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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Timeweb VPN Review 2024: Keep in Mind Before Buying

Our Score: 3.1/10
Ranked 297th out of 305 VPNs
Andjela Nikolic Updated on 28th December 2023 Cybersecurity Researcher

Timeweb is a relatively new VPN owned by one of Russia’s most reputable hosting providers. The VPN claims to provide a fast and secure service for all major operating systems at an affordable price. But is there anything that makes it stand out among the hundreds of VPNs?

To find out, I thoroughly tested its features. I tested how secure it is, along with its speeds and unblocking abilities, and checked out how good it is for gaming and torrenting. I also learned which devices it supports and how easy it is to install, set up, and use.

I can’t recommend Timeweb VPN. Its only strengths are its decent speeds and helpful live chat support. Unfortunately, the VPN comes with Russian servers that can’t unblock any international streaming service. It also logs too much data and has no security options besides WireGuard’s built-in features. Meanwhile, you can get a private and secure VPN with thousands of servers for a similar price.

Try Timeweb Today!

Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Pros

Cons

TimeWeb Cloud Features — 2024 Update

1.0
💸 Price 1.74 USD/month
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
💻 Number of devices per license 1
🛡 Kill switch No
🗺 Based in country Russian Federation
🛠 Support Live chat
📥 Supports torrenting Yes

Streaming — Doesn’t Work With Most Global Streaming Platforms

3.0

The VPN is not good for streaming international content. While I could access a few platforms with the server in Kazakhstan, none of them worked with the Russian server. You only get a Russian server by default with your subscription. This means you won’t be able to access any streaming service unless you manage to persuade customer service to transfer your VPN subscription funds into a virtual private server rental in another location.

As there are no other locations to choose from, you won’t be able to access local content unless you’re from Russia. This means you can’t access Netflix US, Netflix UK, or Netflix Japan. Additionally, Russia has banned many websites and apps, so you won’t be able to use Spotify or Instagram either.

If you only intend to stream Russian content and access services like Rutube, Kinopoisk, or Ivi, Timeweb VPN is a good choice. It also has excellent speeds, and I could watch Dad on Ivi in full HD (1080p) without interruptions. However, if you want to watch international content, you need a VPN with a global network.

Unblocked: Netflix Kazakhstan and Amazon Prime Video

I accessed Netflix without issues using a virtual server in Kazakhstan. Netflix blocks most VPNs, so I was surprised that Timeweb VPN could access it easily. I was also able to stream Amazon Prime Video with the same server. My speeds were fast enough for watching movies in the highest quality too.

Blocked By: HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+

I couldn’t access any international streaming service with the Russian servers. However, my VPN use wasn’t detected. I simply got an error message that HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ aren’t available in my region.

Screenshot of the Netflix homepage while connected to Timeweb VPN's Russian serverNetflix suspended its services in Russia; no one knows if they’ll be available again

I can’t recommend Timeweb VPN for streaming. Its Russian server couldn't unblock any global streaming service I tested, and the one in Kazakhstan only worked with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, it only unblocks the Netflix library for Kazakhstan, which includes only a small portion of movies and shows offered on Netflix US. To access international content, pick one of the best VPNs for streaming from this list.

Speeds — No Significant Speed Loss

2.0

Timeweb VPN is fast. It didn’t reduce my speeds by a lot, and I could use it for all my online activities. I hardly noticed I was using a VPN. While testing, I had access to two server locations — Russia and Kazakhstan. Neither one slowed me down by more than 30%.

While testing Timeweb’s speeds, I looked into the following factors:

  • Download speed shows you how long it takes for data to reach your device and is measured in megabytes per second (Mbps). This is important for loading videos and websites, downloading files, and streaming.
  • Upload speed refers to how fast you can send information and is also measured in Mbps. This includes posting a photo and uploading a video.
  • Ping rates let you know how much time it takes for a message to go from your computer to a server and back. It’s essential for online gaming, especially for fast-paced games. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms).
Download Speed Upload Speed Ping
Rate
Download Speed Difference Upload Speed Difference
Base Speed (No VPN connected) 32.34 Mbps 7.71 Mbps 43 ms N/A N/A
Server in Russia 22.32 Mbps 7.67 Mbps 106 ms -30% -0.5%
Server in Kazakhstan 25.59 Mbps 10.92 Mbps 137 ms -20% +41%

WireGuard is known as one of the fastest encryption protocols, so I wasn’t surprised by the decent results. Additionally, all servers are in Russia, so if you live far away, you won’t be able to find one nearby to optimize your speeds. While I’ve seen slower VPNs, there are providers that are much faster. I recommend using one of the fastest VPNs available today.

Are Timeweb VPN’s Speeds Fast Enough for Gaming? Maybe

5.0

Timeweb VPN gave me a ping rate between 100 ms and 150 ms. This is alright, but it could be better. Generally, a ping of 100 ms should be okay for online games, but anything over 85 can cause lag. So, there might be better choices than Timeweb if you're into fast-paced shooter games like Call of Duty, where quick reaction times are essential.

