Top 10 VPNs Reviewed

06 Oyster VPN

⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s simplicity and speed are remarkable.

OysterVPN

When I tested OysterVPN, the standout quality was its simplicity and streaming capability at a budget-friendly price. While it doesn’t boast thousands of servers like some top-tier providers, OysterVPN still manages to deliver secure, private connections with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, RAM-only servers, and solid torrenting and streaming support. Its WireGuard protocol ensures fast speeds, and it includes split tunneling and DDoS protection—useful for gamers and privacy-focused users alike.

OysterVPN might not be as well-known, but its recent improvements show promise. With dedicated apps for most platforms (except Linux GUI), it offers a decent user experience at an affordable entry point.

Why You Need It

If you’re after a secure and budget-friendly VPN that delivers reliable streaming, safe torrenting, and strong protection on public Wi-Fi, OysterVPN fits the bill nicely. It’s a solid mid-tier option, especially for users who prioritise privacy and simplicity over an extensive global server network. As an added bonus, OysterVPN includes free Cloud Storage with its Lifetime plan and a Password Manager with the 1-Year plan—extra value that makes it even more appealing for everyday users.

My Experience

Using OysterVPN, I found it easy to install and intuitive to use, especially for beginners. I streamed content from Netflix US and BBC iPlayer without buffering, and downloads via torrent were stable and quick. Switching servers was smooth, and while it may not have the largest network on the market, OysterVPN still offers reliable coverage with servers in 32 countries and 43 locations—enough to provide solid global access for most users.

In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become vital. Every time you connect to the internet, your data—whether it’s personal information, browsing history, or even passwords—can be vulnerable to hackers, tracking by ISPs (Internet Service Providers), and surveillance. That’s where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in.

A VPN creates an encrypted “tunnel” for your internet traffic, hiding your IP address and ensuring your data stays private. Whether you’re shopping online, streaming content, or working remotely, a VPN provides benefits like:

1. Enhanced Security: Protects your data from hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
2. Privacy: Hides your online activities from ISPs and advertisers.
3. Access to Global Content: Unblocks region-restricted content, such as Netflix libraries or international websites.
4. Safe Torrenting: Shields your identity when downloading files via peer-to-peer networks.
5. Bypass Censorship: Helps users access websites and services blocked in their region.

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6. ISP Throttling for Streaming and: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) sometimes throttle your internet speed when they detect data-heavy activities like streaming or gaming. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP from identifying what you’re doing online.

OysterVPN delivers the core features you need—security, speed, and streaming—without the high price tag. It’s not quite in the same league as NordVPN or Surfshark yet, but it’s a competitive option for everyday users.

Key Features

AES-256 Encryption: Military-grade encryption to protect your data.

Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects internet if the VPN drops.

RAM-Only Servers: No data stored—everything wiped on reboot.

WireGuard Support: Ensures fast and secure connections.

Streaming Unblocker: Access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Split Tunneling: Route only specific apps through the VPN.

DDoS Protection: Extra layer for gamers and high-risk users.

No-Logs Policy: Claims zero user tracking or activity logging.

PRO’s

• Affordable Pricing: Offers low monthly rates and even a lifetime plan.
• Strong Torrenting Support: P2P-friendly with good speeds.
• Beginner-Friendly Interface: Easy to set up on most platforms.
• Streaming Works Well: Unblocks major platforms with minimal hassle.
• Privacy Features: Includes essentials like kill switch and RAM-only tech.

CON’s

• No Native Linux App: Manual setup only; no GUI for Linux users.
• No Independent Security Audit (Yet): Could be a deal-breaker for advanced users.
• Inconsistent Support Hours: Not 24/7 live chat.

OysterVPN Speed Test Results

• Speeds can vary based on location and server load, but here’s what I experienced:
  Local Server (South Africa to Europe):
  Download: 78 Mbps
  Upload: 61 Mbps
  Ping: 23 ms
  International Server (South Africa to US):
  Download: 59 Mbps
  Upload: 43 Mbps
  Ping: 152 ms
  Analysis: Surprisingly solid speeds for a smaller provider. WireGuard gives it an edge, but performance drops slightly over long distances.

