Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 4.1/10
VPN Proxy Master does not meet safety standards for a VPN service. The software is prone to excessive data logging, exhibits slow performance, and is supported by unsatisfactory customer service. Additionally, it fails to adequately encrypt user traffic and has been found to contain harmful functions and malware in its Android application.
Ranked #37 out of 62 VPNs
VPN Proxy Master Category Ratings:
- Streaming: 3.0/10
- Torrenting: 4.5/10
- Privacy & Logging: 3.0/10
- Speed: 8.8/10
- Server Locations: 7.4/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 0.1/10
- Security & Features: 2.0/10
- Ease of Use: 2.5/10
- Customer Support: 3.5/10
- Price & Value: 2.5/10
Pros:
- Unlimited free data on Android and iOS
- Utilizes OpenVPN protocol
Cons:
- Excessive personal data collection
- Strong associations with China
- History of malware
- Inadequate traffic encryption
- Limited server availability (one for iOS)
- Inability to access streaming sites
Despite its popularity as a free VPN option, VPN Proxy Master does not offer a secure experience.
Our analysis reveals that both the free and paid versions of the app exhibit significant security and usability issues. During our security tests, we identified malware and intrusive permissions in the Android application. Furthermore, the VPN service failed to properly encrypt our internet traffic, a fundamental VPN function.
Although VPN Proxy Master’s logging policy has seen some improvement, it still records excessive personal data, including information about your internet service provider, bandwidth usage, and VPN server locations. We find this level of data collection concerning and not aligned with robust privacy practices.
VPN Proxy Master Key Data
Paid | Free | |
---|---|---|
Data Cap | Unlimited | 500MB |
Download Speed | 93Mbps | 50Mbps |
Logging Policy | Some User Logs | Some User Logs |
Data Leaks | No | No |
Jurisdiction | Singapore (SIGINT Member) | Singapore (SIGINT Member) |
Servers | 6000 | Not disclosed |
IP Addresses | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Countries with Servers | 37 | 5 |
US Netflix | No | No |
Torrenting | No | No |
Simultaneous Connections | 6 | 6 |
Works In China | No | No |
Support | Live Chat | Live Chat |
Cheapest Price | $3.75/mo over 24 Months | N/A |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day Money-Back Guarantee | – |
Official Website | Vpnproxymaster.com |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Concerning Ties to China
Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 3.0/10
VPN Proxy Master is operated by a company with connections to the Chinese Communist Party, raising significant privacy concerns. Although there have been recent improvements to its logging policy, the VPN still collects excessive and unnecessary data. Additionally, VPN Proxy Master is known to sell user data to advertising partners. Due to these issues, we cannot endorse this VPN as a trustworthy or privacy-conscious option.
Ranked #42 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
Data Logged by VPN Proxy Master
Data Type | Logged by VPN Proxy Master |
---|---|
Account Information | Yes |
Browsing Activity | No |
Date of Last Connection | No |
Device Information | Yes |
DNS Queries | No |
Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
Individual Connection Timestamps | No |
ISP | Yes |
Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
Originating IP Address | No |
VPN Server IP | No |
VPN Server Location | Yes |
Since Lemon Clove acquired VPN Proxy Master, there have been notable improvements to its logging policy. Previously, the VPN recorded users’ IP addresses and connection timestamps without aggregation or anonymization.
Currently, VPN Proxy Master logs details such as your VPN server location, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and individual bandwidth usage. This data is aggregated to “maintain its service” while aiming to protect your privacy.
While it is common for VPNs to retain certain data points, such as usernames, passwords, and payment information, to support their operations, many other VPNs manage to do so with minimal data collection.
Despite the improvements, we remain concerned about VPN Proxy Master’s practice of logging your ISP and the location of the VPN server you connect to. This level of data collection continues to raise privacy concerns.
VPN Proxy Master does not keep the most intrusive types of logs, such as IP addresses or browsing history. However, it still collects more data than what is considered ideal for a truly private service.
We recommend that VPN Proxy Master undergo an independent audit of its logging practices and app security to ensure that data is appropriately aggregated and deleted.
Free Version and Advertiser Tracking
VPN Proxy Master’s Privacy Policy reveals that users of its free service may be subject to third-party tracking. Notable advertising partners include Facebook, AdMob, UnityAD, Vungle, and Smaato. These partners are permitted to set and access their own cookies, pixel tags, and similar technologies on VPN Proxy Master’s services. Additionally, the VPN shares aggregated data with these advertising partners.
The free version of VPN Proxy Master funds itself by selling user data and allowing advertisers to track users.
