SaferVPN Review
1st June 2015
Summary:
To see what kind of features and service SaferVPN has to offer, I went through them feature by feature in today’s review.
Pros:
- unlimited bandwidth
- user-friendly software
- low monthly rates
- fast connection
Cons:
- terrible customer support
- you have to pay more for more connections
- not compatible with Linux
Overall Score: 57/100
This score is much lower than the 97/100 scored by our top rated VPN – Express VPN
Overall this company lost major points for their almost completely unresponsive customer support. To get all of these great features and much more reliable support, I say stick with Express VPN.
To get SaferVPN, sign up here: SaferVPN
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The world has seen a major shift in the commission of crimes. Whereas pickpockets and burglars used to abound, the number one crimes in the world are now fraud and identity theft.
Online banking and shopping has opened up a whole new selection of victims for criminals to take advantage of, and all of our day to day tasks put us at risk to these nefarious activities.
Sounds pretty cynical, right? There is a way to fight back though.
Using a VPN, you can easily protect your information with military grade encryption, and keep your personal information totally private.
This coupled with IP address blocking technology gives users a whole new edge in the fight to keep their connections private and anonymous, as well as open up access to blocked sites and services.
With so many options on the market though, it’s hard to know who you can trust to keep your information safe.
I’m going to show you how to be a shark and get the most out of your VPN service, while we put SaferVPN to the test to see if they have what it takes to get your hard earned cash.
Will SaferVPN Work on My Operating System?
The easiest way to shop for anything is no doubt with the process of elimination.
Going through the VPNs that only work with the operating systems you use on all of your devices will weed out quite a few, so start here.
SaferVPN is pretty versatile, working on most major operating systems. Their software is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, but won’t work with Linux.
Rating: 4/5 – Works with everything but Linux
What Kind of Features Does SaferVPN Have?
Okay, so this bit has a few different parts to it. Basically, the features of a VPN are what really define their service, and they can vary a ton.
I’ll highlight some of the most important ones here, and give you an idea of what you should expect when you start shopping around. Then we’ll check out what SaferVPN has to offer.
Feature #1: Multiple Connections
Since most of us use more than one device, it’s nice to be able to connect our VPNs to all of them.
If you have more than one person that uses public Wi-Fi networks in the house, take this into account as well. At the very least, you want a VPN that offers two simultaneous connections.
With SaferVPN, it depends on the package you select. With the basic deal, you only get one connection.
With their mid-range package though, you can connect up to three devices simultaneously.
Rating: 3/5 – You have to pay more to get more
Feature #2: Money Back Guarantee
So now the question is, will they give you your money back if you ask for it?
A money back guarantee is a simply way of assuring you that regardless of how wonderful a company claims their service is, that you can get a refund if things don’t work out.
At the very least, you should look for VPNs with a 14 day money back guarantee.
SaferVPN offers their customer a 15 day guarantee, during which they can cancel with zero strings attached. Not bad, not bad at all.
Rating: 5/5 – 15 day guarantee
Feature #3: Number of Servers
The amount of servers a VPN has can really affect the quality of your connection, so pay close attention to this one.
Not enough servers means you’re likely to face slow download speeds, and a lack of diversity in the locations can make it difficult to establish a reliable connection.
I wouldn’t settle for any VPN that has less than 50 servers.
SaferVPN has you pretty well covered here. They have over 100 servers, in 24 locations all over the world. From Singapore to the US, you can log on just about anywhere with these guys.
Rating: 5/5 – Plenty of servers all over the world
Feature #4: Referral Program
Though not every VPN has a referral program, it’s definitely a nice little perk to keep your eyes out for.
Some VPNs have realized that their best form of marketing is actually word of mouth, and are handing out free and discounted service to customers that send new business their way.
Don’t get too excited, this isn’t something SaferVPN offers their customers at this time.
Rating: 0/5 – No referral program
Feature #5: Data Logging
Data logging is when your internet activity is stored with your IP address, making everything you do online highly traceable.
Even if your intentions on the internet are perfectly innocent, this practice is a blatant invasion of privacy, and a big no-no for VPNs.
