ZenMate VPN Closure Summary

ZenMate VPN ceased operations in May 2023 following its acquisition by CyberGhost VPN.

Existing subscribers could use ZenMate apps until May 1st, 2023, after which access required switching to CyberGhost VPN.

The merger aimed to transition users to CyberGhost's expanded server network and improved feature set.

ZenMate is no longer available for new subscriptions, rendering previous reviews outdated and inapplicable.

While the ZenMate website remains online temporarily to explain the closure, it may eventually redirect to CyberGhost VPN.

Originally popular for its free browser extension, ZenMate boasted over 40 million users before shifting focus to a paid model.

Prior to discontinuation, the service faced criticism for potential logging issues, slow connection speeds, and DNS leaks.

Despite noted efforts to improve its service quality, ZenMate's operations have now fully merged into the CyberGhost VPN brand.

For current VPN options, consider exploring our detailed CyberGhost VPN review instead.

ZenMate's performance is evaluated against two of the most well-regarded VPNs, ExpressVPN and NordVPN. For an in-depth analysis, you can refer to a detailed comparison between ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

The average speed of ZenMate is measured across various global locations through multiple daily speed tests.

I've been putting ZenMate VPN through its paces over the last few months, using it for daily tasks like web browsing, streaming, and downloading. I also delved into specific aspects of the service, such as:

• Download speed
• Access to streaming platforms like Disney+
• Security with leak tests (WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS)
• Customer support responsiveness and effectiveness
• Privacy policy and terms of service

ZenMate touts its "lightning speeds" and a "strict no-logs policy." I was keen to see if these claims held up, especially after recent improvements.

Here are some of the questions I sought to answer:

• Can ZenMate bypass geo-restrictions on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming sites?
• Is the service good value for money?
• Is ZenMate a safe choice?
• How does ZenMate's security stack up against competitors?
• What is the quality of customer support?

To get a comprehensive view, I tested both the mobile app and desktop client, ensuring a thorough evaluation across multiple devices.

Overview:

ZenMate offers a robust server network, strong security measures, and reliable streaming capabilities. It supports torrenting and has seen significant speed improvements. However, its privacy policy is somewhat unclear, and it may not be a true no-logs VPN. Additionally, ZenMate doesn't work in China.

Pros:

• Compatible with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more
• Offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Uses advanced encryption and additional security features
• Allows unlimited device connections
• Affordable pricing
• Supports torrenting

Cons:

• Ambiguous privacy policy
• No live chat support
• Ineffective in China

Speed Test Results:

During my previous test, ZenMate’s average download speed was around 32 Mbps, which was underwhelming. This time, it averaged 377 Mbps, an impressive tenfold increase. This places ZenMate among the fastest VPNs available.

However, there was noticeable variability in speeds, with US servers outperforming those in Germany. Despite this, all servers were fast enough to handle multiple 4K streams at once.

ZenMate VPN offers global coverage with server locations strategically placed across three major continents: Europe, Asia, and North America.

For users who prioritize connection speed over specific geographic routing, ZenMate provides a convenient "Best Server Location" feature accessible from the dropdown menu in the application interface.

This automatic selection tool analyzes your current position and connects you to the optimal server, ensuring the fastest possible encrypted connection without requiring manual location selection.

When security rather than geo-specific browsing is your primary concern, this smart routing option streamlines the VPN experience while maintaining full encryption protection.

Switching servers with ZenMate was impressively swift, typically requiring only a few seconds. I experienced no issues with connection drops, which is a significant plus.

It's important to note that the results from these tests should be considered as general indicators of performance. The inherent randomness of the internet means your experience might vary, influenced by factors such as your geographical location and internet speed.

ZenMate provides native applications for a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and even Fire TV.

For those who prefer using browser extensions, ZenMate supports Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. These extensions are useful for web browsing and streaming, but they only encrypt the traffic passing through your browser. Other applications on your device, like media players or torrenting software, will remain unprotected. For comprehensive protection, it’s recommended to use the native apps.

The network spans approximately 80 countries, with over 4,700 servers in total. While this is a respectable number, it's not as extensive as some competitors. For instance, NordVPN and CyberGhost both offer more than 5,000 servers, and ExpressVPN covers 94 countries.

The ZenMate apps feature a clean, modern design, making them user-friendly. The desktop version can be expanded to full screen, which I found particularly appealing. The settings are straightforward, divided into two main tabs: General and Connection , covering all necessary setup and security preferences.

The mobile app, while simpler, still offers a basic connection screen and server list. It includes a settings page, but it lacks the advanced customization options available in the desktop version.

ZenMate VPN Overview and Concerns

ZenMate extends VPN protection beyond standard devices to Linux systems and compatible routers.

Configuring it on a router safeguards every connected gadget while only consuming a single slot from your five-device limit.

Accessing Netflix US libraries is fully supported through ZenMate.

