Best Astrill VPN Alternatives in 2025: Faster, Safer, and More Streaming-Friendly

Gizmodo

06-07-2025

Table of Contents
Astrill isn't exactly a household name, but for folks in places like China or the UAE, it's long been a go-to for punching through the Great Firewall. With built-in stealth protocols and unlimited devices, it looks powerful on paper. But dig deeper, and cracks start to show. It's one of the most expensive VPNs out there, and still doesn't offer a refund.
Pair that with its clunky app design and patchy support for streaming platforms, and it becomes clear: Astrill may no longer be the smartest tool in the box. If you've been thinking of jumping ship, we've tested dozens of services to bring you the top Astrill VPN alternatives, which are faster, cheaper, and just as stealthy.
Astrill isn't a bad VPN, but it feels like it's just stuck in 2015 pricing with 2020 features, while the competition is sprinting ahead in 2025. To find Astrill VPN alternatives that genuinely outshine it, we focused on the gaps it leaves wide open.
Astrill charges over $12/month for the long-term commitment, and doesn't offer a money-back guarantee. That's steep, especially if you just want to test the waters. We prioritized VPNs that give you top-tier features and a risk-free trial. NordVPN, for instance, packs in blazing speeds, obfuscated servers, and a 30-day money-back window, all for nearly half the price.
Astrill isn't built for binge-watchers. Even with Smart Mode, it struggles with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and others. We only picked VPNs that could reliably unblock multiple libraries without error screens or throttled streams. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are standout choices here, and it aced our tests across Netflix, Hulu+, and Prime Video.
They are also reliable options when it comes to watching Paramount+ programs from abroad.
From setup to server selection, Astrill's UI can feel stiff and overwhelming, especially for new users. So we focused on VPNs with clean, intuitive apps across all platforms: mobile, desktop, even Smart TVs and routers. Proton VPN gets full marks here with its polished dashboard and one-click profiles for streaming, torrenting, and stealth browsing.
Despite its advanced features, Astrill locks some key options behind paywalls (like StealthVPN or VIP add-ons). We favored VPNs that offer customization without extra fees, like Private Internet Access, which gives you full control over encryption levels, port forwarding, and protocol tweaks straight out of the box.
Astrill claims a no-logs policy but hasn't backed it up with third-party audits. That's a red flag in 2025. We only included providers that are independently audited, use RAM-only servers, and are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. NordVPN, again, checks every box here, has been audited five times, and is based in Panama.
Astrill has its fans, no doubt, but with its sky-high pricing, clunky interface, and no-refund policy, we couldn't help but ask: Is there something better out there? Spoiler: there is. Actually, there are several.
We tested over a dozen premium VPNs side-by-side with Astrill. The goal? Find services that offer better performance, smoother streaming, smarter security, and more transparency, all while keeping your wallet intact. Below are the top Astrill VPN alternatives that don't just match what Astrill offers, they improve on it.
Let's start with the one that raises the bar across the board.
According to our hands-on tests with NordVPN, it is the best Astrill VPN alternative to try right now. Whether you're streaming international Netflix libraries, shielding sensitive data on public Wi-Fi, or just tired of clunky interfaces and surprise charges, NordVPN delivers a smoother, faster, and more flexible experience than Astrill.
When it comes to bypassing censorship, NordVPN is highly effective and is often mentioned as one of the top VPNs capable of working in China.
With 7,400+ servers across 118+ countries, including a huge footprint in the US, UK, Australia, and Asia, NordVPN gave us ultra-fast speeds and consistent access to services Astrill struggled with, like Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Hotstar. While Astrill locks key streaming features behind premium plans, NordVPN's SmartPlay is built in, letting you stream geo-restricted content seamlessly without manual DNS tweaks.
It's not just a streaming beast, though. NordVPN takes privacy seriously. You get RAM-only servers, AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy (audited five times), and Double VPN routing for sensitive activities. During testing, features like Threat Protection blocked trackers and malicious domains (even without an active VPN connection), something Astrill doesn't match.
We also found the Meshnet tool useful for device-to-device encryption, especially if you're working remotely or gaming with friends in other regions. Plus, with support for 10 simultaneous connections, your whole household can stay protected under one plan.
Best of all, NordVPN costs just over $3/month on long-term plans, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on Android, which is a level of flexibility Astrill doesn't offer.
Still unsure if this is the right alternative for you? Reading our Astrill VPN vs NordVPN comparison will no doubt help you decide.
Buy at NordVPN
Pros
Cons
If your main gripe with Astrill is its clunky UI, unreliable region switching, or paywalled 'VIP' servers, ExpressVPN is the elegant alternative you've been looking for. It's fast, it's intuitive, and it works, especially when you just want to stream something without fiddling with settings.
With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN covers slightly fewer locations than NordVPN but nails the ones that matter most, like the US, UK, Japan, and Australia. In our tests, we unblocked Netflix, Hulu+, HBO Max, and Kayo Sports in seconds.
And thanks to Lightway Turbo, ExpressVPN's custom protocol, we consistently got fast speeds with low latency, even on long-distance connections.
One major upside over Astrill? ExpressVPN has native apps for nearly every device, including Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, PlayStation, and routers. It's also important to note that ExpressVPN offers a high-quality VPN app for Mac.
