FlyVPN is a reasonably priced, but relatively limited, VPN service provider based in Hong Kong. While the provider is outside of any “Eyes” alliances, it is based in a Chinese possession, and actually has VPN servers based in China, so keep that in mind.
In this review, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision about whether or not FlyVPN is the right VPN service provider for your needs. I’ll cover its performance, what types of security and online privacy protections it offers, and much more.
I’ll deliver my final verdict and tell you whether or not you can do better by using a different provider, such as my #1 pick, NordVPN.
Is FlyVPN Right for You?
FlyVPN provides basic online security but lets you down in the privacy and global access departments.
The provider’s native app support is limited to the 5 major device platforms, and its connection speeds are much slower than most of the top VPN service providers that I’ve tested.
Any users who require more than the basics when it comes to VPN protection will want to look elsewhere, as the provider doesn’t offer much more than basic online protection. Plus, the provider’s logging practices don’t exactly add up to a private online experience.
FlyVPN offers an industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee and even offers a 1-day trial subscription for just one dollar.
I would say that most VPN users would not be happy with the level of service that FlyVPN offers, and that you can definitely do better. One such option is my top pick, NordVPN.
NordVPN offers a no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee, fast download speeds, top-notch online security and privacy, and much more.
My Verdict
FlyVPN offers average online protection but falls short in the privacy area of things. While the provider offers native app support for the most popular device platforms, it only allows more than 1 device to connect at a time if you pay an extra fee equal to the subscription cost for each and every device you wish to connect simultaneously.
This provider’s limited global server network provides limited connection speeds. While FlyVPN connections can handle streams from unblocked providers (Netflix works well with FlyVPN, but other streamers don’t fare as well), their lousy ping numbers and download speeds will definitely slow your gaming and file-sharing activities.
This provider is merely “okay,” and better options are definitely available. Budget-minded users can do better by considering Surfshark, while users who are willing to spend just a few dollars more can find much more comprehensive VPN protection with my #1 VPN, NordVPN.
| OVERALL RANK: | 3/5 |
| Speed: | 2.5/5 |
| Tested Speed: | 29.22 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: | 3/5 |
| Privacy Rating: | 2.5/5 |
| Supports Torrenting: | Yes |
| Value for the Money: | 2.5/5 |
| Money-Back Guarantee: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Website: | FlyVPN.com |
Pros:
- Good online security
- Unblocks Netflix
- Easy-to-use apps
Cons:
- Global server coverage needs work
- Sl-o-o-o-o-w connection speeds
- Bad privacy protections
Features of FlyVPN
FlyVPN offers a variety of subscription plan lengths, including a 1-day trial subscription, along with 1-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans.
The provider’s native app support is limited to the iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms. The provider does not offer any browser extensions, and I was unable to find any mention of router support.
You can connect as many desktop or mobile devices as you’d like to the provider’s servers at once, but you must pay for each simultaneous connection.
While the provider uses military-grade encryption to protect its users’ online activities from prying eyes, as well as a kill switch with automatic reconnect, it doesn’t offer much more protection than that. FlyVPN doesn’t provide anything in the way of ad or tracker blocking, nor protection against malware or phishing attacks.
The provider’s global server network is quite limited, with just a little over 500 servers spread among 50+ countries. However, one great thing about FlyVPN’s global server network is that it has servers based in China. So, if you need access to Chinese content, you’ll enjoy that access with FlyVPN.
The provider does not specifically say it blocks or allows P2P file sharing on its network.
However, it does state on its Terms of Agreement page that users are not allowed to “upload, download, post, reproduce, or distribute any content protected by copyright or any other proprietary right.” This means P2P file sharing while connected to FlyVPN is probably not a good idea.
FlyVPN’s customer support offering is limited to guides, FAQs, email, and live chat (although I never saw live chat available when I visited the website at various times of the day).
Streaming
If you’re like many VPN users, you take advantage of your VPN service provider’s ability to unblock geo-blocked content, like that which Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other services offer.
At the dawn of the streaming industry, nearly any VPN service would work to open access to streaming content around the globe.
Then the streaming providers caught on to the VPN trick and began blocking any VPN-supplied IP addresses from accessing their content libraries. This makes it important to have a global VPN service provider that is ready and able to set up new, unblocked IP addresses when old IPs are blocked.
FlyVPN’s access to geo-blocked content is limited. While the provider did a good job of unblocking Netflix in the areas I tested, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu all rejected my viewing attempts.
