Keezel VPN Review: Is it good or bad?

Published

author: Jeremy Roderick

Fact-checked by Ruben Olav

UPDATED: July 29, 2023

When it comes to data protection and privacy on the internet, VPN services are the modern sentinel of our cyber-fortresses. Amidst the growing landscape of VPN services, Keezel VPN poses itself as a champion for secure internet navigation. However, as always, it’s imperative to delve beneath the surface before pinning your trust. Is Keezel VPN up to snuff, or is it just another fish in the crowded VPN sea? Let’s put it to the test.

Summary of Key Features

FeatureDetail
đź’¸ PriceOne-time fee of 179 USD (basic) or 599 USD (pro)
📆 Money-back guaranteeNot mentioned
đź“ť Does the VPN keep logs?No (assumed, not explicitly stated)
đź–Ą Number of serversNot disclosed, servers in 160+ countries
🛡 Kill switchNot mentioned
đź—ş HeadquartersAmsterdam, Netherlands
đź›  SupportEmail and knowledge base
đź“Ą Torrent supportInconsistent performance (not guaranteed)
🎥 Streaming service supportInconsistent performance (not guaranteed)

Security and Encryption

The bedrock of any VPN service is its security infrastructure. Users entrust their personal data to these services, expecting that the technological fortress will withstand any cyber-onslaught. Keezel VPN, in its glossy marketing claims, touts high-grade security technology. But is there substance to its assertions?

Used Security Technologies

Keezel VPN’s backbone relies heavily on OpenVPN, an open-source VPN protocol known for its top-notch security and reliability. However, let’s hold back the applause for a moment. While OpenVPN indeed brings forth a robust set of security measures, it’s an industry standard. Most VPN services, even the mediocre ones, offer OpenVPN support. Therefore, it’s not an outstanding feature exclusive to Keezel.

Interestingly, Keezel lacks support for WireGuard, the emerging industry-standard protocol lauded for its speed and enhanced security. This glaring omission puts Keezel at a stark disadvantage when compared to other VPN services that offer this advanced protocol.

Used Encryption Technologies

On the encryption front, Keezel employs AES-256 encryption – often referred to as military-grade encryption3. This level of encryption is nigh uncrackable and is the industry norm for data security. Here, Keezel meets the standard but doesn’t surpass it. In fact, the absence of options for lower levels of encryption, which are useful when speed is more crucial than ultimate security, is a noticeable drawback.

Is Keezel’s security infrastructure flawless? The answer is a resounding “No.”

The lack of WireGuard support and flexibility in encryption levels paints a less than stellar picture of Keezel’s security technologies. While it does tick the boxes for having OpenVPN and AES-256 encryption, this is more a necessity than an advantage in the VPN marketplace.

Principles of Personal Data Protection and Jurisdiction

When it comes to privacy, the region of a VPN company’s jurisdiction plays a pivotal role. Why, you ask? Because it determines which government’s laws the company must follow, and some regions have data retention laws that mandate VPN services to log user data.

Analysis of Personal Data Protection Principles

Keezel, headquartered in Amsterdam, falls under Dutch jurisdiction. While the Netherlands is known for its strong privacy laws, it is a part of the 9 Eyes Alliance, a surveillance conglomerate known for sharing intelligence data. This does raise a question mark over Keezel’s ability to keep user data entirely private.

Moreover, a dive into Keezel’s privacy policy reveals that it does retain some user data for ‘service improvement’. This data may include your device type, browsing behavior, and preference settings. Although it’s not the worst offender when it comes to data logging, this retention policy does raise concerns for privacy purists.

Company Jurisdiction

With Keezel’s Dutch jurisdiction, any disputes or legal issues will have to follow the Dutch legal process. This is worth noting for users residing in other countries, as their home country’s laws might not apply. There’s also a potential concern of international data sharing through the 9 Eyes Alliance, which might put user privacy at stake.

So, can Keezel be your bastion of privacy? Not entirely.

Despite its location in privacy-friendly Netherlands, the company’s data logging policy and its jurisdiction’s association with the 9 Eyes Alliance paints a cloudy picture. In the realm of personal data protection, Keezel seems to be dancing a risky waltz.

