VyprVPN Review

VyprVPN has some of the most refreshingly honest marketing in any industry. If their product isn’t that good at something – they’ll tell you. Fortunately, there isn’t much to say, because this service, launched in 2009, is quite solid.

So, is VyprVPN safe to use? Does it allow torrenting? Can you watch Netflix on your smart TV with it? These and other key questions will be answered in my VyprVPN review.

Overview

Company location: Switzerland

Website: vyprvpn.com

Number of locations: 60+ countries

Number of servers: 700+

Netflix: Yes

Torrenting: Yes

Encryption: AES-256

Protocols: OpenVPN and IKEv2

Support: 24/7 live chat

Logs: Minimal data collection

Price: From $2.71/month

Free version or trial: No

Security and privacy features

VyprVPN is very safe to use and has a strong reputation as a serious player in the VPN field. There aren’t many services that I can recommend for use in countries that restrict internet freedom. VyprVPN happens to be one of the few.

Encryption and tunneling protocols

VyprVPN uses military-grade encryption, which is considered unbreakable. There’s nothing more to ask from a VPN in this instance. Even if your data falls into the hands of a government intelligence agency, brute-forcing such encryption would simply be too much to handle.

When it comes to tunneling protocols, VyprVPN uses the following:

• OpenVPN (TCP and UDP)
• IKEv2
• L2TP/IPSec
• Chameleon 2.0 (against Deep Packet Inspection)

These protocols create an encrypted connection between you and the VPN server. My advice is to use OpenVPN or IKEv2 whenever it’s possible. That is because L2TP/IPSec is considered less secure, and Chameleon 2.0 is created for use in China and other countries where internet access is restricted.

Kill switch

VyprVPN comes with a great kill switch, a must for every premium service. It shuts down your connection in case of a VPN failure, leaving your personal data unexposed. However, the iOS app doesn’t have a kill switch, which is a pity given the overall level of VyprVPN’s safety.

Turned off by default, a kill switch should be always on to make sure your IP address and other personal information don’t get exposed. You can easily toggle it under the Customize menu. VyprVPN kill switch can be configured in the Customize menu to work either on the App or the System level. There’s also an option to disable LAN traffic while the kill switch is on.

No IP or DNS leaks

VyprVPN is leak-proof. It has its own DNS network to avoid this type of leaks. I used it during my test. After connecting to a server in Germany, I checked multiple test sites for IP and DNS leaks, finding none.

The service used to be susceptible to the WebRTC vulnerabilities, which lead to IPv6 address leaks. The good part is that those occasions were rare. The best part is that IPv6 leaks are easily solvable by disabling IPv6 or turning off WebRTC on your browser.

For more info, check our article on VyprVPN’s safety features.

Privacy-friendly location: Switzerland

Switzerland takes privacy seriously – that’s why Golden Frog, a company behind VyprVPN, isn’t the only one to register its product there. This country is not part of the Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing group and has no data-retention laws. Due to this reason, VyprVPN’s Privacy Policy is a lot more meaningful than if they were registered somewhere like the US or the UK.

Unlike many other VPNs, all of VyprVPN’s servers are owned by them. This allows the company to implement its privacy policy and ensure no one tampers with the hardware. Third-party servers are fine, but you can never really be sure whether they are keeping more logs than your own rules call for.

Independently-audited no-logging policy

Officially, VyprVPN sticks to their no-logging policy. It was proven in 2018 by Leviathan’s security audit (read more in: Does VyprVPN keep logs).

Golden Frog used to log source IP, assigned IP, timestamps, and other metadata, but this is a thing of a past. Now they have made necessary updates to their server hardware and software that allows them to provide service without the need to log user data.

While they say that your “Personal Data” can only be released if “ordered by a court,” if they do not log any information, then there is nothing damaging that they can release.

Torrenting is the only grey area in its policies. While it’s not prohibited, your account might be shut down if Golden Frog gets a copyright notice about you downloading and sharing something that’s not to be downloaded or shared. On the other hand, the chances of this happening are as slim as runway models.

Speed: it became faster recently

Since 2019, VyprVPN has improved its speeds from average to fast. It also managed to reduce the latency and the time it takes to connect to the servers. Not many premium services can say they achieved something similar.

