Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 6.9/10
VyprVPN earns an overall rating of 6.9 out of 10. While it effectively secures data with no leaks, delivers strong speed, and benefits from a network of self-owned servers, it falls short in key areas. Notably, its privacy policy is inadequate, and it struggles to unblock streaming services. Given its high cost, the value proposition of VyprVPN is difficult to justify.
Ranked #26 out of 62 VPNs
VyprVPN Category Ratings:
- Streaming: 4.0/10
- Torrenting: 6.6/10
- Privacy & Logging: 4.1/10
- Speed: 9.6/10
- Server Locations: 8.9/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 6.5/10
- Security & Features: 7.8/10
- Ease of Use: 9.0/10
- Customer Support: 8.0/10
- Price & Value: 6.0/10
VyprVPN Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No DNS or IP address leaks
- Successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer and Max
- Allows torrenting and P2P on all servers
- Chameleon protocol helps bypass some web censors
- Operates a self-owned server network across 64 countries
Cons:
- Operates under privacy-unfriendly US jurisdiction
- Lacks a clear and robust privacy policy
- Fails to unblock US Netflix, UK Netflix, or Hulu
- No kill switch available on iOS
- No Smart DNS solution or browser extensions
- Recent issues with functionality in China
Launched in 2009, VyprVPN has a long history but has recently undergone ownership changes. The transition from Golden Frog to Certida has raised concerns, including the removal of the no-logs policy and a shift to the less privacy-focused US jurisdiction.
Our in-house leak tests confirm that VyprVPN does not leak IP or DNS data and benefits from owning its network of over 700 servers, which reduces data leak risks. However, it underperformed in streaming tests and fails to unblock sites in China. Additionally, the absence of a kill switch on iOS is a notable drawback.
We also regret to note the discontinuation of VyprVPN’s native router app, which was once a major selling point, especially given its affordability compared to other VPNs with similar features.
VyprVPN Key Data
| Data Cap | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Download Speed | 96Mbps |
| Logging Policy | Unknown |
| Data Leaks | No |
| Jurisdiction | US (Five Eyes Member) |
| Servers | 700+ |
| IP Addresses | 300,000+ |
| Countries with Servers | 64 |
| US Netflix | No |
| Torrenting | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous Connections | 30 |
| Works In China | No |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Cheapest Price | $5.00/mo over 12 months |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Official Website | VyprVPN.com |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Missing a Privacy Policy & Disappointing New Ownership
Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 4.1/10
VyprVPN, once renowned for its no-logs policy, has experienced a significant decline in privacy standards following its acquisition by Certida in 2023. The VPN service is now subject to US jurisdiction, which raises concerns about user privacy. Consequently, we can no longer fully endorse VyprVPN for privacy protection.
Ranked #37 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
Historically, VyprVPN’s logging policy was quite extensive, collecting users’ real IP addresses, newly assigned IP addresses, timestamps, and bandwidth usage for a period of 30 days. However, under Golden Frog’s management, VyprVPN adopted a strict no-logs policy.
Unfortunately, this policy is no longer in effect. Following its acquisition by Certida, a Texas-based entity, VyprVPN’s operations have shifted to the US, a jurisdiction less favorable to privacy. The company has also replaced its detailed privacy policy with a generic, auto-generated policy applicable to its website rather than its VPN service.
We reached out to VyprVPN for further information but were disappointed to learn that there are no plans to introduce a new privacy policy, conduct a logging audit, or release a transparency report in the near future.
Below is a detailed table outlining what VyprVPN logs and what it does not log :
| Data Type | Logged by VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Yes |
| Browsing Activity | Undisclosed |
| Date of Last Connection | Undisclosed |
| Device Information | Undisclosed |
| DNS Queries | Undisclosed |
| Individual Bandwidth Usage | Undisclosed |
| Individual Connection Timestamps | Undisclosed |
| ISP | Undisclosed |
| Number of Simultaneous Connections | Undisclosed |
| Originating IP Address | Undisclosed |
| VPN Server IP | Undisclosed |
| VPN Server Location | Undisclosed |
VyprVPN Privacy Policy and Logging Practices
In 2023, VyprVPN removed its dedicated VPN privacy policy. However, its website privacy policy remains accessible for review.
