VPN 360 2024: Does It Offer Great Value for Money?
A virtual private network, or VPN, safeguards your online presence by encrypting your data and disguising your IP addresses.
This gives you more privacy and control by concealing your browsing habits, identity, and location. A VPN is helpful if you are looking for a safer, more liberated, and secure internet experience.
The benefits of using a VPN are numerous for anyone looking for a safe, open, and secure internet experience. Greater privacy and freedom for those who wish to access restricted or region-specific information is possible because of the anonymity that a VPN offers.
VPN 360 is one of the VPN options for online security and secure browsing experience, with its features, performance, security measures, usability, and customer service being thoroughly evaluated.
I have learned about and utilized a few VPN services in my more than a decade of experience surfing the internet. VPN 360 is one of the VPN services that I have been able to utilize and observe its performance over the years.
Is it a good choice?
A good knowledge of the attributes, capabilities, and service offerings of a VPN is necessary for making an informed choice of VPN to be used.
I will be going over its unique features, services, and offerings to help you decide if this VPN is the right choice for your needs. I will also go over VPN 360 pros and cons to help you make an informed decision of choice.
You can learn everything you need to know about this VPN provider here:
About VPN 360
Finding out about VPN 360 is a difficult task because not much information is provided, not even on their website. In 2017, VPN 360 was first made available owned by Pango GmbH.
The owner is a division of Aura, a company that offers online security services, owns several VPN brands and leases its network to several VPN providers. Through an expanding array of market-leading solutions, Pango Group offers users identity protection and security services.
Pango is a division of either Pango GmbH, d/b/a Pango Group, or Intersections, LLC. Currently, Pango Group offers cybersecurity solutions like Hotspot Shield, Betternet, Ultra VPN, and VPN 360.
VPN 360 is a well-liked freemium VPN for Android and iOS devices that has amassed over 5 million downloads from the Google Play Store and the App Store.
VPN 360, a free mobile proxy service, offers a premium option but is essentially a glorified proxy service that compromises privacy and data security, lacking in adding considerable value to the user.
The exact location of VPN 360 in the US is unknown, as it is widely believed to be in the United States. It falls under the jurisdiction of the US, which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence collaboration.
VPN 360 Device Compatibility
VPN 360 is mostly known to be a mobile-only VPN provider. But it is now compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows, having introduced Windows compatibility recently. VPN 360 now has a desktop client for Windows in addition to iOS and Android mobile apps.
VPN 360 is a cellular-best VPN, and because of this, it works better on Android and iOS gadgets. The three versions of the app (Android, iOS, and Windows) have identical technical functions, however, with mild differences.
VPN 360 limits utilization to five simultaneous connections at a time available on the premium version, even though I doubt you are willing to use the service on five devices at a time due to its poor performance.
VPN 360 appears to be a user-friendly and accessible VPN alternative, particularly for iOS, Android, and Windows users looking for a cost-free and user-friendly VPN solution, though it has less reliable performance.
VPN 360 recently launched the Windows compatibility app in their latest update, which I also confirmed to be working with similar features to their mobile apps. The current device compatibility of VPN 360 is now iOS, Android, and Windows.
VPN 360 Pros and Cons
- Free version available: VPN 360 offers a free version, making it a desirable option for users seeking a cost-free VPN solution. The free version is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
- No account registration required: VPN 360 offers users access to its services without the need for any account registration, ensuring a hassle-free experience. You can use the apps without any registration.
- Good iOS app and decent speed: VPN 360 offers an iOS app that is well-designed and functional, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience. It also has better connection speeds on iOS, enabling you to surf the internet with little lag.
- Better data privacy and advertiser settings on iOS: VPN 360 allows you to regulate your personal information that is being shared with advertisers and also to reduce pop-up ads on iOS. Thus, your online privacy and security is better on iOS compared to Android and Window apps.
- IKEv2 protocol on iOS: Using the IKEv2 protocol on iOS devices with VPN 360 improves the security and functionality of the VPN by offering robust encryption and environmentally friendly data transport.
- Easy to use: VPN 360’s user-friendly interface makes it simple and easy for you to navigate and utilize its features, even if you do not possess much technical knowledge.
Cons
- Ambiguous ownership: Since VPN 360’s ownership and the company that supports it are opaque, worries about responsibility and reliability abound.
