VPN Services

[dfcatch]

I know a lot here use VPN connections when on the go (or to bypass geoblocks).

Excluding work VPNs - what do folks here use for their connections?

 

[dairyfloss]

I know a lot here use VPN connections when on the go (or to bypass geoblocks).

Excluding work VPNs - what do folks here use for their connections?

I'm also keen to hear recommendations or experiences... particularly as it relates to reasonable speeds of service on an Australian proxy for accessing Foxtel Go, etc. while abroad (mainly for sport).

I've used 'Hide My cough' VPN and it was good for US and EU IPs, but while the connection worked with Aussie IPs, the speed was too slow for video streaming and the like...

 

[Flashback]

There's a few articles on Torrent Freak on the subject, check out the comments section on the relevant articles.

 

[Pushka]

I use us-unblocked. Costs $5 a month but you can have a free trial. It doesn't always work though. It tricks CBS and Amazon but not all sites. But it is very very fast. And I stream video from Amazon and CBS a lot, the latter to get USA shows in season.

 

[DeKa]

Do you want a VPN to make all your traffic secure to another location, or do you want to watch geoblocked services?
If it's geoblocked services, I've been using Unblock-US.com (which is I think what Pushka refers to, with us and un switched?) but recently switched to an Australian service, getflix.com.au - Getflix is cheaper (I am on the 'start up' offer of $1.95/mth) but if you sign up today and "Like" them on Facebook it's currently $2.95/mth: https://www.getflix.com.au/pricing - offer ends today.

 

[BensAdventures]

I use unblock-us.com to access Netflix etc... it's fantastic. It costs about $5 a month, and is easy to use!

 

[DeKa]

I use unblock-us.com to access Netflix etc... it's fantastic. It costs about $5 a month, and is easy to use!

Switch to getflix and save $2/mth

 

[Pushka]

I use unblock-us.com to access Netflix etc... it's fantastic. It costs about $5 a month, and is easy to use!

Ah. I always get the name wrong. This is the one I use as mentioned above.

 

[drewbles]

How about £1/year? I can't vouch for this company (I use StrongVPN and am very happy with it) but Ozbargain has a deal from a VPN company:

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/128748

For that price, probably worthwhile. They have UK and US covered.

The problem with unblock-us.com and the like are that they're effectively DNS 'poisoners', and they're far easier for Netflix/Hulu etc to actually block if they could be bothered (truth be they likely don't care that much as it's increasing their subscription and they can say to the studios 'we block any non-US IP's'). I prefer a VPN as it offers a lot more flexibility.

 

[Andyc]

I'm a big fan of VyprVPN (Buy VPN Account | Signup for VyprVPN! | Golden Frog)

I use the top tier plan and successfully use it from Aus for Hulu, Amazon Video and Netflix.
It also has servers in Aus for ABC and Foxtel when overseas.
I use it for security reasons too. Top tier encryption and lots of local servers.

My favourite trick is that I took an old wireless router, re-flashed it with 3rd party firmware and now it has a permanent vpn connection to the US.

It definitely isn't the cheapest but its a great option if you want a premium service.

Edit: It turns out I can get 1mth free for each referral. So if anyone does choose to sign up, I'd appreciate it if you used this link: https://www.goldenfrog.com/vyprvpn/buy-vpn?ar=fdtemidh331q4_1

 

[DGW]

I use a VPN service 24/7, which I selected after reading this enlightening article: https://torrentfreak.com/vpn-services-that-take-your-anonymity-seriously-2013-edition-130302/

 

[Pushka]

My VPN is on 24/7 too when at home.

 

[drewbles]

I use a VPN service 24/7, which I selected after reading this enlightening article: https://torrentfreak.com/vpn-services-that-take-your-anonymity-seriously-2013-edition-130302/

Interesting there is zero mention of StrongVPN.

I have 'dial-on-demand' setup for my VPN so it only connects when I load Netflix/Hulu though (I have quite a few VPN's like this at home for work stuff).

 

[DGW]

Interesting there is zero mention of StrongVPN.

I have 'dial-on-demand' setup for my VPN so it only connects when I load Netflix/Hulu though (I have quite a few VPN's like this at home for work stuff).

StrongVPN gets a mention in the 2011 edition: http://torrentfreak.com/which-vpn-providers-really-take-anonymity-seriously-111007/

 

[drewbles]

StrongVPN gets a mention in the 2011 edition: Which VPN Service Providers Really Take Anonymity Seriously? | TorrentFreak

Thanks for that. Not a great policy unfortunately. I use them for my Netflix/Hulu, so it's not technically a copyright violation. Perhaps a region thing, but i'm not so sure.

May investigate changing when this subscription is up!

 

[castie]

Not sure why people use these VPN services.

Its very easy to rent a VPS from a cheap provider in location.
Some cost as little as $20 for a year.

Then you either setup your own VPN or the easier route is you connect in via a ssh tunnel and use something like Foxy Proxy on your browser.
The SSH Tunnel is very easy with putty and requires no real knowledge either.

I have two in the US (LA, NY) and one in UK (Manchester).

Allows me to use hulu, netflix, bbc player and watch some six nations.

Total cost roughly $60 for a year.

 

[dfcatch]

Thanks guys....

I want it mainly to secure my "on-the-go" connections when traveling, eg. Wifi hotspot connections.

Second benefit would be to bypass geoblocks.

 

[drewbles]

Not sure why people use these VPN services.

Its very easy to rent a VPS from a cheap provider in location.
Some cost as little as $20 for a year.

Then you either setup your own VPN or the easier route is you connect in via a ssh tunnel and use something like Foxy Proxy on your browser.
The SSH Tunnel is very easy with putty and requires no real knowledge either.

I have two in the US (LA, NY) and one in UK (Manchester).

Allows me to use hulu, netflix, bbc player and watch some six nations.

Total cost roughly $60 for a year.

I have all Cisco kit. Whilst I can do a PPTP on it, an IPSEC is preferred. SSH tunnelling works, but when you want if "network wide" it's easier to have it on the network itself.

VPS's also often have pretty average bandwidth I've found.

I pay $50 for my VPN.

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

I use PIA - Private Internet Acces. Find them quite good fro the $40 a year. They also allow up to 3 concurrent sessions so you have your laptop and smartphone online at the same time.

Speedwise I find them good. Can regularly max out my home internet connection of 12Mbs with them. Never had a problem using them when overseas. Well worth it if you're using WiFi, and even in a hotel with a ethernet connection as you never know who could be snooping on your traffic.

 

[Jleno]

Anyone found a VPN that works with BBC iPlayer or tvcatchup (for UK tv)? I hear they are notoriously good at blocking access from VPN services.