VPNBook Review in Hong Kong: Free VPN with Limitations

While it’s tempting to use a completely free VPN service like VPNBook, its allure has diminished. VPNBook offers no bandwidth caps or service limitations, making it initially compelling. However, recent stats show its usage has declined to around 9% in major countries. To assess its current value, I conducted a VPNBook review in Hong Kong.

From my findings, VPNBook might work for casual use, but it’s tricky to set up and complicated to use. Also, the features I test in my VPN reviews in Hong Kong are lacking in VPNBook. Overall, I don’t recommend this VPN; its speeds are poor, its servers are unstable, it logs data, and it lacks a kill switch.

VPNBook Review in Hong Kong: An In-Depth Look

Here’s a detailed breakdown of VPN Book’s features and specifications that I found during the VPNBook review in Hong Kong. This should help you understand what the service offers and where it may fall short.

VPNBook is an entirely free VPN service, ideal for those who don’t want to spend on a VPN. It supports a range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, though it limits usage to one device at a time. Utilizing OpenVPN and PPTP protocols it ensures fundamental security and compatibility.

Despite the allure of being free, VPNBook has some significant drawbacks. It retains logs, posing privacy concerns, and offers limited server locations in Hong Kong, Canada, and the UK. Additionally, it lacks a money-back guarantee and doesn’t support torrenting or Netflix streaming.

Overall, VPNBook’s no-cost access and basic features may appeal to casual users or those needing a backup VPN. If you’re looking for a simple, free VPN solution, VPNBook could be a suitable option.

VPNBook Review in Hong Kong: Pros and Cons

Pricing – How Much is VPNBook?

VPNBook offers its services for free. The service offers two protocols: OpenVPN and PPTP. You can set up any of the two without spending a single penny.

VPNBook is absolutely free, and you can configure it using any of the two protocols!

Even though the VPNBook is free, I wouldn’t recommend it to users because of its logging policy and DNS leakage issues. Instead, sign up for one of the cheapest VPN services in Hong Kong.

Servers

As a free online software that runs on advertisements and donations, VPNBook only has 16 servers in 6 locations in total. The locations are the following:

There’s also a VPNBook free web proxy. There are four proxy servers within the UK, US, France, and Canada that can be accessed through

Security – Is VPNBook Safe to use in Hong Kong?

No, VPNBook is insecure and cannot guarantee your anonymity or privacy online. Even though it offers the AES 256-bit encryption method, it leaked the DNS address. On top of that, the VPN doesn’t offer a kill-switch feature, so your original identity will be exposed if the VPN crashes somehow.

Instead, sign up for one of the best secure VPNs in Hong Kong to make sure your traffic is encrypted with military-grade encryption with no leaks of any kind.

These potential security gaps, such as the absence of a kill switch and the service’s logging practices, may lead users to question is vpnbook safe to use or is vpnbook legit. Users who prioritize online anonymity and security might find these issues significant and should consider a vpnbook alternative that offers a strict no-logs policy and a kill switch.

Does VPNBook Keep Logs?

No, the company states on its website that it doesn’t collect any personal information or store any user’s internet data. However, in the very next sentence, it states that the only thing they log is the IP address and time the connection is made.

What Encryption Protocols Does VPNBook Use?

VPNBook employs OpenVPN and PPTP protocols to ensure your data remains secure. OpenVPN is known for its robust security features and is regarded as the industry standard. PPTP, while faster and easier to set up, offers less security compared to OpenVPN. These protocols balance security and ease of use, catering to different user preferences.

Speed – Not on the Higher Side

In terms of speed, VPNBook may disappoint you in the long run. I used a 100 Mbps internet connection while conducting the speed test on Windows, Mac, and Android using the OpenVPN protocol.

I experienced a decrease of 95.06% in download speed while connected to VPNBook on Windows.

I experienced a decrease of 99.56% in download speed while connected to VPNBook on Mac.

I experienced a decrease of 97.01% in download speed while connected to VPNBook on Android.

Here is the summary of the VPNBook speed test:

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend VPNBook for its speed. Instead, sign up for one of the fastest VPNs in Hong Kong.

How Fast Is VPNBook Compared to Other Free VPNs?

VPNBook’s performance in speed tests reveals that it lags behind many other free VPN services. While it might be sufficient for basic browsing, it struggles with more demanding tasks like streaming and downloading.

These results indicate that if speed is a critical factor for you, there are better free VPN options available than VPNBook.

Streaming – Does VPNBook Unblock Netflix?

During VPNBook review in Hong Kong, It did not unblock Netflix.

Sadly, this VPN is not compatible with Netflix. Even though the provider claims that it works with Netflix, I was constantly getting the NSES-404” error message when accessing Netflix with the US server.

VPNBook didn’t work on Netflix when I used the US server.

Other Streaming Services

Trying the VPNBook on other platforms, such as BBC iPlayer and Hulu, led to the same results i.e. the VPN was easily detected by these websites, and I was denied access to every streaming platform I tried.

Therefore, VPNBook cannot be used to unblock streaming websites. Therefore, opting for the best VPN for streaming in Hong Kong is essential and advisable as well.

Dedicated IP Address

VPNBook previously provided a dedicated IP address service for an additional fee, but this service is no longer offered on their website.

A dedicated IP is useful for avoiding blacklists, reducing frequent verification prompts, and facilitating remote work. If you’re looking for a VPN that offers dedicated IP services, I recommend exploring other options.

How Effective Is VPNBook for Torrenting and P2P Activities?

