X-VPN Review

Our Verdict

Overall Rating: 6.0/10
X-VPN is a freemium VPN service that stands out for streaming, thanks to its extensive network of over 8,000 servers. While its website, logging policy, and transparency have significantly improved, concerns remain due to its links to China, reliance on proprietary, closed-source protocols, and subpar performance in speed tests. X-VPN is a reliable choice for streamers, but its free version is severely limited and not recommended.

Ranked #31 out of 62 VPNs

X-VPN Category Ratings

• Streaming: 8.8/10
• Torrenting: 4.7/10
• Privacy & Logging: 4.6/10
• Speed: 3.3/10
• Server Locations: 9.2/10
• Bypassing Censorship: 4.5/10
• Security & Features: 6.5/10
• Ease of Use: 7.5/10
• Customer Support: 8.0/10
• Price & Value: 6.0/10

X-VPN Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Compatible with US Netflix, Disney+, Max, and more
• Access to 8,000+ servers in 64 countries
• VPN apps available for most devices, including Apple TV
• Simple to set up and use
• Free tier offers unlimited data

Cons:

• Slow connection speeds
• WebRTC leaks on the Chrome extension
• Uses a proprietary, closed-source protocol
• High subscription costs
• Low average bitrate performance
• Ownership ties to China raise concerns

X-VPN, a relatively lesser-known freemium VPN service headquartered in Hong Kong, is developed by Free Connected Limited.

Recently, X-VPN has introduced several key enhancements to its platform, including the integration of open-source protocol options like WireGuard and a comprehensive redesign of its website. In light of these improvements, we have re-evaluated the service and updated our review to reflect its latest performance and features.

X-VPN Key Data

	Paid Add to compare	Free Add to compare
Data Cap	Unlimited	Unlimited
Download Speed	64Mbps	53Mbps
Logging Policy	Some User Logs	Some User Logs
Data Leaks	Yes	No
Jurisdiction	Hong Kong (Privacy-Hostile)	Hong Kong (Privacy-Hostile)
Servers	8,000+	1
IP Addresses	8,000+	1+
Countries with Servers	64	1
US Netflix	Yes	No
Torrenting	Permitted	Restricted
Simultaneous Connections	5	1
Works In China	No	No
Support	Live Chat	Live Chat
Cheapest Price	$5.99/mo over 12 months	Free
Free Trial	7 Days (Payment Info Required)	–
Money-Back Guarantee	30-day Money-Back Guarantee	–
Official Website	XVPN.io

Privacy & Logging Policy

Unverified Logging Policy & Ties to China

Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 4.6/10

Our primary concern with X-VPN is its association with mainland China, a country known for its restrictive stance on VPNs and digital rights. Although X-VPN asserts that it collects minimal data, this claim remains unverified without an independent audit or legal confirmation.

Ranked #35 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy

Below is a table detailing the information that X-VPN logs:

Data Type	Logged by X-VPN
Account Information	Yes
Browsing Activity	No
Date of Last Connection	No
Device Information	Yes
DNS Queries	No
Individual Bandwidth Usage	No
Individual Connection Timestamps	Yes
ISP	No
Number of Simultaneous Connections	No
Originating IP Address	No
VPN Server IP	No
VPN Server Location	No

You can review X-VPN’s comprehensive privacy policy on its website.

As outlined, X-VPN does not log sufficient data to personally identify users. It does record connection timestamps, but these are purged within 48 hours. We recommend reducing this retention period to 15 minutes, similar to NordVPN, or eliminating timestamp logging altogether.

Additionally, X-VPN collects location data at the country level. While this information is limited and insufficient to compromise anonymity on its own, it is collected alongside connection timestamps.

Previously, X-VPN had inconsistent logging practices depending on the device, which was both confusing and arbitrary. Fortunately, the service now implements a uniform logging policy across all platforms and devices.

X-VPN has significantly revamped its website, resulting in a more professional and polished appearance. While this redesign does not impact its logging practices, it does enhance the perceived credibility of the product.

Additionally, X-VPN utilizes diskless servers, ensuring that any activity logs are regularly erased, and offers various anonymous payment options.

Despite these improvements, we would feel more confident in X-VPN’s logging practices if they were validated by an independent audit or supported by a warrant canary.

Links to Chinese Ownership

X-VPN is owned by Free Connected Limited, incorporated in July 2017 and headquartered in Hong Kong.

