Reviews

Speedify Review 2024

By TechNadu Staff / December 15, 2023

Speedify was founded in 2014 by a team of security experts. While the service claims to offer solid speeds and decent security measures, there are concerns that potential users should be aware of.

One issue is Speedify's logging policy—the provider claims to collect minimal information and that it doesn’t monitor or record user activity, but its location in the US (part of the 5-Eyes Alliance) raises questions about government surveillance. There are also alleged reports of past security breaches and data leaks.

Speedify uses encryption and offers unlimited bandwidth, as well as servers in over 35 countries. However, in our tests, the service failed to unblock streaming services that other providers on our list of the best VPNs could easily access. It's not good for torrenting and gaming as well, due to poor speeds.

Speedify offers standard privacy and security features, along with its proprietary Channel Bonding technology, which combines multiple Internet connections to boost speeds.

Before we dig into details, let's kick off this Speedify review by outlining its key features. Refer to the table below for a quick summary.

Paid Free
Jurisdiction United States (5-Eyes Alliance).
Logs Keeps logs.
Server 200+ in 35+ countries. 150+ in 35+ countries.
Simultaneous Connections 5.
Supported Devices Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Features Secure encryption, Channel bonding technology, kill switch, Bypass, optimized live streaming and video conferencing, Jumbo MTU, unlimited bandwidth, and more. Secure encryption, Channel bonding technology, kill switch, Bypass, optimized live streaming and video conferencing, 2 GB/month data limit, and more.
Protocols DTLS 1.2, TCP, UDP, HTTPS transport modes.
Supports Streaming and torrenting. Browsing (limited bandwidth).
Customer Support Email, knowledge base, and social media.
Price From $7.49/month. Free.
Live Deal 72% OFF (3-year plan) N/A.
Our Score 5.2 out of 10.

In this comprehensive review, we'll examine every aspect of this VPN from an unbiased perspective. We'll inspect its country of origin, supported platforms, UI design, prominent features, server network, performance, and more. To understand our approach to testing VPN services, check out our guide on how we review VPNs.

It's worth noting that we keep this review constantly updated, so you'll learn about any new developments with Speedify if you revisit the page. We'll make it easy for you to see where Speedify currently stands in the global VPN market.

Tip

If you're exploring options beyond Speedify VPN, we highly recommend NordVPN. Our in-depth review offers all the insights you need to make a well-informed choice.

Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation

Speedify is a US-based VPN with ostensible connections to the intelligence community. There were also reports about data leaks in the past. Our Score: 2/10

Checking the jurisdiction of your chosen VPN is more important than you might think. By choosing a VPN headquartered in a country with aggressive data logging and mass surveillance, you’re at risk of having your data collected. So, here’s what you need to keep in mind before getting a Speedify subscription.

Where Is Speedify Based?

Speedify is based in the USA, which is a cause for concern. The USA is a member of the 5-Eyes Intelligence Alliance, a group of countries that work together to collect various types of personal data, which is then easily exchanged between the member countries. 

Speedify was introduced in 2014 as a channel bonding service by Connectify Inc., a company founded in Philadelphia in 2009. However, it isn't the first software product from Connectify. Its parent company relied on Kickstarter in the past to help develop its applications.

The company also received funding from In-Q-Tel, a venture capital firm linked to intelligence agencies like the CIA, DIA, NGA. In other words, Connectify has cooperated with the intelligence community in the past, either directly or indirectly.

While Speedify changed its privacy policy in 2015, stating that they don’t collect any logs and that the online activity of its users is fully protected, we remain doubtful, especially after discovering online reports of its data leaks.

Therefore, those looking for the best possible data protection should probably look elsewhere.

Did Speedify Leak Personal Data in the Past?

Based on discussions online, there's an isolated case wherein Speedify VPN allegedly leaked data. A Reddit user claimed several years ago that Speedify leaked their data, including their social media and email accounts. Although there's no concrete evidence that Speedify was responsible, we would advise exercising caution.

Speedify VPN asserts a no-log policy, emphasizing that they don't log user activities or disclose personal information. However, concerns arise as their privacy policy appears to collect certain user data, like IP addresses, the Web browser you're using, and accessed pages, among others, potentially conflicting with their no-log claims.

The lack of clarity regarding an independent security audit also raises concerns about trusting Speedify for online privacy and anonymity.

Is Speedify Safe?

No, Speedify isn't a safe VPN provider. Our concerns arise because the service is based in the USA and is part of the 5-Eyes Intelligence Alliance.

