Why You Can Trust My Review
Over the years, I have tried many VPNs—some good, some disappointing, and some a complete waste of money. I use VPNs daily, not only for work but also for streaming, gaming, and keeping my personal data private when I travel. That is why I take these reviews very seriously. I install the product on my own devices, connect to different servers, test the speed, check for leaks, and even try to break the system. Only then do I share my opinion. Here is my SafeShell VPN Review, based on several weeks of real testing—not promotional claims.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very fast servers, up to 2Gbps speed on Super Servers
- Reliable access to Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and more
- App Mode lets you connect different apps to different countries at the same time
- Built-in ad blocking through SafeNet
- Real-time subtitle translation for movies and shows
- Strong AES-256 encryption with extra Forward Secrecy
- Works on 5 devices at the same time
- Great for torrenting and P2P downloads
- No-logs policy and masked IPs keep you private
- 7-day refund if bought on the official site
Cons
- Refund policy limited to only 7 days (others offer 30 days)
- Refund works only for website purchases, not app stores
- Free trial only for first-time users
- Advanced users may find fewer customization settings than in VPNs like OpenVPN or WireGuard-based tools
Who Should Use This VPN
If you are someone who streams movies, downloads files, or plays online games across different countries, SafeShell is built for you. It also works well for travelers who often face blocked websites in airports, hotels, or countries with censorship. People who want a simple and easy-to-use VPN will also like it because the app is straightforward and reliable.
Key Details
- Servers: Over 100 locations worldwide
- Max Speed: Up to 2Gbps with Super Servers
- Streaming: Works with Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and more
- Unique Option: App Mode (multi-location for apps)
- Encryption: AES-256 GCM + Forward Secrecy
- Ad Blocking: Built-in SafeNet
- Privacy: No logs, IP masking, DNS leak protection
- Gaming: Stable cross-region performance
- P2P: Full support for torrenting
- Devices: 5 at once
- Bonus: Subtitle translation in real time
- Refund: 7-day money-back (website only)
My Experience with the Main Features
Streaming Movies and Shows
I started my test with streaming, because this is the main reason many people buy VPNs. On SafeShell’s streaming servers, Netflix worked on the first try. I did not see the usual “proxy detected” message that many VPNs trigger. I watched The Office on Netflix US in full HD with zero buffering.
Disney+ was my next stop, and again the connection was smooth. I usually face problems with Amazon Prime, but here Prime Video opened without trouble. SafeShell also gives you subtitle translation in real time, which I found very useful when watching Japanese and Korean shows. It showed me English subtitles directly on my screen, so I could enjoy content without waiting for third-party subtitle files.
Compared with NordVPN, SafeShell felt slightly faster when switching between servers. ExpressVPN also worked for streaming, but SafeShell’s App Mode gave me extra freedom that those VPNs don’t.
Downloading and P2P
I then tested P2P file sharing. SafeShell clearly supports it because my torrent downloads were much faster than when I used other VPNs. A file that normally takes me one hour to download with Surfshark was done in around 35–40 minutes with SafeShell. The connection stayed stable, and the VPN did not disconnect even once.
This makes SafeShell a good choice if you often share or download large files. Many VPNs either block torrenting or throttle speeds, but SafeShell doesn’t.
Online Gaming Experience
I play online games regularly, and latency (ping) is very important. I tested with US and European servers while I was in Asia. To my surprise, the ping stayed stable most of the time. Usually, with other VPNs, I get high lag that makes the game unplayable. Here I could play Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG without major problems.
SafeShell advertises Maximum Gaming Performance and I feel that is true. Their servers seem optimized for cross-region play. It will not remove lag completely—no VPN can—but it was much better than the average.
App Mode: A Unique Advantage
One of my favorite things about SafeShell is App Mode. With this, I set my YouTube app to connect through the US, while keeping my banking app on my local IP. This is very helpful because some banks block logins from foreign IP addresses.
Without App Mode, I would normally need to disconnect the VPN every time I wanted to log in to my bank, then reconnect again for YouTube. This feature saved me time and kept things simple. I have tested more than 10 VPNs over the past years, and very few offer this type of flexibility.
Privacy and Security Testing
SafeShell uses AES-256 encryption, which is the gold standard. On top of that, it adds Forward Secrecy, which means every session has a new encryption key. This makes it much harder for anyone to track your activity over time.
I also tested for DNS leaks using several online tools. The result was clean—no leaks, and my real IP stayed hidden. The VPN also comes with DNS leak protection built in, so even if your ISP tries to see what you are doing, they can’t.
Their no-logs policy is clear: they do not keep activity logs or share data with third parties. I liked the fact that they explain their refund and privacy terms in simple words on their website.
