Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 1.8/10
Psiphon is a free tool aimed at bypassing content restrictions in heavily censored countries. While it offers some minimal benefits, its significant shortcomings as a VPN are substantial. The service is marred by exceedingly slow speeds, a problematic logging policy, and intrusive trackers. Additionally, the free version is plagued with advertisements, and the paid SpeedBoost option does little to improve performance. Psiphon is not reliable for ensuring online privacy or security.
Ranked #46 out of 61 VPNs
Psiphon Category Ratings
- Streaming: 0.8/10
- Torrenting: 0.0/10
- Privacy & Logging: 0.1/10
- Speed: 0.4/10
- Server Locations: 1.0/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 5.0/10
- Security & Features: 2.5/10
- Ease of Use: 6.8/10
- Customer Support: 4.5/10
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free apps do not require an email address or payment details.
- Open-source code enhances transparency.
- Capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer.
Cons:
- Limited server network.
- Paid version is slow, and the free version is even slower.
- No applications for macOS, Linux, or routers.
- Ineffective for Netflix streaming or torrenting.
- Explicitly states it is not intended for privacy protection.
- Lacks a VPN kill switch and has DNS leak issues.
Psiphon is known within internet freedom circles, such as Access Now, as a tool for bypassing censorship. However, our testing reveals that it falls short as both a VPN and a proxy in nearly every aspect. It logs your IP address, struggles to bypass censorship in China, offers poor speeds, leaks DNS requests, and lacks a kill switch feature.
The service offers two modes: a circumvention proxy and a VPN. Notably, its free proxy mode performs slightly better than the VPN in some respects. Psiphon’s Free Proxy allows server selection in 27 countries on Android but does not encrypt web traffic, thus failing to secure browsing history. Conversely, Psiphon VPN assigns servers randomly, typically in Singapore, without offering server choice.
Speeds with Psiphon Free Proxy are exceptionally low, often not exceeding 4 Mbps on local connections, making it unsuitable for video streaming or online gaming—although it may suffice for loading basic web pages in certain regions.
Additionally, there are two versions of the app on the Google Play Store: Psiphon and Psiphon Pro. Neither offers a VPN mode; both rely on the insecure Free Proxy service.
Despite its reputation, Psiphon is not recommended for privacy and security purposes. For those in need of a free VPN in highly censored areas, Windscribe Free is a preferable alternative.
Expert Advice: Be cautious of fake apps masquerading as Psiphon, which may contain spyware or malware. To avoid potential risks, we advise against using this service.
Psiphon Key Data
| Paid | Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Cap | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Download Speed | 38Mbps | 4Mbps |
| Logging Policy | Intrusive Logging | Intrusive Logging |
| Data Leaks | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Canada (Five Eyes Member) | Canada (Five Eyes Member) |
| Servers | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| IP Addresses | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Countries with Servers | 27 | 27 |
| US Netflix | No | No |
| Torrenting | Restricted | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Works In China | Unreliable | Unreliable |
| Support | Email & Online Resources Only | Email & Online Resources Only |
| Cheapest Price | $3.00 over 1 Month | N/A |
| Official Website | Psiphon.ca | |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Psiphon’s Privacy and Logging Practices
Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 0.1/10
We strongly advise against using any VPN with a logging policy as concerning as Psiphon’s. The service tracks your browsing activity, bandwidth usage, connection timestamps, and IP address. Given Psiphon’s intended use in highly censored regions, these practices pose significant risks.
Ranked #51 out of 61 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
Data Collection Summary
Below is a summary of the types of data that Psiphon collects:
| Data Type | Logged by Psiphon |
|---|---|
| Account Information | No |
| Browsing Activity | Yes |
| Date of Last Connection | Yes |
| Device Information | No |
| DNS Queries | No |
| Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
| Individual Connection Timestamps | Yes |
| ISP | Yes |
| Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
| Originating IP Address | Yes |
| VPN Server IP | Yes |
| VPN Server Location | No |
You can review Psiphon’s complete privacy policy on their official website.
Psiphon’s logging practices are deeply concerning. The service maintains comprehensive records of user activity and connection logs, as detailed in its privacy policy.
Psiphon acknowledges that it monitors the domain names (websites) you visit, although it does not log full URLs. It also records your IP address to assess your location and retains this information for an indeterminate period.
On a positive note, Psiphon does not require payment information or email addresses for accessing the free version of its app.
Psiphon retains all collected data for up to 90 days, which exceeds our preferred retention period. Ideally, such data would either not be recorded or be deleted within 30 days, as exemplified by Hide.me.