What's more concerning is the limited server network. With only 3 locations, it's likely you won't find one near you to optimize your speeds. To get a VPN that lets you play games lag-free on tons of servers around the world, check out this list of the best VPNs for gaming.

Server Network — Limited to Russia

8.0

The VPN only has servers in Russia. However, you can also get a virtual private server in Poland or Kazakhstan, but you need to arrange this with customer support. Otherwise, you get assigned a Russian IP by default.

You only get access to three static IP addresses. Unfortunately, there isn’t any information about this on Timeweb’s website. While there are advantages to using a static IP (like seeing fewer CAPTCHAs), it’s also less private than a shared IP address. Plus, when a VPN has shared servers it usually means you get access to many more.

So, if you need a dedicated IP address in Russia, this VPN can provide it. However, as it only comes with minimal security features and poor privacy, I recommend choosing a premium VPN with servers in Russia and dozens of other countries instead.

Security — Relies on WireGuard’s Built-In Security Algorithm

2.0

Timeweb doesn’t have any security features. Its security level depends on the tunneling protocol you choose upon setting up the VPN. There are two options — L2TP and WireGuard.

The L2TP VPN protocol has been around for a long time. However, it’s rarely used nowadays, as it’s unsafe. It reroutes traffic but doesn’t encrypt it. That’s why most VPNs pair L2TP with IPSec to make it more secure. As Timeweb VPN uses no encryption over the L2TP protocol, I recommend avoiding it and setting up the VPN through WireGuard.

WireGuard, on the other hand, is a highly secure VPN tunnel. While most premium VPNs use military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, WireGuard encrypts your data using ChaCha20. This is a newer and simpler algorithm, but it’s deemed to be just as secure as AES 256-bit encryption. However, WireGuard doesn’t come with built-in obfuscation like the widely-used OpenVPN protocol, so your ISP and the sites you visit might still be able to see you’re using a VPN.

Screenshot of a DNS leak test while connected to Timeweb VPNDespite only basic security, Timeweb VPN didn’t leak my ISP DNS

Timeweb is also missing many options that other VPNs have, like split tunneling and multi-hop servers. The WireGuard app does have a kill switch to block your internet connection if your VPN gets disconnected, so at least it can protect against data leaks. However, you can get a VPN with military-grade encryption and additional security features for a similar price.

Privacy — Logs Personally Identifiable Data

2.6

Timeweb VPN doesn't provide a private service as it retains a significant amount of your data. There's no distinct privacy policy for the VPN, which led me to inquire about it from customer service. The representative provided limited information, but it was sufficient to deduce that the VPN doesn't adequately protect privacy.

Screenshot of a conversation with Timeweb's customer service detailing the user data collected by the VPNIt worries me that Timeweb doesn’t tell you how long it stores your data

Additionally, the service only uses WireGuard, which isn’t ideal for privacy. WireGuard is designed to store user IP addresses on servers indefinitely. Most premium VPNs were hesitant to use WireGuard because of this, and they only started to offer it after being able to find solutions to deploy it while still protecting user privacy.

If you want to remain private online, I suggest avoiding Timeweb VPN. Instead, choose a VPN with a strict and verified no-logs policy.

Torrenting — Not Recommended for Safe Torrenting

0.6

While the VPN doesn’t block P2P activity and has decent speeds, I don’t recommend it for torrenting. It lacks basic security features, which makes downloading files very risky. Additionally, the VPN has a questionable privacy policy and stores too much of your data. To download safely, get one of the best VPNs for torrenting from this list.

My team and I don’t condone any illegal activities. While torrenting is legal in most countries, downloading copyrighted materials is not. Make sure to only download content that’s in the public domain.

Does Timeweb VPN Work in China? Probably Not

It’s unclear whether the VPN works in China. There’s no information about that on Timeweb VPN’s website. Unfortunately, I couldn’t test it myself because I’m not in China. I did ask a support agent, and he told me they haven’t tested it either, so he doesn’t know. Considering all this, it’s safer to assume Timeweb VPN can’t be used there and pick one of the tested VPNs that still work in China.

Many VPNs are blocked by the Great Firewall. However, while the Chinese government blocks certain VPNs, it doesn’t usually go after the people who use them. Still, before using a VPN in China, make sure you read up on the local laws and regulations to avoid breaking them.

Simultaneous Device Connections — Unknown

You get three WireGuard configurations plus the L2TP setup instructions, each leading to a separate IP address. I was also told that the number of WireGuard configurations can be increased upon request. When I had issues with the Russian servers, I got another configuration for a Kazakhstan server free of charge.

I prefer the VPN to allow more connections. Meanwhile, most premium VPNs offer at least 5 simultaneous connections, plus you get better security features and more servers. If you want to protect all your devices simultaneously, check out this list of the best VPNs with multiple device connections.

Installation & Apps

1.0

Device Compatibility — Can Be Setup Manually on Most Platforms

The VPN can be used on most devices and operating systems, but there is no app. There are instructions on Timeweb’s website for setting up the VPN on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. As the VPN is installed manually, you can use it on any device with access to VPN settings.

Alternatively, you can use it with WireGuard by installing the WireGuard app. WireGuard can be installed on almost any platform, including Linux distros like Debian, Arch, and Slackware. While this means you can use Timeweb VPN on most devices, I’d still prefer it if the service had its own app.

