Astrill VPN
Introduction
The global VPN market was valued at $44.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to proliferate due to increasing cyber threats. In (2022), countries like the UAE (25.72%), Qatar (24.03%), and Russia (23.94%) saw the highest VPN adoption rates. In contrast, Japan (0.71%), Thailand (1.29%), and Nigeria (1.84%) had the lowest adoption rates.
Although some countries impose restrictions on VPN use. Those countries include India, Egypt, Turkey, China, and Russia, where access is either limited or specific providers are blacklisted. Yet, VPNs are completely banned in Belarus, North Korea, Iraq, and Turkmenistan.
A VPN (virtual private network) doesn’t collect your IP address, browsing history, or connection logs. It’s a cybersecurity tool that keeps your online identity safe. Thanks to its security features, VPNs are widely used worldwide for personal, professional, and business purposes.
In this blog, we’ll discuss a detailed review of one such powerful VPN called Astrill VPN. Let’s dive deeply into all its features, workflows, and more below!
What is Astrill VPN?
Founded in 2009 and owned by Veloxee Corp, Astrill is a long-running VPN, developed by a team of cryptographers. It’s primarily an anti-censorship tool, excelling in this role. Experts claim Astrill’s StealthVPN consistently bypasses China’s Great Firewall. Thus, Astrill is best VPN for China.
Astrill VPN is a solid all-around service, especially for bypassing internet censorship in countries like China. It’s fast, private, and works with US Netflix but is more expensive than competitors. We recommend it for users in heavily censored countries, but beginner or small casual users might prefer a cheaper, simpler option.
Astrill’s servers are located in 142 cities across 56 countries. Its premium features include unlimited connection to devices, unlimited bandwidth, unlimited speed, unlimited server switches, 24/7 support, no logs kept, and Bitcoin support, etc.
Security and Privacy
Astrill offers the highest level of privacy and security features to safeguard your identity. It offers 256-bit AES encryption, the industry standard used by major banks to ensure your data security. The platform uses Wire Guard security protocols and includes a kill switch to protect your data if the connection drops.
Astrill ensures quick and reliable connections with availability of multiple servers worldwide. It doesn’t keep logs, ensuring your privacy. Additional safety features include App Guard, Smart Mode, Bitcoin support, and inbuilt tools like VPN leak tests and Port scan.
If you’re considering a VPN, Radmin VPN is another solid option that offers a free and reliable alternative. Likewise, Surfshark is an affordable choice with great security features.
These features collectively make Astrill VPN one of the safest VPN options.
Performance and Speed
Although Astrill is the VPN with strongest security features, its desktop and mobile apps, especially on Windows, could use significant improvements.
The app interface feels cluttered and unintuitive, with a small window crammed with options. They could simplify the design to improve the overall user experience.
Despite its shortcomings, this VPN provides fast connections with a solid performance. For reference, ExpressVPN’s user-friendly app could serve as a model for these enhancements.
VPN speeds are tricky to measure due to many factors. So, we first established our baseline speed. And, then we have compared it using different tunneling protocols and servers to test the speed.
OpenVPN (UDP/TCP)
During testing, OpenVPN frequently disconnected. Something was blocking us from connecting to any server for a few minutes, even with TCP, which is unusual.
UDP delivers reliable download speeds, with only a 34% drop on average, except for low points in India and Argentina. Yet, its upload speeds drop significantly, averaging an 80% decrease.
Astrill VPN’s TCP speeds are inconsistent – blazing fast on some series, but extremely slow on others. On average, download and upload speeds drop by about 60%, though this varies widely.
OpenWeb and StealthVPN
OpenWeb and StealthVPN are quite different despite being on the same table. OpenWeb offers excellent speeds and nearly instant connections, with only a 3% drop in download speed and a 46% drop in upload speed.
StealthVPN, a modified version of OpenVPN (UDP), shows similar speeds to those previously noted. Download speeds drop by about 36% while uploads see a 75% decrease.
Features
VPN Sharing
Setting up a VPN on unsupported devices is often complex. Astrill simplifies this with VPN sharing on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Just toggle it in the settings, and the app handles the rest, letting you connect to other devices easily.
Your connection routes through the PC and VPN server, masking your IP. This is great for accessing region-locked content, like Xbox rewards or foreign Netflix on Apple TV.
Smart Mode
Astrill’s smart mode routes local websites outside the VPN tunnel and foreign ones through it. For instance, in Astrill VPN China, visiting WeChat shows the local version, while accessing Wikipedia uses the VPN with a foreign IP.
This keeps your internet fast and ensures access to local services that might be blocked by a foreign IP, like your bank. Smart mode is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone, and Android, covering most of your devices.
Application Filter
If smart mode isn’t enough, you can use the Application filter, Astrill’s split tunnelling feature. This lets you exclude specific domains or IP addresses from the VPN to let them connect directly. Split tunnelling is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Yet, iOS users will need to stick with smart mode.
Kill Switch and App Guard
Astrill’s app guard works as a soft kill switch for apps you don’t want active when the VPN isn’t connected. Just go to the App Guard setting and add the app you want to disable if the VPN disconnects. This saves you from messing with firewall settings. You can add apps like uTorrent that tend to start automatically. It could come in handy.