- Logs and shares information with third parties: VPN 360 logs your online activities and stores your information. Its privacy policies document also attests to sharing users’ information with third parties on request. This jeopardizes the anonymity and privacy of users.
- Not a lot of information available: VPN 360 leaves you in the dark about what you are getting into as there is no comprehensive information available regarding their full-service capabilities, security measures, and infrastructure.
- Blocks all torrenting traffic: VPN 360 prevents the transfer of files through the BitTorrent protocol. Using VPN 360 does not enhance your privacy and security for peer-to-peer file sharing. Thus allowing your ISP to throttle or monitor your internet traffic.
- Disruptive pop-up adds: TheVPN 360 free version comes with unceasing pop-up advertisements that disrupt your browsing, hide content, and obstruct navigation. Thus endangering your online privacy and safety while using it.
- Slow Android app: Users who depend on VPNs for quick and dependable internet access may find the Android app’s slow performance to be bothersome.
- No fundamental or better capabilities: Due to its lack of fundamental and superior capabilities, VPN 360 is not ideal for you if you want a VPN with special features, such as split tunneling, kill switch, or smart DNS settings.
- Small server network: The server network of VPN 360 is relatively small, especially on the free version. The free version has access to only four servers, while the premium version has access to around 800 servers in less than 150 locations.
- Lacks necessary additional features: Many VPNs provide additional features like ad-blocking, malware protection, or dedicated IP addresses. The lack of these extras further reduces the usefulness of VPN 360.
- No live chat or online tutorials: You will find it difficult to find solutions to issues or learn about VPN 360 due to its lack of online resources like FAQs or tutorials. Live chat support for VPN 360 is also very poor.
- Faulty kill switch on iOS: The kill switch, a crucial VPN security feature, does not work well on iOS, exposing your data in case of a VPN connection drop. Avoid using VPN 360 on iOS if you want a VPN with the kill switch feature.
- Expensive premium version: The VPN 360 premium version is expensive when considering its features, capabilities, and performance when compared with other VPN alternatives.
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VPN 360 Core Features: What Are the Attributes of VPN 360?
A mix of positives and negatives is shown when examining VPN 360’s capabilities. I will dive into evaluating its essential features, shedding light on its usability and capability limitations as well as its availability on mobile devices and Windows. The concerns around its privacy and safety will also be reviewed.
1. IKEv2/IPSec
IKEv2/IPSec is a hybrid VPN protocol that is well-known for its speed and security.
It is also popular for its capacity to quickly re-establish connections in the event of disruptions, ensuring continuous and reliable browsing.
When IKEv2 and IPSec are combined, secure, encrypted connections are created, which are often used in VPNs to protect sensitive data.
VPN 360 employs the IKEv2 protocol for stable connections and the IPSec protocol to protect data transmission. IKEv2 establishes a stable connection, negotiating cryptographic keys, while IPSec ensures data are encrypted and secure in transmission. This mixture complements standard protection and reliability for users.
2. Hydra protocol
Hydra is a Hotspot Shield’s proprietary protocol, revolutionizing VPN offerings by offering high-quality performance and a fast-browsing experience. This innovative approach addresses the common issue of VPNs compromising speed for security, demonstrating Hotspot Shield’s commitment to environmentally friendly VPN services.
While Hotspot Shield performed well using the Hydra protocol, the protocol did not perform well with VPN 360. When I tested VPN 360 with the Hydra protocol, I found download speeds to be very slow, with only 2 Mbps on a connection capacity of 50 Mbps.
Hydra protocol, the technology used in Hotspot Shield, is a closed proprietary technology and lacks obfuscation technology. This means that the code used in Hydra is not publicly available for review. Therefore, it has not been possible to identify potential security issues in the code.
Additionally, Hotspot Shield claims that the code has been evaluated by cybersecurity companies. However, the authenticity of this statement cannot be verified or confirmed. More confusing is the reason why VPN 360 is using another VPN’s protocol.
3. WireGuard protocol
WireGuard is a significant advancement in VPN technology, offering robust security and streamlined performance. It enables users to establish a private and encrypted connection over the internet, enhancing their online privacy and security.
