ZenMate VPN Review 2021
A VPN, also known as a virtual private network, helps you access the internet more freely and on your terms. It works to make your online identity more anonymous, protect your data, and gives you access to content that might be restricted in your area.
In this ZenMate VPN Review, we’ll look at why this product is a great entry-level VPN but falls short when it comes to clarity around privacy and security. While this VPN will unblock platforms like Netflix, allow torrenting, and is uber affordable – the company is based in a 14-Eyes country and the speeds aren’t anything to write home about.
What’s on This Page
ZenMateVPN
3.75/5
- Affordable pricing
- Easy to use interface
- Good speeds, access to streaming
What is ZenMate VPN?
ZenMate VPN is a VPN service based in Germany that operates in more than 30 locations across the globe and has more than 3800 servers. The target user for this service is new to VPNs and is looking for an easy way to protect themselves from bad actors online. The app itself is easy to use, but if you require attentive customer support and a privacy policy that is easy to understand – this might not be the right service for you.
With basic features, average speeds, and an unbeatable price on a 3-year plan, this service offers great value for money if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection for your online activity. However, before committing to three years, we recommend you try out the monthly plan first and opt to use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like it.
What is the ZenMate VPN Browser Extension?
The ZenMate VPN browser extension is a free extension available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. The VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your real IP address so that you can protect your data while using public wifi networks, access blocked content, or surf the internet more anonymously.
Just like the desktop and mobile app, this version of the VPN is relatively easy to use, and once it’s set up, all you have to do is click a button to surf the net in a more secure fashion. If you’re new to VPNs, this could be the perfect introduction.
ZenMate VPN Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Above average scores
Cons
- Does not unblock all streaming services
- Not many features
- No live customer support
How Do I Use ZenMate VPN?
Once you’ve downloaded the app or browser extension and set up your credentials, all you have to do is choose a server location and connect. The user experience is relatively hassle-free and intuitive for most users. If you find you’re experiencing slower speeds, try connecting to a server that is closer to your actual physical location.
Our Rating Process
We tried out ZenMate and assessed it based on user experience, features, price, and security. We scored each out of 5 points to help you in your decision process. Remember this isn’t a one-stop-shop, so the best way to figure out if this product is right for you is to first assess your needs, and then look at ZenMate’s features to see if the product meets your needs!
User Experience – 4.5/5
While Zenmate’s privacy policy and customer support are lacking (more on that below) the app is easy to use and has an interface that is intuitive for those who have never used a VPN before.
In the app’s compact view, you can connect to your optimal server or choose the one-click best location option, making it very quick and easy to use.
Features – 3/5
ZenMate’s feature set is relatively basic, there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, but the service gets the job done. ZenMate’s top feature is speed, and the service consistently performed above average when put to the performance test.
While the number one reason to use a VPN is usually privacy, number two is often to access streaming services from different regions. This VPN was able to unblock most streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. But, during the test, we couldn’t unblock Hulu. On the Windows client, you’ll even find a streaming section with locations optimized for certain services.
Customer service holds a big weight when it comes to VPNs, especially when the VPN is targeted at novice users. There is no live chat or phone support with ZenMate, only email support or articles. The company says they can take up to 48 hours to answer an email, but in our test, we received an answer within 24 hours.
When it comes to the support articles, the information is there but can be hard to find, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. If you’re looking for docs related to setup or a single issue, you might find yourself digging for a bit before you find what you’re looking for.
Price – 5/5
While the monthly price is just above average for VPN services, but if you opt for the three-year plan, you’re really getting a deal. At a three-year commitment, the plan comes in at $1.64/month, paid in one go at $59 for three years. At this price, it almost doesn’t make sense to opt for the one-year plan that comes in at $53.88 for the year.
While this pricing structure might feel strange, the company is obviously trying to entice you to opt for the longer-term commitment. Nevertheless, there is a seven-day free trial afforded to every user before they are billed, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you decide this VPN isn’t the one for you after a month, you can move on.
Security – 3/5
ZenMate has a no-log policy, but it’s not clear how it’s enforced. The privacy policy is quite long and vague and doesn’t give clear answers when it comes to data protection and privacy. The policy is thousands of words long and is hard to understand.
The policy makes no mention as to how it handles requests from authorities or what the no-log policy means. The clauses are difficult to read and spend a lot of time explaining examples that are not relevant to the everyday user. The company has also not undergone a third-party audit.
ZenMate is based in Germany which is a 14-Eyes member. This means that the governments of alliance countries usually work with internet service providers and tech companies to enact data surveillance. The government can also request that companies turn over customer data.
Package Comparison
Product Details
One month package
One year package
Three year package
Price per month
$10.99/month
$4.49/month (billed at $53.88 each year)
$1.64/month (billed at $59 every 3 years)
30-day money-back guarantee
Yes
Yes
Yes
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Yes
Yes
Yes
Email support
Yes
Yes
Yes
Browser add-ons
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
Yes
Yes
Technical / Product Details
Product Details
Specs
Supported Languages
English, French, German, Russian, Spanish
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Restricted countries
China, Iran, Saudi Arabia
Customer support
Email and articles
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Number of servers
3800 +
Frequently Asked Questions
From a security perspective, ZenMate says they do not collect and store personal data, but their privacy policy is unclear. The policy says, “in rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject […]” If data security and privacy is your main reason for using a VPN, this one is probably not the safest, due to their complicated and confusing privacy policy.
When tested for data leaks, none were found – there were no IP, DNS, Flash IP, or location data leaks. Furthermore, the VPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, which provides an extra layer of protection when it comes to protecting your connection and personal information.
While ZenMate VPN isn’t the fastest VPN service on the market, the speeds are still decent. The speeds are good enough for streaming and torrenting and we found that if you are experiencing slower speeds, switching servers usually solves the problem. For the fastest speed, it’s best to connect to a server that’s close to your physical location.
ZenMate VPN offers a free browser extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Paid plans for desktop and mobile apps come with a 7-day free trial period, and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Does ZenMate VPN have unlimited data?
ZenMate offers unlimited bandwidth to subscribers, making the product a good option for streamers.