DroidVPN
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Content: Our Score:
Speed 4.0 / 10
Servers 5.0 / 10
User Experience 5.0 / 10
Support 2.0 / 10
Pricing 4.0 / 10
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DroidVPN Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?

DroidVPN Overview

DroidVPN appears to be too good to be true with its 10 million installations on the Android play store and more than a decade of experience. The company prides itself on high user satisfaction and exceptional speed. So, I put DroidVPN to the test to see if it can keep up with other VPNs in the market.

After conducting extensive testing, it is clear that DroidVPN falls short of providing reliable service. Despite its user-friendly interface, the software’s speed is lacking and it falls short of unblocking popular streaming services on a global scale. Additionally, the absence of essential security features including a kill switch and split tunneling raises concerns regarding user privacy. Customer support options are also limited as live chat or phone assistance from an agent does not appear available for pressing issues.

If you’re interested in trying DroidVPN, I suggest using the free version that allows for a daily bandwidth of 200MB. Alternatively, you can explore the paid version at no cost with their 7-day money-back guarantee, but it is crucial to avoid exceeding 2GB of usage. DroidVPN needs major improvements before being worthy of investment, especially since reliable and powerful VPNs are available at reasonable prices.

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

DroidVPN Can’t Access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer

Unfortunately, DroidVPN failed to unblock any of the well-known streaming services. However, if your aim is just to access a geoblocked YouTube video, then DroidVPN can be considered as a useful (and cost-free) remedy. For more advanced requirements, alternative options should be explored.

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer: Blocked

Although DroidVPN is a relatively small VPN platform, I was still disappointed by its limited streaming platform support. I initiated my test with DroidVPN by connecting to a server located in the United States. Once the connection was established, I proceeded to directly access Netflix US. However, I was met with an error message indicating that Netflix had detected and blocked DroidVPN, thereby preventing me from viewing the desired content.

Amazon Prime Video is known for being difficult to unblock, and DroidVPN failed to work with it. The service promptly restricted my access upon detection of VPN usage. Despite my best efforts to try different servers, the outcome remained unsuccessful for me.

After facing difficulty in accessing Amazon Prime Video, I encountered similar issues with other streaming services like HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+. Tests of BBC iPlayer using DroidVPN’s UK server caused an error message indicating that the content was not accessible. This confirmed that even DroidVPN couldn’t bypass the geo-restrictions on BBC iPlayer.

To bypass these region locks, you require a VPN that is specifically designed for it. DroidVPN does not fit the bill, but ExpressVPN is a great choice with its dedicated streaming servers and extensive global server locations.

Speed

- 4.0 / 10

Speeds Were Disappointingly Slow

Get ready for some disappointing news – activating DroidVPN can slow down your internet connection by a whopping 88%. My experiments revealed some shocking results – the download speeds went down by a staggering 85%, but the upload speeds remained relatively stable with only a modest drop of 20%.

In my experience, even though download speeds were lower, I was still able to stream videos on YouTube without any interruptions, as well as download torrents and browse the internet thanks to a reliable home network. However, it’s important to note that these results may differ depending on the quality of your base network.

Speed Test Results

My results showed that DroidVPN speeds were not that great, but luckily, I didn’t have any buffering or slow page loading issues. I first checked my home network in the UK, and the numbers were 154.94 Mbps for downloads, 4.27 Mbps for uploads, and a 62 ms ping time.

Then, I tried the VPN on a local UK server, and my speed took a nosedive to 17.57 Mbps. Even though I could still browse and watch YouTube, it was a huge drop from my original speed. When I switched to a US server, I was a bit puzzled to see my download speed go up a little to 26.56 Mbps. Sure, it wasn’t blazing fast, but it was weird that it was faster than the UK server that was closer to me.

Screenshot of speed test results while connected to DroidVPN

DroidVPN performed significantly worse in my speed test than advertised

I carried on with my speed test and tried a server in Luxembourg. I noticed the speed dropped to 24.88 Mbps. Finally, I gave a far-off server in Singapore a go, and to my surprise, it actually gave me faster speeds than my nearby server.

In contrast to DroidVPN, ExpressVPN consistently delivers exceptional speed performance, even when establishing connections with geographically distant servers. The experience is remarkably similar to utilizing unaltered internet speeds.

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

- 5.0 / 10

Server Network — Minimal Server Options

DroidVPN’s network currently consists of 70 servers located in 10 countries, a number that may not be particularly impressive when compared to companies like CyberGhost, which boasts more than 9,780 servers. The servers are situated in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, South Africa, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

Screenshot of some DroidVPN's server locations

List of locations and servers on DroidVPN for Windows and Android users

The distribution of servers varies across these countries, with the United States having the most at 33, followed by the Netherlands at 13, Luxembourg at 9, Singapore with 6, Spain with 3, the UK with 2, and the remaining countries hosting just one server each. DroidVPN also offers 16 torrent-friendly servers, 5 of which are located in Luxembourg and the rest in the Netherlands.