I made my VyprVPN speed test from Europe, first running it without a VPN to get baseline numbers.

• Download: 262 Mbps
• Upload: 282 Mbps
• Ping: 3 ms

VyprVPN Germany speed test results

• Download: 174 Mbps (drop-off 34%)
• Upload: 178 Mbps (drop-off 37%)
• Ping: 60 ms

VyprVPN New York, US speed test results

• Download: 113 Mbps (drop-off 57%)
• Upload: 81 Mbps (drop-off 71%)
• Ping: 120 ms

VyprVPN Australia speed test results

• Download: 43 Mbps (drop-off 84%)
• Upload: 41 Mbps (drop-off 85%)
• Ping: 355 ms

VyprVPN should be fast enough for most users. Of course, if your base speeds are significantly lower, consider checking out our fastest VPNs list to get the most out of it.

Server coverage

At 700+ servers in over 60 countries, VyprVPN’s sheer stats don’t sound amazing at all: NordVPN has 5500+, CyberGhost has 6200+, etc.

But VyprVPN owns all of its servers and can optimize them to achieve a higher level of performance than they would be able to otherwise. Also, many VPNs use much slower Virtual Private Servers instead of hardware ones to cover some less popular locations.

Even though this provider doesn’t have that many servers, their coverage is decent, with only Africa being the underrepresented region.

Does VyprVPN support my device?

VyprVPN supports a wide range of devices, including some not mentioned by any other premium provider.

It has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, routers, QNAP, Blackphone, Anonabox, and Android TV, although some users will miss Linux. VyprVPN also supports Apple TV, OpenELEC/Kodi, and Synology NAS but doesn’t have any browser extensions.

You can use VyprVPN on five devices simultaneously. This is good in case you have multiple devices and router is not among those.

This service has been long-known for its slightly outdated and cluttered app design. Well, not anymore. VyprVPN has introduced version 3.0 in 2019, which is cleaned-up and even more easy-to-use.

VyprVPN desktop apps: Windows and macOS

VyprVPN’s Windows and macOS apps are virtually identical in terms of the interface but not the features. I was quite surprised to find the Mac version as the better equipped one. At the moment of writing this VyprVPN review, Windows app lacks split tunneling and malicious site blocker.

Both versions offer IKEv2 as default protocol, pushing OpenVPN below Chameleon 2.0 to a third place.

Putting technicalities aside, using VyprVPN desktop apps is effortless. After launch, you’ll get the option to connect straight away to the fastest server.

Clicking Servers will bring you the list of available locations that can be sorted by Country, Region, or Speed (latency). Alternatively, you can simply use Search to find the one you need.

VyprVPN mobile apps: Android and iOS

VyprVPN’s apps for mobile devices look a lot like each other. Only the feature list differences help separate Android from iOS.

Android version doesn’t have IKEv2 protocol but comes with malicious sites blocker and split tunneling. Also, it’s kill switch is simplified, meaning the internet will be blocked if the app is disconnected or not enabled.

According to the VyprVPN blog, its latest app version was launched for iOS first. Therefore, I expected it to have at least as many features as Android has.

My VyprVPN for iOS experience started with a Privacy pop-up that wasn’t on Android. It stated what this service collects and asked to “Agree and Continue,” which I did.

To much of my surprise, the iOS app was totally stripped-down, lacking any features save for public wifi protection and protocol selection (all three are available). It got me thinking whether I want to use a VPN that has no kill switch, no split tunneling, and no custom DNS.

VyprVPN live chat support told me that the iOS version has been recently updated and the features are being added step by step. I also got a link where I could state the desired features or vote for the already existing ones.

Apparently, the Chameleon protocol, the most wanted feature since 2017, has been added only recently. A kill switch is in 4th place, but this request dates back to 2014, which doesn’t give me much hope to see it in 2020.

Other platforms for VyprVPN

As I mentioned earlier, VyprVPN doesn’t have browser extensions. It’s a pity seeing that most competitors already have those, at least for Chrome and Firefox. Also, there’s no Linux version, which is a bit strange, given that VyprVPN has a clear focus on security.

In addition to Android TV and routers, there are quite a few devices that also have custom apps not offered by any other premium VPN. I’m talking about QNAP, Blackphone, and Anonabox.