OysterVPN Pricing Tiers:

• Monthly Plan: $9.99/month
• 1-Year Plan: $3.33/month (billed annually)
• Lifetime Plan: One-time fee (~€51 at the time of writing)
• Refund Policy:
• 30-day money-back guarantee

OysterVPN Security Features

Despite being a smaller provider, OysterVPN delivers a solid lineup of security tools designed to protect your identity, data, and activity online. Here’s a closer look at the core security features that make OysterVPN a worthy contender:

AES-256 Encryption

OysterVPN uses AES-256, the same encryption standard trusted by banks, military institutions, and cybersecurity experts worldwide. It ensures your internet traffic is unreadable to hackers, ISPs, or surveillance entities.

Kill Switch

This feature automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops. It prevents your real IP address or data from leaking, especially during torrenting or sensitive browsing sessions.

Split Tunneling

Available on Android and Windows, split tunneling allows you to route only specific apps through the VPN—perfect for multitasking securely while keeping local services unaffected.

DDoS Protection

For gamers or streamers concerned about attacks, OysterVPN includes built-in DDoS protection, helping shield you from unwanted traffic and connection drops during gameplay.

RAM-Only Servers

OysterVPN claims to run RAM-only servers, which means no data is ever written to hard drives. When a server is rebooted, all session data is wiped—enhancing privacy and reducing the risk of data retention.

WireGuard Protocol

Known for its speed and security, WireGuard is a modern, lightweight VPN protocol that delivers fast connections with strong encryption. It’s a major upgrade over older protocols like OpenVPN in terms of performance.

No-Logs Policy

OysterVPN states it maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning your browsing history, connection timestamps, and IP addresses are not stored. However, this policy has not yet been independently audited.

⭐ Customer Reviews Summary:

Rating: 4.3/5 (Based on aggregated feedback from Trustpilot, Reddit, and third-party review sites)

Highlights:

• Good value for money
• Easy for beginners
• Reliable for torrenting
• Needs more servers and transparency

🧭 OysterVPN Setup Guide – Step-by-Step

Whether you’re using a desktop, phone, or smart TV, getting started with OysterVPN is easy. Follow this quick guide to protect your devices in minutes.

✅ 1. Sign Up for OysterVPN

• Visit the official website: https://oystervpn.com
• Choose a plan that suits your needs (monthly or annual)
• Create your account and complete the payment

✅ 2. Download the App

• After purchase, head to the Downloads section on the website
• OysterVPN supports:
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Plus manual setup for routers, smart TVs, and browsers

✅ 3. Install & Log In

• Run the installer and open the app
• Log in using the credentials you just created

✅ 4. Choose a Server

• You’ll see a list of server locations (approx. 25 countries)
• Choose a location manually or use the “Best Location” feature for optimal speed

✅ 5. Customize Settings (Optional)

• Enable Kill Switch
• Choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2 protocols
• Set up Split Tunneling or Auto-Connect on boot

✅ 6. Connect and Browse Securely

• Click “Connect”
• Your IP is now hidden, and all data is encrypted

Bar Graph

Here’s a bar graph comparing the Local vs. International Speed Test Results for each VPN provider. Server Location, Simultaneous Connections, and Pricing.

Key Takeaways:

• ExpressVPN leads with the fastest speeds across both local and international servers.
• NordVPN and Hotspot Shield also perform exceptionally well.
• Budget options like FastestVPN and Ivacy VPN have decent speeds but show a more noticeable drop in international performance.

Final Thoughts

OysterVPN may not lead the VPN pack, but it holds its own in the mid-range market. If you want basic privacy, torrenting, and streaming support at a great price, it’s a compelling alternative to premium providers. While it still lacks things like a full audit and large server spread, it’s making strides in the right direction. If you’re looking for a secure, affordable VPN that offers solid streaming, safe torrenting, and protection on public Wi-Fi, OysterVPN is a great mid-tier choice. It’s ideal for users who value privacy but don’t need a vast global server network. Plus, OysterVPN includes complementary offers like Free Cloud Storage with the Lifetime plan and a Password Manager with the 1-Year plan.

It’s especially worth trying if you’re on a budget or just getting started with VPNs.