We do not view Hong Kong as a privacy-friendly jurisdiction due to its connections with the Chinese government, which actively bans VPNs and conducts digital surveillance of its citizens.

Our investigation into the ownership of X-VPN confirmed its ties to mainland China, raising privacy concerns as outlined. The company’s director, Jin Li, and Chengdu Zhuozhuo Technology Co, the sole shareholder, are based in Sichuan Province, China.

Speed

Slow Speeds Across Nearly All Server Locations

Speed Rating: 3.3/10

Our tests using the Everest Protocol revealed consistently poor connection speeds across almost all X-VPN servers. Speed reductions averaged 36% on nearby servers and reached as high as 84% when connected to a server in South Africa. Efforts to enhance X-VPN’s performance, regardless of the chosen protocol, did not yield improvements.

Ranked #50 out of 62 VPNs for Speed

To evaluate X-VPN’s performance, we tested connections to servers across six continents using a 100Mbps connection, and averaged the results.

Below is a table summarizing X-VPN’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)	South Africa (Johannesburg)	Australia (Sydney)
Server Location
Download Speed	100Mbps	64Mbps	57Mbps	22Mbps	22Mbps	18Mbps	17Mbps	17Mbps	16Mbps	81Mbps
Upload Speed	100Mbps	55Mbps	34Mbps	8Mbps	12Mbps	7Mbps	5Mbps	6Mbps	2Mbps	3Mbps
Ping	1ms	7ms	15ms	70ms	74ms	87ms	115ms	149ms	602ms	214ms
Distance	0mi	5mi	300mi	2,500mi	3,500mi	4,000mi	4,800mi	6,700mi	8,000mi	9,900mi

As the data shows, X-VPN reduced our download speeds to 64Mbps on a local connection, which is notably poor and positions X-VPN among the slowest paid VPNs we have reviewed. Currently, over 30 VPNs in our review register faster local download speeds than X-VPN.

International speeds are similarly subpar for a paid service, with an average download speed of just 32Mbps across all tested locations.

Activities that require significant bandwidth, such as HD streaming, torrenting, and online gaming, are expected to perform sluggishly with X-VPN. We recommend opting for one of the top-performing VPNs for better speed and performance.

The chart below illustrates how X-VPN’s speeds compare to leading VPNs over both short and long distances:

As demonstrated, X-VPN’s local speeds are approximately 33% slower than the average of leading VPNs. On international connections, its average download speed is 56Mbps slower than that of IPVanish.

X-VPN Free Speed Test Results

We were unable to fully implement our standard speed testing procedures for X-VPN Free due to frequent interruptions urging an upgrade to the paid version.

After multiple reconnections, we managed to conduct speed tests on X-VPN Free’s iOS app.

Below are the speed results obtained using the free version of X-VPN:

No VPN (New York)	US (New York)
Server Location
Download Speed	100Mbps	53Mbps
Upload Speed	100Mbps	71Mbps
Ping	1ms	8ms
Distance	0mi	5mi

As anticipated, X-VPN Free demonstrates even slower performance compared to its paid version, with an average download speed reduction of 47%.

While this result is not the worst among free VPNs, the limited server network and persistent advertisements make X-VPN Free unsuitable for recommendation.

Server Locations

Extensive Network Covering 64 Countries

Server Locations Rating: 9.2/10

X-VPN provides IP addresses in an impressive 64 countries, including city-level options in 7 of those countries. With over 8,000 servers, it surpasses most VPN services we have reviewed. However, the free version is restricted to a single server location.

Ranked #11 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations

• 64 Countries
• 87 Cities
• 8,000+ IP Addresses

For a detailed list of server locations, see below:

Continent	Number of Countries
Europe	31
Asia	21
North America	3
America	4
Africa	3
Oceania	2

X-VPN allows you to connect to servers in prominent locations including the US, UK, Canada, and India, with city-level options available in these popular regions. This enables connections to specific cities within these countries.

Additionally, X-VPN offers coverage in regions often underserved by other VPN services. It includes servers in both Egypt and South Africa in Africa, multiple locations across the Middle East, and various options in South America.

Although X-VPN does not match the extensive server networks of top-tier VPNs such as ExpressVPN or Surfshark, its total server count remains one of the largest in the industry. With over 8,000 virtual servers, server congestion and connectivity issues are unlikely.

