HideIPVPN Formula 1 Promotion

This weekend marks the first round of the 2015 Formula 1 World Cup Championship.  The best drivers in the world will compete in the Australian Grand Prix this Sunday.  Watch as they compete on the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit.  The season will conclude with round 20 in Abu Dhabi on November 29.  You can catch all the action using HideIPVPN.  They are offering 50% off the first 8 months of VPN or SmartDNS service using coupon code F12015 during registration.  The HideIPVPN Formula 1 promotion will be active through November 30.

HideIPVPN Formula 1 Promo

HideIPVPN offers both VPN and SmartDNS.  The main difference is privacy.  If you want to protect your online privacy then a VPN is the right option.  Their VPN provides encrypted access through a network of VPN servers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands and Germany.  You can choose the best VPN plan based on server locations.  Most their VPN plans also include SmartDNS access free of charge.

Smart DNS services differ from VPN in that they do not offer encrypted access.  You can think of SmartDNS as a proxy that helps unblock content in other countries.  It doesn’t provide encryption like a VPN so you won’t have that extra layer of privacy and anonymity.  It’s also faster since encryption adds overhead.  HideIPVPN SmartDNS service costs less than VPN.  With unlimited access to unblock sites in the US, UK and Poland.

HideIPVPN won’t leave you guessing as to which sites and services you can unblock using SmartDNS.  Paid services like Netflix will require that you have an account.  Their SmartDNS service will give you access to the Netflix site as if you were sitting in the United States.  That’s just an example.  Here’s are just a few of the sites that the HideIPVPN SmartDNS service will help you unblock:

  • United States – Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, Crackle, HBO GO, CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, Spotify, Pandora
  • United Kingdom – Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky Go, NOW TV, LOVEFILM
  • Poland – Kinoplex, VOD.onet.pl, Player.pl, TVP.pl, Cineman, Strefa VOD, oPlex.pl, HBO GO

Visit HideIPVPN.com and use coupon code F12015 to save.  Follow us @VPNSP for the latest VPN deals.

OverPlay 25% Off Coupon Code

We’re excited to share a 25% off coupon from OverPlay.  The promo code is good for 25% off the first billing cycle of any Secure VPN or SmartDNS plan.  That includes 25% savings on the first month, quarter, 6 months, or year of access.  The coupon stacks with their regular term discounts helping you to save up to 37% off a full year.  Enjoy VPN from $6.25 a month or SmartDNS from $3.12 a month.  Visit our OverPlay special page to save.

OverPlay coupon

OverPlay is one of a select few companies that offers both VPN and Smart DNS.  Better yet VPN members get free access to their SmartDNS service.  That gives you the best of both worlds.  Protect your privacy and encrypt your data with the VPN.  Then when you want to watch content in another country fire up their SmartDNS service.  The difference is encryption.  You can use OverPlay’s SmartDNS to watch tv shows and movies in other countries without any speed loss.  It will unblock any geographic restrictions along the way.

You can read our OverPlay review for a full rundown of the service but let me give you a quick overview.  OverPlay manages a network of over 140 VPN servers in 48 countries around the world.  Members can connect to any of them using their Windows and Mac client software.  Encrypt your data and protect your privacy using their VPN network.  As a VPN user you also have free access to their popular SmartDNS service.

Speaking of SmartDNS, OverPlay will help you access channels in over 21 regions around the world.  Including popular video services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.  Along with music services like Pandora and live sporting events like the World Cup.  I love to use their SmartDNS to watch shows and movies in other countries.  You may not realize but Netflix has a different content library for each region and OverPlay will let you switch between them.  This opens up newer movies and shows that would otherwise be blocked.

Visit our OverPlay special page to save 25% off the first billing cycle of any VPN or SmartDNS plan.

StrongVPN Oscars Trivia Contest

This year’s Oscars Awards will be held on Sunday, February 22nd at 8pm EST.  Do you know a lot about the history of the Oscars?  If so you could win a free year of VPN access from StrongVPN.  With the Oscars just around the corner you’ll want to visit their site asap to enter for your chance to win a free year of VPN.  Head on over to the StrongVPN Oscars Trivia Contest page for your chance to win.

