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Privacy & Logging Policy
Kaspersky VPN is not private
Here’s a table summarizing the information that Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection logs:
Data Type | Logged by Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection |
---|---|
Browsing Activity | No |
Device Information | Yes |
DNS Queries | Yes |
Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
Individual Connection Timestamps | Yes |
ISP | No |
Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
Originating IP Address | Yes |
Account Information | No |
VPN Server IP | No |
VPN Server Location | No |
Date of Last Connection | No |
You can read Kaspersky VPN’s full privacy policy on its website under Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection.
Some of the data Kaspersky VPN logs can help with the running of the VPN network, and to provide users with statistics on their VPN usage.
For instance, you can view your data usage by day, the locations you have connected to, and the timestamps of when you connected and disconnected.
However, most of the data Kaspersky VPN collects ultimately erodes your internet privacy. The reality is many VPNs operate more effectively and without requiring all this data.
What’s even more concerning is that there is no mention of how long Kaspersky retains this data.
If you are based in the EU, in line with GDPR legislation, Kaspersky will delete all your data but only when you delete your account.
Concerning Ownership & Privacy-Unfriendly Jurisdiction
Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection is owned by Kaspersky Lab, which was founded in 1997 and is still being run by Eugene Kaspersky.
In recent years Eugene Kaspersky has come under fire for alleged connections to the Russian government.
These allegations are concerning, because the Russian government doesn’t allow for a free and open internet.
What is certain is that Kaspersky was the only major VPN service not to pull its servers out of Russia following Russia’s new laws against VPNs.
The contents of Kaspersky VPN’s privacy policy is therefore critical. Anything data the software keeps may be subject to surveillance from the Russian government.
Speed
Fast and consistent global speeds
Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection performed keeps performing extremely well in our speed tests.
Since we last reviewed Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection, the VPN’s speed performance has further improved.
Here’s a table showing Kaspersky’s speed test results:
We experienced a 8% speed reduction when connecting to nearby servers. Although this isn’t as fast as the leading VPNs, it’s still an impressive result.
Kaspersky’s speeds are more than fast enough for data-intensive tasks, including: online gaming, torrenting, and 4K streaming.
Connections were also very stable, and never dropped out during out tests.
The international speeds above are exceptional. Not even top VPNs like ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access can match these results.
To demonstrate this more clearly, we’ve compared Kaspersky’s international speeds to the very best VPNs in the chart below:
The VPN service uses Hotspot Shield’s very fast Hydra protocol, which in part explains the impressive speeds above.
However, Kaspersky VPN’s latency (ping) suffered over longer distances, though. This means online gamers should avoid using this service, unless they’re connecting to a nearby VPN server.
Server Locations
VPN servers in only 83 countries
Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection has servers in these regions:
Continent | Number of Countries |
---|---|
Europe | 45 |
Asia | 20 |
South America | 5 |
North America | 7 |
Africa | 4 |
Oceania | 2 |
Kaspersky operates 2,000 servers in 83 countries. While this is good, the number of available server locations is very limited for a premium VPN service.
The Server coverage is adequate in Europe and North America. However, if want to connect to servers outside of these regions, you may be disappointed.
In Asia, only Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore are served. There are no servers in South Korea, Vietnam or Malaysia.
South America and Africa are also poorly served. The only servers in South America are located in Argentina and Brazil, while there are zero servers in Africa.
After some investigation we’ve identified that, although Kaspersky VPN uses Hotspot Shield’s technologies, it has a distinct server network.
Given Kaspersky’s close Russian ties, it’s not surprising there is a server available in Russia. This is a rarity following Russia’s laws surrounding VPNs.
Streaming
Unblocks some streaming platforms but not Netflix
Here’s a list of popular streaming platforms that Kaspersky VPN currently unblocks:
Streaming Platform | Works with Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection |
---|---|
Channel 4 | Yes |
Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
BBC iPlayer | Yes |
Disney+ | Yes |
HBO Max | Yes |
Hotstar India | No |
Hulu | No |
ITVX | Yes |
Netflix US | No |
YouTube | No |
If you want to know if Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection works with a streaming service that’s not listed above, email us at hello@top10vpn.com and we’ll test it for you.
