A free VPN client
Screenshots
UltraSurf functions in the same ways as a VPN, though it is fundamentally different. This free service was created by Ultrareach Internet Corp for the sole purpose of helping users bypass strict censorship as well as geo-blocking.
What is UltraSurf used for?
UltraSurf allows for free browsing of the internet, without having to worry about censorship and blocks placed by governments or other institutions. While you can access the web without having to worry about geoblocking, there are many aspects of this software that separate it from a traditional VPN.
Safety and privacy
This service is completely safe to use, assuming that you use it appropriately. It works by allowing HTTPS traffic through their service, while blocking any less secure HTTP traffic, which will be directed through your normal Internet Service Provider (ISP) instead. HTTPS is the common security protocol for internet browsing. If you visit a site without that extra S on it, you could be vulnerable to security threats.
Essentially, UltraSurf is more of a proxy, rather than a VPN. There is a new IP address that is issued when you start using the program, but you must make sure you check the browser that you’re using for any security flaws.
In terms of privacy, you don’t have to worry much about UltraSurf keeping logs of your data. They do keep minimal logs of data, but only for anti-blocking purposes. Any data kept only exists for 30 days and is not shared with any third-parties.
UltraSurf is now based in the United States, so by law, they do have to share any information with the authorities, depending on the situation. Since you don’t need to enter any important information upon sign up, such as your name or email,
The app runs through Internet Explorer and offers an additional plug-in for Firefox and Google Chrome.
Ease of Use
The Windows app is a small and executable file that requires no installation. It won’t download any files on your computer, in order not to leave any edits after you exit the program.
You can easily put UltraSurf on a thumb drive since it’s very portable, you can deploy it on the go. People enjoy using this method, especially if they’re on public WiFi. To fully remove the software from your computer or device, you only need to delete the exe file.
This program uses the incognito mode as a vehicle, which means that it is important to WebRTC blocker or disabler in order to allow it to run. The software executes without any need for installation from a memory card, flash drive, CD.
Speed and performance
UltraSurf is surprisingly slow, usually due to an overload in demand. Many people report a drop off in download as well as upload speeds. This at times makes it very difficult to use.
Recently, UltraSurf publicly apologized for slow speeds as well as crashed. They claimed that the lag was due to an overload in demand from Iran. They promised users that they’re working on the solution. In the meantime, users must wait to see if they make it faster.
UltraSurf and censorship
UltraSurf is a program that was originally designed to help internet users in China bypass harsh censorship. Today, they offer a free and fast VPN-like service. You can certainly bypass certain location-based blocks on popular sites such as YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.
The mission that this software was created around is to provide unrestricted access to users who otherwise would be prevented from certain content. The idea is that the internet was designed to be a worldwide network for the free-flow exchange of ideas and messages. This software allows users to reclaim their right to this information.
Despite boasting a philosophy of pro-privacy and anti-censorship, it’s important to note that the program hosts its own set of restrictions intending on blocking any pornographic or illicit content. Otherwise, it works well for accessing the internet the way that it was intended to be.
Why is UltraSurf working so slowly?
When it comes to torrenting or streaming, this isn’t the best app. Netflix users who try to stream content from US Netflix servers will experience some issues. Since the software is based in the states, it’s more of a proxy then it is a VPN. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t.
Proxies and VPN tend to route your request through several servers, which increases your lag. The more requests that are required, the higher the lag will be. For streaming services, this problem is worse, because streaming services deliver pieces of the content through all those servers to get to you.
The way that UltraSurf is set up on Windows means that it’s fairly difficult for dealing with torrenting. The VPN’s ability to handle P2P traffic is not up to par. The encrypted tunnel only runs on a session-based browser, and there is no way to allow a BitTorrent client to use it.
What is the UltraSurf Chrome extension?
The Chrome extension is a more convenient form of the UltraSurf VPN. Rather than having to use a separate executable, you can log into Chrome as you normally would, and simply enable the extension. It performs all the same actions and has all the same features.
Get past geo-blocks
With UltraSurf, you can circumvent internet censorship, encrypt online communications, and hide your IP from websites that you visit. Millions of users take advantage of this software per day. With this tool, you can use the internet in the free way that it was intended.
If you’re looking for a VPN that’s fast enough for you to stream from Netflix and other sites, you should consider alternative software. There are many available that are more powerful and equally secure such as NordVPN, FreeVPN, or Cyberghost. Many of these VPNs offer a free trial version.
