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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.

StreamVPN Review 2024 — Keep This In Mind Before Buying

Our Score: 7.7/10
Ranked 80th out of 305 VPNs
Priscilla Liu Updated on 20th March 2024 Cybersecurity Researcher

My Expat Network (MEN) focuses on expatriates interested in watching TV abroad. The VPN company was founded in 2011, and so far, it has 120 servers across 12 countries.

MEN uses primary and stealth servers to unblock major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, MEN states that there’s no guarantee on upload and download speeds. So, I’d recommend other better-rated VPNs.

MEN doesn’t store activity logs, details on bandwidth usage, and DNS queries. The VPN uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP protocols, and AES 256-bit encryption. Furthermore, it’s equipped with DNS leak protection and a kill switch.

It is expensive with 3 plans to choose from but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. $5.49/month is the lowest cost for a long-term subscription. Payment options are diverse. Though, there’s no anonymous payment option.

MEN allows torrenting in only 1 of its server locations. Furthermore, I had a good experience with the support team as they responded to my queries fairly quickly.

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My Expat Network Features — 2024 Update

8.3
💸 Price 5.49 USD/month
📆 Money Back Guarantee 30 Days
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
🖥 Number of servers 120+
💻 Number of devices per license 5
🛡 Kill switch Yes
🗺 Based in country Hong Kong
🛠 Support Installation guides, a FAQ page, and a blog section
📥 Supports torrenting Yes

Streaming — Works With Major Platforms

With MEN, you can stream content from the 12 countries where its servers are located. It offers primary and stealth servers and recommends using Stealth Mode only when necessary at the cost of slower streaming.

The website has a directory of online streaming channels in each country that MEN serves. It promises to unblock all these channels and streaming platforms.

A screenshot of MEN’s UK live TV channels and platforms included in its TV GuideSome of these channels offer on-demand online content that MEN promises you can unblock while traveling

However, since these are just claims, you’ll be better off with one of these more dynamic VPNs for streaming.

Unblocked: Netflix UK, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Amazon Prime Video

I asked MEN’s customer support, and they replied that the VPN unblocks Netflix UK and its other libraries (without specifying which ones).

A screenshot of MEN’s response about streaming Netflix, Disney+, and HBO NowHowever, they said that it doesn’t unblock Disney+

MEN also unblocks Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and ITV as all these platforms are included in its TV Guide.

A screenshot of streaming platforms that MEN unblocksYou can find these streaming platforms in the TV Guide with channels that MEN promises to unblock

Blocked By: Disney+ and HBO Now

MEN’s customer support said it doesn’t unblock Disney+ or HBO Now. These streaming services implement advanced VPN monitoring algorithms that can immediately detect the origin of IP addresses.

A screenshot of MEN's customer support response where they say that the VPN doesn't unblock HBO NowAfter I sent a follow-up email about HBO Now, the representative confirmed that MEN can’t unblock the platform

Speeds — Unpredictable and Inconsistent

MEN’s speeds may differ based on location, internet traffic, line quality, and other circumstances beyond its control. Taking into consideration that MEN has servers in just 12 countries, you’ll most likely have slow speeds if you’re located far away from those countries. The provider doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted service, nor upload and download speeds. The amount of data you transfer each month doesn’t limit the service, but MEN can impose this restriction when necessary.

A screenshot from MEN's Terms & Conditions where it elaborates on its speedsIts Terms & Conditions also explain that speeds can vary depending on many factors

Are My Expat Network’s Speeds Fast Enough for Gaming? No

No, they most likely aren’t. I don’t recommend MEN for gaming that requires good ping, especially in competitive environments like tournaments. Given its limited server network, some servers might be overcrowded or none of them will be close to your location. These factors can slow down your speeds and increase your ping, which won’t be suitable for gaming. If you need fast speeds and low ping, I recommend other VPNs that are certainly reliable for smooth gaming.

Server Network — Limited Coverage

MEN has 120 servers in 12 countries: the US, the UK, Canada, France, Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It also offers over 2,000 IP addresses.

Each VPN location has regular and stealth servers. Stealth servers offer extra security by making the VPN traffic appear to be from a standard network. I asked MEN’s customer support if I’ll get a different IP address on both connections. During my research, I found some claims that it actually assigns you the same IP, so I wanted to check in with them. They responded vaguely by saying that IPs are assigned automatically on each connection without specifying whether I’ll get the same or different IP on the primary and stealth server counterparts.

