonsense, plain English what is expected: you will not use their service to commit any crime or indecency against others and most especially not against children (in such cases, you are advised to “leave the planet immediately”.
SwitchVPN has servers in 20 countries:
- USA
- UK
- Belgium
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- Romania
- Russia
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
The encryption is powerful, as they use 1024 to 2048-bit, as opposed to the standard 128- or 256-bit. They also have excellent platform compatibility, supporting Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS X (10.5 or later), and even Linux. SwitchVPN also runs on DD-WRT and Tomato Routers and is compatible with most portable devices. Protocols included are PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, and SSTP. There is no traffic logging – just the standard username, VPN server logged into, IP address, and amount of bandwidth used, as spelled out in their Privacy Policy – but they require a lot of detailed information in order to sign up. P2P is permitted only on Netherlands servers.
The user interface of SwitchVPN:
The simple and clear user interface of VPN Switch is initially offering the possibility to login with your username and password. If you don’t already have account, there’s a link to sign up.You also find the settings to select the vpn protocol, and the server location that is neccessary for your purposes. Furthermore you find the buttons to update, debug or disconnect your connection as well as the button leading to the advanced settings interface.
The advanced interface asks for your language, MUT size and proxy settings. Fill in your http proxy information like the address and port, or your socks proxy details.If you want to auto start SwitchVPN or auto connect the vpn when SwitchVPN starts, you can also choose those settings here.
Positive customer reviews of customer service but the Live Chat agent who initiated contact disappeared and never came back. When Live Chat was re-initiated, a form message popped up saying no agents were available and presented an email form. On a third try, when asked “When was SwitchVPN established?”, the agent directed me to open a support ticket.
Plan options are similarly simple and easily-comprehended:
- Lite ($5.95USD) gets you one connection to US, UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Canada. Additional connections are $1.95USD/mo.
- Combo Pro ($9.95USD/mo) gives you two connections (extra are also $1.95USD/mo) to all 20 servers.
- Business ($59.95/mo) gives a whopping 10 connections (extras are $2USD/mo) to all 20 countries
All plans are available at reduced rates for quarterly and annual terms.
Superb encryption, good compatibility, but a little thin otherwise.
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wrote on 23. July 2015
It’s all lies on its official website review page!!! It only allows you to write good comments, otherwise, your comments aren’t allowed to post there. Therefore, it shows lots of good ratings. I joined switchvpn in May. After two weeks, I found that I can’t access it. I sent out emails and asked for help. No one respond me. In June, it charged me service but not provided me service. I felt like I shouldn’t pay for the service that I can’t access. Then I asked for refund, but they simply tell me to cancel it without refund. I have canceled the service. But today they are charging me for next month’s service fee. Don’t believe the company. It’s a liar. TERRIBLE SERVICE!!!!
wrote on 23. July 2015
TERRIBLE SERVICE!!!!
wrote on 22. September 2015
I don’t vote 1 star, I vote 0 stars, if possible.
I signed up one evening because of the location selection and price. I should have checked reviews – I feel like a fool.
The speeds were slow, and the connection software crashed frequently and was buggy. About 2 hours later, I decided to cancel because of their “30 day money back, no questions asked refund.”
It’s been 4 days since I submitted a cancellation request and their online support guy keeps saying someone will email me.
No one has emailed me. I filed a dispute with PayPal, we’ll see if that does anything.
wrote on 26. November 2015
Switch is a very bad vpn service, bad speed and bad connection. They just charge you money do no thing. Stay away from it.
wrote on 9. December 2015
I have not tried them nor do I intend to. But I believe that the person that wrote the review should research encryption a bit more so that they have a better understanding. It appears that Switchvpn is being misleading on their website. They refer to 1024-2048bit encryption. From my extensive research on encryption, it’s my understanding that they’re referring to their key encryption. When they say other providers use 128-256bit encryption they’re referring to the Data Channel encryption. These are 2 totally different aspects of encryption. However, the key encryption is the more important aspect as it is the weaker link in the chain compared to the common AES (or even Blowfish) data channel encryption. SwitchVPN says they use 1024-2048bit encryption (I assume RSA). In fact, these are quite WEAK! 1024bit RSA encryption has already been cracked! 2048bit RSA is most likely still secure but it’s the absolute minimum that should be used. From simply reviewing their site & due to the vague, misleading encryption info, I would NEVER trust them as my provider!
wrote on 24. May 2016
I could not get this to work on my ipad because they do not provide an app and i am not technical. I asked for my money back under the guarantee and they did not refund me. They also took money off my credit card again the next month without approval so i then had to cancel my credit card to stop them from doing this. DO NOT subscribe.
wrote on 10. October 2016
I have been using switchvpn for more than 2 years and it is really must have in China where sites are blocked. they are very helpful if i face any problem they help me instantly on skype. Good service.