ClearVPN 2
7.8
Very Good
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Content: Our Score:
Speed 7.0 / 10
Servers 7.0 / 10
User Experience 8.0 / 10
Support 9.0 / 10
Pricing 8.0 / 10
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ClearVPN 2 Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?

ClearVPN 2 Overview

ClearVPN 2 is MacPaw’s rebranded and upgraded version of the original ClearVPN. It claims to offer excellent speed and security, and has a proven track record of producing successful software. However, I was keen on evaluating ClearVPN 2 myself.

During my tests, ClearVPN 2 performed relatively well, but couldn’t compete with leaders like ExpressVPN. Its network size is average but includes high-speed servers that work with most streaming services. However, it’s based in Ukraine and partly in the US, so I had some concerns about its privacy policy.

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Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

ClearVPN 2 Works With Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer

ClearVPN 2 has specialty streaming servers for popular platforms. It gave me fast speeds for uninterrupted viewing and worked flawlessly with my local Netflix library. My international team of testers also reported positive results with Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

Screenshot of ClearVPN 2's list of streaming servers

ClearVPN 2 has streaming servers for quick connections

Works With Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer

In my tests, ClearVPN 2’s Netflix UK streaming server was a bit faster, but a standard one in the UK also ensured lag-free streams. Netflix couldn’t detect I was using a VPN with either server, but I suggest using a streaming server as it’s a bit faster. My colleagues in Australia, France, and the US also confirmed that the specialty servers were slightly faster.

Screenshot of The Crown streaming on Netflix in HD using ClearVPN

I streamed The Crown on Netflix with ClearVPN 2 and didn’t get any quality drops or lag

Similarly, my US colleague used ClearVPN 2 to stream on Netflix US, Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. They couldn’t log in to Hulu with a regular US server as it detected a VPN IP address and showed a proxy error. However, switching to a Hulu streaming server solved the issue. I didn’t have this issue when logging into my Disney+ library.

Screenshot of a film playing on Disney+ using ClearVPN 2

I quickly logged into my Disney+ library with ClearVPN 2

In tests, ClearVPN 2 also worked with many other streaming platforms, including YouTube, YouKu, 9Now, Spotify, ITV, IMDB TV, and Peacock TV. Both regular and streaming servers let me log in to my BBC iPlayer account and stream movies and shows without interruptions.

Screenshot of BBC iPlayer working while connected to ClearVPN

I had no issues streaming on my BBC iPlayer account with ClearVPN 2

ClearVPN 2 is excellent for streaming and works with nearly all platforms. Although some services might detect its IP addresses, its streaming servers for specific services never failed in tests. I’d place its streaming capabilities on par with the top VPNs in 2024.

Stream with ClearVPN 2

Speed

- 7.0 / 10

Maintains Fast Speeds on Nearby Servers

ClearVPN 2 provides near-baseline speeds on nearby servers. Its DynamicFlow technology checks your current network status and finds an optimal server that best suits your needs. This guarantees smooth, low-latency, and secure VPN connections.

Speed Test Results

ClearVPN 2 delivers impressive speed and performance. The recorded speeds were suitable for multiple UHD streams. Additionally, ClearVPN 2 has a minor impact on upload speed, making it a solid choice for file sharing and video messaging.

To establish a baseline speed, I conducted a speed test without connecting to ClearVPN 2 and recorded 157Mbps. The local UK servers were faster than the others due to the shorter distance. Compared to my baseline speeds, the download and upload speeds on UK servers decreased by 9% and 25%, respectively.

France’s server also delivered good results, with just a 24% drop in download speed. However, connecting to ClearVPN 2’s US servers recorded significant drops — 69%. Despite this, I still enjoyed lag-free browsing and streaming on YouTube. However, your experience could be different if you have slow internet.