Users of the free version of DroidVPN have access to only 24 servers in the US, Singapore, and the Netherlands, while paid users can access all servers. However, it’s worth noting that more than half of the servers on the free version may require multiple attempts to establish a successful connection.

Security — Barebone Features

DroidVPN does not offer any specifics regarding the cipher or encryption method employed. This lack of transparency surrounding the encryption process makes it challenging to trust it for protecting sensitive personal data and vital information.

Droid VPN features 4 security protocols which include HTTP, ICMP, and OpenVPN in both UDP and TCP forms. However, it’s important not to rely on this service for robust security, as the specific encryption technique it uses remains unclear.

Screenshot of my failed DNS leak test while connected to a DroidVPN server in USA

A leak test conducted on DroidVPN free plan showed that my DNS information was leaking

I checked for IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to find out if my information was being shared with others. I was glad to see that there were no leaks when using the paid servers. However, when I used a free US server, my DNS address was exposed. So, be careful when using the free service if keeping your information private is important to you.

Privacy — Logs Some of Your Data

Although DroidVPN professes to maintain a rigorous no-logs policy, it does not adhere to this principle. The service is known to gather crucial information such as user IP addresses, bandwidth consumption, session durations, transfer speed details, VPN connection lengths, and the time, date, and location of connections. This is far from ideal for privacy-conscious users, as it contradicts the primary objective of VPNs—security.

Screenshot of DroidVPN's privacy policy excerpt

The privacy policy outlines the data the DroidVPN collects

Moreover, DroidVPN’s terms indicate that copyright violations are prohibited on their platform. In the event that DroidVPN receives infringement notices from copyright owners, the company may need to implement certain measures to avoid legal consequences. These measures might entail monitoring traffic to pinpoint the offending account and subsequently terminating it. If DroidVPN were genuinely a secure zero-logs VPN, copyright holders would not be able to trace infringements back to a specific account, which implies that some data logging occurs.

Compounding these concerns, DroidVPN operates out of the Philippines—a country not known for its privacy protections and one that has participated in international surveillance initiatives. Consequently, there is a potential risk of the government demanding user data, regardless of DroidVPN’s no-logging assertions.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN is based in the privacy-conscious British Virgin Islands and is renowned for its dedication to user privacy. As one of the few VPN services with a verified no-logging policy, ExpressVPN demonstrated its commitment to privacy when law enforcement officials seized the company’s servers in Turkey without obtaining any useful information.

Torrenting — P2P Supportive but Not Recommended

Although DroidVPN accommodates torrenting through its 16 torrent-optimized servers, its logging policies and the absence of security features such as split tunneling and a kill switch render it both insecure and ineffective. Upon testing with qBittorrent, BitTorrent, and Vuze, the restricted speeds made it impractical for downloading sizable files.

Screenshot of DroidVPN's torrent optimised servers

List of torrent-optimized servers available on DroidVPN application

ExpressVPN provides you with total autonomy to download torrent files without concerns of leaks or reduced speeds. It’s essential to note that my team and I do not endorse unlawful torrenting, so always verify your nation’s laws and regulations and ensure the files you obtain are not subject to copyright restrictions.

Does DroidVPN Work in China? No!

DroidVPN’s functionality in China leaves much to be desired. While I was not able to test it personally, the absence of any advanced features serves as a clear indication of its incapacity to overcome the Chinese firewall. To acquire confirmation, I attempted to reach out to its customer service team but I didn’t get any response.

If you’re going to China and want a really good VPN, ExpressVPN is the best choice. It has strong protection on all its servers. But be careful – using a VPN that China hasn’t approved could get you in trouble. However, it seems like tourists haven’t had any issues with using VPNs so far. Instead of punishing people directly, China just makes it hard for some VPNs to work there.

Server Locations

Japan
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
United Kingdom
United States

User Experience

- 5.0 / 10

Simultaneous Device Connections — One Device at a Time

DroidVPN only provides a single simultaneous connection with every plan, which could be limiting for users who require multiple device connections. This restriction falls below the industry standard of allowing 5 devices per subscription, and therefore DroidVPN should consider offering additional connections to its customers.

If you’re someone who requires VPN protection on several devices simultaneously and doesn’t want to compromise on quality or price point then I recommend using CyberGhost instead. It offers 7 device connections under one subscription without compromising security measures; hence CyberGhost makes sense for those seeking reliable VPN services for multiple devices.

Device Compatibility — Only Works With Windows and Android

Philippines-based DroidVPN commenced its operations as an Android application and has since expanded to encompass a PC client. Nonetheless, experienced users may not find compelling reasons to continue utilizing the service.

On the downside, DroidVPN is incompatible with macOS, iOS, routers, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. The lack of web browser extensions serves as a further constraint on its functionality.

