Reviews

FastestVPN Review 2024

By TechNadu Staff / September 24, 2023

FastestVPN, renowned as one of the most budget-friendly VPNs, boasts an enticing $40 lifetime plan. But before you bite the bullet and sign up, you should know what you’re getting into.

FastestVPN operates from the Cayman Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction not part of any "Eyes Alliance." It has maintained a clean record with no past leaks, thanks to its strict no-logs policy. It's also reassuring that FastestVPN has undergone a successful audit conducted by the Altius IT audit firm.

Apart from that, FastestVPN isn’t as fast as its name suggests. The speed and latency are below average, making it a bad choice for streaming, torrenting, or gaming. The service does have some servers that are optimized for streaming and can bypass geo-blocks, but it requires a lot of trial and error to find them.

The provider offers decent privacy and security features, but there’s nothing that sets it apart from the competition. That said, FastestVPN isn’t as good or as fast as it claims, and we can’t let it get away with these claims by saying - you get what you pay for - because many services with the same price tag perform much better.

At TechNadu, we strive to be as objective as possible and make sure the way we review VPNs is fair, accurate, and unbiased. We also try to simplify VPN comparisons. To do that, we’ve prepared the following table with some basic but important facts about FastestVPN.

Jurisdiction Cayman Islands.
Logs No logging - independently audited.
Servers 500+ in 41 countries.
Simultaneous Connections 10.
Supported Devices Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, and more.
Features AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, split-tunneling, DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
Protocols OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), WireGuard, IKEv2, IPSec, and more.
Supports Torrenting and streaming (Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, and more).
Customer Support Live chat, email, and knowledge base.
Price From $1.66/month.
Live Deal 93% OFF on Lifetime Plan
Our Score 7.3 out of 10.

In this review, we’ll evaluate FastestVPN and compare it to the best VPN services by looking at various factors, such as speed, security, privacy, reputation, pricing, and customer support.

Let’s start by exploring the origin of the service and its trustworthiness.

Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation

FastestVPN is based in the Cayman Islands, guaranteeing to protect your privacy and never store any of your data. It also has a clean record of no data breaches. Our Score: 9/10

Just like with any other VPN review, we’ll start by taking a look at FastestVPN’s background. This will help us determine how trustworthy and reliable this VPN is. 

Where Is FastestVPN Based?

FastestVPN comes from the Cayman Islands, a haven for privacy-oriented businesses. This is because the Cayman Islands are an autonomous territory and can make their own laws.

One of these laws is the Data Protection Law (DPL), which grants new rights to individuals regarding their personal information and limits data logging in various ways. FastestVPN says that it complies with this law to its full extent.

However, we’d like to know more about the company behind FastestVPN. Its website only says that it was founded by “a team of IT specialists” and doesn’t provide any other details. 

FastestVPN's About page showing the live chat feature

When we contacted FastestVPN's customer support, they informed us that while their headquarters are in the Cayman Islands, the marketing and technical support teams are based in Dallas, Texas. It was also revealed to us that FastestVPN is owned by Fast Technologies Ltd.

This raises some questions about the true location and jurisdiction of FastestVPN. Nevertheless, we haven't found any evidence of wrongdoing or malpractice by the brand in the past.

Did FastestVPN Leak Personal Data in the Past?

No, FastestVPN has had no personal data leaks in the past. The service assures us that it doesn’t collect personal information due to its zero-logs policy. We’re inclined to trust this assurance because FastestVPN operates from the Cayman Islands, a territory with strong data protection laws. 

This VPN also has a limited number of users, which makes managing its data security much easier. Additionally, FastestVPN has completed an independent audit to verify its claims. So as of 2024, we don't have any doubts about FastestVPN’s safety or integrity.

Supported Platforms & Devices

You can use FastestVPN on any device you want, thanks to its native apps for all the popular platforms. For the rest, there are manual setup guides. Our Score: 9/10

One of the key factors to consider when choosing a VPN is its compatibility with different devices and platforms. FastestVPN offers native apps for a wide range of popular (and less popular) operating systems, making them easy to install and use. 

Desktop Platforms Windows, macOS.
Mobile Platforms Android, iOS.
Web Browsers Google Chrome and Firefox.
Routers DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT, and many others.
Manual Configurations Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire OS, and more.

