VyprVPN Review 2024

VyprVPN is a security-first VPN – every server is owned, not rented. The VPN boasts AES-256 encryption, a system-level kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Prices start at $3.00 per month–a good value for what you get.

The Chameleon protocol is one of VyprVPN’s biggest draws. The custom-made VPN protocol is designed to bypass censorship, even in places like China. However, performance is mixed. Some users say Chameleon works to stream and beat firewalls. Others say it’s inconsistent.

In this VyprVPN review, I’ll analyze its privacy policy, security features, speeds, live chat customer support, and overall value to find out whether users are at risk of surveillance. I’ll also test the money-back guarantee to ensure you can get your money back without any problems.

VyprVPN key data

* Average speed over multiple global locations based across multiple speed tests per day.

VyprVPN review pros and cons

If you’re looking for a VPN with a proprietary obfuscation protocol for censorship evasion, full server ownership, and solid cross-platform usability, VyprVPN has its strengths. Below, I’ve summarized the pros and cons based on my in-depth tests. Learn more about these benefits and concerns throughout my review.

What I liked about VyprVPN:

• Chameleon protocol for DPI evasion: VyprVPN’s obfuscation tool helps bypass censorship in countries like China, India, and Russia.
• VyprDNS: Custom zero-knowledge DNS ensures privacy and helps bypass DNS-based restrictions, censorship, and filtering.
• Self-owned server network: VyprVPN owns all its servers, reducing reliance on third-party infrastructure and ensuring fast speeds for its users.
• Split tunneling (Connection per app on Android): Works well on Android and macOS for routing specific apps outside the VPN tunnel.
• Auto-connect on public Wi-Fi: Automatically secures your connection on untrusted networks, protecting you from hackers and tracking on public Wi-Fi.
• Supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN: Offers a choice of secure VPN tunneling protocols.
• Allows torrenting on all servers: No restrictions or special servers needed.
• 10 simultaneous connections: Suitable for households and small teams.
• Works on routers (via OpenVPN): Despite discontinuing its Tomato router app, setup guides are available for manual configuration.

What I disliked about VyprVPN:

• No RAM-only servers: Competing VPNs use diskless infrastructure, which better protects your privacy than servers that exist on hard drives.
• Virtual server locations aren’t labeled: VyprVPN doesn’t indicate which servers are virtual or where they’re physically hosted.
• No kill switch on iOS: Weakens protection for iPhone users.
• No port forwarding: Users who torrent may prefer to shop elsewhere if they seed regularly. Users who need port forwarding for hosting may also prefer an alternative.
• No Smart DNS feature: Limits streaming access on consoles or smart TVs that don’t support VPN apps.
• Small server network: Around 700 servers, which is low compared to leading VPNs.
• Discontinued browser extension and router app: Both have been discontinued.
• No cryptocurrency payment options: No option to pay anonymously using Bitcoin.
• Based in the US: Based in a 5 Eyes jurisdiction, which raises privacy concerns over warrants and gag orders.

Do I recommend VyprVPN?

Yes, but with some caveats and considerations. VyprVPN has strong fundamentals: 256-bit encryption, a reliable kill switch, and self-owned infrastructure. The fact that it owns its entire network is a plus for privacy. That said, VyprVPN doesn’t use RAM-only servers, which puts it behind competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark in terms of server security.

The Chameleon protocol is VyprVPN’s obfuscation feature and a selling point for users in regions with restrictive internet access. It’s designed to evade deep packet inspection and works in conjunction with VyprDNS to help bypass censorship. For users trying to access geo-blocked services or get around network blocks at work, these features come in handy.

VyprVPN works on routers, but its custom Tomato firmware router app has been discontinued. Still, setup guides are available for many brands using OpenVPN. The custom VyprVPN apps support IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. But in my tests, the kill switch didn’t work correctly on IKEv2. And iPhone users don’t get a kill switch at all.

VyprVPN uses some virtual server locations, but it doesn’t label them or disclose where they are hosted. This lack of transparency means users with jurisdiction preferences will want to shop elsewhere. It belonged to Switzerland-based Golden Frog until it was acquired in 2023. The VPN now belongs to Certida LLC and is based in Texas, USA. This is a red flag for privacy.

When it comes to speed and streaming, VyprVPN is reliable, making it a decent option for many home users. However, users who prioritize high levels of privacy may find its jurisdiction a deal breaker.

VyprVPN features

VyprVPN has been around since 2009, and during that time, it’s built out its apps with tons of useful features. Admittedly, VyprVPN doesn’t pack as many bonus extras as some larger providers. It also doesn’t offer any advanced plans with features like cloud storage, password managers, or data removal services, so if you want these types of features added to your VPN for extra value, consider shopping elsewhere.

