TunSafe is a relatively young VPN that brings the exciting WireGuard protocol to Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android users.
In theory, WireGuard sounds like a pretty good deal: It promises faster speeds than OpenVPN and IKEv2.But is TunSafe really that fast?
Or even safe at all?
In this TunSafe VPN review, I answer those and more questions about the VPN service and its new tunneling protocol.
vpnAlert Rating: | 6.1 of 10 ⭐ |
Jurisdiction: | Sweden |
Encryption: | ChaCha2-Poly 1305 |
Servers & Locations: | 25+ servers in 10+ countries |
Logging policy: | No logs |
VPN protocols: | OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP |
Live chat: | No |
P2P & Torrenting: | Allowed |
Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Better alternative: | Read More |
Overview of TunSafe VPN
TunSafe is an exciting VPN service that has been around for a little over two years.
The VPN was founded by Ludvig Strigeus, the same developer who created µTorrent and Spotify, with the aim of bringing the power of WireGuard protocol to Windows users.
Since then, TunSafe has expanded to include apps for Android, iOS, and Mac. Currently, they offer 25 servers in 10 countries across the world.
The VPN can definitely help you if you are looking for fast and stable connections, but security-focused users should look for alternatives like NordVPN.
TunSafe offers free and premium services, both of which can be used without any registration. Payment options include PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Pros
- Fast connections
- Zero logs policy
- Multi-hop VPN
- Internet kill switch
- Dedicated IPs
- Allows P2P
Cons
- Limited server coverage
- Lacks Live Chat Support
TunSafe Features and Benefits
Security and Privacy
A look at TunSafe VPN and I was met with a simple yet easily navigable website.
The site is highly secure and includes SSL encryption, which ensures all your interactions remain private.
But Is TunSafe Really Safe?
TunSafe isn’t your usual OpenVPN, AES 256-bit VPN.
As mentioned earlier, the service uses the new WireGuard protocol and a combination of modern cryptography – notably ChaCha20 and Poly1305.
Let’s take a look at each.
First Up, the WireGuard Protocol
WireGuard is a new VPN protocol that aims to offer faster and more secure connections than the existing VPN protocols.
So far, WireGuard has impressed with its ultra-fast speeds that allow users to stream videos in high definition without interruptions.
However, the VPN protocol is still in development and as such, may not be ideal option for security-sensitive tasks.
The developers even warn about trusting the protocol in its current version.
New Generation Encryption Standards
TunSafe swears by its ChaCha20 cipher.
The encryption is one of the proven modern cryptography methods that has been quickly gaining traction in the VPN industry.
While AES remains the gold standard for encryption, ChaCha20 is faster and more suited to real-time communication.
TunSafe combines the cipher with Poly1305, which provides authentication preventing hackers from inserting data into a secure stream.
TunSafe also supports Multi-hop VPN, which encrypts your traffic over more than one server, which is great for online anonymity.
Zero Logging policy, 14-Eyes Jurisdiction
TunSafe is located in Sweden, which is a member of the ‘Fourteen Eyes’ alliance.
Although the jurisdiction is not the best for privacy, the company maintains a strict privacy policy, and they do not keep connection or activity logs.
Additionally, TunSafe does not require users to register an account which further limits the amount of information they collect.
Limited Server Coverage
TunSafe offers 25 servers in 10 countries.
That’s a very minimal number to be honest, especially when you contrast this with the thousands of servers that premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN provide.
On the bright side, TunSafe allows unlimited server switching on both their free and premium services.
Dedicated IPs via Email Requests
I was also thrilled to find out that TunSafe offers Dedicated IPs, which you can easily access by contacting their customer service.
While not great for anonymity, Dedicated IPs are exclusive to one user and as such, are unlikely to be blocked by streaming services.
VPN Speed and Performance
The best thing that the TunSafe impressed me with was speed.
The service delivers respectable connections and is a clear winner in the freemium VPN space. Upgrading to a premium account gives you access to even faster servers and as such, the VPN is ideal for streaming and downloading large files.