Unlike some older protocols, WireGuard is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a seamless and secure VPN experience. VPN 360 uses Wireguard protocol, though only for the premium version.
I recommend using the WireGuard protocol option when using VPN 360, as it is considered the most secure and one of the fastest protocols for VPN connections. However, if your main priority is faster speed, you may prefer to use the Hydra protocol while using VPN 360.
4. Logging policy
As someone deeply concerned about online privacy, seeing that VPN 360 is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes alliance, raises serious concerns. This means governments within the alliance can access your data. I investigated their logging policies further.
Unfortunately, VPN 360 does not have a no-logs policy, which means that they keep records of your internet actions. What’s more troubling is their willingness, according to their privacy policy, to share your information with police upon request. This should be a major concern if you desire online privacy.
Given these findings, I strongly advocate seeking an alternative VPN provider that places a higher premium on user privacy and security. VPN 360, in my opinion, falls short of providing the safeguarded browsing experience you may seek from a VPN service.
5. Kill Switch
A Kill Switch is an important VPN feature that avoids data disclosure in the event of a network outage, preserving anonymity during torrenting. Its efficiency is vital for VPN reliability and user protection.
I discovered some malware in the current iOS version of VPN 360 after activating the “kill switch” option and being unable to turn it off afterward. This led to a situation where whenever I disconnect the VPN 360, it reconnects, even when I prefer it stay disconnected.
This issue had a significant impact on my experience because it stopped me from fully controlling when and how the VPN was activated. I had to reboot the iPhone before it was able to disconnect.
6. DNS leak protection
DNS leak protection is an important VPN feature that routes Internet requests through an encrypted tunnel, preventing ISPs from monitoring visited websites. It ensures anonymity and security, giving users confidence in their online actions.
I performed a DNS leak test while using VPN 360 and confirmed that it does not leak your DNS. Thus, you can rest assured that your DNS is not visible while using the service, but it logs the information.
7. Security features
VPN 360 is largely ambiguous in terms of its security features for clients regarding data security. It’s also unclear the kind of encryption used. Furthermore, fundamental and necessary functionality, such as the VPN kill switch, are notably absent.
While it is possible to alter protocols in an iOS app, language such as “automatic mode,” “stay connected mode,” and “fast mode” lacks clarity. Fortunately, the IKEv2 protocol is used by the iOS app.
Overall, VPN 360 has less secure features, raising many concerns about its usage as a VPN provider.
8. Traffic obfuscation
Traffic obfuscation is a technique of hiding Internet traffic, making it appear distinctive, especially in areas with heavy online activity. VPNs use this to prevent network filters from blocking specific activities.
Contrary to the VPN 360’s claims of having traffic obfuscation, my analysis shows that this feature does not exist in the service. Despite the claim, this important element of concealing Internet activities is conspicuously absent, requiring a rethink of VPN 360’s advertised capabilities.
9. Traffic proxy
VPN traffic proxy is a feature that combines VPN capability with proxy server capabilities.
A traffic proxy is a server that acts as a gateway between a user’s device and the internet, concealing their IP address and routing traffic through other servers.
VPN 360 has a traffic proxy enabling it to be able to hide the user’s IP address by routing its traffic through its over 800 server networks.
10. Anti-phishing protection
VPNs provide anti-phishing protection by examining websites and cross-referencing them with a database of known phishing sites, blocking access, and notifying users of any matches.
To maintain efficacy, the database is regularly updated to counter evolving phishing techniques, thereby ensuring that users remain shielded against emerging threats.
VPN 360 has anti-phishing protection which significantly enhances its online security, aiding users in maintaining safety in a complex digital environment.
11. Data encryption
VPN 360 does not provide thorough information about its security procedures, including the encryption mechanisms to protect data. It falls short of providing consumers with essential information and clarity about its overall security system.
This knowledge gap raises questions about the amount of security you can expect when using the service.
12. DNS filtering and non-VPN protection
DNS filtering blocks specific websites by changing DNS responses, while non-VPN protection secures internet connections without a VPN, which creates an encrypted tunnel to prevent eavesdropping or monitoring online activities.
VPN 360 provides robust DNS filtering and non-VPN security to safeguard you from phishing attacks and malware. It also offers a layer of security even when the VPN connection is inactive, reducing data exposure and unauthorized access.