Additionally, Psiphon discloses user information to advertisers and sponsors, providing insights into the frequency of visits to their sites and the countries from which these visits originate. This data is aggregated by date, sponsor, and region.
While Psiphon claims it does not share detailed or potentially user-identifying information with partners or third parties, its extensive logging practices undermine its credibility as a privacy tool. Consequently, we do not recommend Psiphon for privacy purposes.
Psiphon explicitly states that its software should not be considered a privacy tool. For a more privacy-focused VPN experience, we recommend exploring options with a strict no-logs policy.
Expert Advice: Psiphon is inadequate from a privacy perspective. For a reliable VPN that does not log your IP address or web traffic, consider reviewing Private Internet Access (PIA) instead.
Speed
Extremely Slow VPN & Proxy Speeds
Speed Rating: 0.4/10
Psiphon delivers the slowest performance we’ve encountered. Psiphon Free Proxy caps connection speeds at just 2 Mbps, which is inadequate for most online activities. Even with the paid SpeedBoost upgrade on Windows, speeds remain severely constrained due to Psiphon’s automatic server selection, which does not align with your physical location.
Ranked #58 out of 61 VPNs for Speed
To evaluate Psiphon VPN’s performance, we purchased the SpeedBoost upgrade for $3.00 per month and compared our internet speeds before and after connecting to a VPN server.
SpeedBoost Performance on a 100 Mbps Connection:
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Japan (Tokyo) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Location |  |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Download Speed | 100Mbps | 38Mbps | 3Mbps | 3Mbps | 0Mbps | 2Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 4Mbps | 1Mbps | 3Mbps | 1Mbps | 2Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 476ms | 322ms | 444ms | 434ms | 1469ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 3,500mi | 4,000mi | 6,700mi |
With SpeedBoost, we observed a significant 62% reduction in speed on local connections. This level of performance is particularly disappointing given the cost of the monthly subscription.
Psiphon is not suitable for HD streaming, torrenting, or gaming due to its extremely slow speeds. The service falls short of meeting the requirements for these activities.
Unfortunately, we were unable to perform our standard tests with Psiphon VPN due to its lack of server selection. Users are randomly assigned servers, frequently located in Singapore, regardless of their actual location.
Psiphon Free Proxy Speed Tests
Psiphon Free Proxy is exceptionally slow, even for a free service. Our tests revealed a staggering 96% speed reduction when connected to a nearby server in the US.
The results indicate that Psiphon significantly throttles its free proxy servers. Out of the 61 VPN services we’ve reviewed, Psiphon Free Proxy ranks as the slowest. In summary, Psiphon Free Proxy is too slow for practical use.
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Japan (Tokyo) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Location | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Download Speed | 100Mbps | 4Mbps | 3Mbps | 3Mbps | 0Mbps | 2Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 1Mbps | 1Mbps | 3Mbps | 1Mbps | 2Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 433ms | 322ms | 444ms | 434ms | 1469ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 3,500mi | 4,000mi | 6,700mi |
Free VPNs such as PrivadoVPN Free and Proton VPN Free have demonstrated speeds more than ten times faster than Psiphon in our tests.
Streaming
Unblocks BBC iPlayer & HBO Max, but Insufficient for HD Streaming
Streaming Rating: 0.8/10
Psiphon is not optimized for streaming, and as such, its performance in this area is limited. Psiphon VPN does not allow users to select a specific country server, making it largely ineffective for unblocking streaming services. However, with Psiphon Free Proxy, we were able to access BBC iPlayer, All 4 (Channel 4), Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. While this is a positive aspect, the service’s slow speeds result in persistent buffering during Full HD video playback.
Ranked #38 out of 61 VPNs for Streaming
Streaming Services Unblocked by Psiphon:
| Streaming Platform | Works with Psiphon |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes |
| Channel 4 | Yes |
| Disney+ | No |
| Hotstar India | No |
| Hulu | No |
| ITVX | No |
| Max | Yes |
| Netflix US | No |
Psiphon is not a reliable VPN for streaming. In our tests, it failed to work with Netflix US, Dazn, or Disney+.
Although we managed to unblock BBC iPlayer using Psiphon Free Proxy, the video loading time was excessively long due to slow speeds.
While Psiphon was not designed specifically for bypassing streaming geo-blocks, we expect a top anti-censorship tool to perform this function effectively, as demonstrated by our tests with ExpressVPN.
