Encrypt.me Review: Was It Better Before StrongVPN’s Merge?

Encrypt.me Overview

Encrypt.me ensures that your connection is secure, whether using a personal or public Wi-Fi network. They provide a variety of security solutions for individuals, families, and teams. However, if your primary goal is to bypass geo-restrictions or access blocked content, it may not be the best option.

Encrypt.me Features

• Encryption protocols: Encrypt.me supports multiple VPN protocols to provide a balance between security and performance. It includes IKEv2, which offers fast connection speeds and seamless reconnection when switching networks, making it ideal for mobile users. It also supports OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), a highly secure, open-source protocol known for its strong encryption and reliability.
• AES-256 encryption: The company employs AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption, which is considered the industry standard in data encryption and is widely used by governments and security organizations to protect sensitive information.
• Kill switch (auto-secure): Encrypt.me offers a feature called “Auto-Secure,” which functions similarly to a kill switch. It automatically secures your connection when you join untrusted networks, ensuring that your data isn’t transmitted over an unsecured connection if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
• Split tunneling: Available on Android devices, this feature allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which use the regular internet. This selective routing can help optimize performance and access to local services while maintaining security for specific applications.
• Device compatibility: Encrypt.me is compatible with a range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire OS. This ensures that you can protect your data across various devices, from desktops and laptops to smartphones and tablets.
• Dedicated IP option: For Family and Team subscriptions, Encrypt.me offers the option to set up a personal VPN server through Amazon Web Services (AWS). This setup provides a dedicated IP address, which can be beneficial for activities like secure business communications or accessing IP-restricted services.
• Server locations: Encrypt.me operates servers in over 40 countries and 70 locations worldwide, providing users with a variety of connection points to optimize performance and access region-specific content.

Encrypt.me speeds and protocols

Encrypt.me supports both IKEv2 and OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) protocols, allowing users to choose between speed and security. IKEv2 is the fastest option and is the default protocol for macOS and iOS, offering IPsec encryption and operating on UDP ports 500 and 4500, along with ESP IP Protocol 50. It provides quick reconnections and is ideal for mobile users. OpenVPN, on the other hand, is a highly secure, open-source protocol using AES encryption and running on port 443, making it harder to block but generally slower due to its extensive code base.

Speed tests show that the VPN performs well on both near and far locations, with minimal impact on performance. It operates 94 servers across more than 40 countries and 70 locations, helping to reduce congestion and maintain stable speeds. While OpenVPN is recommended for users prioritizing security, IKEv2 remains the fastest protocol and is often the preferred choice for a smoother browsing experience.

Encrypt.me Security & Privacy

Encrypt.me is a VPN designed to prioritize security, encrypting the connection between your device and its servers whether you’re using apps or browsing the web. This encryption ensures that your data remains protected and unreadable to outsiders, preventing cyber threats such as hijacking, eavesdropping, and targeted ads. Additionally, the VPN places a protective barrier between your device and the internet, reducing exposure to malicious activities.

To enhance security, the system includes a kill switch feature, known as Auto-Secure. This feature automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN stops working unexpectedly, preventing potential data leaks and keeping your real IP address hidden.

The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, which places it within the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance—a group of countries known for intelligence sharing and government surveillance. VPN providers based in these regions may be subject to data requests from authorities, which can be a concern for users who prioritize complete privacy.
While Encrypt.me offers reliable security features, users with strong privacy concerns may want to explore alternative VPNs that provide strict no-log policies, RAM-based servers, and operations outside of surveillance alliances.

Encrypt.me Pricing, Payment & Plans

Encrypt.me offers two payment models: passes and subscriptions, giving users flexibility based on their needs. Passes are one-time purchases that do not auto-renew. Subscriptions, on the other hand, automatically renew either monthly or annually. Additionally, the company accepts major credit cards as a viable payment option, making it easy for users to subscribe and manage their plans.

Pass Plans (One-Time Payment)

• One-Week Pass – Costs $3.99 and provides unlimited VPN access for seven days
• One-Month Pass – Their monthly plan is available for $9.99, offering a longer-term temporary solution
• One-Year Pass – Priced at $99.99, providing VPN protection for a full year

Subscription Plans (Auto-Renewing)

• Monthly Unlimited Plan – Costs $9.99 per month, ensuring uninterrupted VPN access
• Annual Plan – Priced at $99.99 per year, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term users

Encrypt.me for Families

The company provides a family subscription plan, allowing up to five members to share a single subscription and protect their devices under one account.

• One-Month Family Plan – Costs $12.99 per month, ideal for short-term family coverage
• Annual Family Plan – Priced at $149.99 per year, ensuring year-long security for multiple users

Encrypt.me for Teams

• Small Teams (2 users) – Starts at $15.98 per month
• Large Teams (up to 250 users) – Can cost up to $1,491.51 per month, providing security for corporate environments

Free trial and money-back guarantee

To let users test the service, The company offers a 14-day free trial with full access to their features. If a user decides to cancel after purchasing a plan, the company provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring a risk-free experience.

