Zenmate VPN Review 2024 ZenMate VPN is a VPN service that may meet the needs of many users. However, there are some limitations to consider before committing to the service. The VPN can unblock several streaming platforms such as Netflix and also supports torrenting. However, its selection of tunneling protocols is limited, and its speeds are not particularly impressive. Additionally, its base in a Five-Eyes surveillance alliance country may raise concerns about privacy.Despite these drawbacks, ZenMate VPN still offers an affordable long-term plan which makes it an attractive option for some users. Before making a final decision on which VPN service to use, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. It’s crucial to look at other factors such as customer support, security features, and server locations when considering a VPN provider.
Zenmate VPN Review 2024
For a secure and rapid internet connection, private VPN solutions like NordVPN are worth considering. One of the top-rated VPN services is ZenMate, which we will review in this article based on its performance in streaming, features, security, apps and customer support.ZenMate has earned a reputation for being user-friendly and reliable due to its strong encryption protocols that ensure the privacy of your online activities. The VPN can bypass geographical restrictions and gain access to popular streaming platforms with ease. It also includes advanced security features such as DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch to prevent data breaches.ZenMate offers excellent customer support through live chat or email 24/7, making it a great choice for those who need instant assistance. Its exceptional speed and security features make it one of the best VPN solutions available today.
Zenmate VPN Review Quick Overview
| NordVPN | ZenMate | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #1 out of #42 | #41 out of #42 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 6,000 + servers in 61 countries | 4,500 + servers in 91 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $3.39/month | from $2.22/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | NordVPN coupon 67% OFF | ZenMate coupon 80% OFF |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard (NordLynx) | IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) |
| 🖥️ Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, browser |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | 6 | Unlimited |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat |
ZenMate Pros & Cons
In a world where online security and privacy are becoming increasingly important, virtual private networks (VPNs) like ZenMate have gained popularity. But is ZenMate the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using ZenMate as your VPN provider. From its user-friendly interface to its robust security features, we’ll discuss what makes ZenMate stand out from the crowd. However, we’ll also delve into some potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. So if you’re considering using ZenMate to protect your online presence, keep reading to find out if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros
Cons
Is ZenMate fast What’s Speed performance?
It is essential to clarify that VPNs do not have a speed of their own, but rather the degree to which they slow down your baseline connection. When you connect to the internet through a VPN server, your data takes a longer route to reach its destination and return. Additionally, encryption also contributes to slowing down your connection. However, the extent of speed loss varies depending on several factors such as the distance between the VPN server and your device, the quality of the VPN service provider’s infrastructure and network capacity, and the type of encryption used. It is worth noting that while VPNs may cause some speed reduction, they offer many benefits such as protecting your online privacy and security when browsing the internet.
Considering that, let’s find out how speedy ZenMate truly is.
| Location | IKEv2 | UDP | TCP |
| US (NY) | 111/250/12 | 105/49/257 | 107/146/227 |
| US (FL) | 133/275/20 | 130/54/64 | 143/65/178 |
| US (LA) | 130/222/20 | 159/28/271 | 159/93/138 |
| UK | 50/273/46 | 49/44/236 | 44/224/284 |
| Germany | 39/292/56 | 37/83/77 | 36/187/42 |
| Japan | 295/236/4 | 279/17/166 | 312/38/40 |
| Singapore | 227/223/15 | 296/12/154 | 453/72/104 |
| Australia | 271/225/11 | 281/40/13 | 336/46/52 |
| Lithuania | 5/282/288 | 5/138/300 | 5/264/261 |
| India | 163/8/1 | 180/3/1 | 174/5/1 |
| Argentina | 273/3/3 | 281/2/2 | 333/1/0.2 |
The IKEv2 protocol demonstrates good speeds, with average download speed drops of only 30% despite significant drops in India and Argentina. However, upload speeds showed a more substantial decrease, averaging an 85% reduction in connection. Additionally, the ping times increased significantly, making it less suitable for gaming. In contrast to the usual performance difference between UDP and TCP, ZenMate’s TCP download speed dropped by 65% and upload speed by 60%. The results are somewhat influenced by consistently slow speeds in Brazil and India.