StrongVPN Oscars Trivia Contest

Here is some additional information on this year’s Oscars.  I’m not sure whether or not it will help in the trivia contest but if you plan to watch the awards the info will come in handy either way.

  • Neil Patrick Harris is the host
  • You can expect performances from Lady Gaga and Jack Black
  • Presenters include Dwayne Johnson, Terrence Howard, Felicity Jones, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman, Liam Neeson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Channing Tatum, and many more.
  • The Oscars Awards will begin at 8pm EST on Sunday, Feb. 22nd

Now for some information on the StrongVPN service:

  • StrongVPN is a pioneer in the VPN industry.  The team started selling computers in South Lake Tahoe in 1994.  They now manage a large and ever growing online privacy service.
  • StrongVPN has a large network with over 800 servers in 21 countries.
  • You will find the quality of service and customer support to be excellent.  StrongVPN is known for both qualities.
  • StrongVPN offers unlimited VPN access from just $4.58 a month.

Head on over to the StrongVPN Oscars Trivia Contest page for your chance to win.  You can read our StrongVPN review to learn more about their service.  Follow us @VPNSP for the latest giveaways and special offers.  Good luck and enjoy the Oscars!

PureVPN Chinese New Year Promo

The team over at PureVPN is celebrating the Chinese New Year with a special promotion.  New members who sign up between February 10th and February 20th will save an additional 10% off any term.  Take advantage of the offer by entering promo code 888 to save 10% off any plan.  PureVPN was already offering 65% off annual accounts.  The promo stacks on top of their current discounts.  Enjoy PureVPN from just $3.75 a month.

PureVPN Chinese New year Sale

Let’s take a quick look at the PureVPN Chinese New Year promotion.  PureVPN plans include access to their full network of VPN servers plus free SmartDNS service if you sign up for the annual term.  You can use the PureVPN client software to access both VPN and SmartDNS.  The difference is encryption.  Here’s a brief explanation of each included service:

  • VPN Service – PureVPN manages a network of over 450 servers in 78 countries around the world.  You can use their Windows and Mac software.  Along with mobile apps for iOS and Android to access any server location.  When connected to their VPN your data is encrypted.  This adds a layer of protection and helps ensure your online privacy.
  • Smart DNS – unlike VPN, the SmartDNS service is specifically set up to unblock access to content in other countries.  For example you can stream Netflix US from outside the United States (with a Netflix membership) or watch BBC programming from outside the United Kingdom.  SmartDNS doesn’t include encryption.  That means you’re not protecting your privacy but the connection is faster.  It can also help users in the United States get around ISP speed restrictions.

You can read our PureVPN review to learn more about their service.  They offer all new users a 3 day money back guarantee.  I think you’ll be pleased with the PureVPN service.  Both their VPN and Smart DNS are easy to use.  They have a nice support staff if you need help along the way.  I recommend their annual account for the best price and free SmartDNS.  Remember to sign up by February 20th to take advantage of the 10% savings.

StrongVPN Super Bowl Promotion

StrongVPN is celebrating Super Bowl weekend with a special promotion.  Sign up by Sunday, February 2nd, the day of the big game, using coupon code BOWLXLIX to save 15% off Lite, Deluxe and Premium packages.  The discount also applies to their StrongDNS service.  We’d also like to note that NBC will be streaming all the action starting with pre-game coverage at noon EST.  Visit StrongVPN.com before game time to save.

StrongVPN Super Bowl Special

If you’ve never tried StrongVPN or haven’t used the service in awhile this is a great time to sign up.  I visited their site and noticed a number of specials.  To start the StrongVPN site has a fresh new design.  The first thing I noticed when viewing the new homepage was a special 30% discount for a plan that included unlimited access to VPN servers in the US, UK, Canada and the Netherlands for just $4.58 a month.