A screenshot of my email exchange with MEN's support rep about the IPs it assigns on stealth and regular serversThey didn’t answer whether the IPs would be different on both stealth and regular servers from the same location

Security — Decent Security Features

The good news is MEN uses AES 256-bit encryption to hide your browsing data from your ISP and the government. There’s also a kill switch that automatically disables your internet if your VPN connection drops to prevent your IP address from being exposed. Additionally, it comes with a DNS leak protection, which further strengthens your security.

MEN integrates Stealth Mode that makes your VPN traffic look like a normal, unencrypted one, making it harder for the VPN to get detected. It also uses 3 protocols:

  • OpenVPN leverages the OpenSSL library with AES 256-bit encryption, which is currently the best you can get. It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Android.
  • L2TP by itself is not the safest option. Most VPNs pair it with another protocol to make it safer, but MEN doesn’t. It’s IPSec that enables encryption if you want to be safe on public WiFi networks. You can use L2TP on Windows and iOS.
  • IKEv2 is one of the fastest protocols. It can hop from WiFi to a mobile network without losing the VPN connection (this is great for phones and tablets). It’s available for macOS and iOS.

I emailed MEN about setting up the VPN on my iPhone manually using the L2TP protocol. This was their response:

A screenshot from my email exchange with MEN's customer support where they gave me instructions on how to set up the L2TP protocol on iPhoneThe representative’s instructions were concise and clear

Privacy — Not the Focal Point

MEN is based in the jurisdiction of Hong Kong where data laws are acceptable for VPNs, and the region isn’t a part of the Five Eyes Alliance. According to MEN, it won’t sell or divulge your personal details to third parties without your consent, or without the law requiring it to do so.

Hong Kong is an administrative region of China, and their complicated relationship makes me wonder if I can trust MEN’s privacy policies. Perhaps, it won’t be long before Hong Kong implements mainland Chinese surveillance laws. This would be detrimental for MEN.

Privacy isn’t MEN’s major focus, though it highlights certain information that it doesn’t collect.

A screenshot from MEN's privacy policy about the data that it doesn't collectHowever, this makes its Privacy Policy not very transparent since it doesn’t state what data it actually stores

There’s no information in MEN’s Privacy Policy about the details that the VPN collects. However, its website records your name, phone number, email address, website usage data, and any details you provide when filling in contact forms.

Torrenting — Only 1 Server Location Supports Torrenting

MEN’s Netherlands servers support torrenting and the VPN has a kill switch, making it secure. In its Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), MEN states that distributing or retaining any materials protected by copyright will result in the provider suspending or terminating your account.

A screenshot from My Expat Network’s AUPMake sure that you torrent safely and ethically

Please note that the team and I don’t encourage users to take part in any illegal activities. For your own safety, always check the laws in your country before deciding to torrent.

Does My Expat Network Work in China? In Some Regions

I contacted MEN’s customer support and they responded that the VPN doesn’t work in some regions of China without specifying which ones. They also recommended using Stealth Mode in China.

A screenshot of MEN’s response about using its services in ChinaStealth Mode scrambles your traffic, making it much harder to detect that a VPN is in use

Note that only government-approved VPNs are permitted in China, but the officials usually go after the VPN technology. No tourists have been penalized for using a VPN in China.

Simultaneous Device Connections — 5

MEN supports up to 5 connections at a time with a single subscription. However, if you get the Sabai or DD-WRT routers, you can connect all your home devices simultaneously.

Installation & Apps

8.4

Device Compatibility — Works With the Major OSs

MEN has native apps for Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. You can connect on a mobile/tablet using the Android and iOS app, and set up the VPN manually on Windows phones. However, there aren’t browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Additionally, you can configure MEN on DD-WRT and Sabai Technology routers or buy one of its pre-configured VPN routers — Netgear Nighthawk, InvizBox 2, and Asus — with your subscription. Installing the VPN on your router means that any devices that connect to the WiFi will be protected — even if they don’t support VPNs normally. This means you can use it on Roku, Kodi, smart TVs, Apple TVs, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

A screenshot of MEN's FAQ about the devices that it supportsYou can find the setup guides for all devices on MEN’s website

Setup & Installation — Quick and Straightforward

Starting a subscription is simple. Select a plan, provide your account details, choose the payment method, agree to MEN’s Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions, and check out.

The entire process only takes a few minutes, after which you can install the VPN app. If you need help configuring the router or installing the apps, there are step-by-step tutorials on the website for each device.

You can also request one of their technical experts to install the service remotely via TeamViewer. They will contact you between 9am and 12am GMT on the same day.