VPNBook 2025 is not recommended for torrenting and P2P activities. Its servers are unstable, and the logging policy raises privacy concerns. Additionally, the slow speeds make it impractical for efficient file sharing. If torrenting is a priority for you, other VPNs with dedicated P2P servers and no-logs policies would be better suited.

Compatibility – Supports Different Platforms & Devices

VPNBook doesn’t offer any custom VPN apps for devices. You’ll need to configure the VPN manually with OpenVPN, PPTP, or Outline, which isn’t an easy process.

The 3 setup options are available on the VPNBook webpage with setup tutorials.

If you don’t know how to use VPNBook on Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac. Follow the below-mentioned instructions to setup VPNBook manually on your device.

Leaks – IP, DNS & WebRTC Leak Tests

The service does not expose your actual whereabouts, be it IP or WebRTC information online. However, it could not protect the DNS information. To test the service, I used ipleak.org and connected it to the Canada server. Here are the results:

IP Leak Test:

No IP leaks were detected when connected to this server.

DNS Leak Test: 

Unfortunately, VPNBook couldn’t hide the DNS information.

WebRTC Leak Test:

VPNBook was found innocent of any WebRTC leaks.

As a free online software that runs on advertisements and donations, VPNBook only has 16 servers in 6 locations in total. The locations are the following:

There’s also a VPNBook free web proxy. There are four proxy servers within the UK, US, France, and Canada that can be accessed through the web. Keep in mind that these servers will only change your IP address but do not offer the same level of security that the VPN protocols do.

Trustworthiness – Trustpilot Rating, Reddit Reviews & Customer Support:

I researched VPNBook on Trustpilot and Reddit to see what the people have to say about this VPN:

However, VPNBook does not have a presence on Trustpilot. This shows that the provider isn’t as well-known because most companies that are recognized widely enough are available on Trustpilot.

VPNBook Reddit Review

VPNBook has a shady reputation and has been accused by some Redditors of being a honeypot.

While nothing conclusive is available to test the veracity of these claims, the thread does consist of some interesting points made against VPNBook.

I’d suggest users stay away from this service if privacy is what you’re aiming to obtain from this VPN.

Customer Support

The provider has no dedicated customer support. They only deliver one option called Contact Us” to their users.

Through the ‘Contact Us’ page, you can directly send your queries through an email ticketing system. Otherwise, this section is pretty empty, containing only three FAQs with short answers.

The provider’s email is contact@vpnbook.com.

Can VPNBook Be Used to Access the Dark Web?

In the VPNBook review in Hong Kong, I found that VPNBook can be used to access the dark web, but better options are available. While it supports the necessary protocols, its speed and stability issues and the logging policy make it less ideal for such activities. If accessing the dark web is important, consider a VPN with a stronger focus on privacy and performance.

Methodology Used for Testing VPNBook:

Below, you’ll find the criteria I use to evaluate the VPNs I review. It’s essential to maintain consistency so that my reviews remain objective and comparable. Here are the criteria I expose for transparency.

These criteria form the foundation of my assessment methodology. For more details, you can refer to my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach ensures I recommend the best VPNs for your needs.

What Advanced Settings Are Available in VPNBook for Experienced Users?

For tech-savvy users, VPNBook offers several advanced settings to customize your VPN experience. You can adjust encryption levels and select between different protocols based on your needs. Additionally, VPNBook supports manual configuration for more precise control.

These features cater to users who seek more control and flexibility in their VPN setup, making it a viable option for those with specific technical requirements.

What Are the Differences Between VPNBook’s Free and Paid Services?

VPNBook primarily offers a free service with no bandwidth caps, which is a major attraction. However, the paid tier provides additional benefits like a dedicated IP address and potentially better stability.

Compared to premium VPN services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, VPNBook’s paid tier still falls short in terms of features, speed, and security, making them a more comprehensive choice if you need a reliable VPN service.

These comparisons highlight the significant differences between VPNBook’s free and paid offerings and how they stack up against leading VPN providers.

Is VPNBook Safe? Reddit Opinions and Concerns:

Many of us know or use VPNBook, a free VPN service based in Romania. It offers high speeds and unlimited bandwidth but claims to delete logs after 7 days. I grew suspicious when I saw it mentioned on TorrentFreak by accounts with no comment history and in forum posts discussing its potential as a honeypot.

Web Archive records revealed suspicious changes in VPNBook’s privacy policy. In 2012, they claimed logs were deleted every 3 days and handed over only by court order. These statements are missing in the current policy. Additionally, Anonymous claimed VPNBook logs were used to incriminate its members, raising further concerns.

VPNBook has a minimal public presence and inconsistent language in its policies. They didn’t respond to my inquiries, increasing my distrust. Given these issues, it’s safer to avoid VPNBook. Instead, consider paid VPN services for better security and privacy, as with free products, you’re never the customer.

VPNBook Alternatives:

Many other options are available online if VPNBook doesn’t capture your interest. The following VPNs, as reviewed in my unbiased VPN reviews, can serve as excellent alternatives to VPNBook:

• Surfshark VPN in Hong Kong
• Windscribe VPN in Hong Kong
• Ivacy VPN in Hong Kong
• TunnelBear in Hong Kong
• ProtonVPN in Hong Kong

FAQs – VPNBook Review in Hong Kong

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the VPNBook review in Hong Kong highlights significant limitations and potential privacy concerns, making it less appealing for users seeking robust security. The inconsistent privacy policies and allegations of log misuse undermine trust, while performance issues and the lack of dedicated apps add to the challenges faced by users in Hong Kong.

For those considering VPNBook in Hong Kong, it’s crucial to weigh these factors against the need for privacy and security. Opting for a paid VPN service with transparent policies and robust support is often a better choice to ensure reliable protection and performance.