RUS VPN Review: is it really that good?
RusVPN, a virtual private network that bills itself as “Reliable, Unlimited, and Secure,” has high ratings on Trustpilot. At less than $2.50 per month, with a current special that nets you three years of usage for the price of one, it seems to be a solid option for people who want more privacy online (or who need to stream films and shows from across the globe). We checked it out to see how it functions and just how good it is.
RUS VPN Review: is it really that good?
Brief
New to the concept of VPNs? We’ve got you covered on our “What is a VPN?” page.
In short, virtual private networks allow online users to keep their data private and secure. The modern world has seen a rise in companies collecting and distributing personal information for targeted ads. That’s not to mention cybercrimes, blocked access to videos and streaming services, and additional hurdles you can face online. Many users have turned to VPNs to browse the web anonymously, securely, and fairly.
The problem, though, is that so many companies are getting into the VPN business. How do you know which one to choose?
RusVPN is known for its high-quality security measures, fair pricing structure, and more. It can be used for torrenting, gaming, streaming, and a host of other online activities. So let’s get into the details and learn more about why this VPN gets a gold star from our reviewers.
Pros & Cons
- You can use one account on up to five devices.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No traffic limits
- Nearly 400 servers in 50 countries
- 256-bit encryption technology
- Impressive security measures
- Easy-to-use interface
- Available on mobile devices, including Android and iOS
- Less expensive than many of its competitors
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- Works with:
- Majority of servers are located in Europe
- Middling speeds compared to other VPN options
- Fewer features than some other competitors
- Mostly used by casual VPN users
- No peer-to-peer sharing
Pricing
One of the areas in which RusVPN truly shines is its pricing. Some of its competitors average plans at about $10.00 per month
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1 Month
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1 Year
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3 Years
€251Per MonthSave 70%
While you can take that route for a similar price with RusVPN, the better move is to purchase up to three years of a subscription plan at once. This is normally $2.99 per month, while purchasing one year costs $4.99 per month.
RusVPN also runs consistent specials on membership plans, such as its 2020 holiday sale in which users can sign up for a year at $2.49 per month, with an additional two years of privacy measures thrown in for good measure. We found RusVPN’s prices to be quite reasonable, especially given the fact that you can use one account on as many as five devices. This kind of versatility is uncommon even for VPN providers.
Speed
There is nothing more frustrating on the internet than having to wait for a page to load. Scratch that. Slow, laggy gaming and streaming services are possibly even more irritating. Speed is, in short, one of the most important aspects of a user’s online experience. RusVPN claims to have among the fastest speeds on the market, but our experience shows a more modest picture. Some of this may have to do with RusVPN’s servers being mostly housed in Europe. In those locations, speeds are no doubt as fast as advertised.
While it may not always be the fastest option available, RusVPN certainly makes good on its promises. Its speed does not seem to descend into frustrating levels, and most users should find loading times and streaming speeds workable and pleasant.
it’s a great option for new VPN users, though perhaps too casual and with too few features for veterans
Servers
VPNs connect servers in multiple countries to provide security and anonymous web browsing. In this regard, RusVPN has an impressive array of more than 390 servers spread throughout five continents and 50 countries. It has no data caps or traffic limits, allowing you to use the network as much as you need. For beginning VPN users or casual browsers, this makes RusVPN a good choice and a high value for its pricing plan
| Data Caps | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Number of servers | Over 338 |
| Top download speed reached | 70Mbps |
| Server locations | Over 40 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
However, it should be noted that some of its competitors boast over 3,000 servers in hundreds of countries, making RusVPN’s offering seem less impressive by comparison.
User Experience
RusVPN excels in the area of user interface. Its controls are simple and straightforward, with clearly marked instructions. The home screen has clearly marked tabs and is where you will find the Connect and Kill Switch buttons.
One helpful aspect of RusVPN is its recommended server feature. Based on your IP address, the home page will suggest a server for you to connect to. Less experienced users will no doubt love this option. However, you can always switch things up if you are a more experienced VPN user and know what you need from a server connection. There is also a “Common” tab where you can keep your favorite or most-frequented servers for quick connections.
While we appreciate this kind of easy-to-use interface, there is one possible downside. For users with more complex goals or more experience navigating VPNs, the setup might be a bit too simplistic.
While RusVPN is not known as a “feature-rich” network, it does have a wide range of apps for different devices. Both Android and iOS users can download the VPN, and its interface is equally as user-friendly as the desktop and laptop versions. Just as on a desktop, the VPN will suggest a server based on the user’s current location and IP address. There are also tabs for common or favored servers and the Kill Switch ability.
As with the laptop and desktop versions, the simplicity of the user interface belies one problem that experienced or in-depth VPN users can face. Namely, the VPN is designed to take a lot of the choice out of the picture, with suggested servers and connection methods taking precedence over more free-flowing user choice. This is good for those of us who are newer to the VPN world, but possibly frustrating for those who want a bit more control over how they use their VPN.
