VPN services are popping up across the internet and in various countries.
While we all know that using a VPN is a must in this digital age, finding the right service is where most people have problems
This review of 12 VPN will help you understand all its features, pricing, and details that will help you to know if they are the right VPN for you.
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How 12 VPN Handles Anonymity
Logging
12VPN has a strict, no logging policy, which means that they cannot keep or maintain logs of your online activity. Your connection logs are also not sent to the provider.
What’s more, the company does not share your private data with advertisers, marketing companies, and third parties. But they reserve the right to investigate if 12VPN is used for any illicit ventures. Also, the service does not allow torrent clients such as BitTorrent.
Protection
The connection between you and 12VPN servers is encrypted, disabling access to your local server’s access to you. This feature is quite handy when you are using public Wi-Fi, such as at a coffee shop or the airport.
12VPN offers protection from viruses, malware, and other malicious software because it is all filtered through a NAT firewall (included with your plan). It allows the following protocols:
- Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol: That has all the benefits of the OpenVPN systems and can bypass firewalls, which offers 2048-bit encryption and is considered very secure. It is exclusive for FreeBSD, Linux, and Windows operating systems.
- Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol: Using this service, the user launches a client which will connect to their respective internet service provider, among other methods. Though not as secure as SSTP, it is known for its speed.
- OpenVPN: This is open-source software that is quite versatile that can be used both on UDP and TCP ports.
- IKEv2: It is a fast, flexible, easy-to-use, secure, and one of the few protocols that support Blackberry.
- Internet Protocol Security: It is a set of complex protocols that uses cryptography for security and is often coupled with other security measures.
Otherwise, 12VPN uses 256-bit AES protection throughout its service. The service also has DNS leak protection. The service does not offer an automatic kill switch. It also provides extensions for browsers such as Chrome and Firefox to connect directly to 12VPN servers.
Other Features
Speed
Compared to its peers, 12VPN provides its users with unparalleled browsing and downloading speeds.
All the plans are unlimited so you can play games, stream movies and download as much content as your ISP allows. The fact that it does not allow P2P downloading could be a turn off for some customers.
Customer Service
12VPN does not offer chatbots like many other vpn services but does have email support. They promise round-the-clock service and usually reply within the hour, but it could be a deterrent for customers who have more pressing needs.
They also have a voicemail number so you can leave a message with your email and also have alternative options on social media such as Google+, Facebook, and Twitter.
Ease of Use
While signing up, 12VPN website offers a lot of options. Signing up is simple and straightforward and a breeze when you do that through their website.
After you have signed up, you will be required to download the 12VPN GUI or desktop client for your operating system. This is very easy to set up while following the installation wizard. Alternatively, they have a step-by-step installation page on their website if you are facing any difficulties.
The user interface is neat and does not immediately present you with many options. Select the country of your choice from a drop-down menu and click on “connect”. That’s it. It is that simple!
Server Information
This is a small company, so the number of servers it runs is rather small if you compare it with other, larger such organizations.
Server Locations/Number of Servers
As of now, 12VPN has around 300 servers in 15 countries, and new servers are added regularly.
The locations that 12VPN has added gateways are United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Singapore, Germany, France, Hong Kong, Sweden, Liechtenstein, Japan, Israel, Canada, Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The service can be used anywhere in the world, and the number of server switches is unlimited. This essentially means that you can connect to anywhere through its VPN.
Compatibility
This is one of the few VPN services that allow an unlimited number of connections for a single account.
12VPN supports all the industry standards, and the devices that are supported are OSX, Windows, iOS (including iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch), Android, and Blackberry 10.
All electronic devices such as tablets, desktop computers, and smartphones are supported, making easy compatibility an attractive feature of 12VPN.
They also offer a 14-day money-back guarantee (you should read the terms and conditions carefully before opting for this) if you are not satisfied with the service. This eliminates the need to commit to a pay a year’s worth of payment for a VPN.
Pricing
There are three main packages on offer here — a monthly package of $10.99, which sounds rather steep, considering it is a small company. The other option is $8.99 (per month) if you opt for the six-monthly plan.
But the best offer seems to be the one priced at $5.99/month if you opt for the yearly plan. All the plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee, unlimited bandwidth, and the company offers military-grade protection.
How to Pay
12 VPN offers a range of payment options like most other services for convenience. This is a must since VPN services need to provide anonymity and security, and that should be reflected when it comes to payment options.
You can use your debit or credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, and Visa), with an option for PayPal. While these are covered like other services, 12VPN also offers a gateway for their Chinese customers and even Bitcoin payments (using Bitpay).
Just the presence of Bitcoin payment means that the company is serious about anonymity and security. There is also an option for UnionPay (for Mainland China).
Company History
Launched in 2007 by Anuson Private Limited, a Hong Kong-based private company, 12VPN has a presence in the VPN markets of Asia, Europe, and North America.
Anuson has a 20-year history of hosting solutions and managing networks, apart from deploying and designing them. A majority of 12VPN’s customers are in China and concentrates on the protection of personal information and privacy and anti-censorship services.
Alternatives
ZenMate – Great option for anyone looking for Netflix oriented VPN services.
TunnelBear VPN – Limited level of free service so you can try it out first.
Strong VPN – A top option for those that value customer service.
Pros
- Very simple to use
- Servers around the world
- Works with all major platforms
- 14-day trial period
- No unexpected fees
Cons
- Not as much control
- Lacks some features
- No BitTorrent
- No live support
12VPN Review Final Thoughts
12 VPN is a legitimate and easy to use VPN service.
While it does not have live support and lacks features of the most robust VPN options, it is simple to use and easy to install.
If you are looking for an easy option without having to deal with high-level features, then 12 VPN is a good option.
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