It is crucial to be cautious with VPN services that use auto-generated privacy policies. Equally concerning is a lack of detailed disclosure about what data is logged and the duration of such logging.
We contacted VyprVPN to inquire about the absence of a specific privacy policy for its VPN service. A representative from Certida responded:
“There is no specific policy for no-logs, as this clearly means that nothing is logged. We could draft a more detailed statement, but we do not see the necessity.”
It is important to note that many VPNs claiming a no-logs policy may still collect some form of data, such as usernames, passwords, or aggregated bandwidth statistics to manage server load. The lack of transparency regarding these practices is particularly troubling and unusual for a reputable VPN provider.
On a positive note, VyprVPN demonstrates commendable privacy practices through its self-hosted and internally operated VPN servers. This approach minimizes the risk of third-party interference in the company’s logging policies.
Expert Advice: If using VyprVPN on an Android device, it is advisable to deny permissions for location and Wi-Fi network access. These permissions are associated with VyprVPN’s Public WiFi feature and are not essential for the app’s core functionality.
2018 Logging Policy Audit
VyprVPN was among the first VPN providers to commission an independent audit of its logging policy in 2018, promptly addressing any identified issues.
However, since that audit, six years have elapsed without a subsequent review. Unlike other VPN providers that conduct annual audits, VyprVPN’s next audit is significantly overdue.
Given the substantial changes in ownership and jurisdiction during this period, it is possible that VyprVPN’s logging practices may have evolved. Without a recent audit, there is no way to confirm whether VyprVPN still adheres to a no-logs policy.
Speed Performance
Minimal Speed Loss on Local Connections
Speed Rating: 9.6/10
VyprVPN ranks as the seventh-fastest VPN in our recent speed tests. Utilizing a baseline connection of 100 Mbps, we measured speeds of up to 96 Mbps on local connections to the West Coast and Canada. However, VyprVPN’s international speeds fall short compared to Hotspot Shield and IPVanish.
Ranked #8 out of 62 VPNs for Speed
In our comprehensive speed tests, VyprVPN servers were assessed across five continents. While we typically evaluate across six continents, VyprVPN does not have a server in South Africa.
For our tests, we used a 100 Mbps internet connection, intended to approximate the baseline speed you may experience at home.
Below is a table detailing VyprVPN’s speed test results:
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | US (Los Angeles) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Brazil (São Paulo) | Japan (Tokyo) | Australia (Sydney) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Location |  |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Download Speed | 100Mbps | 96Mbps | 99Mbps | 91Mbps | 91Mbps | 86Mbps | 88Mbps | 80Mbps | 76Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 95Mbps | 96Mbps | 94Mbps | 95Mbps | 92Mbps | 83Mbps | 82Mbps | 79Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 7ms | 17ms | 147ms | 76ms | 86ms | 145ms | 222ms | 219ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 2,500mi | 3,500mi | 4,000mi | 4,800mi | 6,700mi | 9,900mi |
VyprVPN consistently delivers fast speeds, with minimal speed loss of only 4%. Provided you maintain a stable internet connection, you should experience negligible speed issues.
Historically, VyprVPN’s global speeds were a concern, but this is no longer the case. We recorded speeds exceeding 76 Mbps across all continents.
The most significant speed reduction occurred when connecting to servers in Australia, which is expected due to the greater distance.
For a comparative perspective, refer to the table below to see how VyprVPN’s local speeds measure up against other top-tier VPNs:
As illustrated in the chart above, VyprVPN demonstrates exceptional performance compared to the fastest VPNs available in the US. It ranks among the top VPNs on the market, offering reliable speeds for streaming, torrenting, and casual browsing.
However, if your primary concern is achieving high speeds over long distances, you may find faster VPN options.
Low Latency for Gaming (Limited to Nearby Servers) With local ping times of 7ms, VyprVPN provides adequate performance for gaming. However, it does not meet the criteria for being a top-rated VPN specifically for online gaming.
We would also advise against using VyprVPN for gaming over long-distance connections. Our tests recorded an average ping time of 128ms for international connections and 76ms for connections to the UK.
Security & Technical Features
Excellent Security Standards, But No Kill Switch On iOS
Security & Technical Features Rating: 7.8/10
VyprVPN demonstrates strong security standards, though it lacks a crucial feature on iOS. The service utilizes AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard, and operates its own VPN servers. It supports reliable connection protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. However, the kill switch functionality, which enhances security by disconnecting you from the internet if the VPN connection drops, is not available on iOS.
