Disconnect VPN: Tracker Blocking & SmartVPN Security

Disconnect VPN at a Glance

Disconnect VPN was founded in 2011 by former Google engineers as a privacy-focused security tool designed to block trackers, encrypt connections, and enhance online anonymity. Based in the United States, Disconnect caters to both individual users and businesses looking to protect sensitive data, prevent third-party tracking, and maintain private internet access. Their services are available worldwide, with a focus on protecting users across various platforms, including desktop and mobile devices. Over the years, Disconnect has gained recognition for their privacy-first approach, with their tools being integrated into major browsers and security solutions.

Their VPN service includes features like encrypted tunneling, tracker blocking, and secure browsing capabilities, aiming to provide a seamless and private online experience. Unlike traditional VPNs that prioritize large server networks, Disconnect focuses on routing traffic efficiently to block unwanted tracking without slowing down browsing speeds. They also maintain a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity is not stored or shared. Their encryption protocols align with industry standards to offer strong security protections. Additionally, Disconnect provides a free basic version of their service alongside premium options for more advanced features.

In terms of industry reputation, Disconnect has received recognition from privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts. Their technology has been featured in platforms like The New York Times, Wired, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for their effectiveness in online privacy protection. While they do not have BBB accreditation, their tools have been endorsed by digital rights organizations and recommended by security-focused publications. Their continued focus on transparency and privacy has positioned them as a trusted option for those seeking an alternative approach to online security.

Features & Perks

Features

• AES 256-bit encryption: Uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to secure data from hackers, third parties, and cyber threats, ensuring private and protected online activity
• User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive, easy-to-navigate design with simple settings for seamless privacy protection across devices
• Anti-logging policy: Claims to follow a strict no-logs policy, preventing the storage of user activity, browsing history, or connection logs for enhanced privacy
• Expanded VPN server locations: Provides access to servers in over 180 locations across more than 80 countries, ensuring fast and reliable connections for users worldwide to access geo-restricted content and unlock shows exclusive to specific regions on popular streaming services
• Protection on all iOS devices: Disconnect provides three simultaneous device connections for users to secure their Apple ecosystem.
• Wide tracker protection: Blocks over 2,000 third-party tracking sites, preventing them from collecting your personal information and browsing habits
• Secure wifi: Protects your device on public wifi networks by encrypting your internet connection, reducing the risk of data interception
• Visualized tracking: Provides a visual representation of tracking requests, allowing users to see which sites are attempting to collect data
• Bandwidth optimization: By blocking unwanted content, it speeds up page load times by an average of 27%, enhancing overall browsing efficiency
• Privacy dashboard: Offers real-time statistics on blocked trackers, data saved, and time saved, giving users insight into their privacy status
• Multi-browser compatibility: Supports major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera, ensuring comprehensive protection across platforms

Additional features

• SmartVPN technology: Combines traditional VPN capabilities with tracker blocking, allowing users to encrypt traffic selectively for enhanced performance and privacy
• Integrated search privacy: Enables private web searches directly through the tool, preventing search engines from logging queries and associated data
• Email tracker protection: Blocks trackers embedded in emails, ensuring that senders cannot monitor when and where emails are opened

Protocol and speeds

Disconnect VPN employs robust protocols to ensure user data protection. For macOS devices, they utilize the Open VPN protocol, known for its balance of speed and security. iOS devices, on the other hand, use the IKEv2/IPSec protocol, which offers strong encryption and quick reconnection capabilities, especially beneficial for mobile users switching between networks. Both protocols are complemented by AES-256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy, supported by a 2048-bit Diffie-Hellman key exchange, enhancing both security and browsing speed.

Security & Privacy

Disconnect Premium VPN employs robust security measures to protect user privacy. They utilize AES-256-bit encryption to secure data transmissions, ensuring that user information remains confidential. The service implements a strict no-logs policy, refraining from collecting or storing personal information, including IP addresses, as outlined in their privacy policy.

However, the service lacks certain advanced security features, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which are critical for maintaining anonymity in case of connection drops. While Disconnect emphasizes transparency and user privacy, they have not undergone independent security audits to verify their practices. Furthermore, the company does not specify the use of RAM-only servers or obfuscated servers, which are features some users may prioritize for enhanced security and privacy.

