Mega VPN Review: Is It Too Slow for Your Needs?

Is MEGA’s new venture a hidden gem?

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mega vpn review

This Mega VPN review provides all the details you need to know about this service. It comes from MEGA Limited, the bulletproof file and cloud hosting provider. 

But does MEGA’s stellar reputation in one field guarantee success in another? Spoiler alert – Not quite!

Join me as we explore the features, performance, ease of use, and more. That way, you’ll have all the information you need to decide before getting it.

But first, the basics.

Mega VPN overview

Here’s a quick overview of what Mega VPN has in store.

Server locations12
EncryptionChaCha20
ProtocolsWireGuard
Speed7/10
Kill switchAvailable (Android & iOS)
Stores logsNo
Simultanous connections5
Customer supportEmail, tickets
Split tunnelingNo
Cheapest plan$1.10/month
Money-back guaranteeNo
Value for money7/10
Compatible devicesWindows, Mac, iPhone, Android

Let’s dive into the details.

Mega VPN features

Mega VPN provides all the features you need but for average internet users. I’ll explore all of them to give you a deeper understanding.

1. Privacy

Mega VPN strives to offer a service that guarantees total online privacy. However, the vendor operates from New Zealand, a part of the Five Eyes alliance.

Other members in this coalition include the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. These countries are well-known for extensive surveillance of their people and intelligence sharing.

This casts doubts on Mega VPN’s potential to truly uphold user privacy. Accordingly, it’s advisable not to use the service to engage in suspicious activities. 

2. Security and encryption

While privacy concerns exist, Mega VPN doesn’t compromise on security. It shields connections using ChaCha20 encryption, a robust industry-leading standard.

The algorithm hardens your traffic, making it impossible for anyone to read. This approach prevents data from getting into the wrong hands, enhancing privacy. 

However, other VPN providers include alternatives like 128-bit and 256-bit encryption. Hopefully, MEGA will add them soon to offer users more flexibility.

3. Connection protocols

This is another area where Mega VPN is lacking. It only offers WireGuard, a robust protocol known for its speed and reliability.

While it’s efficient, having additional options could improve the service’s versatility. Some popular alternatives missing from Mega VPN’s lineup include OpenVPN and IKEv2. 

Their absence limits this service’s effectiveness in specific scenarios. For example, you may face challenges outsmarting platforms known to block VPNs. 

4. Network kill switch

Mega includes a kill switch to disable internet access when the VPN fails. Its inclusion prevents data leaks during unexpected disconnections.

Unfortunately, the feature is only available to Android and iOS users. Computer device owners may need to wait for the vendor to include it in the near future.

5. No-logging policy

Mega VPN commits to a no-logs policy, which helps maximize user privacy. The measure restricts the vendor from storing data about your online activities.

While this is promising, transparency regarding its enforcement is lacking. Without independent audits, it’s challenging to verify this claim’s effectiveness.

6. IP/DNS leak 

Tests reveal Mega VPN doesn’t leak your IP/DNS. This finding shows the service effectively masks your actual location and browsing. 

mega vpn solid ip dns leak protection

You can expect to carry out your activities without fear of falling prey to intruders. That sounds good, right?

7. Device management

Mega VPN allows up to five simultaneous connections. You can easily add and remove unwanted devices, locking out unwanted guests.

device management on mega vpn

Sadly, this is another feature that’s exclusive to Android and iPhone users. Its absence from the computer version limits management capabilities for desktop users.

8. Auto-launch

Auto-launch enables the VPN to connect automatically upon device startup. This keeps your connection always protected, minimizing privacy and security risks.

The feature is only available to Windows and Mac users. Android and iOS owners must activate the service manually.   

So…

Is Mega VPN fast?

Mega VPN falls short on performance. You may notice speeds that are up to 30% slower.

This reduction can impact the overall experience, especially when engaging in bandwidth-heavy tasks. Some include 4K streaming, file sharing, and downloading.

A quick check shows that Mega VPN doesn’t own most of its servers, unlike the competition. It leases infrastructure from cloud hosting providers like Leaseweb, OVH, Spark, etc.

Accordingly, issues beyond its control may account for the slow speeds. Still in doubt? Check the results for yourself below:

  • Without VPN

my internet speeds without vpn

  • US West

mega vpn us speed test

  • US East

mega vpn second us location speed test

  • Germany

germany speed test results

  • New Zealand

new zealand speed test

  • Japan

mega vpn japan speed test

The above results show that the service perfectly suits everyday tasks. It’s ideal for browsing, lightweight streaming, small file downloads, and more.

Ease of use and device compatibility

Mega VPN’s app is one of the simplest I’ve ever seen. Virtual locations are easy to access, and launching connections is seamless. 

mega vpn user interface

Modifying the configurations also requires little effort. You can do this by expanding the settings under the menu option. 

But there’s a problem.  

The features of the computer and mobile versions of the app are inconsistent. As noted earlier, the desktop app lacks the kill switch and device management. 

mega vpn desktop and mobile settings

This mishap may lead to a poor experience for multiple device owners. Additionally, computer users may get a raw deal despite paying the same price. 

Speaking of price, how much does Mega VPN cost?

Pricing

Mega VPN costs $1.10/month, and there is no option to subscribe for an extended duration. However, you can secure up to five devices without paying extra.

Sadly, the vendor doesn’t offer refunds. This is quite unfortunate for users who may want to explore the service risk-free.

Customer support

There’s nothing much to talk about customer support. Currently, the vendor provides help via email, which takes a day to get a response.

While you wait, you can explore the knowledge base for possible solutions. It’s well-documented and contains many articles covering common issues.

Mega VPN Review – Verdict

Despite MEGA’s solid reputation, its VPN falls short in critical areas. It struggles to keep up with the competition due to average speeds and limited features.

Still, the pricing makes it an attractive solution for users on a budget. It’s ideal for browsing, light streaming, moderate downloading, and more.

Overall, I hope this Mega VPN review answers all your questions. If so, try it today to see if it aligns with your needs.

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