If you’re reading this, you’re probably already aware of the benefits of using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Even so, not every service can guarantee the highest level of security and speed. We were particularly curious to know how Namecheap VPN performed among the newest choices. Its parent firm is already a leader in terms of internet security. While the service has only been around for a few years, it already has a sizable user base.
Does this, however, imply that it is the best alternative available? And how does it stack up against the market leaders?
In this Namecheap VPN review, we’ll address these concerns. We’ll look through all of the important features, such as usability, performance, privacy, and cost, to see if it’s worth your money.
What is Namecheap VPN, and how does it work?
If you’re into web hosting and domain registrars, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Namecheap. This is where the firm gained its reputation, and while it isn’t the most popular choice, it still has a sizable user base. The business decided to try its hand at establishing a VPN at the end of 2018.
Namecheap VPN makes use of servers provided by StackPath, the firm behind well-known VPN brands like IPVanish, StrongVPN, and Encrypt.me. This VPN service, based in the United States, has 1,000+ servers in 50+ locations across the world.
Namecheap VPN works on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In addition, routers are supported. Aside from that, the service offers its customers an astonishing limitless multi-login option, allowing them to connect as many devices as they like to a single account.
Namecheap VPN may be configured on your routers using OpenVPN files if the router’s firmware supports OpenVPN files.
The procedure for setting up
Once you’ve started your membership, whether with a free trial or a premium subscription, Namecheap VPN will urge you to download the version that’s suited for you, or teach you how to manually set up its service on your device or network.
Namecheap VPN is also very simple to set up. It has a simple user interface with a large number of server locations to choose from at the touch of a button.
A live and updated “ping time” is displayed next to each server location, indicating how long it takes to interact with that server. This is ideal for anyone who needs to connect to a VPN server as quickly as possible. Alternatively, simply click “Connect VPN,” and Namecheap VPN will connect users to the quickest available server.
When you click the drop-down box on the side of each server location, you’ll notice more possibilities for picking a specific city location inside that nation-for example, within the United States, users may choose from Las Vegas, Boston, Seattle, and other places.
Namecheap VPN automatically launches on all devices and clients, and there is an option to connect as soon as the software is loaded, ensuring that you are always protected when browsing. You can also select an alternative VPN protocol, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2.
The Performance of Namecheap VPN Servers and Locations
Namecheap VPN has a medium-sized server network. According to the corporation, there are over 1,000 servers in over 50 locations. Apart from destinations in the United States and the European Union, Namecheap VPN focuses on delivering VPN services in Australia. In addition, Singapore and Hong Kong are two of the few Asian servers.
Namecheap has some catching up to do in the VPN industry, where the leaders have between 3,000 and 6,000 servers in as many as 90 countries.
Speed
Because Namecheap VPN owns its servers and network, it can offer some astounding speeds for data-intensive operations like streaming, online gaming, and data transfer. When using Namecheap VPN, there is a small increase in ping (8 ms – 13 ms) and a barely detectable speed loss (download – from 91.2 Mbps to 86.55 Mbps; upload – from 31.69 Mbps to 29.43 Mbps). Of course, the speed is strongly influenced by the server to which you are connecting.
In general, Namecheap VPN offers high speeds and good connection stability to its customers. You will not suffer any abrupt speed decreases or disconnects once you connect to a server, which is very vital for online activities.
Torrenting and streaming
Torrenting and streaming media are both supported with Namecheap VPN. It can access some regional Netflix libraries when it comes to geo-blocked content.
It’s important to remember, however, that Namecheap VPN makes use of IPVanish’s infrastructure, which is shared by other VPN providers. As a result, if Netflix blocks the VPN, Namecheap won’t be able to do anything about it because the server network is owned by IPVanish.
For the same reason, while Namecheap VPN permits torrenting, there are many better torrent VPN services available.
Security with Namecheap VPN
Encryption and VPN protocols
It supports OpenVPN and IKEv2, two of the most secure connection protocols available. To put it another way, they strike a solid mix between speed and security.
It used AES-256 for encryption, commonly known as “military-grade” or “bank-grade” cyphers. You don’t have to worry about any internet entity interfering with your connection or traffic because this encryption is almost unbreakable.
However, it’s frustrating to see that Namecheap VPN only offers two encryption protocols, when most of its competitors provide more. However, the security provided by these default protocols is still enough.
On the plus side, Namecheap VPN provides the following extra security features:
Kill Switch
If your VPN connection is lost for any reason, Namecheap VPN will block all incoming and outgoing traffic to ensure that no data is left unencrypted on your device.
Protection Against DNS Leaks
When you connect to websites, DNS, or Domain Name Systems, is referred to as the Internet’s “phonebook,” and it might expose important information about you. When you use Namecheap VPN, this information is protected from being exposed when you browse the web.
Scramble Option for a Low-Cost Name
This functionality functions similarly to a stealth protocol, allowing you to avoid network traffic sensors enforced by a number of authoritarian nations. On your OpenVPN connections, you may enable the Scramble mode option.
It’s quite remarkable that a VPN with such low pricing can provide such sophisticated functionality as Scramble. If you’re in a country with severe anti-VPN legislation, you might be able to get your VPN to function by using the Namecheap Scramble option.
Namecheap VPN’s privacy and policy
Jurisdiction
Namecheap VPN is based in California, which is a member of the Five Eyes data-sharing organisation. As a result, your data may or may not be secure with this VPN provider.
Not to mention, the United States is at the heart of most worldwide surveillance networks, and it has the legal authority to force firms (including VPNs) to surreptitiously spy on their customers in violation of their own rules and terms of service. The fact that top-rated VPN services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are based in countries that value customer privacy rights is due to this lack of respect for privacy.
If you think this is simply paranoia, consider the numerous well-publicized incidents of US VPNs being ordered to log their users and hand over this information to authorities.
For example, IPVanish was caught logging users while claiming to be a “zero log” VPN provider. Because Namecheap VPN is a rebranded version of IPvanish with the Namecheap branding, this is interesting.
Policy on logging.
While we were unable to locate a privacy policy specific to their VPN service, Namecheap does indicate a no-logging policy. According to this policy, the data stored is not linked to any personal information and will not be used without the customer’s permission.
Namecheap VPN’s Terms of Service declare that it does not record (track and retain) any user activities, such as DNS lookups, email addresses, or websites visited.
However, because Namecheap is based in the United States, a country notorious for its data snooping and lack of online freedom and privacy, this may be something to consider.
Customer service at Namecheap VPN
Namecheap VPN provides the following customer care alternatives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
FAQ
- Knowledge foundation
- Making a ticket submission
- Chat in real time.
The easiest way to address concerns is to use the live chat help option. However, you may check out the FAQ or Knowledge Base for yourself. They contain some useful information, but most of it is about Namecheap’s other goods.
You must first establish a free Namecheap account, which includes a username, password, first and last name, and email address, in order to access your support pin. It’s crucial to remember that you may establish an account with one email address and use a separate email address to use the live chat function with the other. This also allows you to communicate with the customer service staff before making a purchase and obtain answers to any queries you may have.