While the Netflix access was appreciated, it was a shame that other streaming providers remained inaccessible. It should also be noted that due to the provider’s somewhat lacking global server network, you will not get all you should out of the service when it comes to restricted content unblocking.
Security and Privacy
FlyVPN offers decent online protection, but does only that, offering no “extras” in the way of online protection.
The provider uses military-grade encryption, along with a kill switch and an auto-reconnect feature to protect your online travels from prying eyes.
The provider’s privacy policy & protections could be better, as while FlyVPN doesn’t keep any internet traffic logs, it does collect a full selection of connection logs, which includes your local IP address, a timestamp, your destination IP, and port number.
Luckily, the provider is based in Hong Kong, which is not a member of any “Eyes” alliances. However, Hong Kong is a Chinese possession, and FlyVPN also has server locations stationed inside Chinese borders, meaning China may someday have access to the provider’s user records.
The provider does protect your payment privacy by offering Bitcoin as a payment option.
Connection Speeds
Connection speed is another category where the provider comes up short, as its protected connections proved to be horribly slower on average than my unprotected internet speeds.
During my connection speed testing, my average ISP-provided connection speeds measured in at 371.33 Mbps. However, when I connected to FlyVPN’s servers, my speeds dropped precipitously to 29.22 Mbps. Upload speeds took an even bigger hit.
Netflix streams, which were the only successful streaming attempt, proved to be a good experience, providing 720p video with little to no buffering and smooth playback.
The high ping times returned during testing indicates that you may want to spend some time testing FlyVPN with your favorite online games to ensure that you’ll be satisfied with its performance.
The provider does not inflict data caps or bandwidth throttling on its users.
Cost
FlyVPN offers 5 different subscription options for new users. The 1-month option will cost you about the same as a Netflix SD subscription, while the extended subscription option will knock a dollar or two off of each monthly cost as you extend your commitment.
If you’re flirting with the idea of trying FlyVPN, you can opt for their one-day subscription, which costs only a buck. It’s a good way to try out the service, but there is no refund for the one day option if you don’t like it. 1-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year subscription terms are available.
The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you want to give the service a try for a couple of weeks, it’s a no-risk option.
There are better values available from other providers. Budget-minded individuals should give Surfshark a look, as their cheap extended subscription plans are a great low-cost option. For those willing to spend just a few bucks more, NordVPN delivers an attractive return on investment.
A VPN Alternative
FlyVPN isn’t a horrible Virtual Private Network service, but there are certainly better VPN service providers available that offer a better level of service at a better price.
If you’re on a tight budget, then by all means check out Surfshark’s low-cost extended subscription deals.
Otherwise, I strongly suggest that you give NordVPN a try.
NordVPN is my most recommended VPN service provider, and is a high-quality VPN and delivers fast, well-protected connections that can easily handle HD and 4K streaming, fast-moving online games, and the sharing of large files via BitTorrent. (NordVPN allows P2P activity on certain of its servers.)
When it comes to geo-blocked content, NordVPN offers some of the best access in the industry. The provider boasts a 5,400+ strong network of servers, based in nearly 60 countries around the globe.
No matter your favorite connected device, there is a good chance that it can benefit from NordVPN’s fast, well-protected connections. Multiplatform support includes apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV devices.
Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and the service also works with numerous router makes and models.
NordVPN’s online protection is some of the best in the business thanks to its government-grade 256-bit strong encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and more. The provider offers the OpenVPN protocol.
Individual privacy is never an issue with NordVPN thanks to its strict no-server-logs-ever privacy policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option.
For more information about NordVPN, read my review.
FlyVPN FAQs
Do I Need to Turn Off My GPS Location On My Mobile Phone to Access FlyVPN Successfully?
You do not need to turn off the GPS location functionality on your mobile phone to access FlyVPN.
However, you may have to do so to successfully access geo-controlled content and services on your phone, depending on how the service detects your location. Android users can make use of GPS spoofing apps to fool these services, but iPhone users will not be able to do this without jailbreaking their device.
Would You Recommend FlyVPN For My Business?
I do not recommend using FlyVPN for a business. While the provider’s device support should be enough for most businesses, you are required to pay a fee for each and every device you connect simultaneously. There are better VPN providers around, and they offer multiple simultaneous connections.
Is FlyVPN Safe?
FlyVPN is a reputable VPN provider, but there are better, safer VPNs out there. The provider doesn’t offer the return on value when it comes to online safety that other providers offer.
