You might have read this blog post to learn about the benefits of a Virtual Private Network.

However, not all providers can provide the same level of security or speed. Namecheap VPN was one of the more recent candidates. We were very interested in how it performed. Namecheap VPN’s parent company is an outstanding provider of online privacy. Although the service has only been in existence for a few years, it already has a large membership base.

But does that mean it’s the best? How does it compare with the top-selling products on the market?

These are the questions we’ll answer in our Namecheap VPN review. To determine if it is worth the money, we will review all aspects including pricing, usability, privacy, and performance.

Let’s get started!

What is Namecheap VPN and how do I use it?

Namecheap is a name you may have heard of if you are interested in domain registrars and web hosting. Namecheap is a company that made its name in this industry. Although it’s not the most well-known option, it still has a substantial user base. The company tried its luck in creating a VPN near the end of 2018.

Namecheap VPN uses servers operated by StackPath. This company is behind many popular VPN brands like IPVanish and StrongVPN. The US-based VPN service is available in over 1,000 servers at 50+ locations around the world.

Namecheap VPN useability

Supported devices

Namecheap VPN works with all major platforms

Namecheap VPN works with all major platforms such as Windows, macOS Linux, Android and iOS. It also supports Routers. The provider also offers unlimited multi-logins to its customers, so that you can connect as many devices as you want with one account.

Namecheap VPN can be configured on routers using OpenVPN as long as your router supports OpenVPN files.

The setup process

Namecheap VPN is easy to download. Once you have signed up for a membership (paid or free trial), Namecheap VPN will prompt you to either download the right version or guide you through how to set it up manually on your router or device.

Namecheap VPN is easy to install. The user interface is easy to use and offers a wide range of server locations at the touch of a button.

Each server location has a live, updated “ping time”, which shows the time it takes for each server to respond. This feature is ideal for anyone who wants to connect to the fastest VPN server. You can also click “Connect VPN” and Namecheap VPN will connect you to the fastest available server.

Clicking on the drop-down menu to the right of each server location will give you additional options to select a specific location within that country. For example, in the US users can choose multiple cities such as Las Vegas or Boston.

Namecheap VPN is available on all devices and clients. It opens automatically when the app launches. There is also an option to auto-connect once the app is launched. This means that you are always protected while browsing. You can also modify the VPN protocol that you use, such as OpenVPN and IKEv2.

Namecheap VPN performance

Servers and locations

Namecheap VPN offers 1,000+ servers in more than 50 locations

Namecheap VPN’s server network is moderately large. Namecheap VPN reports that it has more than 1,000 servers located in more than 50 countries. Namecheap VPN focuses primarily on Australia, and not just the US or EU. Among the few Asian servers is also the Singapore and Hong Kong ones.

Namecheap is catching up with the top VPN providers, who have between 3,000-6,000 servers in 90+ countries.

Speed

Namecheap VPN has its own servers and network. This results in impressive speeds for data-heavy tasks such as streaming, online gaming and data transfer. Namecheap VPN has a slightly higher speed (8ms to 13ms) than other VPNs. There is a slight ping (download – 91.2 Mbps to 86.5 Mbps and upload – 31.69Mbps to 29.43Mbps). The speed of your connection will also depend on what server it is.

Namecheap VPN offers its users fast speeds and a very consistent connection. You will never experience sudden speed drops or disconnections once you connect to a server. This is particularly important for online activities.

Streaming and torrenting

Namecheap VPN supports torrenting and streaming media. It can access certain regional Netflix libraries when it comes to geo-blocked content.

It is important to remember that Namecheap VPN uses IPVanish infrastructure which is shared with other VPN services. Namecheap VPN cannot do anything if Netflix blocks the VPN. The server network is managed by IPVanish.

Namecheap VPN does allow torrenting. However, there are better VPN services available for torrenting.

Namecheap VPN security

VPN protocols and encryption

Namecheap VPN supports OpenVPN as well as IKEv2 which are widely known for being the most secure connection protocols. They offer both speed and security features, which is to say that they are a great balance.

Namecheap VPN chose AES256 encryption for its encryption. Also known as “military grade” or “bank-grade”, cipher. This encryption is almost indestructible, so there’s no need to worry about online entities interfering or disrupting your connection.

It is however disappointing to see that Namecheap VPN only offers two encryption protocols. Most of its competitors offer more. These default protocols offer a high level of security, however.

Namecheap VPN has the following security features:

Kill Switch

Namecheap VPN will stop all traffic coming in and out of your VPN connection, ensuring that your data is protected.

DNS Leak Protection

DNS, also known as Domain Name Systems, can be described as the “phonebook of the Internet” and may reveal important information about you, when you connect to sites. Namecheap VPN protects your information from being accessed by others when you surf the internet.