Its specialized server selection includes a dedicated For Streaming tab,

clearly listing optimized servers for popular platforms like Netflix.

Simply select the Netflix US option from this menu

to establish a seamless, region-unlocked streaming connection instantly.

ZenMate VPN offers a streamlined experience by automatically selecting optimal servers, eliminating the need for manual server selection that other VPN providers often require.

For Netflix enthusiasts, ZenMate provides access to 10 different regional libraries, with particularly reliable connections to German and French catalogs. However, if you're seeking access to unlisted libraries, you might need to explore alternative VPN options, as general-purpose servers may not deliver consistent results.

During my testing, ZenMate successfully unblocked multiple streaming platforms beyond Netflix, including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube TV, Disney+, and HBO Max.

Kodi users should note compatibility limitations with ZenMate. While it functions well on devices with native ZenMate apps (Windows, Amazon Fire TV, Android), those running Kodi on Linux systems will find themselves without support.

Regarding torrenting capabilities, ZenMate has evolved its stance over time. Though the website no longer explicitly mentions torrenting or provides guidance on accessing torrent sites, the service clearly supports P2P activities. The application includes specialized P2P-optimized servers located worldwide, including in less common regions like Kazakhstan and Iran, though the selection is somewhat limited.

ZenMate VPN: A Critical Examination

When evaluating any VPN service, privacy policies and logging practices should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. Unfortunately, ZenMate continues to present concerning issues in this area.

The company's privacy policy remains problematically vague. While most reputable VPN providers clearly outline what information they collect and how it's used, ZenMate's documentation is frustratingly ambiguous. They acknowledge collecting "log files" without specifying exactly what data these contain—a significant red flag for privacy-conscious users.

ZenMate's German jurisdiction adds another layer of concern. As part of the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance, any data they do collect could potentially be shared among member nations' governments. This becomes particularly troubling given their unclear stance on exactly what user information they retain.

Performance issues further complicate ZenMate's value proposition. Speed tests reveal consistently underwhelming results that may disappoint users who prioritize fast connections, especially those interested in torrenting or streaming high-definition content.

On the technical front, ZenMate does implement industry-standard security measures: 256-bit AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA keys, SHA256 authentication, and perfect forward secrecy via ECDHE. Their automatic kill switch feature provides essential protection against data leaks during connection drops.

Curiously, the Windows client interface suggests users can disable the kill switch, but attempting to do so triggers a message indicating this isn't actually possible—a confusing user experience that suggests potential issues with software design or documentation.

Given these persistent concerns about logging practices and mediocre performance, users seeking strong privacy guarantees would be better served exploring alternative VPN solutions with clearer policies and better overall service quality.

ZenMate VPN Overview

ZenMate VPN includes a robust DNS leak protection feature that users can easily manage through the General settings section of the application. This security measure prevents your DNS requests from being visible to your ISP or other third parties.

During our comprehensive testing process, we were pleased to find that the DNS leak protection functioned flawlessly. We ran multiple tests across different servers and connection types, and at no point did we detect any DNS leaks.

The toggle functionality makes it simple for users to enable or disable this protection according to their specific needs, offering flexibility while maintaining security when activated.

ZenMate VPN lacks built-in WebRTC leak protection features, which could be concerning for privacy-conscious users.

During our comprehensive testing, we fortunately didn't detect any WebRTC leaks while connected to ZenMate's servers.

However, for maximum security, we recommend manually disabling WebRTC in your browser settings as an additional precautionary measure.

This extra step ensures your real IP address remains hidden even if the VPN's protection has vulnerabilities or temporarily fails.

ZenMate provides an option to automatically disable IPv6 connections, compensating for the lack of built-in IPv6 leak protection. For users concerned about potential leaks, disabling IPv6 is generally advised. This convenient feature simplifies the process by handling it automatically.

ZenMate VPN offers several protocol options, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. However, the advanced and faster WireGuard protocol is currently limited to mobile devices, leaving desktop users with the choice between OpenVPN and IKEv2. Both of these protocols are known for their security and efficiency, though they are becoming somewhat outdated.

One notable advantage of ZenMate is its use of private DNS servers. This enhances user privacy, as it prevents third parties, such as Google, from seeing DNS requests and the websites being visited. Many other VPNs rely on public DNS servers, which can compromise privacy.

When it comes to accessing content in regions with strict internet censorship, like China, ZenMate faces significant challenges. The Chinese government's stringent blocks make it extremely difficult for most VPNs to function reliably. While some VPN providers manage to serve the large number of users in China, ZenMate is not among them.

For a smaller VPN provider, ZenMate does not prioritize service in China. Some users have reported success, but many others have not. In fact, the company advises against purchasing a subscription if the primary intention is to use the service within China.

ZenMate remains inaccessible across restrictive regions like China, Iran, and the UAE.

