Limited Device Compatibility And Privacy Features
Kaspersky has native apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
That means no messy config files to deal with!
You can connect up to five simultaneous devices on their paid plans, too.
Unfortunately, thats also where the good news ends.
Kaspersky does not support routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, or even Tor.
Torrenting isnt so cut and dry. They dont necessarily deny it anywhere.
However, they do state that ISPs and local laws supersede torrenting restrictions. And they specifically warn people from violating copyright laws in their Terms of Service. So torrenting is largely frowned upon.
There is also no kill switch on their VPN apps to help prevent exposure of your browsing data when a connection drops.
Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection Features
Kaspersky VPN provides the following industry-standard VPN security features:
- 256-bit AES encryption. Kaspersky VPN uses bank-grade encryption to make your traffic unreadable.
- No-logs policy. Kaspersky VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesnt record your IP address and online traffic.
- Kill switch. This feature disables your internet access if the VPN connection drops to prevent traffic leaks.
All of Kaspersky VPNs apps use the OpenVPN protocol, which is very secure and provides good speeds. That said, Id like to see Kaspersky VPN add support for WireGuard like Private Internet Access and CyberGhost VPN WireGuard is just as secure as OpenVPN but much faster.
I like that Kaspersky VPN includes advanced security features like perfect forward secrecy it changes your encryption key for each VPN session to prevent hackers from compromising past or future encryption keys to spy on your traffic.
Kaspersky VPN comes with full leak protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks on all of its apps. I ran multiple leak tests on servers in 20+ countries and thankfully never saw any leaks.
I also like the Smart Protection feature, which lets you personalize your VPN connection preferences. For example, you can make Kaspersky VPN automatically connect to a VPN server when it detects that youre connecting to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network.
Overall, Kaspersky VPN lacks extra features, but it includes essential VPN security features and convenient automation options.
Device Compatibility Compatible With Major Systems
Major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS are compatible with Kaspersky Secure Connection, but not Linux. It has a native app for these systems, so theres no need for manual configuration. Whats also worth mentioning is that it has separate user agreements for each device, which is rather unusual. However, after having a look at them, they are mostly similar.
Devices that cant support apps, like gaming consoles, certain smart TVs, and home routers, arent compatible with Kaspersky Secure Connection. This also extends out to some media players like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV, as well as the Tor network. It doesnt have any browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox either, which means you cant use it on Chromebook.
Read Also: How Do I Download And Install 911 VPN
Secure Your Connections Now Not Later
Kasperskys VPN Secure Connection is just one of its exceptional cybersecurity tools. From antivirus, password managers, and personal cloud security to secure VPN connections, theres a lot to consider and there are many ways to protect your privacy, security, and data. Moreover, Kaspersky offers protection for both homes and businesses.
Cybercriminals intercept personal data every day, amassing a huge collection of exploitable details. Over 12 billion user records are stolen every year, containing names, addresses, credit card details, and more. By 2023, that total will grow to 36 billion records per year. If you dont want to be included in that statistic or have your information snooped and exploited, youll want to deploy a secure VPN connection as soon as possible.
Dont wait, secure your connections now.
Secure Your Connection Now
Editors’ Recommendations
How Many Simultaneous Connections
While Kaspersky VPN offers 5 simultaneous connections on a single account, we dont think the user will even be able to exhaust the slots. This is due to the unbelievably limited platform support of the provider, as we have seen up there.
There are many devices that connect to the internet nowadays, and nearly everyone requires VPN security. Therefore, thanks to Kasperskys limited platform support, you may not be able to use all 5 slots.
Except if you allow your friends and family to connect their devices as well.
Read Also: Is Mcafee A VPN
Limited Number Of Countries
Lets piggyback on that last point for a second.
Here are the available country servers, according to their Windows app server location drop-down:
You should notice a few things missing.
They only show countries, not cities or locations. Does that mean there is just one server location in all of the U.S., for example?
Thatll force people from a massive area to travel far and connect to the same overcrowded server.
And there are many large continents underrepresented in that list. Three in Asia, zero in Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and South America.
These people will have to connect to servers on the other side of the world in some cases.
Heres another weird quirk we noticed.
You can find the following fine print on the plans and pricing page before subscribing:
Many of these countries have the same government-specific laws or regulations.
However, I see Hong Kong on that list. And I saw Hong Kong above on the Windows drop down. So you cant live in those locations and use the service, but you can live elsewhere and connect to a server there?
Not only are these issues odd. But it also means that Kaspersky probably wont work well for like half the globes population.
Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN Specs
| Blocks Ads |
A virtual private network is an easy way to improve your privacy online. Kaspersky Secure Connection carries one of the most recognizable names in the industry and offers customers a simple, affordable VPN. It is a bare-bones offering with few server locations, but Kaspersky users and anyone looking for a cheap VPN will likely be pleased.
Read Also: 911 Dollar VPN Download
Kaspersky VPN Promotions: Discount Code And Coupon
The annual purchase of Kaspersky VPN, which we highly recommend if you have chosen this service, has a final price of $29.99. This means that the monthly price is reduced by more than 50% to just over $2.
It is good to note that the plan lasts only twelve months, while with other VPNs you should contract for two or three years to get the best possible price.
Kaspersky VPN Review: Quick Expert Summary
Kaspersky VPN provides good security features, fast speeds, and very affordable plans, but I think there are much better VPNs out there like ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
Kaspersky VPN comes with industry-standard security features like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and full leak protection. It also includes advanced security features like perfect forward secrecy.
In my speed tests, Kaspersky VPN performed really well I enjoyed fast browsing, downloads, and streaming on both local and distant servers.
I also like that Kaspersky VPN allows torrenting on all of its servers and works with popular streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
While Kaspersky VPN is a good service, it has many drawbacks I cant ignore. It sometimes has trouble accessing Netflix and doesnt work with HBO Go, its based in a restrictive country , its missing extra features like split-tunneling and an ad blocker, and its customer support is awful.
Kaspersky VPN allows 5 simultaneous connections, has very cheap paid plans, offers a limited free plan, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The paid plans are only available as a standalone purchase, while the free plan is available as a standalone subscription and is also bundled with the Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security packages, which also include Kasperskys antivirus protection , anti-phishing protection, webcam protection, and more.
Read Also: How To Set Up At& t U Verse Router
Potential Bugs Or Fake Servers
Getting started with Kaspersky is pretty easy, assuming youre using their pre-built clients.
Just find the one you want under Downloads.
Grab the file:
And start the install process:
Pretty smooth sailing so far.
Theres even a little intro tutorial if youre new to the world of VPNs.
But a few quirks starting popping up when it came time to actually use the service.
First, if you tried out the free version, you need to uninstall it before downloading a new app for the paid version. You also need to restart to get things up and running.
Kinda a headache, but not a deal breaker.
This next one might be, though.
When we were testing servers and running leak tests, we noticed conflicting server data.
If you remember, no leak tests came back positive. That means the connection wasnt leaking at all.
Yet, the app told us we were connected to a Netherlands server, even though whatsmyip.com showed the server was actually located in Greece.
There could be two explanations for this.
The first is a simple bug or mistake. They could just have a glitch or oversight in the system thats mislabeling servers.
The second answer could be that theyre lying about fake VPN servers.
That might sound crazy, but it happens all the time. VPN companies will lie about server locations to help overstate their network coverage.
Either way buggy or deceptions neither is positive.
Speeds Faster Than Expected
I was pleasantly surprised by how fast, and consistent Kaspersky Secure Connections speeds were. The speeds were fast on both its short and long-distance servers, and I could conduct all my usual online activities without interruption. To test its speeds, I used Ooklas speed test tool, which tested the following factors:
- How fast you can obtain files and data from the internet to your computer.
- Upload speed The time it takes to upload files and data from your computer to the internet.
- Ping How quickly a website responds when you click its link. In other words, your connections reaction time.
You May Like: How To Change Playstore Country
Ensure The VPN Is Compatible With The Platform You Want To Game On
Not all VPNs are compatible with all gaming platforms. You can use so many devices to game onlinefrom your PC to your mobile device to your Nintendo Switch. Make sure that the VPN you choose will work with all of the devices you will play online games on because you don’t want the one you choose to limit you by not working with one of your preferred gaming devices.
Torrenting Fast And Reliable
Kaspersky Secure Connection enables torrenting and P2P sharing services on its servers. Even though it doesnt have specialized servers for P2P sharing, you can still torrent from any server. I connected to a US and Australian server for my tests to download a couple of movie trailers on uTorrent.
Please also note that downloading torrents of copyrighted material is illegal, and we do not condone such behavior.
The first trailer was for the film Bananas, which was 41.7 MB. My download speed averaged 1.4 Mbps on the US server, and I downloaded it in 40 seconds. Next, I downloaded The Princess Bride trailer, which took 1 minute and 20 seconds for the 30.9 Mbps file. Even though this was on the Australian server, it took longer because it had fewer seeds. The more seeds a torrent has, the faster itll download.
