Samantha Knight 
Sometimes new VPN providers perform better than old ones. While older services have hard times avoiding filters, newcomers are more flexible and unknown to Netflix and other streaming services. In this Buffered VPN review, we will talk about the advantages of new providers.
We usually become somewhat suspecting when it comes to new companies in tech. There is a bias that newcomers are too under experienced to offer us an excellent service. Also, most people are afraid to try a new provider just because there are little or no reviews from customers.
That’s why we try out new VPNs and create reviews for you.
On Buffered’s website, the provider claims its VPN to be “the fastest and most secure.” Is it true? We’re here to find out.
We have tested the speed, reliability, and features of Buffered. So in this review, you will find any information you need about this provider. Features
It allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, which is pretty good. The provider has solutions for Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can also configure it on iOS and Android devices, but there are no dedicated apps for these platforms. By default, the connection is established via the OpenVPN protocol. Optionally, one can choose UDP or TCP.
The good news is that Buffered VPN supports P2P, which means users can use it for torrenting. Also, it’s applicable for streaming purposes due to the speedy and consistent connection. The service will let you access most streaming services, though its Netflix unblocking capabilities are limited, especially when it comes to Netflix USA.
What Do You Get with Buffered VPN?
This provider offers a bit higher prices than most of the other competitors. However, the qualities of Buffered justify the cost. It’s not easy to find the VPN that will work with streaming services and freely allow torrenting nowadays. So paying a bit more for these privileges is worth it.
- It is one of the speediest providers
- It is compatible with various platforms
- The money-back period is 30 days
- Great for torrenting and streaming
- Customer support quality is beyond the praise
- It is relatively expensive
- The Buffered company keeps some logs
- The coverage is average
Privacy and Security
In this Buffered VPN review, we have already mentioned that the provider’s location is Gibraltar. However, the headquarters is in Hungary. Even though Gibraltar seems remote enough from all the surveillance we have in our world, there is a fact you might want to consider. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, and as you might know, the UK is one of the Five Eyes alliance members.
Buffered ensures users that the provider is not required to share data with the government. Still, we should remember that even though Gibraltar has almost complete self-governance, “almost” is a keyword. However, despite all that, this country has some strong laws that protect user privacy.
But it seemed like Buffered thought that having headquarters in another country isn’t confusing enough and decided to store the user data in the Netherlands. The provider claims that even though the information is not in Gibraltar, legally the country guards it.
If you’re concerned about surveillance, you might want to choose another VPN provider. But the chances are high that there is nothing to worry about at all. Still, we should keep this situation in mind.
Encryption and Protocols
Buffered is using a conventional and reliable 256-bit Blowfish encryption. It is a military-grade standard that perfectly protects the data. The OpenVPN protocol that is the most secure so far. Buffered offers reliable protection for the user. So, you will not have to worry about your data.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer any extra security tools as many other providers do. For example, NordVPN has double encryption. Most users will, possibly, find this feature useless because it significantly slows down the connection. So, maybe, it’s not crucial that Buffered doesn’t have such a feature.
Special Features
Buffered didn’t overlook a much needed Kill Switch feature that stops your traffic if the VPN connection was interrupted. It might be inconvenient while watching shows on streaming services or torrenting. But on the other hand, it will protect you from the data leaks that might happen due to the interrupted VPN connection.
There also is a Bandwidth test tool that will measure your current connection speed. It can be a useful feature for troubleshooting. But we can hardly believe that the app show accurate performance indicators.
Another tool is a Firewall test that verifies available ports used by a VPN. It is a truly unique feature we’ve never encountered, reviewing other providers. Additionally, you can choose ports and customize some settings. For example, you can set a VPN to turn on as a system starts and connect to the last server automatically.
Buffered VPN Logging Policy
On the Buffered website, the provider says that it does its best to keep the user data safe. That’s why, as they claim, they gather data about duration of the connection. When you dig deeper, you will find out that this VPN also collects another information. For instance, the version of the operating system, language, MAC and IP addresses, data about your network and DNS, and other data.
Note that Buffered says, that the information it collects “may include but not limited to” the data we have listed above. Sure, you can opt out of data collection in the app. But still, it is something to consider.
Also, Buffered collects some data for targeted ads. It ensures customers that the provider or third-parties will only contact them via email or chat. They may advertise services and products that might be interesting to users. You can opt out of receiving these propositions.
The logging policy of this provider is transparent and reasonable. Buffered tells what data it will collect while offering users a choice to decline this option. So if you want to keep your information completely private, go to the settings and forbid the logging.
TOR Compatibility
There is no information on Buffered website regarding its compatibility with TOR. But there is an article about the differences between VPN and TOR. And it rather openly advertises Buffered VPN and offers to use it instead of TOR. So, this provider is not compatible with the Onion routing. Otherwise, Buffered wouldn’t have missed a chance to tell users about compatibility.
Performance
Buffered’s apps for Windows and iOS are elementary and easy to use. You won’t find endless settings and sophisticated features. Just choose one of the countries you want to connect to, and here you go. Once the connection is established, the next screen you see displays the current speed and your VPN IP address.
Here you can enable or disable KillSwitch and rate the service. The rating is very useful because your feedback to Buffered helps to improve it. If you go to the settings, here, everything is quite simple too. You can switch between TCP and UDP, pick a VPN port and adjust some parameters. In this section, you also can choose if you want Buffered to collect your data.