Languages
- English (US)
- English (UK)
- Japanese
- English (AU)
Popular Categories
Streaming and Torrenting
Streaming and torrenting are among the most popular reasons for using a virtual private network. RusVPN is good for both of these options. It successfully unblocks streaming services like Twitch, Netflix, TikTok, YouTube, and more. This allows users to view location-locked content, such as films or television shows that require a specific IP address. On the other hand, some services take much longer to work, specifically Hulu. To successfully unblock and stream on those services, you might need to do some experimentation by switching servers.
RusVPN works with services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube
Also, RusVPN is headquartered in the Commonwealth of Dominica, which does not have laws against torrenting. Users are able to use the VPN to mask their IP addresses and personal information while downloading torrents. This helps get you the files you need without exposing you to online security threats.
Gaming and Consoles
RusVPN, when it comes to the realm of online gaming, is primarily good as a way to save money on Steam. That said, using a router with the VPN can be a good way to connect a gaming console and stream on services like Twitch. RusVPN allows up to five devices per account, while routers can typically connect up to eight devices, meaning that connecting through a router is an optimal way to save money while using the VPN on consoles.
Desktop and Laptops
We’ve touched a bit on the interface for desktop and laptop users. There are additional plug-ins that you can download as well, and RusVPN is capable of being used on several browsers (see below). Again, the main cause for concern with RusVPN is that it is designed to be friendly to beginning VPN users who may not know exactly what they are looking for. Therefore, much of the experience is “on rails,” with suggested connections and protocols that experienced users may dislike.
Browsers
RusVPN is compatible with a wide range of the most frequently used operating systems, including:
- Linux
- Windows
- MacOS
However, it only has extensions for Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. This can make it slightly more difficult to use for those who have Safari, Edge, or other internet browsers. It seems that RusVPN is carving out a niche specifically for web users who are starting out in the VPN world and use some of the more common browsing systems.
Mobile and Tablets
Since RusVPN is compatible with iOS and Android, many mobile devices and tablets, such as iPads, can use it. If you are primarily getting your VPN subscription for mobile devices, though, remember that each account can have a maximum of five devices attached to it. While this is quite a bit in comparison to some other VPN services, you may need to invest in a router system in order to use RusVPN with all the devices you need.
Routers
RusVPN is compatible with any router that can use the OpenVPN system. What does that mean? It means you can install RusVPN on a compatible router and then connect that router to devices that might not otherwise run the VPN, such as a SmartTV. Devices that are connected to the router must be able to use WiFi in order to use the VPN. However, they will all be secured under RusVPN’s security protocols, so you can keep your information protected. This is especially good if you use the VPN on devices that are used by your entire family.
Security
The first step in securing your information is making sure that the VPN you use has a no-logs policy. That means they don’t store the usage of the VPN. RusVPN is headquartered in the Commonwealth of Dominica, which has laws that protect the privacy of users. Since it exists outside the “14 Eye” countries (such as the United Kingdom and the United States), it does not have to log information about how you use the VPN. Its no-log policy is clear and upfront.
Split tunneling means that a user is able to use different kinds of network features at the same time, such as streaming a foreign film while also browsing the web via a local IP address. The data is “split” into different “tunnels” or pathways. Split tunneling is one of the advanced VPN features that RusVPN lacks, unfortunately.
One area in which RusVPN truly shines is in its encryption protocol. It uses 2048-bit SSL encryption, which is military-grade and nearly impossible to decode. This, coupled with the fact that the company does not keep logs of VPN usage, makes security one of the top benefits of using RusVPN. Your privacy and data are safe when you use RusVPN.
Again, due to its location in the Commonwealth of Dominica, RusVPN is uniquely poised to protect its users’ privacy. Laws in this area favor the user rather than corporations that want access to your data.
RusVPN has browser extensions for Chrome and Mozilla, and it allows users to download these extensions for free. By using the extension, you get access to the VPN’s encryption algorithms so that no one (not even your internet service provider) can track your data. If you are using the browser on your laptop or mobile device, the extension’s security allows you to have confidence when connecting to public WiFi. Unfortunately, these are currently the only two browsers for which RusVPN provides extensions, so you may need to find another option if you do not use them.
A kill switch is a built-in measure that cuts off your access to the internet when the VPN connection is down. In other words, if the security and encryption that comes with your VPN access is cut off due to the server going down, your computer will be automatically disconnected from the internet. This prevents your information from being exposed to potential threats.
RusVPN comes with a kill switch, which is a definite positive. However, some users have experienced difficulty restoring internet connection after the kill switch was triggered. Since RusVPN is still a relatively young network provider, we hope these instances are merely blips on the radar and the system has been improved.