Ownership and Corporate Structure
VPN Proxy Master is currently owned by Lemon Clove Pte. Limited, having previously been under Innovative Connecting PTE. Limited. These entities are essentially the same. The developer, All Connected Co., is a subsidiary of Innovative Connecting, both of which have connections to mainland China.
Our research indicates that the same company email address is used for VPN Proxy Master and several other VPNs, including Turbo VPN, VPN Robot, VPN Monster, and VPN Snap. This suggests a single opaque company may be behind multiple low-quality free VPN services.
The director of Lemon Clove/Innovative Connecting, Danian Chen, a Chinese national described as a significant young leader in China by Fortune China, further raises concerns. Successful businesses in China often face pressure to cooperate with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese military.
Singapore, where Lemon Clove is based, is also part of SIGINT Seniors Pacific, an intelligence coalition that includes the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and partners such as India, South Korea, and Thailand.
In summary, we strongly recommend selecting a different VPN service that is headquartered in a privacy-centric location and has no links to China. Many VPNs offer superior privacy protection without unnecessary data collection.
Security & Technical Features
Security Features & Malware Detection
Security & Technical Features Rating: 2.0/10
VPN Proxy Master has been assessed as a subpar choice for secure VPN usage. Although it claims to utilize AES-256 encryption, our packet-inspection tests revealed that it fails to properly encrypt internet traffic. Additionally, our examination of the Android app uncovered malware. While the VPN includes some fundamental security features, such as OpenVPN and a kill switch, these are overshadowed by significant security flaws, rendering it inadequate for safe use.
Ranked #54 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features
The table below details the VPN protocols, encryption ciphers, and technical features provided by VPN Proxy Master:
Protocols
Protocols | Available in VPN Proxy Master |
---|---|
IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
L2TP/IPSec | Yes |
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
WireGuard | No |
Encryption
Encryption | Available in VPN Proxy Master |
---|---|
AES-128 | No |
AES-192 | No |
AES-256 | Yes |
Blowfish | No |
ChaCha20 | No |
Security
Security | Available in VPN Proxy Master |
---|---|
Diskless Servers | No |
DNS Leak Blocking | No |
First-party DNS | No |
IPv6 Leak Blocking | No |
Supports TCP Port 443 | No |
VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features
Advanced Features | Available in VPN Proxy Master |
---|---|
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 |
We are disappointed to note that VPN Proxy Master’s software is not open-source, preventing external scrutiny of its code. Furthermore, it does not provide regular third-party security audits, which could otherwise validate the robustness and security of its VPN infrastructure.
Wireshark Encryption Test Results on Windows
To evaluate VPN Proxy Master encryption effectiveness, we employed Wireshark, a packet-inspection tool. The results revealed that VPN Proxy Master failed to properly encrypt HTTP requests, leaving data within the VPN tunnel vulnerable and readable by third parties.
Encryption and Security Concerns with VPN Proxy Master
A fundamental feature of an effective VPN service is robust encryption of online traffic. However, VPN Proxy Master has been found lacking in this essential aspect.
Malware Detection in Android App
In 2018, our examination of free VPN services uncovered serious issues with VPN Proxy Master’s Android application. The app was flagged as containing invasive functions and malware. Specifically, it tested positive for a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP.HighConfidence) and exhibited three concerning functions: getLastKnownLocation
, getDeviceId
, and execute system command
.
These functions pose significant privacy risks. They can be exploited to gather sensitive information, including your location and device details. While the execute system command
function could theoretically be used to measure ping times, VPN Proxy Master has not provided clarity on its purpose.
By 2023, VPN Proxy Master has made significant strides in improving its security and has removed these problematic functions. Despite these advancements, the app’s history of incorporating viruses and dangerous functions may deter users who prioritize security.
Protocol Support
VPN Proxy Master supports the OpenVPN protocol but does not offer WireGuard. The service does not disclose its default tunneling protocol, unlike many VPN providers such as Private Internet Access (PIA) and Windscribe, which clearly indicate the protocol in use on their home screens.
The effectiveness of a VPN is significantly influenced by the strength of its protocols. VPN Proxy Master’s reliance on IPSec and L2TP protocols, which are not robust enough to be used as the sole protection mechanism, raises concerns.
While the service does offer OpenVPN, we strongly recommend prioritizing its use. However, given the overall limitations and issues, we advise against using VPN Proxy Master entirely.
Paywalled Kill Switch
A VPN kill switch is essential for maintaining online privacy. It prevents your real IP address from being exposed if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Unfortunately, VPN Proxy Master restricts access to its kill switch feature to paid subscribers only.