The table below provides a comparison of X-VPN’s server network with those of our highest-rated VPNs:

VPN Service	No. Of Servers	No. Of Countries	Average No. Of Servers Per Country
PIA	18,651	91	205
X-VPN	8,000+	64	125
NordVPN	6,328	111	57
IPVanish	2,200	53	42
ExpressVPN	3,000	106	28
HMA	1080	195	6

X-VPN Free Server Coverage

When using X-VPN Free, tapping or clicking the power button automatically connects you to the nearest available server.

Although you cannot select or preview the server location in advance, an X-VPN representative has informed us that the free version provides access to 10 server locations and IP addresses.

The app displays all 64 server locations available to paid users, but selecting any of these will prompt an upgrade message. This feature became increasingly irritating after extended use of the app.

Streaming

Dedicated Servers Successfully Unblock Most Streaming Platforms

Streaming Rating: 8.8/10

With X-VPN’s dedicated streaming servers, we successfully accessed popular platforms including US Netflix, Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. In contrast, X-VPN Free does not provide access to these dedicated servers and did not perform well with any of the streaming services we tested.

Ranked #14 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming

Below is a table displaying the results of our streaming tests with X-VPN:

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

Streaming Servers

X-VPN provides information on its website regarding the optimal dedicated server for each streaming service.

For paid subscriptions, X-VPN offers streaming-optimized servers in 12 countries, which successfully unblocked every major streaming service we tested.

While this performance is commendable, integrating these features into the standard server options rather than separating them would enhance usability.

A more detailed analysis of our streaming tests with X-VPN is available in the following section.

Unblocking US Netflix

Using X-VPN’s US-Video-N server, we successfully accessed US Netflix from abroad.

The stream loaded almost instantly, with no noticeable buffering or resolution drops.

We tested several of the standard US server locations and found that none were capable of accessing Netflix. This discrepancy is inconvenient and requires users to navigate a separate menu to find the dedicated servers. We recommend that X-VPN address this issue to streamline the process.

In contrast, superior VPNs like NordVPN automatically direct users to a suitable server for streaming services from within the standard server list.

We also confirmed that X-VPN can access Netflix Australia; however, its slow international speeds resulted in a loading time of over 3 minutes.

Works with BBC iPlayer

While connected to the GB-Video-B server, X-VPN consistently unblocked BBC iPlayer.

X-VPN’s dedicated server for BBC iPlayer reliably streamed both live and on-demand content without any issues. However, we observed that X-VPN’s standard UK servers were inconsistent in unblocking BBC iPlayer, often requiring multiple attempts.

X-VPN Free Streaming Tests

X-VPN Free is unsuitable for streaming, as it fails to unblock any platforms. This has consistently been the case throughout our testing and is unlikely to change.

Since X-VPN Free automatically connects users to the nearest server, it is not possible to bypass geographic restrictions or access geo-restricted content.

Attempts to use the free US server for accessing localized content such as Hulu or Max were unsuccessful, as the VPN was detected each time.

For those seeking a free VPN option for streaming, we recommend Windscribe Free. It supports streaming from 6 Netflix libraries, in addition to Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video—offering more versatility than either version of X-VPN.

Torrenting

Slow P2P Speeds & Unverified Logging Policy

Torrenting Rating: 4.7/10

X-VPN is not ideal for torrenting due to its unverified logging policy and questionable ownership, which compromise online anonymity. Additionally, the download speeds are too slow for most types of content.

Ranked #40 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting

Below is a summary of X-VPN’s performance in our torrenting tests:

Torrenting Attribute	X-VPN Premium	X-VPN Free
Average Download Bitrate	4.1MiB/s	2.0MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers	8,000+	1
Logging Policy	Some User Logs	Some User Logs
Kill Switch	Yes	No
Port Forwarding	No	No

We tested X-VPN with qBittorrent using a stable 10MiB/s connection. With X-VPN’s paid servers, we successfully downloaded a 1GB test file in under four minutes. In contrast, the same file took twice as long to download using X-VPN Free.

X-VPN ranks among the slowest VPNs for torrenting that we have tested, even with its paid plan. Its average bitrate of 4.1MiB/s falls significantly short compared to top VPNs like PIA and ExpressVPN, which offer bitrates of 9.6MiB/s and 9.4MiB/s, respectively.