StrongVPN Special

The StrongVPN team has been around a long time and the company has a great reputation.  You’ll find the service to be fast and reliable.  Their support team is one of the best in the industry.  StrongVPN offers a number of packages based on your needs.  The differences range from supported protocols to network access.  I recommend you check out their PPTP $55 a year and OpenVPN $85 a year account packages.

Don’t forget to visit StrongVPN.com by Sunday and use coupon code BOWLXLIX to save 15% off during their Super Bowl promotion.  The online coverage from NBC will begin at 12 PM EST with the kickoff from Glendale, Arizona at 6:30 PM EST.  Enjoy the big game!  You can follow us @VPNSP for more great VPN deals.

IPVanish Football Trivia Contest

Are you ready for all the Super Bowl action?  With the big game less than a week away we’re excited to see the Seattle Seahawks defend their title against the New England Patriots.  Regardless of which team you plan to cheer on our friends at IPVanish are giving away some free VPN accounts and GamePasses to enjoy all the action.  Test your trivia skills in the IPVanish trivia contest and enter for your chance to win.

IPVanish Football Trivia Contest

The IPVanish football trivia contest is already active and will run though Friday, January 30th.  You have a chance to win an NFL Super Bowl GamePass or free VPN access.  There is no purchase necessary.  Simply answer some trivia questions to enter.  You can earn extra entries by helping share the promotion with your friends.  We’d also like to thank IPVanish for offering our visitors a 25% discount on VPN access.  If you’re looking for a VPN to watch the big game then you can enjoy unlimited access to IPVanish from just $4.87 a month.

Let’s take a look at the list of prizes IPVanish is giving away in their football trivia contest:

  • 3 NFL Super Bowl GamePasses
  • 1 IPVanish VPN annual subscription
  • 3 IPVanish VPN 3-month subscriptions
  • 10 IPVanish VPN 1-month subscriptions

Here are some more details from the IPVanish Trivia Contest page:

How to Enter

Complete the IPVanish Football Trivia Giveaway entry form below. Earn even more entries by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook or sharing a link to this promotion.

Promotion Dates

Entries will be accepted from January 23 – January 30, 2015.

Winner Notification

Winners will be selected at random and will be chosen from all of the submitted entries from the IPVanish Football Trivia Giveaway entry form. All winners will be notified via email within 30 days of the conclusion of the promotion.

Promotion Rules

For complete promotion rules and details, refer to the Rafflecopter widget.

We recently learned that NBC plans to stream the Super Bowl for free.  They normally restrict access to cable and satellite subscribers but this year they’re lifting those restrictions.  We still expect them to geo-block the event to those in the United States.  If you plan to watch the big game from outside the US then I suggest you sign up for a VPN service ahead of time.  Once again our friends at IPVanish are offering 25% off all plans so there’s no reason to miss the action in this year’s game.  Don’t forget the Super Bowl ads.  They always provide another level of entertainment during the big event.  Best of luck to your favorite team.  Enjoy the big game!

VPN Services that Accept Bitcoin

As time moves forward and more people get comfortable with the idea of using Bitcoin we’ve seen a number of leading VPN services add it as a payment option.  If done right this adds another layer of anonymity to your account.  Since Bitcoin is an extra layer of privacy for the transaction over using credit card or PayPal.  Let’s take a look at some of the VPN providers that accept Bitcoin.  You’ll definitely know some of these names.

Bitcoin VPN

1. IPVanish

IPVanish is a no-log VPN provider that also supports Bitcoin payments.  IPVanish users have access to their full network of VPN servers around the world.  They have custom software for Windows, Mac and Linux.  As well as iOS and Android apps.  Subscribers can connect on two devices at a time.  IPVanish supports OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP protocols.  All new members are covered by their money back guarantee.

IPVanish offers unlimited access to 140+ VPN servers located in 63 countries (full list) along with support for PPTP, L2TP and OpenVPN connections.  With a full suite of VPN client software and mobile apps.  Enjoy unlimited VPN access from just $4.87 a month.

