Disconnect VPN is a service that aims to provide online privacy and security by encrypting users’ internet connections and masking their IP addresses.
The company’s core belief is that individuals and businesses should have the freedom to browse the internet without being monitored.
Disconnect VPN claims to prioritize the use of advanced technology and solutions to ensure privacy and security. But is this really the case?
Disconnect Premium VPN overview
Disconnect is a US-based corporation that offers various security products, including Disconnect Premium VPN, which is designed exclusively for iOS and macOS devices.
The company also provides other security apps, such as “Do Not Track Kids,” “Cloud Privacy Plus,” and “Do Not Track,” to help protect users’ devices and data from tracking and other privacy invasions.
However, since Disconnect is based in the US, it is subject to data retention laws, and the company may be required to provide customer information to US authorities.
Disconnect Premium VPN has 100+ servers in 80+ countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and Singapore. However, the company has not undergone any independent audits to verify its commitment to privacy and security.
Additionally, the fact that Disconnect is headquartered in the US and subject to surveillance regimes raises concerns about user privacy. Therefore, users should carefully consider these factors before choosing Disconnect as their VPN provider.
Disconnect Premium VPN Pricing Plans
Disconnect VPN offers three subscription options, including one-month, six-month, and annual plans. The annual plan is the cheapest, costing $4.17 per month, and billed annually at $50.
There is also a free version of Disconnect VPN that provides device-wide tracker protection but not the full VPN service.
With one account, you can protect up to three devices simultaneously. However, the only accepted payment method is a credit card, which may be inconvenient if you want more options for payment. Fortunately, Disconnect VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all subscription options.
Can Disconnect Premium VPN Unblock Streaming Services?
Disconnect Premium VPN doesn’t advertise any capabilities for unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
It is marketed primarily as a privacy protector, and while it offers device-wide tracker protection, it doesn’t guarantee that it can bypass geo-blocks for streaming content. If streaming access is a top priority for you, Disconnect Premium VPN might not be the best option.
How Fast is Disconnect Premium VPN?
Disconnect Premium VPN provided us with a premium experience during our testing. The platform was easy to use, and we were impressed with the download speeds.
During our testing, we used an 85 Mbps internet connection and found that Disconnect Premium VPN provided impressive download speeds of 70–50 Mbps. This makes it an ideal choice if you value fast internet connections for streaming, browsing, and gaming purposes.
Is your Data Safe with Disconnect Premium VPN?
Disconnect’s privacy policy is concise and easy to understand. They do not collect any personal information except for the information you voluntarily provide.
However, as a US-based company, they may have to share your personal information in certain circumstances, such as legal requests or emergencies. Disconnect uses the IKEv2/IPSec connection protocol with AES 256-bit encryption, and 2048-bit DH for key exchange and perfect forward secrecy.
It’s worth noting that Disconnect does not support torrenting, and even if it did, it is not advisable to use it for this purpose due to its location in the US and the absence of a kill switch. Additionally, Disconnect does not have obfuscated servers, which makes it unlikely to bypass restrictions imposed by China’s Great Firewall.
It would be better if Disconnect moved its business to a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction, away from the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance. Additionally, an independent third-party audit would be helpful in verifying the company’s privacy and security claims.
Apps and Support
Disconnect Premium VPN’s apps are exclusively designed for Apple iOS and macOS devices, meaning that there are no apps available for other operating systems.
The applications include a built-in ad tracker blocker and feature user-friendly interfaces for both macOS and iOS. Customer support is available only through email, as there is no live chat option.
Despite this, the company’s email response time is relatively fast, taking around an hour to get back to us. Disconnect also provides a blog, a Twitter account, and a GitHub page, which you can refer to for further information on the service.
What VPN can I use instead of Disconnect Premium VPN?
Although Disconnect Premium VPN offers fast download speeds, it falls short in several important areas.
For instance, the provider lacks a kill switch, which is a standard feature offered by most VPN providers. In comparison, top-rated VPN services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost offer comprehensive services with advanced security features, thousands of servers, support for torrenting, and the ability to unblock geo-restricted content on popular streaming services such as Netflix.
What we like
- Fast download speeds, especially for nearby servers.
- Clear and concise privacy policy.
- No logging of personal information.
- Ad tracker blocker included in the app.
- Easy-to-use interfaces for macOS and iOS apps.
- Quick response time from customer support via email.
What we dislike
- Limited device compatibility (only available on iOS and macOS).
- No support for torrenting.
- Lack essential features such as a kill switch.
- Based in the US, which is a member of the Five Eyes alliance.
- No option for live chat support.
- No third-party audit to verify privacy claims.
Final Thoughts
Disconnect Premium VPN is a decent option for Apple iOS and macOS users who prioritize fast download speeds and want a straightforward, easy-to-use VPN with an ad tracker blocker. However, if the lack of essential features like a kill switch, limited device compatibility, and no support for torrenting might be a deal-breaker for you, then you might want to look for other VPN providers in our alternative list.