Despite having only four server regions and an undisclosed number of servers, Disconnect VPN offers strong encryption and cross-platform compatibility, making it a viable choice for beginners and occasional users.
Features
Disconnect VPN, a US-based provider established in 2011, is known for its ad and tracker-blocking capabilities and secure search browser extensions. In addition to these features, Disconnect provides a functional VPN service.
The VPN is available as a native client for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, though it does not support Linux. It is also offered as a browser extension, functioning as a proxy rather than a full VPN.
The user interface is sleek and straightforward, offering minimal customization options. The app displays only the four available server regions and the number of trackers it blocks during browsing. This simplicity may be appealing to users seeking a minimalist experience.
While connecting and disconnecting from VPN servers was generally smooth, there was an incident where the Windows app froze, causing my laptop to become unresponsive. However, the mobile application performed without issues.
Disconnect provides a comprehensive FAQ section, but customer support is limited to email communication.
The VPN’s minimalistic approach means there is little to control beyond selecting the VPN region. Users can choose from four regions: the US, Europe, Asia, and Germany (which is listed separately from Europe). It is unclear where in Europe Disconnect’s servers are located, with the European region appearing to default to a London IP address.
Disconnect VPN does not disclose the number of servers or their exact locations, which poses a potential issue for P2P file-sharing due to uncertainty about server jurisdiction.
The service allows up to three simultaneous connections per license. This limitation is sufficient for occasional streaming or bypassing regional restrictions.
One of Disconnect’s notable features is its integrated malvertising blocker, which prevents ads and trackers while providing detailed statistics on what it blocks on a per-website basis.
Pricing
Disconnect VPN offers a single plan called Premium, priced at $5 per month or $50 annually. This pricing is quite affordable. However, Disconnect accepts only credit card payments and requires an email address at checkout to provide login details.
The Premium plan allows up to three simultaneous connections and includes a “cancel anytime, no questions asked” refund policy.
The free and Pro plans offer additional features such as tracker-safe searches but do not include the VPN service.
Disconnect VPN appears to target users who are not highly tech-savvy or privacy-focused. The limited payment options and lack of Bitcoin support may be a drawback for privacy-conscious individuals.
Performance
In performance tests, Disconnect VPN demonstrated a significant impact on connection speeds. The VPN reduced speeds by approximately 50% for local servers and considerably more for international connections.
At the same time, Disconnect VPN demonstrated no privacy leaks in my DNS,
WebRTC, and IPv6 leak tests.
I did not anticipate extraordinary performance, given that many VPNs have been blacklisted by Netflix’s VPN detection mechanisms.
Therefore, it was not surprising that Disconnect VPN did not make significant strides in this area.
On a positive note, Disconnect VPN was able to unblock BBC iPlayer. However, the streaming speed was notably sluggish, resulting in frequent buffering and subpar video quality that fell short of HD standards.
Privacy and Security
Disconnect VPN employs robust AES 256-bit encryption and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 (IPsec) protocols—with IKEv2 available for iOS and OpenVPN for Mac, Windows, and Android devices. These are considered the gold standard in VPN security.
However, the protocol selection is limited, and the absence of a kill switch is a drawback. Additionally, the connection logs, US jurisdiction, and lack of anonymous payment options may be concerning for those prioritizing privacy. Given the stringent data retention laws and potential for mass surveillance in the US, many security experts advise considering alternative providers or avoiding US-based services.
It is advisable to review the provider’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service thoroughly to determine whether the potential risks are acceptable to you.
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