FastestVPN offers native apps for Windows and macOS desktop platforms, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. Apart from that, you can also manually configure it on Linux.

The service also has extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These aren't full-fledged apps, but proxies that only secure your browser traffic. But the good news is that you can run up to 10 VPN connections at once on any number of devices.

The service offers support for Fire OS as well, but there's no app available on the Amazon App Store. If you want the app, you must sideload it on your device. The same goes for compatible Android TV boxes.

The provider also claims to support gaming consoles and Apple TV, but don’t expect to find a native app here either. Instead, you'll have to follow tutorials on how to set up different VPN protocols manually. Or, if you have any past experience, you can install FastestVPN on a router and protect all your devices at once.

Installation & Initial Configuration

Although we encountered some strange behavior, FastestVPN is easy to set up. Just download the app from the website, install it on your device, and you’re ready to go. Our Score: 8/10

In this part of our FastestVPN review, we'll show you how to download the VPN, as well as how to install and configure it. The process is actually simple and easy to follow.

To use this service, you first need to subscribe to FastestVPN. After that, you can download and install the app. You don’t have to log in to the website to do this. Enter your user credentials directly into the app after it’s installed, and you’re ready to go.

We started our testing by installing the FastestVPN app, which was about 25 MB in size. It only took a few seconds to complete this part of the process.

The streamlined installation process is great, but we encountered some problems with the app. Strangely, it launched many background processes that we couldn’t identify. Then, when we tried to uninstall FastestVPN, it consistently crashed.

By the way, the app also crashes while switching between the servers. And the background processes remained active even after the crash. We contacted their support team, but there was no satisfactory reply.

Prominent Features

FastestVPN has all the essential features you might need. Apart from that, it also offers some of the more advanced options. Our Score: 8/10

FastestVPN covers the basics well. It prevents DNS/IPv6 leaks and lets you use the VPN without restrictions. It also blocks harmful ads and malware, though the details of this feature are unclear.

Here are the main points you should know about each feature.

FastestVPN's Ad and Malware Blocker showing 45% efficiency in blocking ads and malware

However, FastestVPN doesn't include port forwarding, a helpful feature for activities like torrenting and online gaming. While FastestVPN offers strong security and privacy measures, it might not be the ideal choice if you require port forwarding for these activities.

Server Count & Infrastructure

FastestVPN has one of the smallest server networks out of all the VPNs we’ve tested, offering just over 500 units in 41 countries. Our Score: 5/10

When searching for a VPN, it's crucial to pay attention to the number of servers it provides. Ideally, you would want a VPN with a vast network of servers spread across the globe. 

Number of Servers 500+
Number of Locations  50+
Number of Countries  41
Specific Cities Selection  YES (US servers)
Unlimited Switching YES

Obtaining accurate information about FastestVPN's server fleet wasn't easy. Unlike most VPNs, FastestVPN doesn't prominently disclose its server locations. As a result, we had to rely on information provided by the company's support team.

That said, FastestVPN offers over 500+ servers in 41 countries, with more than 50 locations. While we couldn’t independently verify the number of servers, we do know that FastestVPN's network is relatively small compared to the best VPNs with the most servers.

Moreover, FastestVPN's server network is heavily concentrated in the Western world. Therefore, users in other parts of the globe may experience suboptimal connection speeds. It's worth noting that the US is the only country with city-level server options (9 cities in 9 states). 

Lastly, while FastestVPN's server count may be small, it still offers a decent set-up, such as unlimited server switching and connecting to specific US cities. Nevertheless, users in Africa, South America, and the Middle East may want to consider other VPNs with a more extensive server network.

Does FastestVPN Use Virtual Server Locations?

Yes, FastestVPN does use VPN virtual locations, but only in India. A virtual VPN server is like a digital disguise for a real server. It makes the server seem like it's in a different place than where it actually is.

For instance, FastestVPN may have physical servers in one location, but they can appear as if they're located in India through virtualization. This can help optimize performance and accessibility for users in that region while maintaining server efficiency.

UI/UX Design & Ease of Use

FastestVPN offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and configure the settings. However, the performance of the service could be better if the apps were updated regularly and the bugs that affect the user experience were fixed promptly. Our Score: 5/10

FastestVPN's design hasn’t undergone any significant changes for well over a year. As a result, the interface appears outdated and frequently exhibits performance issues. However, despite these issues, it remains surprisingly easy to use.

