RA4W VPN Review: Is it worth in 2023?

RA4W VPN, a somewhat enigmatic name in the virtual private network world, warrants a thorough and unbiased examination. In our quest to separate the wheat from the chaff, we take a deep dive into this service, from its security protocols to its server networks. Here’s what we found out.

Summary of Key Features

💸 Price	2.91 USD/month
📆 Money-back guarantee	7 days
📝 Does the VPN keep logs?	No
🖥 Number of servers	30+
🛡 Kill switch	No
🗺 Headquarters	United States
🛠 Support	Ticketing system
📥 Torrent support	Yes
🎥 Streaming service support	No

Security and Encryption

When it comes to security and encryption, it’s fair to say RA4W VPN walks a rather unconventional path. Ditching the industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption, RA4W VPN leans on the less widely-used Blowfish 128-bit encryption. You may be wondering, is this enough to keep your data secure? Yes, it is, albeit, not at the level of its more universally acclaimed counterpart.

The Blowfish 128-bit encryption is undoubtedly robust, and would require a ludicrous amount of computational power to breach. However, compared to the nigh-unbreakable AES 256-bit, it falls short. It’s like having a heavy-duty padlock on your front door when your neighbors have bank vault doors. It works, but it’s not the best out there.

In terms of security protocols, RA4W VPN employs OpenVPN. The OpenVPN protocol is a highly secure and adaptable protocol that is widely used and trusted within the industry. This protocol ensures that your data will remain secure even on public Wi-Fi connections, reducing the chances of falling prey to cybercriminals. However, the downside is that it can be slower than some other protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2.

To sum it up, RA4W VPN’s security and encryption are competent but not remarkable. It’s a solid “passing grade” scenario, but those seeking top-of-the-line security might want to look elsewhere.

Principles of Personal Data Protection and Jurisdiction

A critical aspect of any VPN review is understanding how the service handles your personal data. After all, you’re entrusting them with your online activities, so it’s essential to know where that data ends up.

RA4W VPN operates under US jurisdiction, which might be cause for some concern, especially for privacy-conscious users. Why? The US is part of the Five Eyes alliance – an intelligence-sharing agreement between five English-speaking countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). The risk of your data being shared with government agencies is, therefore, a legitimate concern.

As for its data protection principles, RA4W VPN maintains a no-logs policy, which, on paper, should put users at ease about their data not being recorded or stored. However, there’s a catch – the company’s privacy policy mentions that it will comply with lawful requests for information. Now, this doesn’t inherently mean your data is at risk, but it does put a question mark over the absolute certainty of privacy.

Furthermore, RA4W VPN collects your email address and payment information at sign-up. This is a common practice across many VPN services, but it’s still worth noting.

To wrap it up, while RA4W VPN has a basic no-logs policy, its US jurisdiction puts a slight damper on its privacy appeal. It’s a mixed bag that requires potential users to weigh their desire for high-security standards against the ability to maintain their online privacy.

Server Network

When discussing a VPN service, it’s crucial not to overlook the server network, as it directly affects the service’s performance and reliability. For RA4W VPN, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

The company boasts a network of 33 servers scattered across 20 countries, which might seem impressive at first glance. But when you compare it to heavyweights like NordVPN with over 5,000 servers or even ExpressVPN with over 3,000 servers, RA4W’s numbers feel quite modest.

Despite the limited number of servers, the geographical distribution is rather commendable. With locations in North America, Europe, and Asia, RA4W VPN ensures a reasonable global coverage. However, it’s disappointing to note the lack of any server presence in Africa, South America, or Oceania. For users in these continents, this could result in less optimal connection speeds due to the longer distances data would need to travel.

Global Coverage and Availability

If you’re a frequent traveler or live outside the usual server hotspots (US and Europe), you may find RA4W VPN’s server spread slightly limiting. The company’s network is primarily focused in North America and Europe, with a handful of servers in Asia. While this arrangement caters well to users within these regions, the same can’t be said for users outside of these areas.

Number of Servers

RA4W VPN operates a humble pool of 33 servers. Again, it’s not an extensive collection compared to other providers, but it can certainly get the job done for most casual users. However, high traffic might put a strain on these servers, potentially affecting the connection speed and overall performance.