UDP speeds were consistently slow, with average download speed decreases of 86% and 53% for upload speeds. Problematic locations and high ping times contributed to the overall poor performance. ZenMate’s tunneling protocol selection is not very diverse, but their IKEv2 protocol performs well, making it the best choice for those prioritizing download speeds over upload speeds.
Streaming can I watch Netflix with ZenMate?
ZenMate, a VPN service provider, offers specialized servers that are optimized for streaming. If you wish to unblock a streaming service, ZenMate’s dedicated servers are the best option. The servers are labeled according to the platforms they are intended for, making it easy for users to select the right server and enjoy their favorite content without any restrictions. With ZenMate, you can bypass geographical restrictions and access streaming services from anywhere in the world with ease.
| Platform | Status |
| Netflix | Yes with US Netflix |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes |
| YouTube | Yes |
While using ZenMate servers, we were able to unblock US Netflix. However, the streaming experience was not seamless, with the video buffering for a substantial amount of time and the quality reduced. Despite this, ZenMate offers access to more than just the American Netflix library, providing users with an array of options to choose from. With its vast selection of servers worldwide and a user-friendly interface, ZenMate can be an excellent choice for those seeking reliable VPN services. It also offers robust security features such as AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and DNS leak protection that ensure user privacy and data protection while browsing online.
Our tests revealed that while BBC iPlayer was unblocked successfully with a VPN, the experience was similar to Netflix. The video took a while to load, and the streaming quality was noticeably poor compared to the service without a VPN. If you are accustomed to using the service without a VPN, you may notice its impact. In contrast, YouTube did not present any issues with the VPN, and we were able to enjoy videos without any trouble. This indicates that different streaming services have varying levels of compatibility with VPNs and may require additional testing before use.
Is ZenMate Safe And Good for torrenting and P2P?
While torrenting is restricted on certain servers due to local regulations, it is still possible to do so. In case you’re searching for a VPN that supports torrenting, ZenMate can be an excellent option. It offers features like high-speed connections, P2P support, and a user-friendly interface that make it ideal for downloading large files securely. Moreover, ZenMate also provides robust encryption protocols that ensure your online activities remain private and secure. With ZenMate’s strict no-logs policy, you can rest assured that your online activities will not be monitored or tracked.
While the connection speeds for ZenMate initially performed well, they eventually began to slow down to approximately 4MB/s (32mbps). It’s unclear whether this decrease in speed is directly related to ZenMate or due to the peer-to-peer (P2P) nature of the network. However, it’s important to note that P2P networks are known for their slower speeds due to the decentralized nature of file sharing. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these factors when evaluating the performance of VPNs like ZenMate. Additionally, it may be helpful to explore other VPN options that offer faster speeds and more optimized connections for specific applications.
ZenMate VPN Features Of Extensive Range
Smart Locations
Smart Locations is a feature that functions similarly to automated split tunneling. It allows users to automatically activate VPN for specific websites, which can save a lot of time when switching servers for particular uses. For instance, if you only want to use Netflix while connected through a VPN, you can enable smart locations. However, this feature is only available on the browser add-on and Android versions of the VPN service. While it may be disappointing that this feature isn’t available across all platforms, it’s still an incredibly useful tool for those who need it.
The drawback is that this could potentially lead to DNS leaks due to DNS Prefetching, which caches frequently visited IP addresses to save time. Enabling Smart Locations may expose your pre-cached DNS, so possible solutions include turning off DNS pre-caching or exclusively using the Zenmate desktop app.
Favorites
If you use a specific server often, you can bookmark it in the Favorites section for easy access. Just click on the star icon on the right side of the page, and the server will be included in your Favorites tab. This functionality allows you to easily locate and connect to your preferred servers without the need to search for them repeatedly. Furthermore, you can arrange your favorite servers by making folders and grouping them by location or purpose. It is a straightforward yet effective feature that can help you save time and improve your efficiency.
When it comes to unblocking a service using streaming servers, finding the right one can be a time-consuming task. However, there is a solution that can make this process more efficient. Utilizing multiple streaming servers and adding them as backups when others are full is an effective way to ensure that you have access to the service you want. This approach ensures that if one server is overloaded, you can seamlessly switch to another one without any interruption in your streaming experience.
Is ZenMate VPN safe?