2. Private Internet Access

Whether your goal is online privacy or opening access to content in other countries, PIA is a favorite of many VPN users.  Their mix of quality features and low prices make them one of the most popular providers.  TorrentFreak really likes the service and so do most the folks on the Reddit /vpn forum.  With Private Internet Access you get a mix of server locations in important locations and a nice low price.

Private Internet Access manages a network of 2,000+ VPN servers located in 13 countries (full list) around the world.  Along with features like a kill switch to stop programs from communicating anytime the VPN drops.  VPNSP visitors enjoy unlimited VPN from just $3.25 a month.

3. Hide My Ass

Hide My Ass is well known for providing quality VPN service.  HMA users are greeted with a wide range of features including their free VPN client.  Members can use the client to access their network of VPN  servers in 140 countries around the world.  Switching locations and IP addresses on the fly.  Hide My Ass supports OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP protocols.  With support for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices.

Hide My Ass offers unlimited access to 750+ VPN servers located in 140 countries (full list) along with support for PPTP, L2TP and OpenVPN connections.  With their free HMA Pro VPN client and a number of enhanced features.  Enjoy unlimited VPN access from just $6.55 a month.

4. PureVPN

PureVPN is well known for the quality of their service and extra features like support for SSTP connections.  They also offer some nice add-on features like dedicated IP’s.  PureVPN members have a wide selection of VPN clients to choose from.  Including custom apps for Windows and Mac users. Along with some great mobile apps for iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android devices. PureVPN also supports DD-WRT routers.

PureVPN offers one simple plan.  Members enjoy unlimited, uncapped VPN access from 300+ VPN servers located in 87 countries (full list) around the world.  Along with support for PPTP, L2TP and SSTP.  VPNSP visitors enjoy unlimited VPN from just $4.16 a month.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is well known for having one of the fastest networks. You’ll pay a bit more than some other providers but the service is fast and reliable.  ExpressVPN manages a network of VPN servers around the world and offers unlimited access to members.  They have client software for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.  The price of ExpressVPN is based on the sign up term and comes with a 30 day money back guarantee.

ExpressVPN offers unlimited access to their network of VPN servers located in 78 countries (full list) around the world. The service offers free Windows, Mac, iOS and Android software and supports OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP protocols. Enjoy unlimited VPN from $8.32 a month.

Those are our top 3 picks of VPN providers that offer Bitcoin payments.  There are several other choices.  We’ll try to list them all them.  If you know of other providers that accept Bitcoin payment please let us know @VPNSP and we’ll be happy to add them to the list.  Learn more about any of them on our VPN services page.

Here’s a full list of VPN providers that accept Bitcoin:

  • AirVPN
  • AzireVPN
  • BCVPN
  • BlackVPN
  • BTGuard
  • CCrypto
  • CryptoStorm
  • CryptoVPN
  • CyberGhost
  • EarthVPN
  • ExpressVPN
  • Hideman
  • Hide My Ass
  • ibVPN
  • In Disguise
  • Ipredator
  • IronSocket
  • iVPN
  • Lamnia VPN
  • LiquidVPN
  • Mullvad
  • Proxy.sh
  • PureVPN
  • Private Internet Access
  • SecurityKISS
  • Seed4Me
  • SlickVPN
  • TorGuard
  • TorVPN
  • VersaVPN
  • VPN.AC
  • VPNLab
  • VPNSecure
  • VPNTraffic
  • ZorroVPN

You can visit VPNSP.com to learn more about VPN services.  Follow us @VPNSP for the latest news and deals.

 

Will Netflix Block Your VPN?

That’s the question we’ve been getting over and over again for the past few days.  Ever since posts on Reddit and an article on TorrentFreak the web has been set a blaze with stories of Netflix clamping down on VPN services.  Netflix has since responded that their policy hasn’t changed toward VPN users.  Yet the lingering question is still whether or not Netflix will block your VPN?  If they do what other options are available?

Netflix blocked message

We should start by quickly summarizing the recent events.  Just after Christmas users started sharing complaints on Reddit after they were unable to access Netflix through what they referred to as DNS VPN services like Unblock-Us and Unotelly.  That got users wondering whether or not their VPN would be blocked.  After testing several leading VPN services I’m happy to share that none of them are having any issues accessing Netflix from outside the United States.  That should help calm a lot of concerns.

