VyprVPN is a Swiss-based VPN company that has been providing secure and private internet connections for 10 years.
Over time, VyprVPN has made ongoing improvements to stay on top of the latest technology and consumer preferences in the competitive VPN market.
With so many options for VPNs available to consumers, we wanted to take a good look at this long-standing VPN company to see how it compares to the other leading VPNs and to evaluate if it has kept up with the latest trends and consumer demands.
We have completed an in-depth VyprVPN review in the areas of security, privacy, speed, features, reliability, customer service, cost, and more! Keep reading to learn more about what VyprVPN has to offer and how it holds up against competing VPN providers!
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Rating | 7 out of 10 |
Rank: | 10 out of 50 VPNs |
Best for: | Best for censorship-heavy countries |
Security: | AES 256-bit encryption |
Privacy: | No logs, independently audited by Leviathan |
Price: | As low as $5.00/month |
Servers: | 700+ servers in 64 countries |
Streaming: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Peacock, ITVX, SkyTV, Apple TV+, and more |
Devices: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Connections: | 5 simultaneous |
Coupons: | Get VyprVPN 50% OFF the 1-year plan |
Like every product, VyprVPN has its strengths as well as areas where it doesn’t quite match up to the competition. Overall, we found VyprVPN to be a reliable service that users can count on for online security and privacy.
VyprVPN pros and cons
Here’s a quick list of the pros and cons we found when conducting our VyprVPN review.
Pros
- First-rate security features
- Zero logs policy
- Broad device compatibility
- Proprietary servers
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Slower speeds
- No SmartDNS feature
- Smaller server network
- Does not accept cryptocurrencies
VyprVPN overview
Following our comprehensive VyprVPN evaluation, VyprVPN emerges as a dependable, secure, and private VPN provider. With AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, secure protocols, a strict zero-log policy, and safeguards against IP and DNS leaks, your privacy and security are in good hands with VyprVPN.
Years ago, torrenting was prohibited on VyprVPN, but they have since updated their policy to support torrenting. We found Vyper to be an effective VPN for torrenting and P2P file sharing.
When it comes to streaming, VyprVPN wasn’t as broadly effective as other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark, but it was able to unblock several of the popular streaming services like certain Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. We were not successful at unblocking US Netflix or Hulu.
VyprVPN is compatible with all of the major operating systems, including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux, though the Linux app is a bit cumbersome to use. In addition, the features available vary depending on the device you are using. Users are permitted up to five simultaneous connections on a single account.
You also get some excellent features included in your VyprVPN subscription, such as public WiFi protection, the ability to split tunnel, and malware protection. It’s not a huge number of features when compared to some of the competing VPN providers, but they go a long way in terms of quality.
The VyprVPN apps are user-friendly and intuitive, even for novices. The customer support includes 24/7 live chat support, which is quick to respond and highly knowledgeable.
Installing VyprVPN is easy to do; just select the plan you want on the VyprVPN website and purchase a subscription. Once you’ve got an active VyprVPN subscription, follow the prompts to download VyprVPN’s apps onto your preferred devices. The subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
While overall, we felt VyprVPN offers solid and dependable service, we found that VyprVPN falls short in comparison to other VPN providers in the areas of speed, features, and unblocking capabilities needed to access geo-restricted content worldwide. If that’s important to you, you may be better off with one of the premium VPN companies, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
VyprVPN price and plans
The VyprVPN cost depends on the plan you choose. The service offers two different subscription plans with pricing as follows:
Version | Price |
---|---|
1-month plan | $10.00 per month |
12-month plan | $5.00 per month |
At half the price of the monthly plan, subscribers are much better off signing up for one year of service upfront. Don’t worry about the long-term commitment, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
In terms of pricing, Vypr was about average when compared to other VPN subscription costs. Here are some points of comparison.
- ExpressVPN: $6.67 per month plus 3 months for free for the 12 month plan
- NordVPN: $3.39 per month plus 4 months for free or the 24 month plan
- Surfshark: $2.19 per month plus 4 months for free for 24 month plan
You can pay for your subscription via credit card, PayPal, and UnionPay. VyperVPN does not accept any cryptocurrencies, which is a drawback for those looking for the extra layer of privacy crypto offers.
Can you get VyprVPN for free?
VyprVPN does not have a free version, but it is possible to give it a try for a limited time for free. When you sign up for VyprVPN, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use as a free trial.