This limitation leaves users of the free version vulnerable to potential data leaks, compromising their security and privacy for the sake of profit.
Security-focused free VPNs such as Proton VPN Free and Windscribe Free provide essential features like a kill switch to ensure user protection, reflecting their commitment to user privacy.
Recommended Technical Improvements
VPN Proxy Master currently lacks several advanced features that are crucial for enhanced security and user experience. We recommend the addition of the following technical capabilities:
- Effective AES-256 Encryption: Implement strong encryption standards to ensure robust data protection.
- Kill Switch for Free Users: Provide a kill switch to all users, not just paid subscribers, to safeguard against accidental exposure of real IP addresses.
- WireGuard Support: Incorporate WireGuard for faster and more secure connections.
- IP and DNS Leak Protection: Ensure protection against potential IP and DNS leaks to maintain user privacy.
- Split Tunneling: Enable split tunneling across all devices to allow selective routing of traffic through the VPN.
- Open-Source Software: Transition to open-source software to enhance transparency and allow the community to review and verify app security.
- Ad Blocker: Integrate an ad blocker to prevent advertisements from appearing on web pages.
- Multi-Hop Server: Introduce multi-hop server capabilities to further enhance the security and privacy of VPN connections.
Streaming
Doesn’t Work with US Netflix
Rating: 3.0/10
VPN Proxy Master’s premium version falls short in bypassing geo-restrictions for streaming content. It has limited effectiveness, working with only a few UK-based streaming services, while failing to access major US platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu. The free version fares even worse, providing access solely to YouTube for international streaming.
Rank: #35 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming
Streaming Services Unblocked:
- YouTube (Free Version)
Unfortunately, VPN Proxy Master Premium and Free do not support popular US streaming services, leaving users seeking a more reliable VPN for accessing diverse international content.
Streaming Platform | Works with VPN Proxy Master | Works with VPN Proxy Master Free |
---|---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | No | No |
BBC iPlayer | Yes | No |
Channel 4 | Yes | No |
Disney+ | No | No |
Hotstar India | No | No |
Hulu | No | No |
ITVX | Yes | No |
Max | No | No |
Netflix US | No | No |
Premium Tier Access to UK Streaming Services
VPN Proxy Master Premium provides access to a limited selection of geo-restricted streaming services. In recent tests, it successfully unblocked All 4, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX. However, it was unable to access UK Netflix.
Despite having dedicated servers for US streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, VPN Proxy Master Premium failed to bypass the geo-restrictions for these services during our evaluations.
VPN Proxy Master is not a recommended choice for streaming, as it struggles to access major platforms such as US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. Many other VPN services offer reliable access to these streaming services and more.
Free Version: Limited Streaming Capabilities
VPN Proxy Master Free is notably ineffective for streaming. It does not allow users to select a server and automatically assigns a local server, which restricts access to content from outside the user’s region. Consequently, VPN Proxy Master Free falls short in providing a satisfactory streaming experience.
VPN Proxy Master Free was consistently detected by all streaming services during our tests. It failed to unblock BBC iPlayer, ITVX, UK Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
For those seeking a cost-free option to access restricted streaming content, we recommend PrivadoVPN Free. It stands out as the best free VPN for streaming, offering servers in 11 countries and successfully unblocking US Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
Speed Performance
Slower on Long-Distance Connections
Speed Rating: 8.8/10
VPN Proxy Master’s premium version delivers high-speed download rates on nearby servers but experiences significant slowdowns with long-distance connections. The free version shows even more pronounced speed reductions, with speeds dropping by 50% to 50 Mbps. Compared to other VPNs, both free and paid, there are options that offer superior speeds.
Rank: #30 out of 62 VPNs for Speed
We evaluated VPN Proxy Master’s average speeds across servers on six continents. Below is a table detailing the speed test results for the premium version of the application:
No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | US (Los Angeles) | Germany (Berlin) | Brazil (São Paulo) | Japan (Tokyo) | Australia (Sydney) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Server Location | ||||||||
Download Speed | 100Mbps | 93Mbps | 96Mbps | 87Mbps | 94Mbps | 45Mbps | 93Mbps | 86Mbps |
Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 91Mbps | 96Mbps | 92Mbps | 90Mbps | 40Mbps | 40Mbps | 85Mbps |
Ping | 1ms | 6ms | 55ms | 153ms | 92ms | 118ms | 142ms | 220ms |
Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 2,500mi | 4,000mi | 4,800mi | 6,700mi | 9,900mi |