Reading Time: 5 minutes
Based in Japan [UNSAFE]
Price $0.00
Servers 6000+ (Worldwide)
Logs Keeps Logs
Multi Login 1 Device
Refund N/A
Recommended NO
Website VPNGate.net

VPN Gate is a freemium 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.

In this VPN Gate review in New Zealand, I have examined each VPN factor in New Zealand, including encryption protocols, server infrastructure, subscription plans, availability, privacy policy, and level of security offered.

The service has a huge server spread like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Moreover, it delivers an amazing free version that allows you to secure your digital footprints hassle-free.

However, it keeps users’ logs for two weeks and does not offer multi-login benefits. Therefore, I don’t recommend VPN Gate to privacy seekers despite having an efficient freemium version in its armory.

My Rating Criteria – VPN Gate Review in New Zealand

  1. Pricing – How much is VPN Gate in New Zealand?
  2. Security – Protocols, Encryption & Features
  3. Jurisdiction – Where is this VPN Based?
  4. Speed – On the Lower Side
  5. Streaming – Does it work with Netflix, Torrenting & Other Streaming Services in New Zealand
  6. Leaks – IP, DNS, WebRTC & Virus Tests
  7. Trustworthiness – Logging Policy, Customer Support & Reddit Reviews
  8. Compatibility – Does it support  all platforms & Devices

Pricing – How much is VPN Gate in New Zealand?

VPN Gate is free, and it will remain that way throughout its existence. The individuals behind this brilliant venture have no plans on introducing paid plans.

This is something unusual as we 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.

Security – Protocols & Encryption

As VPN Gate servers are run by worldwide volunteers, each server can support different protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec,  or SSL-VPN. However, I didn’t find PPTP protocol, which is not a big issue since PPTP is an obsolete technology anyway.

VPN Gate has an interesting mechanism for tunneling protocols and encryption. Here is how it 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 too sure which encryption level is being used until you test the VPN yourself. It varies from server to server.

Jurisdiction – Where is this VPN based?

VPN Gate is a freemium 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.

Recently, internet freedom has declined to a certain extent as the official authorities have started banning manga piracy sites.

As a result, law enforcement agencies have arrested numerous copyright violators. Therefore, you should not use the VPN gate for downloading copyrighted material.

Servers Network

VPN Gate offers a massive server infrastructure consisting of about 6000+ public VPN relay servers distributed across prime regions of the world.

The exact number of public VPN relay servers keeps changing, but on average, VPN Gate offers around 12 to 13 active servers in the US. And unfortunately it doesn’t provide any servers in New Zealand.

These servers are located across New York, Florida, Texas, and more cities.

vpngate-servers

They are also available in other countries like Ukraine, Georgia, 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 Address in New Zealand, UK IP Address etc.

It is one of the best VPNs for Mexicans. Moreover, you can use VPN Gate in China too.

Speed – On the Lower Side

During this VPN gate review in New Zealand. I found that the server speed of VPN Gate is not good enough at all. I explored this reality when I connected to its US server. I used a 24 Mbps internet connection, and after connecting to its US server, I received a mere 3.98 Mbps connection speed.

I noticed a considerable drop of more than 80% in speed. Therefore, if you are looking for a top-notch VPN in Brazil for New Zealand users, you might want to consider ExpressVPN or other premium VPNs.

Speed-VPN-Gate

Streaming – Does it work with Netflix, Torrenting & Other Streaming Services in New Zealand

VPN Gate is an impressive option when it comes to unblocking US Netflix securely. That said, connection speeds at times can hamper your streaming experience a great deal. However, if you think you are not satisfied with the Netflix streaming experience of this free VPN. You can definitely opt for the best free VPN for Netflix in New Zealand. In order to have a smooth and buffer less streaming experience.

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 ISP or copyright trolls. Thus, in this VPN Gate review in New Zealand, I suggest users steer clear of VPN Gate, especially for torrenting activities.

It is important to know for all streaming fans that VPNGate works exceptionally well on Kodi. When it comes to unblocking Live TV Channels or safe streaming, it is a go-to option, So is the best VPN Kodi in New Zealand.

For secure and anonymous torrenting VPNs, visit the safest VPNs for torrenting in New Zealand.

Leaks – IP, DNS, WebRTC & Virus Tests

While writing this VPN Gate review in New Zealand 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 virus or malware during the testing phase.

IP Leak:

IP-Leak-Test-VPN-Gate

DNS Leak:

DNS-Leak-Test-VPNGate

WebRTC Leak:

WebRTC-Leak-VPN Gate

Virus Test:

I checked its Windows file to see if it exposed any virus or not. Fortunately, it did not expose any malware.

Virus-Test-VPN Gate

Trustworthiness – Logging Policy, Customer Support & Reddit Reviews

You may easily find the logging policy of the VPN Gate on the server list page. Here, the providers make it clear that they keep logs for two weeks.

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 number of bytes and packets during the VPN connection

All this information ends up on the university’s logging server through all of the VPN Gate servers.

While examining customer service for this VPNGate review, I wasn’t able to find any 24/7 live chat or helpline for timely customer support.

As one of the free VPN services that are reliable, VPN Gate offers a detailed discussion forum where users can find basic VPN Gate information.

VPN Gate Reddit Reviews

Some Redditors asked, “Is VPNGate safe“? The replies showed that people trust this service.

Comment
by from discussion
inVPN

Interestingly, Reddit users also recommend VPN Gate for unblocking Japanese Netflix. Now, although this is quite possible, the slow speed of the VPN might hinder the streaming experience.

Comment
byu/cineptroker from discussion
inLearnJapanese

Check more VPN reviews by Reddit users in New Zealand here.

Compatibility – Does it support all platforms and devices?

VPN Gate is available on a range of platforms. Users can freely use the VPN on Windows, Android, and iOS.

However, they will need to set up this VPN on these devices manually.

Windows users can use VPN Gate on their laptops and desktops to protect against prowling hackers, snoopers, identity thieves, state surveillance, and more cyber threats. While conducting this review, I found no official VPN Gate client for iPhone, iPad, or other iOS devices.

Unlike iPhone, VPN Gate does not offer a native app for Android. Furthermore, the service does not have extensions for browsers such as Opera, Chrome, and Firefox.

The provider has not specified if it supports routers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles as well.

Comparison between ExpressVPN and VPN Gate in New Zealand

Since I don’t recommend VPN Gate in New Zealand, I have compared ExpressVPN, our recommended provider, with VPN Gate in this VPN gate review in New Zealand. Have a look at the table given below:

Features ExpressVPN VPN Gate
Price NZ$11.25/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free NZ$0.00
Servers 3000+ in 94 Countries including 1 server location in New Zealand 6000+ 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
Trust Pilot Score 4.7 N/A
Website ExpressVPN VPNGate

You can find out the performance of dozens of other VPNs on our VPN reviews 2022 page.

VPN Gate Alternatives

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:

Do I Recommend VPN Gate in New Zealand?

After this VPN Gate review in New Zealand – No, I don’t recommend VPN Gate.

VPN Gate is a suitable choice for those who wish to unblock geo-restricted sites and services.

But, if top-grade privacy, robust online security, and reliable data protection are what you’re looking for, then choose a full-fledged premium VPN service.

For this VPN Gate review in New Zealand, I give their service an average 2.8/5 rating as per privacy features and service offerings.