Snap VPN Review

Snap VPN Key Data

Data Cap	Unlimited
Download Speed	2Mbps
Logging Policy	Some User Logs
Data Leaks	No
Jurisdiction	Singapore (SIGINT Member)
Servers	Not disclosed
IP Addresses	Not disclosed
Countries with Servers	6
US Netflix	No
Torrenting	No
Simultaneous Connections	Unlimited
Works In China	No
Support	Email Support Only
Official Website	Google Play Store

Privacy & Logging Policy

Lack of Transparency and Questionable Ownership

Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 2.0/10

While Snap VPN has recently made efforts to improve and clarify its logging policy, it remains far from being a secure or reliable option for privacy-conscious users. The service logs details such as your ISP, bandwidth usage, and server location. Additionally, the company’s connections to China, coupled with its unclear corporate background and limited online presence, raise serious concerns about its trustworthiness. Even if the privacy policy is accurate, the potential risks make it an unsuitable choice for users prioritizing privacy.

Ranked #47 out of 61 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy

Below is a breakdown of the information Snap VPN collects:

Data Type	Logged by Snap VPN
Account Information	No
Browsing Activity	No
Date of Last Connection	Yes
Device Information	No
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

You can access Snap VPN’s full privacy policy on its self-hosted server.

While Snap VPN claims it does not log data that can personally identify users, it still fails to establish itself as a trustworthy service. In 2022, the company moved its privacy policy to a self-hosted, secure HTTPS website, which is a significant improvement. However, it remains puzzling that this policy is not hosted on the official website of Autumn Breeze, the company’s current owner.

Company Ownership

Snap VPN was originally owned by Lemon Clove PTE Ltd., but it has since transitioned to Autumn Breeze. Whether this is a rebranding or a completely new entity remains unclear.

Furthermore, Snap VPN’s privacy policy continues to reference Lemon Clove in several instances, which suggests a lack of thoroughness and attention to detail. This inconsistency undermines confidence in the overall reliability of the document, further contributing to our skepticism toward Snap VPN.

The privacy policy claims that Snap VPN’s jurisdiction in Singapore has “no special data retention laws and no guidance pertaining to e-discovery or disclosure to foreign law enforcement agencies.” However, this is misleading. Singapore is a member of the SIGINT data-sharing alliance, raising concerns about potential data exposure. Ideally, a VPN should not be based in such a jurisdiction if privacy is a priority.

Our investigation into the ownership of free VPNs with ties to China has also revealed that Snap VPN has connections to mainland China, which presents a significant privacy concern for users.

Excessive Advertising Permissions

One of the most prominent issues with Snap VPN is the overwhelming number of in-app advertisements. These ads not only disrupt the user experience but also gain access to personal data.

Third-party ad platforms such as AdMob, Unity AD, Vungle, and Startapp are granted permission to use “cookies, pixel tags, and similar technologies” on your device through Snap VPN. These companies may then collect and track your information across various online services over time.

While ads are a common feature in free VPNs, they are one of the key reasons users should consider opting for a low-cost, paid VPN service. However, Snap VPN’s advertising permissions are more invasive than those of most other free VPNs, making it a particularly concerning option.

Speed Performance

Snap VPN Severely Limits Connection Speeds

Speed Rating: 0.6/10

Snap VPN ranks among the slowest VPNs we’ve tested. Our analysis revealed that the service significantly throttles connection speeds, resulting in highly unsatisfactory performance. During our tests, we recorded download speeds of less than 2Mbps across its server network—insufficient for even basic online activities such as browsing, streaming, or gaming.

Ranked #56 out of 61 VPNs for Speed

To calculate Snap VPN’s overall speed rating, we connected to five different servers worldwide and averaged the speeds for each location.

The table below provides a detailed breakdown of Snap VPN’s speed test results:

No VPN (New York)	US (New York)	Canada (Toronto)	UK (London)	Germany (Berlin)	Singapore
Server Location
Download Speed	100Mbps	2Mbps	2Mbps	2Mbps	2Mbps	2Mbps
Upload Speed	100Mbps	51Mbps	40Mbps	17Mbps	31Mbps	15Mbps
Ping	1ms	20ms	150ms	174ms	100ms	100ms
Distance	0mi	5mi	300mi	3,500mi	4,000mi	8,300mi

Snap VPN consistently delivered identical download speeds across all locations we tested, with an average download speed that never exceeded 2Mbps—regardless of the server’s location. Interestingly, upload speeds were notably faster, which strongly suggests that Snap VPN intentionally throttles download speeds.

We classify a download speed drop of more than 50% on nearby servers as poor performance. With Snap VPN, speeds were reduced by over 98%, making it one of the slowest VPNs we’ve ever tested.

There are far better free VPN options that do not throttle your connection. For example, Proton VPN Free is a highly reputable service and delivers speeds nearly 50 times faster than Snap VPN.

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Server Locations

Limited Server Network Focused on North America & Europe

Server Locations Rating: 4.0/10

Snap VPN provides access to just six server locations, which is about average for a free Android VPN. Recently, it replaced its India server with two additional locations in the UK, bringing the total number of countries to three in Europe, along with servers in the US, Canada, and Singapore.

