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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover 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 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 to review VPN services and cover 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 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.

Planet VPN Review 2024 - Why 7.3 Stars?

Our Score: 7.3/10
Ranked 23rd out of 198 VPNs
Editor's Note: Planet VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Lawrence Wachira Updated on 26th July 2024 Fact-checked by Matthew Amos Editor

Planet VPN (formerly RusVPN) is a low-cost VPN, with a free option, that promises to be fast and secure. This sounds great, but can it live up to its claims and compete with the premium VPNs?

After testing all its features, I found it’s a solid VPN, but there's room for improvement. While it’s a good choice for security and privacy, it’s average for streaming, and customer support is unreliable. I recommend you try one of our top-ranked VPNs that are great for streaming, with support available 24/7 on live chat and email.

Try Planet VPN Today!

Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Pros

Cons

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Planet VPN Features — 2024 Update

7.2
💸 Price 1.99 USD/month
📆 Money Back Guarantee 30 Days
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
🖥 Number of servers 1260+
💻 Number of devices per license 10
🛡 Kill switch Yes
🗺 Based in country Romania
🛠 Support Via Email
📥 Supports torrenting Yes

Streaming — Unreliable for Unblocking Streaming Sites

5.0

Planet VPN failed to unblock several streaming services. I also endured a few seconds of buffering on some platforms. However, when it did manage to unblock streaming libraries, I could reliably watch in crystal clear quality.

My streaming experience was also disrupted by frequent server disconnects. So, I had to keep on establishing a connection, which was really annoying.

The free servers' performance is patchy at best — at times, they were unsuccessful in accessing Peacock and Max (formerly HBO Max). However, I had no issue unblocking Netflix originals. Overall, extended video load times and frequent buffering tainted my free viewing experience.

Unblocked: Peacock, Max, and Netflix

I was really pleased that Planet VPN worked successfully with Peacock. I accessed my account without any issues and was able to stream The Secret Life of Pets in UHD.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN unblocked PeacockOnce the video loaded, I could watch the movie without any buffering

In my next test, it also let me watch Max, though the quality wasn’t great. The few movies I tested took a few seconds to load, and there was buffering when I tried to skip to different sections of the movies.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN unblocked HBO MaxIt has several US servers, so you can always find one that isn’t overcrowded

The VPN also successfully unblocked Netflix originals. This is a version of the site that doesn't have region-specific content. Its performance was nearly as good when I tried to stream content from servers in Japan and France.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN unblocked Netflix originalThe server loaded every video I tried in less than 10 seconds

Unfortunately, it failed to unblock Netflix titles that are geo-blocked in specific countries. I tried to watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia using a UK server, and the platform displayed an error message. Fortunately, the best VPNs for Netflix can unblock tons of full libraries.

Blocked By: ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, ITV, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer

Planet VPN didn't work with ESPN+. I could access the platform and browse the library without any issues, but the site restricted me from streaming any video.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN didn't ublock ESPN+I tested 5 servers (and even changed their IPs), but none of them worked

Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu detected I was using a VPN and blocked all my attempts to stream. Even when I switched to different IP addresses or servers, the outcome remained unchanged.

ITV also didn’t let me live-stream or watch videos while connected to Planet VPN. Every time I clicked on a movie or a live stream, an error message popped up that said the show wasn’t available right now.

Speed — Fast on Nearby Servers but Slow on Distant Ones

7.4

Planet VPN delivers fast speeds on nearby servers, but its performance drops when connected to servers faraway. All these servers were tested on the OpenVPN UDP protocol since it gave us the best speeds. It’s important to highlight that the speed tests below were taken from the same location with the same connection, ensuring fair comparisons. A minimum of 10 tests were performed on each server.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN is fast speed on nearby and slow at some distance serversMy speeds dropped 4% on average with nearby servers, and 43% on distant ones

Connection speeds on nearby servers held up very well, with speed drops ranging between 2% and 8%. This is impressive as you can expect 20+% more with most VPNs, even in close proximity.