Pricing & Plans

Disconnect offers a range of privacy tools under different product names, which may lead to some confusion. Their offerings include Basic for browser extensions, PrivacyPro for iPad and iPhone users, and Premium for iOS and macOS devices. Notably, only the Premium and PrivacyPro products provide VPN services. This distinction is important, as the names 'Basic,' 'Pro,' and 'Premium' might suggest tiered pricing plans for a single service, but they are, in fact, separate products with specific functionalities.

Disconnect's Premium plan pricing:

• Monthly Plan – $12.00 per month
• Six-Month Plan – $6.67 per month (billed $40.00 every six months)
• Annual Plan – $4.17 per month (billed $50.00 annually)

Each subscription allows protection for up to three devices simultaneously. While the Premium plan includes comprehensive privacy features, there are no indications of additional fees for associated features or customization options within the plans. Users seeking basic protection can utilize Disconnect's free offerings, which include tracker visualization and anonymous search capabilities, though these do not encompass VPN services.

Regarding payment methods, Disconnect accepts PayPal and Stripe for purchases, and users can also pay via credit/debit card through Apple's App Store. However, unlike many VPN providers that offer alternative payment options such as cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ether) and various e-wallets, Disconnect's payment methods are relatively limited. Expanding their payment options could enhance user convenience and privacy. Disconnect offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

Advantages & Disadvantages 

Advantages

• Comprehensive tracker blocking for enhanced privacy: Disconnect VPN offers robust tracker-blocking capabilities, preventing over 2,000 third-party tracking sites from collecting your personal information and browsing habits. This feature ensures that your online activities remain confidential, reducing targeted advertisements and potential data breaches. The service provides a visual representation of tracking requests, enabling users to see which sites are attempting to collect data
• SmartVPN technology balancing security and performance: Disconnect's SmartVPN technology combines traditional VPN features with tracker blocking, allowing selective encryption of traffic. This approach maintains high performance while ensuring sensitive data is protected. Users benefit from a seamless online experience without compromising on security, as only necessary traffic is routed through the VPN
• Bandwidth optimization through content blocking: By blocking unwanted content, Disconnect VPN boasts internet speed by an average of 27%, enhancing overall browsing efficiency. This feature not only improves user experience but also reduces data usage, which is particularly beneficial for those with limited bandwidth. Fast speeds contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable internet experience
• Open-source components for transparency: Incorporating open-source elements, Disconnect VPN allows for community-driven trust in their security measures. This transparency enables users and experts to review the code, fostering confidence in the service's commitment to privacy. Open-source components ensure that the software can be audited for potential vulnerabilities, enhancing user trust
• Integrated search privacy to protect queries: Disconnect VPN enables private web searches directly through the tool, preventing search engines from logging queries and associated data. This feature ensures that your search history remains confidential, reducing the risk of targeted advertising and data profiling. Users can search the web without fear of their queries being tracked or stored
• Email tracker protection for confidential communication: The service blocks trackers embedded in emails, ensuring that senders cannot monitor when and where emails are opened. This protection maintains the privacy of your email interactions, preventing unwanted tracking and potential data exploitation. Users can read and respond to emails without disclosing their activity to third parties
• Customizable blocking for personalized security: Disconnect VPN empowers users to block or allow specific domains, providing personalized control over which sites can connect to their device. This customization enhances security by allowing users to tailor their browsing experience according to their privacy preferences. Personalized blocking ensures that users have control over their online interactions, enhancing both security and convenience