On the other hand, many people just want a VPN and don’t want to be bothered by upsells for additional features. For these users, VyprVPN might be a breath of fresh air: no annoying menus and constant upgrade ads like those found with some competitors, like PureVPN.

VyprVPN has all the essential VPN features you need to stay safe online, whether at home, at work, or on vacation. Each subscription allows five simultaneous connections, which is a touch low compared to industry averages. Users with multiple devices or larger families may prefer a VPN like Surfshark that offers unlimited connections.

If you want to connect to VyprVPN through your router, VyprVPN lets you set up an OpenVPN connection on the following router firmware:

• AsusWRT
• DD-WRT
• OpenWRT
• Tomato
• pfSense

To give you a full picture of what you get with VyprVPN, I cover all of its features below.

Core VPN features

VyprVPN has apps for all popular operating systems and devices. It supports multiple protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. WireGuard is the fastest and most efficient option, and is the default protocol in most VyprVPN apps.

The VPN protects connections with 256-bit encryption. Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) ensures that even if an encryption key is compromised, past VPN sessions remain secure. This prevents surveillance agencies from retrospectively decrypting old VPN traffic they may have captured, because each session uses a unique key.

The apps include an internet kill switch and support split tunneling on Android and macOS. The lack of split tunneling on Windows is pretty lackluster, especially for torrent enthusiasts using Windows machines. Also, malware blocking is only available on Mac, which starts to make VyprVPN seem like it’s targeted at Mac users.

VyprDNS is enabled by default to guarantee that all your DNS queries are sent over an encrypted tunnel to company-controlled zero-knowledge DNS servers. This feature helps bypass censorship, blocks man-in-the-middle attacks, and prevents DNS leaks. Users who have a preferred third-party DNS provider can set another resolver directly in the apps.

VyprVPN allows torrenting on all servers and supports up to five simultaneous connections (down from 10 connections under previous ownership).

Advanced security & privacy features

Here are some of the additional VyprVPN security and privacy features:

• Chameleon protocol: Obfuscation and DPI evasion, especially useful in countries with heavy internet censorship.
• NAT Firewall: Blocks unsolicited inbound traffic.
• Leak protection: DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection is built into the apps.
• Public wifi protection: Includes auto-connect when joining unknown networks.
• Strict no-logs policy: Previously audited by Leviathan Security Group in 2018. No further audits have been conducted under new US-based ownership.
• Startup and connection behavior customization: Provides better control over how the VPN launches and connects.
• Automatic protocol selection: Simplifies setup for less technical users.
• Customizable notifications: Available in the Windows app.
• Malware blocker: Built into the macOS app. There is no ad blocking, tracker blocking, or malware blocking in any of the other apps.

VyprVPN price and plans

VyprVPN’s pricing structure is easy to understand, which is a bonus for users who get easily spooked by too many choices. It offers three plans for individuals and two business-focused plans for professionals.

All personal VyprVPN plans provide access to all VPN features. The only difference between the plans is that you get a bigger discount when you commit for a longer period.

Price breakdown

Personal plans include access to all VyprVPN apps, five simultaneous connections, all VPN protocols, all server locations, all security features, and unlimited bandwidth. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.

Personal Plans:

• Monthly Plan: $10.00/month (billed monthly)
• 12-Month Plan: $5.00/month (billed $60.00 every 12 months)
• 24-Month Plan: $3.00/month (billed $72.00 every 24 months)

Business Plans:

• VyprVPN for Business: VPN for three users, but is scalable for teams. Starts at $299 per year.
• VyprVPN for Business Cloud: Business VPN for three users, but is scalable for teams. Includes dedicated server access, static IP, and user management tools. Dedicated IPs are only available with this plan. Starts at $349 per year.

Subscription add-ons

VyprVPN keeps add-ons to a minimum, which helps make it one of the least confusing consumer-facing VPNs on the market.

It currently offers no add-ons for personal users and only one add-on for business users: a dedicated IP address, which is only available to Business Cloud customers.

Discounts

If you are on the hunt for a bargain, you are in the right place! When you subscribe using our link, you’ll be redirected to a landing page that automatically redeems an exclusive coupon. This will get you 50% off the 1-year plan. And a whopping 70% off the 2-year plan!

The discount on the 2-year plan reduces the rate to just $3 per month, making VyprVPN excellent value for money.

That said, there are cheaper VPNs on the market with even more features, such as Surfshark. We have a discount for that VPN too!

Payment methods & refunds

VyprVPN accepts a decent range of payment methods:

• Major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, UnionPay, American Express
• PayPal
• Apple and Google Play Store payments
• Amazon Pay
• US-based checking or savings accounts

Unfortunately, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are not accepted. You don’t have the option to pay anonymously.

VyprVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all personal plans. The guarantee allows you to test the VPN yourself for a month to check that it works with your devices, accounts, and streaming services.

