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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.

ActiVPN Review & Test 2024: Keep in Mind Before Buying

Our Score: 8.3/10
Ranked 18th out of 306 VPNs
Andreea Juganaru Updated on 12th March 2024 Senior Editor

ActiVPN styles itself as “the most secure way to access the internet” — but is it?

In short, no. In fact, from its non-existent privacy policy to its pretty consistent IP leaks, ActiVPN turned out to be one of the most unsafe VPNs I’ve ever tested.

I investigated every aspect of the VPN to see if there were any other redeeming features. I ran speed tests, checked its unblocking abilities, tried out its server network, and evaluated its complex manual setup guides.

Read my full review to find out why my experience didn’t get any better (and why I’d recommend you use an actually secure VPN over this one).

Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

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ActiVPN Features — 2024 Update

7.8
💸 Price 2 USD/month
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
🖥 Number of servers 66+
💻 Number of devices per license 5
🛡 Kill switch Yes
🗺 Based in country France
🛠 Support Ticketing System
📥 Supports torrenting Yes

Streaming — Limited Unblocking Capabilities

ActiVPN was detected by about half of the streaming platforms I tested. I was able to unblock Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock TV, and ESPN. Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu all blocked me from accessing their content immediately.

Besides that, the speeds weren’t very consistent either — sometimes I could stream in HD, other times I’d have to wait a couple of seconds for the video to load.

Unblocked: Netflix, HBO Max, ESPN+, and Peacock

I successfully unblocked Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock TV, and ESPN with ActiVPN. However, the speeds weren’t consistent enough for HD streaming.

screenshot of HBO Max player unblocked by ActiVPNI could stream content from HBO Max with no interruptions screenshot o ESPN player unblocked by ActiVPNESPN+ was accessible with ActiVPN

Blocked By: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu

Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+ were impossible to access. Each platform detected the VPN and blocked me immediately.

screenshot of Amazon Prime Player blocked with ActiVPNI couldn’t unblock Amazon Prime Video with ActiVPN screenshot of Hulu player geoblocked with ActiVPNHulu detected and blocked ActiVPN

I don’t see ActiVPN as a reliable choice for streaming. Instead, you can take a look at one of these VPNs for streaming that are sure to bypass most geoblocks.

Speeds — Inconsistent Connections

My connection speeds varied wildly from server to server. A handful of servers gave me decent speeds but most slowed me down significantly.

After a lot of frustrating trial and error, I noticed that ActiVPN’s website lists its servers and how many people are currently using them. It gave me a slightly better idea of which servers would be congested and slow but I still didn’t have much luck determining the best server for my needs.

I started by measuring my base speed in New Orleans, where I had 591 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload, and a ping of 11 ms. The best performing server was the Canadian one, where my speed only dropped by 7%. However, on the San Jose location, I noticed a 50% decrease, while the Romanian one slowed me down by 71%.

If my base speed was slower, these slowdowns would have prevented me from being able to stream or even browse properly.

screenshot of ActiVPN speed test on US, Canada, and Romania serversI noticed a significant drop in speed when I connected to both local and distant servers

Because of its unreliable speeds, I can’t recommend ActiVPN as a fast service. If that’s what you’re looking for, check out these tried and tested VPNs that are sure to provide you with the fastest speeds.

Are ActiVPN’s Speeds Fast Enough for Gaming? Not Really

I could play Rocket League using ActiVPN, but the ping was a little high. This was especially disappointing as the VPN’s website markets the service as “low ping” and ideal for gaming.

My speeds also varied quite a bit between servers, and it was hard to find a server that allowed me to establish a reliable connection. The resulting latency made it pretty hard for me to keep up in multiplayer matches.

The VPN also claims that it has DDoS protection on all its servers, making it even more suitable for gamers. However, it leaked my IP address and DNS request in every test, so it won’t even keep you safe from hackers and malicious opponents.

I can’t recommend ActiVPN for gaming. Instead, I recommend checking out these gaming VPNs for the best experience.

Server Network — Sparse and Unreliable

ActiVPN claims to have 66 servers in 32 countries, but it’s actually far less.

I tested 20 servers in several different countries and half of the servers I tested failed to connect entirely. Instead, I got the error message “Host does not exist” when trying to connect.