Security & Technical Features Ranking: #25 out of 62 VPNs
The table below outlines the VPN protocols, encryption ciphers, and other technical features provided by VyprVPN:
Protocols
| Protocols | Available in VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
| L2TP/IPSec | Yes |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
| Proprietary | Yes |
| WireGuard | Yes |
Encryption
| Encryption | Available in VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | Yes |
Security
| Security | Available in VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| Diskless Servers | No |
| DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
| First-party DNS | Yes |
| IPv6 Leak Blocking | No |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | Yes |
| VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
| WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features
| Advanced Features | Available in VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | No |
| Dedicated IP | No |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
VyprVPN employs the WireGuard protocol by default across all platforms, providing a fast, secure, and open-source connection. Previously, the service automatically used IKEv2 on mobile devices and OpenVPN on desktops.
In addition, VyprVPN includes a NAT firewall to block unsolicited traffic from reaching your device while connected.
However, not all VyprVPN applications offer the same advanced security features. For example, the iOS app lacks a kill switch, and the Public WiFi Protection feature available on the PC client is not present on the Mac version.
The macOS app for VyprVPN includes split tunneling and a malware blocker, features that are not available on the Windows app.
VyprVPN’s Comprehensive Management of Its VPN Server Network
VyprVPN distinguishes itself by owning and managing its entire VPN server network, a notable feature among mid-tier VPN services. This level of control minimizes third-party involvement, which is a significant advantage over many competitors.
While VyprVPN’s self-hosted server network is a robust privacy measure, it does not match the level of some top-tier providers like ExpressVPN and IPVanish, which utilize first-party DNS servers. VyprVPN claims to eliminate third-party involvement; however, it still relies on third-party DNS servers for endpoint resolution, similar to many other VPN services.
Despite this, VyprVPN’s approach represents a substantial step toward privacy by design, reducing the security risks associated with renting servers from third parties.
Note: VyprDNS, VyprVPN’s proprietary DNS service, encrypts DNS requests before they reach third-party DNS servers and websites. This feature is enabled by default on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Reliable Kill Switch Prevents IP Address Leaks
VyprVPN includes a kill switch feature across several platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, though it is not available on iOS. During testing, VyprVPN’s kill switch effectively prevented IP address leaks.
The kill switch functioned correctly during connection drops and server changes, such as transitioning from France to Greece. In these instances, VyprVPN successfully blocked internet traffic to protect the user’s real IP address.
Please remember to manually disable the VPN kill switch if you wish to reconnect to the internet without VyprVPN being active.
VyprVPN Successfully Passed IP, DNS, and WebRTC Leak Tests
Our comprehensive leak tests confirmed VyprVPN’s effectiveness in preventing IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. When connected to a VyprVPN server, our IP address consistently appeared as a German IP, with no exposure of our true IP location.
VyprDNS employs a DNS relay system to ensure that your DNS queries are not directly associated with VyprVPN, thereby obscuring your VPN usage from websites.
During testing, we found that the final DNS server in VyprDNS’s relay chain was an Amazon DNS server.
As indicated above, the DNS servers are not listed as VyprVPN, nor are they associated with its parent companies, Golden Frog and Certida.
VyprVPN has clarified via email that before your DNS traffic reaches any public DNS servers, it is routed through a DNS proxy, ensuring complete anonymization of your traffic.
While this method does not completely eliminate the involvement of third parties—since VyprVPN appears to be utilizing third-party DNS servers—it provides a high level of privacy without revealing to websites that a VPN is being employed.
Secure AES-256 Encryption
We employed Wireshark, a packet-sniffing tool, to analyze the traffic encrypted by our VyprVPN connection.
Our testing demonstrated that VyprVPN effectively encrypts web traffic. The scrambled text visible in the screenshot above is indicative of what anyone attempting to intercept your connection would encounter while using VyprVPN.
Technical Features We Would Like to See
In comparison to some of its competitors, VyprVPN currently lacks several key technical features. Below is a list of enhancements we would like to see:
- VPN Kill Switch for iOS: To safeguard your personal data in the event of an unexpected VPN disconnection.
- Ad Blocker: To prevent unwanted advertisements from appearing on web pages.
