SymlexVPN Review 2023 — Keep This in Mind Before Buying

SymlexVPN claims to have recently overhauled its app for iOS users, fixing existing bugs and improving the overall user experience. I wanted to test to see if the improvements had made it a VPN worth using, and find out whether it lives up to its claims.

The answer is: yes and no. SymlexVPN has made improvements to its service, including better connectivity and improved security features. However, I found there were inconsistencies between its website claims and my user experience, and it isn’t as transparent as I like it to be.

This VPN was inconsistent in my testing, and was unable to unblock any streaming platforms. Currently, it’s only available on Android, iOS, and Windows. It’s by no means a terrible service; there are simply more reliable VPNs out there for a better price.

Try SymlexVPN Today!

Try SymlexVPN Today!

Streaming — Couldn’t Bypass Any Geoblocks

I couldn’t unblock any streaming platforms with SymlexVPN, which is a major letdown. Since it provides fast speeds, it could have been a great option for watching international TV. While some identified the VPN and blocked my access, others couldn’t see that my location was changed at all.

I tried to access Disney+ using servers in my home country and, for testing purposes, a US server, but I could not manage to get past its blocks. All I got was a black screen and I couldn’t even access the login screen.

HBO Max couldn’t see that my location was changed, so it blocked my access.

SymlexVPN couldn’t bypass HBO Max’s geoblocks

Amazon Prime noticed that I was using a VPN and blocked my access, while Hulu didn’t even allow me to log in.

When I tried to access Netflix, I couldn’t see the “Top 10” reel, meaning that the VPN managed to hide my location, but couldn’t assign me a new one.

Switching to a UK server, I tried accessing BBC iPlayer. However, it didn’t allow me to stream anything, as it couldn’t see my location was changed.

I was blocked by BBC iPlayer while connected to SymlexVPN

Overall, I can’t recommend SymlexVPN if your main focus is streaming. Instead, take a look at these VPNs that can unblock hundreds of streaming services.

Speeds — Impressive, but Only on Long-Distance Servers

Symlex gave me good speeds when I tested long-distance servers. I had more than enough to stream in HD, and found that my general speed sometimes increased, meaning that I wasn’t throttled.

I had fast speeds while connected to SymlexVPN’s servers

I started off with a base speed of 64.2 Mbps download, 27.5 Mbps upload, and a ping of 3ms. The first server I tested was in the UK, where my download speed reached 67.8 Mbs — a 5% increase, upload 22.6 Mbps, and ping stood at 49 ms. This is a great result and I couldn’t even tell I was connected to a VPN.

On the US server, my speed dropped by under 1%, down to 63.7 Mbps, while upload took a bigger hit — 9.12 Mbps, which is a 66% decrease. While the upload dropped considerably, I could still engage in any of my usual online activities without interruptions.

The last server I tested was a local one, where I experienced a 50% drop in download and a 65% decrease in upload. This is a little counterintuitive, as local servers usually provide the best speeds because the data doesn’t have to travel too much. This makes me wonder if SymlexVPN’s servers are virtual.

It’s normal for your speeds to slow down a little when you use a VPN, since your data has to travel to the server location and go through the encryption process. However, it shouldn’t slow you down by more than 20%. This means that SymlexVPN is on the right track here.

Overall, I was pretty impressed with its speed. However, since it falters in other areas I would recommend an all-around VPN choice that performs well in all areas of testing instead.

Server Network — Smaller Than Most

SymlexVPN has a very small network of servers, spanning just 65 countries — making it one of the smallest VPNs I’ve tested. A small bank of servers means overcrowding is likely, leading to congestion and slow connection speeds.

That said, I didn’t have too many issues with connectivity during my testing process. One of its US servers repeatedly connected and disconnected, which was frustrating and made me nervous about its security protocols. However, many of its servers across Europe and Asia connected quickly and I didn’t experience any drops.

The server network is small, but in most of my tests I found it to be reliable. I’d still recommend choosing a provider with a larger network of servers to avoid issues with overcrowding in future.

Security — Vague Features

SymlexVPN has good security features, but they’re not clearly explained.

here’s no information regarding the encryption level and protocols on the website. Instead, you get vague explanations assuring you that your data is safe. I wanted to know if there was a kill-switch or other protective features in use, so I contacted the customer support team to ask. They emailed me back and confirmed that SymlexVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption with DTLS support, and has a kill switch function in both the Android and iOS app. I was happy to hear this, but found it unusual that this isn’t specifically stated on the website.

Its protocols are strong, using reputable tunneling such as HTTPS, SSH, DNS, Wireguard, OpenVPN, OneConnect, and AnyConnect.

I ran a couple of IP and DNS leaks tests to see if SymlexVPN can successfully hide my personal data, and I had great results.

I didn’t identify any IP and DNS leaks on SymlexVPN’s servers

IP and DNS leaks can expose your IP address and browsing data to the websites you visit and your ISP (internet service provider). Therefore, I can say that SymlexVPN did a very good job at hiding my location, identity, and traffic.

Privacy — No-Logs Policy and Outside of the 5-Eyes Alliance

Symlex is clear about its no-logs policy, assuring users that it doesn’t collect any data. It states it will only take the minimum personal details from its subscribers, such as email addresses and payment details, but also encourages the use of Bitcoin if you wish to remain as anonymous as possible.

Your data won’t be completely protected with SymlexVPN

The company is based in Bangladesh, which is outside of the 5 Eyes Alliance. This means that even if the government asked SymlexVPN to provide information about its subscribers, it could refuse. That said, the VPN seems to have a solid privacy policy, and it would be unlikely that it would have any data to give in the first place.

Simultaneous Device Connections — Up to 5

You get 5 simultaneous device connections with this VPN when you sign up to any of its plans. However, as it is still a mobile-only app, I didn’t see as much benefit having multiple device connections in my household.

Device Compatibility — Limited

SymlexVPN is only compatible with Android, iOS and Windows devices.

I was a little confused about its compatibility as the website contradicts itself. On it’s home screen and in the FAQs it states that it is strictly mobile only, catering to Android and iOS devices. However, it does have an app page that appears to give the option to download for Mac, Windows, and Linux. I tried to download the macOS apps, but it didn’t work for me.

When I messaged support, I was told that the macOS app is not released yet, so I was left with the mobile one. While it’s not a bad thing for a VPN to be mobile-only, I was disappointed when I couldn’t access the macOS download page at all.

You’ll only be able to use SimlexVPN on mobile devices and Windows

You can easily download the app to your mobile via the Google Play or App store, but be warned that there is some smallprint regarding its refund policy if you purchase your subscription from the App Store.

Torrenting — Supports P2P File Sharing and Torrents

You can torrent with SymlexVPN and it fully supports P2P file sharing. I would recommend running anti-virus if you do choose to use this VPN to torrent, as it does not provide malware protection or pop-up blocking.

It does boast a kill switch, so in the event that the VPN fails you will be disconnected from the internet immediately, keeping you safe from data privacy issues.

Does SymlexVPN Work in China?

SymlexVPN’s support team told me that the VPN works in China. However, you need to install the app before you arrive, or download the APK and install it once you’re in China.

You can use SymlexVPN in China