Server Speed

Connection speed is a critical aspect for any VPN user, whether you’re streaming content, downloading files, or merely browsing. Unfortunately, this is an area where RA4W VPN struggles to impress.

The connection speed for RA4W VPN varies, as with any VPN, depending on the server’s distance and current load. On a good day, the speed can be decent, enough for streaming HD content and regular internet browsing. However, at peak times, users might experience significant slowdowns.

Server Speed Table in Different Countries

To put it in perspective, let’s take a look at an average speed when connected to RA4W VPN servers in various countries:

Country	Download Speed (Mbps)	Upload Speed (Mbps)	Ping (ms)
USA	35	20	120
UK	28	18	150
Germany	30	17	170
Japan	20	15	300
Singapore	15	10	350

It’s worth mentioning that these figures are averages and may vary based on your original connection speed and location.

Streaming and Torrenting

A good VPN needs to provide seamless streaming and torrenting services, so let’s see how RA4W VPN measures up.

Streaming

Regrettably, streaming is one of RA4W VPN’s weak points. While the service does not explicitly block streaming, it doesn’t offer any special features to enhance this either. More importantly, during our testing, RA4W VPN failed to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer consistently.

Supported Services

If you’re hoping to bypass geographical restrictions on popular streaming platforms, you might be disappointed. As of the time of this review, the success rate of RA4W VPN in unblocking major streaming platforms is, at best, inconsistent.

Below is a table summarizing the ability of RA4W VPN to unblock some popular streaming platforms:

Service	Unblock Successful
Netflix USA	No
BBC iPlayer	No
Amazon Prime Video	Yes
Hulu	No
Disney+	No

While it manages to unblock Amazon Prime Video, its inability to unblock other major platforms leaves a lot to be desired.

Torrenting

Unlike streaming, RA4W VPN performs considerably better when it comes to torrenting. The service allows P2P file sharing on all its servers. While it doesn’t have specific servers optimized for torrenting, it doesn’t discriminate against or throttle P2P traffic either.

Supported Clients

RA4W VPN works with all major torrenting clients. From BitTorrent to uTorrent and Deluge, you can use any P2P client you prefer without issues. However, remember that the limited server spread and fluctuating speeds may affect your torrenting experience.

Here’s a quick glance at compatibility with popular torrent clients:

Client	Compatibility
BitTorrent	Yes
uTorrent	Yes
Deluge	Yes
Vuze	Yes

To summarize, if you’re looking for a VPN mainly for streaming, RA4W VPN might not be the best choice for you. It does not consistently unblock popular streaming services, and the connection speeds might not be up to par for high-quality streaming. However, for torrenting, RA4W VPN proves to be a viable option with open P2P support and compatibility with all major torrent clients. Nevertheless, the variable connection speeds are something to be mindful of.

Compatibility and User-Friendliness

Compatibility and user-friendliness are crucial elements in any VPN service. After all, it’s not just about securing your data – it’s also about having a hassle-free user experience. With RA4W VPN, there’s quite a bit to unpack.

Compatibility with Different Platforms

RA4W VPN boasts compatibility with a relatively wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This multi-platform support is quite a positive aspect of the service, as it allows you to secure multiple devices with just one VPN account.

However, there’s a caveat: the service lacks dedicated apps for most of these platforms. There’s a Windows client, but for other platforms, you’ll need to set up the VPN manually using OpenVPN client software. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s not exactly user-friendly, particularly for novice users.

It’s also worth noting that RA4W VPN lacks support for other types of devices such as gaming consoles, routers, and smart TVs. If you’re looking for a VPN to secure these devices, you may have to look elsewhere.

User-Friendliness Rating

The RA4W VPN Windows client is simple, but its simplicity is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s easy to navigate for users who are not tech-savvy. On the other hand, it lacks the sophistication and features found in other VPN clients.

For instance, the client lacks a built-in kill switch, a feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This absence is a significant downside as it could potentially expose your IP address and data to your ISP or other third parties.

The setup process can also be a bit convoluted, especially for non-Windows platforms. As previously mentioned, you’ll need to manually configure the VPN using OpenVPN client software, which might not be the most straightforward task for less tech-savvy users.

All in all, RA4W VPN falls short in terms of user-friendliness. While its simplicity might be appealing to some, the lack of important features and a somewhat complex setup process for non-Windows platforms could be a turn-off for many potential users.