While ZenMate is a technically secure VPN service, it falls short in terms of its privacy policy and location. These factors are essential when choosing a VPN provider since they can significantly impact your online privacy and security. Firstly, ZenMate operates from a Five Eyes country, which means that it may be subject to government surveillance and data retention laws. Additionally, their no-logs policy has a clause that allows for the possibility of the policy being overturned, which raises concerns about the safety of user data. As such, if you prioritize privacy and security in your VPN service, these factors could be dealbreakers when considering ZenMate as an option.
Encryption
The AES-256-CBC cipher is a reliable encryption method that guarantees the privacy of your online connection. It utilizes private keys to encrypt and decrypt traffic, making it impossible for anyone without the necessary private keys to comprehend any data transmitted or received. Furthermore, authentication is processed with the SHA-256 hash function when connecting to a server. This function verifies the identity of the server and ensures that you’re communicating with the intended party instead of an imposter.By utilizing these security measures, your sensitive information and online activities are safeguarded against malicious attacks and unauthorized access. It also provides peace of mind knowing that your online communication is secure and inaccessible to prying eyes. However, it’s essential to note that while this encryption method offers robust protection, it’s always best to practice safe browsing habits and avoid suspicious websites or unsecured networks.
Tunneling protocols
Tunneling protocols are critical in determining how your data will be transmitted through a VPN. Choosing the right protocol depends on your requirements, and you must make an informed decision based on your use case. ZenMate offers multiple tunneling protocols to choose from, including IKEv2, which is one of the most commonly used protocols. It is lightweight and works seamlessly on a wide range of devices such as Windows and macOS apps. Selecting the best tunneling protocol for your needs can impact the speed and security of your VPN connection. Therefore, it is essential to do thorough research before making a decision that suits your specific needs.
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) is an open-source protocol that is highly customizable, offering the option to use UDP for faster speeds but weaker data integrity or TCP for slower speeds with stronger data integrity. This protocol is available on Windows, Android, and iOS apps. However, the limited options provided by OpenVPN are a significant drawback as it doesn’t support other protocols such as WireGuard or Shadowsocks. This lack of flexibility can be considered a security flaw in itself, limiting users’ ability to customize their VPN connection to meet their specific needs. It is essential to carefully consider which VPN protocol you choose to ensure that your online activities remain secure and private.
Kill switch
An extra layer of protection, known as a kill switch, is activated in the event of a disruption in the connection between your device and the VPN server. We conducted tests to evaluate its performance in real-life scenarios. The initial test entailed blocking IP addresses through a router to cease the connection, while the second involved terminating the VPN processes from the device and observing the app’s response. During the first test, the kill switch functioned as expected, disabling our internet connection and initiating reconnection in the background. However, it did not provide any notification indicating that the kill switch had been activated.
Even when OpenVPN processes are disabled, ZenMate app is designed to create additional ones to reconnect. However, if the entire background process is killed, ZenMate may still indicate that you are connected even though you have lost access to the Internet. In such cases, a computer restart is necessary to resolve this issue. Despite such challenges, ZenMate ensures that it has your back in case of connection drops. With its advanced technology and reliable support, users can be confident that their online activities will remain secure and private.
Logging
ZenMate operates from Germany, which has its drawbacks. The country is part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance and is a member of the European Union. These factors can pose challenges for those seeking privacy and anonymity. Although the service claims to keep no logs, there seems to be a contradiction in their privacy policy. They mention that they will only process and store personal data for as long as necessary or as permitted by European legislation, which means their no logs policy may not hold if the EU/Germany’s approach to data retention shifts.
It is concerning to discover that some VPNs collect a significant amount of data from website visits and even use tracking pixels in newsletters, as revealed in their terms of service. From a privacy standpoint, this is far from ideal. A reliable VPN should prioritize user privacy and security, ensuring that no sensitive information is collected or shared with third-party entities. It is crucial to conduct thorough research on a VPN’s privacy policy before subscribing to their services to ensure that your online activities remain private and secure.
