Encrypt.me vs VIP72

Encrypt.me, founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Washington, was a security-focused VPN service designed to protect users on both private and public Wi-Fi networks. They offered strong encryption, Auto-Secure (kill switch), split tunneling for Android, and dedicated IP options for families and teams. Their unlimited device connections made them a flexible choice for individuals and businesses alike. While Encrypt.me was easy to use and had a transparent policy, it had some drawbacks. Being based in the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance also raised privacy concerns. Pricing was flexible, offering one-time passes (weekly, monthly, yearly) and recurring subscriptions (monthly or annual plans). They also provided family and team plans for multiple users. A 14-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee allowed users to test the service risk-free. In 2021, Encrypt.me merged with StrongVPN, discontinuing their standalone service. Users were transitioned to StrongVPN, which retained some of Encrypt.me’s features while expanding their global reach and security options.

VIP72 VPN was a privacy-focused service provider founded in 2006 and headquartered in the United States. Offering a combination of VPN, proxy, and SOCKS proxy services, they catered to users looking for strong anonymity, geo-restriction bypassing, and secure browsing. Their network included VPN servers in 13+ countries and a massive SOCKS proxy infrastructure spanning 182 countries, allowing users to mask their IPs and access restricted content. VIP72 utilized 256-bit encryption with OpenVPN protocols, ensuring secure connections for activities such as P2P file sharing and accessing streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. They also supported residential IPs and HTTP header modifications, which set them apart in the proxy market. However, concerns over slow speeds, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of customer support led to mixed feedback from users. Additionally, allegations of involvement in the Bunitu Trojan botnet raised security concerns, further impacting their credibility. Despite operating for over 15 years, VIP72 shut down in 2021, leaving many users without notice. While their extensive proxy network and privacy tools made them a unique player in the VPN industry, their abrupt disappearance and questionable security practices make them a controversial provider worth deeper investigation.