Additionally, the connections between Speedify's parent company and intelligence groups raise red flags. Reports of data leaks, privacy concerns, and the absence of a 3rd-party audit also contribute to our reservations about trusting this VPN.

Speedify uses a custom tunnel with DTLS 1.2 for security, and depending on your device, it employs either AES 256-GCM or ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. With its own protocol based on Channel Bonding, Speedify combines various Internet connections (like Wi-Fi and cellular) for an improved connection that supports both TCP and UDP, automatically selecting the best option for different situations.

Despite these security measures, we can't recommend Speedify as a reliable VPN for users who prioritize privacy and security. We suggest exploring other options that prioritize and respect user privacy.

Supported Platforms & Devices

Speedify supports only the most popular devices, so you can’t set it up on most routers, media streaming devices, or any other platforms. Our Score: 6/10

Speedify isn't a typical VPN because it uses proprietary technology to re-route your Web traffic instead of common tunneling protocols. With this said, it’s not surprising to see that it supports a limited number of devices and platforms, which you can find below. 

Desktop Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux.
Mobile Platforms Android, iOS.
Web Browsers N/A.
Routers Supported Linux devices (Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi OS) and Connectify Hotspot (virtual).
Other Devices Android TV and Fire TV.

Speedify is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.

While Speedify can protect up to 5 devices simultaneously, it falls short compared to other services that offer protection for a larger number of devices. Support for 5 devices is generally sufficient in a home environment, but it may not be suitable for users with larger households.

Speedify also works on Android TV and Fire TV, using bonding technology to prevent interruptions and buffering. This ensures a smooth streaming experience without any connectivity issues on your Android or Amazon streaming device.

Additionally, you have the option to use Speedify on specific routers, including supported Linux devices such as Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS. However, please note that OpenWRT, DD-WRT, and MIPS processors aren't currently supported.

For Windows PC, Connectify Hotspot (a type of virtual router) allows you to share your Speedify connection either wirelessly or through wired Ethernet with other devices. Lastly, Speedify doesn't offer a Chrome extension or extensions for major Web browsers like Edge and Firefox.

Installation & Initial Configuration

Speedify comes with an easy installation process, no matter if you’re using a desktop or mobile device. Our Score: 10/10

Setting up Speedify is pretty straightforward. After subscribing to Speedify (or if you’re using its free plan), simply download the application for your desired platform. 

How to download Speedify VPN

In our tests, installation on both a Windows 11 PC and an Android smartphone was quick and easy, with an automated process. On Windows, simply download the 8 MB Speedify installer file and click on it, and the application installs automatically. After a few moments, you can open the app and begin using it.

For Android and iOS devices, the Speedify app can be downloaded from the respective app stores. Once installed, launch the application and sign in using your credentials. The entire setup process is automated, making it easy for even novice users to get started with Speedify.

Prominent Features

Speedify comes with a strong set of basic VPN features that should meet the needs of most non-demanding users. Our Score: 8.5/10

It’s interesting to note that Speedify’s website is full of clear and thorough explanations of how this VPN works. However, these explanations usually avoid using common VPN-related terms, which is perhaps a way for this provider to differentiate itself from the rest of the pack. That’s why we needed to take a deep look at its set of features. 

Here’s what you need to know:

How to turn on Speedify's kill switch feature
How to enable Speedify VPN's Bypass feature

We also have to mention that Speedify's DNS privacy feature includes AdGuard, which has a built-in ad blocker. Overall, Speedify provides basic VPN features and adds some unique elements to boost speed for all your Internet activities. However, it's not quite there yet in terms of fulfilling all expectations.

Server Count and Infrastructure

Speedify doesn't disclose the number of servers it has. However, it maintains servers across 35+ countries and lets you connect to individual locations. Our Score: 3/10

It’s important to know how many servers a VPN has in its arsenal, what countries they’re located in, and whether there are any specialized servers. So, here’s what you need to know about Speedify’s server network.

Number of Servers 200+
Number of Locations 75+
Number of Countries 35+
Specific City Selection YES (limited to a few countries)
Unlimited Switching YES

Despite our efforts, we found it difficult to obtain precise information on the number of servers offered by Speedify. When we inquired about the exact number of servers available, their support team provided a vague response, explaining that the number changes constantly due to adding new servers and switching out old ones. 

However, they said that each country has at least 2 servers per location, so they probably have over 200 servers at any given time. This lack of transparency regarding server quantity is concerning, as a small network can become overcrowded and result in slow speeds.

