Pros
- Enhances VPN privacy significantly
- Efficiently handles high-bandwidth media
- Seamlessly integrates with other VPN services
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- App interface requires refinement
- Speeds can be somewhat inconsistent
If I were to explain why Orchid VPN stands out as a transformative force in the realm of virtual private networks and addresses pressing global online privacy concerns, I’d highlight its unique decentralized bandwidth market fueled by cryptocurrency. This innovative approach positions it as a hybrid between VPN and Tor, capable of challenging even the most established and secure VPNs available today. However, I acknowledge that for many, including myself, this jargon may come off as overly technical and difficult to grasp. Therefore, let’s draw an analogy with bootleg whiskey and the rush of evading the law.
Orchid
In the era of Prohibition during the 1920s, those engaged in moonshining understood that success required more than a simple still and a friendly sheriff; a dependable vehicle was crucial. This vehicle needed to be not only reliable but also spacious enough to conceal contraband and equipped with hidden compartments. It had to blend in with its surroundings, resembling an ordinary churchgoer with a basket of baked goods, yet possess an engine that could accelerate dramatically, leaving law enforcement perplexed about the laws of physics.
The origins of stock car racing can be traced back to this necessity, which parallels the current landscape of commercial VPNs. Competition among VPN providers drives innovation, with the focus on achieving maximum speed, ensuring data privacy, and providing value for money. Unfortunately, the aggressive marketing tactics employed by some VPN companies can make it challenging for users to discern the truth, especially when reputations hinge on trustworthiness and the fear of selling out to government agencies.
As a user, the primary challenge remains: no matter how appealing a VPN may appear, you face a fundamental risk inherent to all VPNs. The inability to monitor the routes and servers through which your data travels means you must place your trust in these services. For some, this risk is negligible, as they seek improved online gaming or access to broader streaming options. However, for others, particularly in regions where VPNs are prohibited, the stakes are significantly higher—navigating censorship and government surveillance can be a matter of great consequence.
While I can analyze the technical aspects of various VPNs and investigate their ownership, I cannot trace their data routes or unveil the myriad shell companies behind them. Buyer beware.
Imagine my surprise when this latest promising VPN appeared, and upon inspection, I discovered not just a single engine, but a complex system resembling a fleet of autonomous vehicles. Each unit, operating on a decentralized basis, transports a portion of your data in a meticulously coordinated yet seemingly chaotic manner. This is the essence of Orchid VPN. It is redefining the VPN landscape and resists traditional classification through my usual evaluation methods. Although it is not yet ready for widespread adoption—lacking the speed of top competitors and presenting a steep learning curve for new users—it represents the future of VPN technology that is worth considering.
Speed: Reliable Performance with Data-heavy Media
Typically, this section would be dedicated to presenting speed test results comparing this VPN to others in its category. However, Orchid’s performance is unique, making it difficult to establish standard speed metrics. Its speed, security, and pricing are all tightly interconnected. My usual approach includes averaging speed tests across multiple platforms in various locations, but Orchid’s main client is not fully operational on Windows yet, complicating any efforts to average speeds. Additionally, instead of connecting to a specific country, users must manually add a “hop” to another VPN server by importing its configuration file into the Orchid app.
This structure resembles the Tor network, which enhances traffic anonymity by allowing users to connect through multiple nodes. Although this multihop feature strengthens security, it makes establishing an average speed comparison challenging. I decided to put Orchid to the test, aiming to uncover its capacity limits.
Using an Android device with lower processing power than my usual MacOS setup, I connected to Wi-Fi and recorded a non-VPN speed of 372.47 megabits per second. After connecting through a single US VPN hop, I achieved 45.5 Mbps—though not as swift as anticipated, it remained sufficient for streaming. In comparison, ExpressVPN averaged 66 Mbps in previous tests. Adding another hop to California resulted in a speed of 28.9 Mbps, still allowing for video streaming.
Orchid allows users to include a server of their choice in their in-app hops. I configured an additional OpenVPN protocol hop, resulting in three hops total. While this should effectively obscure user data, it inevitably reduced speed to 2.9 Mbps.
Using 5G mobile data, I recorded similar results: a non-VPN speed of 212.6 Mbps dropped to 13.84 Mbps with one US hop, 9.82 Mbps with two hops, and 1.83 Mbps with three hops. While some slower speeds might support streaming, they are not guaranteed. I managed to get HBO Max working on the lower speed, but it required multiple attempts. This may have been due to Orchid’s slow initial connection. Video calls fared worse on the two-hop configuration, though music and voice apps functioned well, similar to other multihop VPNs.
I decided to push Orchid to its limits. Using only mobile data, I entered an underground elevator, where my signal strength diminished significantly. Despite connecting to Orchid and opening multiple data-intensive applications, I faced no IP or DNS leaks. This version of the app, while not perfect, managed to maintain my anonymity even when performance declined to 0.7 Mbps.