ZenMate servers & locations
ZenMate offers excellent server coverage, and their recent partnership with CyberGhost has resulted in an impressive fleet of 4500 servers spread across 91 countries. This extensive coverage ensures that users can access a broad range of locations to choose from, enhancing their browsing experience. The increased server fleet also means that users can enjoy improved speeds and better security features. With such a vast network of servers, ZenMate assures its users of uninterrupted access to their favorite websites and applications from anywhere in the world.
| Region | Number of countries |
| Europe | 41 countries |
| The Americas | 9 countries |
| The Asia Pacific | 16 countries |
| The Middle East and Africa | 12 countries |
ZenMate is an excellent VPN service that provides users with a wide range of countries to connect to, particularly for those looking to connect with Europe or the Asia Pacific. The service even extends its reach to the Middle East and African regions, offering more variety than expected. Notably, even countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia are not excluded from the list of available locations. ZenMate’s variety ensures that users have access to numerous options for their specific needs, whether it be for business or leisure.
Plans And Pricing
ZenMate offers two pricing plans, Pro and Ultimate. While both plans offer a range of features, Ultimate users get two additional benefits – OpenVPN support and P2P network support. These features enable users to torrent and engage in other P2P activities while ensuring their online privacy and security. OpenVPN support ensures the highest level of encryption for all internet traffic, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize online privacy. The Ultimate plan is recommended for those who require these specific features, while the Pro plan is better suited for general VPN use.
| Version | Price |
| 1-month Pro plan | $7.99 |
| 6-month Pro plan | $19.14 or $3.19/month |
| 1-year Pro plan | $23.88 or $1.99/month |
| 1-month Ultimate plan | $10.99 |
| 6-month Ultimate plan | $32.34 or $5.39/month |
| 18 months Ultimate plan | $39.96 or $2.22/month |
In terms of pricing, the Ultimate package is priced at $10.99 for one month, $32.34 for 6 months, and $39.96 for 18 months. These charges are applied at the time of purchase, but selecting longer subscription plans results in greater savings. The Pro plan alters the pricing structure: $7.99 for 1 month, $19.14 for 6 months, and $23.88 for the annual plan. While it offers a good premium deal, it does come with a trade-off of losing some basic features such as OpenVPN support.
This service accepts only credit cards and PayPal as payment options, which may not be ideal for privacy-conscious individuals who prefer to use cryptocurrencies. However, they do offer a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users ample time to evaluate the service and determine whether it meets their expectations.One of the significant advantages of this service is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is an excellent value proposition for households or small businesses that require multiple users to connect to the VPN at the same time. Despite limitations in payment options, the trial periods and unlimited simultaneous connections make this service worth considering.
User Friendly Interface and ease of use
Windows
It’s evident that the app is a replica of CyberGhost’s app, as both VPN providers have merged. One peculiar feature of the app is the server list that displays active user numbers connected to it. However, the UI seems to lack proper planning and forethought. For instance, it’s not possible to select different regions within a country, making it challenging to connect to a specific part of the United States. Overall, while there are some drawbacks to the UI design, users can still enjoy robust security and privacy features offered by the VPN provider.
The connection lacks customization options, but you can set the app to start up on boot and connect to a specific server automatically. The only toggles available are for switching between IKEv2 and OpenVPN connections, enabling random ports, and disabling DNS and IPv6 leak protection (although it is strongly advised not to disable them).
macOS
The ZenMate experience for Apple users is more streamlined compared to Windows. The settings tab is simplified, with only three tabs available: General, Account, and Connections. The Connections tab is empty, while the Account tab displays your email address and the number of devices currently in use. The General tab offers a toggle to enable startup at launch. Despite the minimalistic design, ZenMate still provides robust security features for Apple users, including VPN encryption and malware protection.
When it comes to streaming and torrenting, you have the option of choosing from various servers. However, there are no additional customization options or feature toggles available. While having multiple server options can be beneficial for users seeking a specific location or faster speed, lack of customization features may limit the user experience. It is important to consider your priorities and requirements for streaming or torrenting when selecting a server option.
ZenMate mobile apps
Android
While the app appears to be rudimentary, it has a few user interface (UI) issues that can hinder the user experience. One of the issues is with the font color, which clashes with the background, making it difficult for users to read. Additionally, users cannot access the server list while connected, which can be inconvenient if they need to switch servers. These UI flaws can negatively impact user engagement and satisfaction with the app. Therefore, it is crucial to address these issues and improve the app’s usability to retain users and attract new ones.