Mobile users can also take advantage of a free 3-day trial. It’s available by signing up on the Android or iOS app, which can be installed from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, respectively.

However, there is a caveat: Subscriptions purchased through iTunes or Google Play are not eligible for the 30-day money-back guarantee. If you want a 30-day money-back guarantee, subscribe through the website first, then download the app from the App Store, and log in.

Testing the money-back guarantee

I decided to check the refund process to make sure it works smoothly.

As with most other VPNs, you are not entitled to a refund if your subscription auto-renews. You must cancel your account before your subscription renews. Renewals are automatic, so you will be charged unless you cancel your subscription. You can cancel at any time by contacting VyprVPN support.

I decided to verify the refund process:

1. I took out a monthly subscription
2. After three weeks, I requested my refund.
3. The live chat agent asked if I needed help getting the VPN to work. I stated that it worked, but I had decided to cancel anyway. I explained that I decided I didn’t need a VPN.
4. The live chat agent asked me to confirm my payment method.
5. I was told the refund would be initiated.
6. I received a confirmation email shortly after.
7. My money returned to my account within five business days.

Overall, I found the refund process to be smooth and without problems.

The agent will try to determine if they can solve your problem before issuing a refund. When this happens, politely state that you only want a refund and do not want the VPN even though it is working.

Does VyprVPN offer value for money?

Yes, especially now that its entry price has dropped from $5 to $3 per month. If you want a straightforward VPN with robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, obfuscation, and a self-owned server network, VyprVPN represents decent value for money.

Admittedly, it lacks some of the extras you get with top-tier competitors. And feature availability varies by platform, which can be frustrating. For example, VyprVPN is better suited for macOS than Windows, so Mac users may be particularly drawn to this VPN.

That said, for the price, VyprVPN is highly reliable. It’s a good choice for unblocking streams while abroad, or for protecting against tracking and hackers on public wifi. Torrenting is supported on all servers, though it doesn’t offer port forwarding.

VyprVPN speeds – is it fast?

When testing VPNs, I always prioritize connection speeds. Most users want a VPN that provides privacy without reducing the connection speed they pay for. Of course, when using a VPN, there will always be some compromise. The fastest VPNs invest in network infrastructure and protocols with high performance for data-intensive tasks.

To check how VyprVPN performs in real-world conditions, I put it through its paces by testing three global server locations three times. My tests were performed on a dedicated UK-based Windows machine with a capped baseline internet speed of 250 Mbps (the server is much faster). This ensures that every VPN is tested under the same conditions.

Below, you can see more information about my in-depth speed testing methodology:

• I tested in the morning, afternoon, and evening
• I tested three locations: New York, London, and Hong Kong
• I used Speed Test by Ookla (standalone app)

In the table below, you can see the results of my tests. I used individual results to arrive at location-level and global averages.

Speed test results

As you can see, VyprVPN performs exceptionally well in our speed tests. It posted download speeds well above what is needed for HD streaming. And it’s consistent across different locations and at different times of the day.

Based on these results, VyprVPN is ideal for most day-to-day VPN uses. Streaming in HD will not be a problem, and speeds are fast enough for modern multiplayer games like Warzone. It will also provide decent speed for torrenting.

I was impressed by the lack of speed drop-off on distant servers. It is natural for connections to distant servers to degrade more compared to closer servers, but VyprVPN stayed relatively stable and high, even when testing servers 6000 miles away in Asia.

Device compatibility (VPN Apps)

VyprVPN makes apps for all major platforms, including desktop, mobile, smart TVs, and routers. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it suitable for households or users who need VPN access across multiple devices. While feature availability varies across platforms, most core tools, such as the Chameleon protocol, VyprDNS, and WireGuard, are widely supported.

VyprVPN is compatible with routers running firmware such as Tomato, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, and AsusWRT. It does not offer a custom app for routers, but it does have setup guides for configuring the router with OpenVPN. This makes it easy to get started as long as you have a VPN-compatible router.

If you are searching Vypr’s OpenVPN config files, they are not available in any of the tabs you see in the member’s area (which is where other VPNs usually put them). Instead, go to the help center and search for OpenVPN config files there. You will find an article that includes the files for you to download. Sadly, no WireGuard config files are available for VyprVPN. You have to use OpenVPN on routers.

VyprVPN offers an Android app for Android TV, which you can download from a modified Google Play Store for Android TVs. The app comes with a kill switch, but it has fewer features than its other standalone apps.

Unfortunately, there’s no dedicated app for Firestick. But Vypr does have a guide that explains how to sideload its Android APK on a Firestick. This may put Firestick users off, especially since many VPNs now have apps available in the Amazon App Store for Fire TV and Firestick.