After you’ve purchased a subscription, you can use the VPN for up to 30 days, then if you decide it’s not for you, cancel and you will get a full refund! It’s like getting a free VPN for a month!
Is VyprVPN safe?
Yes, when it comes to safety, you can rely on VyprVPN to protect you from online threats from cybercriminals, as well as from the prying eyes of your internet service provider and government agencies.
For starters, VyprVPN uses the industry gold standard of AES-256-bit encryption. It is the same high level of encryption that the military uses. It also offers DNS and IP leak protection and an internet kill switch to prevent leaks in the event that your VPN should disconnect unexpectedly.
Subscribers have a choice of four different safe and reliable tunneling protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its own Chameleon protocol that offers obfuscation.
Finally, VyprVPN safeguards your privacy with a trustworthy no-logs policy that has been independently audited. It is also located in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly country with no mandatory data retention laws. Switzerland is not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.
Encryption
VyprVPN employs highly secure AES-256-bit encryption, which is trusted by the US government, banking institutions, and more for its robust security features. Every time you connect to a VyprVPN server, your VPN traffic will undergo encryption, making it indecipherable to hackers, snoops, and even your internet service provider, guaranteeing your online security.
Authentication for your VPN is processed using the SHA-256 algorithm. The algorithm changes your login credentials into hashed text, so your online connection remains anonymous.
Tunneling protocols
A tunneling protocol defines how information is transferred from one point to another on the internet. It’s usually comprised of the data being transmitted as well as the rules of how the information is transmitted. In other words, a tunneling protocol creates a tunnel between 2 points where data can securely be transmitted.
VyprVPN offers 4 different tunneling protocols to choose from: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its proprietary Chameleon protocol. Here’s some information on each of the VPN protocols to help you choose the one that best meets your needs.
Known for its simplicity and high performance, WireGuard aims to provide a streamlined alternative to traditional VPN protocols. Its compact codebase facilitates faster connection speeds and improved efficiency.
OpenVPN stands out as a trusted open-source tunneling protocol renowned for its robust encryption and strong authentication capabilities. It provides a secure and reliable means of transmitting data over a network.
IKEv2 is a robust protocol ideal for mobile devices. It excels in delivering fast and secure connections, with the added advantage of quick re-connections when necessary. This makes it particularly suitable for users on the move who require a seamless and efficient VPN experience.
The Chameleon protocol introduces a unique layer of security through obfuscation. By disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, Chameleon enables users to bypass firewalls in countries with restrictive internet policies, such as China. However, the custom Chameleon protocol, designed primarily to overcome VPN blocks, tends to be slower compared to other VPN protocol options. The trade-off between enhanced security and reduced speed is a consideration for users navigating VPN restrictions in geographically restricted regions.
When using the IKEv2 and Chameleon protocol, we occasionally got error messages and had trouble connecting. The connections with OpenVPN were stable, but we recommend using WireGuard for the fastest and most reliable service.
Kill switch
A kill switch cuts your internet if the connection on your VPN unexpectedly or suddenly drops. When your VPN unexpectedly drops, your true IP address can be revealed and all of your online activities will be automatically redirected to your standard ISP. In other words, your connection could be completely unprotected without your knowledge.
A kill switch makes sure that never happens by cutting off your connection to the internet the moment your VPN stops working. There are a few options on how to configure your kill switch.
The Application level security feature is designed to operate seamlessly whenever you are logged in and running the VyprVPN application. It serves as a failsafe mechanism, instantly severing your connection to the internet in the event of a VyprVPN malfunction, ensuring continuous protection.
The System-level configuration imposes a more comprehensive safeguard. With this setting in place, internet access is contingent upon the VyprVPN application being active and operational. To disable the security feature, you must log out of the VyprVPN app, thereby reinstating regular internet connectivity.
The switch can be tailored to handle LAN traffic based on your preferences. In the settings, you have the flexibility to configure the switch to either block or allow LAN traffic, providing a customizable element to this security feature. This level of control allows users to align the kill switch with their specific requirements and network configurations.
This security feature is available only on Windows, macOS, and Android apps. It is not available on iOS.
VyprDNS
VyprVPN uses its own private DNS servers, so when you connect to a VyprVPN server, not only does it encrypt all of your data and give you a new IP address, but all of your DNS queries are handled by VypVPN’s custom DNS servers. No logs are kept when using the VyprVPN custom DNS service which ensures your anonymity online.