Most premium VPNs offer native mobile and desktop apps, so if you’re looking for a user-friendly option, check out this list of the best VPNs that offer apps for tons of devices.

Setup & Installation — Not as Easy as Most VPNs

Setting up Timeweb VPN is more complicated than with most providers. There are two possibilities, and both are explained on the VPN’s website:

  • Set Timeweb VPN up manually in your device’s VPN settings, and connect through the L2TP tunnel. I don’t recommend this option, as it’s not safe.
  • Download the WireGuard native client and upload the configuration files you can find in your account dashboard on Timeweb VPN’s website. This is a bit easier and a much more secure option.

While the setup isn’t too difficult, many VPNs today offer native apps that can be downloaded and set up in a few clicks. That’s quite convenient for beginners. Additionally, when a VPN has its own app, you usually have access to more options, so you can adapt the VPNs settings to your needs.

Pricing

3.0
VPN for 1 Year
$ 1.74 / month per month
VPN for 3 Months
$ 3.26 / month per month
VPN for 1 Month
$ 3.59 / month per month

Timeweb VPN’s monthly subscription will cost you less than $5. If you subscribe for a longer period, you can get a 3-month or a 12-month plan at a discounted price. I like that the real price for the 1-year subscription was openly displayed. Some VPNs show a discounted monthly price for long-term deals, but then they charge you for the entire year upfront.

Unfortunately, there’s no free version or a money-back guarantee. I asked customer service if it would be possible to get a free trial for a couple of days. They told me I just needed to create an account, and they would give me 2 or 3 days of free service.

However, after signing up, I was asked to send a photo of my passport. I refused, as I was uncomfortable sharing my passport with a random person over live chat. So, I didn’t get the free trial. That meant I needed to buy a subscription, which was also a bit tricky.

Screenshot of a conversation with Timeweb's live chat support, who helped me resolve my payment issuesI had to talk to customer service to find a solution, which took a very long time

While the monthly subscription seems relatively affordable, you only get access to one server location. There are also no security features, and the service logs too much personally identifiable data. Some premium VPNs will cost you the same, or less, while also providing access to thousands of worldwide servers. Plus, top-tier VPNs come with robust security features and a money-back guarantee.

Reliability & Support

6.0

Timeweb’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, but you can also contact them by email, phone, or Telegram. As the VPN is the newest service offered by Timeweb, some agents couldn’t answer many VPN-related questions and transferred me to other departments.

Although it took them a bit long (up to 10 minutes) to reply, I could see I was talking to experienced and knowledgeable people. This was refreshing, as some VPNs have ready-made answers for most topics, which makes the experience seem too impersonal.

As there’s not much information about the VPN on the Timeweb website, I talked with the live chat support agents a lot. Plus, I had issues with paying for the subscription and connecting to the internet after setting the VPN up, so I asked for help with that too. Since the service is primarily aimed at Russian buyers, I was impressed by the support agents’ proficiency in English. They always gave me detailed answers and instructions.

Compare TimeWeb Cloud With The Top Alternative VPNs
Our Score: 9.9
Our Score: 9.7
Our Score: 9.5
Our Score: 9.4

The Bottom Line

Final Verdict

Timeweb VPN is a young service primarily aimed at Russian buyers. It offers servers in Russia and has good connection speeds. I like that its monthly subscription is quite affordable, but you don’t get much for the price.

On the negative side, the VPN logs your IP address and browsing history, and has no security features to guard you from online threats. Additionally, its limited server network makes it a bad choice for streaming global content. It also doesn’t have native apps, and its setup is more complicated than many of its competitors.

Because of that, I can’t recommend Timeweb VPN. The best VPNs come with military-grade security features and strict no-logging policies, so Timeweb VPN is just not worth the risk. To stay safe, check out this list of highly secure VPNs with global servers and trustworthy money-back guarantees.

  • Fast speeds
  • Solid customer support

FAQs on Timeweb VPN

Is Timeweb VPN safe?

No, Timeweb is not the best choice for security. If you use the VPN with the WireGuard tunnel, your data gets encrypted and you can use a kill switch. However, the VPN doesn’t have any additional security features, like DNS leak protection or obfuscation technology. Additionally, Timeweb VPN stores too much data.

Can Timeweb VPN unblock Netflix?

Yes, Timeweb can unblock Netflix on its non-Russian servers. However, you only get access to Russian servers with a regular subscription. These servers can’t access Netflix or any other international streaming service. To unblock Netflix, you need to ask customer service to give you another server location. I tested a server in Kazakhstan for streaming and accessed Netflix without issues.

Will Timeweb VPN slow my speeds down?

Yes, Timeweb will slow you down. However, even with my low base speeds, the speed losses I detected while testing its servers were barely noticeable. This let me use the VPN for browsing and streaming as usual.

Money Back Guarantee (Days): 0
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: 1
We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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About the Author

Andjela is a technology and cybersecurity writer for vpnMentor, dedicated to helping readers protect their privacy online with detailed VPN reviews, testing all features, and providing the facts.

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