Windows

Mac

Android

iOS

Linux

VyprVPN offers a command-line-only app for Ubuntu and Mint. There’s no GUI, and only OpenVPN is supported. You need to set it up manually using the Command-Line Interface. Fortunately, the VPN provides setup guides and the config files you need to get it working. However, if you prefer a Linux VPN with a full graphical user interface (GUI), you may want to shop elsewhere.

Browser extensions

VyprVPN previously offered a Chrome extension, but it was removed from the Chrome Web Store in 2023. There are no current plans to reintroduce it. VyprVPN now recommends using its full apps for browser-based protection. Additionally, there are no extensions available for Firefox, Edge, Brave, or Safari.

Ease of use

I tested VyprVPN on Windows, Android, and iOS to evaluate its ease of installation, day-to-day usability, and general reliability. Overall, the VPN apps were great.

However, the iOS app is pretty slim on features. I would think twice if you’re an iOS user; an alternative service will probably suit you better.

All the apps I tested worked as expected, with a few minor caveats. Below, you can take an in-depth look at my experiences using one of the desktop apps (Windows) and one of the mobile apps (Android).

VyprVPN for Windows

VyprVPN’s Windows client has a clean, streamlined interface that, in many ways, resembles a mobile app more than a desktop VPN client. This makes it pretty enjoyable to use. The aesthetics might not be as sharp as some other VPNs, but it is easy to navigate and easy on the eyes, whether you’re using it during the day or in low light.

The installation process was painless. I downloaded the setup file, ran the installer, and allowed the VPN to install all the necessary components. As with other market-leading VPNs, the installer provides you with all the necessary drivers and dependencies, so the end user doesn’t need to know anything technical.

The app comes set to Algeria by default. To change this, simply click on the Locations button in the bottom right. Once in the list, the app lets you sort servers by continent, country, or speed (which is presumably the server with the best ping).

I generally recommend sorting the server list by speed. However, I noticed one caveat. The server sorting feature only applies to the main list, so if you want to find the best server in the USA (for speed), you will need to use the scrollbar until you find the first US server (this is the fastest one).

If you set the VPN to sort by speed but use the search function to search, the results will be served in alphabetical order. This happens even if you asked for sorting by speed. I would prefer these results also be listed with the fastest server at the top. Hopefully, Vypr will fix this minor issue in future updates.

Connections details

The VyprVPN app for Windows provides some live connection details that you can access by clicking the computer with a magnifying glass symbol in the top right of the Connection tab.

In this view, you can monitor which VPN protocol you are using, as well as the average ping, the VPN IP address that has been assigned to you, and the amount of data that has been uploaded and downloaded during the session.

Settings menu

To access the settings menu, simply click “Customize” in the bottom right. This is one of the advantages of the mobile-style VPN app layout on desktop, which makes navigation easy at all times.

VyprVPN doesn’t split its settings into sub-classifications. All available features are located in one scrollable menu. At the top, you will find Public WiFi Protection (the auto-connect feature), Connection Per App (split tunneling), and the kill switch.

The kill switch for Windows lets you choose whether you want it to be app-based or system-level. This is a unique addition I have not seen in many other VPNs, and it means that you can guarantee the VPN always blocks your internet, even if the VPN app is accidentally closed or crashes.

Below that, you can choose between different protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Chameleon (which is VyprVPN’s proprietary obfuscation protocol). VyprVPN uses WireGuard as its default protocol, which is a solid choice for speed and stability.

OpenVPN lets you set the port you want to use (within the range 15,001 to 20,000). The VPN comes set to automatic by default, which is the best option for most users. It automatically scans for open ports to help you connect on networks that block some ports.

Other settings include the ability to change from VyprVPN’s private DNS servers to a third-party resolver like NextDNS, OpenDNS, ControlD, or Quad9. And an auto-reconnect feature that reconnects the VPN automatically if the VPN connection drops.

This feature works in combination with the kill switch to get you reconnected automatically. If you leave torrents on all day and don’t want to get home to half-finished downloads, this is handy.

Did VyprVPN for Windows work as advertised?

Yes. I used the VPN for around three weeks to thoroughly test it for this review. I was happy with how the app performed. I suffered no unexpected crashes, and all the features worked as expected. For example, I never received an IP address in an incorrect location, and the servers always provided me with optimal speeds.

That said, I did notice one minor, intermittent bug. When I enabled the system-level kill switch, the VPN would sometimes fail to connect. Restarting or switching the kill switch off and then on again resolved the issue. Not ideal, but a minor quibble overall. I tested all VyprVPN’s key features to ensure that everything worked as advertised.

The kill switch worked perfectly when using the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. However, it failed to engage when using IKEv2. The app didn’t even display a disconnect notification when using IKEv2, so if you need a kill switch, stick to the other protocols.