While Speedify does offer dedicated VPN servers with its Teams plans for $14.99 per month, it comes at a hefty cost. However, these servers provide higher speeds, static IP addresses, and port forwarding capabilities. 

That said, the company has servers in over 35 countries and 75+ locations, with the ability to connect to individual cities. Although Speedify's server network isn't the smallest we have encountered, it still falls short compared to VPNs with the most servers. It's worth noting that other providers offer more than 5,000 servers at a similar price point.

Thus, we advise potential users to carefully consider the server quantity before committing to this service.

UI/UX Design & Ease of Use

Speedify VPN home screen

Speedify comes with a relatively simple UI. However, it may take time to master all of its features, as not all aspects of this application are intuitive. Our Score: 6/10

In this section of our review, we'll explore Speedify's desktop and mobile apps, paying close attention to the overall ease of use of its interface. Our aim is to determine whether Speedify proves to be straightforward and user-friendly.

For this review, we checked out the Windows app. Speedify has a different-looking interface that might not be great for average users - they could struggle to find what they need. When you start it up, the home screen is in gray tones. But once you're connected to the VPN, things light up with colors, so it's easy to tell when you're connected.

Connecting to Speedify VPN

At the top-right corner of the home screen, you'll find a toggle button to turn Speedify on or off. Besides that, Speedify provides you access to a range of tools and statistics. Let’s take a look at everything that can be found on this main screen:

Speedify live stats on Windows app

Located at the top-left of the home screen is the main menu, where you'll find other additional settings for customization. 

Speedify account settings and server selection
Speedify session and privacy settings
Speedify app preferences and support guides

Speedify has a unique UI that sets it apart from competitors. It may take some time to learn all its options, as some sections may not be intuitive. Also, there are several ways to access the same settings, which may be confusing for inexperienced users. However, the same UI is available across all supported devices, so once you learn it on one device, you’ll know it for the rest. 

Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support 

Speedify can’t unblock websites like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Prime Video. Even though it supports torrenting, it comes with a limited number of specialized servers, making it unreliable for both streaming and gaming. Our Score: 3/10

VPNs are commonly used to enhance your online experience, covering streaming, torrenting, and gaming. However, not all VPN providers ensure a seamless ride for these activities. So, let's see how Speedify handles these tasks.

Is Speedify Good for Streaming?

No, Speedify isn't good for streaming since it doesn't support geo-unblocking. It can't help you access the libraries of popular streaming platforms from your country. However, it offers a "Bypass" option tailored for viewing your local versions of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Max, HULU, and others.

This feature allows you to temporarily disable Speedify's protection and access these services directly. In essence, "Bypass" isn't about "unblocking" but a means to turn off Speedify for specific purposes. Our testing confirmed this limitation, as none of Speedify's servers could overcome geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer.

However, Speedify is a good VPN for Starlink users, leveraging its advanced bonding technology. This not only enhances the security of your connection but also optimizes it for improved streaming capabilities, ensuring a seamless and reliable experience.

IRL live streaming platforms like Twitch TV and other streaming services do work with Speedify, but like we said, it can't bypass geo-blocking. So, we can't recommend it for seamless media streaming. If you want to explore other VPNs specifically for streaming, check out our article on the best VPN service for streaming.

Is Speedify Good for Torrenting?

No, Speedify isn't good for torrenting. Although it allows BitTorrent traffic on specific servers, the download speed can be frustratingly slow. There are 7 server locations in Amsterdam specifically for P2P, but they might not be as fast, depending on where you are. The catch (and this is a bit of a drawback) is that you can't manually choose a server.

There's also a port forwarding option for connecting to more peers and boosting speeds, but it comes with an extra cost. On the plus side, it has a kill switch, which is crucial for torrenting and protects you from IP leaks. However, it lacks SOCKS5 servers, which can speed things up without encryption.

So, it's not the best torrenting VPN, but it's doable if you can live with limited servers and some extra costs for certain features.

Is Speedify Good for Gaming?

No, Speedify isn't a good VPN for online gaming. While Speedify offers the option to opt for the UDP protocol under its Transport Mode setting, which should provide stable connections for latency-intensive applications like gaming, our hands-on experience was different.

We found that even switching Transport Mode to Auto didn't help when playing multiplayer titles on our PC. Speedify provides strong encryption and protection against DDoS attacks, but it's pointless if it negatively affects your gaming experience.

And to add to the letdown, there are no dedicated servers geared specifically for gaming. Overall, we can't recommend Speedify for media streaming, downloading torrents, or gaming. While it has some useful features, its limitations make it difficult to use for these purposes.

