Planet VPN vs SafeShell: The Truth Revealed

Last night, I found myself in a classic streaming emergency. The finale of my favorite show was airing exclusively in the UK, and there I was, stuck in my pajamas in Chicago with no way to access it. After frantically searching for a solution, I stumbled upon Planet VPN, installed it with high hopes, and... well, let's just say what happened next sent me down a VPN rabbit hole that I'm actually glad I fell into.

The Planet VPN Experience: Promises vs. Reality

Planet VPN markets itself as a freemium VPN service offering secure connections with no bandwidth restrictions. Sounds like a dream, right? On paper, they offer:

• 256-bit encryption through IKEv2 protocol
• No logs policy
• 5 free server locations (France, Germany, Netherlands, USA, UK)
• Premium access to 60+ server locations
• No registration required for free version

But here's where things get interesting. After digging through countless user reviews from 2025, I noticed a pattern that matched my own experience:

"Don't even think about buying anything here, they are scammers." - Trustpilot review, January 2025

 

"I'm using the paid version and they recently deleted the Change IP version which was helping a bit with their terrible, unstable service." - Trustpilot review, January 2025

While some users report positive experiences with the free version, the premium subscription seems to be where most complaints originate. Connection issues, unresponsive customer support, and difficulty obtaining refunds are recurring themes.

When My Stream Froze at the Worst Possible Moment

Back to my streaming emergency - I connected to Planet VPN's UK server, and for about ten minutes, everything seemed peachy. Then, right as the show's villain was about to reveal their master plan, my connection dropped completely. No warning, no explanation. Just digital darkness. 

After three reconnection attempts and missing crucial plot points, I was ready to throw in the towel. But as they say in Texas, "When you fall off the horse, you gotta get right back on" - except in this case, I needed a different horse.

Enter SafeShell VPN: A Game-Changer

That's when a friend texted me about SafeShell VPN. "Trust me on this one," she said. And boy, am I glad I did.

From the moment I installed SafeShell VPN , the difference was clear as day. The interface was sleek but not flashy - it meant business. I connected to their UK server in seconds (not minutes like with Planet VPN), and the stability was remarkable.

What Sets SafeShell Apart:

🚀 Speed Performance

While Planet VPN claims "max speeds," my experience was anything but. SafeShell VPN, on the other hand, delivered consistently high speeds that made streaming in HD feel effortless. Their proprietary technology seems to optimize connections specifically for streaming services - a godsend for binge-watchers like me.

📱 Multi-Device Support

Both VPNs claim multi-device support, but SafeShell allows connections on up to 5 devices simultaneously across various platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and more). I tested this by connecting my laptop, phone, and tablet all at once - zero performance issues.

🔒 Security Features

Both services offer 256-bit encryption, but SafeShell's "ShellGuard" protocol adds an extra layer of security that makes me feel significantly safer when accessing sensitive information online.

🌍 Server Network

While Planet VPN offers 5 free locations and claims 60+ premium locations, SafeShell's server network is strategically positioned for optimal streaming performance. Their servers are specifically optimized for popular streaming platforms - something I didn't realize was important until experiencing the difference firsthand.

🎬 Streaming Capability

This is where SafeShell truly shines. Their App Mode feature lets you access content from multiple regions simultaneously - a feature I haven't seen with other VPNs. I could watch UK shows while my roommate accessed Japanese anime on the same account. Mind. Blown.

Comparing the Experience

To give you a clearer picture, here's how the two services stack up based on my testing:

The Setup Process

One thing worth mentioning is how easy SafeShell is to set up. Their step-by-step process is virtually foolproof:

1. Subscribe on their website
2. Download and install the app for your device
3. Choose between Standard or App mode (App mode is a game-changer for streaming)
4. Select your server location
5. Connect and start streaming

The whole process took me less than five minutes, compared to the nearly fifteen I spent troubleshooting Planet VPN.

The Bottom Line: Is Planet VPN Worth It in 2025?

Based on my experience and the multitude of recent reviews, Planet VPN might work adequately as a free basic solution for occasional use. However, if you're serious about streaming, privacy, or need reliable connections, SafeShell VPN offers substantially better performance and value.

While no VPN is perfect, SafeShell addresses the key pain points I experienced with Planet VPN. The stability alone was worth the switch, but the streaming-optimized servers and multi-region access sealed the deal for me.

So here I am, writing this review while simultaneously streaming a UK documentary on my laptop and Australian sports on my tablet - all through one SafeShell VPN account. If that isn't living the dream, I don't know what is!

Final Verdict

Planet VPN: ⭐⭐½ (Acceptable for basic free use, but premium service falls short)

SafeShell VPN: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (Excellent performance, especially for streaming enthusiasts)

Remember when I mentioned my streaming emergency at the beginning? Well, I eventually caught up on that season finale using SafeShell VPN's reliable UK server. And now, whenever friends ask me about VPN recommendations, I don't hesitate to point them toward SafeShell. Sometimes the best discoveries come from moments of frustration - and in this case, I couldn't be happier about where my VPN journey led me.