Its a solid choice for torrenting, especially with its fast speeds, but if youre concerned about your privacy when torrenting, I wouldnt recommend it. Kaspersky Secure Connection keeps track of some of your logs, which can be used against you for violating their terms and conditions. Torrenting can sometimes go against copyright laws in most countries, so you could violate Kaspersky Secure Connections terms and conditions for doing so.
You May Like: Can I Use A VPN On My Xbox One
Do You Need A Credit Card To Sign Up
Kaspersky Secure Connection comes with a free trial on most of the online tools but also offers an entirely free basic plan, and the VPN is no exception. To sign up for this plan, you dont need to input your credit card details. The only catch is that the plan comes with limitations. The Basic Protection plan offers:
- 200MB of data allowance per day
- Support for an unlimited number of devices
- One user account
- Automatic virtual location selection
To download this version of the VPN, follow the steps outlined in the introduction of this article.
Should You Also Use Kaspersky Internet Security Alongside Its VPN
While using Kaspersky Internet Security alongside the Kaspersky VPN will enhance your anonymity and online safety, it is not a necessity. If you want a more comprehensive online tool, you can look into Kasperskys Total Security package.
30-day free trialpassword and file protection and extra features to protect your children
You May Like: How To Install VPN On Tp Link Router
Heres How To Surf Securely With A VPN
A VPN encrypts your surfing behavior, which can only be decoded with the help of a key. Only your computer and the VPN know this key, so your ISP cannot recognize where you are surfing. Different VPNs use different encryption processes, but generally function in three steps:
Your Privacy With Kaspersky Secure Connection
A VPN could potentially have the same insight into your online life as your ISP, so it’s important to understand what measures the company has taken to protect your privacy. The situation with Kaspersky Secure Connection is a little more complicated than most, as you will see.
Kaspersky was founded in Russia but has relocated to Switzerland and is managed by a UK holding company. The VPN service, provided by Hotspot Shield, is based in the US and Switzerland. That’s a lot of different locations with different legal requirements.
Kaspersky referred me to a section of Hotspot Shield’s privacy policy, and I confirmed that Kaspersky’s privacy policy does not cover the Secure Connection product. Hotspot Shield’s privacy policy has been recently updated with a specific page for VPN products. The company says it does not record or inspect your web traffic, which is exactly what you want to hear.
Note that Hotspot Shield has changed hands a few times since I first reviewed Kaspersky Secure Connection. The product is now owned by Aura, although it appears there are no significant changes to the relevant privacy policies in the process. See my review of Hotspot Shield for more on that company’s policies.
Hotspot Shield says that it will comply with legal requests for information by law enforcement but maintains that it would have no activity information to provide. That’s not an unusual stance.
Recommended Reading: Att Router Block Websites
Opinions About Kaspersky VPN
To help you make an informed judgment about Kaspersky VPN, here are some opinions from users who have tried its services:
Im very satisfied with Kaspersky VPN. Especially the price that fits my budget.
Kaspersky VPN is my first VPN and its everything I expected!
I wish I could unlock some platforms like BBC iPlayer, but overall Im happy.
What Are The Benefits Of A VPN Connection
A VPN connection disguises your data traffic online and protects it from external access. Unencrypted data can be viewed by anyone who has network access and wants to see it. With a VPN, hackers and cyber criminals cant decipher this data.
Secure encryption: To read the data, you need an encryption key . Without one, it would take millions of years for a computer to decipher the code in the event of a brute force attack . With the help of a VPN, your online activities are hidden even on public networks.
Disguising your whereabouts : VPN servers essentially act as your proxies on the internet. Because the demographic location data comes from a server in another country, your actual location cannot be determined. In addition, most VPN services do not store logs of your activities. Some providers, on the other hand, record your behavior, but do not pass this information on to third parties. This means that any potential record of your user behavior remains permanently hidden.
Secure data transfer: If you work remotely, you may need to access important files on your companys network. For security reasons, this kind of information requires a secure connection. To gain access to the network, a VPN connection is often required. VPN services connect to private servers and use encryption methods to reduce the risk of data leakage.
Read Also: How To Use VPN To Change Location
Can You Use The VPN To Unblock Streaming Platforms
Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN primarily focuses on the privacy and security that a virtual network can provide rather than the capability to unblock restricted content.
Regarding streaming services, we do know that the VPN doesnt work with Netflix, nor with any other popular services consistently. In fact, we tried a variety of different servers and services, all of which didnt work.
Kaspersky is very clear about its app usage restrictions:
Why Is VPN Not Illegal
That said, the reason why VPNs get such a bad reputation is for their use in activities that are deemed illegal in India. The latter is the most common case of prosecution, and it is copyright infringement and creation of pirated content, and not the use of VPN, that can land you in legal trouble.
You May Like: How To Download 911 VPN On Laptop