13. IP leak protection
VPN 360 features IP leak protection to safeguard user privacy. It accomplishes this by routing Internet traffic through secure servers, preventing the user’s true IP address from being accidentally exposed, and assuring anonymity and data protection.
VPN 360 can mask my information and real location when I run an IP leak test. I did not experience any WebRTC or geolocation leaks while using the service.
VPN 360 was tested on Android, iOS, and Windows devices to guarantee no sensitive information was leaked. I was relieved to discover that the VPN successfully concealed my personal information and true location in all three instances.
14. Tor over VPN
“Tor over VPN” combines the Tor network and a VPN to improve online privacy and security. You must first connect to a VPN server, which will encrypt and store your internet data. This encrypted traffic is then routed over the Tor network, increasing your anonymity.
The method uses double encryption, hides your activity from the VPN provider, and allows you to access prohibited websites. It does, however, slow down the internet and does not provide perfect anonymity.
VPN 360 offers a ‘‘Tor over VPN‘‘ feature on their service, combining the benefits of Tor and VPN for enhanced privacy and security. Thus providing double encryption and anonymity, non-interference with user activity, and allowing access to blocked websites. However, this further slows down your internet connection.
VPN 360’s Pricing
VPN 360 comes in two versions: basic (free) and premium versions, each with unique features. The premium version offers you assured versatility, advanced features, and scalable performance.
VPN 360 offers a two-tier online security model, with the free version providing essential resources for basic users and premium solutions for those with higher security needs.
The VPN 360 premium version has two subscription levels, that is, monthly and annual options, catering to various interests and needs, making it one of the industry’s most versatile VPN options.
Monthly plan: The monthly plan comes at the cost of $11.99 every month. This plan has full access to all of VPN 360’s features and benefits to ensure a secure and private online experience. The plan has a guaranteed 7-day free trial period.
Yearly plan: This plan also offers a 7-day trial for free. After that, the subscription costs $2.99 per month, billed at $143.88 annually. It further provides you with a 75 % discount, where you can pay just $35.99 for the yearly subscription.
VPN 360 claimed to have unconfirmed a risk-free 45-day money-back guarantee for the two premium (monthly and yearly) options.
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VPN 360’s Privacy and Security
VPN 360 raises privacy concerns due to large amounts of personally identifiable information, US jurisdiction, and non-privacy actions like encryption.
The 2023 privacy policy provides partial protection for domain names, but a good VPN should avoid logging any information in the first place.
VPN 360 Free allows advertisers to access your IP addresses, real geographical locations, and device data, raising concerns about privacy settings and confidentiality.
Further confusing is the fact that VPN 360 claims that the same private policy applies to Hotspot Shield, Betternet, and Ultra VPN, even though each of these VPNs has its privacy policies.
Servers and Locations
VPN 360 has a large network of over 800 servers strategically positioned in 85 countries. Notably, it provides a range of over 110 servers at the city level, guaranteeing that users have a personalized and geographically consistent browsing experience.
The free version (VPN 360 Basic) only allows you to connect to servers in four main cities in three countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
The VPN 360 Premium plans have full access to their over 800 servers in 125 locations across 80 countries, offering a reliable service for users worldwide. This extensive server network allows users to bypass geographical restrictions and access content from various regions, enhancing overall performance and stability.
VPN 360 does not specify how many IP addresses it assigns. However, it has been suggested that the slower internet speeds observed when using VPN 360 are due to more people using the servers at the same time, generating interference and resulting in slower performance.
VPN 360’s Performance
When selecting a VPN service, the VPN performance is often prioritized. Using a VPN typically decreases web-browsing speed due to the indirect path it takes for an internet connection.
I conducted tests on VPN 360 to assess its performance. The findings revealed a well below-average speed, plus streaming and gaming issues.
Evaluation of its speed and reliability is as follows:
Speed
VPN 360 performance speed is substantially slower. During testing, I got a connection speed of 4.37 Mbps, a long cry from the amazing 122.7 Mbps achieved without VPN 360. This significant decrease in speed puts into doubt a VPN’s capacity to provide seamless browsing and streaming experiences.
You should be aware of this drawback, particularly if you want high-speed Internet for activities like online gaming or 4K video streaming. This kind of speed performance will not allow for a good gaming or streaming experience.
