In the VPN Gate review France, I found that VPN offers slow speed, leading to laggy streaming. It only provides a SoftEther VPN client for Windows, which is not user-friendly. The service also collects user data, raising privacy concerns. Without a kill switch and with logging issues, this free VPN has significant drawbacks.
After the data leak of 8.17 million users in late 2024, I evaluated VPN Gate again through my usual VPN reviews criteria. The manual installation, lack of native apps, and poor streaming support made it frustrating. Despite being an academic project with volunteer-run servers, the experience was disappointing.
Key Takeaways:
- Privacy Issues: VPN Gate keeps logs of user activity, which raises privacy concerns.
- Weak Security: Missing key features like a kill switch makes it less secure.
- Slow Speeds: Inconsistent speeds make gaming and streaming difficult.
- Hard Setup: Manual setup can be challenging for non-tech users.
- Better Options: Paid VPNs like ExpressVPN offer stronger security and better performance.
Quick Overview – VPN Gate Review France: 2024 Updates
In a VPN Gate review France, I tested enhanced capabilities in its 2024 update. Emphasizing a robust global network and user-centric features, this update reinforces VPN Gate’s dedication to providing secure, accessible internet access at no cost.
Explore the detailed updates in the table below to see how VPN Gate remains a leader in the free VPN market.
| VPN Gate Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Does VPN keep logs? | No |
| Number of servers | 4683+ |
| Number of devices per license | 1 |
| Kill switch | No |
| Based in country | Japan |
| Supports torrenting | Yes |
Comprehensive Review of VPN Gate in France 2024
After several weeks of evaluating VPN Gate, I’ve found it significantly lacking compared to other VPNs I’ve tested. It ranks as one of the least effective services I’ve encountered.
Originating from a university project in Japan, VPN Gate operates through a network of volunteer-run servers. Despite being a free service, I strongly advise against installing it on any device.
In the VPN Gate full review, I found that it suffers in providing slow connection speeds, fails to support streaming services, performs poorly for torrenting, and lacks customer support options like email and live chat.
Also, it does not provide dedicated applications for any devices, requiring manual setup, which can be time-consuming and overly complex for users without technical expertise.
Pros
- Free to use
- Bypasses censorship effectively
- Supports multiple protocols
- Global server network
- No registration needed
Cons
- Inconsistent and slow speeds
- Collects user data
- No kill switch
- Manual installation required
- No native apps
- Trust issues with servers
- Lacks advanced security features
- Poor streaming support
- No P2P/torrenting support
- Unreliable server availability
VPN Gate Review France – 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 VPN Gate lists of servers that you can use.
VPN Gate may have a huge number of servers. However, the server network spans only a certain number of countries and does not provide secure IP tunnels. 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 France
In this VPN Gate review France, I’ll also address the privacy and security features VPN Gate provides. I expect at least VPN Gate’s security will 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 to download copyrighted material.
VPN Gate – Kill Switch
VPN Gate doesn’t offer a kill switch. SoftEther VPN’s 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
The VPN Gate’s logging policy can be found on the server list page. The providers clarify that they keep logs for three months or more. In addition, VPN Gate 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.
Yes, VPN Gate keeps logs, which significantly impacts user privacy. The fact that server owners can log user data undermines the primary purpose of using a VPN for anonymity. This logging policy is a major drawback for privacy-conscious users.
I have discussed VPN logging policies in France 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 volunteers run VPN Gate servers worldwide, 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 tunnelling 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 France, I have found that the VPN is secure as it does not leak your IP, DNS, and WebRTC information. Moreover, its app revealed no viruses or malware during the testing phase.
IP Leak:
After connecting my system to VPN Gate’s Atlanta server, I checked the IP address. 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 in France.
I didn’t face any DNS leaks while using the VPN Gate.
VPN Gate also passed my webRTC leaks test successfully.
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 essential when comparing VPN Gate with other providers that offer multiple simultaneous connections, such as ExpressVPN.
How Secure is VPN Gate in France?