What’s going on then?  What is all the fuss about?  Netflix did in fact make a change recently that is causing issues for Android users.  The change is specifically impacting Smart DNS services like Unblock-Us, UnoTelly and Smart DNS Proxy.  That’s different from VPN.  If you are using Smart DNS then you will be impacted by the latest update to the Netflix Android app.  The latest Android app release sends users through Google for DNS.

Just to recap, VPN users are good to go.  If you ever have issues with your VPN then I suggest you connect to a different server.  If that fails try another VPN provider.  I personally tested more than 10 large VPN services without any issues.  If you use Smart DNS and plan to watch Netflix on your Android device then I would refer to your provider for support.  The teams at Unblock-Us and Unotelly have notices posted to help users.

You can visit vpnsp.com to learn more about VPN and follow us @VPNSP for the latest news and deals.

ExpressVPN Network Expansion

The ExpressVPN team is hard at work making their premium VPN service even better.  The latest addition to ExpressVPN’s list of offerings includes new server locations in over 30 countries around the world.  That’s a huge addition to their world class  network.  ExpressVPN now manages an even larger network with 97 server locations across 78 countries and growing.  You can test the VPN service risk-free for 30 days.

ExpressVPN network

In addition to the new server locations ExpressVPN has been delivering more and more value to their members.  Some of our favorite highlights of the service include their easy to use VPN client software for Windows and Mac.  Along with mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.  We also appreciate that ExpressVPN accepts a wide range of payment options including Bitcoin for those who want an extra layer of privacy.

Let’s take a quick look at the countries in which ExpressVPN hosts servers:

  • Americas: United States, Canada, Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
  • Asia Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
  • Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
  • Middle East & Africa: Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, South Africa.

They offer multiple server locations in popular countries like the United States and United Kingdom.  You can use the service to stay anonymous online, secure your privacy on wifi networks, and unblock content around the world.  There are numerous other uses for the VPN as well.  I use a lot of VPN services and ExpressVPN is one of my favorites.  I highly recommend the service for those seeking a fast, reliable VPN at a reasonable price.

You can read our ExpressVPN review to learn more about the service or sign up from just $8.32 a month.  All new members are covered by their 30 day money back guarantee.  Giving you plenty of time to test the network.

Astrill Celebrates 5 Years of Service

The team at Astrill is celebrating five years of service.  Five years may not sound like that long but it is in the personal VPN space.  Most the providers we cover on vpnsp started up after Astrill.  We’ve seen hundreds of VPNs launch in the past five years.  It’s nice to see companies like Astrill continue to grow and protect the privacy of users around the world.  Members have access to a growing network of VPN servers and custom software.

Astrill

I can’t speak from experience about the Astrill service since I haven’t used it recently.  The last time I tested the service was some time ago.  At that time their client software was easy to use and the network was fast.  We’ve kept an eye on the latest news from Astrill over the last couple years and it sounds like they are continuing to innovate and expand the service.  They offer members unlimited access to servers in over 50 countries.

Astrill is competitively priced.  They offer 3 month, 6 month and annual subscriptions.  We’d like to see a monthly plan but they don’t offer one.  Accounts start at $29.95 for 3 months.  Astrill offers discounts based on term.  You can sign up for a year of unlimited VPN for $69.95 which works out to $5.83 a month.  Astrill offers some paid add-ons including NAT firewall for $5 a month and private (dedicated) IP) for $5 a month.

You can visit Astrill.com to learn more about their service.  If you decide to sign up they shared the following coupon code on Twitter a few hours ago.  It will save you 40% off the first billing cycle for 3 month, 6 month or annual term.  The code is PM40-42D43-61F0C-4BC8F.  Cheers to the Astrill team as they celebrate five years of service.  We look forward to seeing what they have planned for the years to come.

You can visit vpnsp.com to learn more about VPN and follow us @VPNSP for the latest news and deals.