How Well Does FastestVPN Work on Desktop Platforms?

We recently conducted a test of the FastestVPN app on our Windows PC, and here's what you can expect from the application.

How Well Does FastestVPN Work on Mobile Platforms?

The FastestVPN app maintains a consistent appearance and feel across its mobile applications. Let's take a closer look at its Android interface below.

Generally, the Android and iOS apps from FastestVPN share a similar login procedure and visual layout. When you open these mobile apps, you'll notice a prominent lightning button at the center of the home screen, which you can use to either connect to or disconnect from a server.

On mobile devices, FastestVPN features three tabs at the bottom: Home, Settings, and Account. In the 'Settings' tab, you can select protocols, activate the kill switch and split tunneling options, access FAQs and chat support, as well as review the VPN's terms and privacy policy.

Overall, there isn't much need for extensive fine-tuning of the mobile apps. While advanced VPN users may find it a bit unexciting, beginners should have no trouble navigating these apps.

How Well Do FastestVPN's Web Browser Extensions Work?

FastestVPN provides browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox. These extensions offer identical features, including protection against WebRTC leaks and ad blocking.

However, their appearance differs, with the Firefox extension appearing more dated compared to the sleek and updated design of the Chrome extension.

While there's a difference in the appearance of these browser extensions, it's worth noting that both effectively provide WebRTC leak protection and ad blocking. This ensures that you can choose the extension that best suits your preferences without compromising on security.

Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support 

With FastestVPN, you can access streaming services from different regions. However, you’ll have to try different protocols and servers to find the best ones. While the VPN supports P2P file transfers, its low speeds may affect torrenting and gaming. Our Score: 6/10

One of the main reasons people use VPNs is to unblock streaming services. That’s why we evaluate every VPN based on how well it can unblock the most popular streaming platforms.

Is FastestVPN Good for Streaming?

Yes, FastestVPN is a good VPN for streaming. It has dedicated servers for streaming popular platforms like Netflix US, Disney+, and ESPN+. We were able to unblock these services and watch high-quality videos without buffering.

However, we had some issues with Max, BBC iPlayer and Prime Video. We had to switch to the IKEv2 protocol to access them, which wasn’t very convenient. Also, the streaming server from Italy didn’t work and crashed the app.

The table below shows which US streaming platforms this VPN can unblock for you.

Netflix Disney+ Hulu
Crackle Discovery+ Paramount+
Apple TV+ ESPN+ DAZN
Sling TV Fubo TV DirectTV Stream

When it comes to streaming services outside the US, FastestVPN shows off its unblocking capabilities once more. Here's an overview of what you can look forward to.

Channel 4 (UK) ITVX (UK) NOW TV (UK)
CBC (Canada) CTV Live (Canada) RaiPlay (Italy)
9NOW Live (Australia) GloboPlay (Brazil) DSTV (S. Africa)
RTE (Spain) Zattoo (Germany) ALTBalaji (India)

Although not all of FastestVPN's servers are geared specifically for streaming, it's got a knack for smoothly unblocking a bunch of our favorite streaming platforms. With that said, we've got to admit - it delivers a pretty neat performance in this area.

Is FastestVPN Good for Torrenting?

Yes, FastestVPN is good enough for torrenting on servers closest to your location. Otherwise, you'll find it frustrating with the speed drops.

FastestVPN allows P2P traffic on most of its servers and has a strict no-logs policy. However, we weren’t impressed by its speeds, which were very slow compared to those of other VPNs. The kill switch feature was also occasionally unreliable. Also, there’s no port forwarding here.

So, if you have torrenting needs in mind, you might want to explore our article on the best torrenting VPN.

Is FastestVPN Good for Gaming?

No, FastestVPN isn't good for gaming. We experienced a lot of lag and high ping times when playing online games.

Attempting to solve this, we tried using the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol, which was supposed to offer lower latency. However, it didn’t make much difference. Additionally, there were difficulties connecting to certain servers, leading to multiple app restarts.

For a better experience, we recommend checking out our article on the best gaming VPN to find a more suitable option.

Security & Privacy

FastestVPN's logging policy is one of the only things that’s exceptional about it. Our tests have shown that the service can protect your data without any data leaks. Our Score: 9/10

In the world of VPNs, added features are all well and good, but what truly matters is the ability to keep you safe online. We place special emphasis on this as we learn more about FastestVPN’s encryption protocols, logging policies, and DNS leak protection.