Overall, VyprVPN for Windows proved to be dependable, secure, and impressively flexible, especially at its current price.

VyprVPN for Android

Next, I tested VyprVPN on my Android device. The app is available on the Google Play Store, and installation was as simple as downloading the app and logging into my account. The whole process took less than two minutes.

One of the first things I noticed was the interface. It mirrors the desktop experience, which is understandable because the desktop app felt more like a mobile app than most competing VPNs.

The cross-platform consistency makes it easy to switch between devices and removes the learning curve you get with some of its competitors.

The app offers a drop-down server list, allows you to sort servers by speed or country, and features a favorites system. I could easily find my favorite servers each session. I was impressed by how easy the Android VPN was to navigate. The menus are intuitive, with all features accessible within a few taps.

I particularly liked the Connection Per App (split tunneling) feature, which let me route Chrome through the VPN while excluding Firefox (to use my regular home connection) without any errors.

I tested the Android VyprVPN app using online leak testing tools. I was pleased to see that I got no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, just like on Windows.

The VyprVPN Android app includes a kill switch, and it worked flawlessly in my tests. I deliberately walked out of range of my wifi to trigger a disconnection, then reconnected to mobile data and tested for leaks. None were detected, confirming that the kill switch worked as intended.

My only complaint is that you don’t get quite the same level of control as with the desktop apps. You can’t set custom ports or switch DNS providers manually. The Android app now displays connection information, such as ping and protocol, which is great.

Did VyprVPN for Android work as advertised?

Yes. VyprVPN’s Android app worked reliably throughout my testing. I used it on both WiFi and mobile data without issues. The auto-connect feature kicked in when I joined a public hotspot, and I encountered no bugs, crashes, or performance problems. It’s a reliable VPN for privacy, whether at home, at work, or using public wifi.

There was a slight drop in download and upload speeds compared to my baseline, but nothing severe enough to affect my ability to stream HD content or browse normally. Overall, I found the Android app to be one of the better mobile VPN apps I’ve tested, especially for an Android VPN that costs $3 per month.

Overall user experience

The UX on VyprVPN is excellent, mainly because of its straightforward user interface. Unlike many competitors, it doesn’t try to upsell add-ons or pack your screen with confusing bloat. Instead, it focuses on delivering a simple, intuitive interface across all the platforms I tested.

I did find a few minor quirks during testing. However, these were minor enough that I wouldn’t call them dealbreakers. That said, it would be nice if VyprVPN could even out its feature set across platforms, especially on iOS, where the app was quite limited in comparison to the desktop and Android versions.

In short, VyprVPN’s ease of use is one of its standout qualities, offering a seamless experience for users who value simplicity without sacrificing critical VPN security features.

Server network

VyprVPN’s server network offers great coverage, even if it is not as large as some of its top competitors. The provider owns all its infrastructure, which reduces reliance on third parties and improves security.

One issue is that it fails to disclose which countries in its network use virtual servers, which use DNS routing to provide an IP address in the desired location using a physical server elsewhere.

VyprVPN claims to use virtual servers in restrictive countries, but it does not provide any further transparency on the subject. This makes it impossible for users concerned about jurisdiction for privacy reasons to choose the servers they use confidently. As a result, users with an elevated threat model may decide to shop elsewhere.

Below, I’ve broken down VyprVPN’s network, highlighted some unique quirks I uncovered during testing, and compared it to the competition.

Server metrics

• Server count: VyprVPN operates over 700 servers in 62 countries and more than 70 locations. While this is small compared to providers like CyberGhost and NordVPN, it still provides decent coverage for everyday users who want to bypass online blocks and access popular streaming services from around the globe.
• IP pool: The network offers access to over 300,000 IP addresses, which helps reduce congestion and allows users to rotate IPs regularly for better privacy.
• US servers: VyprVPN provides servers in Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington. One little quirk I noticed is that the “Washington” server provided me with an IP address in the state of Virginia (where there is a village called Washington)—not Washington, D.C. This may seem minor. Still, it could matter if you’re trying to access regional content, sites that are blocked in Virginia, or blackout-restricted sports games.
• DNS infrastructure: VyprVPN routes DNS traffic through VyprDNS, which are self-hosted DNS servers. The encrypted zero-knowledge DNS service ensures your DNS requests are always secure.

Network drawbacks

One drawback is that VyprVPN does not use RAM-only servers. Some leading competitors, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, exclusively run their servers in RAM instead of on hard disks. On traditional servers like VyprVPN’s, server data is stored on a hard disk, and the VPN must delete your data at the end of each session to purge it. Diskless servers add protection in case of an emergency by allowing a VPN to wipe a server simply by pulling the plug, leaving no traces on a hard disk.

