Namecheap FastVPN Review – The Good and Bad

27/06/2025

Namecheap FastVPN Review – The Good and Bad. When it comes to VPN services, consumers often gravitate toward well-known providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. However, Namecheap, a company typically associated with domain registration and web hosting, has also ventured into the VPN space with its FastVPN service. Offering a combination of affordability and simplicity, FastVPN aims to cater to users who are new to VPNs or are looking for basic functionality.

We’ll also answer the question: is Namecheap FastVPN worth your time and money? Let’s dive into the details.

Key Features of Namecheap FastVPN

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick look at some of the key features that make Namecheap FastVPN stand out in the crowded VPN market:

Affordable pricing: One of the most cost-effective VPNs available.
Unlimited simultaneous connections: Unlike other VPNs, which may limit the number of devices you can connect, FastVPN allows unlimited connections.
Strong encryption: Uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols.
No IP or DNS leaks: Passed multiple leak tests, keeping your identity secure.
30-day money-back guarantee: Gives you peace of mind if the service doesn’t meet your expectations.
Supports multiple platforms: Available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers.

Pros and Cons of Namecheap FastVPN

Pros:

Easy to Use: One of the biggest advantages of FastVPN is its simplicity. The app is easy to install, and even first-time VPN users will find it intuitive.
Strong Encryption: FastVPN uses the trusted AES-256 encryption standard, which is virtually unbreakable. This ensures that your data remains safe from hackers and snoopers.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect at once, but Namecheap FastVPN allows unlimited connections under one subscription.
Low Prices: If you’re looking for an affordable VPN service, FastVPN has some of the lowest prices in the industry.
Multiple Payment Options: You can pay for FastVPN using a variety of methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and even Bitcoin.
No IP or DNS Leaks Detected: During our tests, we did not encounter any IP address or DNS leaks.

Cons:

Inconsistent Speeds: One of the biggest drawbacks of FastVPN is its inconsistent speeds. While it may work well for browsing, it might not be the best option for high-bandwidth activities like streaming and torrenting.
Buggy Apps: The FastVPN apps, while easy to use, suffer from occasional bugs, particularly on Android and Windows platforms.
Based in the United States: Being headquartered in the U.S. means that FastVPN is subject to data requests under laws like the Patriot Act, which could compromise user privacy.
Limited Streaming Capabilities: FastVPN struggles to consistently unblock popular streaming services like Netflix.
Lack of Advanced Features: For users seeking advanced VPN features such as split tunneling or dedicated IP addresses, FastVPN falls short.

Performance and Speed Tests

Server Network Overview

FastVPN’s server network consists of servers in over 50 countries, a moderate size compared to larger VPN providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. The server distribution is decent, covering popular regions in North America, Europe, and Asia, but lacks depth in regions like Africa and South America.

Speed Test Results

In our speed tests, FastVPN performed adequately for general web browsing, email, and other low-bandwidth activities. However, its speeds dropped significantly during high-bandwidth activities such as streaming and torrenting. This inconsistency makes it less reliable for users who prioritize speed.

Local server speed: Download speeds on nearby servers were reasonable, clocking in around 70 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
Long-distance server speed: On long-distance servers (e.g., from the U.S. to Europe), download speeds dropped to around 30 Mbps, which may affect activities like video streaming or large downloads.

Streaming Capabilities

FastVPN supports streaming, but its performance is inconsistent. In our tests, the VPN could unblock some regional Netflix libraries but failed to access others. This is a significant drawback if you're specifically looking for a VPN to bypass geo-blocked content. Additionally, since FastVPN shares some of its infrastructure with IPVanish, it may struggle with issues that IPVanish users experience, such as Netflix blocks.

If streaming is a priority for you, FastVPN may not be the best choice. For more reliable streaming, consider VPNs that consistently unblock Netflix and other services like Disney+, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer.

Torrenting

FastVPN does allow torrenting on its servers, which is a plus for users who frequently download large files. However, the inconsistent speeds we observed during testing might make it frustrating to download large torrents. While it’s a good budget option for occasional torrent users, those looking for the best torrenting experience may want to explore faster VPNs.

Security and Privacy

Encryption and Protocols

FastVPN uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption, one of the most secure encryption methods available. This ensures that your data is protected from hackers and other cyber threats. Additionally, FastVPN supports a range of secure protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the newer WireGuard protocol, which offers faster speeds and enhanced security.

Kill Switch

A key security feature of FastVPN is its built-in kill switch. This feature ensures that if your VPN connection suddenly drops, your internet connection will also be cut off, preventing your data from being exposed. The kill switch worked effectively during our tests.

Privacy Concerns

FastVPN is based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. This raises concerns for privacy-conscious users, as U.S.-based companies can be subject to data requests from government agencies. Although FastVPN claims not to log any user data, its jurisdiction could pose a potential risk.

Furthermore, FastVPN’s privacy policy is somewhat vague when it comes to data collection practices. It’s unclear exactly what data is stored, which may be a red flag for users who prioritize anonymity.

User Experience and Support

Ease of Use

FastVPN's interface is one of its strongest selling points. Whether you're a VPN novice or a seasoned user, you'll appreciate its simplicity. The app allows you to connect to a VPN server with just one click, and it automatically selects the fastest available server based on your location. For more advanced users, there’s also an option to manually select a server from a list.

Customer Support

Customer support for FastVPN is available 24/7 via live chat. While the support team was eager to help, we found that they lacked the technical expertise required to address more complex issues. This may be frustrating for users who encounter bugs or technical difficulties.

Additionally, the FastVPN website features a modest knowledge base with articles and FAQs. While helpful for basic troubleshooting, it’s not as comprehensive as the support resources offered by other VPN providers.

Pricing and Plans

One of FastVPN's most attractive features is its low price point. It is among the most affordable VPNs available, making it a good option for budget-conscious users.

Monthly Plan: $1.00 for the first month, then $4.88/month.
Yearly Plan: $12.00 for the first year, then $34.56/year.

Compared to competitors, FastVPN is significantly cheaper. For users who want basic VPN protection at an affordable price, this makes FastVPN an appealing option.

Payment Options

FastVPN offers several payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin. The inclusion of Bitcoin is a nice touch for users who prefer more privacy when making online purchases.

Freddy Farel