VyprVPN uses a DNS relay system to handle its DNS requests, meaning VyprDNS uses other DNS hosts to provide an extra layer of protection. In addition, each VPN server has an exclusive DNS server associated with it, meaning when you connect to a country, all of your search results will be from that location.
The NAT firewall offers an added layer of security by blocking all unrequested inbound traffic. This features doesn’t require any extra set-up, it’s available when you connect to your VPN automatically.
VyprDNS only works in unison with the VyperVPN client. Users have the option to select a third-party DNS if they prefer.
Logging policy
While you may have heard that VyprVPN maintains connection logs for 30 days, that was years ago. Since then, VyprVPN has changed its policy to zero-logs, so you’ve got nothing to worry about. The current VyprVPN privacy policy states the following:
“VyprVPN is a zero-log VPN Service. We do not record or retain any data when you use the VyprVPN Service.”
In other words, VyprVPN will not keep any records on its users’ IP addresses, assigned IP addresses, internet traffic, internet content, kill switch activations, termination node triggers, or connection timestamps. The VPN company does log some aggregate data for quality improvement, but none of your personal information will be maintained in their logs.
VyprVPN does not use RAM only servers, however, the verified no-log policy and safe jurisdiction means you can feel good about your privacy protection.
Independent security audits
In 2018, VyprVPN underwent an independent audit by Leviathan Security, revealing certain issues, including the presence of user IP addresses in some of VyprVPN’s kill switch API logs. However, VyprVPN promptly addressed and resolved all identified issues. Upon a subsequent retest by Leviathan Security, no vulnerabilities were found.
While it would be preferable to have a more current independent security audit, there have been no controversies since the audit, and Leviathan Security is a trustworthy auditing company.
Jurisdiction
VyprVPN is based in Switzerland and is owned by Golden Frog. Switzerland is a privacy-friendly location located outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, which is an agreement between select countries that allows surveillance and sharing of data between nations if they feel it is in the interest of national security.
Another benefit of having a Swiss jurisdiction is that Swiss law prohibits the processing of personal data without the individual’s consent. It also happens to be one of the most torrenting-friendly countries around!
VyprVPN speed: Is this VPN fast?
As part of our VyprVPN review, we conducted speed testing on all protocols and from a range of VPN server locations. Overall, we found that VyperVPN offered slower speeds than many of the competing premium VPN services.
When using the OpenVPN tunneling protocol, here is what our speed tests indicated:
- US server. Download speed of 65 Mbps and upload speed of 120 Mbps
- UK server. Download speed of 30 Mbps and upload speed of 115 Mbps
- Australian server. Download speed of 40 Mbps and upload speed of 50 Mbps
Download retention | Upload retention | |
---|---|---|
US (NY) | 7% | 13% |
UK server | 2% | 12% |
Australian server | 5% | 5% |
In terms of performance, we did experience some serious amount of buffering and lags, particularly when connected to a long-distance server, and overall, we did not experience the smooth, stable connections that we got with other premium VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN. For the best speed, stick with the WireGuard protocol and a local server. The farther your data has to travel, the more likely you are to experience lags, buffering, or dropped connections.
Performance with other protocols
Speed and performance did improve when we moved used the modern and lighweight WireGuard protocol, however, the speeds were still generally slower than competing VPNs. The results are as follows:
- WireGuard. Download speed 120 Mbps and upload speed 80 Mbps
- IKEv2. Download speed 160 Mbps and upload speed 15 Mbps
- Chameleon. Download speed 50 Mbps and upload speed 10 Mbps
Overall, we achieved the fastest VPN connection using the WireGuard tunneling protocol and IKEv2. The OpenVPN protocol and Chameleon were particularly sluggish which led to frequent buffering, lags, and slow connection times.
If you are looking for excellent speed for smooth and stable connections, I recommend sticking with a premium VPN service such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.
VyprVPN server network
VyperVPN has a relatively small VPN server network. There are just over 700 VPN servers in the network. Given the small number of servers, they are well distributed across a relatively broad number of countries, including 64 countries across the globe. Distribution is as follows:
- Americas: 10 servers
- Asia and Oceana: 17 servers
- Europe: 30 servers
- Middle East/Africa: 7 servers
Most VyprVPN servers are owned by the company. In addition to owning their own servers, each server has its own DNS, meaning VyprVPN has full control and responsibility for their performance.