Users traveling to these locations require a VPN specifically designed to bypass stringent censorship.

A significant ongoing drawback is the absence of real-time customer assistance.

Unlike most reputable VPN providers offering live chat, ZenMate still lacks this essential feature.

This omission is particularly disappointing for users needing immediate help.

While comprehensive setup guides and troubleshooting resources exist on their website,

the lack of direct, interactive support remains a clear disadvantage.

The email support responded quite quickly, with an average response time of about an hour for my basic inquiries.

When exploring ZenMate's customer service, I found their support team struggled with providing detailed privacy policy information. It's worth noting they use Zendesk as their external email support platform, which might concern privacy-focused users.

ZenMate has significantly expanded its network infrastructure over recent years. They've grown from 1,500 servers across 37 countries to an impressive 4,700 servers spanning 81 countries worldwide. Unlike many competitors who rely on virtual servers or rental arrangements, ZenMate maintains complete ownership of their physical server network, enhancing their security control and performance capabilities.

Their server distribution covers multiple continents including Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Africa. Germany, Romania, the UK, and the US host their largest server concentrations, each maintaining over 200 servers. While servers in Germany, the UK, and US are distributed across multiple cities, users cannot specifically select city-based connections - potentially limiting those needing location-specific access for streaming sports or proximity-based connections.

Regarding pricing structure, ZenMate offers competitive rates within the VPN market. Their monthly subscription costs $10.99, aligning with industry standards. However, substantial savings are available with their longer-term plans - just $1.99 monthly for an 18-month commitment or $5.39 monthly for a 6-month package.

Free Trial and Guarantees

ZenMate provides a seven-day free trial for new users, which can be particularly appealing as it doesn't require any payment information on desktops. This trial period is beneficial because it allows you to test the service without any upfront costs or the need to cancel recurring payments if you decide it's not suitable.

In addition to the free trial, ZenMate offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. For those who prefer to avoid the hassle of refunds, this can be a reassuring fallback option. Payment methods include PayPal and credit cards, though cryptocurrency is not supported.

After extensive testing, I would say that while ZenMate isn't my top choice overall, it does have its merits. The service boasts impressive speeds and effectively unblocks many geo-restricted sites, making it a solid option for streaming. It also ensures secure browsing, which is important for general internet use.

For P2P file sharing, ZenMate permits it and has no data or bandwidth limits. However, if you plan to torrent frequently, you might want to consider a faster VPN. Additionally, users in China should look for alternatives, as ZenMate may not be the best fit for that region.

One potential drawback is the lack of live chat support, which could be inconvenient for novice users who need immediate assistance with setup or troubleshooting.

Since my last review, ZenMate has made some improvements, such as expanding its server network and adding WireGuard support. Despite these enhancements, there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of a clear, privacy-focused logging policy and the addition of live chat-based customer support.

If you are looking for a service with a verified no-logs policy and 24/7 live chat, NordVPN is a better alternative. NordVPN offers even higher speeds and excels at unblocking streaming platforms, and it even works in China.

For those on a tight budget, Surfshark is another excellent option. It provides strong security features, robust unblocking capabilities, and a strict no-logs policy. Surfshark also allows you to protect all your devices simultaneously, making it a cost-effective and reliable choice.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a tool that enables viewers to bypass geographical restrictions, allowing them to stream content from different regions by connecting to servers in various countries. This service is particularly useful for those who want to access shows and movies that are not available in their local Netflix library.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If people want to access region-restricted content by Netflix VPN, they may want to consider the SafeShell VPN . 1. SafeShell VPN boasts high-speed servers specifically optimized for seamless Netflix streaming, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without interruptions. 2. With the ability to connect up to five devices simultaneously, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro, SafeShell provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience. 3. The unique App Mode feature allows you to unlock and enjoy content from multiple regions at the same time, giving you the freedom to explore a world of entertainment. 4. Enjoy lightning-fast connection speeds with no bandwidth limitations, ensuring that buffering and throttling are things of the past. 5. Your online privacy is safeguarded with top-level security features, including advanced encryption and the proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol, ensuring your data remains protected. 6. Finally, SafeShell offers a flexible free trial plan, allowing users to experience its robust features, including Netflix unblocked , without any commitment.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To start using SafeShell Netflix VPN , follow these steps:

• First, head over to the SafeShell VPN website and subscribe to a plan that suits your needs.
• Next, download and install the SafeShell VPN app on your device, whether it's a Windows PC, macOS, iOS, or Android.
• Once installed, launch the SafeShell VPN app and log in to your account.
• Choose the APP mode for an optimized Netflix streaming experience.
• Browse the list of available servers and select one located in the region whose Netflix content you want to access, such as the US, UK, or Canada.
• Click "Connect" to establish a secure connection to the chosen server.
• Finally, open the Netflix app or visit the Netflix website, log in with your Netflix account, and start enjoying the content from the selected region.