Torrenting
Psiphon VPN Blocks P2P Traffic & Proxy Is Not Suitable for Torrenting
Torrenting Rating: 0.0/10
Psiphon VPN completely blocks all P2P traffic, making it unsuitable for torrenting. While Psiphon Free Proxy offers relatively fast torrenting speeds, its significant issues with logging policy, security standards, and feature limitations undermine its effectiveness. The proxy logs user activity and exposes data, rendering it inadequate for secure and private torrenting.
Ranked #37 out of 61 VPNs for Torrenting
Comparison of Psiphon’s Proxy and VPN for Torrenting:
| Torrenting Attribute | Psiphon Proxy | Psiphon VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Average Download Bitrate | 9.9MiB/s | P2P Banned |
| Kill Switch | No | No |
| Port Forwarding | No | No |
We do not recommend Psiphon Proxy or VPN for torrenting. Psiphon VPN entirely blocks P2P traffic, making it unsuitable for torrenting activities. A reliable VPN should provide a range of P2P-optimized servers and fast download speeds, which Psiphon fails to deliver.
Psiphon’s proxy service does not block P2P traffic and offers an average bitrate of 9.9 MiB/s. However, it lacks essential features required for secure torrenting. The proxy does not include a kill switch, port forwarding, and it frequently leaks DNS and WebRTC requests.
Despite its fast download speeds, these security shortcomings make Psiphon’s proxy unsuitable for torrenting.
The privacy policy is also quite intrusive. It records your browsing activity, original IP address, and connection timestamps, which could potentially expose users’ identities if this information were compromised.
Psiphon does not provide adequate safety or anonymity for torrenting and should be avoided. In contrast, the VPNs we recommend for torrenting offer fast speeds, robust leak protection, no-logs policies, and effective kill switches.
VPNs such as Astrill ensure your anonymity during torrenting, safeguarding your true IP address from both your ISP and other torrent users.
Security & Technical Features
Strong Encryption, but Lacking Other Security Measures
Security & Technical Features Rating: 2.5/10
While Psiphon utilizes AES-256 encryption, it falls short as a reliable privacy and security tool. The VPN relies on the outdated L2TP/IPSec connection protocol, lacks a kill switch in any of its apps, and is prone to data leaks through WebRTC.
Ranked #50 out of 61 VPNs for Security & Technical Features
Refer to the table below to review the encryption ciphers, connection protocols, and security features that Psiphon provides:
Protocols
| Protocols | Available in Psiphon |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | No |
| L2TP/IPSec | Yes |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | No |
| WireGuard | No |
Encryption
| Encryption | Available in Psiphon |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | No |
Security
| Security | Available in Psiphon |
|---|---|
| Diskless Servers | No |
| DNS Leak Blocking | No |
| First-party DNS | No |
| IPv6 Leak Blocking | No |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | Yes |
| VPN Kill Switch | No |
| WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features
| Advanced Features | Available in Psiphon |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | No |
| Dedicated IP | No |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
Psiphon VPN exclusively uses the L2TP/IPSec protocol instead of the more preferred OpenVPN. Although it offers a reasonable level of security when combined with AES 256-bit encryption, it remains less robust compared to other options.
Significantly, Psiphon’s proxy service does not provide encryption for your internet traffic, unlike the VPN app.
Psiphon’s proxies utilize SSH, SSH+ (obfuscated), and HTTP configurations. Since Psiphon’s primary objective is to bypass content restrictions via the SSH+ proxy service, its apps lack advanced privacy features.
The absence of a VPN kill switch means there is no mechanism to prevent exposure of your IP address in the event of a connection drop.
Security Flaws & Independent Audit
Although Cure53’s 2017 security audit of Psiphon identified “no noteworthy security risks,” our testing uncovered several leaks affecting both the VPN and proxy services.
Our testing of the Windows app identified DNS request leaks, and we have previously observed WebRTC leaks. The absence of a kill switch means these leaks leave your personal data exposed to potential third parties.
You can review the DNS request, WebRTC, and geolocation leaks observed during our testing of Psiphon Proxy in the image below:
Among the 90 most popular free VPNs we tested, only 16% exhibited DNS request leaks similar to Psiphon. There are more secure and private free VPN options available, as well as affordable no-logs VPNs like PrivateVPN.
A follow-up audit by Cure53 in 2019 yielded “mixed” results, particularly criticizing the Windows app for being outdated.
In 2021, Psiphon engaged 7ASecurity for an audit, which provided a more favorable evaluation.
No Malware, but Numerous Trackers & Permissions
Our VirusTotal scan of Psiphon’s app detected no malware or viruses. However, the app does include numerous trackers and permissions.
However, we identified over 20 intrusive permissions and trackers in the Psiphon Pro Android app. Coupled with Psiphon’s invasive privacy policy, these factors lead us to conclude that we cannot recommend the VPN and proxy service.
