AdGuard VPN Review 2024: Is the Free Plan Worth Trying?

AdGuard VPN has built a reputation as a feature-rich solution for users seeking secure browsing. Known primarily for its ad-blocking technology, AdGuard has expanded into the VPN space, offering both free and premium plans. While its free tier provides basic functionality, the premium version promises advanced features, improved speeds, and broader accessibility.

This review will dive into the key aspects of AdGuard VPN, exploring its performance, speed, streaming capabilities, and overall value. With privacy and security at the forefront of any VPN user’s mind, we’ll assess whether this service stands out in a competitive market or falls short of expectations. Whether you’re considering the free plan or ready to invest in a premium subscription, this review will help you decide if AdGuard VPN is the right fit for your needs.

AdGuard VPN Review: Essential Highlights ⭐ 8.5/10

Comparison Table: Pros and Cons of AdGuard VPN

AdGuard VPN Price: Plans and Payment Methods

AdGuard VPN offers a variety of pricing plans to suit different user needs, from free basic access to affordable premium subscriptions for enhanced features. The flexible pricing and payment methods make it easy for users to choose a plan that fits their budget while enjoying secure and private browsing.

Payment Methods Available for AdGuard VPN

After thoroughly reviewing AdGuard VPN’s subscription process, I found its payment methods to be straightforward and secure, offering flexibility for users worldwide. The service provides options that cater to both convenience and privacy, making it accessible to a diverse range of customers.

• Credit and Debit Cards: AdGuard VPN supports all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. This payment method is fast, secure, and widely accepted globally. During my review, I found the card payment process seamless, ensuring immediate access to the VPN service without any delays.
• Cryptocurrencies: For users who prioritize privacy, AdGuard VPN allows payments using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether. This option is especially appealing to privacy enthusiasts, as it enables transactions without revealing personal financial details. While testing this method, I found it to be straightforward and reliable, aligning perfectly with AdGuard VPN’s emphasis on user security.

AdGuard VPN Plans: Pricing and Features Compared

AdGuard VPN provides both free and premium plans, ensuring flexibility for users based on their specific needs. Below is a detailed comparison:

The free plan is ideal for occasional use but comes with limitations such as reduced speed and restricted data. On the other hand, the premium plans unlock the full potential of AdGuard VPN, offering unlimited bandwidth, higher speeds, and the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

AdGuard VPN Free vs Paid Plans: What’s the Difference?

After extensively analyzing both the free and paid plans of AdGuard VPN, it’s clear that each is tailored to different types of users. While the free plan serves as a good introduction to VPN functionality, it comes with significant limitations. On the other hand, the paid plan unlocks the full potential of the service, offering advanced features and an enhanced user experience.

Free AdGuard VPN Plan: Features and Limitations

AdGuard VPN’s free plan offers a practical entry point for users who prefer a no-cost solution for basic online privacy. While it provides essential features for occasional browsing or light tasks, its limitations quickly become apparent for those seeking high-performance capabilities. Whether you’re new to VPNs or need a temporary solution, the free plan works well within its boundaries but lacks the robustness required for streaming or gaming. Here’s a closer look at what it brings to the table and where it falls short.

Features:

• Access to 10 Server Locations: Includes regions like the US, UK, and France, which are enough for light browsing and basic geo-unblocking.
• 3 GB Monthly Data Limit: Suitable for occasional use, such as checking restricted websites or using public Wi-Fi securely.
• Limited Compatibility: Works seamlessly on major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Limitations:

• Small Server Selection: Limited server options mean higher traffic congestion, which can slow performance.
• No Advanced Features: Features like unlimited data, full server access, and advanced protocols are unavailable.
• Bandwidth Restrictions: The free plan’s data cap makes it impractical for regular usage or data-heavy tasks.

AdGuard VPN Paid Plan

The AdGuard VPN Paid Plan transforms the service into a full-fledged VPN solution, designed to eliminate the restrictions seen in its free counterpart. With no data limits, users are free to browse, stream, or download as much as they need, making it ideal for heavy internet activities. The plan also grants access to over 65 server locations, ensuring faster and more stable connections by reducing server congestion and offering better coverage across continents.

One of the standout features is its multi-device support, allowing up to 10 simultaneous connections. This flexibility makes it perfect for users managing multiple devices or sharing access with family members. The enhanced security options, such as the kill switch and split tunneling, offer greater control over how and when the VPN is engaged, adding an extra layer of privacy for sensitive online activities.

What truly sets the paid plan apart is the high-speed connectivity, which I found to be consistently reliable for 4K streaming, downloading large files, and online gaming without interruptions.

