In a Nutshell
pros
- Affordable
- Unlimited server switches
- High security
cons
- Servers in 38 countries
- Keeps some usage logs
Buffered at a Glance
Privacy
The company is based in Hungary, which does not have obligatory data retention laws. In fact, Buffered VPN has a firm no logging policy. This means it won’t retain any data on your online usage.
In addition, Buffered VPN uses shared IPs. This means that, whilst using the VPN, you can never be identified as a specific individual user, which further bolsters your security.
It’s important to note that while Buffered enforces a no-logging policy when it comes to usage logs, it does store performance, or connection, logs. These are stored for 30 days and include:
- How long you’re connected to the VPN
- Frequency of your use
- Amount of data you transfer during your connection
- When you connect to the VPN
Features
Buffered VPN is unique among VPN providers in that it has completely done away with PPTP and L2TP protocols, opting instead to work only with the more secure OpenVPN protocol.
The company is based in Hungary, which does not have obligatory data retention laws. In fact, Buffered VPN has a firm no logging policy. This means it won’t retain any data on your online usage.
In addition, Buffered VPN uses shared IPs. This means that, whilst using the VPN, you can never be identified as a specific individual user, which further bolsters your security.
Buffered VPN’s niftiest feature, however, is its discovery mode. The feature allows you to bypass firewalls and gain access even to password protected WiFi hotspots. This is very useful, especially if you urgently need to get online but cannot find a freely accessible internet hotspot.
Somewhat disappointingly, Buffered VPN only has servers in 41 locations. While you can count on finding a server on all major continents and countries, this is still a relatively low presence when compared to other VPN providers we reviewed.
That said, Buffered VPN started with limited servers and the company is committed to increasing the number of countries with Buffered servers going forward. As you can see they increased their server count in just a short time. If your country lacks a Buffered server, simply get in touch and your request will be logged.
Speed
Buffered VPN is fast and extremely reliable.
Unlike other VPN providers, Buffered does not have any speed caps or bandwidth limits. Irrespective of how heavy your usage is, you’re guaranteed that your speed won’t be throttled.
In addition, Buffered VPN also supports pfSense. Installing pfSense guarantees the best internet speeds possible, even on an older device. The Buffered VPN website has an easy to follow guide on how to install pfSense on your system.
Pricing and Deals
All the above plans include access to Buffered’s full slate of features, as well as 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Torrents
Buffered allows torrenting. The company states that while it doesn’t promote copyright violations, it believes torrenting is a valid way of downloading files and supports P2P sharing through its VPN. To that end, it promotes internet anonymity and features a kill switch to protect the user in the event that the connection goes out.
Netflix
Buffered does not appear to be able to unblock Netflix US. Users who are interested in the company but consider Netflix access a key factor in their decision can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee and spend their first month trying to stream Netflix before deciding whether to continue using the service or not.
Client Setup
Setting up Buffered is a quick and easy process. After logging in to the homepage, you’ll find the downloads menu on the left of the page. Click Downloads, click the download button that appears, and then follow the instructions for downloading and installation.
Apps
Dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android are available and can be downloaded for free on the Apple Store and Google Play, respectively. Both apps are streamlined and feature easy-to-use interfaces that make connecting to Buffered’s VPN easy from your smartphone or tablet.
How Does Buffered Compare?
Customer Support
Buffered VPN’s customer support is stellar.
The website features an extensive knowledge base chock full of FAQs and support documentation to help you troubleshoot most issues you might encounter when using the VPN. This is all sorted in an easily digestible format, complete with a search function to help you find answers to your issue quickly and efficiently.
And if that isn’t enough, there are also tutorials on various subjects, ranging from how to set up your VPN to resolving errors. These all have easy to follow, step by step instructions and how-to pictures.
If you still can’t solve your problem, you can get in touch with Buffered’s support team via an online form.
There is no contact email address, phone number or live chat facility. However, customer support is billed as 24/7, and you should expect a reasonably fast response. Their Facebook page is similarly classed by Facebook as “very responsive” to messages.
Ease of Use
Unfortunately, many of the features that make Buffered VPN excel at security also tend to make it less flexible than other providers.
For instance, while it makes sense from a security standpoint to use OpenVPN, using this protocol on an older device may be somewhat problematic. This means that, unless you own or are prepared to invest in the latest devices, Buffered VPN may not be right for you.
Similarly, while a shared IP address is better for anonymity, it leaves you at the mercy of other users who abuse the system. This is because, if a shared IP address is blacklisted, all the users on that IP address will be blocked too.
Finally, the limited number of countries where servers are available further limits Buffered VPN’s flexibility.
FAQs
How often does Buffered add new servers?
The website claims that the company adds servers according to demand. Most of the servers listed are suggested by users, and the company actually encourages you to suggest servers as your needs demand.
What jurisdiction does Buffered fall under?
Gibraltar. Though technically a British territory, Gibraltar is a self-governing territory, meaning that its Parliament can enact laws independently of the UK and any English common law can be overridden by the laws of Gibraltar. Gibraltar does not currently require Buffered to provide user details to the authorities.
Bottom Line
Buffered VPN may not be the most flexible VPN solution around. However, its excellent speeds and commitment to high security standards at an extremely affordable price make it hard to beat when it comes to value for money.
