Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 3.0/10
Thunder VPN received a disappointing rating of 3.0/10 in our evaluation. The service is plagued by sluggish speeds and an intrusive logging policy. Although it is available for free on Android devices, Thunder VPN falls short in critical areas: its encryption is outdated, it lacks support for torrenting, and it fails to unblock Netflix and many other streaming services.
Ranked #41 out of 61 VPNs
Thunder VPN Category Ratings:
- Streaming: 1.1/10
- Torrenting: 3.6/10
- Privacy & Logging: 6.3/10
- Speed: 1.4/10
- Server Locations: 3.0/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 1.0/10
- Security & Features: 1.7/10
- Ease of Use: 6.1/10
- Customer Support: 1.0/10
Thunder VPN Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- User-friendly app interface
- Compatible with BBC iPlayer
- Split tunneling feature
Cons:
- Intrusive logging policy
- Outdated encryption standards
- Extremely slow performance
- No kill switch
- No support for torrenting
- Ineffective at bypassing censorship
Thunder VPN is a free VPN option for Android with unlimited bandwidth and over 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store. However, our comprehensive review of Thunder VPN, including privacy, speed, security, and streaming capabilities, revealed significant shortcomings.
The service performed poorly across nearly all categories and is not recommended for secure or efficient use.
Thunder VPN Key Data
| Data Cap | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Download Speed | 12Mbps |
| Logging Policy | Intrusive Logging |
| Data Leaks | No |
| Jurisdiction | US (Five Eyes member) |
| Servers | Not disclosed |
| IP Addresses | Not disclosed |
| Countries with Servers | 4 |
| US Netflix | No |
| Torrenting | No |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 |
| Works In China | No |
| Support | Email Support Only |
| Official Website | Thunder.free-signal.com |
Privacy and Logging Policy Evaluation
Confidentiality and Data Collection
Privacy and Logging Policy Rating: 6.3/10
Thunder VPN has a notable history of collecting extensive data on its users, including usage times, data consumption, device information, and even ISP details. This level of data collection is considered excessive and intrusive. However, it is important to acknowledge that Thunder VPN has made a significant improvement by ceasing the collection of user IP addresses.
Ranking: #30 out of 61 VPNs for Privacy and Logging Policy
As outlined in its privacy policy, Thunder VPN logs the following information:
| Data Type | Logged by Thunder VPN |
|---|---|
| Account Information | No |
| Browsing Activity | No |
| Date of Last Connection | No |
| Device Information | Yes |
| DNS Queries | No |
| Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
| Individual Connection Timestamps | Yes |
| ISP | Yes |
| Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
| Originating IP Address | No |
| VPN Server IP | No |
| VPN Server Location | No |
Thunder VPN previously faced criticism for logging user IP addresses, resulting in the lowest rating in our privacy assessment. While the VPN now asserts that it has ceased collecting IP addresses—a positive development—it continues to log other data that raises concerns. Specifically, the service lacks details on data deletion policies, metadata handling, and retention periods, and has not undergone a third-party audit to validate its logging policy claims.
The privacy policy states: “We store this to be able to deliver the best possible network experience to you.” Despite this, the extent of data logging remains unjustifiable. For users seeking a truly private experience, we strongly recommend opting for a no-logs VPN service, such as Private Internet Access.
Ownership of Thunder VPN
Thunder VPN is developed by Signal Lab, the same company behind Secure VPN, another popular free app. However, Signal Lab lacks a formal company website, and the only contact provided is a Gmail address.
The corporate structure behind Thunder VPN remains unclear. Although a US address in Arkansas is listed (with a zip code from California), this address is solely used for payment processing. Independent research suggests that Thunder VPN’s development team may be based in Hong Kong. However, no company named Signal Lab is currently registered in Hong Kong.
This opacity raises concerns about transparency and accountability. As users entrust VPN services with their data and privacy, we advise exercising caution before subscribing to Thunder VPN.
Security and Technical Features
SSL Encryption & No Kill Switch
Rating: 1.7/10
Thunder VPN lacks transparency regarding its data protection measures and employs the relatively weak SSL protocol for encryption. While no IP or DNS leaks were detected during our assessment, the absence of a kill switch further compromises its security. Overall, Thunder VPN is considered outdated and vulnerable from a security standpoint.