Screenshot of ClearVPN 2's speed test results on servers in the US, UK, France, and Australia

I recorded fast speeds on ClearVPN’s nearby and mid-range servers

The distant server in Australia recorded a 25% speed dip. Despite the 10,000-mile distance, the Australian server performed much better than the US one. I video-conferenced with my international team on Google Meets without any disconnections. Streaming videos on YouTube was also seamless, though UHD nature documentaries had a slight initial lag.

ClearVPN’s performance might vary depending on the server load. Although I didn’t notice server congestion during my tests, its relatively smaller network might sometimes get overloaded. In contrast, ExpressVPN provides fast speeds even on distant servers and prevents overcrowding with its extensive network in 105 countries.

Is ClearVPN 2 Fast Enough for Gaming? Yes!

ClearVPN 2 gave me fast enough speeds for gaming even when connected to distant servers. Local servers averaged 143 Mbps while keeping the latency below 50 ms. Although it no longer features gaming-optimized servers following its recent update, the speeds I got ensured uninterrupted gaming.

Screenshot of playing Killstreak using ClearVPN's UK server

I played Killstreak without noticeable lag with ClearVPN 2

However, my speeds dipped between 30% and 40%, and the ping spiked to 95ms on distant servers in Australia. I noticed a lag in my gameplay because I’m used to a 120-FPS frame rate. However, it was just enough to play games smoothly. If you’re a pro gamer, you can try one of these top VPNs for zero-lag gaming.

Why Most Speed Tests are Pointless & How We Correctly Test VPN Speeds

Speed determines how fast content uploads, so if you're torrenting or streaming, you want the speed to be somewhat identical to your regular internet speed. Since a VPN encrypts your data, it usually takes a bit longer to send your data back and forth, which can slow down your connection. However, if your ISP deliberately slows down your connection (also known as throttling) a VPN might increase your internet speed. Testing a VPN is somewhat pointless because new servers pop up and affect speed. Your speed can also differ according to your location, so your speed test might not match ours. Having said that, we tested the speed in numerous locations to provide you with the average.

Servers

- 7.0 / 10

Server Network — Small Network but Includes Personalized Servers

ClearVPN 2 has servers in 45+ countries, compared to 24 before the upgrade. While it doesn’t cover the Middle East and Africa thoroughly, it has servers in the UAE and South Africa. ClearVPN 2 has a decent server spread, but it doesn’t disclose its actual server count. That didn’t concern me because none of the servers I tested were congested.

There are 3 server selection categories:

  • Location Changer — works like a regular VPN, changing your IP address to the selected server country.
  • Smart Connection — has 3 modes (‘No Restrictions’ connects you to countries with no web restrictions, ‘Top Protection’ connects you to countries with robust privacy laws, and ‘Fastest Server’ picks the most optimal connection based on your location.
  • Streaming — includes specialty servers for streaming on various platforms, including multiple Netflix libraries, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

Screenshot of ClearVPN's 3 connection modes

‘No Restrictions’ connects you to countries with little to no internet restrictions

Its RAM storage architecture minimizes the risk of privacy breaches by erasing your data every time the servers restart. Plus, most of ClearVPN’s servers are physical and they are generally faster than virtual ones — its only virtual server is in India. You can’t pick specific servers in different cities — ClearVPN selects one after you choose the country.

That said, ClearVPN 2 lags behind top VPNs like CyberGhost. For context, I found CyberGhost offers 11,670+ server locations spanning 100 countries, which helps reduce server congestion. I suggest trying CyberGhost to get a broader server range and swift connections consistently.

Security — High Encryption Standards

ClearVPN 2 uses military-grade encryption for data protection. It also has Perfect Forward Secrecy, which creates unique encryption keys for each session. This prevents attackers from decrypting past or future communications if they steal a single key. In addition, ClearVPN 2 includes:

  • Secure protocols — include OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2, but it doesn’t let you pick a protocol manually (it auto-selects the best protocol depending on your online activities).
  • Kill switch — disconnects you from the internet if your device crashes or the VPN server drops to prevent your IP address and data from getting exposed.
  • Ad and malware blocker — blocks pop-up ads and malware for safe browsing but is only available via its ClearWeb Chrome extension (the previous version didn’t have an ad blocker).