The tests I did show a reduction in speed of more than 96 % when using VPN 360, which is very poor and makes its usage less desirable or recommended.
Reliability
VPN 360’s reliability is questionable. Although it offers some basic VPN features, its security features and encryption mechanisms are unclear.
Additionally, using IP addresses to provide personally identifiable information raises privacy concerns. VPN 360 performance for streaming and gaming activities is also very poor.
VPN 360 updated its privacy policy recently. However, the ambiguity and contradictions of the updated policy remain a source of concern. So, you should consider better alternatives if you are looking for a stable and reliable VPN.
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Customer Support
VPN 360’s customer support is difficult and not easy to deal with. When I asked their customer service representatives some questions, it took a few hours before I received a response, which was very poor.
Furthermore, I found out that customer service representatives would not answer certain questions. You might be referred to check some external links and information.
The VPN 360 Premium plan provides 24/7 live chat and email support service, enhancing user experience compared to the basic free plan’s slow response times. Customer support service is better in the premium plan than in the basic (free).
However, the response on live chat is also slow if your questions are not part of predefined queries. VPN 360 offers a predefined set of topics and frequently asked questions on their website in the support link option.
Ease of Use
There are a few limitations on the free apps offered by VPN360. But they are easy to use and look the same on Android, iOS, and Windows devices. Unfortunately, these apps don’t offer many customization options. Plus, they have annoying pop-up ads.
Users of VPN 360 Premium enjoy an ad-free experience. This means you can browse and utilize the service without being interrupted or distracted by advertising. This ad-free capability improves your experience in using the service.
VPN 360 Premium offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface with a well-organized layout, making it easy to navigate, connect to servers, and customize settings for a hassle-free experience.
Gaming and Streaming Quality
VPN 360 successfully unlocked premium streaming services like Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube, but low download rates, buffering issues, and poor video quality were observed.
It lacked access to international Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer and is, therefore, not recommended for streaming.
VPN 360’s gaming performance was also poor, with many lags and interruptions, potentially discouraging gamers looking for a smooth and responsive experience. You need a better VPN alternative for a good gaming experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe?
No, VPN 360 has privacy concerns due to its storage of identity information and potential breach of user IP address and device information, despite having a privacy policy in 2023.
VPN 360 is unsafe due to a faulty iOS kill switch feature, leak of real IP address, collection of personal data, and lack of encryption type specification.
Is it truly free?
VPN 360 offers free service through its basic plan. The free version, however, comes with limited features, frequent pop-up ads, and overall poor performance. You will have to opt for its premium plan (yearly or monthly) to be able to enjoy all its features.
Does VPN 360 allow torrenting?
No, the servers of VPN 360 are restricted to P2P traffic, making them unsuitable for torrenting. VPNs lack the privacy required for torrenting. Furthermore, its speed is insufficient for effective file sharing. VPN 360 is, therefore, not suitable for P2P or torrenting activities.
Can VPN 360 bypass web censorship?
No, VPN 360 is less effective at circumventing censorship, adding to the list of VPNs that are less reliable for this purpose. Its activities are severely restricted in China, and its chances in other heavily Internet-controlled countries are bleak.
The lack of obfuscation technology complicates matters by allowing sensors to identify and stop threats more quickly. VPN 360 is not a suitable choice if you want to bypass censorship policies.
Does it work on Linux systems and macOS?
No, at the moment, VPN 360 is only available for devices running Android, iOS, and Windows. It’s worth noting that Windows compatibility was added in 2023, which was a huge advancement. However, it is worth noting that VPN 360 outperforms Windows on mobile platforms (Android and iOS).
Conclusion
VPN 360 is a basic, one-click VPN solution with a friendly user interface, but it lacks security features and functionality, making it unsuitable for security-conscious users.
Regrettably, VPN 360 rates among the worst VPNs in my tests, scoring poorly in half of the categories evaluated. Its adverse US jurisdiction, combined with an intrusive logging strategy, jeopardizes data privacy greatly. Despite recent security advancements, it still falls short of providing comprehensive protection.
My evaluation of VPN 360 revealed slow download speeds and frequent pop-up ads, making the usage of its apps a frustrating experience. It struggles to bypass major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, making it a suboptimal choice for privacy-conscious users.