Ranking: #57 out of 61 VPNs for Security and Technical Features
Protocols
| Protocols | Available in Thunder VPN |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | No |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | No |
| SSL VPN | Yes |
| WireGuard | No |
Encryption
| Encryption | Available in Thunder VPN |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | No |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | No |
| Undisclosed | Yes |
Security
| Security | Available in Thunder 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 Thunder VPN |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | No |
| Dedicated IP | No |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | No |
| Split Tunneling | No |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
Thunder VPN poses significant security concerns. Its encryption is subpar, lacking a VPN kill switch, and it enforces an intrusive logging policy that collects connection data.
Information regarding Thunder VPN’s security measures and VPN protocols is sparse. The FAQ page, now removed, previously stated, “we use SSL to encrypt your internet data.” However, SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), introduced in 1995, is an outdated and insufficient level of protection.
Currently, industry standards for VPN encryption include OpenVPN or WireGuard, utilizing the AES-256 cipher. Thunder VPN does not offer these advanced protocols in its applications.
On a positive note, Thunder VPN has passed our IP and DNS leak tests. It also features an ‘App Filter,’ which functions as a form of split tunneling, allowing users to select which Android apps are encrypted.
Despite this, Thunder VPN lacks additional security features. If securing your connection and protecting your privacy are priorities, Thunder VPN is not a suitable choice.
Speed
One of the Slowest VPNs We’ve Tested
Thunder VPN is among the slowest VPNs we have tested.
Speed Rating: 1.4/10
The VPN experiences significant performance issues, with speed reductions of up to 88% on same-country connections—an exceptionally poor result. For long-distance connections, average download speeds rarely exceed 14 Mbps.
Ranked #52 out of 61 VPNs for Speed
Our testing of Thunder VPN’s speeds across all available servers yielded disappointing results.
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | US (Los Angeles) | UK (London) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Location |  |
|
|
 |
| Download Speed | 100Mbps | 12Mbps | 14Mbps | 11Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 79Mbps | 57Mbps | 45Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 21ms | 92ms | 89ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 2,500mi | 3,500mi |
Our data indicates significant speed losses with Thunder VPN.
With average download speeds of just 12 Mbps on nearby servers, Thunder VPN falls far short of providing a reliable experience for streaming, torrenting, or even casual browsing.
Even low-bandwidth activities are impacted, rendering the VPN nearly unusable. Given this performance, we strongly recommend opting for a VPN known for consistent speed and reliability instead.
Streaming
Unblocks BBC iPlayer Only
Streaming Rating: 1.1/10
Thunder VPN only successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer during our tests. It previously had the capability to unblock this service but has since removed its UK server. It did not manage to access other geo-restricted streaming services such as Netflix and Max.
Ranked #44 out of 61 VPNs for Streaming
Our evaluation of Thunder VPN’s performance across various streaming platforms revealed limited success. Below is a list of the streaming services Thunder VPN was able to unblock:
| Streaming Platform | Works with Thunder VPN |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | No |
| BBC iPlayer | No |
| Channel 4 | No |
| Disney+ | No |
| Hotstar India | No |
| Hulu | No |
| ITVX | No |
| Max | No |
| Netflix US | No |
Thunder VPN currently does not support any streaming services.
Both its US East and US West servers are unable to bypass Netflix’s proxy detection or other restrictions on US-based streaming sites such as Max or Hulu.
Previously effective with BBC iPlayer, Thunder VPN has since removed its UK servers, rendering it unable to provide a UK IP address.
For accessing geo-blocked video content, Thunder VPN is not a viable option. We recommend selecting from our list of top streaming VPNs for reliable and secure alternatives.
Torrenting
Too Slow and Unsafe for Torrenting
Torrenting Rating: 3.6/10
Thunder VPN is both too slow and insufficiently secure for effective torrenting. Its lack of a kill switch and outdated encryption protocol further compromise its suitability for this purpose. The service explicitly advises against using it for sharing copyrighted material and warns that users may be held accountable for any violations of this policy.
Ranked #44 out of 61 VPNs for Torrenting
Thunder VPN’s Terms of Service stipulate that activities such as “uploading, downloading, posting, reproducing, or distributing any content protected by copyright” may lead to account termination. The service also states:
“You may be held responsible for any and all damages incurred by Thunder VPN, including any charges from outside entities due to such violations.”
Moreover, Thunder VPN’s performance for torrenting is inadequate, with an average bitrate of just 9.4 MiB/s. The absence of essential security features, such as a kill switch, further undermines its effectiveness for safe torrenting.
Server Locations
Small Server List & Fake IPs
Server Locations Rating: 3.0/10
Thunder VPN offers a limited server network, currently featuring servers in only 4 countries. Although this is reasonable for a free service, it is relatively restrictive compared to its previous offering of more than double the number of server locations.