Security: A Brilliant Combination of Tor Privacy and VPN Flexibility
Orchid’s ability to stream content over a multihop connection can be attributed to its proprietary protocol. Built on a blockchain foundation, Orchid’s protocol utilizes WebRTC—technology that facilitates high-quality video and audio calls. This design allows Orchid to outperform Tor in streaming capabilities while making its traffic appear similar to regular video calls.
Some privacy enthusiasts advocate for using Tor over commercial VPNs, citing the opaque ownership of many VPN services. While they raise valid points, Tor has its limitations; its traffic can easily draw attention from ISPs and website administrators, leading to blocks on Tor connections. Additionally, the government has been known to monitor Tor exit nodes, raising further concerns for users.
On the VPN front, OpenVPN is typically regarded as the minimum standard for secure connections. While it strikes a balance between speed and security, its age and potential vulnerabilities make it less appealing. Orchid’s protocol offers a similar level of encryption but benefits from blockchain’s decentralized nature, which mitigates data logging risks.
Decentralized VPNs like Orchid, Mysterium, Kelvpn, Tachyon, BitVPN, and Lethean aim to combat censorship through a network of dispersed bandwidth providers, rendering them less susceptible to legal requests. Orchid leads the charge in several areas, including partnerships with other VPN services that expand user access to their networks.
The Quick and Dirty Blockchain Explanation
To truly appreciate why decentralized blockchain technology is a pivotal advancement for VPNs, it’s essential to grasp the basics of blockchain and cryptocurrency. In simple terms, a blockchain serves as an encrypted, tamper-proof digital ledger for transactions, with each participant holding an updated copy. This technology is utilized for various applications, including financial transactions, document tracking, and supply chain management.
Each “block” represents a collection of data added to this ledger, and together they form the “chain.” Orchid operates on blockchain technology, similar to Bitcoin, which employs a verification process involving multiple computers to confirm transactions. The first computer to solve the transaction’s mathematics earns a reward, a process known as mining.
Orchid utilizes Ethereum’s faster verification method, creating its own cryptocurrency called OXT. This innovative approach allows Orchid to function efficiently within its marketplace. The concept of “proof of stake,” which requires significantly less computational power, underpins Orchid’s operations, differentiating it from traditional mining processes.
Orchid’s bandwidth marketplace operates similarly to an auction system, enabling bandwidth sellers to participate in an automated bidding process for their services.
The Price Tag: Cryptohow?
In a typical review, I would compare the pricing of different VPN services. However, Orchid’s pricing model is unconventional. Users pay for the bandwidth they consume using OXT or Ethereum, meaning costs fluctuate with market conditions. While this may complicate long-term budgeting, it ensures users only pay for what they utilize, enhancing anonymity compared to conventional payment methods.
Fortunately, Orchid simplified the onboarding process significantly in July, allowing users to purchase cryptocurrency within the app using temporary accounts, akin to disposable phones for wallets. To begin, a user requires a minimum of $4 in OXT and $1 in ETH, which can provide roughly 60 gigabytes of VPN service—quite a reasonable starting point.
App Improvements Needed for Wider Adoption
I intend to continue exploring Orchid until I fully understand its features, but it still requires enhancements for mass adoption. Privacy-conscious users should certainly experiment with this service, as it showcases the future of VPN technology. However, the current user experience is overly complex, with pricing that feels uncertain and a steep learning curve that may deter many potential users.
Introducing a crypto-based hybrid VPN grounded in a bandwidth-trading model is already a challenging concept for the average individual to grasp. The novelty of the underlying technology and payment structure places pressure on developers to create a user-friendly interface.
While the app opens effortlessly and features an appealing design, its simplicity sometimes lacks vital information, leaving users uncertain about their actions. The central button for connection displays a standard power icon, changing its label as the connection status updates. However, the option to control the app from the main screen often malfunctions, and connection issues can arise unexpectedly.
To monitor data flow, users can access the Traffic Monitor feature, but technical jargon may confuse those unfamiliar with networking terms. Newcomers to cryptocurrency may also struggle to track their currency usage and understand the app’s unique “tickets” and bandwidth valuation system. Orchid must provide clearer guidance for novices to facilitate a smoother onboarding process.
Additionally, given that VPNs are generally understood as tools for digital location masking, Orchid could enhance user experience by displaying the connected city and connection duration on the main screen. While it’s unfair to place the burden of clarity solely on the app, improving the interface is essential for breaking down barriers and guiding more users toward a decentralized VPN model that prioritizes privacy and security.
Editors’ Note
As of February 9, 2022, the VPN industry has seen substantial changes, with major shifts in corporate ownership among leading services. In December, ExpressVPN became part of Kape Technologies, raising privacy concerns for users. In February, NordVPN and Surfshark announced a merger, although they will continue to operate independently. We are currently reassessing our top recommendations in light of these developments and will update our reviews and rankings accordingly.
