UltraSurf VPN Review

UltraSurf VPN Review

UltraSurf, a free service designed initially to help internet users bypass online censorship, has evolved into a tool many confuse with a VPN. While it does encrypt internet traffic to prevent restrictions and tracking, it’s more of a proxy than a VPN, meaning it doesn’t offer the extreme level of encryption and security you would get with a VPN. UltraSurf is based in the US and was initially created to assist Chinese internet users in accessing their fundamental rights. 

The service is praised for its simplicity and speed, often rivaling some of the best-paid services. It’s also known for its user-friendly interface, requiring no installation and offering automatic server selection. However, it’s worth noting that UltraSurf only provides servers in the US. 

Despite its simplicity, UltraSurf VPN does offer some basic security features, including solid encryption. It also has a strict no-log policy, which is impressive for a free service[8]. However, it lacks some essential features of high-security VPNs, such as a kill switch, and allows outdated TLS/SSL security protocols. 

UltraSurf is also known for its ability to bypass censorship and provide access to most geo-restricted websites. However, it doesn’t support Netflix and torrenting. Furthermore, it doesn’t give any information about its server network, and its customer support and compatibility are considered lacking. 

While UltraSurf is a helpful tool for circumventing internet censorship and providing basic online security, it should not be considered a replacement for a full-featured, high-security VPN service.

Advanced Features Of UltraSurf VPN

Advanced Features Of Surfshark VPN

UltraSurf VPN features designed initially to help internet users bypass online censorship, has evolved into a tool that provides basic online security and privacy features. As of the 2023 update, UltraSurf is more of a dynamic encrypted proxy service than a traditional VPN, meaning it reroutes your web browser’s traffic through its network of proxy servers, masking your IP address.

Highly Effective Speed

One of the key features of UltraSurf is its simplicity and speed. It requires no registration, offers unlimited bandwidth, and quickly obscures your IP address. It also provides a fast install process, with the VPN app starting to run in the background right away. 

Access To Geo-Restricted Websites

UltraSurf is known for bypassing censorship and providing access to most geo-restricted websites. However, it doesn’t support Netflix and torrenting. It also doesn’t give any information about its server network.

Security

In terms of security, UltraSurf offers solid encryption and a strict no-log policy, which means it doesn’t keep records of your online activities. However, it lacks some essential features of high-security VPNs, such as a kill switch, and allows outdated TLS/SSL security protocols.

Compatibility With Other Devices

UltraSurf is compatible with various devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and phones, and is available on the Google Play store and the Apple App Store. Despite its simplicity and ease of use, its customer support and compatibility are considered lacking.

Free Of Cost VPN

UltraSurf VPN operates on a completely free pricing model. It is a free tool that does not require users to register, enter any credit card information, or provide personal details such as an email address. Users can download and install the app and start using the VPN service immediately without any limitations on usage or bandwidth.

There is no paid version of UltraSurf, so users are not prompted to upgrade to a premium service at any point, and there are no trials or expirations to worry about. This free service model is one of the key selling points of UltraSurf, making it an accessible option for users who want to bypass internet censorship and enjoy basic online security and privacy without any financial commitment.

While UltraSurf is a valuable tool for circumventing internet censorship and providing basic online security, it should not be considered a replacement for a full-featured, high-security VPN service. It’s worth noting that UltraSurf’s server infrastructure is unknown to the public, and the app doesn’t allow users to choose which servers to use or access a server list. Furthermore, some users have reservations about UltraSurf’s security and privacy features.

No-logging Policy

UltraSurf commits to a no-logging policy, meaning it does not keep records of users’ online activities. According to UltraSurf’s official website, they do not require users to provide personal information to use the service and they do not log users’ activities.

However, some sources suggest that UltraSurf collects specific data, such as IP addresses and connection timestamps, which are stored for 30 days. This data is not shared with third parties except when necessary to comply with the law. Therefore, while UltraSurf does not log your browsing activities, it does retain some minimal connection data for a short period.

How UltraSurf VPN Is Different From Other VPNs?

How Ultra Surf VPN Is Different From Other VPNs

UltraSurf is a free service initially designed to help internet users bypass online censorship. Over time, it has evolved into a tool that provides basic online security and privacy features. However, it is fundamentally different from premium VPNs in several ways.

Dynamic Encrypted Proxy Service

Firstly, UltraSurf is more of a dynamic encrypted proxy service than a traditional VPN. It reroutes your web browser’s traffic through its network of proxy servers, masking your IP address in the process. While it can help you bypass censorship and hide your online activities, it doesn’t offer the same level of encryption and security as a premium VPN.

Infrastructure Of UltraSurf

Secondly, UltraSurf’s server infrastructure is unknown to the public, and the app doesn’t allow you to choose which servers to use or access a server list. In contrast, premium VPNs typically offer multiple servers across various countries and allow users to select servers based on their needs.

