Features
- Most platforms supported
- OpenVPN
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 5 concurrent connections
- 11 server locations
- 1-day free trial
- Auto-connect on startup
- Auto-reconnect if the connection drops
- Auto-connect on insecure wifi networks
Speed and Performance
We tested connection speeds using the Android app on a Google Nexus 7 2013 tablet using our 20 MB/s UK broadband connection (seeing as the app is primarily aimed at the mobile market).
Tests were performed using TestMy.net, using their Netherlands server and UK server. Connecting to their Netherlands server, we achieved a download speed of 14.7Mbps, and 9.5Mbps to their UK server.
Speeds were rather inconsistent, something that was confirmed throughout our tests on different servers.
We also tested VPN Shield for DNS leaks using DNSLeakTest.com, and found no problems.
Pricing and Plans
A 30-day subscription is a very reasonable $3.99, going up to $24.99 ($2/pm) if you buy a year at once. You can also buy a one-week trial subscription, and the Android app comes with a free one day trial.
Payment is made through in-app purchases, or through the Windows 8 app store (we don't know how OSX purchases are made).
Privacy and Security
Other than being run by a company called STIDIA, which apparently operates out of Luxembourg, we know nothing about VPN Shield. Luxembourg does not apply the (now defunct but still in place in most local legislation) EU Data Retention Directive to VPN providers, but we have no idea what VPN Shield’s privacy policy is.
On the technical side of things, we also have very little information. Cisco encryption is a proprietary standard, and is usually used to protect passwords for Cisco account. We wouldn’t trust it. OpenVPN should be fine, although no details about the level of encryption or cipher used are known, so we will assume it is the default 128-bit CBC Blowfish.
Final thoughts
VPN Shield is very cheap, and other than very wildly varying performance results, works well. For simple geo-spoofing, evading local censorship, and protecting your data while using public WiFi hotspots, its fine. However, since we know nothing about the company or what they do with your data, anyone who even vaguely cares about privacy should look elsewhere.