Advantages

Transparent policies

Encrypt.me stands out for its clear and honest policies, providing users with detailed information about how their data is handled. While their 16-day data retention policy may not appeal to privacy-focused users, the company does not hide this fact, allowing customers to make informed decisions.

30-day money-back guarantee

Users can try Encrypt.me risk-free thanks to their 30-day money-back guarantee. If the service does not meet expectations, users can request a full refund within the first month. This policy ensures that customers can test the VPN’s security, speed, and usability without financial risk.

Flexible payment plans

Encrypt.me offers a variety of payment plans to suit different user needs. Customers can choose from one-time passes for short-term use (one week, one month, or one year) or recurring subscriptions (monthly or annually).

Supports unlimited devices

Unlike many VPN providers that impose device limits, Encrypt.me allows unlimited simultaneous connections under a single subscription. This means users can protect multiple smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices at no extra cost. For families or businesses, this feature provides excellent value, ensuring comprehensive security across all connected devices.

Disadvantages

No browser extensions

The company does not provide browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, requiring users to use the full VPN app, which applies to all internet activity on their device rather than just browser traffic. While this provides system-wide protection, many competitors offer lightweight browser-based VPNs that encrypt only browser traffic, which is useful for quick browsing sessions or bypassing region restrictions without affecting other apps.

Logs user data

Encrypt.me retains session logs for 16 days. This includes details like session duration, virtual IP address, email address, and source port. While they claim to collect data for network management, their retention policy raises privacy concerns, especially as they are based in the United States, a 5/9/14 Eyes member known for intelligence sharing.

Limited streaming support

The VPN struggles to unblock major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The only major service it reliably supports is BBC iPlayer, making it a poor choice for users looking to access region-restricted content. Many competitors, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, offer dedicated streaming servers that consistently bypass geo-restrictions.

No torrenting support

Encrypt.me does not allow P2P file sharing or torrenting, which is a significant drawback for users who rely on VPNs for safe and anonymous downloads. Many VPN providers, like NordVPN and CyberGhost, offer dedicated P2P servers that allow for faster and safer torrenting.

Split tunneling only on Android

Encrypt.me offers split tunneling exclusively on their Android app, allowing users to select which apps route through the VPN while others use a regular internet connection. In contrast, most leading VPN providers offer split tunneling across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and iOS, making the VPN less flexible for users who need this functionality on desktops or Apple devices.

Encrypt.me in Practice

The VPN is designed to enhance online security, but how does it perform when it comes to streaming, torrenting, gaming, and bypassing restrictions? Let’s take a closer look.

1. Gaming

Encrypt.me supports gaming but does not offer specialized gaming servers. While a VPN can help with security, it may introduce lag and latency issues, especially if the provider lacks optimized servers for gaming traffic. VPNs with gaming-optimized servers typically provide a smoother experience.

2. Tor over VPN

The system does not support Tor over VPN, meaning users who rely on The Onion Router (Tor) for anonymity won’t get an extra layer of security from this service. VPNs that support Tor integration provide better protection for users accessing the dark web or handling sensitive information.

3. Dedicated IP

The company offers dedicated IP addresses through VPN Endpoint via AWS. This feature is available with Family and Team subscriptions and is beneficial for:

• Business security
• Secure online payments
• Avoiding blacklists
• Bypassing CAPTCHAs

4. Geo-censorship bypass (obfuscation)

Encrypt.me does not support obfuscation technology, meaning it cannot bypass geo-restrictions in heavily censored regions. If users need access to Netflix libraries from different countries or wish to browse freely in countries with strict censorship, they should consider VPNs with stealth mode or obfuscated servers, like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Customer Support

Encrypt.me provides multiple support options to help users resolve issues efficiently. Their knowledge base offers self-help resources with detailed articles on troubleshooting and VPN setup. Users can also reach out via email support for more personalized assistance. Additionally, Encrypt.me provides comprehensive guides, ensuring that users can navigate and maximize their VPN experience with ease.

In a Nutshell

Encrypt.me is a security-focused VPN that prioritizes protecting connections on public and private networks. They provide encryption protocols, strong security measures, and flexible plans for individuals, families, and teams. However, in 2021, The company merged with StrongVPN, and they no longer operate as a standalone service. While Encrypt.me excels in transparent policies, flexible pricing, and support for unlimited devices, they have notable drawbacks. Their data logging policy, lack of torrenting support, and inability to unblock major streaming services make them a less competitive choice in the VPN market. Additionally, being U.S.-based within the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance raises privacy concerns for users seeking full anonymity.

If you’re looking for a VPN that better suits your needs, explore our list of the best VPNs to compare top providers and find the right fit. For a more detailed breakdown, our comparison tool lets you see side-by-side features, pricing, and performance. Don’t forget to check out our blog for expert insights, industry trends, and helpful tips on choosing the best online security solutions.