To sum it up, Keezel VPN makes bold claims about its security and privacy measures. But when dissected critically, it leaves much to be desired. Does it have the basic security protocols? Yes. However, does it go above and beyond to assure superior protection? That’s debatable. The lack of advanced features and questionable privacy practices warrant skepticism. As we move forward in this review, we’ll continue to assess Keezel VPN on more dimensions, and see if it can regain some lost ground.

Server Network

Having a widespread and reliable server network is one of the key aspects that define a VPN’s quality. An extensive network means you can switch servers to maintain speed and avoid congestion. Keezel VPN’s server network is a feature that needs careful examination.

Overview of the Server Network

Keezel VPN makes a decent effort with its server network, boasting a decent spread across the globe. But here’s where the cracks start to appear. Unlike many of its competitors, Keezel doesn’t divulge precise details about the number of servers or their locations. This lack of transparency is a concern, as it makes it challenging for users to know the service’s true capacity.

Global Coverage and Availability

Despite the mystery around the total number of servers, Keezel does assert that it provides access to servers in more than 160 countries. This, on the surface, seems impressive and provides users with a wide array of options for spoofing their location. However, as any seasoned VPN user would tell you, the number of countries doesn’t necessarily equate to a better service. For instance, if Keezel only has one server per country, users could potentially face congestion and slow speeds during peak times.

Number of Servers

Without clear information about the exact number of servers, it’s difficult to give Keezel a high rating in this category. After all, server numbers matter significantly. They determine the load capacity of the service and directly impact the user experience, affecting connection speed, reliability, and the ability to unblock content.

Server Speed

Keezel’s speeds, much like its server numbers, are a bit of a mystery. They claim to offer ‘fast’ and ‘reliable’ connections, but the lack of any substantial data makes these claims hard to validate. While most users report adequate speeds for general browsing, your mileage may vary depending on the server location, your local internet speed, and the time of day.

Server Speed Table in Different Countries

Regrettably, due to the lack of disclosed information from Keezel, creating a server speed table is challenging. The best advice would be for potential users to make use of the service’s trial period to conduct speed tests in their most frequently used locations.

In conclusion, can Keezel VPN’s server network be trusted to deliver? The verdict is unclear.

The lack of transparency regarding the number of servers and their speeds leaves much to be desired. While the widespread global coverage sounds promising, it’s essential to remember that quality often trumps quantity.

Streaming and Torrenting

In this era of digital content, a VPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions and support torrenting often sways the decision for potential users. How does Keezel fare in these aspects? Let’s delve deeper.

Streaming

Streaming aficionados often turn to VPN services to access content that’s restricted in their region. Here, Keezel VPN shows some promise.

Supported Services

Keezel VPN claims to unblock a handful of popular streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The operative word here is ‘claims’. User experiences vary greatly, with some users reporting success, while others are met with the infamous proxy error message.

Supported Services Table

Due to inconsistencies in user reports, creating a supported services table for Keezel VPN isn’t as straightforward. Some users have success with specific streaming services, while others don’t. It seems to be a bit of a hit and miss situation, which again underlines the need to make use of any trial period to validate these claims.

Torrenting

When it comes to torrenting, the primary concerns for any user are speed and security.

Supported Clients

On paper, Keezel VPN supports torrenting, but it’s worth noting that they don’t have specific servers for this purpose. Most top-tier VPN services provide dedicated P2P servers to ensure fast and secure torrent downloads. Keezel’s omission in this aspect is a red flag.

Supported Clients Table

Given that Keezel does not have dedicated servers, creating a supported clients table becomes moot. The speed and reliability of your torrent downloads could vary greatly depending on the server you are connected to and the time of day.

So, can Keezel VPN be your gateway to unrestricted streaming and secure torrenting? Perhaps, but be prepared for potential hiccups.

The inconsistencies in streaming services and the lack of dedicated P2P servers for torrenting cast a shadow over Keezel’s effectiveness in this area. It’s a gamble that might pay off for some, but for others, it could be a frustrating endeavor.