SaferVPN never logs any of their users’ activity, so you truly do get to browse completely anonymously.
Rating: 5/5 – Truly private browsing
Feature #6: Bandwidth
Bandwidth is a lot like the data limit that comes with your smartphone, but has more to do with server capacity than anything else.
Either way, caps can really put a damper on your online activities, so settle for nothing less than completely unlimited bandwidth, no matter who you go with.
SaferVPN allows completely unlimited bandwidth, regardless of the level of your service plan.
Rating: 5/5 – Unlimited bandwidth on all plans
How Secure Is It?
The key to keeping your information safe is great security, so don’t settle for anything less than the strongest encryption there is – 256 bit.
In addition, it’s really nice to be able to adjust your security settings to really optimize your connection for speed versus security.
SaferVPN has the toughest encryption there is: military-grade 256 bit, with plenty of customizable settings and features in their software to allow you to truly customize your connection.
Rating: 5/5 – Ultra secure
What’s the Set-Up Process Like?
If you’re reading this review, then chances are you’ve heard of VPNs and are at least somewhat familiar with what they can do.
The thing is though, not everyone is, so the connection needs to be a no-brainer to set up.
SaferVPN is delightfully simple, with your standard run of the mill download and install set up. There are no connections to manually configure, no server codes to important, just click and done.
Rating: 5/5 – As easy as it gets
Is it Easy to Use?
VPN software that’s easy to use keeps the newbies from getting scared off.
VPNs are wonderful things, and they shouldn’t be so complicated to use that not everyone gets to benefit from the tremendous online security they have to offer.
I really liked SaferVPN’s software platform. It was clean, simple, and easy to navigate.
Server locations were laid out right there on the main screen, and settings were straightforward and simple to adjust.
It’s a great software for beginners to use, and just overall very efficient and professional looking.
Rating: 5/5 – Simple, clean, professional software
Logging In
You have the option of only logging in once with SaferVPN, which is always nice. Upon the initial startup of the program, you can select an option to automatically sign you in any time the program opens.
Changing Servers
Changing servers is also a breeze. If you’re experiencing an unreliable or sluggish connection, you can hop right on a different server with SaferVPN.
Their list is on the main dashboard menu, and switching is a simple as disconnect, select, connect.
What If I Need Help?
Customer service varies so much between companies, so it’s really important to make sure you’re going to get help when you need it.
Remember, you’re not just paying for the connection – they need to be there to answer your questions, or you’re getting short-changed.
24/7 Support?
Round the clock support is a surefire way to get help when you need it, regardless of whether it’s the weekend or the middle of the night.
This one will probably make the biggest difference in the quality of the support you receive, so make absolutely certain that whoever you go with is available any time, day or night.
SaferVPN offers their customers support any time, day or night, so you should usually hear back from them in less than 24 hours.
However, in my experience that definitely is not the case. Three times out of four, I never got response back from SaferVPN’s support, even with their live chat.
Rating: 2/5 – Claim 24/7 support, but not really
Channels
Most VPNs offer at least e-mail support, but the most comprehensive service always offers at least one live channel for help, and this is what you want to shoot for.
Look for a VPN that at the bare minimum offers e-mail support and one live option, whether that’s phone support or live chat.
SaferVPN offers both e-mail and live chat support on their website, so you should be able to get in touch with them fairly easily.
Rating: 4/5 – Live chat and e-mail support
Customer Support Test
Now for the fun part. I gave SaferVPN’s customer support a run for my money in a little test to see just how fast and efficient their service was.
I made sure to contact them on both of their support channels, and both during typical business hours and way outside of the norm, to give them a fair shake. Here’s what I found out.
E-mail Support Test #1 – Sunday/2:37 a.m.
I sent my first support request to SaferVPN’s team in the wee hours of the morning. However, after three whole days, I gave up on hearing back from them.
Result: No response
Rating: 0/5 – Unresponsive support
E-mail Support Test #2 – Sunday/5:02 p.m.
I sent my second request to their support team at a much more reasonable hour.
I had hoped that maybe getting two tickets from the same e-mail address would prompt them to respond, but still, I never heard back from them.
