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FlowVPN Review & Test Results – Does it Measure Up in 2024?

In this VPN review, I provide a close look at FlowVPN. I’ll try the provider’s service offerings, including its global server network and app support, and I’ll examine the level of online security and privacy that the provider offers.

FlowVPN is a low-priced, somewhat limited Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider. The provider offers a five-day free trial.

In this review, I’ll fill you in on my experience with using FlowVPN, share information on how well it performs, and clue you in on whether or not the provider offers enough bang for the buck. At the end of the article, I’ll deliver my final verdict and tell you whether or not there are better VPN providers that you should take a look at, such as my top VPN pick, NordVPN.

Is FlowVPN Right for You?

FlowVPN offers low-priced but limited protection for your online security and privacy. The provider also lacks in its global server coverage and connection speed.

It is located in the United Kingdom, which is a “Five Eyes” Alliance member, which means the country shares intelligence data on its citizens with other countries in the alliance. This can compromise a user’s online privacy. It should also be noted that FlowVPN logs way too much data about its customers’ online travels, monitoring you all along the way. More about that later.

The provider offers good native app support, but the apps can be confusing for first-time VPN users. Newbies will want to look elsewhere for VPN protection.

FlowVPN offers a money-back guarantee during the first 30 days of your subscription. It also offers a five-day free trial. (You’ll need to manually cancel the service with PayPal or Stripe if you decide to bail during the trial period.)

As you can probably tell, there are better VPNs out there, and you can score better VPN protection for a similar or only slightly higher price. One such provider is my top pick, NordVPN.

NordVPN offers a no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee, speedy connections, reliable online security and privacy, and much more.

My Verdict

FlowVPN, while providing acceptable online protection, falls short in the privacy section of my testing. The provider offers good native app support, but the apps can be rather confusing for first-timers.

The provider offers adequate but certainly not dazzling connection speeds from a severely limited global server network. While the provider does a decent job of accessing streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, your ability to access geo-restricted content is strongly limited due to the provider’s small server location network.

While budget-minded users might be tempted by FlowVPN’s low price, they’ll soon find out that there are better budget-range VPN options available (like Surfshark).

Those willing to pry a few more dollars from the clinches of their billfold will find much better all-around VPN protection from other providers, such as my #1 VPN, NordVPN.

OVERALL RANK: 3.5/5
Speed: 3.5/5
Tested Speed: 62.84 Mbps average download speed (independently tested)
Streaming Support: HD
Streaming Score: 3.5/5
Unblocks Netflix?: Yes
U.S. Streaming Services Supported: Netflix
U.K. Streaming Services Supported: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video
Security Score: 3/5
Privacy Rating: 2.5/5
Supports Torrenting: No. They will cancel your access if they find you’re torrenting while connected to their network.
Value for the Money: 3/5
Money-Back Guarantee: Money-back guarantee covers the first 30 days of service. Also offers a five-day free trial.
Website: FlowVPN.com

Pros:

  • Good online security
  • Accesses Netflix
  • Low price on all subscriptions

Cons:

  • Global server coverage is tiny
  • Slow connection speeds
  • Horrible privacy, too many logs

Features

FlowVPN offers low-priced subscription plans, including one-month, three-month, and one-year options. More about that below.

The provider’s native app support includes options for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, Android, and Amazon Fire platforms. (The iOS app is only available via TestFlight, while the Android version is available both through Google Play and as a side loadable APK file.) Also available are browser extensions for Google Chrome and Firefox. The provider can also be used with TP-Link routers.

Up to four separate devices can simultaneously connect to the service on a single account.

The provider offers the PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. Other protocols are currently in development.

Sadly, while the provider does a decent job of accessing geo-blocked streaming content, the actual use of the feature is severely limited by the provider’s disappointingly small server network, which includes a mere 100+ servers spread among 60+ countries.

The provider does not allow BitTorrent or other peer-to-peer file-sharing activity.

The provider says it offers 24/7 customer support, but that comes in the form of 24-hour responses to inquiries via the provider’s Contact Us form. (There is no live chat.) You can also contact support via direct email, and a knowledge base is also available.

Streaming

If you’re a VPN user, there is a very good chance that you use your VPN to access geo-restricted content from streaming providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and others.