Ranked #53 out of 61 VPNs for Server Locations
Current Coverage:
- 4 Countries: US, France, Luxembourg, Canada
- 5 Cities: Various
- Undisclosed Number of IP Addresses
Previously, Thunder VPN provided servers in nine countries, including Japan. The current network has reduced to just four countries, with no servers available in Asia, South America, or Africa.
In the US, users have access to servers on both the East and West coasts. Thunder VPN used to offer servers in the South but has since removed them.
Historically, there were issues with ‘fake’ connections where servers in certain countries would assign incorrect IP addresses. For example, a Netherlands server would sometimes provide a French IP address. Although this issue seems to have been addressed, it remains to be seen if the resolution is permanent.
Bypassing Web Censorship
Needs Obfuscation Technology
Rating: 1.0/10
Thunder VPN is inadequate for circumventing strict internet censorship due to its lack of obfuscation technology. This absence makes it susceptible to detection by stringent web filters, resulting in an unreliable and slow service.
Rank: #51 out of 61 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship
Thunder VPN fails to operate effectively in China, as it lacks the necessary obfuscation tools to mask its traffic from Chinese censors. Consequently, its connections are easily identified and blocked.
Similarly, Thunder VPN is unlikely to be effective in other highly censored regions such as the UAE, Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
For those residing in or traveling to countries with severe censorship, it is strongly advised to utilize a premium VPN service that can successfully bypass aggressive web filters. Our evaluations of Astrill VPN and ExpressVPN indicate that both are highly effective in overcoming Chinese web censorship and other restrictive environments.
Device & OS Compatibility
Only Available on Android
Availability: Only on Android
Thunder VPN is exclusively available for Android mobile devices, which significantly limits its utility. While there is a similarly named app available on iOS, it is a different VPN service and not affiliated with Thunder VPN. There are no browser extensions or alternative methods to install Thunder VPN on other platforms.
Apps
- Android: Thunder VPN is solely available for Android. It does not offer applications for iOS, desktop systems, streaming platforms, or Linux.
Thunder VPN supports up to 5 simultaneous connections; however, its benefits are limited given that it is restricted to only Android devices.
For smartphone users, we recommend opting for secure VPNs available for Android and reliable VPN apps for iPhone.
Please note that the app with a similar name available on the Apple iOS store is a separate, unrelated VPN product and has not been reviewed by us.
Ease of Use
A Functional Android App with Ads
Rating: 6.1/10
Thunder VPN offers a straightforward and user-friendly app for Android. The service is designed for ease of use, featuring a simple one-click operation. However, users may find the presence of pop-up ads and frequent prompts to upgrade to the premium version somewhat bothersome.
Rank: #42 out of 61 VPNs for Ease of Use
The Thunder VPN app boasts a functional and visually appealing design, demonstrating a level of care that distinguishes it from some other free VPN providers that lack thoughtful design elements.
However, the app’s functionality is quite basic, offering minimal customization or configuration options. Users can enable automatic connection and toggle notifications, but these are the only settings available.
As is typical with free VPNs, Thunder VPN includes pop-up ads throughout the app. The frequency and duration of these ads can be particularly irritating, as many of them display for a minimum of five seconds before the option to exit becomes available. While five seconds may not seem long, it can feel considerably longer in practice.
Additionally, some users have reported intermittent connection issues, including disconnections when the phone is idle or asleep. The absence of additional security features, such as a VPN kill switch, exacerbates this problem, leaving users without a safeguard in the event of a connection drop.
Customer Support
Poor Customer Support
Rating: 1.0/10
Thunder VPN’s customer support is notably inadequate. The only support option available is a Gmail address that is not prominently displayed on the website. Additionally, users can submit feedback through the app’s “Other questions” section and await a response, but this process is unreliable. The app includes a very basic FAQ section, which offers minimal assistance.
Rank: #59 out of 61 VPNs for Customer Support
| Customer Support | Available in Thunder VPN |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Thunder VPN’s support is notably lacking. The app features an FAQ section that provides minimal assistance, offering little value to users.
Support can also be requested via an email address, though it is not accessible within the app. Instead, users must navigate to the ‘Feedback’ section in the app, select ‘Other problems,’ and provide their email address to generate a support ticket.
The website itself is very basic, serving primarily as a landing page with limited information. Although it is an improvement over many free VPN services that lack websites entirely, the overall lack of support and useful information raises questions about the efficacy of Thunder VPN’s support infrastructure.