QNAP devices include network attached storage (NAS) and network video recorder (NVR) solutions for business and home use that can run using either OpenVPN or PPTP protocols. Blackphone is a privacy-oriented smartphone launched way back in 2014 by Silent Circle, which no longer build them. Finally, Anonabox is a privacy-focused router than can connect you over TOR or VPN.

Among the supported platforms, you will find Apple TV, OpenELEC/Kodi, and Synology NAS.

Netflix and other streaming services

VyprVPN unblocks Netflix US, Canada, and the UK. Ironically, Netflix’s Fast.com speed test didn’t work in these countries but it did where I was showed the new “Pardon for interruption” error. The Netherlands offered 250 Mbps – nearly the same as my baseline speed while Japan and Australia gave around 120 Mbps – more than enough to stream in 4K.

I’ve also tested BBC iPlayer but had no luck with it. Even the Chameleon 2.0 stealth protocol, built to overcome the Great Firewall of China, to didn’t do any good.

On the bright side, streaming fans will love the fact that VyprVPN has an app for Android TV and can be configured to work with Apple TV. Other smart TVs can also take advantage of VyprVPN via a router.

VyprVPN for Kodi

VyprVPN is a Kodi-friendly service. It has a decent network of self-owned servers, a strict no-logs policy, and apps for multiple devices. This VPN also supports OpenELEC, which helps to turn your computer into a Kodi media center.

Does VyprVPN support torrenting?

You can use VyprVPN for torrents – it’s network-neutral and won’t block P2P. I tried it for my VyprVPN review. Should you? It depends if you’re OK with some risk.

If Golden Frog receives a copyright complaint about your torrenting activities, you can lose your account. It’s quite likely you will never have to deal with such a situation, but why take the risk? There are a few VPNs that are just as good, cheap, and less judgemental.

Does VyprVPN work in China?

Yes, VyprVPN works in China. This has much to do with its proprietary Chameleon protocol, created for combating network blocking in China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. It has recently been upgraded to version 2.0 which now has VPN cloaking and also supports iOS.

Using VyprVPN, you will be able to access Facebook and other social network sites. Of course, this applies to any other blocked online resource as well. And those who are planning to visit any country with restricted internet access – don’t forget to install VyprVPN before you travel to avoid the hassle of finding the way to download it.

Support: 24/7 live chat, FAQ, guides

VyprVPN provides great customer support. It offers:

• 24/7 live chat
• FAQ
• Instructions
• Troubleshooting guides

FAQs, instructions, and troubleshooting guides are well-written and informative. The website itself is not difficult to navigate, and you’ll get to the Support section very quickly. Alternatively, you can seek help via the app itself.

Help Center will link you straight to an FAQ for your device on VyprVPN’s website. Report a Bug will open a ticket to which you can also add your connection log. Finally, the last Contact Support option will open the same ticket.

Those who would instead get live help from VyprVPN staff will also be satisfied. There’s a 24/7 live chat function at your service. Golden Frog’s representatives were quick to answer and informative.

Pricing: does VyprVPN have enough bang-for-the-buck?

VyprVPN prices aren’t expensive. You can choose from the following pricing options:

• Monthly plan for $12.95/month
• One year plan for $3.75/month
• Two year plan for $2.71/month

The long-term options let you save around 75%. All plans allow to connect 5 devices simultaneously.

There’s also a 3-day trial for Google Play and Apple Store users, but don’t get too excited. It’s actually a money-back guarantee, requiring you to create an account and enter payment details. Speaking of guarantees, there’s also a 30-day standard option.

The saddest part about VyprVPN is the payment methods. While the company behind the service claims to be all for privacy, there are no anonymous payment options, only credit card, PayPal, and UnionPay.

Is VyprVPN a good VPN?

Yes, it is. VyprVPN is nice for certain groups of people – those living under repressive regimes as well as those who aren’t into torrenting copyrighted material. It offers great privacy and security without sacrificing speed.

This VPN has user-friendly apps for all popular platforms, as well as some less popular ones. It will help you get past geo-blocking and watch Netflix. If you have some issues, their excellent support resources, live 24/7 chat included, won’t leave you hanging.

Like a snake in tall grass, VyprVPN can’t be caught. Users in restricted countries will love it, but others might find it with not the best bang-for-the-buck ratio out there.