VPN Gate is a student-led initiative from the University of Tsukuba, offering free VPN access worldwide. This VPN Gate review evaluates the effectiveness and security of this free service, highlighting its primary allure as a cost-free option.
Per my tests, I found out that the service has several shortcomings, including no kill switch, the possibility of data logging by server owners, slow speeds, and the requirement for manual setup using third-party apps, which can be challenging for those not technically inclined.
There is also a notable lack of transparency about who controls the VPN Gate network of servers and their policies on encryption, logging, P2P support, and server gate availability. So, despite its free status, VPN Gate lacks crucial security features and does not support major streaming platforms or reliable torrenting. It usually allows only one connection at a time.
If you’re looking for a reliable, secure, and best VPN, I recommend ExpressVPN. Alternatively, for those on a tight budget, VPNs like CyberGhost, Proton VPN, and Atlas VPN offer better privacy and are more user-friendly.
Feel free to explore other VPN reviews in Australia to find a VPN of your liking.
Key Findings – VPN Gate Review in Australia
- Pricing – VPN Gate is free of cost
- Servers – A good number of servers all over the globe
- Security – OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, SSL-VPN, 256-bit encryption
- Speeds – Terrible speeds
- Streaming – Works with Netflix but not BBC iPlayer
- Torrenting – Not good for torrenting in Australia
- Compatibility – Works with Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android
- Installation of Apps and Ease of Use – A bit of a hassle as UI needs improvement
- Bypass Censorship – Doesn’t share its Chinese servers list
- Customer Support – Through discussion forum, no live chat or email support
- Free of cost and open-source
- Offers 6000+ servers
- Easy to use for beginner VPN users
- Slow and inconsistent speeds
- Untrustworthy as it may keep logs
- No additional features apart from the VPN service itself
- No native apps apart from Windows
- Volunteers may abuse user information
Pricing – How Much Does VPN Gate Cost in Australia?
VPN Gate is free and will remain that way throughout its existence. The individuals behind this brilliant venture have no plans to introduce paid plans.
This is unusual as I have previously seen ‘free VPNs’ venture into paid pricing plans. However, it seems as if money is not the motivational factor for the good people at Tsukuba University. You can also browse more free VPNs in Australia in case you’d like to explore other options.
VPN Gate Review – Servers and Locations
VPN Gate offers a massive server infrastructure of 6608+ public VPN relay servers distributed across prime regions worldwide.
The number of public VPN relay servers keeps changing, but on average, VPN Gate offers around 12 to 13 active servers in the US. These servers are located across New York, Florida, Texas, and more cities.
Here are a few servers from the list available on the VPN Gate website.
The servers are also available in countries like Ukraine, Georgia, the UK, Germany, Canada, Poland, Japan, the Philippines, Brazil, Norway, India, and Thailand. By using these regional servers of VPN Gate, you can get regional IP addresses like Georgian IP addresses in Australia.
VPN Gate may have a huge number of servers. However, the server network spans only a certain number of countries. If you’d like several options in terms of server networks, you’ll be better off with a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
VPN Gate – Privacy and Security in Australia
In this VPN Gate review Australia, I’ll also address the privacy and security features VPN Gate provides. I expect at least VPN Gate’s security will prove to be efficient compared to other VPN providers in its league.
VPN Gate – Jurisdiction
VPN Gate is a free privacy solution and a subsidiary of SoftEtherVPN that was introduced in Japan. The VPN service was initially launched as a research project at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. Internet freedom has recently declined to a certain extent as the official authorities have banned manga piracy sites.
As a result, law enforcement agencies have arrested numerous copyright violators. This is why users should be wary of VPN Gate Japan, as you can not be sure whether your data is safe from being stored and shredded by the provider. Therefore, you should not use VPN Gate for downloading copyrighted material.
VPN Gate – Kill Switch
VPN Gate doesn’t offer a kill switch. SoftEther’s VPN User Forum has plenty of complaints from current users who demand that the VPN provider include a kill switch in its app.
