With so many recent changes in Internet privacy laws, the number of VPN users has skyrocketed. Sure, a VPN isn’t the only solution and for some isn’t a priority at all, but using one keeps you anonymous and more secure on the Web. Depending on which country you’re in, using one can even help you access websites that are blocked in your country. VPNTunnel is a service that you should definitely consider if you’re looking to get started with VPN or looking for a new service. Being founded in March 2009, they have been around for quite some time now. Plus, they support all operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. For Windows, Mac, and Linux, you can use OpenVPN, PPTP, SSTP, or L2TP. Let’s take a closer look at what the service offers.

Getting Set Up with VPNTunnel

After creating an account, you’ll need to choose a VPN client (Windows, Android, iOS) or go the manual configuration route (OpenVPN, mobile, router, etc.). Thankfully, all of the configuration files needed are available via your Control Panel. As you can see below, no matter which system you’re using, there are plenty of options. For those who aren’t very tech-savvy, though, the VPN client is the best choice since it’s less work and easiest to get up and running with.

If you choose one of the manual VPN configuration methods, VPNTunnel has a number of detailed guides to help you out. For all you Linux/Unix users out there, they even have guides for specific distros and platforms like KDE Plasma, Xubuntu (my personal OS of choice), Gnome 3, Mageia 5, Raspberry Pi, and Chrome OS. Since I am already using VPN in the Opera browser, I decided to try out the VPNTunnel’s Android app on my tablet. I must say it was extremely quick and easy to get started with.

After installation, you simply sign into your account via the app and accept the connection request. Like most VPN services for Android, a key icon will appear in the status bar whenever you’re connected to the service.

Using VPNTunnel on Android

There are plenty of servers to choose from on Android. I noticed that it automatically connected to the optimal server for my location after signing in. However, you can also tap the cog icon in the top right corner to choose a new server.

After scrolling through what seems to be an endless list, you can tap on the one that you want to switch to if desired. Within a minute or so, VPNTunnel will connect to the server of choice, and you’ll be able to see your initial location and IP address (before connecting) vs. the current IP location and address (after connecting).

In your Android notifications, you can also monitor upload and download speeds.

If you are interested in usage info, you can go to your Control Panel on the website for a bar graph displaying the last six months. I couldn’t find a way to view more specific information, though; clicking on a month or the chart itself does nothing.

There is a Diagnostics section where you can do speed tests for different servers. It’s a great way to compare them and see which one is ideal. This is a feature I haven’t seen in past VPN services I’ve used, so I find it extremely handy.

Important Features that VPN Tunnel Offers

Whether you’re at home, work, or traveling, you can use your VPNTunnel account without issue. Plus, each package comes with five simultaneous connections, which is great if you have other family members who want to use it as well.

Here are some other important features and benefits to using VPNTunnel.

Unlimited bandwidth – You get unrestricted VPN tunneling, there are no data caps to worry about, and you can transport as many data packets as you’d like. Impressive speeds – Their servers are connected to a 10Gbps uplink, and hardware remains up to date, so you don’t have to worry about overloads. Anonymous IP address – You get a brand new IP address each time you connect to the service to help ensure your anonymity. Note: you can also order a public IP address. Bittorent support – Torrenting is supported and your torrent activity is completely anonymous. Strong encryption – All traffic that passes through their servers is encrypted, leaving no digital footprint. No logs – “We are government safe. We save no traffic data and store no logs. This means that we never log IP addresses, times and similar details.” Money back guarantee – If you are unhappy for any reason, you can request a full refund within seven days of signing up. Numerous VPN locations – Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Panama, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and USA.

A Couple Things to Keep in Mind

When it comes to customer and technical support, VPN Tunnel only offers email support. There isn’t a phone number or even live chat offered on their website. This can be a hindrance to those who prefer to talk to someone or who need help right away. However, they do have a Facebook page which indicates that they typically reply within a few hours. Additionally, while they do offer a money back guarantee, it’s only for seven days. Their Terms of Use states, “After seven days of Service usage, the full or partial refund can be performed only at VPNTunnel.com’s own discretion taking into consideration all reasons of such User’s wish.”

Final Thoughts

I use my tablet all day long, so I was a bit worried that my connection might suffer from using a VPN. However, web browsing, watching YouTube videos, and gaming were all a breeze. I didn’t notice any changes in my speeds, and even YouTube videos loaded and played all the way through without any buffering or lag. Besides the key icon in the status bar, I couldn’t even tell that I was using a VPN. Being easy to connect to, having lots of options and locations, keeping no logs, and leaving no digital footprint are all the makings of a good VPN service and ultimately, make VPNTunnel a great choice in my book. How about you? VPN Tunnel