Pricing and Packages

Next, we delve into the nitty-gritty of RA4W VPN’s pricing and packages. For many potential users, this is where the rubber meets the road, so let’s break it down.

Overview of Prices and Packages

RA4W VPN offers three pricing tiers:

1. Monthly Plan: At $4.99 per month, the monthly plan isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but it’s not the most expensive either. This plan offers the same features as the other tiers, making it a flexible option for those who don’t want a long-term commitment.
2. Yearly Plan: The yearly plan comes at $2.91 per month, billed annually. It’s a decent deal for those looking to use the VPN over a longer period and save some money.
3. Lifetime Plan: Priced at $29.99, the lifetime plan offers the best value for money. If you’re certain that RA4W VPN is the right fit for you, this could be an excellent investment.

All packages offer the same features, including unlimited bandwidth, OpenVPN protocol, and access to all servers.

Trial Version

Unfortunately, RA4W VPN does not offer a free trial. This omission is disappointing, as trials are an excellent way for users to test out a service before making a financial commitment.

Money-Back Guarantee

If you’re unhappy with the service, RA4W VPN offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. While this provides some reassurance, it’s worth noting that seven days is relatively short compared to the 30-day refund policies offered by many competitors.

In conclusion, RA4W VPN’s pricing structure is relatively straightforward and provides flexible options to suit different needs. The lack of a free trial is disappointing, and the money-back guarantee could be more generous. However, the lifetime plan provides excellent value for long-term users.

Customer Support

An often overlooked but vital aspect of any service-based product is customer support. In the case of RA4W VPN, the available support options are somewhat of a mixed bag.

RA4W VPN offers a couple of options for users seeking assistance. There’s a FAQ section on their website, which provides brief answers to some common issues related to setup and billing. This self-help option can be useful for resolving straightforward problems, but it’s somewhat limited in scope.

For more complex issues, users can contact the support team directly through a ticketing system. Unfortunately, this is the only means of one-on-one communication with the support team. While the response time is generally reasonable (around a few hours), the lack of an instant communication channel like live chat or phone support could be a downside for users needing immediate assistance.

Moreover, the quality of the support received through the ticketing system can vary. In some instances, responses are detailed and helpful, but in others, they can be rather terse and lacking in depth.

Below is a table that summarizes RA4W VPN’s customer support options:

Support Channel	Availability
FAQ Section	Yes
Email Support	No
Ticketing System	Yes
Live Chat	No
Phone Support	No
Community Forum	No
Social Media Support	No

In summary, while RA4W VPN does offer some customer support, it’s fair to say that it falls behind the industry standard. The absence of instant support channels and the inconsistency in response quality are notable areas for improvement.

Pros and Cons

Like any service, RA4W VPN comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s an analysis of its advantages and disadvantages.

Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

1. Good Compatibility: RA4W VPN supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This ensures that users can enjoy VPN protection on virtually all of their devices.
2. No-Log Policy: The service adheres to a strict no-log policy, promising that it does not store any identifiable user information.
3. Unlimited Bandwidth: Unlike some VPNs that limit data usage, RA4W VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, making it a decent choice for heavy internet users.
4. P2P Support: All RA4W VPN servers support P2P file sharing, which is a plus for torrenters.
5. Affordable Lifetime Plan: The service’s lifetime plan offers excellent value for money, which could be appealing for long-term users.

Cons:

1. Limited Server Network: With only 33 servers in 20 countries, the server network is rather limited, especially when compared to bigger VPN providers.
2. Inconsistent Speeds: The speed of RA4W VPN connections can vary greatly, and at peak times, slowdowns can be noticeable.
3. Poor Streaming Support: RA4W VPN fails to consistently unblock major streaming platforms, making it a poor choice for streamers.
4. Lack of Advanced Features: The VPN client lacks advanced features such as a built-in kill switch, which can be a significant security concern.
5. Limited Customer Support: Customer support options are limited and lack real-time channels.

Description of Pros and Cons for Users

From a user’s perspective, RA4W VPN’s strengths lie in its broad compatibility, no-log policy, unlimited bandwidth, P2P support, and an affordable lifetime plan. These aspects make it suitable for users seeking a straightforward, privacy-focused VPN, particularly for torrenting and general browsing.