If the VPN intends to improve its services, it should offer a kill switch, as it is a critical part of any VPN. It ensures your actual IP address is never revealed to others if your VPN connection drops at any moment.
VPN Gate – Logging & Privacy Policy
You may easily find the logging policy of the VPN Gate on the server list page. The providers clarify that they keep logs for three months or more. Other than that, VPN Gate also maintains a strict anti-abuse policy. For that purpose, it records connection logs that include:
- Time and date.
- IP address, ID, and VPN server’s destination hostname.
- Type of action (disconnect and connect)
- Choice of VPN protocol (L2TP, SSL-VPN, SSTP, or OpenVPN)
- Hostname and Original IP address of the source VPN client computer.
- VPN Client software name, id, and version.
- Debug data of communication errors and the number of bytes and packets during the VPN connection.
VPN Gate’s privacy policy mentions that it keeps logs for three or more months.
All this information is on the university’s logging server through the VPN Gate servers. That’s a lot of data being logged; I would rather not use this VPN regularly.
I have discussed VPN logging policies in Australia in more detail in a separate blog, which you can refer to if you’re interested in knowing which factors to look out for in a VPN’s Privacy Policy.
VPN Gate – Protocols and Encryption
As worldwide volunteers run VPN Gate servers, each server can support different protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, or SSL-VPN. However, I didn’t find a PPTP protocol, which is not a big issue since PPTP is an obsolete technology.
VPN Gate has an interesting mechanism for tunneling protocols and encryption. Here is how VPN Gate works:
Server operators of VPN Gate have the freedom to choose which encryption they would like to use on their server. They can use anything up to 256-bit military-grade encryption. Therefore, you are never sure which encryption level is used until you test the VPN yourself. It varies from server to server.
Leaks – IP, DNS, WebRTC & Virus Tests
In this VPN Gate review, I have found that VPN Gate is secure as it does not leak your IP, DNS, and WebRTC information. Moreover, its app did not reveal any viruses or malware during the testing phase in Australia.
IP Leak:
I checked the IP address after connecting my system to VPN Gate’s Atlanta server. Well, what do you know, my actual IP address didn’t show up, as you can observe in the screenshot below:
VPN Gate passed my IP leak test successfully.
DNS Leak: After that, I checked if I was facing any DNS leaks while using VPN Gate’s Atlanta server, but I didn’t! You can see the evidence right below:
I didn’t face any DNS leaks while using VPN Gate.
WebRTC Leak: Similarly, I also tested the VPN Gate for any webRTC leaks. However, there weren’t no issues, and my IP address remained hidden. See for yourself in the screenshot below:
VPN Gate also passed my webRTC leaks test successfully in Australia.
Virus Test: I checked its Windows file to see if it was affected by any virus or not. Fortunately, I did not detect any malware in its systems.
Thankfully, I detected no virus or malware within the VPN Gate setup.
Things I Would Have Liked to See in VPN Gate:
VPN Gate’s lack of a kill switch feature is a significant gap in its security offerings. Users’ data could be exposed during unexpected VPN disconnections without a kill switch. This omission is critical for those who consider non-stop protection necessary for their online activities.
Additionally, vpngate.net Japan does not specify the number of simultaneous connections allowed, which is a notable gap in information for users looking to protect multiple devices.
My research suggests that only one connection is typically supported at a time. This limitation is important when comparing VPN Gate with other providers that offer multiple simultaneous connections, such as ExpressVPN.
VPN Gate – Speed and Performance in Australia
The server speed of the VPN Gate is not good enough. I explored this reality when I connected to its US server. I used a 24 Mbps internet connection, and after connecting to its US Atlanta server, I received a mere 3.98 Mbps download speed and 10.32 Mbps upload speed.
I noticed a considerable drop of more than 83.42% in speed. This VPN didn’t make it to my best fastest VPN in Australia list.
VPN Gate speed tests provided disappointing speed test results in Australia.
On the other hand, I didn’t receive any better speed on the South Korean server. I was met with a download speed of 1.95 Mbps and an upload speed of 0.11 Mbps on the base connection of 24 Mbps. I faced a speed drop of 91.88%. That’s why I couldn’t watch any Kdramas on South Korean Netflix, which was unfortunate.
