blackVPN is a Hong Kong-based VPN provider, launched in 2009. The provider’s tagline is “Private. Secure. Unlocked.”
In this article, I’ll be putting this provider through its paces to see how well it protects your online activities, how much it slows down your internet connection, and how well it covers the globe with its servers.
I’ll also take a look at how well the provider accesses Netflix and other popular streaming services. Overall, we’ll take a look at how well the provider measures up to other VPN providers, such as NordVPN.
Is blackVPN Right for You?
blackVPN provides above-average online protection as well as excellent privacy protection. However, its connection speeds are lacking, and its global server network barely earns the “global” badge.
I will admit the provider offers decent access to Netflix, but its limited global server network means you don’t have many options if you’re in the mood for a little out-of-country entertainment.
The provider’s app support should also be placed in the “limited” column, as it supports only Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and you’re required to jump through hoops to get iOS access, but more about that later.
If you’d prefer more “expansive” access to blocked streaming content around the globe, protection for a larger number of devices, and faster connections, I’d suggest taking a close look at NordVPN.
The provider offers a large, truly global server network. Those servers provide access to restricted content around the world and it delivers well-protected, fast connections to a wide variety of popular connected devices.
NordVPN offers a no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee, which definitely comes out on top of blackVPN’s 14-day money-back guarantee period.
My Verdict
blackVPN offers excellent online protection via a quite limited global server network, for a limited number of device platforms. The provider does offer access to Netflix in most of the few countries it has servers in, but doesn’t provide access to the other streaming services I tried.
If you require access to a wide range of geographic areas or need to cover a large number of various device platforms, I strongly urge you to consider another VPN provider, like my #1 pick, NordVPN.
| OVERALL RANK: | 3/5 |
| Speed: | 3/5 |
| Tested Speed: | 53.1 Mbps average download speed (independently tested) |
| Streaming Support: | HD & 4K |
| Streaming Score: | 2.5/5 |
| Unblocks Netflix?: | Yes – in the small number of countries where blackVPN servers are located |
| U.S. Streaming Services Supported: | Netflix |
| U.K. Streaming Services Supported: | Netflix |
| Security Score: | 4/5 |
| Privacy Rating: | 5/5 |
| Supports Torrenting: | Yes, on all servers |
| Value for the Money: | 3/5 |
| Money-Back Guarantee: | 14 days (3 day free trial with Android and iOS apps) |
| Website: | blackVPN.com |
Pros:
- Steady, if not spectacular connection speeds
- Accesses Netflix
- Top-notch security and online privacy
Cons:
- Strikes out on unblocking other streaming services
- Internet speeds are slower than many other VPNs
- Had issues connecting when using the Windows app
Features
blackVPN provides good online protection for a reasonable price, but if you’re looking for a provider with extra bells and whistles, I advise you to look elsewhere.
While the provider offers app support for macOS, Android, Windows, and iOS mobile device platforms, you’ll be forced to request a TestFlight beta invitation to use the iOS app (I’m still waiting for a reply to my TestFlight request).
The native Windows app is also still in beta, and I had a difficult time getting the app to work on both my Windows machines (you can use the service with the OpenVPN app on both Windows and Linux machines).
Unfortunately, no browser extensions are available. Users can use the service with their OpenWrt and DD-WRT routers, as well as pfSense devices.
Up to seven simultaneous connections are allowed on a single set of login credentials.
I tested the macOS and Windows apps (as I mentioned previously, I’m still waiting for the reply to my iOS beta test invitation request). The apps don’t offer a load of options, and the offered protocol options include OpenVPN, SSL Tunnels, IPSec/L2TP, or PPTP.
The provider’s global server network is decidedly unimpressive, with a mere 31+ servers in 18+ countries. This is a micro-network when compared to other providers, such as NordVPN, with its 5,400+ servers in over 60 countries.
However, it should be noted that the provider does allow P2P file-sharing on all of its servers, except the U.S. and U.K. servers.
The provider’s customer support is limited to email, a support ticket system, and a searchable knowledge base. No live chat is to be found.
Streaming
If you subscribe to a VPN service, there is a very good chance that you will use it to access geo-blocked streaming services, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others.
When both the streaming and VPN industries were in their infancy, it was relatively simple to access geo-blocked streaming content by using a VPN. However, Netflix and its streaming siblings eventually caught on to this nifty trick and began blocking the IP addresses that VPNs provide.
Once this happened, many VPN providers threw in the virtual towel and stopped claiming they could unblock streaming services. Luckily, there are still providers, like NordVPN and Surfshark, that continue to fight the good fight, working to provide reliable access to streaming materials.
How well does blackVPN perform in this category? Let’s see, shall we?
First, it should be noted that blackVPN’s basic service package (called Privacy) doesn’t have access to streaming services listed in its features. Only the “TV” and “Global” packages claim access, and then only in the U.S. and the U.K.
Since the provider offers only a limited number of server locations, I was able to quickly test every location for its unblocking abilities.
