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Ultrasurf Review – Can I use Ultrasurf Instead of a VPN?
Sure you can but the question is – do you really want to?
Ultrasurf is a free client for Windows that gives you the opportunity to visit any website while having your traffic encrypted through a secure tunnel. The base idea is the same as that of a VPN.
It works on Internet Explorer as a default software, but you can also use it with Firefox. For other browsers, you have to manually create proxies when setting up Ultrasurf.
At its core, the program is nothing else but a file which you don’t even have to install. Also, keep in mind that your antivirus might flag it as potentially dangerous. All you have to do is create an exception in your antivirus database and you can then safely proceed.
Step-by-step guide
- After downloading the zip file from the official site, unzip it at a location of your choice
- Double click on the executable file. The name should be something line u1103.exe
- You’ll notice that, instead of an installation process beginning, your internet browser will initiate with the Ultrasurf interface
- You can work your way around the settings through the interface, but the software works just as fine without any changes
- Now you should have a secure connection through which to surf the internet
- If you want to close Ultrasurf, just close the interface itself
There is an extension for Google Chrome that you can download to use if you want to use Ultrasurf on the popular internet browser. Moreover, there is an Ultrasurf software compatible with Android devices as well.
1. Using Ultrasurf with a Firestick
By following the next steps, you’ll learn how to install the Ultrasurf software and make it work with Firestick:
Go to Settings – Device – Developer options – Enable ABD debugging (on) – enable apps from unknown sources. You will have to install an app that’s not on Playstore so you need these permissions
- Return to the firestick’s home-screen
- Click on the search button and then look for Downloader
- Look around for the Get button, then click on it
- After the download is finished, click on the Open button
- When asked for an URL, type in https://goo.gl/9DRgu9. This link will lead you to another website where you can download Ultrasurf from
- After clicking on the link, a download will start
- After it finishes, follow the screen instructions to install and open the software afterward
- Well done, you are now the proud user of an Ultrasurf Firestick
Now, let’s talk about whether you should really use this free software instead of a good VPN.
2. Is Ultrasurf a good substitute for a good VPN?
The answer would be an unequivocally no. It’s not because there is explicit evidence that you are less protected with Ultrasurf but because common logic dictates it.
Just think about it by using a comparison between free VPNs and premium online security providers. The former ones have no infrastructure to provide its users with quality services. After all, with little to no money to invest, how can they rise up to the expectations?
It’s really a matter of trustworthiness as well because the OpenVPN code was made public long ago, and it’s been peer-reviewed by all the tech-specialists in the field. A VPN’s security protocols are known to be top-notch.
Ultrasurf has done no such thing, and no one knows what its core code hides within. Not even its security measures are known, let alone their quality or reliability.
Moreover, it seems like the free software keeps logs for at least a month. And considering that the mother company is based in the US, what do you think could happen if some government agency comes knocking on the doors, asking for information on someone?
They will have to bow their heads in silence and give away the data, potentially signing someone’s condemnation at the same time.
In terms of privacy and security, while Ultrasurf was designed to bypass certain restrictive techniques used by websites, it is in no way a true security tool employing state-of-the-art encryption.
The torrent policy is as bad as you can expect it to be. Ultrasurf is a browser-based service. It has no specific protocols in effect that would support torrenting or make it any more private.
As for the customer support, it’s limited to user videos on Youtube showing you how to properly set up the software or you can search for any information on the user center on the company’s website.
The interface itself is very easy to use though. Since you don’t have to install anything, all you have to do is run the executable and the interface will pop up almost instantly.
It will act as a browser add-on. You can change the preferences to use it with other browsers besides Internet Explorer. The client will show a status window showing that you are connected to one of the automatically-selected servers.
Performance-wise, Ultrasurf was not only good but very good, in terms of speed that is. It went ahead and beyond what a VPN can provide. There was a drop of 2 Mbps when tests were conducted.
However, when you think about the fact that this free software is merely just a stripped-down version of a VPN, with nowhere near as many processes and features, it’s normal for the speeds to be better.
Such high speeds can only mean one thing – that the security protocols aren’t as strong. Normally, when you look at the best VPNs on the market, they will never guarantee you identical speeds with and without their client turned on.
That’s because online security providers give you exactly that – heightened encryption and protection. This will slow down your traffic even if the server response times are top-notch.
Unfortunately, regarding security we have no specific information on its encryption protocols or how it works in the first place. Rumor has it that Ultrasurf uses TLS/SSL security but then again, that could just be something they’re saying.
3. Conclusion
Just to put things into perspective, you would be way better off using a free VPN, rather than using Ultrasurf. It’s simply incomparable and doesn’t deserve the name of an online security provider.
It’s merely a proxy, a browser-addon that will only give you a superficial illusion of protection when, in fact, they will even keep logs with your confidential data, traffic, history, and so on.
If you want top-notch protection that will keep you anonymous, look towards NordVPN, IPVanish, and CyberGhost. These three are the very best that the market has to offer.
They’ve built their reputation ever since the online security race began, and their professionalism, quality of services, and reliability have come through time and time again.
Agreed, you will have to pay for their services, but they will be money well-spent. If you want the best, you have to be prepared to pay for it.
And the three premium VPNs I told you about are the very best in their field.