VyprVPN

vyprvpn
Rating 4.5 / 5.0

Jurisdiction: Switzerland | 3rd party audit: Yes, by Leviathan | RAM-only servers: No | Native apps: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Android TV | Simultaneous connections: 5 | Browser extensions: No | Advanced features: Kill Switch, Chameleon™ Protocol, VyprDNS™ DNS | Servers network: Over 700 servers in 70 countries | Streaming and P2P: Yes, all servers | Free trial: No

Pros

Swiss based
Privacy and Internet Freedom activism
Chameleon™ Protocol to make it work anywhere
Reasonable pricing

Cons

A bit outdated apps
Limited servers network

In this VyprVPN review, we’ll take a closer look at the advanced VPN service from Golden Frog, a Switzerland-based firm.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are an affordable, effective way to guard your private information against prying eyes. Incredibly, VPNs like VyprVPN allow you to use the same encryption algorithms used by most privacy focused organizations. However, the cost is minimal, and you can even get a VyprVPN free trial.

Today, a VPN is a must if you want your data to be relatively private.

As the days of net neutrality are at present over, using a VPN is even more recommended than ever. So, let’s take a closer look at VyprVPN as you consider your options.

About VyprVPN

vyprvpn review

VyprVPN is a VPN service with about two million users globally. The VyprVPN App can be used on all devices, both desktop and mobile. With a VPN, you can prevent third parties from accessing your data as you browse the internet, stream movies, or torrent files.

Also, a VPN allows you to cloak your true location. So, you can appear to be surfing in the United States while you are sitting in a country where the internet is restricted. Thus, you can bypass censorship and restrictive networks. Or, simply enjoy watching your favorite Netflix shows while on vacation.

When you access the internet, your data is routed through one of Golden Frog’s over 700 private servers and is encrypted. In short, VyprVPN is a privacy-focused VPN service with an independent privacy audit to back it up.

Golden Frog, the Company

Golden Frog’s stated mission is to “provide people with privacy, security, and access to a free and open Internet.”

Its founders Ron and Carolyn Yokubaitis decided to take matters into their own hands to protect internet users privacy. The husband and wife duo from Houston, Texas, launched one of the first 50 ISPs in the United States. From humble beginnings with Texas.net in 1994, the couple branched out to Data Foundry, Giganews, and then Golden Frog. Then they introduced what they consider to be “one of the world’s leading VPN services,” Vypr VPN.

Today, VPN services like Vypr can help keep your data safer as you browse online with the motto: “Don’t let the Internet browse you.”

Golden Frog’s Vision

golden frog vision

Co-Founder Ron Yokubaitis’ vision for Golden Frog is epic, reading like a constitution devoted to open internet freedom. Yokubaitis lays out the case for preserving free, open, private access and combatting surveillance, repressive laws, and regulations. He calls it the “right to bear encryption keys.” As the numerous parties seeks to intrude internet users data, encryption prevents uncalled for privacy violations.

Protecting Peaceful, Free Internet Use

Due to the “false promise of net neutrality,” Yokubaitis argues that the FCC created a false sense of protection for consumers while stifling online growth and competition. As a result, ISPs have too much control, charging more for internet “toll roads.”

Also, the use of encryption-blocking technologies threatens to prevent VPNs from protecting privacy.

Since Congress, the FCC, and the FTC hesitated to help protect citizen’s privacy, Golden Frog set out to build tools to protect people. Thus, the goal is to promote the “peaceful and free use of the Internet,” and thus stimulate innovation, free speech, and prosperity.

Privacy Laws Affecting VyprVPN and Golden Frog’s Jurisdiction

With its base in Switzerland, Golden Frog is subject to robust data privacy laws. There, VPN providers don’t need to keep data logs, unlike ISPs, which do.

However, Switzerland, known for its neutrality, may not be as ideal as you would think. The Swiss have data retention laws.

However, data retention laws don’t apply to VPN providers. Thus, they aren’t required to log users’ activities. So, while it’s generally advisable to choose a VPN service outside your own country, Swiss residents can safely use local servers without much concern.