I found that the provider was able to access Netflix in the U.S., U.K., Spain, and France. However, blackVPN was unable to provide access to Hulu on any of its U.S.-based servers (Hulu is a U.S.-only streaming service). Amazon Prime was also unreachable when I tested the various servers.
When the provider did work, it was an enjoyable viewing service, as all streams were delivered in full HD, with little to no buffering and no pixelation or fuzziness.
Security and Privacy
blackVPN offers industry-standard connection protocol options, including OpenVPN, SSL Tunnels, IPSec/L2TP, and PPTP (OpenVPN is the standard).
The provider doesn’t offer any “extras” in its online protection packages, lacking a kill switch option on the apps I tested, and nothing in the way of ad or tracker blocking, or malware or phishing protections.
The provider states they do not keep any logs. “No Logs! No traffic logs. No connection logs. No DNS logs. Your real IP address is never logged,” is explicitly stated on the website.
The company is based in Hong Kong, which is not part of any “eyes” agreements. Hong Kong has no mandatory data retention policy. However, since Hong Kong is a Chinese possession, this could change at any time. So, keep that in mind.
The provider accepts PayPal, credit cards, and Bitcoin in return for its services, meaning private payment options are available.
Connection Speed
blackVPN’s connection speeds, while able to handle most online activities, are certainly far from being the fastest around. The provider’s protected speeds of just over 53 Mbps certainly don’t measure up to those provided by other premium-priced providers, like NordVPN and Surfshark.
The provider’s connection speeds were sufficient for viewing HD and 4K streams, online gaming, and sharing large files. Gamers may want to take advantage of the provider’s 14-day trial period to test the provider with their favorite online games, as blackVPN’s ping numbers were a bit lacking.
No data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about with this provider.
Cost
blackVPN offers three levels of service: a basic Privacy package that provides access to a limited number of servers and no streaming access, a TV package that includes more servers and streaming access, and a Global package that provides access to every server and streaming.
While the pricing for any of the packages isn’t outrageous, other providers offer more for the same money.
The provider offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, and a three-day free trial on Android and iOS devices.
Alternatives
Best Alternative: NordVPN
While blackVPN offers decent VPN protection, it lacks the additional features available from other providers for a comparable price.
My #1 choice for optimal VPN protection is NordVPN. I’ve used the provider for numerous years, and it has always delivered excellent online protection and reliable access to geo-blocked content, providing an excellent return on investment.
The provider’s download speeds average 196.4 Mbps, making it an excellent protective option for streaming, gaming, and other connection-intensive online activities.
NordVPN has a comprehensive global server network, with over 6,000 servers in 60+ countries around the globe. Those servers provide well-protected, fast connections that can easily unblock most geo-blocked content.
The provider offers app support for all popular device platforms. Native app support includes native apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox platforms, and the provider offers support for select routers.
NordVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections on a single set of login credentials.
The provider uses military-grade encryption, offers a kill switch option and protects your DNS information by preventing DNS leaks. Its no logs policy means no server logs of any kind are ever saved. Plus, the provider’s cryptocurrency subscription payment option keeps your payment information private.
NordVPN no longer leases its VPN servers, moving to an owned-and-operated server model. This means that third-party contractors are kept well away from your personal information. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run 100% from volatile RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is automatically and securely wiped whenever a NordVPN server is rebooted or powered down.
For more information about NordVPN, read my review.
Best Budget Alternative: Surfshark
Surfshark is my pick for VPN users on a tight budget. The provider offers champagne VPN protection for a beer bottle price.
The provider’s average download speeds are quite impressive, coming in at 188.8 Mbps in my most recent download speed tests. Surfshark never cuts your fun short with data caps or bandwidth throttling.
Surfshark keeps its customers’ online activities incognito by using banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. The provider also offers a choice among the WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, and OpenVPN connection protocols.
The provider saves no user logs on its servers, meaning there are no records to be found of your online travels. Your payment privacy is also well-protected, thanks to Surfshark’s acceptance of cryptocurrency in return for its services.
Surfshark has joined several other top VPN providers in running its servers only from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a permanent storage device. This guarantees that all data is totally wiped from Surfshark’s servers whenever they are rebooted, shut down, or even unplugged from power.
Surfshark’s native app options include offerings for Android, Android TV, Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browser activities. The VPN is also compatible with several router makes and models.
This provider offers bargain basement pricing on its one or two-year subscription options.
For more information about Surfshark, read my full review.
blackVPN FAQs
Does blackVPN Offer Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling allows you to access both public and private networks at the same time. Unfortunately, blackVPN does not offer split tunneling. However, depending on the device you’re using, NordVPN and Surfshark both do.
Will blackVPN Keep My Online Identity Private?
Yes, blackVPN will keep your online identity private. They keep no logs of any kind, and they are based in Hong Kong, which is outside of any “eyes” alliance, meaning they are not required to share any customer information with authorities.
Can I Use the Tor Browser With blackVPN?
Yes, blackVPN works well with the Tor browser, as do most VPN services. blackVPN hides all of your online activities from the prying eyes of others, including your Tor-based activities.