My speed test on the South Korean server didn’t provide high speeds either.
Your speed may also vary depending on your proximity to the VPN Gate Network servers.
VPN Gate – Streaming in Australia
To my immense surprise, VPN Gate.net has the potential to one day find itself among the best VPNs for streaming in Australia. Based on my VPN Gate review research, I could unblock multiple streaming sites and bypass geo-restrictions with ease like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and others.
I could stream Netflix Turkey using VPN Gate.
However, UK streaming channels like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub are out of reach since VPN Gate doesn’t have UK servers. Here are the results for accessing BBC iPlayer with VPN Gate in Australia:
If you access BBC iPlayer in Australia using VPN Gate, you’ll receive this geo-restriction error.
Does VPN Gate work for Netflix?
Yes, VPN Gate works with Netflix. That said, connection speeds, at times, can hamper your streaming experience a great deal. However, you might not be able to access Netflix with every server. So you’ll have to try your luck until you find one that does the job.
On the other hand, if you are not satisfied with its performance with Netflix, you can opt for the best free VPN for Netflix in Australia to have a smooth and buffer-less streaming experience.
Is VPN Gate Recommended for Torrenting in Australia?
No, I don’t recommend VPN Gate for torrenting in Australia. A VPN with L2TP/IPSec is considered a safe and perfect solution to download torrents anonymously. This Japanese service offers L2TP/IPSec, but you shouldn’t use VPN Gate for torrenting purposes.
As VPN Gate servers are run voluntarily by worldwide users, your online activities might get shared with ISPs or copyright trolls. Thus, in this VPN Gate review, I suggest users steer clear of VPN Gate, especially for torrenting activities.
It is important for all streaming fans to know that VPNGate works exceptionally well on Kodi. When it comes to unblocking live TV channels or safe streaming, it is a go-to option, and so is the best VPN for Kodi in Australia.
For a secure and anonymous torrenting experience, consider exploring the best VPN for torrenting in Australia recognized for their safety features.
Compatibility – Apps and Supported Devices in Australia
VPN Gate is compatible with:
- Windows
- Mac
- Smartphones
- Tablets (iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows RT)
- Cisco
- VPN routers
- Android
- iOS
Users can freely use the VPN on Windows, Android, and iOS. However, they must manually set up this VPN on these devices.
Windows users can use VPN Gate on their laptops and desktops to protect against prowling hackers, snoopers, identity thieves, state surveillance, and cyber threats. While conducting this review, I found no official VPN Gate client for iPhone, iPad, or other iOS devices.
You can download VPN Gate’s Windows client app from its website or a third-party source as well.
VPN Gate does not offer a native app for Android, either. Furthermore, the service does not have extensions for browsers such as Opera, Chrome, and Firefox. The provider has not specified if it also supports routers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles.
Installation of Apps and Ease of Use
Downloading VPN Gate’s Windows app proved to be a bit of a hassle as I had to set it up manually in Australia. There are two options: rely on downloading through a third-party client or connect it through a native VPN. Once I finally got past this stage, I was a bit taken aback by the UI since it wasn’t as user-friendly as I hoped.
Again, keep in mind that this is a free VPN, so you have to make do with what you get. I successfully established a connection using the OpenVPN protocol, even though it took me a minute or two to connect.
You can customize the limited features available in the Settings menu of VPN Gate. Overall, the VPN Gate client doesn’t have much to offer and needs improvement.
I didn’t find VPN Gate UI impressive at all.
Does VPN Gate Work in China?
Yes, VPN Gate works in China, as some of its servers work, apparently. However, the website doesn’t list Chinese servers on its website, which is an inconvenience.
VPN Gate claims to work in China, but its performance and availability can be unpredictable due to the nature of its volunteer-run servers. Users needing reliable VPN access in countries with strict internet censorship should consider services with proven track records evading such restrictions.
Instead, on the VPN Gate China forum, I found several people leaving their email addresses, hoping to access its China VPN server list.