Namecheap Scramble Option

This feature acts as a stealth protocol and allows you to bypass network traffic restrictions imposed by many oppressive countries. OpenVPN connections can be activated to Scramble mode.

This is a remarkable VPN, especially considering that it costs so little to provide robust features such as Scramble. You might be able to get your VPN working in countries that have strict anti-VPN policies by having the Namecheap Scramble option activated.

Namecheap VPN Privacy and Policy

Jurisdiction

Namecheap VPN’s headquarters are located in California, USA. This is part of the 5-eyes alliance for data-sharing. This means that your data may not be completely secure with this VPN provider.

Not to mention that the US is the center of many international surveillance orgs and can legally forcibly force VPN companies (and VPNs) into spying on customers in violation of the company’s policies and terms. These VPN services, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN, are highly rated. They are found in countries that have a greater respect for privacy rights.

This is not paranoia. Consider the many cases in which US VPNs were forced to log users and hand over data to authorities.

IPVanish, for example, was accused of logging IPVanish users while still claiming that it is a “zero logs VPN service”. Namecheap VPN, a rebranded IPvanish version, has the Namecheap logo.

Logging policy

Namecheap mentions a no-logging policy, but we couldn’t find any privacy policies specifically addressing their VPN service. The policy states that the data stored isn’t linked to any personal information and would not be used without consent.

Namecheap VPN’s Terms of Service state that it doesn’t log or store any user activity (including DNS lookups and email addresses), as well as sites visited and other information.

Namecheap is located in the US, which is not a friendly country with online freedom or anonymity and is well-known for its data surveillance. This may be something you should consider.

Namecheap VPN customer support

Namecheap VPN provides 24/7 customer support options, including the following:

• FAQ
• Knowledge base
• Sending a ticket
• Chat live

The fastest way to resolve problems is via Live chat. You can also read the FAQ and Knowledge base. Although they contain some useful information, most of the information is about other Namecheap products.

You will need to create a Namecheap account in order to view your support pin. This account must include username, password, first/last name, and email address. You can use more than one email address to create your account. The other can be used to access live chat. You can also contact customer support before you purchase to get answers to your questions.

Namecheap VPN pricing plans, payment methods

Namecheap VPN has three pricing options:

• Monthly Plan: $0/month (renews at $5.88/month)
• 1-year Plan: $1/month; $12 total (after 1 Year, it renews at $34.56)
• 3-year Plan: $1.88/ month; $67.68 total

No matter which plan you choose, you’ll have unlimited data and no bandwidth restrictions. Namecheap VPN allows you to connect up to five times simultaneously.

You can pay with a credit card or PayPal. If you change your mind, the platform offers a 30-day money back guarantee. You can also sign up through the App Store or Google Play Store to get a 14-day trial.

Namecheap VPN: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• It is easy to set up and use
• High-speed server network
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Secure features
• Multiple payment methods
• Inexpensive pricing plans
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Unclear VPN data collection policies
• Bad Privacy jurisdiction (based in the USA)

Alternatives to Namecheap VPN

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN will meet your needs if speed and security are important to you. ExpressVPN is a top-of-the-line VPN that offers lightning fast connections and security features to help you bypass any internet restrictions.

What is the best thing about ExpressVPN?

• ExpressVPN is located within a privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands).
• It boasts a large collection of servers across almost all continents, including 3,000 servers in 94 nations.
• Its security features have excellent ratings
• It works with all major devices
• It’s more efficient in unblocking streaming websites
• You can chat with them 24/7.

NordVPN

NordVPN is a leading provider of security services around the globe. It was established in 2012 and has grown steadily since then. More than 14 million people have trusted the company.

What makes NordVPN stand out?

• It covers a wide range of servers and locations (close to 60 countries have 5,4000 servers).
• Its performance is amazing with its fast speeds and access to streaming content
• It provides advanced privacy and security features
• It has a no-logging policy that is confirmed
• It provides excellent customer service

CyberGhost

CyberGhost, a fully-featured VPN provider, was developed by a well-known privacy company in Romania. It is a reliable solution that is quickly growing in popularity. It focuses on user-friendliness, diversity of server locations, and reasonable pricing.

What is the best thing about CyberGhost?

• It is located in Romania, out of the 5-eyes alliance.
• It has 6,300 servers located in over 90 countries.
• It works with streaming sites and torrenting is possible.
• Its money-back guarantee is generous

The bottom line

So, do we recommend using Namecheap VPN?

NamecheapVPN is highly recommended.

We hope you found our review of Namecheap VPN helpful. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. We are always glad to hear from our customers!