There's also MediaStreamer, a smart DNS tool that works on devices that don't support VPNs directly, with no additional fees and no 'VIP' server nonsense.
Privacy-wise, ExpressVPN runs TrustedServer architecture, where all servers are RAM-based and wiped on every reboot. It's also headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and has a no-logs policy that's been independently audited multiple times.
At just around $5/month on long-term plans, ExpressVPN is pricier than others on this list, but if you want a VPN that works across devices and platforms, it's well worth it.
Buy at ExpressVPN
Pros
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If Astrill's paywalled features and confusing interface drove you up the wall, Private Internet Access (PIA) feels like a breath of fresh air. It's powerful without being overcomplicated, especially if you're the kind of user who wants control over encryption levels, protocols, ports, and even which apps use the VPN.
PIA has a massive network of over 30,000 servers in 91 countries, and it's one of the only VPNs that runs servers in all 50 US states. This is huge if you're trying to unblock regional streaming libraries, local sports broadcasts, or content restricted to certain states (like local FOX affiliates or blackout-limited MLB games).
While Astrill hides basic streaming support behind premium tiers, Private Internet Access works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and even region-sensitive platforms like PBS with no upcharges or shady gimmicks. Streaming was smooth in our tests, especially when using the WireGuard protocol, which gave us reliable performance on both short and long-distance servers.
Private Internet Access VPN also includes MACE, its built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker, which Astrill doesn't offer without manual configuration. It's one of the few VPNs that's fully open-source, meaning every line of code in the apps is open for public inspection.
You can protect unlimited devices with one account, and subscriptions start at just over $2/month if you commit long term. It's a budget-friendly powerhouse that's ideal for tinkerers and casual streamers alike.
Buy at Private Internet Access
Pros
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Astrill might boast about its 'Stealth VPN' or advanced configs, but for everyday users looking to stream, browse, and stay private without limits, Surfshark delivers where Astrill fumbles. It's the only premium VPN on this list that gives you unlimited device connections, making it perfect for households, friend groups, or just anyone with way too many gadgets.
What really makes Surfshark stand out is how consistent its streaming access is across global platforms. In our tests, it unblocked Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Japan, and South Korea, all regions where Astrill struggled or required extra payment. Surfshark even gave us full access to Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Hotstar, without bandwidth throttling or weird buffering glitches.
It uses WireGuard by default, ensuring smooth speeds and low latency even across long distances. When you need extra stealth, the Camouflage Mode disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, ideal for getting around VPN blocks without triggering flags. It's not as granular as Astrill's setup, but for most users, it's plug-and-play with smarter defaults.
You also get some privacy perks Astrill doesn't touch: RAM-only servers, IP Rotator, GPS spoofing on Android, and the option for a dedicated IP. And if you're trying to save, Surfshark is among the cheapest long-term VPNs out there, with plans starting at just around $2.50/month with a 30-day refund guarantee.
Buy at Surfshark
Pros
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Astrill's pricing can be steep, especially if you're only looking for basic protection or occasional streaming access. That's where Proton VPN stands out as the best free alternative to Astrill on this list, which isn't surprising, given that it ranked as the top free VPN in our tests.
Unlike most free VPNs, Proton VPN's free plan doesn't bombard you with ads, throttle your speeds to a crawl, or sneakily log your data. It gives you access to servers in five countries (the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland) with unlimited bandwidth and a no-logs policy backed by independent audits and Switzerland's strict privacy laws.
For everyday private browsing, public Wi-Fi security, or location shifting to catch up on basic streaming, Proton's free version gets the job done. But if you upgrade to the Plus plan, that's where it gets competitive with Astrill on every front.
The premium tier adds servers in 90+ countries, access to Secure Core (which routes traffic through multiple hardened servers), Tor over VPN, and streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. It also enables VPN Accelerator, a unique speed-boosting tech that minimizes latency over long distances, which is something Astrill struggles with in its standard configurations.
Proton VPN is easy to use, supports 10 devices simultaneously, and works across all platforms, from Android and iOS to Linux and routers. Pricing for premium plans starts at around $3.5/month, which makes it a flexible pick whether you want to stay free forever or level up later.
Buy at ProtonVPN
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Astrill might look good on paper, but in the real world, it often overpromises and underdelivers, especially when it comes to price, streaming, and transparency. Whether you're frustrated by its high cost, limited server coverage, or lack of independent audits, there's no shortage of better options.
If you want the best all-rounder that actually backs up its claims, NordVPN is your move. It's faster, more secure, works reliably with major streaming platforms, and has been audited multiple times for its no-logs policy.
With support for up to 10 devices and rock-solid speeds, it's our top pick if you're ditching Astrill for something more future-proof. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee, and experience what a real premium VPN should feel like.
If you feel the need to continue your research, you can check out our list of the best VPNs right now, or the full comparison of Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.