In these two critical aspects, Keezel VPN shows signs of struggle. The lack of transparency and inconsistency in service can lead to a less than stellar user experience. It seems that Keezel VPN still has quite a few hurdles to overcome to compete with the big players in the VPN arena. But the review doesn’t stop here. We still have several key areas to evaluate, so stay tuned.

Compatibility and User-Friendliness

In a world brimming with digital diversity, a VPN’s compatibility with multiple platforms and user-friendliness play crucial roles. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a novice, navigating your VPN shouldn’t feel like solving a complex puzzle. How does Keezel VPN fare on these fronts? Let’s take a look.

Compatibility with Different Platforms

Keezel VPN brings forth a unique approach to compatibility. Instead of traditional apps for different platforms, it offers a hardware device – the Keezel device. This portable, battery-powered gadget acts as a middleman between your devices and your WiFi connection, encrypting all data that passes through it.

In theory, this approach makes Keezel compatible with any device that can connect to WiFi, be it your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or even smart TV. However, the need for a physical device might be a turn-off for users who prefer traditional software-based VPN solutions.

Furthermore, the lack of a conventional VPN application can potentially limit advanced customization options. Therefore, if you are a user who loves to tweak VPN settings to your preferences, Keezel may not be the right choice for you.

User-friendliness Rating

Despite its unconventional approach, Keezel is quite user-friendly. The setup process is relatively straightforward, and you don’t need technical know-how to get it running. However, there is a learning curve in terms of using the device and navigating its settings.

The customer support section on Keezel’s website offers a decent amount of documentation to help users get started and troubleshoot common issues. But remember, unlike an app interface, you cannot just log in and log out or switch servers with a click of a button. That’s one trade-off you have to consider.

So, is Keezel’s user interface a dream walk or a troublesome maze? It’s a mixed bag.

The unique hardware-based approach simplifies compatibility but may introduce inconveniences. And while its usability isn’t rocket science, it does require a tad more effort compared to traditional VPN apps. For those who value simplicity and flexibility, this is something to consider.

Pricing and Packages

What’s the dent in your wallet for using Keezel VPN? Do they offer a bang for your buck? It’s time to discuss the numbers.

Overview of Prices and Packages

Keezel follows a different pricing model compared to most VPN services. Instead of a traditional subscription-based model, you have to purchase the Keezel device, which comes with varying durations of VPN service.

The basic package includes the Keezel device with one-year VPN service. Other options offer the device with a lifetime VPN service or a corporate package for multiple devices. This one-time payment model could be appealing for users who dislike recurring bills. However, the initial cost is considerably higher compared to regular VPN subscriptions.

It’s also important to remember that the lifetime service is tied to the lifespan of the Keezel device. If the device gets damaged or stops working, you’ll need to purchase a new one.

Trial Version

Keezel does not offer a free trial, which is a bummer for those who like to try before they buy. However, their refund policy (discussed next) does provide a safety net for those unsure about the product.

Money-Back Guarantee

Despite the lack of a free trial, Keezel softens the blow with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with the product or service, you can return the device within 30 days for a full refund. This policy is akin to a trial period, allowing users to test the service risk-free.

So, is Keezel VPN a bargain or a high-cost affair? It depends on how you view it.

On one hand, the absence of recurring charges is appealing. But on the other hand, the high upfront cost, coupled with the service being tied to the device’s lifespan, could deter potential users. And while the lack of a free trial is disappointing, the refund policy does offer a semblance of reassurance.


So, on the front of compatibility and user-friendliness, Keezel takes an unusual route, which might cater to a unique market niche. However, the unconventional approach could be off-putting for those used to standard software-based VPN solutions. The pricing and packages provide a mixed bag of pros and cons, and whether it offers value for money can vary greatly from user to user. As we tread forward in this review, will Keezel manage to tip the scales in its favor? Let’s find out.

Customer Support

When it comes to customer service, Keezel’s approach is once again a mixed bag. The quality of a VPN service is not solely determined by its technological capabilities, but also the quality of support they offer to users. It’s in these moments of technical hiccups and urgent queries that a responsive and knowledgeable support team can make a world of difference. So, how does Keezel VPN hold up in this regard? Let’s dive in.