Torrenting Allowed, but There Are Better Options
Given that TunSafe was created by the same developer as µTorrent, it’s unsurprising that the VPN supports P2P.
Although they don’t mention anything about torrents on their website, they do allow P2P traffic on most of their servers.
However, given their jurisdiction, I wouldn’t recommend the VPN for torrenting.
TunSafe and Netflix
Nowadays, if a VPN doesn’t work with Netflix, it rarely gets a mention.
Seeing as how Netflix is continually updating its security systems to detect and block VPN IP addresses, it’s been hard for many VPN services to keep up with allowing Netflix streaming.
Well, not TunSafe it seems.
The VPN service works perfectly with Netflix, and I was able to stream movies and TV shows without any issues.
Respectable Customer Support
TunSafe offers direct support via email.
Although they lack a Live Chat, I was thoroughly impressed with the speed of their email support. On contacting them, I received a reply within a minute.
Yes, they are that responsive!
Customers also have access to setup tutorials, forum, and a FAQ section.
Device Compatibility and Ease of Use
TunSafe VPN supports a range of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and FreeBSD.
However, only Windows, Android, and iOS get native apps.
To use the VPN on Linux, OSX, or FreeBSD, you will need to compile TunSafe from source and run it through command prompt.
The mobile apps are simpler and easy to use. The Windows client may be a little bit complicated, but it’s nothing you can’t master on the first try.
TunSafe for Windows
TunSafe Windows client is available for download on the official website.
After installing the software, you will need to create an account and generate a configuration file for your preferred server location.
TunSafe offers one of the easiest ways to create an account.
No personal information is required.
Simply, click the “Create New Account” button on their website, and an account number will be generated.
You can then choose your preferred server location and generate the configuration file.
Again you will need to download the file and drag it into the TunSafe app to initiate the VPN connection.
After the connection has been established, you will receive a notification message.
On the VPN app, you will also be able to see the download and upload speeds, connection time, and the amount of data transferred.
The TunSafe Windows app comes with some unique features like the customizable internet kill switch.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose to enable the kill switch with ‘Routing Rules’, ‘Firewall Rules’ or even both.
The Windows app also comes with default DNS leak protection, which ensures your internet traffic is always routed through the VPN’s DNS server and not your ISP’s.
TunSafe for Android
The Android TunSafe client is quite easy to use and comes with its own set of unique features. The software has an in-built list of servers which eliminates the need to add configuration files manually.
Still, if need be, the app does allow you to add configuration files (servers) from other WireGuard VPN providers.
Like the Windows one, the app also includes an internet kill switch and an auto-connect feature that automatically reconnects you to the VPN when your phone restarts.
TunSafe VPN has also added an ‘Excluded Apps’ option that allows you to select the apps you want to reroute through the VPN while letting all others connect to the internet directly.
What Should You Consider Before Getting a Service Like TunSafe VPN?
A VPN can help you stay safe and secure when online.
With the right VPN, you can also circumvent internet restrictions and access virtually any content on the internet.
However, before you settle on any provider, there are a few paramount aspects you should look into.
The VPN Encryption Standard and Protocols
The encryption and protocols used determine how secure a VPN is.
The primary encryption standards are 128-bit and 256-bit AES, and both have their pros and cons. While AES 128 is a bit faster, AES 256 is more robust and the ideal option for security-focused users.
As for the protocols, the top VPN providers offer OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec with OpenVPN being the fastest and most secure option.
But then again, there is also the new WireGuard protocol to consider.
Does the Provider Keep Logs?
Today, if a VPN records and stores usage data, it’s simply not worth using.
Many providers will advertise a strict ‘zero logs’ service only for you to find out they keep activity and connection logs.
It’s, therefore, important to carefully read the privacy policy before opting in.
Is the VPN Fast Enough?
For streaming fans, speed should be your top priority.
As you probably know, VPNs operate by encrypting and rerouting your internet traffic. This causes a reduction in speed, but the best providers are still able to guarantee fast connections.
Servers and Server Locations
A VPN may have a vast number of servers but still lack servers in your preferred location.