The app in question seems to be a subpar imitation of CyberGhost. It lacks any unique features or appealing design choices that would differentiate it from its competitor. Overall, it falls short in both functionality and aesthetics, leaving much to be desired for users seeking a VPN service. It is crucial for developers to create a product that meets the needs of their target audience while offering something new and innovative to stand out in the saturated market of VPN services.
iOS
ZenMate’s iOS app can be best described as simple and straightforward, with a user interface that is easy to navigate. The app features a single button that allows users to access a list of available countries to connect to. Apart from this, there is also a settings menu that displays essential details such as the user’s username, active connections, plan, and the app version. While some may find the lack of advanced features limiting, the simplicity of the app makes it an ideal choice for users who want a hassle-free VPN experience on their iOS devices. Overall, ZenMate’s iOS app offers basic yet functional features that are perfect for users who prefer simplicity over complexity.
The iPhone version of the app uses a font that is better suited to the interface, resulting in a more harmonious display compared to the Android version. Nevertheless, this minor improvement does little to address the glaring lack of features. The app needs to offer more functionality and options to meet the demands of today’s users. It is essential to prioritize user experience while designing an app, ensuring that it caters to the needs and expectations of its target audience. A comprehensive feature set can make all the difference in attracting and retaining loyal users.
Browser extensions
ZenMate stands out as one of the rare providers offering more features on browser extensions than on the apps. This includes a stealth connection that eliminates cookies and browsing history cache upon VPThere is disconnection. Additionally, it features a browser-level split tunneling feature known as Whitelister, which enables activation for specific websites, allowing direct connection without the VPN.
Customer support
ZenMate is committed to providing its users with a seamless and stress-free experience, as demonstrated by the variety of customer support options available. Their customer support page includes comprehensive guides and frequently asked questions about common issues and troubleshooting. If you prefer personalized assistance, you can submit a ticket via their support system. Alternatively, if you require immediate feedback, their live chat feature appears to be the fastest option. We contacted ZenMate’s customer support team and were promptly connected with a professional agent who was able to answer all our queries satisfactorily. In conclusion, ZenMate’s dedication to delivering excellent customer service is admirable and sets them apart from their competitors.
Is ZenMate worth getting?
While ZenMate is considered mediocre, it does have standout features. The optimized OpenVPN TCP version and reliable kill switch ensure anonymity while browsing. It supports torrenting and P2P connections, making it great for secure file downloads. Affordable pricing appeals to budget-conscious users. The customer support team quickly resolves issues. With proper management and updates, ZenMate has the potential to rival top VPNs like Surfshark or NordVPN in reliability and affordability.
Nevertheless, despite ZenMate partnering with CyberGhost, it does not have its own distinct user interface and exclusive features on its Windows application and other editions. The VPN is deficient in tunneling protocols, and certain crucial features such as split tunneling are absent from the applications. Their sluggish speeds do not improve their situation.
Summary
Zenmate VPN is a reliable and affordable VPN service that offers a wide range of features to enhance your online security and privacy. With its user-friendly interface and strong encryption protocols, Zenmate VPN ensures that your data remains protected from prying eyes. Whether you’re browsing the internet, streaming content, or accessing sensitive information, Zenmate VPN provides you with peace of mind and anonymity. With its competitive pricing plans and excellent customer support, it’s no wonder why Zenmate VPN is a top choice for many users. If you’re looking for a trustworthy VPN service, give Zenmate VPN a try and experience the benefits for yourself.
Zenmate VPN Review 2024: FAQs
Is ZenMate free VPN safe?
ZenMate lacks a free version and only offers a 7-day free trial. If you use the extension, it will solely encrypt your browser traffic, whereas using the app is a more secure option.
Can ZenMate be trusted?
ZenMate employs robust encryption and demonstrates technical proficiency. Nevertheless, the absence of transparency and audit reports creates uncertainty regarding its trustworthiness.
Does ZenMate work in China?
ZenMate does not function in China.
Can I download torrents with ZenMate?
ZenMate used to make it easy for you to download torrents. ZenMate had dedicated servers that were aimed at downloading files while keeping you safe and anonymous. However, since ZenMate merged with CyberGhost, you will have to log into CyberGhost to torrent now.