Ranked #50 out of 61 VPNs for Server Locations

• 6 Countries
• 8 Cities
• Undisclosed Number of IP Addresses

The table below provides a breakdown of the number of server locations Snap VPN offers in each continent:

Continent	Countries with Servers
Europe	3
Asia	1
South America	0
North America	2
Africa	0
Oceania	0

Snap VPN provides a limited selection of server locations, which is common for a free VPN service. Users can connect to servers in six countries:

• Canada
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Singapore
• United Kingdom
• United States

For the UK and Germany, Snap VPN lists specific server cities, offering greater transparency. However, for other countries, server locations are not clearly labeled, leaving users to identify them through the use of IP-checking tools.

Premium subscribers have access to additional server locations; however, this still falls short of the extensive network offered by leading VPN services such as ExpressVPN, which boasts servers in 106 countries.

Streaming

Rating: 0.8/10

Snap VPN demonstrates limited effectiveness for streaming purposes. Our tests across ten international streaming platforms revealed that it successfully unblocked only two services: BBC iPlayer and ITVX, both of which are based in the UK. Unfortunately, Snap VPN was unable to access any Netflix libraries or premium US services such as HBO Max and Disney Plus.

Ranked 48th out of 61 VPNs for streaming capabilities, Snap VPN’s performance is notably lacking.

Below is a list of streaming services that Snap VPN can successfully unblock:

Streaming Platform	Works with Snap VPN
Amazon Prime Video	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes
Channel 4	No
Disney+	No
Hotstar India	No
Hulu	No
ITVX	Yes
Max	No
Netflix US	No

Snap VPN struggles to access the majority of streaming services we tested. We encountered frequent login failures on most platforms, and in certain instances, we were unable to even load the login screen.

Although we were able to access BBC iPlayer and ITVX with Snap VPN, we experienced significant speed throttling. This resulted in streams taking at least two minutes to load and experiencing constant buffering.

The persistent buffering was frustrating and detracted from the overall viewing experience, particularly during extended testing sessions.

For a more seamless streaming experience, we recommend using a VPN specifically optimized for streaming, which will avoid throttling issues and provide access to a broader range of streaming services.

Torrenting

Rating: 0.0/10

Our testing revealed that Snap VPN blocks all BitTorrent traffic. Even if P2P file-sharing were permitted, Snap VPN would still be unsuitable for torrenting. The service’s logging practices and insufficient encryption make it unreliable for handling sensitive data.

Ranked 52nd out of 61 VPNs for torrenting, Snap VPN previously indicated on its Play Store listing that P2P downloads were not allowed. Although this warning has since been removed, torrenting remains unsupported.

When we attempted to torrent a test file, it remained stalled in our client and failed to download. We tried switching VPN protocols and servers, but our traffic was consistently blocked.

This is a common issue with free VPNs, many of which restrict torrenting to manage bandwidth and incentivize users to opt for a paid subscription.

However, some free VPNs do support torrenting and offer safe file-sharing capabilities.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Rating: 0.1/10

Snap VPN does not offer any obfuscation tools or technologies, rendering it ineffective in countries with stringent web censorship, such as China.

Ranked 56th out of 61 VPNs for bypassing web censorship, Snap VPN previously indicated its limitations in China with the statement: “For policy reasons, this service is not available in Mainland China. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

Despite a recent update to its Play Store listing suggesting that Snap VPN can access blocked websites, this claim is inaccurate. Like many free and some paid VPNs, Snap VPN lacks the necessary obfuscation to navigate severe web censorship. Although we could not test this directly due to issues with our Shanghai server on Android, it is highly likely that Snap VPN cannot bypass the Great Firewall of China.

We recommend that Snap VPN consider incorporating obfuscation features, such as a stealth protocol or servers optimized for restricted regions, in future updates.

Security & Technical Features

Rating: 5.0/10

Snap VPN is not recommended for secure use. It does not disclose its VPN protocol, lacks a kill switch, and lacks advanced security features. Although it passed our leak tests, we strongly advise opting for a VPN with a well-established security track record.

Ranked 40th out of 61 VPNs for security and technical features, Snap VPN falls short in critical areas.

The table below provides details on the protocols, encryption ciphers, and additional security features offered by Snap VPN:

Protocols

Protocols	Available in Snap VPN
IKEv2/IPSec	No
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)	No
Undisclosed	Yes
WireGuard	No

Encryption

Encryption	Available in Snap VPN
AES-128	Yes
AES-192	No
AES-256	Yes
Blowfish	No
ChaCha20	No

Security

Security	Available in Snap VPN
Diskless Servers	No
DNS Leak Blocking	No
First-party DNS	No
IPv6 Leak Blocking	No
Supports TCP Port 443	No
VPN Kill Switch	No
WebRTC Leak Blocking	No

Advanced Features

Advanced Features	Available in Snap VPN
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

Snap VPN only provides a connection option labeled “IPSec,” but it is unclear whether this refers to the secure IKEv2 protocol or the outdated and less secure L2TP/IPSec.