RusVPN does not have a RAM-disk mode. RAM-disk VPNs are often much more secure and can be much faster, but very few VPN providers currently offer them. This is one area where RusVPN’s particular emphasis on new or inexperienced VPN users is apparent.
Privacy
The Commonwealth of Dominica, where the headquarters of RusVPN is located, has an extremely privacy-friendly government. Its laws support keeping internet users’ data private and emphasize personal freedom. This means that it is an ideal place for a VPN company to make its headquarters. Due to Dominica’s laws and the fact that it exists outside the surveillance-heavy “14 Eyes” countries, RusVPN can commit to extreme security measures like a no-log policy.
RusVPN does not provide router firmware. If your router uses custom firmware, you may need to update it in order to use RusVPN. According to its website, it is compatible with the following brands of routers:
- Asus
- D-link
- DD-WRT
- Netduma
- Sabai
- Tomato
- TP-Link
- Xiaomi
- Tenda
- Mikrotik
- ZyXEL
- Huawei
- Keenetic
Audits by external sources let VPN users know that their VPN is living up to its promises in regards to security and privacy matters. While many of its competitors have submitted to an external audit of their processes, it does not appear that RusVPN has done so. This could be in part due to its relatively young lifespan, but we would like to see the company get audited to help add validity and reliability to its stated privacy protocols.
Lightway is a protocol developed by RusVPN competitor ExpressVPN. Currently, it is not in use by RusVPN, which instead uses OpenVPN. The good news on that front is that OpenVPN can actually run faster than Lightway. Whether that will remain the case in the future remains to be seen.
Support
How to install
Installation of RusVPN is fairly quick and simple, since the VPN is specifically designed for people who are new to the world of virtual private networks. You need to sign up (and pay for) a subscription to RusVPN. Once you have done so, you will be directed to an installation setup assistant, where you simply need to go through the easy-to-handle instructions. When the VPN is installed, you simply click the Connect button to open up the home page and start browsing!
24/7
What RusVPN lacks in features it makes up for with its customer service. Available around the clock, RusVPN has an online, live-chat feature as well as over-the-phone and email customer support. While it engages in a no-log policy, it does keep some data handy for a short time so that it can help you troubleshoot any problems that come along.
Service Agents
Additionally, the RusVPN website itself is a handy guide to many of the problems VPN users might face. It has a section on VPN uses and features, how-to guides, and a blog related to VPN issues. This is one of the ways that its emphasis on less experienced VPN users pays off.
Summary
Our experience of RusVPN is overall a good one. Its pricing structure is fair and reasonable, its commitment to privacy and security is top-notch, and its user interface is incredibly simple. RusVPN is useful for many of the most popular features that have internet users flocking to VPN providers, including unblocking streaming services like Netflix and even Disney+. Furthermore, its encryption is military-grade and should provide you with the utmost confidence in your ability to browse the internet safely, securely, privately, and anonymously. And its headquarters in Dominica ensures that it will be able to ensure these features for the foreseeable future.
However, we must note that RusVPN is not entirely suitable for more advanced VPN users. For example, if you need to use a VPN for your work or for complex tasks, it may not have the full range of features you are looking for. Though its user-friendly interface is perfect for beginners, its tendency to choose the protocols, suggest servers, and engage in other “hand-holding” measures may frustrate the more experienced users out there. It also doesn’t have RAM-disk servers, its network is comparatively small, and many of its servers are located in Europe (which may provide issues for some users in Asia or South America, where its networked servers are currently limited).
FAQ
Is RusVPN safe?
RusVPN is very safe, using among the most cutting edge security protocols on the market. It protects users’ data with 2048-bit encryption and abides by a no-log policy so that information on VPN usage is not stored long-term. However, it currently has not been audited by outside sources.
How do you use RusVPN?
RusVPN is a virtual private network, which allows users to connect to different servers across the world. Thus, users can gain access to location-locked services (such as YouTube or Netflix). To use RusVPN, you must sign up and pay for a subscription to the service in increments of months, up to a three-year package deal. Once you have paid for a subscription, you will be able to install RusVPN and/or download a browser extension to your device.
Is RusVPN legal?
Different countries have different rules regarding the use of virtual private networks like RusVPN. In most cases, using a VPN is perfectly legal, provided you do not engage in illegal activity while using the VPN. RusVPN is headquartered in the Commonwealth of Dominica, and laws there greatly favor the free, private use of the internet. Thus, you can rest assured that RusVPN is a legitimate, legal service.
Can I use RusVPN for free?
RusVPN offers free browser extension downloads. However, it currently does not offer a free trial of its services. Instead, users must pay for a month of usage, up to three years. If you sign up for a year or more, the monthly rate is greatly discounted (from $9.99 per month to $2.99 per month for a three-year plan). While the company does not allow free usage, it does provide users with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you purchase a subscription to the VPN but find that it does not meet your needs, you can get your money back within the first 30 days of your subscription.