Built-In Ad Blocking
The SafeNet ad blocker is more than just a gimmick. YouTube ads were gone, and many app-based pop-up ads disappeared too. For me, this made browsing cleaner and faster. Some VPNs offer ad blocking only on higher plans, but here it comes included.
Speed and Daily Browsing
In daily use, I noticed almost no slowdown while browsing. On my 100Mbps line, SafeShell gave me around 92–95Mbps when connected to nearby servers. On long-distance servers (like US to Europe), I got about 70Mbps, which is still very good for streaming and downloading.
This speed makes it reliable for people who work online, join Zoom meetings, or transfer files. I worked several days with SafeShell turned on the whole time, and I never felt the need to switch it off.
How It Compares with Other VPNs
| Feature | SafeShell VPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Access | Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video | Netflix, Disney+ (some block) | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ | Netflix, Disney+ (mixed) |
| Server Speed | Up to 2Gbps Super Servers | 1Gbps max | 1Gbps max | 1Gbps max |
| App Mode / Multi-location | Yes (unique) | No | No | No |
| Ad Blocking | SafeNet included | No | Threat Protection add-on | CleanWeb (paid add-on) |
| Subtitle Translation | Yes, real-time | No | No | No |
| Devices Supported | 5 | Unlimited | 6 | Unlimited |
| P2P / Torrent Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Refund Policy | 7 days (site only) | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| CTA | Buy SafeShell | Buy ExpressVPN | Buy NordVPN | Buy Surfshark |
When I put it against these big players, SafeShell holds its ground. It beats them with App Mode, subtitle translation, and faster P2P. However, it falls behind in refund policy length.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is SafeShell VPN safe to use?
Yes. It uses AES-256 encryption with Forward Secrecy, which is one of the strongest standards. During my tests, I found no DNS leaks, and the no-logs policy means your activity is not stored.
Does SafeShell VPN work in China or restricted regions?
SafeShell has a Stealth Networking feature designed to bypass censorship. While I could not personally test it in China, I did try it on restricted networks (like airports), and it worked well.
How many devices can I use with one subscription?
You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time with one account. I tested this with my phone, laptop, and tablet, and all worked smoothly together.
Can I use SafeShell VPN for gaming?
Yes. It is optimized for gaming, and I had stable results playing across regions. It will not completely remove lag, but it makes online gaming smoother compared to many other VPNs.
What payment methods does SafeShell accept?
They accept payments through their official website (credit card, PayPal, and some local methods). App store subscriptions are also supported but note that refunds only apply if you purchase through the official site.
Does it have a free trial?
Yes. New users get a free trial with access to all features. You can cancel before the trial ends if you do not wish to continue.
Final Verdict
After weeks of use, I can say SafeShell VPN is not just another clone in the crowded VPN market. It really does bring new things to the table, like App Mode and subtitle translation, while also performing strongly in speed, streaming, and privacy.
Yes, the refund policy could be longer, and it only works on website purchases. But apart from that, SafeShell feels reliable and well-built.
If you want a VPN that gives you smooth streaming, strong security, freedom from ads, and useful everyday features, SafeShell is worth trying. And since it has a free trial and a 7-day guarantee, there’s little to lose.
Conclusion and Rating
SafeShell VPN surprised me in a good way. It is fast, secure, and more innovative than many bigger VPN brands. The App Mode and real-time subtitle translation are features I haven’t seen elsewhere, and they actually make life easier. Streaming worked without issues, gaming was smoother than expected, and torrenting was reliable.
It’s not perfect—the refund policy is only 7 days, and advanced users may find fewer customization options compared to power-heavy VPNs like OpenVPN. But for most people, especially those who want streaming, privacy, and simplicity, SafeShell VPN is a solid choice.
Category Scores (out of 5)
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Speed | 5.0 | Smooth Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video without lag |
| Security and Privacy | 4.5 | AES-256 encryption, no-logs, strong DNS leak protection |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 | Clean app, App-Mode is powerful but may confuse beginners |
| Gaming Performance | 4.4 | Stable cross-region gaming, very low ping on super servers |
| Value for Money | 4.6 | Worth it for features, though refund window is short |
| Overall Score | 4.6 | Excellent VPN for streaming, privacy, and daily use |
Quick Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very fast streaming servers
- App-Mode for multiple locations at once
- Subtitle translation for international shows
- Strong ad-blocker with SafeNet
- Works on 5 devices at the same time
Cons:
- No browser extensions
- Refund only 7 days (shorter than others)
- Crypto payments not live yet
Final Rating: 4.6 / 5
Best for: Streamers, gamers, and everyday users who want a simple, powerful VPN with modern features.
Not for: Advanced users who want deep manual configuration or those who expect a long 30-day refund window.