In cases where it is not possible to have physical servers due to privacy or security concerns, VyprVPN uses virtual servers. A virtual server is designed to work like a server in one country, while being physically located in a different one and is typically used for countries with known security risks.
VyprVPN features
VyprVPN offers relatively few advanced features, however, the limited number of features available on VyprVPN give users a lot of bang for their buck in providing a safe internet connection. These features include an ad blocker, auto-connect public networks, and split tunneling.
Malicious site block
VyperVPN protects its subscribers from accidentally connecting to a malicious website in two ways. Any time you are connected to VyprVPN, it will automatically block you from any of its known malware-infecting websites.
If, however, you come across a website on your own that it suspects is malicious while browsing, you will receive a warning stating: “Malicious Site. This website has been blocked because it has been associated with Malware.” You will then be given a choice to “Proceed Anyway” or “Block”. This allows you to access any websites that have been flagged as malicious in error without difficulty.
This feature is available exclusively for macOS.
Connection per app
Connection per app refers to VyprVPN’s split tunneling feature. Split tunneling allows you to selectively route certain apps through the VPN while the remaining traffic follows your regular ISP network provider unencrypted.
Split tunneling helps keep your Internet connection speed up by only using encryption where you need it most. It also allows you to access local services, such as your Spotify account or Netflix shows, while using your VPN for other activities, like your torrent client.
This feature is available for the Android client and macOS client only. It is not available for Windows, iOS or Linux at this time.
Public Wi-Fi protection
Using public Wi-Fi puts you at greater risk for cyberattacks, and the best way to protect yourself is by using a secure VPN to encrypt data and shield it from prying eyes.
VyprVPN offers a feature that can save you time and effort when you’re on the go by setting up your VPN to automatically connect any time you are on an unknown or public Wi-Fi connection. You can also set it up to turn on automatically at certain locations, like your favorite cafe.
This feature makes sure you are safe when you are on the go without having to do a thing! It’s all been pre-set to kick in when you need it most!
How does VyprVPN work?
If watching geo-restricted content online is a high priority, you are better off with a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. Especially if you want to access the biggest Netflix libraries in the US and the UK. VyprVPN was able to unblock some streaming sites, including YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and some Netflix libraries.
In addition, VyprVPN doesn’t have a SmartDNS feature, which would allow you to access streaming sites on non-VPN compatible devices like some gaming consoles and SmartTVs, though you could cover these devices by setting up a VPN connection on your router. You can side-load the VyprVPN app on Amazon Firestick and Kodi, but it is not compatible with Roku.
Does VyprVPN unblock Netflix?
When it comes to unblocking Netflix, our VyprVPN review got mixed results. While we were able to unblock several Netflix libraries, like Canada, Germany, and Japan, we found it to be inconsistent when it came to unblocking Netflix in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
Does VyprVPN work with other streaming platforms?
Yes. VyprVPN was able to unblock many other popular streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. We were not able to unblock the Hulu website reliably.
Is VyprVPN good for torrenting?
In the past, VyprVPN did not allow torrenting, but that policy has since changed and its policy allows for P2P and BitTorrent traffic on its servers.
We were able to download torrents on multiple servers on all of the offered tunneling protocols. Torrenting speeds, however, were pretty slow, remaining around 45 Mbps. If you’ve got a bit of patience, VyprVPN’s high level of security and privacy make it a good option for safe torrenting.
VyprVPN: Compatibility
VyprVPN is compatible with all major operating systems, including Andriod, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux. The easiest to use and set up are the iOS app and the Android app. The Linux app is less intuitive, making it more difficult to set up and use. Not only is there a VyprVPN app for just about any device, but you are also allowed up to 5 simultaneous connections under one login and username.
Windows & macOS
VyprVPN supports both Windows & macOS devices.
The Windows app is user-friendly, with all of the main features easily found on the home page and a well-organized settings section. You can easily connect to a server from a list of servers organized by either the connection speed, country, or region. The split tunneling and anti-malware features are not available on the Windows app.
The macOS app has an easy-to-use and set-up interface. Servers can be selected from a list organized by connection speed, country, or region. Unlike the Windows app, split tunneling is available on the macOS app.
iOS and Android apps
VyprVPN has mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices. Both the iOS and Android apps have an intuitive interface similar to the Windows and macOS versions.
