StreamVPN

StreamVPN (formerly known as My Expat Network) costs as much as the top premium VPNs, but is it as good? To find out, I performed extensive tests on its speed and safety features. I also thoroughly explored its privacy policy and looked into its other features, like how it works for gaming and torrenting.

While it has a few strong points, it doesn’t do enough to justify its price. There are several areas where it’s seriously lacking. I was especially disappointed by its privacy policy, and you may be surprised what is and isn’t in there. I recommend you check out the top-rated VPNs, which give you much more for your money.

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Streaming — Works With Major Platforms

With StreamVPN, you can stream content from the 13 countries where its servers are located. It offers primary and stealth servers. Plus, it recommends using Stealth Mode only when necessary since it will slow down your connection.

The website has a directory of online streaming channels in each country that StreamVPN serves. It promises to unblock all these channels and streaming platforms.

Some of these channels offer on-demand online content that StreamVPN promises you can unblock while traveling

However, due to its unreliable speeds, I recommend you use one of these more dynamic VPNs for streaming.

Unblocked: Netflix UK, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Amazon Prime Video

I asked StreamVPN’s customer support, and they replied that the VPN unblocks Netflix UK and its other libraries (without specifying which ones).

However, they said that it doesn’t unblock Disney+

StreamVPN also unblocks Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and ITV.

You can find these streaming platforms in the TV Guide with channels that StreamVPN promises to unblock

Blocked By: Disney+ and HBO Now

StreamVPN’s customer support said it doesn’t unblock Disney+ or HBO Now. These streaming services implement advanced VPN monitoring algorithms that can immediately detect the origin of IP addresses.

After I sent a follow-up email about HBO Now, the representative confirmed that StreamVPN can’t unblock the platform

Speeds — Unpredictable and Inconsistent

StreamVPN’s speeds may differ based on location, internet traffic, line quality, and other circumstances beyond its control. Taking into consideration that StreamVPN has servers in just 13 countries, you’ll most likely have slow speeds if you’re located far away from those locations. The provider doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted service, nor fast upload and download speeds. The amount of data you transfer each month doesn’t limit the service, but StreamVPN can impose this restriction when necessary.

Its Terms & Conditions also explain that speeds can vary depending on many factors

Due to its unreliable speeds, I recommend you try one of the fastest VPNs available, which you can get for a comparable price.

Are StreamVPN’s Speeds Fast Enough for Gaming? No

No, they aren’t. I don’t recommend StreamVPN for gaming because it requires good ping, especially in competitive environments like tournaments. Given its limited server network, some servers might be overcrowded, you could end too far away. These factors can slow down your speeds and increase your ping, which won’t be suitable for gaming. For gamers looking to play without interruptions, I recommend you use one of the top VPNs for gaming.

Server Network — Limited Coverage

StreamVPN has 120 servers in 13 countries. These include the US, the UK, Canada, France, Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It also offers over 2,000 IP addresses.

Each VPN location has regular and stealth servers. Stealth servers offer extra security by making the VPN traffic appear to be from a standard network. I asked StreamVPN’s customer support if I’ll get a different IP address on both connections. During my research, I found some claims that it actually assigns you the same IP, so I wanted to check in with them. They responded vaguely by saying that IPs are assigned automatically on each connection without specifying whether I’ll get the same or different IPs on the primary and stealth server counterparts.

They didn’t answer whether the IPs would be different on both stealth and regular servers from the same location

Security — Decent Security Features

The good news is StreamVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to hide your browsing data from your snoops and hackers. There’s also a kill switch that automatically disables your internet if your VPN connection drops to prevent your actual IP address from being exposed. Additionally, it comes with a DNS leak protection, which further strengthens your security.

StreamVPN integrates Stealth Mode that makes your traffic look like regular, making it harder for the VPN to get detected. It also uses 3 protocols:

• OpenVPN leverages the OpenSSL library with AES 256-bit encryption, which is currently the best you can get. It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Android.
• L2TP by itself is not the safest option. Most VPNs pair it with another protocol to make it safer, but StreamVPN doesn’t. You can use L2TP on Windows and iOS.
• IKEv2 is one of the fastest protocols. It can hop from WiFi to a mobile network without losing the VPN connection (this is great for phones and tablets). It’s available for macOS and iOS.

I emailed StreamVPN about setting up the VPN on my iPhone manually using the L2TP protocol. This was their response:

The representative’s instructions were concise and clear

Overall, I’d recommend using OpenVPN whenever possible. It’s open source code makes it the safest protocol since it’s constantly being updated by users from around the world.

Privacy — Vague Privacy Policy Makes It Untrustworthy

StreamVPN is based in the jurisdiction of Hong Kong with strict data laws, and it isn’t a part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. According to StreamVPN, it won’t sell or divulge your personal details to third parties without your consent, or without the law requiring it to do so.

However, Hong Kong is an administrative region of China, and their complicated relationship makes me wonder if I can trust StreamVPN’s privacy policies. Perhaps, it won’t be long before Hong Kong implements mainland Chinese surveillance laws.

There’s no information in StreamVPN’s Privacy Policy about the information that the VPN collects. However, its website records your name, phone number, email address, website usage data, and any details you provide when filling in contact forms. So, I recommend you check out a VPN with a clear no-logs policy that’s been verified.

Torrenting — Only 1 Server Location Supports Torrenting

StreamVPN’s Netherlands servers support torrenting. In its Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), StreamVPN states that distributing or retaining any materials protected by copyright will result in the provider suspending or terminating your account.

Please note that the team and I don’t encourage users to take part in any illegal activities. For your own safety, always check the laws in your country before deciding to torrent. Because of its slow speeds and lack of servers that support P2P, StreamVPN isn’t a great choice for downloading files. My advice is to try one of the top VPNs for torrenting instead.

Does StreamVPN Work in China? In Some Regions

I contacted StreamVPN’s customer support and they responded that the VPN doesn’t work in some regions of China without specifying which ones. They also recommended using Stealth Mode in China.

Stealth Mode scrambles your traffic, making it much harder to detect that a VPN is in use

Note that only government-approved VPNs are permitted in China, but the officials usually go after the VPN technology. No tourists have been penalized for using a VPN in China.

Simultaneous Device Connections — 5

StreamVPN supports up to 5 connections at a time with a single purchase. However, if you get the Sabai or DD-WRT routers, you can connect all your home devices simultaneously.