Blink VPN promises to keep you safe and protected online, but information about this VPN is frustratingly hard to come by. So, I decided to take it for a spin and see if it’s worth the high-end price tag.
I tested Blink VPN’s streaming and unblocking capabilities, speeds, and server network. I also took a closer look at its safety and privacy features, device compatibility, and pricing.
After seeing the results, I don’t think that Blink VPN can compete with the best VPNs out there. Not only was its performance disappointing, but the little information offered by the VPN often turned out to be inaccurate or misleading.
Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings
- Limited unblocking capabilities. Most streaming services were unavailable to me during my tests.
- Slow speeds. My speeds dropped by over 80% on most servers, bringing me down to just 7 Mbps. See my full results.
- Unclear server network. Blink VPN says it has 6.200 servers in 90 countries, but its numbers vary. Some locations also didn’t work at all.
- Good encryption. The VPN claims to use military-grade encryption. It also has a kill switch and protects against IP and DNS leaks. Read more about my security analysis.
- Worrying privacy policy. Blink VPN claims to have a strict no-logs service and is outside 5/9/14 Eyes’ jurisdiction, for now. But I found some concerning clauses in the privacy policy.
- Modest compatibility. Despite mixed claims, the VPN is only available on iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android.
- Quick setup. You only need to download the app, log in, and you’re ready to use it.
[features-overview-table]
Streaming — Very Limited Unblocking Capabilities
The VPN doesn’t unblock popular streaming platforms as it claims. I was able to access some sites, but the VPN couldn’t unblock the most popular platforms.
Unblocks: PeacockTV, FuboTV
Blink VPN unblocks Peacock TV and FuboTV. Although I’d experienced slow speeds on other servers, there was no buffering on these platforms.
Blocked By: Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, ESPN, Dazn
I couldn’t access any other streaming services. Blink VPN couldn’t unblock Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, ESPN/ESPN+, or DAZN.
I wouldn’t recommend Blink VPN for streaming. I recommend you take a look at these streaming VPNs instead.
Speeds — Too Slow for HD
Blink VPN reduced my speeds significantly.
My base speed is 49 Mbps download, 2.9 Mbps upload speeds, and 8 ms ping. When I tested servers in the US, Canada, Germany, and Japan, my speeds dropped to 7-8 Mbps download and 0.3-2.4 Mbps upload. That’s a decrease of around 80%.
If my connection was slower, it would have been impossible to watch movies in HD
Blink VPN was only fast enough to stream in SD and there was a lot of buffering. If you need fast speeds and a reliable connection, I recommend you take a look at these super-fast VPNs.
Server Network — Unclear Server Number
Blink VPN says it has 6.200 servers in various locations, but its numbers are inconsistent. I found different information on its website regarding the number of servers and the VPN never got back to me when I asked which was accurate.
If you don’t have a server location preference, the VPN offers a “Best Location” feature that connects you to the fastest server based on your location.
Out of the 20+ servers I tested, only 2 didn’t work. I couldn’t connect to the Netherlands and Australian servers.
Security and Privacy — Solid Security With Zero Logs
The VPN uses 265-bit AES military-grade encryption, which is the industry standard. I assume that Blink VPN uses OpenVPN protocol — as you can only choose between UDP and TCP — but the VPN never actually confirmed this.
It has a kill switch too. That was good to see; a kill switch automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops, preventing your location or online activity from leaking. I had to remember to enable it though.
BlinkVPN also successfully hid my IP address during my leak tests.
The zero-logs policy claims that the VPN does not monitor, track, or store any of your data. However, I came across a worrying clause in the privacy policy that says, “We may further collect and possibly share your personal data to enforce the terms of service.”
If the no-logs policy is trustworthy, the VPN shouldn’t have any of your data to hand over. But this clause does seem like a potential loophole that might allow the VPN to log more than it lets on.
If you want to have your privacy guaranteed, then check out some of the top zero-log VPNs.
Torrenting — Too Slow for Satisfying Downloads
There’s no explicit mention of Blink VPN’s website accommodating P2P traffic. Although in principle, it should provide protection during torrenting, given it possesses all the requisite security features, I wasn’t comfortable using the VPN for torrenting after going through the privacy policy.
Speeds were also very slow during my tests so uploads and downloads are a struggle anyway. I’d choose from one of these torrenting VPNs instead.
Does Blink VPN Work in China? Probably Not
Blink VPN doesn’t say if it works in China. But I highly doubt that a VPN that can’t bypass Netflix geoblocks can bypass the Great Firewall.
I recommend you pick one of these tested VPNs that work in China instead.
Simultaneous Device Connections — Up to Tidak terbatas Devices
You can connect up to Tidak terbatas devices at the same time. However, the VPN is only compatible with macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android so you’re limited if you want to use the VPN on other devices.
Device Compatibility — Limited Compatibility
Blink is only available on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. The website mentions browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, but as soon as you click them it says “Coming soon.”
The VPN claims to work with other devices like routers and Kindle in its FAQ section. I couldn’t get Blink working on any additional platforms.
Final Verdict
It’s not the worst service I’ve tested but Blink VPN doesn’t give you a lot for its high price tag. It can’t unblock many streaming services, its speeds are slow, and its privacy policy is potentially concerning.
I also found the poor customer support — and lack of clarity around the VPN’s information — particularly frustrating. It’s always a red flag to feel like a VPN is being misleading about its services.
Essentially, Blink VPN doesn’t offer the features you get from other VPNs at a similar price or less. I would look elsewhere for a more affordable, reliable, and safer service.
FAQs
Is Blink VPN safe?
Blink VPN has solid security but a worrying privacy policy.
It offers some decent security features like military-grade encryption and a kill switch. But I was a bit concerned by parts of its policy.
Can Blink VPN unblock Netflix?
No, Blink VPN cannot unblock Netflix. It was very unsuccessful in unblocking most major streaming platforms. Read more about my streaming results.
Will Blink VPN slow my speeds down?
Yes, Blink VPN will slow your speeds down very significantly.
My connection wasn’t fast enough for most of the things I want to do online, including streaming and torrenting.