- Smart DNS: To enable VyprVPN usage across a broader range of devices.
- Double VPN or Multi-Hop Servers: To bolster security and circumvent online censorship.
- Open-Source Software: To enhance transparency and allow for in-depth scrutiny of VyprVPN’s app security.
Streaming Capabilities
Streams BBC iPlayer, but Cannot Unblock US Netflix
Streaming Rating: 4.0/10
VyprVPN’s performance in streaming is subpar. While it successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer, Max, and Amazon Prime Video, it falls short with Hulu and ITVX. The most notable shortcoming is its inability to access US or UK Netflix.
VyprVPN is ranked #30 out of 62 VPNs for streaming performance.
| Streaming Platform | Works with VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes |
| Channel 4 | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes |
| Hotstar India | No |
| Hulu | No |
| ITVX | No |
| Max | Yes |
| Netflix US | No |
VyprVPN’s streaming capabilities have shown progress over recent years, now successfully accessing several major streaming platforms that it previously could not.
Despite these improvements, VyprVPN still falls short compared to leading VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN in terms of streaming performance.
Tested: VyprVPN Does Not Access US Netflix
VyprVPN currently unblocks only two Netflix libraries: Canada and Germany. This is significantly less favorable compared to competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, which can access at least 15 Netflix libraries, including both US and UK content.
Some VPNs offer superior compatibility with Netflix, with certain services capable of unblocking up to 32 different Netflix regions, as demonstrated in our Windscribe evaluations.
VyprVPN’s Improved BBC iPlayer Access
Previously, accessing BBC iPlayer via VyprVPN posed challenges. However, the latest versions of the app have significantly improved, providing reliable streaming performance.
All of VyprVPN’s UK servers successfully streamed BBC iPlayer, a notable achievement given that many mid-tier VPNs often encounter difficulties with this service. Additionally, we were able to stream Channel 4 content using VyprVPN’s UK servers, although it could not access ITVX.
VyprVPN’s Limitations with Hulu
Our latest tests indicate that VyprVPN continues to be unable to stream Hulu content.
We are pleased to observe that VyprVPN’s streaming capabilities have shown improvement over time. It now successfully streams both Max and US Disney+, reflecting its enhanced performance in this area.
Server Locations Overview
700+ Self-Owned VPN Servers & 300,000 IP Addresses
Server Locations Rating: 8.9/10
VyprVPN boasts a robust network of over 700 self-owned, bare metal VPN servers, offering an extensive array of 300,000 IP addresses—one of the highest figures in the industry. These servers span across 64 countries, providing comprehensive global coverage. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in expanding server presence in South America and Africa.
Ranked #13 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations
- 64 Countries
- 73 Cities
- 300,000+ IP Addresses
Below is a table detailing VyprVPN’s server distribution across various continents:
| Continent | Number of Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | 30 |
| Asia | 19 |
| South America | 4 |
| North America | 3 |
| Africa | 3 |
| Oceania | 2 |
VyprVPN provides access to over 700 servers across 73 cities in 64 countries, a selection that is relatively modest compared to the more extensive networks of competitors like ExpressVPN, which offers 3,000 servers, and NordVPN, with 6,328 servers.
While VyprVPN’s server count may not be extraordinary, it should adequately meet the needs of most users in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
However, the availability of servers in Africa is notably limited, with options only in Algeria and Egypt. This lack of broader coverage is a common challenge in the VPN industry but remains a significant shortcoming for those seeking more diverse options in that region.
Furthermore, VyprVPN’s offering of city-level server locations is quite limited. The service provides city-specific servers in only two countries: the United States and Australia.
In the United States, VyprVPN’s servers are available in the following cities:
- Austin
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Washington D.C.
In Australia, servers are located in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, which is beneficial for users within the country. However, the lack of more extensive city-level choices may disappoint those seeking more precise geographic options.
Unusually, VyprVPN does not offer city-level server options in Canada. If having city-specific servers in Canada is essential for you, we recommend exploring our list of top Canada VPNs, where you can find services that better cater to this need.
Bypassing Web Censorship with VyprVPN
VyprVPN’s Chameleon Protocol: Limited Effectiveness in China
Censorship Bypassing Rating: 6.5/10
VyprVPN employs its proprietary Chameleon Protocol, specifically designed to bypass censorship in heavily restricted regions like Russia and Turkey. However, its reliability in unblocking websites in China is notably inconsistent, with limited success. While the protocol is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, its effectiveness varies by region.