On the Android app, you have use of VyprVPN’s kill switch and public wifi protection. You can use VyprDNS or select a different DNS provider if you prefer. You can also set up your device to automatically connect to a VPN every time you restart your phone.
The features on the iOS app are more limited. While you can use Public Wi-Fi protection, automatic reconnect, and protocol selection, there is no split tunneling or kill switch available for iOS devices.
Linux
The Linux app is available for Ubuntu and Mint distributions. Its effectiveness with Debian-based distributions is unreliable. In addition, WireGuard is not compatible with the Linux app.
Overall, if you are a Linux user, you are better off with a different VPN service with more compatible apps, like ExpressVPN.
Router app
You can set up VyprVPN right on your router quickly and easily using their VPN router app. The app allows you to pick which network devices you want connected to the VPN and which you want on your regular ISP. It also allows you to switch between the different VyprVPN protocols and to select which network servers you want to connect to. The router app uses VyprDNS for all DNS queries.
The VyprVPN router app is available for Tomato firmware and is, therefore, not compatible with all routers.
VyprVPN: Customer support
We tried out VyprVPN’s customer support and were quite pleased with the service we received. Support is available via the following routes:
Feature | VyprVPN |
---|---|
24/7 live chat support | Yes |
Email tickets | Yes |
Articles and guides | Yes |
FAQ | Yes |
The articles, guides, and FAQ section provide plenty of information and advice for users who want to figure things out for themselves.
If you’re someone looking for a quick and easy resolution to any issues you are having, 24/7 live chat support is the way to go. The representatives on live chat are professional, knowledgeable, and respond quickly.
Highly complex and technical questions that are beyond the scope of knowledge of the live chat support team are handled via email, which also has a good response time.
VyprVPN: Alternatives we recommend
When choosing a VPN, it’s a good idea to check out a few options before you commit. Here are some additional first-rate VPN services that are worth looking into.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its blazing-fast speeds as well as its impressive security and privacy protection. It’s also one of the best VPNs we’ve found for unblocking geographically restricted websites.
- NordVPN: One of the most popular VPNs on the market NordVPN has lots of features designed to give you fast, private, and secure internet connections, and it costs less than ExpressVPN.
- Surfshark: Surfshark is a low-cost service that offers unlimited simultaneous connections without compromising on security, privacy, or reliability.
FAQ
Is VyprVPN legit?
Yes. VyprVPN is a legitimate VPN provider that has been around for over a decade. It has proven itself as a reliable provider with trustworthy security and privacy protection.
Is VyprVPN safe?
Yes. VyprVPN is a safe VPN, protecting its customers with military-grade encryption, a zero-logs policy, secure protocols, and leak protection.
Who owns VyprVPN?
VyprVPN is owned by Golden Frog. The company is headquartered in Switzerland and has been providing internet services to users around the world since 1994.
Does VyprVPN work in China?
Yes. The obfuscated servers make it possible to get past China’s VPN blocking. However, its reliability in bypassing the firewall in China is inconsistent.
Does VyprVPN keep logs?
No. VyprVPN has a no-logs policy that was independently audited and verified in 2018 by Leviathan Security.
Does VyprVPN offer a free trial?
No. VyprVPN does not offer a free trial. It does, however, offer a 30-day back guarantee that you can use like a free trial. When you subscribe to VyprVPN, you have 30 days to cancel and get a full refund, allowing you to try out the service for free.
Does VyprVPN offer static IP servers?
No. VyprVPN does not offer static IP servers or a dedicated IP address.
Does VyprVPN support port forwarding?
No. Port forwarding is not available on VyperVPN.
Conclusion
After conducting an in-depth VyprVPN review, we found VyprVPN to be a reliable, secure, and private VPN provider. The VPN protects its users with military-grade encryption, secure protocols, and a zero-log policy and guards against IP and DNS leaks.
VyprVPN is an effective VPN for torrenting and unblocking many of the popular streaming services, including Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more.
VyprVPN supports all major operating systems, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux, and allows for 5 simultaneous connections on a single VyprVPN account.
When it comes to customer service, VyprVPN is user-friendly and comes with 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
While we found VyprVPN to be a reliable and secure service provider, it does not offer the same speed, features, and unblocking capabilities that you get with a premium VPN service such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, and the VyprVPN cost falls right in between these alternative premier services.