I ran various leak tests, and ClearVPN 2 passed all of them. It didn’t leak my DNS addresses and consistently displayed the IP address of my chosen country. It also passed WebRTC leak tests, preventing my actual IP address from being exposed.

Screenshot of ClearVPN passing IP and DNS leak tests

My real IP address was never compromised when connected to ClearVPN 2’s servers

While it provides adequate security, ClearVPN 2 lacks advanced features like double VPN and split tunneling that other top VPNs like NordVPN offer. However, ClearVPN 2’s leak protection and military-grade encryption are enough to keep you secure online.

Privacy — Zero Logs but With Some Concerns

ClearVPN 2 has a strict no-logs policy to guarantee your privacy. However, its privacy policy states that it logs diagnostic information, speed test data, and crash reports. But that’s not all — it also logs anonymized information about your VPN connection, mainly successful connection attempts to maintain the quality of its services.

Although it’s headquartered in Ukraine, ClearVPN also processes data in its private servers in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes group of intelligence-sharing countries. Therefore, I’m skeptical about ClearVPN’s no-logs claims, especially when it hasn’t had a single independent audit.

Torrenting — Supported on Some Servers

ClearVPN 2 restricts P2P on servers in countries where it’s illegal but allows it without restrictions in regions where torrenting is not regulated.

While ClearVPN 2 lacks dedicated torrenting servers, its regular servers performed well during my testing. I downloaded a 2GB public domain classic, Night of the Living Dead, in under 4 minutes. The 5 servers I used for torrenting passed my DNS leak tests, and my IP address remained hidden throughout.

Important! My team and I strictly discourage any illegal file sharing. Always familiarize yourself with your country’s laws to ensure you comply with them while using a VPN.

Does ClearVPN 2 Work in China? Unlikely

ClearVPN 2 lacks the sophisticated technology to work in China. I confirmed my suspicions with live chat support, and the agent confirmed that ClearVPN 2 is unlikely to work in China. However, some users reported being able to access Chinese video hosting platforms like YouKu and Sohu using servers in Hong Kong.

ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that consistently work in China. However, you should be cautious about using an unregulated VPN in the country as tourists have been caught and prosecuted for this reason.

Server Locations

Australia
Brazil
Canada
Denmark
France
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Ireland
Israel
Japan
Netherlands
Poland
Russia
Singapore
See all supported locations...

User Experience

- 8.0 / 10

Simultaneous Device Connections — 6 Connections per License

ClearVPN 2 lets you simultaneously protect up to 6 devices with a single subscription. I effortlessly connected an iPhone, 2 computers, and a couple of Android devices without any hitches. Usually, VPNs get laggy, start glitching, or crash when used on multiple devices simultaneously. I didn’t face any such problems with ClearVPN 2.

Its 6-device limit is more than enough for a single user. If not, you’ll be better off with a VPN like PIA that allows unlimited connections. Unlike most VPNs, you can’t set up ClearVPN on your router. A single router connection can encrypt all your devices connected to your home network.

Device Compatibility — Available on Popular Platforms

ClearVPN 2 works on Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows. However, you can’t use it on Linux, smart TVs, and routers. Its ClearWeb Chrome extension only works as an ad blocker but doesn’t let you connect to a server from your browser. In my tests, it blocked pop-up ads on Forbes, LA Times, and other news websites.

Compatibility issues aside, I found ClearVPN 2 incredibly user-friendly. Its desktop apps have the same interface and features. Server locations and settings are easy to find. Its Mac app lets you add keyboard shortcuts, which wasn’t possible before the upgrade. For instance, I paired the ‘Return’ key on my Mac to activate the VPN.

