Google One VPN Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?

Consistently Good Download Speeds

I found that my internet speed barely changed with Google One VPN, which was surprising given its basic features. However, it lacks server options, automatically connecting to the nearest one. In my case, that meant a UK server. This auto-selection could be restrictive for those who prefer to pick their server location themselves.

While the following information may not give you a complete picture of what to expect based on your location and the type of internet connection you use, it provides an overview of what you can expect.

Speed Test Results

Google One VPN delivers impressive speeds, with hardly any noticeable speed drop. It’s great for everyday tasks like web browsing, watching HD and UHD videos, or downloading torrents. Plus, its low ping is a big plus for smooth online gaming.

Without the VPN, my 5G router in the UK averaged 80-100 Mbps download and 7-10 Mbps upload speeds. When I turned on Google One VPN, the download speed slightly dropped to 73-81 Mbps. Uploads dropped by about 7%, averaging between 6.7 and 8.4 Mbps. I did these tests 3 times a day for 3 days, spacing them out to ensure accuracy.

Google One VPN delivered impressive speeds on its local servers

While Google One VPN works well, I’d suggest you use ExpressVPN as it gives you more options. It offers a much wider selection of servers and consistently fast connections, both locally and internationally as well as a solid set of features. This makes it a strong alternative, especially for those needing reliable speed and flexibility in server options.

Server Network — Limited Coverage

Google One’s VPN is quite secretive about its server network. Unlike most VPNs that share details about server numbers and locations, Google One doesn’t. This secrecy leaves you guessing about how extensive and efficient their network is. It’s different, sure, but leaves us in the dark about what the VPN can really do.

Available in several countries, Google One VPN spans Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. Its reach is decent, covering most key locations worldwide.

Notably, this VPN lacks the option to pick your server or country. It automatically links you to the closest server based on where you are. There’s no way to change this or even see where servers are located. You just hit “Enable,” and it connects you to the nearest option.

Traveling with Google One VPN is a bit of a question mark. Its website says it should work worldwide, but doesn’t give details. Will it find the nearest server in a supported country, or just not work at all? It’s unclear, and that can be a problem if you rely on a VPN when you’re on the go.

If you’re interested in a VPN with a better global network, CyberGhost offers one of the most reliable VPN services for streaming or any other online activities. It has more than 11,800 servers in 100 countries worldwide, ensuring there is always a fast server available, regardless of the purpose.

Editors' Note: CyberGhost VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

Security — Missing Key VPN Features

Google One VPN provides solid security with AES-256 encryption, the same type used by governments for top-secret data. This keeps your information safe on Google Cloud. However, it’s not clear how it protects data while it’s being sent due to unclear VPN protocols. It also uses 2048-bit RSA keys, beefing up its defense against advanced security threats.

The VPN, while secure, doesn’t boast a wide array of unique features. Its few offerings are primarily available on Android, limiting its utility across other devices. Key features include:

• Kill switch – prevents accidental exposure by ensuring that your data remains secure even if the VPN connection drops
• Split-tunneling – maintains speed and access to local services by allowing selective routing of app traffic through the VPN

I ran a test with IPleak.net, a site I trust for checking DNS leaks, and Google One VPN passed with flying colors. It only showed IP addresses from its own servers, meaning it hides your real IP address well. This is great for keeping your online identity secret.

My IP and DNS data were protected with Google One VPN

A downside of Google One VPN is it doesn’t have extra security features like ad or malware blockers. This means you might still run into unwanted ads or even viruses, which isn’t ideal if you want full protection.

Privacy — Audited No-Logging Policy

Google One VPN prioritizes your privacy, promising not to monitor, log, or sell your data. Its commitment is evident as it has made the VPN client’s code open-source, boosting transparency and trust. This move shows its understanding of the importance of trust in the VPN world, offering users more confidence in their service.