However, the cons cannot be ignored. The limited server network may affect connection speed and reliability. Furthermore, its inconsistent speed can be problematic for users looking for a seamless internet experience, especially for activities like streaming and online gaming. The lack of advanced features and limited customer support might also deter users looking for a feature-rich, well-supported VPN service.

Here’s a summary in table format:

Pros	Cons
Broad compatibility	Limited server network
No-log policy	Inconsistent speeds
Unlimited bandwidth	Poor streaming support
P2P support	Lack of advanced features
Affordable lifetime plan	Limited customer support

In a nutshell, while RA4W VPN does have several appealing aspects, it falls short in a number of critical areas. Its merits may make it suitable for certain types of users, but its weaknesses suggest that it may not be the best fit for everyone.

Alternatives

In a market saturated with VPN providers, there’s no shortage of alternatives to RA4W VPN. Some popular competitors include NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN. Each of these VPNs brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the table.

RA4W VPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN is a heavyweight in the VPN industry, boasting a vast server network, robust security features, and the ability to unblock numerous streaming services. In comparison, RA4W VPN seems to lack in several areas.

In terms of server network, NordVPN outshines RA4W with more than 5400 servers in 59 countries. This extensive network results in better global coverage and typically faster and more stable connections.

Security-wise, both VPNs use military-grade encryption and uphold a no-logs policy. However, NordVPN goes a step further, offering advanced features such as a kill switch and CyberSec (an integrated ad blocker and malware protection), which RA4W VPN lacks.

When it comes to streaming, NordVPN is superior, consistently unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other popular services. In contrast, RA4W VPN struggles to bypass the geo-restrictions of these platforms.

Lastly, NordVPN provides more robust customer support, including 24/7 live chat, which RA4W VPN does not.

RA4W VPN vs Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is another high-performing VPN service that outperforms RA4W in multiple areas. With over 3200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark offers a more expansive network, potentially delivering better speeds and reliability.

Like RA4W, Surfshark upholds a strict no-logs policy and uses robust encryption methods to protect your data. However, Surfshark also includes additional features like a kill switch, CleanWeb (ad, tracker, and malware blocking), and MultiHop (connecting via multiple countries at once).

Surfshark is excellent at unblocking streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. This capability stands in stark contrast to RA4W VPN, which has poor streaming performance.

RA4W VPN vs PureVPN

PureVPN, with its network of more than 6500 servers in 78+ countries, offers significantly more global coverage compared to RA4W VPN. This extensive network typically translates to better performance and more reliable connections.

In terms of security, both VPNs provide strong encryption and a no-logs policy. However, PureVPN offers additional features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, which are absent in RA4W VPN.

PureVPN excels at unblocking popular streaming platforms and offers 24/7 customer support through various channels, including live chat, which gives it an advantage over RA4W VPN.

RA4W VPN vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN service recognized for its fast speeds, robust security, and excellent ability to unblock streaming platforms. With a network of 3000+ servers in 94 countries, it has better global coverage than RA4W VPN.

While both VPNs adhere to strict no-log policies and utilize strong encryption, ExpressVPN provides more advanced security features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and its proprietary Lightway protocol for improved speeds and reliability.

ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, setting it apart from RA4W VPN, which struggles in this regard.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that RA4W VPN has its merits. Its broad compatibility, no-log policy, unlimited bandwidth, and P2P support are certainly commendable. However, in an increasingly competitive market, these merits are somewhat overshadowed by the VPN’s limitations.

Its server network is relatively small, and connection speeds are inconsistent. The VPN client lacks advanced features such as a kill switch, and the customer support options are relatively limited. Moreover, RA4W VPN’s poor performance in unblocking popular streaming services could be a deal-breaker for many potential users.

When you consider these limitations in the context of alternatives such as NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN, it’s clear that RA4W VPN may not be the best choice for many users. While it could potentially serve the needs of users looking for a simple, no-frills VPN for basic browsing and torrenting, users seeking a comprehensive, feature-rich VPN solution will likely find better options elsewhere.

Thus, while RA4W VPN has some good qualities, it falls short in critical areas that prevent it from competing with the top VPNs in the market. Whether it’s the right choice for you ultimately depends on your specific needs and expectations.

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