Ultrasurf VPN Review: Speed, Performance, Pricing, Security, Support, and More

ultrasurf vpn
Dec 16, 2024 Reading time : 8 min

Ultrasurf VPN is actually a free and browser-based encrypted proxy service. It is not a traditional VPN and reroutes your browser traffic through proxy servers, hiding your IP address but for securing your browser activity only.

It has more than 11 million users globally and gives tough competition to most free VPNs. But is it worth using just because it’s free?

Explore all the important aspects of Ultra Surf VPN, including its user experience, speed, performance, pros and cons, etc.  Read the review and make an informed choice. Let’s get into it.

Ultrasurf VPN Overview

Ultrasurf Logo

In this digital era, a VPN is necessary to browse the web safely. There are around 1.5 billion VPN users in the world, and the total market is worth $44.6 billion. These stats show the increasing importance of VPNs.

Ultrasurf does not brand itself as a VPN, but it functions on the same principles to foster internet freedom. Ultrasurf was launched in 2002 to help users bypass internet censorship in mainland China. Since then, it has provided a free tool for users to bypass government restrictions. 

It is simple, fast, and effective for combating online censorship but only partially anonymous. HTTP traffic remains unencrypted, and minimal data is logged for up to 30 days, which can be shared under US laws.

In the following sections, we will discuss its effectiveness on several factors to judge its relevance as UltrasurfVPN.

Streaming Experience with VPN Ultrasurf

In our tests, VPN Ultra Surf successfully bypassed geo-restrictions to access Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. However, the connection quality was poor, accompanied by buffering and low resolution.

On the other hand, platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and a few more were not accessible. Disney+ failed at the login page and the absence of UK servers made BBC iPlayer inaccessible.

Overall, Ultrasurf can unblock major streaming platforms, but the limited networks hamper the viewing experience. It is not the best free VPN for Netflix and other platforms in the market if you want to enjoy seamless streaming. 

Speed and Performance 

Ultrasurf Chrome Extension

Is Ultrasurf slow? This is one of the most common queries related to the platform on the internet. During the test, the download speed was disappointing at 9.38 Mbps on a 70 Mbps connection (US server). 

The test indicates that the VPN Ultrasurf is slow as compared to its competitors such as Thunder VPN and Surfshark. However, the website attributes this to high demand in Iran, causing server overloads.

If we talk about the experience and performance, Ultrasurf is simple to use. Just download the app from its website, Plate Store, and App Store, and it will automatically connect to the most suitable server. However, not being able to choose a server manually is another downside of this platform.

Server Networks and Location

Ultrasurf VPN only offers US-based IP addresses, with no information on the number of servers available. It has limited resources being a free tool, which explains the limited server and locations.

During the test, the assigned IP address changed occasionally but remained consistent over short periods. This shows that multiple IPs are available. However, you cannot select specific IPs because the tool assigns them automatically. 

Furthermore, some sources suggest that Ultrasurf uses cloud services to update its IP and improve geo-unblocking capabilities.

Pricing and Customer Support

As mentioned earlier, Ultra Surf VPN is a free tool with no paid plans, bandwidth limits, or registration requirements. However, it offers only basic features and lacks strong privacy and security features. It may also log user activity and share it with authorities if required, making it unsuitable for complete privacy.

Additionally, customer support is limited to email, with laid-back responses. Assistance to customers is only available in English, which makes it difficult for non-English speakers. Most users rely on FAQs, help manuals, or online guides for troubleshooting purposes.

Is Ultrasurf Safe to Use?

Yes, Ultrasurf is safe to use. It offers secure browsing through encrypted TLS tunnels. On iOS and Android, it functions like a VPN, hiding your real IP address and assigning a new one.

When used properly, It effectively protects your identity and ensures online safety. While its main purpose is to bypass internet censorship, it explicitly discourages illegal activities. 

It encrypts traffic between your device and Ultrasurf servers. However, it’s a free tool with limited resources and is not designed as a full-fledged online security tool. It lacks advanced security features and does not improve your overall privacy.

It can also be used as a VPN for torrenting, but caution is advised as its primary focus is just unblocking censored content.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Now, let’s take a look at some of the user reviews of Ultra Surf VPN available on the internet. This allows you to gain insights from the experience of its existing users. 

Fully Free And Unlimited!

Easy, Simple, Unlimited, Fully Free The Best VPN, I LOVED IT! 1. Just open the app and tap the button. 2.No use limit 3.No Sing up or login 4.No annoying Ads 5.This is good for PC and Android too. 6. Works everywhere, and takes 4 seconds to connect. I also like this VPN.

Munna Hossain

Downloaded it, pretty good but the speeds are disappointing you can’t even call them disappointing. Very simple, but not much reliability because the USA is the only server you can connect to.

Luke

Because it’s a VPN based in the USA it’s difficult to trust this 100%. My elders taught me that nothing is free in the world, if the service is free then you are the product to sell. My only opinion on this VPN just uses it for basics, it even doesn’t need permission to access your device except for a “network connection”, so it’s safe but isn’t used for any sensitive stuff. By the way, speed is great, without add and no use limits these elements make this one of the greatest free VPNs in the world.

– Anonymous

Overall, we can sense mixed signals from the reviews online. Many users like its simplicity and its offerings at no cost, but many also complain about irregular speed and performance.

Ultrasurf VPN: Pros and Cons

After evaluating the VPN Ultrasurf on several factors, let’s discuss the pros and cons of using this service. This will help you decide whether it suits your preferences or not.

Pros
  • Active users in over 180 countries
  • Works well in China
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Users don’t have to register to use the service
  • Quickly chased your IP address
  • Completely free and easy to use
Cons
  • Only works in a web browser
  • No split tunneling support
  • Vulnerable to WebRTC leaks
  • Slower page loads due to high demand
  • Lack of robust security and privacy features

For a better understanding, here is a brief comparison of Ultrasurf VPN with other popular VPNs: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

ParticularsUltrasurfExpressVPNNordVPNSurfshark
Average Speed (Mbps)7.4 Mbps300 Mbps300 Mbps320 Mbps
Kill SwitchDesktop onlyYesYesYes
Torrenting YesYesYesYes
Encryption TypeSSL256-bit AES256-bit AES256-bit AES
Connection LogsSome aggregatedNo logsNo logsNo logs
Netflix USYesYesYesYes
Prime VideosYesYesYesYes
HuluNoYesYesYes
BBC iPlayerNoYesYesYes
Money-back GuaranteeNone30 days30 days30 days
Best Plan (per month)Free$4.99$2.99$2.49

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Ultrasurf VPN is a simple and free tool that protects your identity and unblocks restricted content. What’s good is that it does not ask for registration, email, or personal details. 

It is ideal for basic services and hiding your IP. However, it is not the best choice if you require advanced security and privacy. Plus, its speeds are below average and lack many features of a complete VPN. So, the ultimate decision depends on your needs.

We hope you are now in a better position to analyze your needs and make an informed choice based on the insights provided in this blog.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ultrasurf free?

Yes, it is a completely free tool with unlimited access. One can use the tool at no cost for all the services offered by them.

Does Ultrasurf work in China?

Yes, it has been offering its service for over 20 years in China. It is still successfully evading China’s Great Firewall.

Does Ultrasurf log your data?

According to the developers, their platform does not store any logs. They only track some information when a user visits their website, which is a standard practice.

Will Ultrasurf slow my speeds down?

Unfortunately, it does slow down your browsing speed. You should only use the service while accessing blocked content.

Sources

Tech and Internet Writer

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