RingVPN Review 2023 - Keep This in Mind Before Buying

RingVPN is one of the new names in the industry, so I had to give it a test before deeming it trustworthy. I gathered as much information as I could about it to see if you should be considering a subscription just yet.

It has good security features (important when choosing a VPN) and promises to unblock a handful of streaming platforms. However, its privacy policy is vague, and I didn't get the support I was hoping for.

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Streaming — Unblocks Netflix From Anywhere

RingVPN unblocks a limited number of streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTubeTV. However, it doesn’t stand a chance against Disney+ and HBO Max’s tough geo-restrictions.

Unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTubeTV

You can access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and HBO GO with RingVPN. Amazon tends to be one of the more difficult platforms to unblock, so it’s a good start from an emerging VPN.

Blocked by: Disney+, HBO Max

It doesn’t unblock other leading platforms like Disney+ or HBO Max. Considering its price, which is similar to that of the premium VPNs, I was a little disappointed.

While RingVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and successfully hides your IP address, it’s not the best service for streaming. Instead, I recommend you take a look at these tried and tested VPNs that have no problems bypassing geoblocks.

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Speeds — Good Features to Eliminate Slowdowns

RingVPN provides fast speeds and successfully bypasses ISP throttling. It uses the OpenVPN and RingStinger protocols, which are built for fast speeds and reliable connections. This means that you won’t have problems with browsing or streaming.

RingStinger is the protocol RingVPN developed, based on WireGuard. It was designed for fast encryption, so you don’t lose speed while you’re connected to it.

Server Network — Small Startup, but Set for Expansion

RingVPN has 400 servers in 90 countries, which is a fair start. Some longer established and well-known VPNs have a similar number, or even less.

There are a number of US servers available — ideal for unblocking Netflix and other US-based streaming platforms. Turkey, Italy, and the Republic of Moldova also get a mention. RingVPN promises to “increase the number of servers each week," so it will be interesting to see if this happens over time.

Security — A Confident Suite of Security Features

RingVPN lists a good set of security features. It doesn’t support port forwarding at the moment, but says it “may do in the future." The listed features give the VPN a strong start if you’re looking for robust security.

Encryption and Protocols

It uses AES-256 encryption, which is the strongest available at the moment. It’s advertised as military-grade encryption and does a great job at keeping you safe online.

For authentication, it uses HMAC. This is a hash-based companion that keeps the connection between the server and your device secure and protects your data.

RingVPN offers Constantly Renewed Encryption Key Certificates. This works by changing your encryption key at certain time intervals, so your personal data can’t be intercepted by hackers or 3rd parties.

As for protocols, it uses:

• OpenVPN (TCP and UDP) — this is the most popular VPN protocol and the industry standard. It creates a secure connection between your device and the VPN servers, so no one can intercept the data you transmit.
• L2TP-IPSec — these protocols are now considered obsolete and a lot of VPNs stopped using them a while ago. Instead of encrypting all the data, they only protect the traffic from the server to the websites you access. This means that what you transmit to the server is not encrypted, and can be discovered by your ISP, hackers, and authorities.
• SSTP — this protocol is mainly used to set up secure HTTPS connections, and it’s one of the fastest out there. It’s just as secure as OpenVPN and easily bypasses NAT firewalls.
• PPTP — although it’s now obsolete, this protocol uses a TCP control channel to set up virtual private networks. It’s easily decryptable and all your data can be exposed in under 24 hours.
• RingStinger — based on WireGuard, it’s the protocol RingVPN created. Its job is to encrypt your data faster, while also boosting your connection speed. WireGuard is one of the best VPN protocols, as it’s fast, secure, and easy to use.

My problem with RingVPN is that it uses a couple of obsolete protocols. Besides, you can’t choose which one to use — the app makes that call automatically. This means that you never know if your connection is 100% secure, so it’s a cause for concern.

IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks

RingVPN took an extra step to protect you against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. It offers you the possibility to disable WebRTC requests with its Chrome and Firefox extensions. WebRTC enables peer-to-peer communication with the browser. If your VPN doesn’t block these requests, your real IP address can be exposed to the websites you visit — which is a major security breach.

Besides, it offers private DNS on each of its servers. This means that your browsing activity can only be seen by the VPN — not by your ISP or authorities. However, this is the industry standard.

Kill Switch

RingVPN has a kill switch to prevent any leaks. The kill switch acts as a safety net in case the VPN disconnects. Instead of leaving you exposed, it shuts down your internet connection until it finds another server.

Split Tunneling

The VPN offers split tunneling in all its clients. This works by routing some of your internet traffic through a secure encrypted ‘tunnel’ — a bit like shredding a private document and placing it in 2 different bins; it’s impossible to reassemble the data. It adds an extra element of protection.

TrustedServer

RingVPN uses the TrustedServer technology to keep your data hidden. The VPN operates ‘diskless servers’ on RAM only. Any data is wiped each time the servers are restarted, so it’s safe from prying eyes. This is a common industry practice, so I’m glad RingVPN implemented it too.

Tor over VPN

The VPN supports Tor over VPN — a special type of software designed to conceal and protect your web activity. It redirects internet traffic through a vast network of server relays so it can’t be traced.

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Privacy — No Logs Policy, but With a Catch

RingVPN is based in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and not subject to the 14 Eyes jurisdiction. In practice, this should present a solid no logs policy because the VPN isn’t required to share any data with the government.

However, the actual policy itself isn’t water-tight — it doesn’t state exactly what type of data is held, something you might be concerned about if you’re a discerning VPN user. It isn’t crystal clear on payment data either, where most VPNs outline how 3rd parties handle this. In the terms of service, RingVPN also says that it can terminate a subscription without a refund for misuse of the VPN. I felt that this gives a vague impression overall of what data is captured or used.

Despite this, you can register with just your email address, and pay using Bitcoin — which means increased anonymity. It’s also listing CyberSec as a feature, which blocks malicious ads and stops sites from tracking you.

Torrenting — Unknown P2P Support

RingVPN does promise safe P2P transfers but the terms of service state that your subscription can be terminated for misuse. I wouldn’t recommend this VPN for torrenting — it’s not clear whether this relates purely to the copywritten material referenced in the terms, or torrenting in general. I did contact support to ask about this, but have yet to receive a response.

At the moment, it’s not a reliable choice for P2P transfers, but you can check out some VPNs that are ideal for torrenting here.

Does RingVPN Work in China?

RingVPN should be able to unblock apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Netflix from China (as long as the VPN is pre-installed). I contacted customer service to find more information, but I haven’t had a reply.

If you’re looking for a VPN you can use in China, I suggest choosing one of these services.

Simultaneous Device Connections — Unlimited Connections

RingVPN offers an unlimited number of connected devices. This means you can switch between all your various devices, and use the VPN on all of them at the same time without ever having to log out.

Device Compatibility — Multi-platform

RingVPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, covering most of your devices. There are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, with the built-in ability to disable WebRTC. I couldn’t see any support or guides for setting it up on a router, so the apps and browser extensions are the only options.