Unlocator Review 2023 - Keep This in Mind Before Buying

Unlocator started as a Denmark-based Smart DNS provider in 2013, but it has leveled up by providing a VPN service. I wondered whether this new addition could offer me the security and functionality I expect from a VPN service, so I tested it myself.

I found that Unlocator VPN is completely secure only when using the OpenVPN protocol.

However, the monthly subscription price for this Smart DNS-VPN Hybrid left me wanting. But still, you can try it out risk-free for 30 days.

Also, the VPN has limited server locations and showed a significant drop in my connection speeds. You’re better off using one of the best VPNs because they have bigger, faster networks.

With Unlocator Hybrid (Smart DNS and VPN combined), you can access many streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

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Streaming — Unblocks 240 Platforms, Including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+

Unblocking geo-specific streaming services is one of Unlocator’s most popular features, especially since the company created the Smart DNS service for this. I went ahead and tested the Hybrid Plan to see for myself.

It’s important to note that the VPN comes bundled with a Smart DNS in Unlocator’s Hybrid Plan. However, they have different capabilities, which is why utilizing both features at the same time allows you to maximize Unlocator to its fullest capacity. For this reason, I will discuss what works with individual features.

Unblock 240 Channels With Unlocator

Unblocked: Unblocked Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Hundreds of Other Channels

Unlocator’s Smart DNS claims to unblock 240 services, and the ones I tested worked flawlessly. The streaming services and libraries its Smart DNS can automatically unblock are the following:

• Amazon Prime Video (UK and Germany)
• MLB and NHL or ESPN+ and Disney+ (choose one pair at a time)
• Netflix (works with US, UK, and Canadian libraries, but requires additional IP configuration on the router depending on the device)
• TV3 (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden)
• Viaplay (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)
• Zattoo (Germany and Switzerland)

Unlocator’s My Account dashboard features a list of streaming sites and regions the Smart DNS can unblock

I experienced no problem streaming Netflix US with the VPN; there was no stuttering, and the quality was pretty good.

I was able to watch Netflix US using Unlocator’s VPN

However, it took me several tries to get it to work for less popular local libraries, like Spain or Italy.

Streaming Amazon Prime Video was a cinch when using Unlocator’s Smart DNS. The videos were smooth and didn’t buffer.

I watched Solos on Amazon Prime Video using Unlocator’s Smart DNS

Unlocator’s Smart DNS worked well for Disney+ and ESPN+ on the US server, though I had to wait for the video to load fully so that the video quality would not deteriorate.

You can stream ESPN+ using Unlocator’s Smart DNS feature

Both Smart DNS and the VPN worked fine on Hulu and HBO Max when using US servers, allowing me to stream Trick ‘r Treat without buffering and in high definition.

You can watch HBO using Unlocator’s Smart DNS and VPN

Other not-so-popular channels such as A&E and CWTV worked great, especially since these are US-based. Channel 4 and BBC iPlayer, both UK-based networks, also worked without issues.

Watch Netflix US With Unlocator

Blocked By: YouTube TV

Because Unlocator worked on other US-based sites, I was surprised that YouTube TV blocked me when using the VPN alone.

Despite changing my location, YouTube TV wouldn't grant me access to its contents

While Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and ESPN+ worked via the Smart DNS when streamed, they don’t work when using the VPN.

Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and ESPN+ don’t work when using Unlocator’s VPN only

Watch Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max With Unlocator

Speeds — Average at Best

My tests showed Unlocator’s speeds are inconsistent. Slight speed drops of around 10-20% are normal when using a VPN. However, my tests showed a significant speed reduction, no matter the protocol and location.

First I measured my baseline speed without the VPN.

The connection speed depends heavily on the distance from the server I am connected to. Of all the server locations I tested, the farthest from me is the New York server, at 13,800 km away. It took me on average 18 seconds to connect to anyserver.