One of the comments included how the service has been discontinued, and now I don’t know what to make of the situation. In such a case, you’re better off using other trusty China VPN in Australia instead of opting for dubious ones, which may or may not bore fruit.
The vpngate.net servers page doesn’t show its Chinese server listed on the website.
VPN Gate Customer Support
While examining customer service for this VPN Gate review, I couldn’t find any 24/7 live chat or helpline for timely customer support. Instead, VPN Gate offers a detailed discussion forum where users can find basic VPN Gate information. However, you’ll need to register for an account to post any queries or even answer someone’s query.
Once you do that, you can look up answers to your queries and seek help from other users who have faced similar issues.
VPN Gate’s discussion forum may be able to resolve your query.
I found this way of communication a bit jarring, to be honest, however, given it’s a free VPN, this might be the best you can get. Since the forum is open to everyone, perhaps you can comment on updating VPN Gate’s customer service.
I was tempted to do that, but I thought better of it. Anyways, you can always explore more efficient free VPNs that offer better and more efficient customer service in Australia.
Comparison Between ExpressVPN and VPN Gate in Australia
Since I don’t recommend VPN Gate in Australia, I have compared ExpressVPN, my recommended provider, with VPN Gate. Have a look at the Gate VPN table given below:
| Features | ExpressVPN | VPN Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | AU$10.41/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free | $0.00 |
| Servers | Thousands of servers in 105 countries | 6608+ in 10+ Countries |
| Compatibility | All Devices | Windows, Android & iOS |
| Jurisdiction | The British Virgin Islands | Japan |
| Logging Policy | Zero Logs | Keeps Logs for 2 weeks |
| Customer Support | Live Chat & Email Support | Forum |
| Website | ExpressVPN | VPN Gate |
As a result, ExpressVPN is a far better option in Australia compared to VPN Gate. You should opt for the former and invest in a reliable future for your VPN needs through ExpressVPN.
What Do Redditors Say About VPN Gate?
A detailed analysis of Reddit threads concerning VPN Gate reveals a mix of skepticism and cautious endorsement among users. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed:
- Safety and Reliability: Some users express concern about VPN Gate’s safety, calling it “sketchy” due to its free nature and association with volunteer-run servers. However, others defend its reliability, highlighting that it’s part of a university project aimed at helping users in restrictive countries.
- Logging and Anonymity: There’s a consensus that VPN Gate logs user IP addresses for two weeks. This practice raises concerns among those seeking complete anonymity. Users emphasize that VPN Gate should not be used for illegal activities due to this logging practice.
- Technical Issues and Support: Users discuss technical aspects such as the leakage of IPv6 addresses and DNS leaks, which could compromise privacy. Advice is shared on how to mitigate these issues, like disabling IPv6 and changing DNS settings.
- General VPN Advice: There’s a broader discussion on the choice of VPNs, with suggestions to opt for more reputable providers if VPN Gate seems unreliable. The sentiment “if it’s free, they will have to make money somehow” reflects general distrust towards free VPN services.
While some users appreciate VPN Gate’s free service and support for people in restrictive countries, others remain wary of its safety, logging practices, and technical shortcomings. The recommendation leans towards using more established and possibly paid VPN services for those requiring robust privacy and security features.
For a more secure and private VPN experience, I recommend considering a service like ExpressVPN. It offers strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and comprehensive leak protection, making it a more reliable choice for those prioritizing their online security and anonymity.
Alternatives to VPN Gate in Australia
VPN Gate is not stacked with advanced security tools like many other VPN providers. However, those providers may cost you some money. So, if you are in the mood for a superior VPN experience, check out the following providers:
- Ivacy
- NordVPN
- Windscribe
- Seedboxes.cc
- AVG Secure VPN
- SurfEasy VPN
- RA4W VPN
- Trust.Zone
- KeepSolid Business VPN
- Liquid VPN
- OverPlay VPN
FAQs – VPN Gate Review
Is VPN gate free in Australia?