VPN Gate offers basic security features but falls short in several critical areas. The lack of a kill switch and advanced security features like perfect forward secrecy and RAM-only servers leaves much to be desired.
While it supports multiple protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, MS-SSTP, and SoftEther VPN, my experience with these features was disappointing. The encryption felt inadequate, and the inconsistency in server reliability raised serious trust issues.
VPN Gate – Speed and Performance in France
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 France list.
VPN Gate speed tests provided disappointing speed test results.
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.
Gaming Compatibility
VPN Gate can be used for gaming, but it has drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know:
- Speed and Latency: VPN Gate often suffers from inconsistent and slow speeds, which can result in high latency – a critical factor in gaming. Laggy performance can severely impact your gaming experience, making it less than ideal for fast-paced online games.
- Reliability: The volunteer-run nature of VPN Gate means that servers can go offline without notice, leading to unexpected disconnections during gameplay. This lack of reliability can frustrate gamers who need a stable connection.
- Server Locations: While VPN Gate has a global network of servers, many are concentrated in Asia. This can limit your options if you need a server closer to your location to minimize latency.
Despite being a free service, VPN Gate’s inconsistent speeds and unreliable server availability make it a less appealing choice for serious gamers. For those who need a smooth and lag-free gaming experience, investing in a paid VPN with optimized gaming servers might be a better option.
VPN Gate – Streaming
To my immense surprise, VPN Gate.net has the potential to one day find itself among the best VPNs for streaming in France. Based on my VPN Gate review France, I could easily unblock multiple streaming sites and circumvent geo-restrictions, such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.
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:
If you access BBC iPlayer using VPN Gate, you’ll receive this geo-restriction error.
I tested VPN Gate with various streaming services like Netflix, Sony Crackle, and VRV and found that the bandwidth was insufficient for smooth playback.
In addition to slow speeds, VPN Gate’s streaming capabilities are limited. Many servers do not support streaming services, and those that do are often unreliable. This inconsistency makes it hard to enjoy uninterrupted streaming sessions. For users who prioritize fast and reliable streaming, VPN Gate is unlikely to meet their needs.
During my testing, I found that while VPN Gate struggled with unblocking popular streaming services, it did allow me to access social media platforms like TikTok. It took about a minute to connect to a server, and I could buy TikTok coins in France without any issues.
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.
Is VPN Gate Recommended for Torrenting in France?
No, I don’t recommend VPN Gate for torrenting. 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 France, I suggest users steer clear of VPN Gate, especially for torrenting activities.
Compatibility – Apps and Supported Devices
VPN Gate is compatible with:
- Windows
- Mac
- Smartphones
- Tablets (iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows RT)
- Cisco
- VPN routers
- Android
- iOS
Setup Steps for Different Devices:
iPhone:
- Download and install the OpenVPN Connect app from the App Store.
- Download the VPN Gate server configuration files.
- Import the configuration files into the OpenVPN app.
- Connect to the VPN Gate server using the OpenVPN app.
Router:
- Access your router’s admin panel.
- Find the VPN settings and choose the protocol (usually OpenVPN or L2TP/IPSec).
- Upload the VPN Gate configuration files.
- Save the settings and connect.
Windows:
- Download and install the SoftEther VPN Client from the VPN Gate website.
- Import the server configuration files.
- Set up and connect to the desired VPN Gate server.
Mac:
- Download and install Tunnelblick.
- Download the VPN Gate configuration files.
- Import the configuration files into Tunnelblick.
- Connect to the VPN Gate server.
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. 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, remember 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 in the VPN Gate settings menu. Overall, the VPN Gate client has little to offer and needs improvement.
I didn’t find the VPN Gate UI impressive at all.
Does VPN Gate Work in China?
Yes, VPN Gate can work in China since some of its servers are located there, mainly in Asia. It also works with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which is a nice benefit for a free VPN.
However, the positives stop there. The connection speeds are generally very poor, leading to frequent lag during streaming, making it an unreliable choice for smooth viewing.
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 VPNs instead of 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 France, 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 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 was tempted to do that, but I thought better of it. You can always explore more efficient free VPNs that offer better customer service.