Result: No response
Rating: 0/5 – Zero support
Live Chat Support Test #1 – Sunday/3:47 a.m.
My first attempt at using SaferVPN’s live chat support was in the wee hours of a Sunday morning. I was eager to see how fast their service reps got in touch with me.
However, upon opening the chat window, I got a ‘Please wait…’ message. After ten minutes, I got tired of waiting.
Result: No response
Rating: 0/5 – “Please wait”
Live Chat Support Test #2 – Sunday/1:45 p.m.
My second encounter with SaferVPN’s live chat support was much more productive. I got a service rep right away – or so it seemed at least.
Within 10 seconds of asking a question, I got what was clearly a copied and pasted response that answered half of it.
After repeating myself, I got another copied and pasted response, both clearly from the FAQ. I still wasn’t impressed.
Result: 8 seconds
Rating: 2/5 – Support seems automated
I was so disappointed with SaferVPN’s support.
Here I was anticipating lightning-fast responses and immediate service, and at best I got a copied and pasted response from the FAQ section, 1 out of the 4 times that I tried!
What really made me nuts about their support was that I was continually receiving promotional e-mails from SaferVPN about their services.
I even got one after I uninstalled the program asking why I’d left. And yet they could never respond to a service request – infuriating!
Overall Support Rating: 2/20 – Nonexistent support
How Fast is SaferVPN?
Since every VPN out there claims to be the fastest, there’s really no way to tell whose blowing smoke and who actually has the goods until you test it out.
I ran two speed tests – one on my standard internet connection, and the other on SaferVPN’s – to see how the two compared.
Without SaferVPN
With SaferVPN
I’m used to seeing a little bit of a lag when I use a VPN, just because encryption can slow down a connection a bit. With SaferVPN, I had almost as fast of a connection even with that added security.
I was at least impressed by the speed that this VPN had.
Rating: 5/5 – Undeniably fast
How Much Does SaferVPN Cost?
Since there are so many VPNs out there, prices are pretty competitive and you really don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot.
At the most, I wouldn’t pay more than $15 per month for any VPN, no matter how flashy or fancy.
What I really liked about SaferVPN is that they have options.
While all of their service plans are billed monthly, you can select the level of service you need basically based on the number of devices you need protected.
They were very affordable, with plans between $6 and $11 per month for individuals, and even a business plan option for about $22.
Rating: 5/5 – Affordable with lots of options
The X Factor
This category has more to do with the overall impression a company makes on you.
You’re handing over payment information to these guys, so you need to make sure they seem like a professional and legitimate company.
Look for a company that has lots of information on their products, a nice looking website, and accessible means of communicating with them.
Missing any one of those raises a red flag, and should make you cautious. With SaferVPN, it was a bit of a tossup.
Their website was really nice and professional, and I found a ton of information on their products laid out in their pages.
However, the phoniness of their live chat support, with “all-American” names and phony catalog pictures of service reps made the whole thing seem incredibly fake and misleading.
On top of the way they presented themselves, their service was incredibly sub-par, only reinforcing the idea that it was all just a sham.
Their VPN service may be decent, but this isn’t a company I would trust with my payment credentials – there’s no face to them, and no sense of trust.
Rating: 1/10 – Feels like a ghost town
Conclusion
By now you should have a pretty good idea of how to shop for the best VPN for your needs.
As long as you look into all of these criteria and make sure they have great customer service, you should get exactly what you’re paying for. Let’s wrap up and see how SaferVPN did.
Pros:
- compatible with most operating systems
- 3 connections with mid-range package
- 15 day money back guarantee
- no data logging
- unlimited bandwidth
- huge network of servers
- super-secure connection
- set up is a no-brainer
- easy to use, slick software
- very fast connection
- low monthly rates
Cons:
- not compatible with Linux
- have to pay more for additional connections
- no referral program
- support is virtually nonexistent
- live chat is often unavailable
Overall Score: 57/100
Overall, SaferVPN rocked it everywhere but their customer support. For me this category is super important, and would definitely constitute a deal breaker.
There are just too many other companies out there, like Express VPN, which have all of these features, plus great customer service.
To get SaferVPN, sign up here: SaferVPN
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