WARP VPN
4.8
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Content: Our Score:
Speed 6.0 / 10
Servers 1.0 / 10
User Experience 6.0 / 10
Support 5.0 / 10
Pricing 6.0 / 10
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WARP VPN Review 2024: Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?

WARP VPN Overview

Cloudflare is already famous for delivering faster content and secure websites to internet users. So, I was excited when I discovered that it would be bringing its experience to the VPN space with its new WARP VPN service. WARP, which got almost 2 million sign-ups for its waitlist in 2019, is part of Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 service (a DNS resolver that makes your web requests faster and more secure). But I wanted to test this service myself and see if it lived up to the hype.

After conducting my tests, I found that WARP falls short compared to most VPNs due to several limitations. It cannot unblock popular streaming platforms, lacks the option to choose a VPN server, and doesn’t deliver the advertised speed. Nonetheless, it did manage to establish a secure encryption tunnel during my testing.

Luckily, WARP offers a free service with the choice of upgrading to a premium plan. However, there’s no money-back guarantee in case you’re unsatisfied with this premium plan. As an alternative, I recommend you check out these top VPNs on the market that provide premium features and can unblock every popular streaming platform.

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

  • Performs poorly with popular streaming platforms. I was disappointed that WARP VPN couldn’t unblock popular streaming sites during my tests. Find out why it couldn’t.
  • No significant improvement in my speeds. Even after upgrading to the premium WARP+ plan, I didn’t enjoy the benefits of faster speeds. Check my speed test results.
  • Offers basic security but has an intrusive privacy policy. I wasn’t impressed with WARP’s security features and found that it logs too much data. Learn more about its security.
  • Unlimited device connections. I was pleased that I could use WARP on all my devices without restrictions. Find out how to connect all your devices.
  • Unresponsive support. WARP didn’t respond to my inquiry even after 2 days, but the FAQ section was helpful. See other ways you can get help.
  • No money-back guarantee. I was disappointed that I had a short 2 days to get a refund from Google Playstore. Find out how to get a refund.

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

I felt let down by WARP’s limitation of unblocking the streaming platform solely through the nearest server to your location. Upon connecting to WARP, it automatically linked me to the server closest to where I was. While this VPN may be capable of bypassing restrictions on popular streaming platforms, it restricts me to nearby server locations without granting the ability to choose my desired region. This poses an inconvenience for individuals who wish to access content from their home country while traveling overseas.

WARP VPN only unblocked the library of the closest server to my location. I thought I could access my Netflix US account while I traveled abroad. However, the VPN routed me through Netflix Netherlands — the closest server to my location at the time.

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

It was disappointing that WARP VPN failed to access every streaming platform during my tests. Since I couldn’t select a server in a virtual location, it was impossible to test the VPN with most streaming sites. When I tried to access my account with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video while traveling, the services detected that I was connecting with a VPN and blocked my access.

“Your device is connected to the Internet using a VPN or proxy service.”

Similarly, it’s not possible to access BBC iPlayer using WARP VPN. It displays a similar error message to the one above.

If you have a subscription with the likes of Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer and want to access them when you are traveling, WARP can’t help you regain access to your account. However, with top VPNs like Cyberghost, you can easily catch up with your favorite shows. You can try Cyberghost with its specialized servers for streaming. I’ve never had trouble streaming on any of the platforms WARP couldn’t unblock when using Cyberghost.

Speed

- 6.0 / 10

WARP’s Speed Isn’t as Fast as Advertised

I was disappointed with WARP’s speeds during my tests. WARP was slow, but the premium WARP+ registered better speeds. I tested WARP and WARP+ over my cellular network and WiFi and found the results between the two plans to be similarly slow, with just a slight improvement while using WARP+. That said, the speeds were okay enough for streaming and surfing the web securely.

Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 application provides an alternative to the DNS service provided by your internet service provider. The WARP and WARP+ functions are part of the Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 program. The service uses its DNS resolution servers rather than your ISP’s DNS resolution servers for the purpose of keeping your browsing activity private. The company claims DNS lookups take around 13.66 ms ping, two times faster than Google DNS, which results in smoother website loading times.

Speed Test Results

My initial internet speed was 28.20Mbps during the tests. Upon connecting with WARP, the speed decreased to 13.69Mbps, which represents a significant 51% drop. Seeking potential improvements, I decided to upgrade to WARP+ and reevaluate my base internet speed of 38.76Mbps. However, even with the premium plan, the speed only reached 24.31Mbps, resulting in a 31% reduction. I must admit that I found this outcome disappointing, especially considering the additional cost associated with the premium plan

A screenshot of speed tests while connected to WARP VPN

Although WARP was slow, I got a slight difference in my download speeds with WARP+

The upload speeds didn’t perform any better. On a base upload speed of 6Mbps, WARP produced 2.76Mbps and WARP+ saw 2.82Mbps. The latency was also high at 260ms from slightly above 40ms with my base connection. Moreover, the speeds weren’t steady during my tests. Sometimes, the speeds dropped significantly. Other times, there were slight improvements. These inconsistencies go against Cloudflare’s claims of better, more reliable internet speeds.

Except for the basic connection without any adjustments, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 without WARP provides the swiftest performance, which aligns with my initial speed. In this setup, only your DNS queries are encrypted and directed through Cloudflare.

