IT Pro Verdict

Pros

+
£40 inc VAT

Cons

-
Limited options for advanced users; Limited territorial options; Some P2P blocking

F-Secure's Freedome VPN client is available for PC, Mac, Android and iOS, but you can't configure it with a router.

The software is straightforward, offering a choice of 27 locations majoring on Europe and North America there are only three Asian locations, while Central and South America aren't represented at all. There's a 14-day trial, after which yearly licences cost 40, 50 or 58 for three, five or seven devices.

In our limited testing, Freedome was among the best-performing VPN services. We experienced a small (1%) packet loss, but little slow-down in ping or connection speed when connected to F-Secure's London servers.

Our connection passed probes at DNSleaktest.com and scored highly at Whoer.net. A UK server connection let us watch iPlayer content, while this was one of only three services through which we could also view Netflix US content. Like most VPN services we tested, Freedome blocks P2P traffic in some regions a slightly heavy-handed way of ensuring its own legal compliance.

The Freedome client has almost no advanced settings, but it includes additional, software-based features including tracking and browser protection, and a private search engine. Based in Finland, it benefits from EU data-protection and commerce laws, yet is also outside the 14-eyes surveillance group.

F-Secure accepts anonymous payments and claims not to log usage or store user data. The service has strong privacy and is potentially effective at defeating geo-blocks. However, it's probably best suited to consumers and small firms due to its lack of advanced features.

After a brief career in corporate IT, Simon Handby combined his love of technology and writing when he made the move to Computer Shopper magazine. As a technology reviewer he's since tested everything from routers and switches, to smart air fryers and doorbells, and covered technology such as EVs, TVs, solar power and the singularity.

During more than 15 years as Shopper's long-time printer reviewer, Simon tried, tested and wrote up literally hundreds of home, small office and workgroup printers. He continues reviewing smart products and printers for a variety of publications, and has been an IT Pro contributor since 2010. Simon is almost never happier than when surrounded by printers and paper, applying his stopwatch and a seasoned eye to find the best performing, best value products for business users.