However, a 99.4% drop on the Brazilian servers (over 8000 km away) surprised me since there were more distant servers that were faster. It was probably slow due to overcrowding. Unfortunately, Planet VPN doesn't show you any load percentage on its apps. I hope that's a feature it adds in the future.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN's South African server is fast.Even though it was over 13,000 km away, it only reduced my speed by 14%

I also speed-tested it using IKEv2 on my mobile device, and the results were decent. Among all the servers, the France server remained the fastest, with only a 7% decrease in speed. While the other servers were slightly slower, they still performed admirably. However, the Brazilian server once again proved to be exceptionally sluggish, causing a 99.6% drop in speed.

Lastly, the speeds on the free servers aren’t great. The servers in the US, UK, and France reduced my speed by an average of 40.3%. However, with a paid account, the speed drop on these servers was much less — just 16.8%. So, I recommend you consider an upgrade to prevent significant speed drops.

Overall, Planet VPN is an excellent option if you primarily intend to connect to nearby servers.

Gaming — Good for Gaming

8.8

Planet VPN is fast enough for gaming without lag. Nearby servers worked for me as I expected, but distant ones gave me high ping rates. Any VPN will increase latency on faraway servers, so unless you have any preferences, I recommend you stick to one close to you. A latency below 100 ms is necessary for lag-free gaming.

Overall, most servers I tested offered seamless gameplay while playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. I experienced a brief stutter at the start, but once I was in the midst of firefights, I played without any problems and easily outshot my opponents. However, the performance of its free servers left a bit to be desired — longer load times and occasional lag disrupted my gaming experience.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN is ideal for gamingI could move smoothly and shoot without any issues while using paid servers

Overall, I recommend connecting to a local or nearby Planet VPN server when gaming with Planet VPN.

Server Network — Few Servers, but They’re Nicely Spread Out

7.0

Planet VPN has 1,260 servers in 60 countries, which is pretty small. Most of its servers are in the US, but you can also find servers across Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. I was also pleased to find that it offers server locations in Africa and Oceania.

The free version limits you to servers in the US, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.

A screenshot showing Planet Free VPN only offers several servers worldwide, including city-level ones in the USFor the best speeds, choose a server close to your actual location

You have the advantage of switching between different IPs with a paid version — this isn't possible with the free version. A premium account also lets you pick servers from specific US cities (an option exclusive to this country).

Some of its servers support P2P activities, streaming, Onion Over VPN, and Double VPN. But right now, it's hard to spot them as they're mixed in with all the others. Planet VPN is working on categorizing its servers into separate groups to make this easier, so keep an eye on that.

The VPN owns all its servers, which is really nice as some of the VPNs I have tested rent them, introducing a third party that can compromise your privacy. Unfortunately, my questions on whether it uses RAM-based servers and whether it uses virtual locations remained unanswered.

On top of that, it took a long time to establish a connection on all servers. For example, I can connect to ExpressVPN within 5 seconds, but with Planet VPN, I had to wait for 15+ seconds. Even changing IPs was slower, taking about 20 seconds.

Security — Robust Encryption and No IP/DNS Leaks

8.8

Planet VPN offers high-level encryption and strong security features, which proved trustworthy in tests. However, I do wish its apps had a few extra features that many other VPNs offer. Split Tunneling and ad & tracker blockers are only available on browser extensions. I like using the former to conveniently access my banking app without getting blocked. Fortunately, the free version offers the same security features as the paid version.

Encryption — Military-Grade Protection

Planet VPN keeps you safe with AES 256-bit, virtually uncrackable encryption. This is the same level used by militaries and banks around the world. It scrambles your data, making it unreadable to hackers and snoops.

Security Protocols

It gives you a choice between protocols, including OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP/IPSec. It's also smart enough to automatically select the best one for you. IKEv2 is only available for mobile apps, while OpenVPN works on all platforms. For DIY setups, these protocols can be used on any device that supports them with a subscription.

OpenVPN is the industry standard for security, and it’s open source. That means it’s constantly being checked by experts for vulnerabilities. L2TP isn't quite up to scratch, and PPTP is an older protocol that doesn’t offer the same level of protection. IKEv2 is good in specific cases, as it’s fast and suitable for mobile devices since it can quickly reestablish connections.