Is AdGuard VPN Safe to Use?

AdGuard VPN is designed with a strong focus on security and privacy, but whether it’s “safe to use” depends on how its features meet your specific needs. After thoroughly evaluating its features, I can say that AdGuard VPN provides a secure browsing experience with some limitations to consider.

Key Security Features

1. AES-256 Encryption: AdGuard VPN uses industry-standard encryption to protect your data, making it nearly impossible for third parties to intercept or decrypt your online activities.
2. No-Logs Policy: The service claims to maintain a strict no-logs policy, meaning your browsing history and sensitive data are not stored. However, it hasn’t yet undergone a third-party audit to verify these claims, which may be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
3. Kill Switch: This feature ensures your internet connection is immediately cut off if the VPN connection drops, preventing potential data leaks.
4. Private DNS Servers: AdGuard VPN routes traffic through private DNS servers to avoid leaks and maintain privacy.

DNS Leaks: Tested and Verified

After conducting a thorough test of AdGuard VPN, I can confirm that there are no DNS leaks when the service is active. The VPN successfully routed all DNS requests through its secure infrastructure, ensuring that no data was exposed to the internet service provider (ISP). This guarantees that browsing activities remain private and protected, even on potentially insecure networks.

Is AdGuard VPN Good Enough for Gaming?

After testing AdGuardVPN while playing PUBG, the performance was decent but not ideal for competitive gaming. The connection provided a ping of 59ms to a server in France, which is acceptable for casual play but falls short for gamers who demand ultra-low latency. While the VPN maintained stable speeds, occasional lag spikes might occur depending on the server load and proximity.

For gamers who prioritize smooth, uninterrupted gameplay, services like NordVPN and Surfshark are often recommended. These VPNs are optimized for gaming, offering advanced features like specialized servers, lower latency, and better global server coverage.

Here’s a snapshot from my gaming test, showcasing the connection’s ping and overall stability in action:

AdGuardVPN Speed Test Results

AdGuardVPN, while not a market leader in speed, showcases a unique balance of reliability and performance that caters to specific use cases.

• UK Server: The standout among all, this server reached 73.73 Mbps download speed, proving itself capable of handling demanding tasks like HD streaming or multitasking with ease.

• France Server: With 66.25 Mbps download speed, it strikes a balance between speed and consistency, suitable for users in Europe seeking smooth performance without interruptions.

• Portugal Server: Offering 59.39 Mbps download speed, it’s reliable enough for moderate tasks like video streaming and online browsing, though it falls short of being exceptional.

• China Server: A modest performer with 41.23 Mbps download speed, AdGuard’s server in China demonstrates stability for basic tasks. While it won’t wow speed enthusiasts, it maintains sufficient bandwidth for browsing and standard-definition streaming.

Is AdGuardVPN Compatible with Popular Streaming Services?

AdGuardVPN has proven itself as a reliable companion for streaming enthusiasts, offering smooth access to platforms like Netflix and DAZN. It performs impressively well, ensuring seamless streaming for high-quality content without significant interruptions. By unblocking these platforms effortlessly, AdGuardVPN caters to users looking to bypass geo-restrictions for their favorite shows or live sports events.

Seamless Access to Netflix, DAZN, and More

AdGuardVPN effectively unblocks and streams Netflix and DAZN, delivering a satisfying user experience. Its performance showcases its ability to handle demanding streaming tasks with minimal buffering, provided users connect to the right servers. This makes it a great option for everyday streaming needs, whether you’re watching thrilling sports matches or bingeing on TV series.

• Netflix: The service allowed uninterrupted access to Netflix libraries, loading content quickly and maintaining stable playback throughout.

• DAZN: Sports fans can rely on AdGuardVPN to access DAZN and enjoy live games without delays, making it an excellent choice for watching international events.

Conclusion: Is AdGuardVPN the Right Choice for You?

AdGuardVPN positions itself as an accessible option for users who value simplicity and affordability. Its free plan caters well to individuals seeking a no-cost solution for basic browsing and occasional streaming. The integration with its ad-blocking capabilities adds an extra layer of utility, making it a suitable choice for casual users.

However, when it comes to premium VPNs, the service faces tough competition. AdGuardVPN’s pricing structure and limited advanced features leave it trailing behind industry leaders like NordVPN and Surfshark, which deliver exceptional speed, extensive server networks, and cutting-edge security protocols at a better value.

For those who prioritize cost-efficiency and minimal features, AdGuard’s free plan is a commendable start. But if you’re aiming for a feature-rich experience with top-tier performance, NordVPN and Surfshark are the smarter investments, offering superior service without compromising affordability.

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