I compared Unlocator’s speeds using the OpenVPN protocol and IKEv2 protocol via manual VPN configuration. When connected using the OpenVPN protocol, I noticed a significant drop in speeds. The download speed slowed by 35% to 80%, while the upload speed slowed by 35% to 95%.

Next, I set up the IKEv2 security protocol manually. The speed using IKEv2 was more consistent and overall slightly faster compared to OpenVPN, experiencing a maximum of 60% speed loss.

I tested Unlocator’s speeds using OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocol

Here are my speeds using the OpenVPN:

I also tested those same server speeds using the IKEv2 protocol. On average, my download speed was 5.51 Mpbs faster, and my upload speed was 3.56 Mbps faster.

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Are Unlocator’s Speeds Fast Enough for Gaming? Yes

Even when Unlocator VPN reduced my speed, it did not affect my game.

I tried multiple servers, including Hong Kong, Bulgaria, Norway, and the US, and experienced no reduction in the gaming experience. I used a server close to me to make sure the ping was lower, which is crucial for smooth gameplay.

I chose a server close to me to avoid high ping

I also tried playing with another player while connected to VPN, and the results were fantastic.

Even though Unlocator decreased my speeds, the gameplay using Unlocator’s VPN was completely lag-free

Play Games Using Unlocator

Server Network — Limited Scope

Unlocator has physical and virtual dedicated servers in key locations worldwide. It has 40 servers and an equivalent number of IP addresses spanning 30 countries, which is below average in the industry. The following are the server locations available:

The low number of servers can be problematic because the speed can be affected if many people use a specific server simultaneously. But Unlocator stated that it is constantly working on adding new servers.

I liked that on the Unlocator app, you can add particular servers to your favorites list, which makes switching to preferred servers simpler.

Unlocator’s app has a favorites list

For manual configuration, you can find the list of servers and their addresses by clicking on the server list in your Unlocator dashboard, right under the VPN section.

For manual server set-up, go to VPN Server List on Unlocator’s dashboard

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Security — Strong but Only While Using OpenVPN

I found Unlocator is secure when using the OpenVPN protocol. Unlocator’s VPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to keep sensitive data safe. However, the Smart DNS alone doesn’t encrypt your data, so using the VPN is a must for safety purposes.

Disappointingly, the VPN is missing security features such as malware blocking, ad blocking, perfect forward secrecy (wherein encryption keys are changed frequently to ensure that the connection will not be compromised), and double VPN (also called multi-hop) for additional security.

To make sure the installation file from Unlocator was safe to use, I ran it through VirusTotal. The results showed that the file was safe to use.

Unlocator’s app has no malicious software

Security Protocols, Kill Switch, and Unlocator Shield

Unlocator offers 4 security protocols to safeguard your data. Aside from the standard OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IKEv1, it also has WireGuard.

OpenVPN is the only protocol for macOS, Android, and Amazon Fire, which is reliable and secure. You can switch from UDP to TCP port connections. Choose UDP for faster connections and TCP to reduce data loss during transfer.

iOS users can choose between IPSec/IKEv1 and IKEv2 protocols.

For Windows, OpenVPN and IKEv2 are available. You can use the latter via manual VPN configuration on your device.

The upside to using OpenVPN through the app is that you can switch from one server to the next in just a few clicks. But with manual configuration, you’ll have to reconfigure your entire VPN connection to switch to a different server. Imagine setting up 40 servers manually.

WireGuard, a protocol known for its ability to bypass geo-blocks, is also available in case you need it in countries with high-internet censorship. However, I had to reach out to its customer support for this one.

In addition, Unlocator has both a kill switch and Unlocator Shield to ensure you're always protected.

Unlocator has a kill switch and Unlocator Shield for extra protection

The kill switch works by automatically cutting the internet connection if the VPN drops, then it goes back on when it reconnects. It prevents websites from detecting your true IP.

When enabled, Unlocator Shield shuts down your internet access anytime you’re not using its VPN. It makes sure that all your traffic is going through Unlocator servers only.