DNS, IP, and WebRTC Leaks

The VPN successfully passed all my leak tests. When I connected to its South African server, the leak-detecting tool showed an IP address from there. This means that Planet VPN keeps your location private.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN passed DNS/IP leak testsI tried multiple servers, and they all successfully hid my IP and DNS requests

I also didn’t detect any IP/DNS leaks while testing its free servers.

Kill Switch

I tested out the kill switch, and it proved successful. However, you have to enable it, and I suggest you do so before turning the VPN on. This feature prevents accidental data exposure should the VPN disconnect, for example, when switching servers. In my tests, it promptly cut off my internet connection whenever a disconnect occurred. Notably, I experienced frequent disconnections while streaming on US servers.

Privacy — Doesn't Keep Logs but Still Unproven

7.0

The VPN outlines its terms and doesn’t appear to misuse your data. But, make sure to thoroughly research its policy as it can be subject to updates at any time. While we don’t condone using a VPN for any illegal purposes, this is still a reassurance that your private information won’t be shared.

Does Planet VPN Keep Logs? No

It has a transparent policy that makes it clear it doesn’t record your location or online activities.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN doesn't store any sensitive informationAll data about your VPN usage is anonymized and isn't tied to your IP

It does state that its legal department will be in touch should you download any copyright-protected material. This is common practice for VPN providers. The VPN also lets you make payments using crypto — another way it enhances your anonymity.

Was Planet VPN Audited? No

No outside checks have been done on this VPN's app or its privacy rules yet. This is a surefire way to boost confidence in a company that handles your online traffic, and I’d like to see this done in the future. Plus, there haven't been any practical scenarios, such as legal proceedings to confirm that it doesn't maintain logs.

Based in Romania

Planet VPN is headquartered in Romania, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. This is an agreement between governments to share data on their citizens. So, this makes me trust that Planet VPN won't be compelled to store and share your data in the future.

Does Planet VPN Work in China? Yes

I reached out to Planet VPN’s support, and they confirmed that it works in China.

A screenshot showing customer support confirmed Planet VPN will work in ChinaThe VPN recommends using L2TP protocol while in China

Unfortunately, the VPN doesn’t offer any obfuscation technology. Obfuscation makes your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic, so DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) systems in China can't distinguish between them. So, there’s a possibility the VPN won't work well in China and might not provide you with the desired level of privacy.

Although the Chinese government has banned many VPNs, it normally doesn't target individuals for using them. However, I strongly advise researching the country's laws before making a decision to use a VPN there.

Torrenting — Supported and Safe

6.8

Planet VPN allows you to torrent on all its paid servers. I felt safe using it because its kill switch and leak protection proved effective during my tests. Unfortunately, it’s not super fast.

To test its torrenting capability, I downloaded a 272.31 MB file using Deluge without any issues. On a South African server, it was able to complete the download in 18 minutes. Without a VPN, I can download the same file in just 3 minutes.

It doesn’t support P2P activities on its free servers. I tried each of the 5 servers, and I always received an error message stating torrenting is prohibited on these locations. After this, the VPN immediately activated its kill switch.

While torrenting is legal in most countries, it's important to note that downloading pirated files is not. Therefore, I recommend limiting yourself to torrents that are within the public domain to avoid getting into trouble.

Installation & Apps

8.0

Multi-Platform Support

All Planet VPN apps are easy to use. You can connect to the VPN right away with its free version or sign in to your paid account. Plus, customizing it is straightforward — simply click the three horizontal lines to access the main setting menu.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN has a simple and uncluttered user interfaceYou can “favorite” your most used servers by clicking the star icon next to them

The interface is almost the same on all apps. You'll find a server list to scroll through, and the conveniently placed connect button makes establishing a connection a breeze.

Setup & Installation

It took less than 5 minutes to download and install Planet VPN on each device I tested. Windows and Mac apps can be downloaded from its website, except for mobile, which are available on the App Store or Play Store.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN's download pageSimply click on your device, and you'll be directed to the download page

I also appreciate the amount of browser extensions it supports, which are all easy to install.

