At a Glance
BoxPN (no, I don’t know what happened to the “V”) bills itself as the “Simple Solution For VPN Needs.”
Despite the provider’s website having an Oklahoma address at the bottom of the page, it claims to be under Seychelles’ jurisdiction, which is not part of any “eyes” agreements.
In this article, I’ll be giving this global provider a solid once-over, investigating its services and how well it protects and enhances your online activities. As is normal for VPN reviews like these, I’ll take a look at BoxPN’s global server network, their native app support, and how well the provider protects your connection. I’ll also take a look at how well it provides access to geo-blocked content and whether or not its connection speeds are up to par.
Finally, I’ll deliver my verdict on how well the provider’s services stack up to other VPNs’, including my #1 provider, NordVPN.
Is BoxPN Right for You?
BoxPN offers above-average protection for your online travels. However, its global server coverage, connection speeds, and app support are all lacking.
The provider offers good access to Netflix, although it is severely limited by its global server availability.
The provider’s actual app support is limited to three popular platforms, with macOS and Linux users required to manually set up the provider on their computers.
While BoxPN offers adequate online protection for its price, there are better options available from other providers, such as my #1 pick, NordVPN.
NordVPN offers a no-risk 30-day money-back guarantee, providing users much more time to decide than BoxPN’s seven-day money-back guarantee.
My Verdict
BoxPN offers solid online security, but online users can do better, as other providers offer more bang for the buck. The provider’s slow connection speeds and below-average app support and global server coverage put limits on what streaming fans and gamers could accomplish with the VPN service.
Movie fans, gamers, and online users looking for worldwide VPN coverage are strongly advised to take a look at a different provider, like my top-tier provider, NordVPN.
| OVERALL RANK: | 3.5/5 |
| Speed: | 3/5 |
| Tested Speed: | 60.5 Mbps average download speed (independently tested) |
| Streaming Support: | HD |
| Streaming Score: | 2.5/5 |
| Unblocks Netflix?: | Yes |
| U.S. Streaming Services Supported: | Netflix |
| U.K. Streaming Services Supported: | Netflix |
| Security Score: | 4/5 |
| Privacy Rating: | 4/5 |
| Supports Torrenting: | Yes, on all servers |
| Value for the Money: | 3/5 |
| Money-Back Guarantee: | 7-day money-back guarantee |
| Website: | BoxPN.com |
Pros:
- Good online security
- Accesses Netflix
- P2P allowed on all servers
Cons:
- Global server coverage is a bit thin
- Slows connection speeds by a lot
- App support could also stand to be improved
Features
BoxPN, while offering acceptable online protection and privacy, fails badly in the app support, global server coverage, and connection speed departments.
The provider offers apps for only the Windows, iOS, and Android platforms. macOS and Linux users are forced to manually set up the service on their machines. The service provider can also be used with Asus and DD-WRT routers. Browser extensions are not available.
The Windows application is easy to use but offers limited protection options (more about that later). However, new users may find the app’s interface to their liking. (However, if you are a beginning macOS or Linux user, you’ll want to look elsewhere.)
Up to five concurrent connections are allowed on a single set of login credentials.
The provider offers the ability to use the OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP protocols.
As for the provider’s global server network, at the time of this writing, it is limited to 150+ servers in 40+ locations in 33+ countries.
P2P is allowed on all BoxPN servers.
Customer support includes a searchable knowledge base, a support ticket system, and an “agent assistant” (a bot), which does its best to offer assistance. If it can’t provide an answer, you can send an email to support. (It’s been three days as of this writing, and I’m still waiting for a reply to my support inquiry.)
Streaming
Let’s face it, if you’re a VPN user, there is a very good chance that you use the VPN to access streaming services. It is, after all, one of the most popular uses for VPNs.
In the early days of the streaming and VPN industries, most VPNs could unblock a streaming provider’s geo-protected content, offering access to streaming content from around the globe.
However, as Netflix and other streaming services caught on to this trick, they began blocking VPN-supplied IP addresses from accessing their streaming content libraries.
Many VPNs gave up after a few rounds of virtual whack-a-mole. However, others – like NordVPN and Surfshark – continue to hang in there, setting up new IP addresses as old ones are blocked.
Unless you limit your streaming activities to Netflix, BoxPN is going to be a disappointment for you. While the VPN service provider reliably accessed Netflix in every country I tested (the U.S., U.K., France, and others), it failed to unblock Amazon Prime, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer (and that’s even though the provider has a U.K. server designated as a “BBC iPlayer” server).
Despite a large amount of connection slowdown when connecting to the BoxPN network, it offered a good Netflix experience, providing high-definition streams with little to no buffering.
Security and Privacy
BoxPN offers three connection protocols for use with their service: OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP.
“Extras” are limited to a kill switch option and an auto-reconnect option. No other extras – such as ad and tracker blocking, or malware and phishing protection – are available.
