PandaPow Review
The importance of security is recognized by internet users around the world. However, many people are still not protecting their online traffic, simply because they think that this requires complicated tools and advanced technical knowledge. The truth is that due to the high demand for online security, it is possible to find easy and convenient options to keep your data protected. PandaPow is one of the providers that aim to make things simple for anyone who wants to add a layer of security to their connection. This Hong Kong-based VPN claims to be the easiest VPN on the planet and strives to offer a convenient experience right from the start. In this review, we’ll find out more about PandaPow.
Privacy and Security
PandaPow offers a practical solution to defend your internet traffic from security threats. While it doesn’t provide specific details about the level of security implemented and the protocols used, it promises to keep your data secure and to ensure that you can bypass blocks without issues. The provider uses exclusive SSL-based technology that is specifically designed to secure data and unblock content without hassle. PandaPow states that its proprietary protocol can defeat restrictions effectively thanks to the fact that it can’t be detected, unlike other options available. For encryption, PandaPow uses Blowfish-128 cipher, RSA-2048 handshake and HMAC SHA-1 hash authentication. This is strong enough for general use but PandaPow is also set to apply AES-256, which provides a higher level of security. OpenVPN is available on the PandaPow software and options like L2TP/IPSec and PPTP are available for devices that require manual configuration.
When it comes to privacy, the fact that PandaPow is based in Hong Kong is an advantage since it means that it is not subject to mandatory data retention laws. In addition, they are far from the influence of known privacy foes such as the NSA and the GCHQ and Bitcoin is accepted as method of payment. PandaPow doesn’t keep logs of users’ online activities. The websites you visit, your chats and everything else that you do when you are connected to the internet will remain private. However, they do keep connection logs including times when you are connected to the service and amount of data transferred. It is also important to keep in mind that they only support P2P on Asian servers. Users who fail to use secure P2P servers can face service suspension if a copyright infringement notice is received.
PandaPow has dedicated apps for the most popular apps available: Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Having dedicated software makes the installation fast and hassle-free and you will be able to protect your connection and defeat restrictions within a few minutes. The software works well and the interface is very simple. Although the design of the client can be a bit too simple, maybe even plain, you will be able to find a good selection of options and to adjust your connection settings without complications. PandaPow also offers easy to follow guides that will allow you to set up the VPN on platforms for which the provider doesn’t have an app available.
When you choose PandaPow as your provider, you can select between PandaPow Classic, which is the standard VPN service and PandaPow WiFi, a portable VPN router that allows you to enjoy security and unrestricted access to content, on any device in your household. PandaPow Classic allows you to connect up to 3 devices simultaneously, while PandaPow WiFi is a practical solution to get the advantages of a VPN across all your devices, without having to flash your router or complete other procedures. It can be used with practically any internet-enabled device and after just a few simple steps, you will be ready to protect your data with encryption and bypass blocks on your gaming console, smart TV and much more.
Currently, PandaPow has servers in Canada, United States, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Sweden, Germany, India, United Kingdom, France, Hong Kong, Russia, Netherlands, Singapore and Australia. Although the global coverage is limited, specially if you compare it to what other providers offer, PandaPow gives you access to locations around the world that will allow you to enjoy a fast and enjoyable browsing experience and to access popular content. Switching between servers is easy and the bandwidth is not limited. PandaPow offers great speeds for browsing and the connection is stable, although the performance can be slower when it comes to streaming.
Plans
You can get a subscription to PandaPow Classic from $9 per month, but the monthly cost can be reduced to $8 if you pay for 3 months in advance. To get the biggest discount, you can opt for a yearly plan, which costs $84. This means that the price per month is reduced to $7, but even with this discount, PandaPow prices are higher than the average. The PandaPow WiFi router costs $99 and you get 12 months of service. You can get three additional months for free when you order. The WiFi option offers better value for money since it can be sued for as a many devices as you want, which can be handy for small businesses.
You can also get a Package deal that combines PandaPow Classic and PandaPow WiFi for $149 for $12 months, plus 3 extra months for free. PandaPow accepts multiple payment options including cards, PayPal, Alipay and Bitcoin. There is a 7-day money-back guarantee that allows you to get a refund, in case the service is not right for you.
Customer Support
The website features a Customer Care section that includes Set up guides, FAQ, Troubleshooting help and useful guides for beginners. If you need to contact the support team, you can submit a ticket. The response time may vary but in general, they provide effective, professional and helpful support. A live chat option is also available, although only during Hong Kong business hours.
Conclusion
PandaPow delivers in its promise of being an easy to use, convenient VPN service that proves that keeping your online traffic secure, doesn’t have to be a challenging task. The desktop software and the mobile apps are simple and offer a good set of features to enjoy a secure and versatile browsing experience. Overall, albeit being a bit pricey, PandaPow can be a practical solution for beginners. Plus, the PandaPow WiFi router can save you a lot of hassle when you want to run a VPN across all your devices.