Device Compatibility

Planet VPN is compatible with every major operating system and browser. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer a smart DNS feature. So, if you want to use it with a gaming console or smart TV, you’ll have to install it on a compatible router. You should also be aware you need a subscription to use the VPN on Linux and routers.

Desktop — Apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux

The Windows and Mac apps are easy to use. You can choose your server and connect easily, and the connection status is displayed on the main screen. The kill switch option is in the settings menu, with one-click buttons for enabling and disabling. Both come with the same protocols.

The VPN doesn’t offer a native app for Linux. But, I appreciate it offers configurations that you can use to set it up manually. The same applies if you want to configure OpenVPN. You can get a VPN that offers native apps for Linux in this list.

Android and iPhone (iOS)

The VPN’s Android and iOS apps are streamlined and easy to navigate. I downloaded the Android version from the Google Play Store and had it up and running in seconds. An APK file is also available on its website, so you don’t have to worry if your VPN doesn’t support Play Store. Unfortunately, ads may disrupt your experience on these apps a few times a day.

Browser Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Yandex

The navigation is similar on these browsers, but this is a proxy setup only. So, they’ll
disguise your IP address, but won’t encrypt your connection. You’re always better off using a full VPN app. In addition, the kill switch and the ability to change security protocols are not available with these extensions, but this is pretty standard for VPN extensions.

Router Compatibility

You can manually configure Planet VPN on most routers and get its benefits on any connected home device, including smart TVs and gaming consoles. Although Planet VPN provides a detailed guide for setting up the VPN on a router, I find it more convenient to use a VPN that offers a dedicated app for routers.

Here are some of the routers it’s compatible with:

  • Asus
  • TP-link
  • Mikrotik
  • Huawei
  • DD-WRT

Simultaneous Device Connections

Planet VPN allows 10 simultaneous device connections. I tested this capability while connected to the US server and accessing YouTube on my Windows laptop. I also connected my 2 Samsung phones and tablet to Planet VPN at the same time, and I was able to load and watch videos in HD.

Since the free version requires no account, you can use it on as many devices as you want. I appreciate this because many free VPNs only offer 1 connection.

Pricing

7.0
3 Years+1 Year
$ 1.99 / month per month
1 Year
$ 3.99 / month per month
1 Month
$ 9.99 / month per month
Editor's Note: Planet VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

Very Affordable

Payment options include credit cards and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin along with others), and the long-term option offers the best value for your money. The monthly plan is more expensive, but both plans offer the same features.

While Planet VPN has affordable prices, there are premium VPNs at a similar price offering more features. It has good security features and is straightforward to use, but it can't unblock most popular streaming platforms, and it slows down significantly connecting to distant server

You can download Planet VPN free on various devices and there are no bandwidth limits. This is exceptional because many free VPNs impose these limitations. However, it doesn’t allow you to switch between different IPs or use city-level servers in the US.

You'll need a premium version to access more server locations, and use it on routers. Luckily, it comes with a 30-day money-back policy, so you can get a full refund if you’re not satisfied.

You can request a refund by emailing customer support if you change your mind. You only need to briefly give a reason for canceling. After that, you’ll need to await the confirmation email. I sent an email over the weekend, and it only took 4 hours to get a reply.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN confirming a refund request.The money was returned to my credit card after 15 days

The support team tried to lure me to stay by trying to resolve the issues I highlighted before proceeding with my request. However, I didn't receive an immediate confirmation, and I had to ask the VPN twice to verify whether they had indeed processed my refund.

Reliability & Support

7.0

Friendly, but Super Slow on Weekends

Planet VPN offers 24/7 support, but live chat isn’t always available. You can also contact support via email. I often used it when the live chat option wasn’t available.

I could get in touch with a rep within minutes when the chat feature was live regardless of my subscription status. However, through email, I had to wait over 45 minutes for a reply, and this can extend to hours during weekends.

A screenshot showing Planet VPN's customer support is reliableWhen agents couldn't provide immediate answers, they asked me to email the technical team for a response

The website is an invaluable resource. It features helpful information, including a detailed FAQ, tutorials, a blog, and a new YouTube channel. Overall, Planet VPN is close to being great in this category. I just hope it features a legit 24/7 chat in the future.