For those outside Switzerland, the country is a desirable location for your VPN endpoint. On the other hand, those with geopolitical concerns may want to choose a company legally headquartered in another place, such as Panama, where NordVPN is based.

Notably, Swiss copyright laws allow you to share content like movies and music for personal use, as long as you aren’t profiting from material. Also, Swiss law favors free speech, privacy protection, and is against blocking website IPs. Thus, the country is a prime location for those looking for the safest VPN.

How Transparent is VyprVPN?

vyprvpn no logs

Golden Frog promises to improve your privacy and security online, although it can’t promise total anonymity (nor can any VPN). CEO Sunday Yokubaitis notes that VyprVPN has always been dedicated to this mission since its inception in 2009.

However, when it began, the company started logging and retaining minimal customer data for 30 days. This information included user IP addresses, their assigned VyprVPN IP address, bytes used, and when users used the service. Then, after receiving feedback, the company transitioned to become a no-log VPN service in the summer of 2018.

To establish trust, the company hired an independent auditor Leviathan Security to verify the “No Log” claim. Thus, VyprVPN became the “world’s first” publicly audited No Log VPN Provider. The audits apply to all app developers, which updated the software to comply.

Leviathan provided a full report, verifying VyprVPN had addressed and fixed all areas of concern. Thus, the report is an assurance that the VPN can credibly claim No Log status.

vyprvpn audit

Open Source Software (OSS)

VyprVPN provides many preferred VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, as the default. Open Source Software is widely considered more secure and trustworthy since it is always open to constant refining and improvement by public scrutiny. When security vulnerabilities are found, they can be rapidly fixed since everyone can access the code.

Vypr uses mostly open-source software packages in combination with closed source code, such as Chameleon. However, the company argues that Chameleon VPN Protocol must be closed to serve its purpose, preventing detection as you use your VPN.

Some ISPs use what’s called Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect and beat VPN encryption. To counter this, VyprVPN provides Chameleon to prevent detection (but more on that later).

Supported devices

vyprvpn app

These days, many people have a wide variety of devices that work on different operating systems. Importantly, you need a VPN that will function on all your gadgets, from iPhones, Android devices, Mac, and Windows laptops.

VyprVPN offers native apps that you can download and install easily on most devices. So, you can quickly get the VPN set up on your TV and smartphones, either iOS or Android.

Plus, there are manual setup guides to encrypt devices on multiple platforms, routers, and NAS devices. With OpenVPN profiles, you can configure most devices.

VyprVPN Features

Next, we’ll look at some of the standout features of VyprVPN.

Chameleon Protocol

vypr vpn chameleon

One of the features we mentioned is VyprVPN’s Chameleon Protocol. With this feature, you can bypass VPN blocks. Chameleon scrambles OpenVPN packet metadata so that no networks can recognize you’re using a VPN. Thus, you can become a “digital chameleon”.

Chameleon Protocol is desirable if you are connecting to networks that block VPNs.

As noted, Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) is an invasive way for network managers to bypass your VPN. Although a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel to protect packets of data from your computer, DPI can detect the tunnel. If you use a regular VPN connection, you could be blocked, but with advanced VPN technology like Chameleon and OpenVPN, you can avoid blocking.

Kill Switch

When torrenting large files using VyprVPN, you can enjoy military-grade encryption with their VPN protocols. Also, VyprVPN has a Kill Switch and network DNS leak protection. With the Kill Switch, you can be sure that your identity remains private should your VPN connection fail for a moment. If you do lose your connection, your access to the internet is temporarily blocked, and you aren’t exposed.

VyprVPN Servers Network

vyprdns

Golden Frog claims they’re the only VPN provider in the world that 100% owns and operates its server and network infrastructure. Also, they own their own DNS service, providing VyprDNS to protect your network. Therefore, there aren’t any third party hosts involved, meaning you have end-to-end privacy.