However, we commend X-VPN for improving the labeling of its P2P servers by appending ‘BT’ to the server names. This change replaces the previous ‘Ultimate Line’ designation and the restrictive VPN protocol requirement, which were both confusing and arbitrary.

It is worth noting that X-VPN’s P2P-optimized servers are not available on the free version, which contributes to its notably low bitrate of 2.0MiB/s.

Security & Technical Features

Inconsistent Feature Availability Across Platforms

Security & Technical Features Rating: 6.5/10

X-VPN employs secure protocols and encryption methods, including its proprietary Everest protocol. The paid version offers advanced features such as multi-hop and split tunneling. However, the free tier is limited and notably lacks additional features, including a kill switch on mobile devices.

Ranked #34 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features

Below is a detailed overview of X-VPN’s encryption methods and technical features:

Protocols

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

Encryption

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

Security

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

Advanced Features

Advanced Features	Available in X-VPN
Ad Blocker	No
Dedicated IP	No
Double VPN	Yes
SOCKS	No
Split Tunneling	Yes
Static IP	Yes
Tor over VPN Server	No
Tracker Blocker	No

Utilizes Both Open-Source and Proprietary Protocols

X-VPN employs a proprietary protocol known as Everest to secure your traffic. Being a close-sourced protocol, detailed information is limited to what the VPN company provides.

According to X-VPN, the Everest Protocol incorporates obfuscation technology and adheres to industry-standard AES-256 encryption. It is compatible with various transmission protocols, including UDP, TCP, HTTP, and TLS, all of which are listed within the app.

To evaluate the Everest Protocol’s performance, we used Wireshark, a packet analyzer, to examine our network traffic during our connection.

As indicated, X-VPN effectively encrypts our traffic. While we cannot fully assess the strength or reliability of the Everest Protocol, it does provide a level of concealment for your online activity.

We are also encouraged by X-VPN’s recent inclusion of OpenVPN and WireGuard in its app. These secure, open-source protocols are widely recognized in the industry and enhance the safety of your traffic.

Reliable but Subscription-Only Kill Switch

X-VPN’s apps include a kill switch, but it is only accessible through a paid subscription for iOS and Android users. This practice poses a risk to your personal data if you experience an unexpected disconnection on mobile devices.

To test X-VPN’s kill switch functionality, we induced an internet disconnection using our proprietary testing tool. In every instance, X-VPN successfully blocked network traffic, ensuring no data was transmitted outside the VPN tunnel.

Double VPN Feature

Restrictive Functionality

X-VPN offers a double VPN feature, allowing traffic to be routed through two VPN servers for enhanced anonymity. However, this feature is available only on paid plans and does not permit users to select their server locations. We would recommend X-VPN to implement server selection for its double VPN feature, similar to what NordVPN and Surfshark offer.

Mobile App Limitation

X-VPN provides a Static VPN IP feature, but it is limited to paid plans on mobile applications. Users can access this feature by navigating to Advanced Features > Static IP, where they can choose from recent VPN IP addresses used. These IP addresses are stored locally on the device and are not logged by X-VPN.

We would also like to see X-VPN introduce dedicated IP addresses. This would allow users to have a unique IP address for tasks such as IP blocklisting and secure remote connections.

Technical Features to Consider

X-VPN has made significant strides in improving its features, yet there are still some advanced options we would like to see:

• An ad blocker to provide an uninterrupted browsing experience.
• A kill switch for free mobile users.
• Dedicated IP addresses for secure remote access and to bypass CAPTCHAs.
• Multi-hop server selection to customize double VPN connections according to user needs.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Limited Effectiveness in China, Better Performance in Other Regions

Bypassing Censorship Rating: 4.5/10

X-VPN struggles to connect within China across all its protocols and servers. Despite this, the recent addition of custom obfuscation technology enables it to circumvent censorship in less restrictive areas.

Ranked #37 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship

Our testing in Shanghai with various protocols, including Everest, WireGuard, and OpenVPN, consistently failed to establish a connection. An X-VPN representative confirmed that the service does not operate in China.

However, X-VPN performs more effectively in regions with less stringent censorship, such as the UAE and Turkey, thanks to the obfuscation technology that disguises VPN traffic as regular internet activity.

Device & OS Compatibility

Dedicated Apps for Most Major Platforms

X-VPN offers dedicated applications for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Additionally, it provides specialized apps for Fire TV, Apple TV, and routers, as well as a command-line interface for Linux. For browser users, X-VPN offers an extension for Google Chrome.