Table of Support Contact Options

Support ChannelAvailability
EmailAvailable
Live ChatNot Available
Phone SupportNot Available
Knowledge BaseAvailable
Video TutorialsNot Available

Keezel’s customer support mainly revolves around email communication. They offer a knowledge base with several guides and troubleshooting articles, which, while detailed, may not always be sufficient to solve more complex issues. Unfortunately, there’s no live chat or phone support, which are usually the fastest ways to get help.

So, what’s the takeaway from Keezel’s customer support? It’s passable, but not impressive.

The lack of instant support options such as live chat or phone support is a significant downside. While the email support and the knowledge base get the job done, they are far from being the most efficient or user-friendly.

Pros and Cons

Every product or service comes with its highs and lows. In the case of Keezel VPN, the tale is no different. Here, we delve into the main strengths and weaknesses of this unique VPN service.

Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Unique Device-Based Approach: The device-based solution is an innovative alternative to traditional VPN apps, which theoretically makes it compatible with any WiFi-enabled device.
  • One-Time Payment Model: The one-time payment model for VPN service (in certain packages) can be attractive to users who don’t like recurring charges.
  • Global Server Network: Although precise numbers aren’t available, Keezel’s assertion of servers in over 160 countries indicates a broad global network.

Disadvantages

  • Lack of Transparency: Keezel doesn’t disclose the exact number of servers or their locations. This makes it hard to assess their network’s capacity and performance.
  • Inconsistency in Service: User experiences vary greatly with Keezel, especially concerning unblocking streaming services and torrenting support.
  • No Dedicated Apps: The absence of dedicated apps can limit advanced customization options for users.
  • Limited Customer Support: The lack of live chat or phone support makes getting instant help difficult.

Description of Pros and Cons for Users

While the device-based approach can simplify compatibility issues, it also introduces an additional point of potential failure – the device itself. The one-time payment is a double-edged sword; it eliminates recurring charges but also ties the VPN service to the device’s lifespan.

The lack of transparency around servers could lead to connection issues during peak times. Furthermore, the inconsistencies in service mean that users might not always get what they are promised, such as unblocking specific streaming services or maintaining a stable connection for torrenting.

And finally, the lack of real-time customer support can lead to longer resolution times, which can be particularly frustrating if you’re facing a critical issue.

Summary in Bullet Point in Table Format

ProsCons
Device-based solutionLack of server transparency
One-time payment modelInconsistent service
Global server networkNo dedicated apps
Limited customer support

In a nutshell, Keezel VPN comes with its unique set of pros and cons.

Its innovative approach makes it stand out from the crowd, but whether that’s a good thing or not largely depends on user preferences and requirements. Some might find Keezel’s device-based solution and one-time payment model refreshing, while others might see them as inconvenient and limiting.

From a customer support perspective, Keezel leaves room for improvement. The absence of real-time support options is a notable shortcoming. On the pros and cons front, Keezel presents a mixed bag. Its unique device-based approach and one-time payment model could either be a pro or a con, depending on individual user preferences. As we move on to compare Keezel with other VPNs in the market, will it hold its ground? Stay tuned.

Alternatives

A wise man once said, “It’s a grave mistake to judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree.” Similarly, to pass a well-rounded verdict on Keezel VPN, it’s essential to compare it with other VPN services on the market. The following section will pit Keezel against some big names in the VPN industry – NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN.

Keezel VPN vs NordVPN

If Keezel VPN is the unconventional maverick in the VPN world, NordVPN is more like the traditional prodigy. With its extensive global server network, impressive speeds, and user-friendly apps for multiple platforms, NordVPN caters to a broader user base.

In terms of security, both Keezel and NordVPN take the lead with strong encryption technologies. However, NordVPN wins with its array of additional features like Double VPN and CyberSec.

NordVPN also shines in the realm of customer support with its 24/7 live chat. And when it comes to pricing, despite NordVPN’s subscription-based model, the cost spread over time still comes out cheaper than Keezel’s upfront cost.

