Witopia vs. Strong VPN vs. your preference for VPN services

[Simon T]

Hi all (hope this hasn't been addressed elsewhere, if so, sorry!)
I have been researching VPN services for a week or so because of a planned trip abroad. I don't use VPN now, although I realize I should be after all of the reading I've been doing!
I've been focusing on Witopia and Strongvpn because they both have been established for quite some time which is reassuring. I've come across several sites which are obvious get rich quick scams so I'm obviously wary of them.

But has any one used both or either of the two mentioned above? Comments? Also, if other recommendable services, suggestions?

Thanks!

[Simon T]

Also, just to clarify I don't need or want a service specifically for torrent sites... I've noticed through some searching that people's main problem with a VPN service is that they require torrent site access and if the service doesn't allow it, mentioning it in their TOS, or decides later to not allow it, people hate or drop the service.
I just want a straight forward VPN that encrypts my information, gives me added security and will allow me to access American TV while I'm abroad and American Skype prices.

[Homie]

Hi Simon,

First of all, you are right when you say:

"I've been focusing on Witopia and Strongvpn because they both have been established for quite some time which is reassuring."

It's the most important thing. A lot of new VPN providers around the World are creating every day. But you don't know about these start-up and they could be using your information for other means.

Then, both are pretty good. StrongVPN has a great support. About the price, it's almost the same with their Annual offers. Personaly, i'm using StrongVPN since a long time. There are good, that's it. But i never use Witopia.

I will suggest you to visit this website: START-vpn - Price comparison & user review of VPN services . You will find a lot of user reviews about more than 100 VPN providers.

good choice,
have a good day,
homie

[TheCoder]

StrongVPN are pretty good but, suprisingly, so are a lot of the newer cheap VPN providers. VPN is todays technology, there's a lot trying to get in on the act. Some will survive, some wont.

Regardless, most only charge $5-$10 per month so if they fail the maximum you lose is a months subscription (dont be tempted to pay for a year unless your really confident you'll need VPN for a full 12 months and the provider will last that long).

In your case, as you seem to want to stream US TV, StrongVPN is probably one of the best options as thats really what they do best !

[Simon T]

Do you have any recommendations for newer VPN services? I don't primarily need it for tv overseas, even though thats a great benefit, but I do want a sold VPN service that I can rely on and that I know gives me security. After researching I know I want the service even after I'm done traveling because of all the risks in not having an encrypted connection.

But so far it seems like Strongvpn is the way to go, unless there are other recommendations I can try.....

[TheCoder]

Originally Posted by Simon T

But so far it seems like Strongvpn is the way to go, unless there are other recommendations I can try.....

They've got quite a good selection of packages and whilst they are somewhat more expensive than others they do seem to have good support and be pretty solid. I'd recommend them !

To some extent, it may depend on where your travelling to. If you stay in Europe, USA, Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong then I doubt you'll easily beat them. If your off the Australia, USSR, China or South America then i'd probably look elsewhere.

[Simon T]

Originally Posted by TheCoder

To some extent, it may depend on where your travelling to. If you stay in Europe, USA, Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong then I doubt you'll easily beat them. If your off the Australia, USSR, China or South America then i'd probably look elsewhere.

Is that because of where their servers are located, or I guess lack thereof in those countries? Would my connection speed be slowed down quite significantly?

[TheCoder]

Whatever vpn you choose your likely to suffer a significant slowdown of the connection. The actual encryption/decryption takes time (even on a fast PC). The extra lag of transiting through another server also adds its toll especially if the server is busy.

Most pay vpn's advertise an expected minimum throughput of 2Mbps but you may experience slower if the internet connection to your chosen server is slow. That becomes more likely the further away you are from the server location. Generally, its best to use a vpn server either in your host country (ie where your located) or your destination country (ie, where you want to communicate with). Obviously this may not always be practical but then you take the next best option !

Bear in mind you dont have to use a vpn all the time and you can effectively switch them on/off at will. Also remember that if your only going to need a secure encrypted link between two points then its relatively easy to set up your own vpn server/client for zero cost with no need of a vpn service provider. VPN service providers are really only for if you want to hide your location or need the convenience of encrypting in the country of origin. The connection between the vpn service provider and the final destination is usually NOT encrypted.

[johnnyfreud786]

I strongly recommend look into VPN reviews before selecting any vpn services...I am still using hidemyass program, it's a spooky name but it's been in the market for a long time now. Plus, they do have UK servers you can use.. Meaning, faster surfing and buffering compared to US servers.

[StrongArm]

having won a free trial for a year
I find it runs at about 75% of my true speed with it on.
Hulu and USA netflix run fine , plus it's used for other stuff.