If you’re looking to stream HD video, Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection certainly has the speeds for it.
The VPN’s streaming capabilities are a mixed bag. The service works with some popular content platforms, but not with others.
In our latest streaming tests, the VPN unblocked popular platforms like Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video.
The VPN also worked with British TV services like BBC iPlayer, All 4 and ITVHub. We were surprised Kaspersky VPN unblocked BBC iPlayer – many VPNs fail to achieve this.
However, we couldn’t stream Hulu or any Netflix region. Kaspersky VPN used to occasionally unblock Netflix USA, however it hasn’t done so in recent tests.
Torrenting
Not private enough for safe torrenting
Here’s a quick summary of how Kaspersky VPN performed in our torrenting tests.
Torrenting Attribute | Result |
---|---|
Average Download Bitrate | 9.9MiB/s |
No. of P2P Servers | 2,000 |
Logging Policy | Some User Logs |
Kill Switch | Yes |
Port Forwarding | No |
Kaspersky VPN allows P2P traffic on all its 2,000 servers.
When we tested the VPN for torrenting, we recorded very fast torrent speeds, found no IP or DNS leaks, and verified the kill switch works effectively.
Despite the positives we’ve identified above, Kaspersky’s is not a good VPN for torrenting.
The issue we have with the VPN service is its over-the-top logging practices.
Sadly, the VPN logs too much activity and device data, which could reveal a file-sharer’s identity if it landed in the wrong hands.
It would therefore be risky for a torrenter to use Kaspersky VPN to download or upload torrent files.
Bypassing Web Censorship
Doesn't work in China
Kaspersky VPN has never worked in our China VPN tests, using our test server in Shanghai.
This isn’t surprising at all, since the VPN uses Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol, which doesn’t work in China.
Kaspersky even admits its VPN can’t be installed in the following countries due to legal limitations:
- Belarus
- China
- Iran
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
Kaspersky VPN does work in Russia, though, since it complies with Russia’s new censorship legislation.
The company is Russian, after all, and still operates VPN servers in the country. We therefore assume that it’s allowing Russian authorities to check server logs.
It’s very bad for a VPN to agree to actively facilitate censorship. It’s in fact one of the worst things a VPN could do, which is why we don’t recommend using Kaspersky VPN in Russia.
Security & Technical Features
Kaspersky VPN lacks advanced security settings
Protocols | Available in Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection |
---|---|
IKEv2/IPSec | No |
Hydra | Yes |
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | No |
WireGuard | No |
Encryption | Available in Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection |
---|---|
AES-128 | Yes |
AES-192 | No |
AES-256 | No |
Blowfish | No |
ChaCha20 | No |
Security | Available in Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection |
---|---|
DNS Leak Blocking | No |
First-party DNS | No |
IPv6 Leak Blocking | No |
Supports TCP Port 443 | No |
VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features | Available in Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection |
---|---|
Ad Blocker | No |
Dedicated IP | No |
Double VPN | No |
Smart DNS | No |
Static IP | No |
SOCKS | No |
Split Tunneling | No |
Tor over VPN Server | No |
Tracker Blocker | No |
As we’ve mentioned before in this Kaspersky VPN review, the service uses Hotspot Shield’s proprietary Hydra VPN protocol.
Hotspot Shield states that Hydra VPN is based on TLS 1.2, uses 128-bit AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA certificates for server authentication, and includes perfect forward secrecy (PFS).
While we would prefer Kaspersky VPN to use either OpenVPN or WireGuard, Hydra VPN is in our experience a secure-enough choice of protocol.
Kaspersky VPN also passed our IP and DNS leak tests. The screenshot below shows us connecting to a Ukrainian server:

Kaspersky passed all of our leak tests.
Unfortunately, the VPN’s applications lack many advanced security features we expect to see. This is disappointing.
Just about the only option available through the Settings menu is toggling off Kaspersky’s additional data collection, which we absolutely recommend doing.

Kaspersky’s settings menu.
At the very least, there is a VPN kill switch that worked well in our security tests. This tool prevents your IP address from leaking during sudden VPN connection drops.
The desktop application also includes a setting to automatically connect to the VPN when you join an insecure WiFi network.