VyprVPN also has a limited number of city-level servers in most countries. You only get city-level options in the US and Australia. This is pretty rare because usually VPNs have a few options in the UK, Germany, Canada, etc.

There are no P2P-optimized servers or servers listed for streaming or gaming. If you want to quickly choose a server for your streaming platform, you may prefer a different VPN. Plus, this VPN does not provide server load information in its apps, so you can’t choose a less congested server.

Comparison with competitors

Compared to its biggest rivals, VyprVPN lags in both raw server numbers and advanced server features. However, it is still a capable VPN that can offer IP addresses in many countries around the world. Below, you can see how it compares to our favorite VPNs:

VyprVPN’s self-owned infrastructure is definitely a selling point. Many VPNs rent servers from third parties, which can introduce security vulnerabilities. VyprVPN avoids this by managing its own network.

Unique or rare locations

VyprVPN has a relatively small network compared to its biggest competitors. As a result, it does not offer any niche server locations that are underrepresented. That said, it still has servers in:

• Dubai (UAE)
• Algeria and Egypt
• Mumbai (India)
• Buenos Aires (Argentina)
• Hong Kong and Tokyo

Note that many of its servers in these regions, and particularly in “restrictive” regions, are hosted elsewhere. The VPN does not specify where those servers are hosted, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the VPN likely doesn’t have servers physically present in all of these countries.

Does VyprVPN Work in China?

VyprVPN uses a proprietary obfuscation protocol called Chameleon, which is designed to bypass Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). This makes it a solid choice for circumventing firewalls in places like China, Russia, and Iran.

Of course, China is always looking to block VPNs, so this is subject to change. Recently, some users have reported issues on forums like Reddit. With this in mind, you may decide to opt for something like NordVPN or Surfshark, which are known to work more consistently.

I generally recommend downloading and configuring VyprVPN before you travel to China. Once you’re behind the Great Firewall, use the Chameleon protocol and enable automatic port selection for the best chance of success.

Ultimately, whether VyprVPN works in China could depend on your exact location and how aggressively local ISPs are filtering traffic.

Streaming and unblocking

VyprVPN has long maintained a reputation for solid performance and reliable infrastructure, but how well does it hold up when streaming? To find out, I tested VyprVPN on a range of platforms to check which streaming services it supports and how well it handles region locks and buffering.

Streaming overview

VyprVPN is capable of unblocking a decent selection of streaming platforms, especially when using the Chameleon protocol. This custom obfuscation protocol is designed to bypass VPN blocking by disguising VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. It is enabled by default in most apps and often provides the best chance of accessing content on stubborn services.

In my testing, the VPN performed well when streaming US and UK-based services. Speeds were good enough for HD playback, and I didn’t experience excessive buffering or quality drops when using the right servers.

VyprVPN does not label streaming servers in the app, so it may take some trial and error (or a quick chat with support) to find the right server.

Streaming service compatibility

Netflix

Netflix access with VyprVPN requires some effort, but if you know what to do, things get a lot easier. So, allow me to walk you through the specifics of my testing.

To watch US Netflix, I recommend switching to the Chameleon protocol. In my tests, it worked to provide access to the US catalog without issues. I also tested WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, but they all failed, providing me with access to Netflix originals only.

With Chameleon selected and the VPN connected to the New York server, I could suddenly access exclusive titles like How I Met Your Mother and Grey’s Anatomy:

Can VyprVPN access other Netflix regions?

Next, I tested the Canadian server. This time, the best protocol was OpenVPN. I was able to watch the Canada-exclusive TV show Mr. D.

My third test was Netflix Japan. I had success using the Chameleon protocol. It allowed me to unlock Japanese exclusives: The Apothecary Diaries and Demon City.

Finally, I tested Netflix Germany (which worked, but only when using OpenVPN) and Netflix Australia (which was also successful with OpenVPN).

As you can see, VyprVPN performs impressively when it comes to Netflix. In my tests, it accessed a wide range of regional Netflix libraries. If streaming is a priority, VyprVPN is a solid choice.

That said, there’s very little guidance on the website (or elsewhere online) about the need to switch protocols to get it working. I’m glad I took the time to experiment with different protocols for each region.

Key takeaway? I’m the least lazy VPN reviewer.

Joking aside, it took a bit of extra effort to get the whole picture, but I’m glad I did. Thanks to my testing, I can confidently say that many reviewers and customers are wrong: VyprVPN does work with Netflix.

Does VyprVPN work with International Streaming Platforms?

VyprVPN performed reasonably well when tested with international platforms. I was able to access:

• ARD Mediathek (Germany): Worked perfectly to watch on-demand and live TV shows. Using the WireGuard protocol.
• France.tv (France): Did not work and gave me a message that said I was in the Netherlands (tried all protocols). Interestingly, I was in the UK using the France server, so an error stating I was in the Netherlands raised an eyebrow. However, I did a leak test, and the IP address was in Paris.
• GloboPlay (Brazil): Did not work using any protocol.
• CBC Gem (Canada): Worked to watch on-demand TV shows for free.
• 10play (Australia): Did not work.