Screenshot of ClearVPN 2's interface comparison between Windows and Mac apps

ClearVPN 2 supports multiple languages, including English, Ukrainian, Spanish, French, and German

Its mobile apps for iOS and Android have a clean interface. Unlike the old app, ClearVPN 2’s iOS app has widgets that instantly activate the VPN from the Home and Lock screens. You can also enable Siri shortcuts to activate the VPN on open networks. Unfortunately, ClearVPN 2 doesn’t have an APK file for Androids.

Screenshot of ClearVPN 2's interfaces for iOS and Android apps

Both its mobile apps are easy to use even for beginners

In summary, ClearVPN 2 is a user-friendly VPN with a stylish interface. However, if you want to set up a VPN connection on a smart TV or other devices, a VPN with a wider device range and one that supports a Smart DNS is a better option.

Ease of Setup & Installation — Easy to Set up With Few Glitches

I installed ClearVPN 2 on my Windows and Mac within 3 minutes. I had to download the setup file from its official website and start the installation. On mobile, just search for the app on the App Store or Google Play Store and download it. You’ll have to permit it to add a VPN configuration to your device.

Steps to Installing ClearVPN 2 on Windows:

  1. Download ClearVPN 2. Visit ClearVPN’s website and download the upgraded version for your platform.
    Screenshot of ClearVPN 2's download button on its website
  2. Run the installer. Double-click the setup file and follow through with the installation wizard. Once ClearVPN 2 is installed, launch the app on your device.
  3. Log in. Allow some time for the ClearVPN 2 app to load after installation. Enter your email address and password to log in to the app.
    Screenshot of ClearVPN's login screen
  4. Connect to a server. Pick a server from the list or let the VPN find one for you automatically.
    Screenshot of ClearVPN's server list and how to connect to a server

Support

- 9.0 / 10

ClearVPN 2 offers customer support via 24/7 live chat and email. Live chat is the quickest way to get help, even if you’re not a subscriber yet. I didn’t have to provide my email address or any other personal information to contact via support live chat, which I commend. I was connected to an agent within a minute.

ClearVPN’s live chat support answered my questions clearly, but some of my queries went unanswered. For example, the FAQ section says torrenting is supported only in locations where it’s legal, but it isn’t illegal in and of itself. I inquired about this, and the agent didn’t give me a clear response.

Screenshot of ClearVPN's live chat support agents giving prompt replies to queries
Customer service responded promptly to my questions and provided helpful feedback

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the same positive experience with email support. While I received a response to my first query within 24 hours, my follow-up email went unanswered even after 48 hours. I suggest using live chat or consulting ClearVPN’s detailed FAQ guides to find answers. You can search for a keyword and find relevant articles that might have the answers.

How We Test Customer Support and Why Should You Care

We personally test the customer support team of every VPN we review. This means asking technical question through the live chat feature (where applicable) and measuring the response time for email questions. Whether you need to connect to a specific server, change your security protocol, or configure a VPN on your router, finding a VPN with quality customer support should be important to you.

Pricing

- 8.0 / 10

ClearVPN 2 is a relatively budget-friendly option, but there are better VPNs that cost a lot less. It offers a monthly and yearly plan, but you can find other affordable monthly VPNs with better features and compatibility.

You get the same features with both options, and the first 3 free days are free. The free trial doesn’t exclude any features, but you’ll have to provide your credit card details.

You can pay for ClearVPN with your credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Union Pay. However, it doesn’t support crypto payments. Top VPNs like ExpressVPN have the option of anonymous crypto payments for privacy.

If the free trial isn’t enough, you can try ClearVPN 2 risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tried it for 15 days and requested a refund through the contact support tab in the app. I got a response after 5 hours, confirming my refund request.

Screenshot of ClearVPN's email notification confirming the approval of a refund request

ClearVPN 2 processed my refund request without asking any questions

I suggest submitting your request well before the refund period expires to have a safety cushion. I got my money back after 12 days.