Ranked #26 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship
Historically, VyprVPN has been a viable option for use in China. However, recent tests indicate a significant decline in performance, with only a 3% success rate in the past year. In contrast, services like Hide.me have demonstrated a much higher success rate of 84%, and offer a more affordable subscription at $2.69 per month for their best-value plan.
VyprVPN’s Chameleon Protocol & Obfuscation Tools
VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol still provides the capability to bypass censorship in certain high-censorship countries, though its success is less consistent in regions with stricter internet controls.
VyprVPN’s Chameleon Protocol: Designed for Bypassing Aggressive Censorship
VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol is engineered to circumvent stringent censorship and VPN restrictions in countries such as Turkey, China, and the UAE. This advanced protocol is available across all VyprVPN servers.
The Chameleon protocol operates by scrambling the metadata of each OpenVPN packet, effectively preventing it from being identified through Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). This technique helps the protocol evade detection by governments, ISPs, and other network administrators, including those in workplaces, schools, or universities.
Beneath the obfuscation technology, the Chameleon protocol utilizes the robust OpenVPN protocol, paired with the highly secure AES-256 encryption. This combination ensures that users can bypass censorship without compromising on security.
The latest iteration, Chameleon 2.0, extends compatibility to a wider range of devices, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.
Expert Advice: If you are traveling or relocating to China, we advise against relying solely on VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol. Alternatives like Astrill VPN and Windscribe have proven to be more reliable for bypassing censorship in such regions.
Torrenting with VyprVPN
P2P Allowed on All Servers
Torrenting Rating: 6.6/10
VyprVPN permits torrenting and P2P activities across all its servers. However, it lags behind many competitors in speed, with download rates maxing out at 5.6 MiB/s. While VyprVPN does include a crucial kill switch feature (except on iOS), it lacks port forwarding, which may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, there are concerns regarding its privacy policy.
Ranked #26 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting
Below is a brief overview of VyprVPN’s performance in our torrenting tests:
| Torrenting Attribute | Result |
|---|---|
| Average Download Bitrate | 5.6MiB/s |
| No. of P2P Servers | 700+ |
| Logging Policy | Unknown |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Port Forwarding | No |
VyprVPN’s kill switch and proprietary VPN servers are valuable features that help safeguard your real IP address during file-sharing on Windows and macOS. However, despite these strengths, VyprVPN falls short in terms of torrenting speed and lacks port forwarding capabilities. This is particularly unexpected given the VPN’s strong performance with regular web traffic.
For those heavily engaged in torrenting, a VPN more tailored to P2P activities, such as Private Internet Access, may be a better choice.
In 2022, there was an isolated incident where a user was flagged for DMCA violations while using VyprVPN. Upon investigation, it appears the user had not properly configured VyprVPN and qBittorrent, leading to the issue.
This incident highlights that improper configuration can result in DMCA notices even when connected to VyprVPN. Additionally, the lack of a clear and transparent privacy policy makes us hesitant to recommend VyprVPN for P2P activities.
For frequent torrenters, exploring more reliable VPN options designed for torrenting may be advisable.
Device & OS Compatibility
Comprehensive App Availability, Lacking Smart DNS Feature
VyprVPN provides native applications for a range of popular platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Historically, VyprVPN distinguished itself by offering a native router app; however, this feature was discontinued in 2023. Currently, VyprVPN does not support browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. Additionally, it lacks a Smart DNS feature, which may be a drawback for some users. On the positive side, VyprVPN offers a robust app for Fire TV and Android TV.
Supported Devices
VyprVPN is compatible with the following platforms:
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
The service ensures compatibility with most major mobile and desktop devices through its dedicated VPN applications. However, certain features may vary across different platforms. The following table outlines the key differences among VyprVPN’s apps:
| Platform | Protocols | Unsafe Wifi Protection | Split Tunneling | Kill Switch | VyprDNS | Automatic Reconnect | Connect on Start-up | TAP Adapter | Block Malicous Sites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | OpenVPN AES-256, IKEv2 AES-256, Chameleon AES-256 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| macOS | IKEv2 AES-256, Chameleon AES-256, OpenVPN AES-256 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Android | OpenVPN AES-256, Chameleon AES-256 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| iOS | IKEv2 AES-256, OpenVPN AES-256, Chameleon AES-256 | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Android TV & Amazon Fire TV | OpenVPN AES-256, OpenVPN AES-162, Chameleon AES-256 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
VyprVPN supports up to 30 simultaneous connections, surpassing many leading VPN services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access.