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Although OpenVPN and the Android-exclusive protocols SSR and ISSR were previously available, they are now restricted to premium users. Snap VPN does not clearly indicate that these protocols are inaccessible to free users, as they are neither grayed out nor highlighted as unavailable.

Information regarding Snap VPN’s encryption is also lacking. After contacting customer support, we confirmed that Snap VPN employs industry-standard AES-128 and AES-256 encryption. While this is reassuring, it would be beneficial if this information were prominently displayed on the VPN’s Google Play listing.

Leak Test Results

Snap VPN successfully passed our leak tests, showing no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. However, the service lacks a kill switch, which is an important security feature.

Snap VPN currently utilizes Google DNS, which is generally regarded as secure. However, for enhanced anonymity and security, we recommend that Snap VPN consider operating its own private DNS servers, similar to the approach taken by ExpressVPN and PIA.

Additionally, Snap VPN lacks a kill switch feature. The absence of this critical component means that if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, your personal data could be exposed. This omission is a significant concern and undermines the overall safety of Snap VPN.

Recommended Technical Enhancements

While Snap VPN recently introduced split tunneling, it still lacks several essential technical features that are standard in modern VPN services. The following are key features we believe should be incorporated:

• Modern VPN Protocols: Implementing protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN would ensure that user traffic is securely encrypted. These protocols are known for their speed, open-source nature, and absence of known vulnerabilities.
• VPN Kill Switch: A kill switch is crucial for protecting personal data in the event of an unexpected VPN connection drop. This feature helps prevent data leaks and ensures continuous privacy.
• IPv4 & IPv6 Leak Protection: To guarantee that your real IP address and identity remain confidential, Snap VPN should include robust IPv4 and IPv6 leak protection measures.

Device and OS Compatibility

Available Platforms

Snap VPN is exclusively available for Android devices. Although there is a similarly named app in the iOS App Store, it is developed by a different entity and is not affiliated with Snap VPN.

Compatibility Details

• Android: Snap VPN supports only Android smartphones and tablets. It is not available for iOS, Windows, macOS, or Linux platforms.
• Additional Features: The service does not offer browser extensions for Chrome or Firefox, Smart DNS capabilities, or applications for streaming devices such as Fire TV or Apple TV.
• System Requirements: Snap VPN is compatible with any Android device running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later.

For users seeking free VPN options for other platforms, we recommend reviewing our curated list of top free VPNs by category.

Ease of Use

Overview

Ease of Use Rating: 7.5/10

Snap VPN offers a straightforward user experience with minimal customizable features, making it easy to use. However, the frequent display of full-screen ads significantly detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, users may encounter issues with server connections, as the app often fails to connect on the first attempt.

Usability Ranking

Snap VPN is ranked #30 out of 61 VPNs for ease of use.

Getting Started

Setting up Snap VPN on Android is a simple process that takes less than two minutes. To get started, download the app from the Google Play Store, follow the on-screen prompts, and you’re ready to go. As a free VPN service, there is no requirement to provide payment details or register an account.

Android

The app features a minimalist design with white text on a blue background, ensuring readability. To connect, select your desired VPN server location from the list and tap ‘Go’ on the main screen.

During our testing, we observed that Snap VPN occasionally required multiple attempts to establish a connection, often without providing any error messages. Additionally, the frequent interruptions from a free trial pop-up, which appears after every connection attempt, added to the frustration.

While Snap VPN is relatively easy to use, it lacks advanced features and customization options. For a mobile VPN, the inclusion of options such as a light/dark mode toggle and the ability to add trusted networks would enhance its functionality.

The most significant drawback of Snap VPN’s user experience is its intrusive ads. These ads occupy the entire screen and cannot be skipped until a mandatory wait time, typically ranging from five to ten seconds, has elapsed. This aspect significantly hampers the overall user experience.

Customer Support

Customer Support Rating: 2.0/10

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Snap VPN’s customer support falls significantly short of expectations. The website lacks comprehensive information or guides to assist with common issues. Although support is available via email, response times are notably slow, often exceeding one week before receiving a satisfactory answer.

Usability Ranking

Snap VPN is ranked #55 out of 61 VPNs for customer support.

Contact Options

Support can be reached through the following methods:

Customer Support	Available in Snap VPN
24/7 Email Support	No
24/7 Live Chat Support	No
Chatbot	No
Email	Yes
Email Support via Online Form	No
Live Chat Support	No
Online Resources	No
Tutorial Videos	No

Snap VPN lacks a dedicated website; all relevant information is confined to its Google Play Store listing. The only available customer support is through email, with responses typically taking up to a week and often lacking clarity and usefulness.

In our interactions, Snap VPN informed us that they would not provide additional details about the service until a “fair” evaluation was completed. Additionally, we received communication from an entity referred to as the “Master VPN Customer Service Department,” which added to the confusion.

Despite these issues, we eventually received answers to our inquiries after several exchanges. For a VPN service, whether free or paid, we expect a higher level of guidance and professionalism.