While once upon a time, you could use almost any VPN provider to access any streaming service, the streamers eventually caught on to what was happening and began blocking VPN-provided IP addresses from accessing their content libraries.

Once this began happening, it became extremely important to subscribe to a provider that had the resources and willingness to engage in this game of virtual whack-a-mole, continuing to add new IP addresses when current IPs were blocked by Netflix and the other streamers.

FlowVPN’s access to geo-fenced streaming content is a mixed bag. While the provider offered reliable, HD access to Netflix streams where I tested, other services were hit-and-miss. While BBC iPlayer played back well, Amazon Prime video didn’t work in the U.S., but worked with U.K. streams. Hulu access was a no-go.

I should remind you that the provider has a limited global server network, meaning your geo-restricted content unblocking ability will be limited to certain sections of the globe (100+ servers spread among 60+ countries).

Security and Privacy

While FlowVPN provides good online protection, its privacy protections definitely come up short.

The provider uses the PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, and other protocols are currently in development.

128-bit encryption protects your online activities from prying eyes. (Most providers use 256-bit encryption).

The provider doesn’t exactly respect your privacy when it comes to logging and following you around on the internet.

To begin with, FlowVPN is headquartered in the U.K., which is a “Five Eyes” alliance member. (Members of the alliance are bound by law to share information about their users with other countries if authorities demand it.)

The provider’s Terms and Conditions page states that it reserves the right to log user activity across its network and to use automated systems to monitor that network activity for abuse (which includes peer-to-peer file sharing activity).

The provider also reserves the right to “log subscription information (including transaction references), connecting IP address, authentication requests, [and] session user data (allocated IP, connection date, time, duration, etc).”

This is way too much connection logging, and a VPN provider should respect the privacy of its users. (The word “private” is literally in the name of the service they provide.)

I will credit FlowVPN for its addition of private payment options, including Bitcoin.

Connection Speeds

FlowVPN provides connection speeds fast enough for most online activities, including streaming platforms and gaming (but not file sharing, as it’s banned on the provider’s not so robust network). However, their download speeds will never win any awards.

During the download speed testing period for this provider, my average ISP-provided connection speeds measured at 326.38 Mbps. When connected to FlowVPN’s servers, my speeds dropped precipitously to 62.84 Mbps. Upload speeds were hit even harder.

Netflix streams required more than a few seconds of buffering, and while playback was a smooth HD experience from the U.S. and the U.K., my Hong Kong playback looked more like SD 480p quality.

However, Amazon Prime worked well in the U.K. and Hong Kong. BBC iPlayer also offered reliable and smooth playback while using FlowVPN.

Despite the good results with multiple streaming services, keep in mind that your access to geo-restricted content will be limited by the provider’s smaller-than-average global server network.

Ping times were also MUCH higher when using the FlowVPN network. I suggest gamers take advantage of the free five-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee before committing to any long-term commitment with FlowVPN.

The provider does not inflict user data caps or bandwidth throttling on its users.

FlowVPN Cost

The FlowVPN one-month option will cost you a large caffeinated drink from your favorite barista, while the three-month and 12-month options knock that monthly tariff down to the price of a medium and small drink, respectively.

FlowVPN offers a five-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. (The provider delays charging you for your subscription for five days. If you pay with PayPal or Stripe, you’ll need to go into your PayPal or Stripe account to cancel the recurring subscription charges.)

While these prices might be tempting at first blush, you can do better at a similar pricing level by opting for a provider like Surfshark. If you’re willing to pay a few extra bucks a month, a provider like NordVPN will deliver a much higher level of all-around service and protection.

How Does the U.K. Data Protection Act Affect FlowVPN?

FlowVPN’s Privacy and Cookies page says FlowVPN uses all information collected from its website in accordance with the U.K. Data Protection Act 1998. Measures are taken to keep all users’ personal information secure, and any disclosures of information will be made only with the users’ permission.

VPN Alternatives

While FlowVPN is available at a low price, it is definitely not a bargain. The provider comes up short in so many categories that I simply cannot recommend it. Luckily, there are alternative VPN providers that I can recommend.

NordVPN

If you can spring for a few extra bucks per month to pay for a premium VPN provider, then I strongly suggest giving NordVPN a try. I have put this provider through all of my extensive tests, and it has proven to be a premium and reliable VPN provider.