Security & Privacy

Speedify collects plenty of anonymized information, and it’s not built for total privacy. It doesn’t actively leak any data, though. Our Score: 3/10

VPNs are made to keep your privacy safe online, which they accomplish with numerous VPN protocols and different types of encryption. So, let’s see how successfully this VPN can protect your identity.

Speedify Protocols

When it comes to VPN protocols, Speedify VPN uses its own proprietary protocol, which is based on Channel Bonding technology. This technology allows Speedify VPN to combine multiple Internet connections, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, ethernet, and tethered phones, to create a faster and more stable connection.

Moreover, Speedify uses DTLS 1.2 as the core transport security protocol. This protocol provides the same level of encryption used to protect websites like Gmail and Facebook while also handling error correction for optimal performance, even in the face of unreliable lost packets.

Speedify also supports TCP, UDP, and HTTPS transport modes, and can automatically decide what type of connection to use in different scenarios. However, Speedify VPN’s protocol may not be compatible with some devices or platforms, and may not offer the same level of security and privacy as other VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN or WireGuard. Therefore, you should be aware of the pros and cons of Speedify VPN’s protocol before using it.

Despite these security measures, the service is adamant that it’s focused on speed, not security. While this may not instill confidence in users who prioritize security, it's worth noting that Speedify's encryption and security protocols are still based on industry standards, so they provide reliable protection for most users.

Does Speedify Keep Logs?

Yes, Speedify keeps logs of your activity, including the time, server location, traffic amount, and session duration of each connection, as well as your device and location information. While the VPN claims that it only collects anonymized data that can't be traced back to you, it's still possible for authorities to compel Speedify to reveal user identities.

Despite the VPN's website stating that it doesn't log user data, its privacy policy contradicts this claim. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the information that Speedify collects and how it's being used, even if it's anonymized.

Does Speedify Leak/Expose Your Private Data?

No, Speedify doesn't leak any data. When you connect to a secure server, Speedify assigns you a new IP address. Third parties can only see the information that Speedify allows them to, such as your virtual IP, hostname, ISP, and country of origin of your new connection. 

Speedify DNS leak test result

As you can see in the screenshot above, our true location remained hidden. Our DNS leak tests demonstrate that Speedify’s IP and DNS leak protection are effective.

Speed & Performance

Despite its name, Speedify will hardly make your Web connection faster. There are many other VPNs available that provide higher speeds and smoother performance than Speedify. Our Score: 4/10

No matter which VPN you choose, your Internet connection speed will decline due to the effects of encryption and security measures. However, the best VPNs out there will only slow you down by 10-15%, which is tolerable, especially if you have a fast connection to begin with. 

To see how well Speedify performs, we first established some baseline stats by testing the speed of our Internet without the VPN connected. We managed to get 105.01 Mbps for downloads and 113.48 Mbps for uploads. Next, we tested a number of Speedify’s servers.

Here are all the speed test results:

Speedify speed test results
Download Speed Upload Speed Speed Reduction
Baseline Data  105.01 Mbps 113.48 Mbps 0%
USA 57.96 Mbps 3.78 Mbps 45%
UK 15.76 Mbps 1.99 Mbps 85%
Canada 55.37 Mbps 1.27 Mbps 47%
Singapore 38.76 Mbps 19.53 Mbps 63%
Australia 19.97 Mbps 1.72 Mbps 81%
Italy 25.27 Mbps 2.08 Mbps 76%

Overall, Speedify’s servers show varying levels of speed reductions, with some servers having a more significant impact on download speeds than others. Despite the variations, all servers tested show a considerable reduction in speed. Speedify slowed down our Internet connection by 66% on average.

The service promises to make your Web connection faster by combining different types of connections with their Channel Bonding technology, so we tested that claim as well.

We put Speedify to the test on our Android smartphone, where we attempted to combine our Wi-Fi network with our carrier’s 4G network. Our goal was to achieve a speed of at least 116 Mbps since we managed to get 13 Mbps download speed over 4G and 103.13 Mbps download speed over Wi-Fi. 

However, when we conducted a speed test within Speedify, we only managed to get a combined speed of 42.12 Mbps. This falls short of the lofty claims made by Speedify, and we couldn't observe any tangible benefits.

Customer Support

Aside from checking FAQs and articles on your own, you can also contact the provider via email. Sadly, live chat is not an option with Speedify. Our Score: 7/10

When it comes to customer support, Speedify falls short in a few areas. While they do offer email support, there is no live chat support available, which can be frustrating for users who need immediate assistance. Additionally, representatives are only available during specific hours.