Comparison Between Top VPNs and ClearVPN 2

After testing ClearVPN 2 extensively, I compared its results with ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Here’s how ClearVPN 2 stacked up against the top VPNs in the industry.

ClearVPN 2 ExpressVPN CyberGhost
Maximum speed drop (7,000 miles) 69% 6% 14%
Works in China
Network size 45 countries 105 countries 100 countries
Obfuscated servers
Split tunneling
Device compatibility Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, smart TVs, routers, Roku, media consoles, and more

ClearVPN 2 offers the following plans

1 Months plan
 
$9.99
per month
 
View Plan
1 Year plan
$9.99
$3.75
per month
Save 62%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 62%

Final Verdict

ClearVPN 2 is a decent VPN with a reliable server network. It works with most streaming platforms and supports torrenting on specific servers. However, it’s expensive, has limited device compatibility, and lacks advanced features. You can get a much more feature-packed VPN at the same or slightly higher price.

I’d rather pay extra for a top-tier VPN like ExpressVPN to avoid ClearVPN’s limitations. ExpressVPN also has post-quantum security capable of fending off quantum computer attacks that can break current encryption standards. You can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs About ClearVPN 2

Is ClearVPN 2 good?

Yes, ClearVPN 2 is a good VPN for its price. It offers specialized streaming servers and supports torrenting in some locations. It’s also fast on nearby and mid-range servers to ensure lag-free streaming and gaming. On the downside, it has a relatively smaller network than top contenders like ExpressVPN and lacks features like split tunneling and port forwarding.

How to install ClearVPN 2 on Apple devices?

You can set up ClearVPN 2 on your Mac in 4 easy steps. For iPhones, download ClearVPN 2 from the App Store and launch it when installed. Enter your login credentials to start using ClearVPN 2. If you’re a Setapp subscriber, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Setapp app — click on the ‘Available’ tab (or ‘Available on iOS’ if using an iPad or iPhone).
  2. Search for the VPN — type ‘ClearVPN 2’ in the Setapp library. Make sure you’ve located the right app by verifying the logo.
  3. Choose the device version — choose iOS or macOS, depending on your device. Setapp will handle the download and installation automatically.
  4. Launch ClearVPN 2 — follow the on-screen instructions to connect and encrypt your device.

Is ClearVPN 2 legit?

Yes, it has a no-logs policy and its apps are safe to install. Here’s a 1-minute summary of how it performed in my tests. It offers robust encryption, adequate speeds, and essential security features.

However, there are some privacy concerns as ClearVPN 2 sends data to its servers in the US for processing. It also lacks advanced features like split tunneling and isn’t compatible with many devices. That said, ClearVPN 2 is legit and safe to use.

Does ClearVPN 2 work on a router?

No, it only works on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This is one of ClearVPN’s major limitations, especially when it only supports 6 simultaneous connections. While that’s enough for a single user, router support allows you to extend the VPN connection to all your home devices, even those that don’t natively support VPNs.

Can I use ClearVPN 2 for free?

ClearVPN 2 offers a 3-day free trial on its monthly and annual plans. You’ll have to provide your credit card details, but it won’t charge you until the trial ends. If 3 days aren’t enough, you can try ClearVPN 2 risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

ClearVPN 2 doesn’t exclude any features on its free trial. If you don’t want to spend on a VPN, there are a few free and safe VPNs worth exploring. I usually avoid free VPNs because many sell your data to third parties and can even infect your device with malware. However, the free VPNs on this list are completely safe.

Is ClearVPN 2 really safe?

Yes, it’s safe to use ClearVPN 2. My tests showed that ClearVPN 2 doesn’t leak your IP address. While their privacy policy assures they don’t store personal data like browsing history – given you opt-out – the collection of details like device ID does raise questions about their no-logs promise.

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.