VyprVPN has decent international streaming support. It doesn’t work with everything, so I recommend testing it yourself with your favorite streaming platforms. It does a reasonable job compared to other mid-tier VPNs in its price range.

That said, there is a lot of trial and error involved. You might have to test each protocol in sequence to find the one that works. Admittedly, that’s far from ideal and might be a deal breaker for users who want to stream without the headache.

Does VyprVPN allow torrenting?

Yes. VyprVPN allows P2P connections on all its servers, making it a torrent-friendly VPN. You can torrent across its entire network, and although there are no dedicated servers for file sharing, you can download using your favorite client from any location.

What’s more, speeds are excellent. VyprVPN keeps your internet running smoothly during downloads. It’s no-logs policy ensures your torrenting activity can’t be linked back to you at a later date.

It also offers a system-level kill switch, so your ISP won’t see what you’re sharing, even if the VPN connection drops. Plus, with split tunneling on Mac and Android, you can browse or stream using your regular internet connection while torrenting through the VPN tunnel.

One caveat is that VyprVPN does not support port forwarding. If you’re a heavy seeder and rely on this feature for better speeds or improved peer connectivity, you may prefer alternatives like ProtonVPN, PrivateVPN, or PureVPN.

Is VyprVPN safe?

VyprVPN has a mixed track record when it comes to privacy and security. While it offers robust security features like strong encryption and leak protection, there have been some concerns surrounding transparency.

The company has changed hands from a Swiss-based company, Golden Frog, to Certida LLC, a US-based company headquartered in Texas. This acquisition means that it now falls under US jurisdiction.

This is a step down for privacy because the US is a FIVE EYES member and a country that exposes users to the potential for warrants and gag orders. The VPN could be compelled under secret court orders (eg, FISA or NSLs) to harvest and share user traffic without informing the public. This new jurisdiction alone might be enough to put some people off the service.

Even though ownership has changed, app store listings still say that Golden Frog develops VyprVPN. This inconsistency can be confusing and may make people think the VPN is still based in Switzerland.

Logging policy

VyprVPN’s privacy policy is long, detailed, and a little different from many standard VPN policies.

Rather than making sweeping claims about being a “no-logs VPN,” it explains what data it does and does not collect. This kind of transparency would be helpful if it were exhaustive. Unfortunately, it isn’t.

Policy gray areas 

Despite the lengthy policy segments and the vague claim that “we do not process sensitive personal information,” the policy omits critical details that matter to privacy-conscious users.

The policy doesn’t explicitly state whether it logs metadata, such as connection timestamps or session durations. It does confirm that the VPN collects “your IP address” but doesn’t explain how long it keeps that data or how it uses it.

For VPNs, collecting IP addresses is concerning when combined with connection timestamps, since they could enable a correlation attack that identifies a user.

The lack of clarity creates a serious grey area. It gives the company too much wiggle room, and, unfortunately, this might be enough to put some users off the service.

To its credit, the policy clearly states that it does not collect certain types of data. The CCPA section explicitly says:  “Internet or other similar network activity – Browsing history, search history, online behavior… Collected: NO.”

This seems to mean the VPN does not keep usage logs. But does it apply to all users? Or only those in California? It’s unclear and ultimately not as valuable as a full no-logs promise that explicitly mentions usage logs, VPN server IPs, and connection logs.

It could simply be a poorly written policy that doesn’t have the clarity of other VPNs. But if that’s the case, VyprVPN should have its legal team tidy it up as soon as possible.

Audit no longer valid 

Also worth noting: VyprVPN hired Leviathan Security to audit its policy in 2018, but that audit applied to an older version and doesn’t reflect the current policy, so users should disregard it. Thus, in its current state, VyprVPN has not had any audits.

Controversies

In 2022, news started circulating that some VPNs, including VyprVPN, were posing serious privacy risks to users due to the installation of Root CA Certificates. This led to a wave of articles that criticized VyprVPN.

A Root CA Cert could technically give the VPN the ability to intercept and decrypt HTTPS traffic – including passwords, emails, and financial data—even outside the VPN tunnel. However, VPNs need to install root certificates to provide certain features, such as the IKEv2 protocol.

Given how dangerous root CAs can be in the wrong hands, the installation of these certs caused quite a stir. So, were the complaints justified?

Expired CA Root Cert

During my tests, I checked my Trusted Root Certificate Authorities registry to see whether the new version of VyprVPN had installed a root certificate. The answer is yes. The certificate that received the complaints is still being installed. However, what is most baffling is that the certificate expiration date is in 2020.