Gaming Consoles & Streaming Devices
VyprVPN does not provide a Smart DNS feature, which can limit its usability with devices that lack native VPN support.
Supported Devices:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV
- Chromecast
- Nintendo
- PlayStation
- Roku
- Smart TV
- Xbox
VyprVPN offers an app for Fire TV Stick; however, it has recently been removed from the Amazon store. Users now need to sideload an older version of the app, which can be cumbersome.
For Android TV, VyprVPN provides an app compatible with devices such as the Xiaomi Mi Box, Sony Smart TVs, Nvidia Shield, and Razer Forge TV box. While this is beneficial, other reputable VPNs like ExpressVPN and Surfshark also offer similar Android TV apps.
For Android devices that do not support native VPN applications, users can sideload VyprVPN’s APK file.
For devices lacking native VPN support, such as PlayStation and Xbox, we recommend using a VPN that includes a Smart DNS feature.
VyprVPN previously offered a native Tomato router app, but this feature was discontinued in 2023. Given that VyprVPN was one of only two VPNs to provide a native app for Tomato routers, this discontinuation is disappointing. This change may be attributed to the recent transition in ownership from Golden Frog to Certida.
Ease of Use
Clear, Simple, and Uncluttered Apps
Rating: 9.0/10
VyprVPN excels in ease of use with its clear, simple, and uncluttered applications across all major platforms. The consistency in design and functionality across devices makes transitioning between platforms seamless. However, users may find the experience less intuitive on Linux.
Ranked #9 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use
VyprVPN prioritizes clarity in its applications, offering straightforward and clean desktop interfaces that are exceptionally easy to set up and navigate. Server location selection is streamlined, and all advanced settings are consolidated in one area, presented in plain language for user convenience.
Across major platforms, VyprVPN allows users to search for specific servers, sort by distance, and view ping times (ms) for each server.
In the following sections, we will detail our experience with VyprVPN on each major platform and outline the specific differences in application functionality.
Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)
VyprVPN’s desktop applications are designed with user-friendliness in mind and feature nearly identical interfaces. Notably, split tunneling is only available on macOS. The options to adjust settings and switch servers are conveniently located in the bottom bar of the application.
On both Windows and macOS, VyprVPN defaults to using WireGuard, a highly secure protocol. Additionally, users have the option to utilize OpenVPN, IKEv2, and VyprVPN’s proprietary obfuscation protocol, Chameleon.
The “Customize” tab provides access to a range of features, including essential toggles such as public WiFi protection and a kill switch, as well as more advanced settings for DNS, VPN protocol, and TAP Adapter configuration.
In the “Startup Options,” users can configure the app to launch or automatically connect to a server upon device startup. Windows users have the added benefit of customizing notification preferences, enhancing the user experience.
However, it is worth noting that some users with Windows 10 and 11 have reported excessive CPU usage when running VyprVPN, which may impact battery life and overall device performance.
Mobile (iPhone & Android)
VyprVPN’s mobile applications for iOS and Android mirror the intuitive and user-friendly design of the desktop versions. Both platforms feature a consistent homepage layout with a navigation bar at the bottom. Notably, both iOS and Android apps utilize VyprDNS by default, ensuring a streamlined and secure experience.
The Android app for VyprVPN retains many of the features available on the desktop applications, providing a robust user experience. However, the iOS app is notably more limited, lacking both split tunneling and the crucial kill switch feature.
The Android app does not include TAP adapter controls or a malicious site blocker. Additionally, VyprVPN provides an .APK file for users to sideload directly onto their devices.
Both mobile apps default to WireGuard as the protocol and also support the Chameleon protocol, ensuring a secure and versatile experience.
Linux CLI
VyprVPN does not offer a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Linux, which could provide a more user-friendly experience. Instead, users are limited to a Command Line Interface (CLI), which can be complex and cumbersome.
