Alex (Shurf) Frenkel
(Ex-Hacker and Technical Researcher)
Cloak is a VPN provider that was specially made for Apple devices. While we wish it offered as many devices as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, Cloak succeeds in protecting Apple devices connected to public unprotected networks. Once installed on the users' devices, the Cloak app automatically creates a VPN connection when the device uses an untrusted Wi-Fi network. The users can define what Wi-Fi networks are trusted and which ones are not. Cloak creates a trusted connection between the users' devices and Cloak's cloud servers, encrypting the data transmitted. Cloak thereby creates a Virtual Private Network, protecting its users' privacy and security. Cloak IPSec and OpenVPN security protocols, with custom-generated 2048-bit DH group and 1536-bit DH group encryption.
Through Cloak Transporter, Cloak routes their users' data through centers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. This may help mask your location and give you access to some geo-restricted websites, but Cloak does not guarantee that. Cloak is very easy to install, configure and use. It is very reliable and the connections it provides are fast.
As it is specifically targeted for Apple device users, Cloak only supports Mac OS X and iOS. This means it can be used on all Mac desktops and laptops, as well as iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch. The Cloak website provides very extensive and detailed FAQ, explaining every detail of the service. Customer service can be contacted via email.
Cloak offers two different kinds of plans: subscriptions and passes. Subscriptions re-bill users regularly, while passes are for one-time uses. Users can opt for a mini subscription plan, which allows 5GB of data per month, or an unlimited plan, which allows for unlimited use. Yearly plans have the same features as unlimited plans, but offer savings. Cloak offers weekly, monthly and yearly passes, with unlimited data allowances. Cloak also offers a 30-day trial period.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Does VPN keep logs? | Yes |
| Does VPN include a kill switch? | No |
| Number of devices per license | Unlimited |
To get Cloak running on your Mac, simply download the .dmg setup file, and execute it. Drag the Cloak icon into your Applications folder, and double click on it to run the program. Cloak will then appear in your top menu bar, rather than your dock. By default, Cloak also runs at login, but this can be changed in the settings once open. Once the menu is open, after you have clicked on the icon, you can set up the VPN connection by selecting the Secure my connection button. You need to have the program running in order to secure your connection.
Cloak offers automatic renewal subscriptions and single-use passes. A mini subscription is available, which allows users 5GB of data a month, as well as an unlimited plan, with no usage caps. The passes can be purchased for either a weekly, monthly or yearly period – these allow users unlimited data and have the same features as the unlimited subscription. A 30 day trial period is available for use before purchase.
Cloak's website hosts a comprehensive knowledgebase, with details on the common FAQs. Their direct support is in the form of emails – usually responded to within an hour. Unfortunately, there is no live chat feature available. The software is moderately easy to set up and understand, and the reliability of its servers appears to be very good, with few complaints.
Cloak is a service specially created for Mac and IOS devices. As such, the look and feel of the Apple clients are smooth, responsive and well designed. They look more attractive in Mac and IOS surroundings than a lot of the other clients, which were likely designed with Windows in mind. The WiFi manager feature is also great at managing trusted and unknown WiFi connections in a very simple manner. However, the mini subscription plans only allow for a 5GB monthly download quota, though the higher plan is unlimited. This, however, means that this isn"t one of the cheapest options for unlimited downloads, which is something that most people would expect from a service nowadays.
- Mac and iOS devices only
- Global network
- Bandwidth is limited
- 5 GB free trial
- Slow support system
- Get started with Cloak VPN now
Toby
Easy to setup, easy to "set and forget". But, that's only when the Cloak servers are responding and running as normal. I have found that often (10% of the time approx) when trying to use wifi the Cloak servers are not responsive/down and that leaves you in the exactly the situation you don't want to be in... either using iOS and OSX on unsecured connections or not using them online at all. Pretty poor outcome for something that you actually pay for.
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