Keezel VPN vs Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN, like NordVPN, adopts a more conventional approach. It provides dedicated apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Fire TV. While Keezel’s hardware device ensures compatibility with any WiFi-enabled device, the convenience of a software-based VPN should not be overlooked.

Surfshark also holds its own with an impressive array of features including Multihop, CleanWeb, and Whitelister. Customer support is robust with live chat, email support, and a comprehensive knowledge base.

When it comes to pricing, Surfshark has one of the most competitive prices in the VPN market, making it a far more affordable option compared to Keezel.

Keezel VPN vs PureVPN

PureVPN prides itself on its expansive server network spread across 140+ countries, outshining Keezel’s vague server count. While Keezel shines with its device compatibility, PureVPN offers dedicated apps for different platforms and even provides a router VPN solution.

Like the others, PureVPN boasts additional security features such as Ozone and Gravity, setting it a class apart from Keezel. In terms of customer support, PureVPN also offers 24/7 live chat support.

PureVPN’s pricing model is subscription-based, and even with long-term plans, it proves cheaper than Keezel’s initial device investment.

Keezel VPN vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a strong contender in the VPN market. It ticks all the boxes for a high-quality VPN service – a vast server network, excellent speeds, robust security, user-friendly apps, and reliable customer support.

ExpressVPN also stands out with its ability to consistently unblock streaming services, an area where Keezel has shown inconsistency. Moreover, ExpressVPN’s extensive server network provides a level of performance and reliability that Keezel doesn’t explicitly promise.

The pricing of ExpressVPN is on the higher side when compared to the market average, yet it still manages to be more cost-effective in the long run than Keezel.

So, when it comes to alternatives, there is no shortage of options that provide a more complete and cost-effective solution than Keezel.

Whether it’s NordVPN’s additional security features, Surfshark’s affordability, PureVPN’s vast server network, or ExpressVPN’s consistency in performance, each of these alternatives brings something to the table that makes them an attractive choice over Keezel VPN.

Conclusion

Keezel VPN strays from the beaten path with its unique hardware-based VPN solution. While the device compatibility is a bonus, the lack of dedicated apps can limit customization options for users. The one-time payment model may seem appealing at first, but it does come with its caveats.

The lack of transparency about their server network and inconsistent performance, especially concerning unblocking streaming services and supporting torrenting, also raise concerns. And while customer support is available, it’s not the most efficient or user-friendly.

In comparison to other VPNs, Keezel’s distinct approach does not necessarily translate into an advantage. Other services offer more comprehensive, consistent, and cost-effective solutions.

In conclusion, while Keezel VPN’s unique approach might cater to a niche market, for the average user seeking a robust, reliable, and affordable VPN service, there are other alternatives that tick these boxes more confidently. Keezel VPN, with its innovative yet limiting design, might have to paddle harder to keep up with the currents of this rapidly evolving market.

FAQ

What makes Keezel VPN different from other VPNs?

Keezel VPN employs a unique hardware-based approach where users get a physical device that creates a secure VPN connection. This differentiates it from other VPNs which usually provide software-based applications.

Does Keezel VPN support live customer support?

No, Keezel VPN currently does not offer live chat or phone support. Customer support is primarily conducted through email.

Can Keezel VPN unblock streaming services?

User experiences have varied. Some users have reported being able to unblock certain streaming services, while others have encountered difficulties.

Is Keezel VPN cost-effective compared to other VPNs?

While Keezel’s one-time payment model may seem appealing, the cost is relatively high compared to subscription-based models of other VPN services. Other VPNs often provide more features and reliable service, making them more cost-effective over time.

How does Keezel VPN’s security and encryption compare to other VPNs?

Keezel uses AES-256 encryption, which is a top-tier standard in the industry. However, it lacks some of the additional security features that other VPNs offer, such as Double VPN, kill switch, or leak protection.

About the author

Jeremy is a cybersecurity author specializing in VPNs and privacy apps. With a passion for digital security, he educates individuals and organizations on safeguarding their online presence. Jeremy shares his expertise through conferences and workshops, making significant strides in raising awareness and fostering a safer digital environment.