While the provider’s asking price is higher than what FlowVPN asks, it provides a high level of VPN protection and enhancement, offering its users an excellent return on investment.

The provider offers fast connections, which can easily handle any of your online activities, including HD and 4K video streaming, online gaming, and even P2P file sharing. (Yep, NordVPN allows P2P file sharing on many of its servers.)

NordVPN offers some of the best access to geo-restricted content in the industry, thanks to its 5,600+ servers stationed in nearly 60 countries.

Your connected devices will benefit from NordVPN’s fast, well-protected connections, as the provider offers native app support for most popular devices. Supported device platforms include Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV.

Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers, and the service is compatible with numerous router makes and models.

When it comes to online protection, NordVPN is also near the front of the pack thanks to its use of banking-grade 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and much more.

A strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option both help to protect your privacy.

The provider also has owned-and-operated servers in many locations, which keeps third-party contractors away from customers’ data. It also runs its entire server network 100% from volatile RAM, meaning no data is ever written to a physical hard drive. This means if a server is rebooted, shut down, or unplugged and moved, all data is completely wiped from the server.

For more information about NordVPN, read my review.

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Surfshark

If your bank account tells you that you need to stick to a budget-priced provider, then I recommend taking a look at Surfshark‘s low-cost multi-year deals.

Surfshark’s one-month subscription price is admittedly more expensive than FlowVPNs one-month fee. However, its one-year plan is actually cheaper than FLowVPN, and its 24-month option is even cheaper per month.

The provider currently boasts 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, offering access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.

Surfshark’s connection speeds were some of the fastest in my most recent round of speed tests. The provider easily handles video streaming, online gaming, and file sharing. No data caps or bandwidth limitations ever come into play.

The provider protects its connections with banking-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and tracker blocking, as well as malware and phishing protections, are also available.

The provider follows a strict no-logs policy, and accepts Bitcoin for private subscription payments.

Surfshark native app support includes offerings for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices. (With native Apple Silicon support in the macOS app.) Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, along with comprehensive router support.

Surfshark also provides antivirus protection, truly private search, and alerts if and when your personal information is exposed in a data breach.

The provider also offers an unlimited simultaneous connections policy.

Surfshark customer support options include always-available live chat, email support, and a support knowledge base.

Methodology for Assessing a VPN

When searching for a reliable VPN, you should carefully consider several factors before deciding which VPN provider is the right one for your needs.

Below, you’ll find the factors that I consider when deciding which VPNs are the best option for the task at hand:

  • Server network: A large global VPN server network provides access to geo-restricted content around the globe. All of the VPNs I recommended have servers stationed in numerous locations around the globe.
  • Connection speed: A fast internet connection makes all of your online activities more enjoyable. The VPNs included on my list performed well in my connection speed tests.
  • Value: A VPN provider’s true value can be determined by comparing its price to the features and functionality it offers. All VPNs that I included on my list offer an excellent return on investment.
  • Ease of use: A selection of easy-to-use apps for as many popular device platforms as possible is a must for users with multiple devices. The VPN providers on my list offer intuitive apps for most popular devices.
  • Security and privacy: A VPN should provide banking-level encryption, as well as kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-server-logs policy is also a strict requirement.
  • Streaming: Viewing video streams from popular streaming services is a popular online activity. The VPNs on my list offer reliable access to multiple streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others.

The list above is not everything I look at. These features make up just a portion of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. I also use VPNs to protect and enhance my daily online travels. This data-driven approach allows me to better understand these VPNs and their services, allowing me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for the task at hand.

FlowVPN FAQs

Does FlowVPN Bypass Deep Packet Inspection?

A VPN provider usually defeats Deep Packet Inspection by using some sort of obfuscation method that disguises your VPN traffic as normal browser traffic. FlowVPN does not offer any such feature.

Can I Trust FlowVPN With My Data?

While FlowVPN does offer the OpenVPN protocol, they only use 128-bit encryption to secure your data. While that should be sufficient in most cases to secure your data, most providers I’ve used make use of more secure, 256-bit encryption to secure their customers’ data from prying eyes.

Does FlowVPN Work in China?

FlowVPN does have servers located in Hong Kong, which is a Chinese possession. FlowVPN claims on its website that its service does work in China. Be sure to check with the provider before subscribing just for Chinese VPN access.


Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

Visit NordVPN

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