Disadvantages

• Limited payment options: Disconnect VPN only accepts PayPal, Stripe, and credit card/debit card payments via the Apple App Store, with no support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies. This limits anonymity for users who prefer secure, untraceable payment methods. Many VPN providers offer crypto transactions to enhance privacy, so the lack of this option may deter privacy-conscious customers
• Restricted to Apple ecosystem: Disconnect VPN is only available for macOS and iOS users, leaving users using other operational systems without access. This significantly limits their usability, making it impractical for those who need a VPN for Android devices. However, Disconnect VPN did have an Android app at one point, but it was removed from the Play Store due to a violation of policy
• No live chat or community forum for support: Customer support is only available via email, with no live chat or community forum for quick troubleshooting. This means users may face long response times when resolving urgent technical issues. VPN users often require immediate support for connectivity or privacy concerns, and the lack of real-time assistance can be frustrating
• Lacks a kill switch for connection security: Unlike many VPN providers, Disconnect does not include a kill switch—a feature that automatically disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops. Without this safeguard, users risk accidental data leaks and exposure. This is a critical security feature, especially for users dealing with sensitive information or strict privacy requirements
• No support for torrenting or P2P sharing: Disconnect VPN does not allow torrenting or P2P file sharing, making them unsuitable for users who rely on VPN protection while downloading or sharing large files. Many VPN services prioritize secure torrenting, and the lack of this feature makes Disconnect a VPN with limited functionality compared to competitors

Customer Experience

Customer feedback for Disconnect VPN varies across platforms. On the App Store, the PrivacyPro app for iPad and iPhone users holds a rating of 4.3 out of 5, based on 54 reviews. Meanwhile, the Premium app for iOS and macOS devices is rated 4.6 by a small number of reviewers. Users praise Disconnect’s effective tracker-blocking and user-friendly interface. However, some users have reported issues with certain apps not loading content unless Disconnect is turned off. Unfortunately, specific ratings on platforms like G2, Sitejabber, and Capterra are unavailable, with only very few reviews on Trustpilot that are mixed to negative, making it challenging to assess broader customer sentiment.

Positive reviews

Users commend Disconnect VPN for their user-friendly interface and effective tracker-blocking capabilities. Many appreciate the seamless integration across iOS and macOS devices, noting that it enhances browsing speed by blocking unwanted trackers and ads. The app's minimalist design and ease of use are frequently highlighted as significant advantages.

Negative reviews

Some users express concerns regarding the app's limited server locations, which may restrict access to region-specific content. Additionally, the absence of a kill switch feature raises questions about connection security, as unexpected VPN disconnections could expose real IP addresses. A few users have reported occasional connectivity issues, including difficulty maintaining stable connections to certain servers. The lack of support for torrenting and P2P file sharing is also noted as a drawback for those seeking comprehensive online privacy solutions.

While Disconnect VPN does not have profiles on platforms like G2, Sitejabber, or Capterra, the available feedback from the Mac App Store provides valuable insights into user experiences. The company appears responsive to customer inquiries, primarily offering support via email. However, the absence of live chat or phone support may result in delayed assistance for users requiring immediate help.

Customer Support

Disconnect offers customer support primarily through email. Users can reach their support team by emailing support@disconnect.me for assistance with any issues or inquiries. They are available from 8 AM to 8 PM PDT on weekdays.

In addition to direct support, Disconnect provides a comprehensive FAQ section on their website, addressing common questions and troubleshooting steps. This resource is designed to help users understand and effectively utilize their products. 

Conclusion

Disconnect VPN offers a privacy-centric service tailored primarily for macOS and iOS users, integrating robust tracker-blocking capabilities with VPN functionalities. Founded in 2011 by former Google engineers, Disconnect emphasizes user privacy by blocking over 2,000 third-party tracking sites and providing AES-256-bit encryption to secure data. The service includes features like SmartVPN technology for selective encryption and a user-friendly interface, enhancing both security and usability. However, the VPN's number of servers is fewer than other popular VPN services, which may affect access to region-specific content.

Additionally, they lack a kill switch and do not support torrenting or P2P file sharing, which could be a drawback for users seeking comprehensive online privacy solutions. Customer support is primarily through email, with no live chat or phone options, potentially leading to delayed assistance. While Disconnect VPN excels in enhancing online privacy within the Apple ecosystem, their limitations regarding technical capabilities and their overall commercial value may prompt users to consider alternative VPN services.

If Disconnect VPN’s services do not meet your needs, consider reading our reviews of other top providers. You can also use our comparison tool to see how each company stacks up, and explore our blog page for more industry information and tips.