However, the first question on my mind was whether it lives up to its name.
Unfortunately, I found that FastVPN is not very fast at all.
Its speeds fluctuate so much that it’s close to unusable at times.
Namecheap
Before I explain that, though, let’s go over my speed tests.
Is FastVPN, You Know,Fast?
Keep in mind that these measurements were taken in the space of just a few minutes.
One server in New York City got me 40Mbps, while another got me 7Mbps.
I’m not sure what is up with FastVPN’s servers.
It should be noted that I mainly tested speeds using FastVPN’s defaultIKEv2 protocol.
What Can FastVPN Do?
You may wonder why you’d want to still buy FastVPN, what with the speeds being so sporadic.
First, let’s take a look at what it can do.
FastVPN has a really great interface.
There are no two ways about it.
The middle is where those entries are displayed, in this case, the location list.
You get used to it quickly, though.
Connections are made quickly, though there’s a big difference when using IKEv2 or OpenVPN.
IKEv2 is really fast, while OpenVPN takes a while—up to 20 seconds.
That said, we do find it sloppy that FastVPN has itskill switchoff by default.
Related:What Is a VPN Kill Switch, and Do You Need One?
Well, it can, and it does.
That’s a really good result.
That’s still pretty cheap, but you’d be much better off signing up forPrivate Internet Access.
Its three-year plan is only $2 per month and that price is permanent.
Related:Can You Stream Netflix on a Decentralized VPN?
Security and Privacy
Finally, let’s go over the security and privacy of Namecheap.
I understand not wanting to swamp users with information, but Namecheap takes things in another direction.
Customers only have access to OpenVPN and IKEv2, both of which are among thebest VPN protocols.
Interestingly enough, there’s no mention anywhere of the encryption used by FastVPN.
Normally, VPNs like to shout from the rooftops how they’re using"military-grade" encryption.
FastVPN came up clean as a whistle every time.
FastVPN and Your Privacy
The upshot is that it looks like you’re safe when using FastVPN.
Again, the documentation is pretty tight-lipped, just saying it does not log and that’s it.
There’s aprivacy policythat covers all of Namecheap’s services, as well as theterms of service for FastVPN.
There’s also a popup when you start the app for the first time.
As with all claims ofno-log VPNs, you’re taking all this at face value.
On the flip side, though, the density of the TOS makes me a little uncomfortable.
FastVPN isn’t very fast.
Anybody else probably won’t enjoy using FastVPN all that much.
Should Namecheap fix the speed issues, though, FastVPN could very well be a contender for ourbest VPNawards.
Till then, though, it will have to languish in the bargain bin.