This means that Certida is installing a defunct root cert tied to a company it no longer legally operates under (Golden Frog). It is allowing this cert to sit in the most privileged certificate store on your system. And it is doing so without disclosing it, even after the uninstall process. It remains there until you delete it manually.

The fact is that most VPNs no longer install CA root certs, and those that do specify that it is only for server authentication or some other legitimate purpose. The expired VyprVPN CA Root Cert lists the intended purpose as “All” which is definitely unnerving.

No evidence shows that VyprVPN ever used its trusted root CA to intercept data. The certificate has already expired, so no one can use it.

So, why does the installer still add it?

It may be tied to a legacy function in the app that still relies on the cert, which suggests poor app hygiene overall.

Ultimately, we don’t know the why. What we do know is that installing an expired cert is unnecessary. It also clutters your certificate store, which could potentially lead to vulnerabilities, including the threat of Man-In-The-Middle attacks.

This is pretty concerning for a VPN that is supposed to provide online security. And is especially worrying considering that the VPN is now based in the US.

Other controversies:

• The Android kill switch was reportedly unreliable in earlier builds.
• Users previously reported frequent disconnections and odd server behavior (being connected to a Canadian server but getting a US IP).

VyprVPN privacy and security conclusion

VyprVPN is technically capable and offers a decent level of protection for everyday users. But if you’re a journalist, activist, or anyone operating with an elevated threat model, there are too many question marks to call it safe beyond a doubt. The US jurisdiction, lack of recent audits, and root CA concerns make it harder to recommend for serious privacy use cases.

Customer support

VyprVPN offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable knowledge base with setup guides, troubleshooting articles, and FAQs. During my tests, the live chat responded quickly. The agents were polite and could generally help with low-level VPN questions.

Like many VPNs, live chat starts with a bot before connecting you to a real agent. The agents mainly use stock answers that they get from a knowledge base.

Escalated to email support

When I asked more technical questions, the agent didn’t know how to respond and said someone from Level 2 support would follow up. The agent told me to wait for a reply via email, so if you’re hoping to get a response to a technical question right away, think again.

Fortunately, when it came to simple questions, the support agent had no problem at all and was able to assist immediately.

Overall, support was pretty good. The agents answered my setup questions by forwarding me to guides, and the support content on the website was solid.

The FAQ section is available in multiple languages, and there are guides for setting up and using the VPN on many popular devices and platforms. The guides are well-written and cover most of the important topics you’re likely to have questions about.

While the quality of support isn’t quite at the level of top-tier VPNs, it holds its own compared to other mid-tier providers. If you need help figuring out how to access Netflix or another platform, the agent will probably tell you that all the servers work (this is what they told me).

Unfortunately, they don’t advise that the easiest way to get the VPN working is to test a few different protocols. (My agent didn’t suggest this, which was a pity because this was the only thing that worked for me.)

VyprVPN review conclusion

VyprVPN is a capable VPN with a lot to like. The apps are reliable, the features are solid, and the server network is decent for bypassing censorship or accessing regional TV abroad. You also get a good-sized international network of servers to choose from.

During testing, the VPN worked well for streaming. However, I had to switch VPN protocols regularly to one that worked. It’s not the most seamless experience, but it eventually gets the job done for watching Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others.

The VPN can be installed and used on up to 10 devices, which should be enough for most people’s needs. Torrenting is allowed throughout its network, but note that there is no port forwarding, so keep that in mind.

In terms of privacy, the VPN should cater to the needs of most home users. However, the privacy policy and the expired root CA certificate might be a deal breaker for some, particularly now that it is based in the USA.

Live chat support is available 24/7. However, the agents weren’t as good as the very best VPNs, so if you are a beginner, another VPN might be a better fit.

Finally, the price is reasonable for what you get. However, with stronger services available for less, I would advise testing it out using the money-back guarantee and comparing it to other options before making a commitment.

What are the best alternatives to VyprVPN?

If the grey areas in VyprVPN’s privacy policy – or any of its other features – are giving you second thoughts, several alternatives offer stronger all-around value:

NordVPN is our top recommendation. It delivers superb speeds, watertight security, and a fully audited no-logs policy. It’s one of the most trusted names in the industry, and it works with every streaming service we tested. Plus, it’s lightning fast.

If you’re a family that needs unlimited device connections and a price that won’t break the bank, Surfshark is a great option. It is highly secure, a fantastic all-arounder for streaming, and offers all the privacy features you need.

For users in need of port forwarding (for torrenting or any other reason), Proton VPN is my top recommendation. It has many advanced privacy features, though it does cost a touch more.

Finally, if anybody wants a wide range of US servers, IPVanish is worth checking out. It is perfect for bypassing blackout restrictions.