What kind of customer support does VPN Gate provide?
VPN Gate offers minimal customer support. Since it is a volunteer-run project, no dedicated support team can assist users with issues or queries. This can be frustrating for users who encounter technical difficulties or need guidance.
Without professional customer support, users must rely on online forums and community help, which can be hit or miss. For those who value quick and reliable support, this is a significant downside of using VPN Gate.
VPN Gate Price
VPN Gate is entirely free to use, which makes it an attractive option for budget users. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Free Service: VPN Gate is free, with no subscription fees or payments required. This is a significant advantage for budget-conscious users who need basic VPN functionality.
- Hidden Costs: While the service is free, there are hidden costs regarding compromised security and privacy. The lack of a kill switch, logging practices, and inconsistent speeds can affect your overall experience and safety. These issues might make you reconsider the true value of a free” service.
- Premium Plans: Unlike many other VPN services, VPN Gate does not offer premium plans or paid tiers. This means you get access to all available features without any additional charges. However, you also miss the advanced features, customer support, and paid service reliability.
While the lack of a price tag is appealing, the trade-offs in performance, security, and privacy might make users wonder if a free service truly meets their needs. For those who prioritize robust security and reliable performance, considering a paid VPN might be worthwhile despite the costs.
Comparison Between ExpressVPN and VPN Gate
Since I don’t recommend VPN Gate, 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 | EUR4.26/mo (US$ 4.99/mo) - Save 61% With Exclusive 2-Year Plan + 4 Months Free | Free |
| 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 |
What unique features does VPN Gate offer in France?
VPN Gate’s unique feature is its anti-censorship tool, powered by volunteers worldwide. This allows users to circumvent censorship and access restricted content, particularly useful in high-censorship regions like China.
While this feature is commendable, the drawbacks include inconsistent speeds and unreliable server availability. The volunteer-run nature means servers can go offline without notice, and the lack of a kill switch can compromise security. Despite these issues, the anti-censorship capability remains a notable advantage for some users.
As a result, ExpressVPN is a far better option than VPN Gate. You should opt for the former and invest in a reliable future for your VPN needs through ExpressVPN.
Get ExpressVPN - #1 VPN in France 30 Days Money Back Guarantee
What Do Redditors Say About VPN Gate in France?
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.
Is VPN Gate Trusted in France in 2024?
VPN Gate fails to meet essential security standards in 2024. Originating from a Japanese university project, it operates with a volunteer-run server network, leading to inconsistent security practices like varied encryption levels and unreliable server availability.
While VPN Gate is free, its lack of a kill switch, no-logs policy, and native apps, coupled with slow speeds, make it inadequate. It also misses advanced features such as perfect forward secrecy, split-tunneling, and streaming and P2P traffic support. Additionally, the number of simultaneous connections remains unspecified.
In conclusion, VPN Gate ranks poorly among VPN options. I strongly discourage its use and suggest a more reliable free or premium VPN service.
What VPN is like VPN Gate in France? Alternatives to VPN Gate
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:
FAQs – VPN Gate Review France
Is VPN gate free in France?
Yes, the 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.
How do I connect to VPN Gate in France?
To connect to the 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 good for torrenting in France?
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.
Is VPN Gateay safe in France?
No, the VPN Gate is not considered safe. It does not implement a no-logs policy, allowing it to potentially log your IP address and share your data with authorities upon request.
Additionally, the absence of a kill switch means that if your VPN connection drops, your internet traffic could be exposed. VPN Gate lacks advanced security protocols such as perfect forward secrecy, RAM-only servers, and supplementary features like split-tunneling.
How to access 5G VPN Gate Net free of charge in France?
You can access VPN Gate Net 5g 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.
Can VPN Gate unblock Netflix in France?
Yes, VPN Gate can unblock Netflix. 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 France?
Yes, VPN Gate will slow down your speeds, as observed in my speed test results. 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 a drop in speeds.
Wrap Up!
My detailed VPN Gate review France revealed that it doesn’t provide the edge over other VPNs 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 rating per privacy features and service offerings.