Ease of Setup & Installation — User-Friendly Setup

To utilize DroidVPN, extensive technical knowledge is not necessary. Simply visit their official website and proceed with the account registration process. Subsequently, you will be provided with tailored installation instructions based on your device type.

The user-friendly Windows version requires no installation but lacks a desktop icon. The dropdown menu offers several location options. In contrast, the Android version is superior and dependable as it originated as an Android service resulting in a more refined product than its PC counterpart.

DroidVPN has many settings for UDP, TCP, HTTP, proxy, and VPN connections. You can also route your traffic through ICMP, which is a unique feature. There’s no kill switch, but there is an auto-reconnect option.

Steps to Installing DroidVPN on Windows

  1. Visit the DroidVPN website. Open your web browser and visit the DroidVPN website and click on the “Download” button at the corner of the page.
    Screenshot of the download page for DroidVPN's Windows setup file
  2. Download the installer. After clicking on the download button, you will be directed to a Github page where selecting “ZIP File” allows you to acquire the DroidVPN installer for Windows.
    Screenshot of the download page for DroidVPN's setup files on Github
  3. Unpack the ZIP file. After the download has finished, extract the contents of the ZIP file into a folder that is easily accessible.
  4. Launch DroidVPN. To initiate the DroidVPN, navigate to the folder containing extracted files and locate the executable file. Proceed by double-clicking on it to trigger automatic launch of DroidVPN after which you can commence its utilization.
  5. Connect to a VPN server. Upon sign-in, you will be directed to the primary interface of DroidVPN. Subsequently, select a VPN server location from the roster of accessible servers and initiate the connection by clicking on “Connect”.
     Screenshot of DroidVPN's server and connection interface

Support

- 2.0 / 10

DroidVPN’s customer support is outdated and limited to email correspondence. Despite contacting them multiple times for technical issues and refunds through emails and support tickets, I received no replies. In case of any problems, you will have no assistance from their unresponsive customer service or receive a refund for your purchase.

The DroidVPN website features an FAQ section that provides responses to several frequently asked questions. However, it lacks pertinent solutions for the issues I encountered. Additionally, the blog section on the site is outdated with posts dating back to 2020 and irrelevant information being presented.

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

- 4.0 / 10

Despite the affordable pricing structure, DroidVPN fails to deliver adequate value for money due to its limited range of features. The service offers 4 distinct subscription options including monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annual plans.

DroidVPN offers a free version to test the available servers prior to subscribing for an extended period. In the paid edition, you will encounter a daily limit of 200MB for bandwidth usage. Additionally, if you find the paid version unsatisfactory, you have the option to cancel your plan within 7 days and receive a refund. Please keep in mind not to exceed 2GB of data usage within this period.

The VPN’s available payment options are restricted solely to the Play Store and cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin and Litecoin. This limited selection of accepted forms of payment presents an inconvenience to potential subscribers. If you are seeking to maximize the benefits of your subscription, I recommend exploring any of the VPN services listed in our best monthly VPN options.

DroidVPN offers the following plans

1-Month plan
 
$4.99
per month
 
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1-Year plan
$4.99
$2.99
per month
Save 40%
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Save 40%
6-Months plan
$4.99
$3.99
per month
Save 20%
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Save 20%

Final Verdict

It is challenging to endorse DroidVPN as there are superior alternatives available. Although I found its free version appealing and its applications easy to use, the service lacks significant advantages. Its privacy safeguards are ambiguous, causing unease regarding the security of personal data. Additionally, connection speeds fall below average, streaming performance is subpar, features are restricted, device compatibility is limited, and only one device can be connected at a time.

If you are looking for a VPN that offers all the missing features in DroidVPN, along with reliable customer support, there are many better options available. One of my personal favorites is ExpressVPN – it can effectively secure your internet connection, enable seamless streaming, and even allow torrenting without any concerns. You can test ExpressVPN out for yourself and if you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund.

FAQs About DroidVPN

Is DroidVPN good?

No! DroidVPN is an inadequate VPN service with minimal servers, sluggish connectivity, ambiguous encryption approach, and inability to access leading streaming platforms. There is a lack of device support for any operating system besides Windows and Android, coupled with unreliable customer service.

Can I use DroidVPN for free?

Yes, DroidVPN offers a free version that allows you to experience its VPN service firsthand. Although there is a daily cap of 200MB, bandwidth usage remains unlimited and the platform provides access to 24 server alternatives.

Many of the free VPNs available on the market come with certain bandwidth and security limitations. In case you’re interested in checking out other free VPNs, these are a few safe and reliable options.

Is DroidVPN really safe?

No! Avoid DroidVPN for an unsafe VPN experience. Its encryption level is unclear and it logs identifiable data, undermining privacy efforts. Even with the reliable OpenVPN protocol, my DNS information was compromised on its free plan servers.
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