Here's what you can expect from their customer support channels:

While Speedify's customer support channels provide some assistance, the lack of live chat support and limited availability of representatives can be inconvenient for users.

Pricing

Speedify offers several pricing plans. However, considering everything it includes (and everything it doesn’t), it seems slightly overpriced. Our Score: 5/10

Speedify's subscription plans are divided into three categories: Individuals, Families, and Teams. Users can choose the appropriate plan based on the number of people planning to use the subscription.

Each plan is available for monthly and yearly periods. Additionally, the subscription fees for these plans are considerably high, which could be a concern for budget users. 

How Much Is Speedify?

Speedify costs $7.49 per month if you subscribe to the annual plan. It offers other subscription plan types and lengths for users, but for the purposes of this review, we'll focus on their Individuals plan. Let's review the costs of each term length in detail.

Total Price Per Month Savings
1 Month $14.99 $14.99 0%
1 Year $89.99 $7.49 50%

Speedify also offers two other categories of plans for those needing more simultaneous connections and higher device limits:

We also have to mention that Speedify offers a non-renewable 3-year pass for a one-time payment of $150. However, we were disappointed to find that there are no significant discounts for the Families or Teams plans.

Additionally, its payment methods are limited to credit or debit cards and PayPal. The fact that Speedify doesn't accept Bitcoin or any other virtual currency means there's no way to buy the subscription anonymously. 

Furthermore, Speedify doesn't offer many features compared to top VPNs, so we don't believe that sticking with the service for three years—the only way to get a good deal here—is a smart choice.

Is Speedify Free?

Yes, Speedify offers a free plan. However, it's important to note that it comes with a limited 2 GB of data per month, which isn't enough for most Internet activities, particularly if you plan on streaming videos or downloading large files.

The free plan is a good way to try out Speedify, but there are some limits. You can connect up to 5 devices, but there's a 2 GB data cap. If you exceed this limit, Speedify stops working until the next month. Apart from the free plan, if you go for the annual subscription on Windows, macOS, and iOS, you get a 7-day free trial. Just a heads up, though, this trial perk isn't up for grabs on Android and Linux.

If you do need more data, you can take advantage of Speedify's 30-day money-back guarantee. Just know, Speedify can't give refunds for purchases made via Apple's App Store or Google Play. For these transactions, you'll need to request a refund from those companies.

There are also other free VPN options available that offer more bandwidth and features. So, if you’re on a tight budget, it may be worth checking out other providers that can deliver better value than Speedify's free plan.

Final Thoughts

Our Speedify VPN review shows that this service has potential but also has some drawbacks. Speedify claims to provide fast connection speeds through Channel Bonding but can’t deliver on its promises.

It also falls short in terms of unblocking capabilities and advanced security features. Considering its mediocre performance, it’s hard to justify its relatively high price point. While Speedify can improve live streaming and video conferencing, plenty of other VPNs offer wider server networks, more transparent privacy policies, and better unblocking capabilities for lower prices.

You can certainly give Speedify a try by taking advantage of its 30-day refund policy, but we strongly recommend NordVPN for a more reliable and comprehensive VPN experience.

PROS

  • Unique feature for live streaming.
  • Channel Bonding technology.
  • No active data leaks.
  • AES 256-GCM encryption.
  • 7-day free trial. 
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Multiple subscription-plan options.

CONS

  • Unintuitive design.
  • Small server network.
  • Collects anonymized information.
  • Alleged data leaks.
  • Not available on routers.
  • Expensive monthly subscription.
  • Unsafe jurisdiction.

FAQ

What Is Speedify?

Speedify is a VPN service that was launched in 2014 by Connectify Inc., a software company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 

How Does Speedify Work?

Speedify works by automatically detecting all available Internet connections, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile data, and combining them to create a faster and more stable connection. This process is called Channel Bonding.

What Are Some Good Speedify Alternatives?

NordVPN and Surfshark are better VPN alternatives that cost less than Speedify.

Review Summary

Speedify’s Channel Bonding protocol is intriguing, but it doesn't seem to prioritize privacy protection. On top of that, it's unable to unblock most streaming services, it collects user data, and it has poor performance. We simply don't recommend this service.

5.2
Overall Score
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
2
Supported Platforms & Devices
6
Installation & Initial Configuration
10
Prominent Features
8.5
Server Count & Infrastructure
3
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
6
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support
3
Security & Privacy
3
Speed & Performance
4
Customer Support
7
Pricing
5


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