FastestVPN Protocols

FastestVPN uses the OpenVPN protocol, which is pretty strong and trusted by many. Apart from that, the service also employs WireGuard and IKEv2 for added layers of protection. 

OpenVPN WireGuard IKEv2 IPSec LT2P PPTP OpenConnect
Windows YES YES YES NO YES (Manual) YES (Manual) YES (Manual)
macOS YES YES YES YES YES (Manual) NO NO
Linux YES (Manual) NO NO NO NO YES (Manual) YES (Manual)
iOS YES YES YES YES YES (Manual) NO NO
Android YES YES YES YES YES (Manual, L2TP over IPSec) YES (Manual) YES (Manual)

Let’s go through each of these protocols:

FastestVPN also uses other protocols like L2TP, PPTP, and OpenConnect, which require manual configuration.

Does FastestVPN Keep Logs?

No, FastestVPN doesn’t keep logs. Upon reviewing FastestVPN's Privacy Policy, it’s clear that they prioritize their users' privacy. They explicitly state that they don’t collect any logs except for the user's email address used for registration purposes.

FastestVPN's Privacy Policy page showing it doesn't collect identifiable data from users

It's worth noting that when users deactivate their accounts, FastestVPN immediately removes email addresses from their servers. In addition, the VPN doesn’t log any other data, including IP addresses or any form of aggregated data.

Since FastestVPN has already undergone a successful independent audit by a third party, we can confidently confirm the legitimacy of their no-logging policy. In our view, third-party verification is crucial to ensure the accuracy of a VPN provider's privacy policy, and FastestVPN has met this criterion.

Does FastestVPN Leak Your Private Data?

No, FastestVPN doesn’t leak your private data. Ensuring that a VPN doesn’t leak sensitive information is of the utmost importance. In this regard, we decided to test FastestVPN by connecting to a virtual server and conducting a DNS leak test to detect any concerning behavior.

FastestVPN didn't leak any sensitive data during the test. We're pleased to report that the websites that were visited using the service showed the user's virtual IP address, which can’t be traced back to their true physical location.

Speed & Performance

FastestVPN showing baseline speed and server performance in the US, Canada, Australia, UK, India, and Belgium

We weren’t impressed by FastestVPN's performance, as it reduced our download speeds by around 65% on average. This had a significant impact on the quality of media streaming and resulted in unsuccessful connections or very sluggish streams. Our Score: 5/10

In this section, we’ll share the results of our speed tests of FastestVPN's performance. To conduct these tests, we connected to various servers. However, before we did so, we first measured our regular Internet speed.

That said, our initial speed tests on a 100 Mbps connection showed a download speed of 104.40 Mbps and an upload speed of 112.81 Mbps. Now, let's dive into how FastestVPN performed in our tests and what you can expect from its speed.

Download Speed Upload Speed Speed Reduction
Baseline Data 104.40 Mbps 112.81 Mbps 0%
US (Streaming) 19.68 Mbps 1.67 Mbps 81%
UK (London) 70.89 Mbps 1.64 Mbps 32%
Canada (Montreal) 7.04 Mbps 0.96 Mbps 93%
India (Delhi) 5.25 Mbps 3.10 Mbps 95%
Australia (Sydney) 49.28 Mbps 2.90 Mbps 53%
Belgium (Brussels) 67.86 Mbps 1.28 Mbps 35%

FastestVPN's performance falls below average compared to other VPN services. On average, it reduced our Web connection speed by 65%, which is a significant setback. This reduction in speed is noticeable across all servers, except for the UK and Belgium servers, which offer good download speeds.

Customer Support

There are numerous support channels – some of which are more helpful than others. Overall, FastestVPN is there for you, always willing to assist. Our Score: 9/10

Without having someone to rely on, using a VPN can become a hectic experience. After all, VPNs are technical solutions, so something can go wrong with no clear explanation. That said, we’ve checked FastestVPN’s support, and here’s a breakdown of the available options:

Pricing

FastestVPN’s one-month plan won’t save you money. However, you'll find incredibly steep discounts on its longer-term plans. Our Score: 9/10

In this segment, we'll check out FastestVPN's pricing tiers. FastestVPN currently offers three subscription plans, and there's a cost-saving opportunity with its lifetime plan.