Bypassing Web Censorship
Unblocks Websites in Russia and Iran, But Lacks Anonymity
Bypassing Censorship Rating: 5.0/10
Psiphon’s primary selling point is its ability to bypass stringent web censorship. However, it fails to function in China, which is a significant drawback. Moreover, the lack of encryption for your traffic poses a risk of activity being monitored by your ISP.
Ranked #33 out of 61 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship
While Psiphon’s proxy service was effective against China’s Great Firewall two years ago, as of 2024, neither its proxy nor VPN service can connect to servers within China.
Psiphon advises users that its VPN configuration (L2TP, or Transport Mode) lacks robust censorship circumvention capabilities. Our tests also confirmed that Psiphon VPN is ineffective in China.
For a more reliable free VPN that offers better data protection in China, we recommend Windscribe Free.
Psiphon’s proxy servers employ additional layers of obfuscation (SSH+) to circumvent online filters in various countries. While these SSH proxies encrypt traffic within your browser, this encryption does not extend to other applications.
Psiphon’s proxy service does offer a straightforward method for users in countries that block VPN websites to download VPN software. Users can request the downloads by emailing get@psiphon3.com, providing a means to bypass governmental restrictions. This unique feature contributes to its popularity in countries like Iran.
Despite this, we do not recommend Psiphon for users in highly censored regions. Relying on a proxy rather than a full VPN increases the risk of exposing your online activity to government surveillance.
Server Locations
20+ Locations Available on Mobile, No Server Selection for Windows
Server Locations Rating: 1.0/10
Psiphon offers a reasonable number of server locations on mobile platforms, but its global server distribution is notably limited. Users in Africa, Central and South America, and Oceania have no available options. On the desktop version, users cannot select their server location; instead, the app automatically assigns a server.
Ranked #30 out of 61 VPNs for Server Locations
- 27 Countries
- 27 Cities
- Undisclosed Number of IP Addresses
The availability of Psiphon VPN servers varies by platform. The Android app offers 27 server locations, while the iOS app provides 25. For Windows users, Psiphon’s proxy service includes 27 server locations, but the VPN service does not allow users to choose their server. The app selects a server automatically, which may not always be convenient.
Most of Psiphon’s VPN servers are concentrated in Europe and North America, with key locations including the US, Canada, the UK, and France. The Asia-Pacific region has servers in India, Japan, and Singapore. There are no servers in South America, Africa, or Australia, and the app does not allow for city-level server selection within the available countries.
Although being far from a server usually impacts performance, Psiphon’s speed is capped at 2Mbps on the basic plan, rendering server distance less of a concern for performance.
Psiphon does not disclose the total number of servers it operates, nor does it specify whether these servers are owned or leased from third parties.
Device & OS Compatibility
Available on Windows, Android, iOS, but Limited to M1 Chip Macs
Device Compatibility
Psiphon offers applications for Windows, Apple Silicon Macs, iOS, and Android. These apps can be downloaded directly from Psiphon’s website, the App Store, Google Play Store, or through email for users in countries where the site is blocked.
Supported Platforms:
- Windows
- Apple Silicon Macs
- iOS
- Android
Psiphon’s device compatibility is relatively limited compared to other VPN services. For instance, NordVPN provides native applications for Linux, routers, and supports a wider range of devices including Apple TV, Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles.
Summary of Main Differences Between Psiphon’s Applications:
- Windows: Available
- Mac: Limited to Apple Silicon Macs
- iOS: Available
- Android: Available
| Feature | Android | iOS | Windows | macOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native App | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kill Switch | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| OpenVPN | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| L2TP/IPSec | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
There are basic setup guides available, but they lack comprehensive detail.
It is important to be cautious, as some unofficial Psiphon apps outside of the official app stores may contain malicious spyware. Psiphon offers instructions to help verify the authenticity of your download to ensure you are using a legitimate version.
Ease of Use
Simple Setup, but Lacks Detailed Guidance
Ease of Use Rating: 6.8/10
Psiphon’s interface is straightforward and user-friendly, though it lacks aesthetic appeal. The setup process is quick, requiring no registration or email. However, the application could benefit from more contextual help and clearer explanations for its various proxy features.
Ranked #38 out of 61 VPNs for Ease of Use
Psiphon apps are easy to download and install across platforms. They function without requiring user registration. Once installed, the apps are functional but display certain quirks, such as opening a separate window with online advertisements each time you connect, rather than showing your new IP address within the app itself.