Supported Platforms and Devices:

• Windows
• Mac
• iOS
• Android
• Linux
• Router

Device Limits and Simultaneous Connections

X-VPN allows up to five simultaneous connections with a single subscription. For connections beyond this limit, users must disconnect from one device before connecting another. While this is a standard limit, other services such as Surfshark and IPVanish offer unlimited simultaneous connections.

Games Consoles & Streaming Devices

X-VPN can be used with various games consoles and streaming devices by installing it on a compatible router. Supported devices include:

• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV
• Android TV
• Chromecast
• Nintendo
• PlayStation
• Roku
• Smart TV
• Xbox

To enhance functionality, we recommend that X-VPN introduce a Smart DNS tool to facilitate access to geo-restricted content on gaming consoles and streaming devices. Additionally, a dedicated router app would simplify setup and expand device compatibility.

Browser Extensions

X-VPN provides a VPN extension exclusively for:

• Google Chrome

Ease of Use

User-Friendly Apps with Notable Design Issues

Ease of Use Rating: 7.5/10

X-VPN offers straightforward VPN applications across all major platforms, making them relatively easy to set up and use. However, users may encounter some design inconsistencies and usability issues, such as separate server lists and intrusive advertisements, which can detract from the overall experience.

Ranked #31 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use

To get started with X-VPN, visit its website and click ‘Get Started’ to create an account. Download the appropriate application for your device, and the setup process takes approximately 5 minutes. On desktop platforms, you can expedite the process by logging in via mobile.

The X-VPN interface features a minimalistic design with a central power button that turns blue when connected. While connecting to the VPN is straightforward—by simply tapping or clicking the button—there are several usability issues beyond this basic function, such as when selecting servers or navigating through the app.

Detailed Overview:

Desktop & Laptop (Windows & macOS) :

The X-VPN experience on Windows and macOS is largely uniform, featuring the same interface and functionalities. Despite its simplicity, the desktop applications lack the distinctive feel of a premium VPN app. The home screen is notably sparse, lacking interactive elements or graphical enhancements.

For instance, unlike Windscribe’s PC app, which features a toggleable widget for the kill switch and a dynamic interface, X-VPN’s design appears rather generic and two-dimensional.

The applications are generally user-friendly, requiring just a single click to establish a connection. Nevertheless, it would be beneficial to incorporate specialized servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting into the standard server list to streamline navigation.

Additionally, providing the capability to resize desktop applications, especially the Windows client, would enhance user experience. During our attempt to stream Hulu with X-VPN, the VPN interface covered a significant portion of the screen, leading to a suboptimal viewing experience.

This concern is less significant on macOS, as X-VPN can be added to the menu bar through the app settings.

Mobile Experience (iPhone & Android):

X-VPN’s white-blue color scheme and minimalist design are more visually appealing on smaller screens compared to its PC and Mac counterparts. However, despite the improved design, we found X-VPN to be more challenging to use on mobile devices than on desktops.

X-VPN’s mobile applications display a persistent banner ad at the bottom of the screen, which we found distracting and disruptive. Additionally, the iOS app often presents a full-screen pop-up ad that redirects users to a webpage if inadvertently clicked.

In the free version, users can connect to additional server locations in the US, UK, Germany, and India by watching an unskippable ad. This approach felt cumbersome and became irritating after extended use.

On a positive note, both mobile apps feature a dark mode and a ‘follow system settings’ option. Future updates could benefit from the inclusion of mobile-specific features such as iOS shortcuts or GPS spoofing for Android.

Streaming Devices (Fire TV, Apple TV & Android TV): X-VPN’s applications for Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV are functional and maintain a similar design aesthetic to their desktop and mobile counterparts.

The applications are straightforward but provide full access to the X-VPN server network, including its streaming-optimized servers.

The newly-released Apple TV app stands out as the most advanced, featuring a functional kill switch and an elegant design. We appreciated the ability to log into the tvOS app using our mobile device, which proved to be a faster method compared to manually entering credentials with the sensitive Apple TV remote.

X-VPN’s Chrome browser extension is straightforward to install and use. Simply add it from the Chrome Web Store, and it operates similarly to the VPN apps: just click the power button to connect.

The extension is available for free but limits users to a single server location. Upgrading provides access to the full X-VPN server network.