Pricing

6.0
24 Months
$ 5.49 / month per month
12 Months
$ 6.79 / month per month
1 Month
$ 10.99 / month per month

My Expat Network offers 3 subscription plans, starting from $5.49/month for a long-term plan. Its prices are quite expensive — almost the same as some of the premium VPNs that offer a much better service than MEN. As is the case with most VPNs’ plans, MEN’s 1-month package costs more than the yearly subscriptions. So, the best value for your money would be to get a long-term plan.

MEN guarantees safe payments. You can pay through Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Maestro credit cards, or PayPal. It doesn’t accept American Express credit cards or anonymous payments, such as Bitcoin.

A screenshot of the payment methods that MEN supportsIt accepts the most popular credit cards and PayPal

MEN does not offer a free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also cancel your subscription anytime.

Reliability & Support

8.0

My Expat Network delivers good customer service. On its website, there are thorough installation guides, a FAQ page, and a blog section that covers VPN-related posts. The only drawback is MEN does not offer live chat or phone support.

To determine MEN’s level of responsiveness, I emailed them for assistance with setting up the VPN remotely, and they replied within 40 minutes. I contacted them a couple more times after that and concluded that their average response time is around 25 minutes.

A screenshot from my email exchange with MEN's support team about setting up the service remotelyThe representative explained how to set up MEN remotely

You can use the Help Desk (Help button) to send them a message if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the top results. The team will send an email confirming your ticket number. The Help Desk is available in 9 languages to support the 12 countries that My Expat Network covers and it isn’t the same as a live chat feature, so don’t expect real-time responses.

A screenshot of MEN's Help button on its websiteYou can try looking for an answer via the Help button before contacting customer support

Compare My Expat Network 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

My Expat Network doesn’t offer the most transparent privacy policy. It only states what data it doesn’t log without stating what it actually collects from its users. It also comes with a limited server network that can affect your speeds. However, I give credit to the support team for their quick responsiveness and the free installation service they offer through TeamViewer.

Considering all aspects, MEN provides robust yet fundamental security features. Regrettably, it falls under the category of being relatively expensive, especially when compared to premium VPNs that are available at a similar price point.

  • Unblocks Netflix UK, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
  • Uses AES 256-bit encryption
  • Based in the safe jurisdiction of Hong Kong
  • Reliable email-based customer support
  • Pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Maestro, or PayPal

FAQs On My Expat Network

Is My Expat Network safe?

Yes, it is. My Expat Network hails from Hong Kong which does not belong to the Five Eyes alliance. Also, MEN implements the AES 256-bit encryption and uses 3 protocols, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP.

Can My Expat Network unblock Netflix?

MEN’s customer support team said that it unblocks Netflix UK and other countries/libraries without specifying which ones.

Will My Expat Network slow my speeds down?

MEN will most likely slow your speeds down, as is the case with most VPNs. The provider suggests using the primary connection as default and switching to Stealth Mode when necessary because doing so affects speeds. Also, speeds vary depending on factors including server location and internet traffic. Considering that its server network is small, your speeds might be badly affected if you’re located far from the countries where it has servers.

Money Back Guarantee (Days): 30
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: 5
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.
My Expat Network User Reviews (User reviews are not verified)
8.9
Based on 131 reviews in 2 languages

Write a Review on My Expat Network

Please rate VPN.

All Speed Streaming Security Сustomer service
Carmel Lopez
Carmel Lopez
10/10
Best VPN to watch TV abroad

StreamVPN, formerly known as Expat VPN, has undoubtedly emerged as one of the top choices for expats and travelers looking to watch TV content from their home countries while abroad. Its seamless streaming experience, vast server network, robust security features, user-friendly interface, and cost-effective pricing make it a standout option in the VPN market. If you're an expat like me or a traveler seeking a reliable way to stay connected to your favorite TV shows, StreamVPN is the answer you've been looking for.

Carmel Lopez
Carmel Lopez
10/10
Best VPN service for Watching all my favourite shows.

Despite all the competition, StreamVPN remains the best VPN that I have tested. Their website is user-friendly, safe, stable, and packed with features. It delivers great speeds and a seamless streaming experience across the board, is backed up by the best privacy and security features and is one of the best for unblocking streaming sites.

Daniya Gardener
Daniya Gardener
10/10
Excellent Service

First of all My Expat Network is now streaming VPN streamvpn.com. I have been using their service for quite a long and I love the streaming experience they provide. They have the best customer support. The only thing I felt missing is a contact number but that doesn't matter when they are providing everything so well when we ask for a service. I would love to give a Five stars to them.

About the Author

Priscilla is an experienced IT cybersecurity and compliance technical writer. She talks about how cybersecurity, privacy, encryption, and information security solutions support unique project objectives while meeting regulatory and quality standards.

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