Effective Speed

In terms of speed, UltraSurf provides decent speeds for a free service, but it falls short compared to premium VPNs.

UltraSurf  VPN has an average speed of 7.4 Mbps, while premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer speeds of 193 Mbps and 196 Mbps, respectively.

Lack Of Some Of The Features

Thirdly, UltraSurf needs some features that are standard in premium VPNs. For instance, it doesn’t support VPN protocols like OpenVPN or IPsec, known for their robust security. It also lacks a kill switch, a feature that immediately disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.

Customer Support

Lastly, UltraSurf’s customer support could be better than that of other prominent VPNs. The only support it offers is through email; response times can be slow.

As we know, UltraSurf VPN is a valuable tool for circumventing internet censorship and providing basic online security, it should not be considered a replacement for a full-featured, high-security VPN service. It needs the robust security features, server options, and customer support that premium VPNs offer.

Is Ultra Surf Safe To Use?

UltraSurf VPN is considered safe for specific purposes, such as bypassing internet censorship and basic online security. It encrypts HTTPS data end-to-end, which means that secure web traffic is protected. However, it is essential to note that regular HTTP data is not encrypted between the user and UltraSurf’s servers. UltraSurf operates as a dynamic encrypted proxy service rather than a traditional VPN, which means it does not offer the same level of encryption and security features as premium VPNs.

While UltraSurf VPN commits to a no-logging policy, meaning it does not keep records of your online activities, it is limited in terms of security features. For example, it does not support advanced VPN protocols, has no kill switch, and is vulnerable to WebRTC leaks, although it provides details on how to stop them. Additionally, because UltraSurf VPN is a free service, some users may be concerned about the potential for misuse of personal data, as they are familiar with many free services.

UltraSurf is safe for primary use, especially for users looking to circumvent censorship. However, it should not be relied upon for high-end security needs, and users should be cautious not to use it for sensitive activities. It is also worth considering that UltraSurf VPN is based in the USA, which may raise concerns about jurisdiction and privacy for some users.

Does UltraSurf VPN Allow Access To Netflix?

Does Ultra Surf VPN Allow Access To Netflix

UltraSurf VPN, originally designed to help users bypass internet censorship, has been tested for its ability to work with Netflix. However, the results could have been more consistent. While UltraSurf VPN occasionally allows access to the US Netflix catalog, it is not a reliable tool for streaming due to its bandwidth and speed limitations, which can result in buffering and lagging issues. Furthermore, UltraSurf VPN does not support other streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Disney+.

The service’s inability to consistently unblock Netflix is compounded by not allowing users to choose server locations. This is a significant limitation compared to premium VPNs offering a wide range of servers specifically optimized for streaming. UltraSurf’s free nature and lack of advanced features such as split tunneling further limit its effectiveness as a streaming VPN.

While UltraSurf VPN may occasionally provide access to Netflix, it is not recommended for users looking for a VPN primarily for streaming purposes, especially if they desire high-quality, buffer-free content. For a more reliable streaming experience, users are advised to consider premium VPN services that offer consistent speeds and can unblock multiple Netflix regions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UltraSurf VPN, designed initially to bypass internet censorship, has evolved into a tool that provides basic online security and privacy features. It operates as a dynamic encrypted proxy service, offering simplicity, speed, and the ability to access most geo-restricted websites.

However, it needs more robust security features, server options, and customer support than premium VPNs offer. UltraSurf VPN is a free service, making it accessible to users who want basic online security without financial commitment.

However, it does not reliably unblock Netflix and is not recommended for streaming. While UltraSurf  VPN commits to a no-logging policy, it does retain some minimal connection data for a short period. UltraSurf VPN is a valuable tool for circumventing internet censorship, but it should not be considered a replacement for a full-featured, high-security VPN service.

Customer Reviews for NordVPN: In-Depth Review, Tests, and Stats

IR Irina

UltraSurf VPN Review
Verified
Connection issues with MLB.TV
So I had some connection issues on my iOS device (iPad) with MLB.TV streaming, and representative named Garfield SOLVED my unique problem that I had spent hours researching and tackling with no luck before today! Garfield was extremely patient, personable, and very knowledgeable. Through multiple approaches and problem-solving steps, he created a solutuon that worked. Way to go, and definitely a returning NordVPN customer here. Thank you, Garfield.
Date of Experience:
May, 2 2023
CH Christina

UltraSurf VPN Review
Verified
Prompt customer service
My subscription automatically renewed and a payment was taken, which I didn’t want as I haven’t been using the service. I contacted the company and received a prompt and efficient response where my subscription was reversed and the payment was returned. If only every company was so easy to contact and communicate with!
Date of Experience:
May, 6 2023
MW Michael White

UltraSurf VPN Review
Verified
I would highly recommend
Excellent service and easy to use to protect your privacy. I have NVPN on my laptop, iPhone and fire stick, great value for money.
Date of Experience:
December, 15 2023
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