Mobile apps are not as simple. You’ll need to get the OpenVPN app first. Then, go to the Buffered website and get configuration files for specific servers. While it’s not that hard to do, in comparison with other VPNs such obstacles seem unnecessary and quite annoying.
Buffered VPN Speed
When you’re choosing a VPN provider, bandwidth is one of the most important criteria. Since Buffered claims to be the fastest VPN, let’s put it to the test. In reality, this provider is quite far from “the fastest.” We tried connecting to different servers, and the speed we had each time was rather disappointing. The highest download speed – 56.34 Mbps – we had was when we were connected to the UK server. That is quite surprising considering that we’re in Europe. The upload speed was 39.37 Mbps, and the ping was 44 ms.
The U.S. server offered 52.15 Mbps for downloading, 34.37 Mbps for uploading with ping 166 ms. The European server gave us a better upload speed – 45.38 Mbps, but a lower download speed – only 45.47 Mbps. Our ping was 39 ms. Asian server offered even lower rates: 35.47 Mbps for download, 15.25 Mbps for upload and ping was 223 ms.
Of course, the speed depends on lots of factors, but it’s not the first VPN service we’re testing. So we can say for sure – it is not “the fastest VPN.” Although we can’t call it slow – numerous providers have much lower speeds. The real issue is the price.
We can include Buffered in 10 fastest VPNs. Of course, it won’t take the first place, but the speed is quite decent to call it fast. And here is the point where we face the issue – if you look at VPNs that are faster, only a couple of them will have a higher price than Buffered. But we can forgive a bit high price tag remembering that this provider works with Netflix.
No Leaks Detected
With the encryption Buffered has we had little to no doubt it is reliable enough to have no leaks. And our gut feeling didn’t fail – we found zero holes during tests. It is essential to have a VPN service that doesn’t leak your data. Even your DNS itself can give lots of valuable information to hackers. So it’s great that Buffered doesn’t leak. You would have decent protection using it.
Torrenting and Streaming
There are two main reasons why users around the world get VPN: to gain access to the geo-restricted content and to download files from torrents. Therefore, they look for providers that can offer these internet activities. Not every VPN service works with streaming services or allows torrenting. But Buffered does.
Is Torrenting Allowed?
Yes, torrenting is allowed. And even though Buffered doesn’t have the highest speed, it is somewhat fast enough to download and upload torrents. This provider doesn’t restrict P2P file sharing, but you should remember to opt out of the data gathering. Otherwise, authorities may find out about it. And if torrenting is forbidden in your country, you may get in trouble.
What about Netflix?
It is one of the most substantial advantages of Buffered – it works with Netflix. If you connect to the US West Coast server, this streaming service will allow you to access the geo-restricted content. Of course, we can’t predict for how long Buffered will be able to hide its servers from Netflix. But for now, we can enjoy shows available only for US users.
Other Streaming Options
We had no success trying to unblock BBC iPlayer connecting to the Buffered’s UK server. However, the US server unblocked YouTube content available only for the US. On its website provider says that it will help you “enjoy the entertainment you want.” Therefore, we can expect it to work with most streaming services. You can try different servers to see which one works for a specific function.
How Much Does Buffered VPN Cost?
Unfortunately, Buffered has no free trial. Instead, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which, as Buffered says on its website, better than a free trial and a 7 or 14-day money-back guarantee. Well, it’s for you to decide which combination is more convenient. Nevertheless, getting a full refund when you don’t like the service is not so bad.
Buffered won’t make you go through the complicated process if you want your money back. Just make sure that no more than 20 days have passed. Also, they ask users to tell why do they want a refund. But you have to consider that if you get a subscription via iOS app, you have only 14-day money-back guarantee.
As well as many other providers, Buffered offers three plans:
- Monthly – $12.99/month
- 6 months – $9.99/month (you can save 23%)
- 1 year – $8.25/month (you can save 36%)
Sure, Buffered doesn’t have the lowest prices. But if you are willing to watch Netflix and other streaming services without any geo-restrictions, this VPN is worth the price.
Buffered accepts all credit cards, PayPal and Bitcoin.
Customer Service
This provider has 24/7 client service which is another significant advantage. The live chat on its website is always active. Also, you can submit a ticket that will be reviewed rather quickly. We decided to test the support team by sending them an email. We got a response within only 10 minutes, which is very impressive.
If you want, you can tweet Buffered your questions and get a quick answer, too. But since the live chat is present and working well, there is no need to go to Twitter. Excellent customer service is always a huge bonus. Especially, including that most VPNs don’t give this privilege to their users.
Do We Recommend Buffered VPN?
We recommend this service for users who want to access geo-restricted content on Netflix and other streaming services. Also, Buffered is good for torrenting. Of course, for the price, this provider asks for its services users could get better speed. But let’s say that the compatibility with Netflix wins.
So if you’re looking for a VPN that won’t overwhelm you with a considerable number of features and settings and if you want something simple that does its work – Buffered is a good choice. The last thing we want to mention – if you are going to use this VPN for torrenting, don’t forget to opt out of data collecting and turn on the Kill Switch.
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i’m using this product for a year now – so far so good. never had issues with the connection.