The apps are available in over 40 languages, although language support may vary between mobile and desktop versions. The Android app includes a range of languages, including Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Oromo, Swahili, Shona, Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Hindi, English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
For non-English speakers, especially those unfamiliar with European languages, Psiphon may be one of the few VPN options available in your native language.
The Windows app defaults to proxy mode, as this is Psiphon’s main anti-censorship tool. If you want to use the VPN you’ll need to go to Settings > Transport Mode > tick the L2TP/IPSec box > Apply Changes.
In our testing, we found it cumbersome to click “Apply Changes” each time we switched between proxy and VPN modes. However, if you use a single mode consistently, this will not be a significant concern.
Psiphon on Mobile
For Android devices, ensure that the ‘Tunnel Whole Device’ option is enabled to use the VPN. On iOS, make sure to use the primary Psiphon app rather than the ‘Psiphon Browser for iOS,’ which functions as a proxy.
Psiphon Pro is straightforward to use. Once installed, you can easily change servers through the Options menu and click “Start” to connect.
However, the app’s design is not visually appealing. It lacks a day-to-night mode switch and displays persistent ads both within the app and after establishing a connection, which can be frustrating.
Customer Support
Basic Online Resources & Substandard Customer Support
Customer Support Rating: 4.5/10
Psiphon primarily relies on online resources for customer support. While there is an email contact available, it is not easily accessible on the website. Previously, Psiphon’s customer support email provided prompt responses, but recent attempts to reach them have gone unanswered.
Ranked #47 out of 61 VPNs for Customer Support
| Customer Support | Available in Psiphon |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | No |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | No |
| Chatbot | No |
| Yes | |
| Email Support via Online Form | No |
| Live Chat Support | No |
| Online Resources | Yes |
| Tutorial Videos | No |
Psiphon’s customer support is notably limited, even for paying customers. The absence of live chat support is particularly disappointing.
The Psiphon website offers a basic FAQ section addressing common troubleshooting issues, app compatibility, and other general problems. However, the resources are minimal and lack in-depth guidance. The user guide provides instructions for using the Windows and Android apps.
Currently, the only means of contacting Psiphon’s support team is through an email address listed on their website. While past interactions often resulted in thorough responses, recent inquiries have gone unanswered.
Given the complexities of Psiphon’s services and the critical nature of bypassing government web filters, it is essential for Psiphon to enhance its customer support. Implementing instructional walkthroughs similar to Surfshark, or a live chat feature akin to NordVPN’s, would significantly improve user experience. A ticketed support system would also be a valuable addition, providing a more reliable alternative to email communication.
Price & Value
Primarily Free with a Costly Premium Option
Psiphon offers a basic free version and a premium plan that may not provide the best value for your money. The premium service, priced at $3.00 per month, is quite limited. Users do not have the flexibility to select servers; instead, they can only connect and disconnect. Numerous alternatives provide better value and more features at a lower cost. Additionally, the free version of Psiphon falls short compared to other reputable free VPN services, with its performance often being subpar.
The free version of Psiphon is available on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS devices, but it is notably slow, with average speeds of around 4Mbps. An option to purchase a SpeedBoost upgrade is available, which increases speeds to a maximum of 38Mbps. However, the pricing structure and upgrade process are more complex than necessary.
PsiCash Overview
For Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS users, SpeedBoost can only be acquired using PsiCash, an in-app currency purchased solely through the Psiphon app while connected. This system resembles a pay-as-you-go model, where you add funds to your wallet. Despite the upgrade, the speed is still relatively slow, ranging from 4Mbps to 38Mbps.
Using PsiCash to purchase a SpeedBoost is more cost-effective compared to the standard monthly subscription on iOS. Subscription costs vary depending on the device and subscription length, with longer terms offering better monthly rates.
Subscription Pricing
- Monthly Plan: $3.00 per month
- 12-Month Plan: $8.33 per month, billed annually at $99.99 (iOS only) – save 17%
- Monthly Plan for iOS and Android: $9.99 per month
The iOS monthly subscription, at $9.99, is among the more expensive VPN options available. For better value, consider opting for a more efficient and affordable VPN service.
Payment & Refund Options
Users upgrading to Psiphon Pro on Android or iOS are limited to payment methods accepted by the App Store and Google Play Store, including:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- Visa
Psiphon provides a 30-day free trial for Android and a three-day free trial for iOS users who opt for Psiphon Pro. Be sure to cancel the trial through the App Store or Google Play Store before it ends to avoid charges.
The trial period is a useful opportunity to test the performance enhancements and determine if the premium service meets your needs before committing to a subscription.
