There are plenty of VPN services currently available for internet users, from big names like PureVPN and ExpressVPN to smaller and more specialist services. However, a new service is now entering the market, and it’s one that boasts some extremely interesting features which make it unique amongst its competitors. Oeck is currently available in a pre-launch beta, and it aims to provide a sleek new option for VPN users.
Oeck offers its users a suite of online security and filtering options through its built-in Cerberus system, but perhaps more notably, it completely removes the need to trawl through servers and different regions! Thanks to a unique new feature known as SmartRouting, Oeck can ensure that you have the best possible server connection automatically, all the time. As such, you can use it to access most major streaming services without having to worry about intermittent connections or having to waste time finding a region with access.
Oeck VPN’s Unique SmartRouting Feature
One of the most notable core features of the new Oeck VPN, and one that certainly helps Oeck to stand out from the crowd, is that users don’t have to switch regions. Most other VPN providers offer a huge range of worldwide server locations, but only some may have access to certain sites. As such, users often have to waste time switching through regions until they find one that works. Oeck, however, aims for users to never have to switch regions at all, thanks to the software’s unique “revolutionary smartRouting” feature.
Instead of the standard format, Oeck offers four secure VPN regions which users can select; the US, UK, Australia, and the Netherlands. These then provide “extensive geo-[un]-blocking” for those regions plus countries like Canada, Japan, Mexico, Germany, Poland, and more. “Our unique SmartRouting service lets you access the local content you love while unblocking the overseas content you need,” explains Oeck; “Start out watching ABC iView then quickly access Hulu without changing anything. We connect you with a server nearby for optimum speed and latency then SmartRouting takes care of the rest.”
Essentially, when you use Oeck to select a region, the software will automatically determine the best available server and connect the user automatically. That means you don’t need to spend time trawling through server options hoping to find a good connection; you know that you’re always using the best available option. This also means that Oeck doesn’t need to include a server list. However, if you do want to see a full list of Oeck’s servers, one can be found in the OpenVPN config files.
Cerberus, Filtering & Device Profiles
While SmartRouting may be the most significant unique feature of Oeck, the VPN does also offer a range of impressive security features too. Cerberus, for example, is its built-in internet filtering system. Described by Oeck as an “online guardian,” Cerberus is designed to allow users to automatically filter out and block certain kinds of content. Once you set up a profile for your device, you can select whatever you want Cerberus to block. These include an Ad Blocker and Malware Blocker, for example. The latter will block phishing websites and other security-risk sites, while the former will block most ads from displaying.
Cerberus also allows you to tune out certain kinds of online content. Its Social Network Blocker, for instance, will block most social media websites, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you’re setting up a family device, there is also an Adult Blocker, which blocks adult content like dating networks, shock sites, and porn. Alongside Cerberus’ filtering options, Oeck also boasts built-in DNS filtering. This will allow you to manually block individual websites, allowing you to create a unique list. Plus, you can set up a different list for each device; another useful feature if you’re setting up Oeck on a child’s device.
On the subject of devices, Oeck allows you to have unique profiles for every device you install it on. If you have a lot of devices and you’re worried about hitting the limit, you shouldn’t be; an Oeck subscription can have up to 100 unique profiles! This means you can configure Oeck for a different purpose on every device. Set it up for streaming on your PC, accessing music on your tablet, or block adult content on your child’s phone; all equally possible.
Oeck’s Security and Encryption Details
Of course, security is one of the most important features when considering a VPN. We’ve already mentioned Cerberus, which can automatically block malware and phishing sites, but that isn’t the only security feature Oeck has. According to Oeck, the software uses “industry-leading encryption standards,” on servers which Oeck owns themselves. This means that all users’ connections will have AES-256 encryption with a 4096-bit exchange. Plus, Oeck doesn’t use any hard drives. This means that it will never store or log any of its users’ data.
Oeck goes even further to avoid logging user information though. Not only do they own their own servers, but those servers are literally locked up, with no USB slots or ports. If a server ever disconnects from its power supply, everything on it – even its operating system – is immediately wiped! While it might not be something that most users worry about, that’s certainly a level of security which should satisfy even the most paranoid of VPN users!
Oeck VPN Beta & Subscription Pricing
The Oeck VPN is currently in beta, and is available to download for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, and .ovpn. Once the beta period ends, there will be three pricing options on offer; a monthly subscription, a 6-monthly subscription, and an annual subscription. As per usual, the longer you pay for, the cheaper it is overall. (It should be noted that subscriptions cannot currently be purchased during the beta.)
If you want to try a month of Oeck, the new VPN software will be available for $9.95 per month. However, if you want an overall discount, the 6-monthly subscription will be available for $53.73. (Effectively 10% off at $8.96 per month). Finally, the cheapest option in the long-term will be to pay for an annual subscription, which will cost $83.58. (A 30% saving overall at $6.97 per month.)