Another quarter or so of the catalog would not accept my user credentials — I had to log in every time I wanted to switch the server. This only left me with a handful of servers that I could connect to.

I was at least pleased to see that the VPN has some servers in rare locations like Russia and Cuba. But, since they don’t work, they were no use to me.

It was frustrating having to go server by server and finding that so few of them worked. Even if every single one functioned properly, this would be a slim server list compared to other VPNs in the same price bracket.

Security — Multiple IP Leaks

My real IP address was leaked on every test that I performed. No matter which server I was on, a simple check showed that my information was not being completely encrypted. This occurred despite ActiVPN’s claim of having AES-CBC 256 + PKI RSA 2048 bit encryption, along with the OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP protocols.

screenshot of ActiVPN IP, IPv6, and DNS testI wasn’t protected at all with ActiVPN

There are no other security features, either. Most disappointingly: no kill switch. A kill switch automatically cuts off your traffic if your VPN connection goes down. Not having one meant my data was at even more risk of leaked to the websites I visit or intercepted by hackers on public networks.

All in all, I did not feel safe when using ActiVPN. You’re constantly at risk for IP, DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC leaks, which can expose your identity. I’d definitely recommend taking a look at our list of VPNs with strong security features instead.

Privacy — Non-Existent Policy

ActiVPN does not mention a privacy policy at all. This is really unusual for a VPN — most other services I’ve tested have at least a basic policy document on their website.

Instead, I found links titled “Data Protection” (which led to an empty page), “Privacy Report” (which contained nothing but graphic saying “The FBI has not been here”), and “Terms of Use” (which took me back to the homepage).

None of this inspires confidence in ActiVPN’s ability to safeguard your privacy. There is no guarantee anywhere that the VPN isn’t logging or selling your information.

Another random link on ActiVPN’s website, “Legals”, showed me that it’s also based in France. This is bad news for your privacy. France is a key member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance — an international intelligence-sharing pact. So the VPN could even hand over your information to the government.

Given the lack of security I identified during my tests, I recommend you avoid taking the risk entirely. Try one of these top no-logs VPNs instead.

Torrenting — No Dedicated P2P Servers

There are no dedicated torrenting servers, but ActiVPN doesn’t say it’s against torrenting either. In fact, it doesn’t say anything about torrenting at all.

However, I do not recommend torrenting due to the IP leaks. It may be possible for your ISP to detect torrenting activity even while using this VPN, and hackers can easily track you down.

Even assuming you could securely use ActiVPN for torrenting, the erratic server network and fluctuating speeds would render the experience too aggravating.

If you’re looking for a service allowing safe P2P transfers, take a look at these VPNs for torrenting.

Does ActiVPN Work in China? Not Recommended

I reached out to the support team to see if this VPN would be viable for use in China, but I never heard back from them.

However, even if you could get ActiVPN working in China, I don't recommend it. Consistent IP leaks and unreliable connections make this a downright dangerous VPN to use behind the Great Firewall. There are much better options if you need to use a VPN in China.

Simultaneous Device Connections — 5 Supported

You can connect up to 5 devices at a time, but installation on any device will require some technical knowledge. It’s not as easy as downloading the VPN and signing in to your existing account.

Getting 5 separate devices connected successfully may take hours, as the lengthy installation process varies for each device.

Device Compatibility — Compatible with Most Devices

ActiVPN has no native apps, so it can be installed on any device that supports the use of OpenVPN. This includes macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, routers, and gaming consoles (Xbox and PlayStation).

I definitely don’t recommend it if you’re new to VPNs, though. Setup is tricky and requires some technical knowledge, especially since the website’s guides are confusing and — in some places — completely incorrect.

Installation & Apps

8.0

Setup & Installation — Difficult and Frustrating

Getting ActiVPN set up and installed was no easy task. The VPN doesn’t offer native apps so you need to install it manually.

From the start, ActiVPN’s website was slow, clunky, and pages often wouldn’t load with the first click. When I went through the purchasing process for the VPN, I was met with a broken confirmation page that didn’t give me any sort of indication that my purchase had been accepted. I was not provided with any files or download instructions. However, I was charged the subscription cost.

After a confusing back and forth with the support team, I was given access to the files needed to configure OpenVPN with ActiVPN’s information. There is a guide that details how to configure the VPN and get it running, but it’s confusing and tedious to use.