Port Forwarding
Port forwarding can be risky, but some users appreciate the benefits. With Astrill, you can redirect connections from your local LAN to external devices, like setting up a game server.
Astrill forwards traffic to the VPN’s IP and back to your device, keeping a barrier between them. This works best with a dedicated IP, letting you forward all ports, while common servers allow only one pre-selected port. If it feels too risky, you can simply disable the feature.
Access .onion sites without Tor
Astrill lets you browse deep web .onion pages without needing the Tor browser. Simply type in a .onion address, and it will load. This feature (using domain detection) is a safer alternative to browser add-ons that have exposed Tor users to risks. It’s a convenient way to access the dark web.
Pricing and Plans
All VPN pricing plans include the following features:
- 24/7 customer support
- Free app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers.
- Connect unlimited devices in your household
- Ultra-fast VPN servers in 50+ countries
- Unlimited bandwidth and server switches
- OpenVPN, StealthVPN, OpenWeb, and WireGuard
| Duration | 1 Month | 2 Years | 1 Year |
| Price | $30/mo ($30 for every month) |
$12.50/mo ($300 for 2 years) |
$15/mo ($180 every year) |
Add-ons
- Private IP on the specific server ($5/mo each)
- VIP add-on (starts from $10/mo)
Note: VIP add-ons offer reduced latency and optimized speeds for Asian people. It includes priority server traffic and multi-hop VPN for extra anonymity.
If affordability is a concern, NordVPN provides excellent security at a competitive price. Similarly, CyberGhost VPN is great for streaming and offers user-friendly features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast speeds
- Kill switch for safety
- Split tunnelling feature
- Ad-blocker included
- Compatible with some streaming sites
- Has a native applet for users
- Supports secure VPN protocols
- Works in China
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- No refunds, all sales are final
- Logs data even with a non-logging policy
- App could be easier to use
- Requires your phone number to sign up
- Finding a server for streaming can take time
- Supports custom VPN protocols
Astrill VPN vs. Surfshark
Astrill vs. Surfshark Selling Points
| Astrill VPN | Surfshark |
| Multi-platform compatibility | 30-days money back guarantee |
| Bypasses geo-censorship | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| 7 days free trial | One account for unlimited devices |
| Two free months on all plans | |
| Webcam protection | |
| Compatible with all popular devices and platforms | |
| Personal detail generator | |
| Easy to access mobile app | |
| Data removal from company databases and people search sites | |
| Emails, credit cards, and ID leaks monitoring | |
| Reliable ping |
Astrill vs. Surfshark Security Comparison
| Basis of comparison | Astrill VPN | Surfshark |
| 256-bit AES encryption | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dedicated IP servers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Kill switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| RAM-only servers | ❌ | ✅ |
| Split tunnelling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Two-factor authentication | ❌ | ❌ |
| Warrant canary | ❌ | ✅ |
| Zero logging policy | ❌ | ✅ |
Astrill VPN vs. NordVPN
| Basis of comparison | Astrill VPN | NordVPN |
| Lowest monthly price | $12.50/mo for the 2-year plan | $3.09/mo for the first 2 years |
| Money-back guarantee | No money-back policy | 30-days |
| Price on renewal | $180/year (subject to change) | $99.48/year (subject to change) |
| VPN servers | 56 countries with 142 servers | 111 countries with 6,344 servers |
| Streaming | Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, and more |
| P2P support | Yes, on all servers | Yes, on specific servers |
| Speed | Max 5% speed drop on nearby servers, ideal for HD-friendly streams | Max 7% speed drop on nearby servers, great for streaming |
Astrill VPN vs. Radmin VPN
| Basis of comparison | Astrill VPN | Radmin VPN |
| Pricing | $12.50/mo for the 2-year plan | 100% free |
| Streaming | Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. | Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. |
| Platform compatibility | Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers | Supports Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. |
Conclusion
In this Astrill VPN review, there’s not much to dislike. It’s a competitive service, almost on par with top VPNs like NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark.
Yet, we dislike the lack of a third-party audit, average streaming, and especially it’s high price. A third-party audit service must be there if they’re charging this much high cost. Also, it’s quite disappointing that Astrill charges this much without official certification.
When paying top dollars, you expect everything. It’s like buying a new iPhone without the latest chip – it wouldn’t feel right. Astrill still needs to justify its price, despite its great features.
Aside from that, the service performed well during our testing and review.
FAQs
What platforms does Astrill VPN support?
It supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers.
How does Astrill VPN compare with other top VPNs?
Astrill VPN lacks certain features as compared to other top VPNs. It includes a lack of multiple server locations, lack of a money-back guarantee, and logging certain data even after claiming a no-log policy on their official website.
Is Astrill VPN suitable for streaming and gaming?
Yes, it provides good speed for streaming and gaming.
Does Astrill VPN offer a free trial or money-back guarantee?
Yes, it offers a 7-day free trial but doesn’t offer any money-back guarantee.
How secure is Astrill VPN?
The platform is secure when we talk about using or choosing among a range of security protocols. Yet, it’s a little disappointing when they log certain data even after having a no-log policy.