The provider’s website has an Oklahoma address at the bottom of the page but claims to be under Seychelles’ jurisdiction, which is not part of any “eyes” agreements.
The provider says its systems are set up in such a way that they do not log any of their users’ online activities or have any kind of data retention. The provider also offers the ability to pay for its services using various forms of cryptocurrency.
Connection Speeds
BoxPN, while definitely not the most impressive in the industry, is up to handling most popular online activities.
While testing the provider’s connection speeds, my unprotected internet speeds averaged in at 402.7 Mbps down. When my connections were protected by BoxPN, they averaged just 60.47 Mbps.
While those download speeds are respectable, they are much slower than many other providers’ speeds, including Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Also, remember that your mileage may vary, and your speeds will depend on your usual ISP-provided connection speeds.
When streaming Netflix content, the HD 1080p streams started almost immediately, and the action was never marred by blurriness or pixelization.
The provider’s connections did increase connection lag (ping) by a large amount, so I’d suggest that gamers take advantage of the provider’s seven-day money-back guarantee to make sure it can handle the fast-moving action of your favorite games.
The provider never throws a wrench into the works by inflicting data caps or bandwidth throttling on its users.
Cost
BoxPN offers a single level of service for three lengths of time. Users can opt for a one-month, 12-month, or 24-month subscription length.
The provider’s monthly subscription tariff is roughly equal to a large double cheeseburger combo at your favorite greasy spoon and is likely a lot more healthy. The three-month option knocks the price down a bit (33%) and the 12-month option cuts 67% off the monthly price.
While the pricing may be attractive to budget-minded users, I’d advise bargain hunters to also consider offerings from NordVPN and a few others, as they offer better bang for the buck.
The provider offers a seven-day money-back guarantee.
Alternatives
Although BoxPN offers adequate VPN protection, there are better alternatives out there. I urge potential VPN users to check out other providers that offer much better global server coverage and multi-platform app support.
NordVPN
My #1 option for excellent VPN protection is NordVPN. I’ve used this provider to protect my desktop & mobile devices as well as those belonging to family members for several years. The provider asks a reasonable price for its services, offering an excellent return on investment.
NordVPN’s global server network is one of the best in the business. With over 5,600+ servers stationed in 60+ countries around the globe. The provider offers internet access to geo-blocked content that is unmatched by most providers.
No matter which popular connected device you own, there is a very good chance that NordVPN offers an app for it.
Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV apps are available, as are browser extensions for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. The provider also offers compatibility with numerous router makes and models.
The provider’s online data protection is some of the best around thanks to its military-grade encryption level, kill switch and DNS leak protection, and other protections.
CyberSec protection blocks malware-infected websites, botnets, and ads. Double VPN can be used to route your connection through two servers to change your IP address twice.
The provider protects your online privacy in multiple ways. First, it accepts cryptocurrency, offering privacy protection for your payment information. Second, it keeps no logs of any kind on its servers. It also runs all of its servers with in-house staff, keeping third-party contractors away from your data. NordVPN also runs all servers solely from RAM, meaning all data is held only in RAM, disappearing from the server whenever it is rebooted or shut down.
For more information about NordVPN, read my review.
Surfshark
Surfshark is my budget-priced recommendation. The provider offers comprehensive VPN protection for a low price.
The provider delivered average download speeds of 188.8 Mbps in my most recent round connection speed tests. Surfshark never ruins a good time with data caps or connection throttling.
All Surfshark protects its users’ connections by using military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IP leak prevention. The provider uses the WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, and OpenVPN connection protocols.
You’ll never see any user logs saved on Surfshark’s servers, meaning there are no records to be perused that are connected to your online travels. Your payment privacy is also protected, as Surfshark’s accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment.
Surfshark now runs its servers solely from volatile RAM, meaning no data is ever written to a hard drive, SSD, or any other permanent means of storage. All data is completely wiped from the provider’s servers when they are rebooted, shut down, or unplugged.
Surfshark’s native app offerings include options for Android, Android TV, Linux, Windows, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and macOS (with native Apple Silicon support). Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The VPN is also compatible with multiple router makes and models.
This provider offers budget-friendly pricing on its one or two-year subscription options.
BoxPN FAQs
Does BoxPN VPN Work in China?
BoxPN is one of the few VPN providers I have used that actually has a server located inside Chinese borders. This means the provider will work inside China. However, keep in mind that China regularly cracks down on VPN providers in the country, so be sure to check with BoxPN before making a commitment.
Does BoxPN VPN Offer Split Tunneling?
The provider does not support split tunneling. If you require split tunneling, I strongly suggest you investigate another VPN provider, such as NordVPN.
Does BoxPN Live Up to Their Money-Back Guarantee Promise?
I have personally asked for a refund in the seven-day period and can confirm they do refund your money if you cancel within the seven-day money-back guarantee period. Be advised that it can take up to 10 business days before the refund is credited to your payment account.