Device & OS Compatibility
No compatibility beyond standard platforms
Apps
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection has native applications for all the basic platforms we expect from a VPN service:
- Microsoft Windows
- Apple macOS
- Apple iOS
- Google Android
However, the VPN service lacks the advanced compatibility top-rated services offer. For instance, there is no Fire TV Stick application, no Smart DNS functionality, and no way to install the VPN software on a router.
As a result, games console users won’t be able to easily use Kaspersky VPN. We recommend Private Internet Access as a good alternative.
Furthermore, there are no VPN browser extensions, and no Linux GUI.
Different device limit policies for free and premium plans
The company allows the use of its VPN on up to five devices with its premium subscription plans.
With the free plan, the device policy is unlimited but the data usage restriction is shared across all devices
Ease of Use
Basic but user-friendly applications
How to Install & Set Up Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection
Ease of Use Rating: 7.0/10
The user interface is consistent across all the VPN applications and pretty intuitive to use.

Kaspersky VPN’s home screen and server list.
The app’s home screen features a standard On/Off switch, with a straightforward country server list.
All other settings, although there aren’t many, are accessible via the burger menu in the top-left corner of the app.
Basically, there isn’t much to get wrong with such a simple and basic VPN app.
Kaspersky VPN could have added common features we see in many VPN applications – for example displaying your VPN IP address or the protocol being used – but so far it hasn’t.
While some VPNs over-clutter their apps, Kaspersky has gone all the other way to provide very little functionality to its users.
Customer Support
No live chat support
Customer Support | Available in Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection |
---|---|
24/7 Live Chat Support | No |
24/7 Email Support | No |
Chatbot | No |
Live Chat Support | No |
Yes | |
Email Support via Online Form | Yes |
Tutorial Videos | No |
Online Resources | Yes |
Our experience using Kaspersky VPN’s customer support was disappointing. Sadly, it just isn’t up to scratch with the leading VPN service providers.
The main downside is that there is no live chat support. Instead, you have to rely on online resources, or a slow ticketing system.
The VPN’s online customer support resources are comprehensive, but difficult to find and navigate. In many cases we found them more confusing than helpful.
If you send a query via the ticketing system, it generally takes at least a day to receive a reply. On one occasion we were even told to call an operator instead.
Price & Value
Cheap plans and a 30-day refund policy
Kaspersky VPN’s premium plans start at $4.99 on a pay-monthly basis, but the real savings come with the early plan, which costs just $1.25 a month.
This makes Kaspersky VPN one of the cheapest VPNs we’ve reviewed, although it’s not good enough to make our best cheap VPN list.
Kaspersky’s free VPN service
Kaspersky also offers a free VPN product, with a daily usage limit of only 200MB.
Although 200MB a day equates to roughly 6GB a month, this allowance is simply too little to allow for meaningful use of the VPN.
There is an option to increase the free data allowance to 300MB per day, if you connect the VPN to your My Kaspersky account.
Payment & Refund Options
Mastercard
PayPal
Visa
Kaspersky VPN offers very few payment options: credit/debit card and PayPal.
There is no option for anonymous payment methods like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The VPN service also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which essentially lets you try the VPN before fully committing.
The Bottom Line
Comes with too much unsafe baggage
Based on our latest testing results, Kaspersky VPN is still not a good VPN.
It’s certainly very fast and it even unblocks some popular video platforms, however the privacy issues affecting the VPN are concerning.
The main issues with the VPN service are its intrusive logging policy, the fact it complies with Russian censorship laws, and it lacks advanced security settings.
There are other VPNs available for a similar price mark that offer more private and secure experience than Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection.
Alternatives to Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection
Hotspot Shield
Kaspersky is built on Hotspot Shield but lacks some of its key features and has a much smaller server network. If you like Kaspersky’s speeds, but are looking for a better all round performer, Hotspot Shield is a great choice. Read Hotspot Shield review
PrivateVPN
It’s in the same price bracket as Kaspersky, but PrivateVPN has a lot more to offer. For a start its a no-logs provider. It also has a great server network across 59 countries, and works reliably with both BBC iPlayer and Netflix. Read PrivateVPN review
Other VPNs We've Reviewed
User Reviews for Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection
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