This CLI-based approach makes using VyprVPN on Linux more challenging and time-consuming compared to other services. For example, Private Internet Access and ProtonVPN offer fully-featured Linux VPN applications with more straightforward usability.
A notable limitation is that VyprVPN does not support WireGuard on Linux. Users can, however, utilize OpenVPN as an alternative and install VyprVPN via OpenVPN setup.
Fire TV & Android TV Apps
VyprVPN’s apps for streaming devices feature a distinct user interface tailored for remote control navigation, as opposed to the touchscreens or mice used with other devices.
Despite this, we encountered significant difficulties with the installation of the Fire TV app. Since its removal from the Amazon store, we have had to sideload an earlier version of the app. VyprVPN’s customer support has informed us that the app is under review by Amazon, but until it is reapproved, this workaround remains less than ideal.
Currently, the user experience on Fire TV is not as smooth as it could be, and there are more effective alternatives available for users who frequently utilize a VPN on Fire TV.
Android TV and Fire TV Apps
VyprVPN’s Android TV and Fire TV applications lack certain advanced features. While they do include essential protections such as Wi-Fi security for untrusted networks and a kill switch, other functionalities are notably absent. This limitation is not unusual, as VPN applications for streaming devices often have restricted capabilities.
Notably, the VyprVPN app for smart TVs stands out by offering both AES-128 and AES-256 encryption options, whereas its other applications provide only AES-256 encryption. While VyprVPN suggests that AES-128 encryption may offer faster performance, it is generally less secure than AES-256, which is widely recognized as the industry standard.
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat & Good Online Resources
VyprVPN offers robust customer support with 24/7 live chat and comprehensive online resources. The service is well-regarded for its detailed guides and extensive support for international users. However, there is room for improvement in the knowledge and responsiveness of support agents, as there is a tendency for scripted responses.
Customer Support Rating: 8.0/10
VyprVPN is ranked #23 out of 62 VPNs for customer support.
Support can be accessed through the following methods:
| Customer Support | Available in VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | No |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes |
| Chatbot | No |
| Yes | |
| Email Support via Online Form | No |
| Online Resources | Yes |
| Tutorial Videos | No |
Contacting VyprVPN through their 24/7 live chat is the most effective method for obtaining assistance. You can promptly request a human representative, and typically, there is no queue longer than two people.
However, the quality of responses can be inconsistent. While some interactions are satisfactory, there have been instances where the responses were scripted and unclear, leading to frustration.
Online Resources
VyprVPN provides a comprehensive and well-organized help center, which is a notable strength compared to other leading VPN services. The help center features a range of guides for setting up VyprVPN on various devices, a detailed FAQ section, and resources for managing your account.
Additionally, VyprVPN offers support resources in multiple languages, including:
- Chinese
- Dutch
- English
- French
- German
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- Turkish
Price & Value
More Affordable than Before, but Still Not Great Value
Price & Value Rating: 6.0/10
VyprVPN’s pricing is relatively high, though it has improved from previous rates. The most affordable option is $5.00 per month with a yearly subscription, totaling $60.00 upfront. While this is an improvement from the former $100.00 annual rate, more cost-effective VPN options are available.
VyprVPN is ranked #26 out of 62 VPNs for price and value. The service now offers only monthly and annual subscription plans. The annual plan is competitively priced, comparable to NordVPN and ProtonVPN, but it remains relatively expensive.
Given this pricing, we expect VyprVPN to reliably unblock major streaming services such as US Netflix and Disney+, offer fast speeds, and include a kill switch across all platforms.
To access up to 30 simultaneous connections, ensure you purchase your subscription through VyprVPN’s desktop website.
Pricing Plans:
- Monthly: $10.00 per month (billed monthly)
- 12 Months: $5.00 per month (billed $60.00 annually; 50% savings)
VyprVPN Free Trial
VyprVPN offers a 3-day free trial for iOS and Android devices, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee for all devices. This provides ample time to evaluate the service before committing. If you are dissatisfied, be sure to cancel within the 30-day period.
Payment & Refund Options
VyprVPN accepts various payment methods, including:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- UnionPay
- Visa
However, it does not support cryptocurrency payments and offers limited international payment options compared to other top VPNs. The addition of anonymous payment methods, such as cryptocurrency or cash (as seen with TunnelBear), would be a valuable improvement.