In all, Vypr VPN works on over 700 VPN Servers in 70 countries around the world. Servers are located in North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. So, there is a wide range of locations and over 200,000 IP addresses. You can easily switch your server using the VPN apps.

vyprvpn servers

Although Golden Frog claims these are the fastest VPN Servers, that is up for debate. That’s because transfer speeds aren’t as fast as some competitors. However, they are adequate for streaming services. So if speed is your main priority, there may be faster VPN services to consider, though possibly more expensive.

Streaming and Accessing Blocked Websites

vpn streaming

One of the best features of a VPN is it allows you to access global content, regardless of where you are. So, you can be on vacation in the Bahamas and still get a VPN for your Netflix fix. Without using a VPN, your attempt to log in would fail, giving you a message that service isn’t available in your location.

Thus, you can stream movies or music and also bypass speed restrictions and congestion on your network. Thanks to all those servers around the globe, you can stream without getting those annoying buffering problems. Well, not as often at least. Plus, you can connect to up to five devices at once.

Another awesome VPN feature is you can unblock websites, bypassing censorship, and local blocks. Within seconds you can defeat censorship by choosing your server location.

P2P File Sharing and Torrenting

Golden Frog treats all traffic equally. Thus, there are no objections to sharing files through torrenting or peer-to-peer sharing.

However, Golden Frog states that they take Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) copyright infringement seriously and assist it when it receives DMCA notices.

VyprVPN Pricing

vyprvpn pricing

The pricing for VyprVPN is quite affordable compared to some competitors like ExpressVPN. However, it’s most affordable when you sign up for 24 months. Best of all, all plans now include access to all of the features.

Currently, the 2-year plan is as low as $2.50 a month with a limited offer. This plan is billed every 24 months at $60. Since there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, it makes little sense to choose a monthly plan at $12.95 a month. Notably, you can cancel at any time. Thus, you can enjoy VyprVPN free for a VyprVPN free trial if you choose.

There’s also an affordable annual plan that costs $3.75 a month, billed every 12 months. All plans allow up to five device connections with apps for all devices included.

VyprVPN for Business

vyprvpn for business

There are also beefed up subscriptions for businesses with a range of extra features. If employees are traveling or working remotely, they can keep private business communications secure. Business plans offer additional security with a NAT Firewall.

Also, you can conduct business on public, unsecured WiFi networks, and intruders won’t be able to intercept your data. If you are traveling in places like China, you can still get to your business tools like Google Apps and Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services.

A big benefit of the business plans is access to your own dedicated account manager. So, you can resolve technical issues every day of the year, 24 hours a day. Notably, live chat support is available even for those who don’t have business plans.

VyprVPN Alternatives

How does VyprVPN stack up with the competition? Overall, they offer a great range of features and outstanding privacy and security. However, the VPN market is extremely competitive. Your choice will depend on how you plan to use the service. Do you primarily need a VPN for torrenting, or traveling, or casual internet surfing?

If you plan to use your VPN for torrenting, we’ve outlined some of the best VPN providers to consider. If you plan to use your VPN to unblock YouTube, consider these alternatives. Lastly, for using your VPN with Kodi freeware, check out these choices.

If you plan to use a VPN only occasionally, then there are great free VPN services. However, as with anything free, you aren’t getting as many features. Since VPNs are relatively affordable, choosing a paid plan might be worth it, adding more security and protection.

Is VyprVPN for You?

Overall, VyprVPN has a great range of features and offers the security and privacy you look for in a VPN. Since it’s based in Switzerland, the data privacy laws are strong, which means your data is less likely to end in a third party’s hands.

Golden Frog’s mission to protect your data privacy and free access to the internet is backed up by independent audits. Their many years of experience and response to feedback over the years show dedication to that mission.

Since VPNs can be blocked, Chameleon VPN Protocol and Open Source Software are valuable features. Thus, you can access the internet, even where restrictions are the toughest.

Possible drawbacks are that some VPN providers may be faster and less expensive. So, choose your choice of VPN depending on your overall needs and budget.

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