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 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

#	Rank	#3 out of 215 providers
	Company location	Switzerland
	Website	vyprvpn.com
	Number of locations	70+ countries
	Number of servers	700+
	Unblocks Netflix	Yes
	Safe for Torrenting	Yes
	Encryption	AES-256
	Protocols	OpenVPN and IKEv2
	Customer Support	24/7 live chat
	Logging policy	No logs
	Price	From $2.50/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 by brute force. 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:

• WireGuard (on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS)
  
• 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 WireGuard whenever it’s possible. This is a game-changing tunneling protocol that greatly increases connection speeds. You will also find OpenVPN and IKEv2, which should be more than enough for your daily tasks. There’s also L2TP/IPSec, which 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 VPN failure, leaving your personal data unexposed. 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 always be on to make sure your IP address and other personal information don’t get exposed. You can easily toggle it under the Customize menu. There, you can also configure it 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.

In the earlier versions, the service was wrongly blamed for WebRTC leaks. In truth, the issue was present in most VPN providers.

Since WebRTC can retrieve information through Javascript requests, connecting through a VPN doesn’t stop them from exchanging. Many users assumed that it was the fault of VyprVPN when it really was the Javascript/WebRTC interaction. As a general rule, it’s best to disable IPv6 or turn off WebRTC on your browser.

Privacy-friendly location: Switzerland

Switzerland takes privacy seriously – that’s why Golden Frog, the 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

VyprVPN sticks to its no-logging policy. This was proven in 2018 by the results of a 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 they have since changed their policy. VyprVPN has made the necessary updates to their server hardware and software, allowing them to provide a service without the need to log user data.

While your “Personal Data” can be released if “ordered by a court,” this is irrelevant if they do not log any information.

Speed: it became faster

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 have achieved something similar.

I checked the results of our long-term VPN speed test tool to see how VyprVPN fared at the time of writing this review. This tool is running in the US, the UK, and Germany and checks the speeds each day, counting the average from the last week or two. So, what are the results?

• 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 is fast enough for most users. It probably won’t ever be the fastest in any region, but nobody should be surprised to find this provider among the Top 10 in terms of download speeds. The same goes for VyprVPN’s upload speeds – they can be two or four times slower than the #1, but having more than 5 MB/s is enough for gaming, VOIP, and seeding P2P files.

Server coverage

At 700+ servers in over 70 countries, VyprVPN’s sheer stats don’t sound amazing at all. For example, NordVPN has more than 5400.

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 if you have multiple devices you could use a VPN on.

In 2019, VyprVPN client version 3.0 was released. It still holds up in 2020, the UI is clean and very easy-to-use. It’s informative and simple enough for those who might be getting a VPN for the first time.

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, the Windows app lacks split tunneling and a malicious site blocker.

Both versions offer IKEv2 as the default protocol, pushing OpenVPNto the third place below Chameleon 2.0.

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 (response time). 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.

Because the iOS interface is much more restrictive in terms of permissions and security, the VyprVPN iOS app has fewer features.

However, they are actively working to add them. 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, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney Plus – all worked just fine. This leads me to believe that VyprVPN is good not only for Netflix but streaming in general.

Streaming fans will also love the fact that VyprVPN has apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire Stick & Fire 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 – the service is network-neutral and won’t block P2P. On their support page, VyprVPN claim they don’t keep any information from your online sessions, nor do they close any ports.

This is great news if you’re looking for a service that is suitable for many different functions. VyprVPN won’t restrict your usage options and will make your torrenting experience a lot safer.

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 high. 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 $2.50/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 really is. VyprVPN is the best for 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 multiple streaming platforms, Netflix included. 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.