How Much Does FastestVPN Cost?

FastestVPN comes with a series of subscription plans, some of which offer really attractive savings. To know what each plan offers, let’s review them one by one.

Total Price Per Month Savings
1 Month $3.00 $3.00 0%
1-Year Plan $19.95 $1.66 45%
Lifetime Plan $40 (from $600) N/A 93%

The one-month plan of FastestVPN isn’t very attractive. But you can get huge discounts with longer-term plans. This service is one of the cheapest VPNs we've seen, offering an impressive 93% discount if you choose the lifetime plan.

Additionally, FastestVPN offers optional add-ons for your convenience. Starting at $2 per month, you can extend your device limit beyond the already generous 10 multi-logins.

If a dedicated IP address is what you need, you can add it for as little as $1.49 per month with the monthly option, $1.30 per month on the annual subscription, or $31.20 every two years through the lifetime plan.

All paid plans have a 15-day money-back guarantee, and you can pay with a credit card, PayPal, or crypto.

Is FastestVPN Free?

No, FastestVPN isn't offered for free. However, you can take advantage of a 2-week trial period through their 15-day money-back guarantee.

This means you'll need to make an initial payment for the VPN subscription. If, within the first 15 days, you change your mind, you can simply request a refund from their support team.

Final Thoughts - Is FastestVPN Good?

Yes, FastestVPN can be a good choice, particularly if you're looking for a lifetime VPN subscription at an affordable price. It offers standard security and privacy measures, so it's a solid option if you're seeking a basic yet reliable VPN service.

Moreover, FastestVPN is privacy-focused. In other words, it doesn’t collect user data. However, it may not be enough if you want more customization or faster speeds, as it falls behind most of its competitors in these aspects.

We also have to emphasize that it’s one of the cheapest VPNs at the moment - but not really a significant benefit, as most VPNs these days are more capable than FastestVPN.

If you're looking for the basics of a VPN with great streaming performance, you might want to subscribe to FastestVPN. It also offers a free trial to let you test its features before you commit long-term. 

PROS

  • Affordable lifetime plan.
  • Good at unblocking streaming platforms.
  • Fast live chat support.
  • Independently audited.
  • No data leaks.
  • Doesn’t collect personal data.
  • Ad- and malware-blocker.
  • Dedicated IP add-on.

CONS

  • Very limited server network.
  • Problematic performance.
  • Connection failures & bugs.
  • Router installation is tricky.

FAQ

Who Owns FastestVPN?

FastestVPN is owned by Fast Technologies Ltd., a company registered in the Cayman Islands.

How Secure Is FastestVPN?

FastestVPN is a reasonably secure service. It offers advanced encryption protocols along with a no-logs policy and other features such as a kill switch and double VPN. 

Does FastestVPN Offer Lifetime Subscription?

Yes, FastestVPN offers a lifetime subscription for just $40 and permits up to 10 simultaneous connections. Additionally, the service is based in the Cayman Islands and boasts over 550 servers in 41 countries, ensuring a reliable experience.

Is FastestVPN Good?

Yes, FastestVPN is a reasonably good service with a lifetime deal costing only $40. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, supports P2P traffic on most servers, and can unblock popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

Does FastestVPN Work on Firestick?

Yes, FastestVPN works on Firestick and other Fire TV devices. The service is compatible, but it doesn’t have a dedicated app for the platform. This means you’ll need to sideload it.

Is FastestVPN Legit?

Yes, FastestVPN is a legitimate VPN service. It provides online privacy and security features, like many other VPN providers.

Does FastestVPN Work with Netflix?

Yes, FastestVPN works with Netflix. However, the availability of specific libraries may still vary.

Is FastestVPN Safe?

Yes, FastestVPN is generally safe to use. It uses strong encryption and reliable security protocols to protect your online activities.

Review Summary

FastestVPN isn’t for everyone. If you want to browse the Web with decent privacy, it could be an interesting option. However, users who want plenty of servers and reliable features should try their luck elsewhere.

7.5
Overall Score
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
9
Supported Platforms & Devices
9
Installation & Initial Configuration
8
Prominent Features
8
Server Count & Infrastructure
5
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
5
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support
6
Security & Privacy
9
Speed & Performance
5
Customer Support
9
Pricing
9


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