Stay Safe With Unlocator

WebRTC, IP, and DNS Leak Test

I ran my own leak test using both protocols to check for leaks. I found out that the OpenVPN protocol is much better at keeping the connection secure than IKEv2.

Unlocator passed the leak tests using the OpenVPN protocol

When using a US server, there were no IP or DNS leaks. I even checked for Torrent Address Detection, and the IP was consistent throughout.

However, the IPs were not consistent when using a different server (Poland).

Unlocator’s leak test was inconsistent while using a server in Poland

Instead of a Polish IP, it showed a French IP, while the DNS and Torrent Addresses were both in the US. These are not IP and DNS leaks, though; these are still Unlocator’s servers, which means they still protected my connection.

While the results of the OpenVPN protocol were pretty good, the results for IKEv2 were dismal.

My tests showed a WebRTC (IP) and DNS leak using Unlocator with IKEv2, which meant my data wasn't safe

The results for the IKEv2 test were consistent across more than a dozen locations — Unlocator always revealed my real IP.

Stay Safe Using Unlocator

Privacy — Inconsistent

While Unlocator states that it protects your privacy, it still keeps user logs. Plus, Unlocator’s home country is Denmark, part of the 9 Eyes Alliance — an international agreement on digital surveillance. That means that anytime the government requests users’ data, companies operating under their jurisdiction must comply. Furthermore, countries that are part of this alliance share information they collect amongst themselves.

On the other hand, because Denmark is an EU country, it also means Unlocator has to adhere to the GDPR laws. The goal of GDPR is to give people more rights over their personal information and how it is processed.

However, while Unlocator promises that all user activities are kept entirely private, it still keeps logs at a personally identifiable level.

The logs that Unlocator keeps can be traced back to its users

It maintains that the logs are purged within 24 hours, though this means your activities are not entirely private when using Unlocator.

If privacy is essential to you, you should consider other VPNs that practice a proper no-log policy. The information that Unlocator logs include your name, email address, credit card information, IP address, and other data collected during registration.

Furthermore, the website itself tracks users by leaving cookies in their browsers to provide a better user experience. You can opt out of all cookies if you don’t want Unlocator to track you.

As a way of showing it values your privacy, Unlocator’s website gives you the option to opt out of cookies

Stay Private Using Unlocator

Torrenting — Random Servers Allow, Others Block

Unlocator is inconsistent in this aspect as not all servers worked equally well for me. I advise that you test multiple locations to find the one that works and the one with the best transfer speeds.

Unlocator does not provide clear information regarding torrenting and P2P sharing, so you should take caution. We don’t condone illegal activities so make sure that you comply with the laws and regulations of your country when using Unlocator or any other VPN for torrenting.

Under its Terms of Use, Unlocator does not allow the use of its service to transmit illegal content, nor does it allow its service to be used for violating intellectual property rights. Doing so will result in the termination of the user’s account without a refund.

I tried torrenting a film in the public domain to test whether I could download P2P files while using Unlocator. I downloaded an old film using Japanese and Singaporean servers, and they worked.

Unlocator allows torrenting, but in my experience, it was very slow

While the transfer speeds were not the best, it is still possible. Also, remember that using its Smart DNS alone won't protect you while torrenting because it doesn't encrypt your data.

Does Unlocator Work in China? Yes

Both the Smart DNS and the VPN should work in China. If the default configurations and security protocols don’t work for you, Unlocator can provide an alternative protocol called WireGuard. To get the custom configuration, you must contact its support team.

WireGuard is a newer protocol that is more likely to work in China

If you want to skip the whole setup process, you should consider VPNs that can work in China right away. Keep in mind that using VPNs that are not government-approved is not allowed in China. However, no tourists have yet been penalized by the Chinese government.

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Simultaneous Device Connections — Up to 5 Devices

You can connect up to 5 devices, typical with VPN services.

During my test, I connected 2 computers, an Android phone, an iPhone, and experienced no issues at all.