Independently verified by NCC Group, a renowned security firm, Google One VPN’s security is publicly proven. Its audit, open for anyone to review, digs deep into the VPN’s workings, spotting 24 security issues. Google has actively addressed these, notably updating its Windows client for safer use without needing administrative privileges.

Google One VPN does store some basic operational data, like access frequency, bandwidth rate, tunnel uptime, and aggregate data. However, it doesn’t track what really matters: your specific online activities, IP addresses, location, or personal data. This means while it keeps tabs on general usage, your individual actions stay completely off the record.

Despite its privacy-first approach, Google One VPN’s US base raises eyebrows. The US is part of the Five Eyes alliance, so theoretically, the government could ask for user data. And with Google managing all VPN servers, there’s a slim chance it could track users under government pressure.

A missing piece in Google One VPN’s privacy approach is the absence of a warrant canary. Such a feature would alert users to secret data requests, enhancing trust. Without it, users lack a key reassurance about data security, making other VPNs in privacy-friendly regions more appealing.

Torrenting — Adequate for Casual Torrenting

Google One VPN is fine for basic torrenting, but it falls short for heavy-duty use. While it’s speedy and works with P2P apps like qBittorrent, it’s missing important features like port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy. This means it’s not the best option for those who are really serious about their torrenting.

The service doesn’t talk about torrenting on its website, which makes you wonder if it’s safe for that purpose. Also, you can’t choose specific servers or countries, and there are no special servers just for P2P. This lack of focus on torrenting might be an issue if you’re really into it.

If torrenting is important to you, you might want to try a different VPN. A better solution would be to consider using alternatives like CyberGhost that possess a superior level of privacy protocols. For example, CyberGhost operates within a jurisdiction that condones torrenting, thus affording a safer environment for downloading, which minimizes the risk of malware threats.

Remember, it’s crucial to understand the legality of torrenting in your area. Always ensure the content you’re downloading is free from copyright issues to avoid legal complications. Our team emphasizes this to help you stay informed and safe.

Does Google One VPN Work in China? No!

Google One VPN wouldn’t work in China because it lacks the necessary stealth features. I haven’t personally tested it there, but notably, China isn’t on its supported list. Additionally, the company’s vague responses and website details don’t clarify its effectiveness in unsupported regions, despite claims of international usability.

If you’re looking for a quality VPN that will work there, subscribe to ExpressVPN when you’re in China. It is one of only a few VPNs that consistently work in China, concealing your identity and location with 256-bit encryption and zero-log policies.

Just remember – while a VPN may help you protect your privacy, that doesn’t make it okay for you to engage in illegal activities. You should always exercise caution when browsing the internet through a VPN in China.

I found Google One’s customer support quite impressive. You can get help through phone calls, emails, live chats, and a detailed knowledge base. The phone support is a big plus, as it’s not something you often see with VPN services. These options are available in every country where Google One VPN operates, ensuring global users can easily get help.

My experience with Google’s support varied. Email responses felt generic and less informed, lacking the expertise I expected. In contrast, live chat was significantly more effective. Reachable 24/7 for Google One members, the chat support is easy to initiate. Just visit “Support,” select “Chat,” choose your product and issue, and briefly describe your problem for prompt assistance.

The chat support impressed me with its speed and efficiency. Connecting with an agent took less than a minute, and they were exceptionally helpful. I faced an issue with activating my Google One VPN, and the agent dedicated around 30 minutes to explore various solutions. The problem was traced back to my account registration in a non-supported location.

Email support, however, was less satisfactory. Despite a quick response time, the quality of support fell short. The representatives seemed unable to address basic queries, providing generic and irrelevant replies. This disparity in the quality of support between channels was notable and somewhat disappointing.

The knowledge base, on the other hand, was a high point. It offers clear, detailed articles and a user-friendly search function. The instructions are easy to follow, but I noticed a lack of visual aids, which could enhance understanding of complex topics. Despite this, the available resources ensure that users can readily find the help and information they need.