Compare Planet VPN With The Top Alternative VPNs
Our Score: 9.9
Our Score: 9.7
Our Score: 9.6
Our Score: 9.5
Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

The Bottom Line

Final Verdict — Secure With a Great Free App

Planet VPN shines in a couple of categories. It supports torrenting and offers robust security features along with a transparent no-logs policy. Plus, its compatibility across different devices and browsers is something I really admire. On top of that, its free version has no traffic, bandwidth, or time limits, which is uncommon among most VPNs.

It does have a few drawbacks. It's slow on distant servers, and its unblocking capabilities aren’t impressive. Overall, it's a trustworthy VPN with solid security for a low price. However, if your priority is a service that's excellent for streaming on any platform without compromising your speed, then try these highly-ranked VPNs.

  • Great security features
  • Transparent no-logs policy
  • Lag-free gaming
  • Safe P2P activities
  • Supports all major operating systems
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

FAQs on Planet VPN

Is Planet VPN safe?

Yes, Planet VPN is safe. It adheres to a no-logs policy, and I didn't detect any IP or DNS leaks during my tests, which means it successfully masked my real location. Plus, it offers strong security features like military-grade encryption and a kill switch.

Can Planet VPN unblock Netflix?

It can access Netflix originals, but it won’t let you stream titles that are geo-restricted to specific countries. It also allowed me to watch videos on Peacock and Max, but its server network is a bit small and it can't unblock all popular streaming platforms.

Will Planet VPN slow my speeds down?

Yes, it will slow you down on distant servers. All VPNs slow you down since your traffic has to be rerouted and encrypted. However, Planet VPN provided good speeds on nearby servers and slowed down a lot on servers faraway. The best VPNs lower your speeds by so little you hardly notice it.

Can I use Planet VPN for free?

Yes, you can use Planet VPN for free. The free version lets you use 5 different locations. It also comes with unlimited data and doesn’t restrict your time. Overall, it’s a very solid free service, and you can upgrade to use all its servers.

Money Back Guarantee (Days): 30
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: 10
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 to review VPN services and cover 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 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.
Planet VPN User Reviews (User reviews are not verified)
9.4
Based on 122 reviews in 7 languages

Write a Review on Planet VPN

Please rate VPN.

All Speed Streaming Security Сustomer service
Roger
Roger
2/10
They appear to be scammers, because they won't let you cancel subscriptions.

I signed up for a monthly subscription. It was slowing my speed, so I wanted to cancel it. There is no option on their website to cancel subscriptions, so I contacted support. They asked me why I wanted to cancel my subscription. I replied to their email and heard nothing more from them, so presume my subscription was canceled. However, my subscription was renewed and I got charged again. Unfortunately, they don't accept PayPal as a payment method, as you can cancel recurring payments from your PayPal account. I emailed them yesterday asking why my subscription wasn't canceled. I have not yet received a reply. Either they are slow to answer, or more likely, they won't reply and I'll have to get my bank to reverse the charge. This is the first time I've had trouble canceling a VPN subscription.

July Jansen
July Jansen
10/10
VPN works flawlessly

I would like to share my experience of using a paid RUSVPN subscription. I have been using the subscription for several months and there have never been any failures in the service. At any time of the day, all sites open quickly. VPN synchronizes with the server instantly. This resource is worth its money, I will definitely continue to use a subscription to RUSVPN.

Adam Glosher
Adam Glosher
10/10
VPN is Good!

For some reason, I couldn't go to many sites recently. I thought there was a problem with the Internet. Then I decided to look for a good VPN service. I was recommended this VPN by a friend of mine. Worked for a week. The speed is good and there are a lot of locations. I liked. Then I decided to buy a subscription and bought it in one year. Because 50% is cheaper.

About the Author

Lawrence Wachira, an Editor at vpnMentor, is dedicated to making the internet safer for everyone. His expertise in VPNs, online privacy, and editing enables him to help the vpnMentor team deliver comprehensive insights, user guides, and comparisons that empower readers to take control of their digital safety.

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