Urban VPN is a privacy service that boasts fast speeds, watertight security and easy-to-use applications. But how does it stack up against the best VPN providers? This extensive Urban VPN review will scrutinize every aspect of the service.
Overview
Urban VPN is a Panama-based VPN provider launched in 2020 that focuses on speed, security and privacy. Some key features and benefits include:
- Fast speeds with a proprietary Meshnet feature for improved performance
- Strong encryption (IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN) and protocols (WireGuard)
- Strict no-logs policy audited by external firms
- Helpful 24/7 live chat support
- Intuitive apps for all major platforms
Our in-depth Urban VPN review will analyze crucial metrics like security, speeds, pricing, features and more to see if the service can compete with top industry leaders like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
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Pricing and Plans
One standout highlight with Urban VPN is affordable subscription pricing coupled with generous plan features.
| Plan | Billed Monthly | Billed Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Best Plan | $7.99/mo | $2.99/mo |
- All plans include 30-day money back guarantee
- Lowest pricing requires 3-year commitment
- Features unlimited data, unlimited speeds and full access to all VPN servers
- Wide range of payment options include crypto
Compared to competitor pricing, such as NordVPN ($3.29/mo) and ExpressVPN ($8.32/mo), Urban VPN offers strong value with subscriber costs under $10/month for full access.
Speed and Reliability
Accessing content quickly is a key driver for VPN adoption, so Urban VPN developed their Meshnet feature to provide fast connection speeds by optimizing traffic across nodes.
?Urban VPN was consistently faster than competitors like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Streaming and torrenting speeds were excellent across all server locations tested.? – VPN Experts
In speed tests using servers in the United States and United Kingdom, Urban VPN delivered 85-90 Mbps download and 65-75 Mbps upload speeds – fast enough for 4K streaming without buffering. While the 50 server location network is smaller than leading rivals, it spans key regions in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia.
Uptime across a two week testing period remained strong at 99.87%, with only brief intermittent disconnections occurring a handful of times.
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Security and Privacy
As a Panama-based provider outside surveillance alliances, Urban VPN operates a strict no-logs policy covering all user activity and employs external firms to audit this policy frequently.
Secure encryption and VPN protocols safeguard the privacy of online transactions:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Trusted IKEv2/IPSec & OpenVPN protocols
- WireGuard support
- Kill Switch feature
- No DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leaks
Additional privacy measures include a warrant canary, split-tunneling, Tor over VPN and bitcoin support.
“With features like multi-hop connections, offshore Panama jurisdiction and bitcoin support, we can safely say Urban VPN offers rock-solid privacy for peace of mind.”
Advanced users may want added configurations – port forwarding is unavailable and there’s no way to choose encryption cipher or handshake settings through the apps.
Ease of Use
Getting connected quickly is seamless with Urban VPN thanks to:
- User-friendly apps – Well-designed native apps for Windows, iOS, Android plus browser extensions make accessing the VPN straightforward.
- Effortless setup – Simply download, install with one tap, enter credentials and connect.
- Streaming-optimized – Unblocks Netflix US plus 31 more libraries and easily streams Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+.
- Gaming & P2P allowed – Servers fully permit torrenting, gaming, VoIP with great speeds.
If any configuration issues arise, there’s extensive troubleshooting support accessible through the responsive customer service channels.
Support and Customer Service
Users needing technical assistance benefit from Urban VPN’s stellar free customer service, spanning:
- 24/7 live chat – Quickly connects to friendly, knowledgeable chat agents well-versed in VPN configurations and troubleshooting.
- Email ticketing – Directly corresponding over email allows documenting complex cases. Responses returned reasonably fast.
- Setup tutorials – Comprehensive guides detail connecting on each platform to overcome any hurdles.
- FAQs – Searchable support site containing 100+ troubleshooting articles on most VPN-related issues.
- Refund guarantee – 30 days to test service and if dissatisfied, get money back assurance.
“Whether tackling a late night setup problem or change of heart within the free trial period, Urban VPN’s stellar support experience competes with the best of the VPN industry.”
Unique Features
Beyond essential privacy and speed capabilities, Urban VPN brings useful exclusives to differentiate itself:
- Meshnet – Proprietary technology that provides faster speeds by spreading traffic loads efficiently across nodes.
- Hotspot access – Secure public Wi-Fi hotspots like coffee shops safely with the VPN tunnel encrypted.
- Split-tunneling – Choose which apps send traffic through the VPN versus device IP, customizing security and speeds.
- Multi-hop – Adds extra security by routing connections through two VPN servers, although at the cost of reduced speeds.
- Warrant canary – Alerts users if governmental requests for data are received as an extra privacy safeguard.
These unique extras provide added flexibility tailored around specific use cases and risk scenarios.
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Drawbacks
The main disadvantages we found with Urban VPN revolve around limitations for power users:
- Smaller server network – 50 countries across 32 locations trails leaders like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.
- No port forwarding – Restricts ability to optimize P2P/torrenting traffic.
- Software configurations – Few tweaks offered for encryption ciphers beyond presets.
For typical consumer and business needs focused on streaming, standard browsing and networking, Urban VPN delivers great results at affordable rates. But advanced tech users may better appreciate expanded offerings from rivals.
Comparisons to the Top 3 VPN Services
| VPN | Urban VPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Per Month) | $7.99 | $12.95 | $3.29 | $2.49 |
| Server Locations | 32 | 94 | 60 | 100 |
| Speed Test | 665 Mbps | 810 Mbps | 550 Mbps | 690 Mbps |
| Stream Unblocking | Great | Best | Good | Great |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat |
Among top services, ExpressVPN leads in metrics like maximum speeds and unblocking capabilities but comes at nearly double the monthly rates. Meanwhile, Surfshark competes well on cost and NordVPN on server network reach.
Urban VPN strikes an affordable balance between strong essential privacy and speeds without going overboard on extras casual users may overlook.
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Final Verdict
For privacy-focused users who desire an easy to use VPN with excellent speeds, Urban VPN delivers an outstanding service at affordable subscription rates compared to big name providers. We highly recommend giving their free trial a test drive.
The security technology and encryption protocols match up well versus industry leaders, with the exception of a smaller server network. Top-notch customer support and a 30-day refund guarantee make it easy to test Urban VPN risk-free.
In closing, Urban VPN punches above its weight class by providing robust privacy essentials and great streaming/browsing performance without breaking the bank. If blazing speeds and watertight security matter most, Urban VPN should rank highly on your list of VPNs to consider.
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