The file links are all presented with images, so you’ll have to type the file locations in by hand. Additionally, the executable they had me use to assign a quick start icon for the VPN was labeled incorrectly in the guide. I had better luck simply going to the OpenVPN GUI manually and launching the application that way.

With a lack of clear instructions, the installation process and interface are hard to understand – especially if you’re new to VPNs. There is no traditional application or user-friendly software. Connections are made through a simple dropdown list of servers. I had trouble determining where certain servers were located and what some of the terms listed next to them meant.

Lastly, I had to put in my credentials every time I switched to a new server, which was tedious and time-consuming.

Pricing

9.4
VPN - 2 Years
$ 2 / month per month
VPN - 1 Year - Limited Quantity
$ 4 / month per month
VPN - 1 Month
$ 11 / month per month

ActiVPN is more expensive than the majority of other VPNs. It costs way too much for its features – or lack thereof. Most VPNs in this price range have standalone apps, better support, and reliable security.

What’s more, it doesn’t even have any sort of trial period or money-back guarantee, and there is no clear way to cancel your membership. You have to email support to have your account terminated, and it seems as though refunds are given on a case-by-case basis. There wasn’t a page with criteria or conditions for getting a refund on the website.

screenshot of ActiVPN's subscriptionsThis is a very uncommon practice and quite deceiving

Another red flag is that long-term plans are described as “limited quantity,” which is not something that happens with more established VPNs. You’re better off with one of these cheaper VPNs that offer tons of security features and easy-to-use apps.

Reliability & Support

8.0

My experience with this VPN’s support team was varied.

The contact page claims to have a turnaround time of 30 minutes but it took almost a day before customer support responded to my messages. There was no phone or chat support, so I had to submit a ticket and wait for an email response.

When they did arrive, however, the responses I got resolved my issues. But then the team went a step further and did something rather strange. In addition to answering my questions, they extended my single-month membership for over 700 days.

I was not charged for these additions, but I did not receive a clear answer from support when I asked why they did this.

Compare ActiVPN 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

ActiVPN was unreliable, unsafe, and unequipped compared to most VPNs in the same price bracket. It doesn’t sufficiently protect your data or ensure your privacy.

The slim selection of servers simply isn’t enough to justify the asking price, especially since so many of the servers failed to connect. It doesn’t offer native apps and the clunky website with its unclear menus and confusing installation guides made this a frustrating VPN to use from start to finish.

  • 66 servers in 32 countries
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux
  • 5 simultaneous devices

FAQs on ActiVPN

Is ActiVPN safe?

No, it isn’t. Lackluster encryption, regular IP leaks, and no mention of a privacy policy mean that this VPN will not sufficiently protect your data and personal information.

Can ActiVPN unblock Netflix?

Yes, though most other streaming platforms will detect and block ActiVPN. There are better options if you’re looking for a streaming VPN.

Will ActiVPN slow my speeds down?

Yes, depending on the server. Most servers will cut your connection speed in half while some will retain performance close to your regular speed.

Money Back Guarantee (Days): 0
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: 5
VPN Plans: activpn.com
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.
ActiVPN User Reviews (User reviews are not verified)
5.4
Based on 7 reviews in 2 languages

Write a Review on ActiVPN

Please rate VPN.

All Speed Streaming Security Сustomer service
Jeff Jones
Jeff Jones
10/10
Customer service was very helpful. Netflix works well

Customer service was very helpful. Netflix works well

Peter
Peter
8/10
Fait le taf

Un peu plus d'un an d'exploitation de ce service. Contrairement aux avis précédents, le P2P n'est pas bloqué pour moi (cela dépend peut être des fichiers de config, que je change de temps en temps d'ailleurs). J'ai eu droit à 2 coupures qui n'ont pas duré plus d'une demie journée. Je le recommande donc.

Thibault
Thibault
2/10
Service devenu NUL

IL y a 3 ans c était top, Maintenant le Peer To Peer bloqué, Netflix France Bloqué service client ne répond pas, les serveurs ont très peu de bande passante et pas forcement un bon ping, ne compter jouer avec.....A FUIRE

About the Author

Andreea Juganaru is a former senior editor for vpnMentor. She used her extensive knowledge in cybersecurity to research and analyze ways our readers can protect their online privacy.

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