Yes, VPN Gate is free. It offers public free VPN access, provided by the University of Tsukuba, Japan, to help users access global information beyond government firewalls and change their IP addresses.
Does VPN Gate keep logs?
Yes, VPN Gate does keep logs. Each public VPN relay server retains packet logs, which include all TCP/IP headers of communications initiated by VPN users, for at least two weeks. These logs may be compressed or deleted after two weeks to free up disk space.
How do I connect to VPN Gate in Australia?
To connect to VPN Gate, run the VPN Gate Client Plug-in and connect to a VPN Gate Server. First, double-click the SoftEther VPN Client icon on your desktop. Then, double-click the “VPN Gate Public VPN Relay Servers” icon on the window. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the connection process.
Is VPN Gate safe to use?
VPN Gate is a unique VPN project focused on providing free access to a global network of volunteer-operated servers. However, concerns have been raised about its security. VPN Gate doesn’t always use strong encryption, lacks a kill switch, and its privacy policy allows for extensive logging of user data.
Additionally, server operators can potentially view your traffic, and VPN Gate complies with government data requests. For users seeking higher security and privacy, it’s advised to consider VPN options with strict no-logs policies and robust security measures.
Is VPN Gate good for torrenting in Australia?
Torrenting with VPN Gate can be problematic, as many servers do not support P2P traffic, and the service lacks essential security features like a kill switch. Those interested in secure and anonymous torrenting should look for VPNs that allow P2P traffic on all servers and offer strong encryption and privacy protections.
How user-friendly is VPN Gate?
The user experience with VPN Gate can be challenging, as it does not offer dedicated apps and requires manual configuration, which can be time-consuming and complex. Users seeking simplicity and convenience would benefit from VPNs that provide intuitive, native apps for various devices, ensuring a seamless setup and ease of use.
How to access 5G VPN Gate Net free of charge?
You can access 5G VPN Gate Net free of charge as it is free software developed by enthusiasts. However, the lack of refinement, such as missing features like a kill switch and native apps, means you must rely on third-party apps for installation and setup. This could be complex if you’re not tech-savvy.
Where is VPN Gate based?
VPN Gate is based at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, where its website is hosted. However, its public VPN relay servers are not hosted at the University of Tsukuba.
Should I be nervous of VPN Gate?
Yes, you should be cautious with VPN Gate. It lacks the security and privacy levels of premium VPN services like ExpressVPN. A major concern is that the volunteer-operated servers may not all be trustworthy, and the server owners can access your connection and usage logs unless they are encrypted.
Additionally, some servers might be honeypots set up by cyber attackers. VPN Gate retains connection logs for three months and may disclose this data to law enforcement, raising further security concerns if privacy is your priority.
Should you trust VPN Gate?
You should be cautious when trusting VPN Gate. While it can be an ideal free choice for bypassing geo-blocking and ISP throttling, its limited appeal, lack of certain features, and underlying security concerns might make a paid-for VPN solution a better option.
Can VPN Gate unblock Netflix in Australia?
Yes, VPN Gate can unblock Netflix in Australia. However, not all servers may be able to unblock Netflix for you. So, you’ll have to opt for a brute force method and look for a server or two, which will finally do the trick for you.
Will VPN Gate slow my speeds down in Australia?
Yes, VPN Gate will slow down your speeds as observed in my speed test results in Australia. However, the speed drop may vary depending on your location. If you live near a server offered by VPN Gate, you’re less likely to encounter the drop in speeds.
Do I Recommend VPN Gate in Australia?
No, I don’t recommend VPN Gate in Australia after my extensive testing.
VPN Gate is suitable for those wishing to unblock geo-restricted sites and services. However, it doesn’t provide the edge other VPNs do due to certain shortcomings. For instance, it doesn’t work in China, it doesn’t have active customer support, and most of all, it keeps logs for three months or more, which I find highly intrusive.
So, if you’re looking for top-grade privacy, robust online security, and reliable data protection, choose a full-fledged premium VPN service like ExpressVPN. For this VPN Gate review, I give their service an average 2.8/5.0 rating per privacy features and service offerings.