Remember, for you to access geo-blocked media, your VPN must have servers in a country where the specific content is available.
Compatibility and Ease of Use
Generally, you want to avoid any VPN that does not come with a ready-to-use client for your device.
However, if you know your way around VPNs, you can still opt for the less intuitive options requiring manual configurations.
Technical Support
Just like every other software out there, VPNs too can develop issues.
When that happens, a fast and reliable technical support team can help you quickly get things back up and running.
TunSafe VPN Alternatives
Not ready to jump on the WireGuard train yet?
Well, there are a couple of VPNs that provide a great alternative to TunSafe:
NordVPN - The Best VPN Option Available
NordVPN is a popular VPN service that comes with top of the line security and privacy features. The VPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and best-in-class encryption protocols, which include OpenVPN and IKEv2.
The provider is located in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and they do not keep any logs.
But Nord’s security and privacy credentials do not end there.
The VPN also features Multi-hop VPN, DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and perfect forward secrecy.
Another exciting feature is CyberSec, which automatically blocks ads and phishing domains.
With over 5,804 servers in 60 countries, their server network is one of the largest you can find. The VPN provider also offers both Shared and Dedicated IPs as well as a SmartDNS feature, SmartPlay, which works reliably with Netflix.
The VPN comes with sleek, easy to use apps for Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android TV, Linux, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
With a single NordVPN license, you can connect up to 6 devices, which is enough to cover all your primary devices.
Similarities
- Fast connections
- Double encryption
- Zero logging policy
- DNS leak protection
- Internet kill switch
- Dedicated IPs
- Unlimited server switching
- Allow P2P
- Easy to use
Differences
- Robust AES encryption
- Live Chat support
- Native apps for Mac & Linux
- 30-day money-back guarantee
TunnelBear - The Economical VPN Option
TunnelBear is another fantastic VPN that offers both a free and paid service.
However, unlike TunSafe, their free service is only limited to 500 MB per month.
That aside, they do offer a respectable service and are worth checking out.
Their VPN software uses AES 256-bit encryption, as well as the industry-standard OpenVPN protocol.
They also maintain a strict ‘no logging’ policy.
Unfortunately, their VPN speeds are nowhere near those offered by NordVPN or even TunSafe.
TunnelBear has servers in over 22 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Their server connections are leak-free thanks to their DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch.
The VPN is straightforward to use, and their apps are paired with a helpful map that allows you to visualize your connection and quickly select your desired server locations.
Supported devices include iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.
They also offer browser integrations for Chrome and Opera as well as an ad-blocking extension.
Similarities
- Free VPN service
- Zero logging policy
- DNS leak protection
- Internet kill switch
- Allow P2P
- Easy to use
- Email support
Differences
- Native app for Mac
- Ad Blocker
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Windscribe - A Decent Free VPN
Windscribe is a Canadian based VPN that offers a free VPN plan that comes with 10GB bandwidth per month. They also provide an unlimited premium service.
Windscribe has servers in 58 countries around the world, but only a few of those servers are available in the free version.
Their connection speeds aren’t as fast as TunSafe’s, but they offer AES 256-bit encryption and the OpenVPN protocol.
The VPN features an inbuilt firewall that blocks all connectivity outside of the tunnel and prevents DNS leaks, IPv6 leaks, and WebRTC leaks.
Windscribe is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and FireTV.
They also offer support for routers as well as extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browsers.
Similarities
- Free VPN service
- Zero logging policy
- DNS leak protection
- NAT Firewall
- Unlimited server switching
- Allow P2P
Differences
- AES 256 encryption
- Native app for Mac & FireTV
- 72-hour money-back guarantee for premium service
Final Word
TunSafe is a fantastic VPN that delivers fast and stable connections.
The VPN also offers a free and premium service which should impress users looking for a budget solution.
However, I did find a few security issues with the VPN and essentially every other VPN that offers the WireGuard protocol.
As such, I would not recommend TunSafe where security is important, but watch out for updates, as it’s looking fast, and robust in connection terms.
If you are a security-focused user, a provider like NordVPN that offers military-grade encryption will serve you better.