ExpressVPN offers one of the fastest VPN speeds of any VPN provider out there. While many VPN providers jumped on the Wireguard bandwagon in an effort to improve their speeds, ExpressVPN aimed to achieve even better results. It developed a proprietary protocol named Lightway, which achieved two to three times the bandwidth of OpenVPN without compromising security.

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

- 1.0 / 10

Server Network — Servers in 275+ Cities in 100+ Countries

WARP is based on Cloudflare’s fast global network in 275 cities and over 100 countries. This is an impressive built-in infrastructure that many other VPNs lack. WARP+ uses Argo Smart Routing to devise the shortest path through its global network of data centers for faster speeds.

a screenshot of WARP's server network

I was disappointed when I couldn’t select any server from Cloudflare’s extensive server network

Unfortunately, you can’t take full advantage of WARP’s extensive network as you’re always auto-connected to the closest server. You also can’t use WARP to access geo-blocked content since it wasn’t designed with geolocation spoofing in mind (unlike most other VPNs). Having access to such an extensive network means that you should have a reliable local connection from anywhere.

As an alternative to WARP VPN, CyberGhost provides a more extensive server network with over 9,780 servers located in over 100 countries. The wide and expansive network of CyberGhost makes it a great choice for individuals seeking to access content from restricted areas. Those who travel frequently and wish to protect their data and have access to their content from any location will find this service extremely useful.

Security — Bare-Minimum Security Features

WARP VPN offers basic security features. The VPN is an extension of the 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver service and allows you to get an encrypted tunnel in addition to its encrypted DNS. You can switch between DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS encryption. WARP’s VPN encryption is built on Wireguard, and WARP calls this custom implementation BoringTun.

WARP VPN hides your traffic from your ISP and anyone locally sharing your network, giving you increased privacy and preventing third-party spying when you use public WiFi. This is a great first step, but it doesn’t hide your identity from websites you visit — if you want complete privacy, this isn’t the best solution.

Screenshot showing WARP doesn't hide your identity

Although my data was securely routed through WARP’s servers, it didn’t hide my identity from the websites I visit

You can integrate Cloudflare’s Gateway service into WARP for free by signing up and entering your unique ID in the app. This gives you another layer of security by blocking dangerous DNS requests by matching them against its threat database (which monitors new and evolving threats, including malware and spyware across over 25 million websites). The “Custom Endpoint” feature also allows you to select how your data is routed.

WARP has a split-tunneling feature that allows you to select apps that it should exclude from the service. Apps like Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube, and other streaming services are automatically excluded from the service. It also has a malware/adult content blocker which proved very effective during my tests.

As VPNs are designed to protect your privacy against prying eyes, even from your ISP, leaking information is something that you do not want to occur at any cost. I tested for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks using a WARP+ server in the Netherlands and did not find any leaks.

Screenshot of leak test results while using WARP+

WARP+ protected my IP address and DNS information

On the other hand, connecting to the Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver only revealed my IP address. For optimal results, WARP+ and Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 should be used together to achieve the highest speed and security levels. The Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver is best known for delivering fast DNS lookups, a characteristic that sets it apart from VPNs.

As well as the main DNS address (1.1.1.1), Cloudflare also offers DNS addresses for blocking malware (1.1.1.2) and adult content (1.1.1.3). These DNS addresses can be enabled through the app’s settings. Click on the three bars at the top right corner of the app screen > Advanced > Connection Options > DNS Settings > 1.1.1.1 for Families and select the option you wish to use.

ExpressVPN offers truly high-quality technical security that far surpasses that of WARP VPN. It uses the AES-256 cryptographic algorithm, along with an RSA-4096 handshake and an SHA-512 keyed-hash message authentication code. The Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman key exchange method is used to encrypt data channels in order to achieve perfect forward secrecy.

Privacy — Not Recommend for Privacy

WARP simply doesn’t cut it for privacy. Although the VPN promises privacy for everyone, it logs a lot of data. There’s also no ad blocker to protect users from intrusive ads.

Cloudflare only claims to store the absolute minimum necessary logs, including performance data (how much users transfer), anonymized device data, request data (source IP, source port, and destination IP), crash logs, DNS resolver information, and type of operating system.

I was concerned that WARP retains request data for 24 hours — supposedly to respond to emergency law enforcement requests. This could show which websites a user visited, which most premium VPNs aim to avoid with various methods.

WARP’s parent company, Cloudflare, was founded in 2009 and is located in San Francisco within the US — making it part of the 5/9/14 Eyes data-sharing alliance. This means that the government can request your data, and WARP will be obligated to share your browsing activity with them. Cloudflare notes in its privacy policy that it will share data “required to disclose personal information to respond to subpoenas, court orders, or legal process” or where it believes that “sharing is necessary to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding illegal activities, suspected fraud”.

Screenshot of Cloudflare's Privacy Policy Clement Adegbenro Clement Adegbenro 2:41 PM Sep 14 Quick jump link: Privacy

I was displeased seeing how much data Cloudflare collects on the WARP service

When Cloudflare hired KPMG to perform an independent audit in 2019, it passed with a couple of minor issues. The auditor found that Cloudflare’s logs were actually wiped after 25 hours, and some anonymized data was stored indefinitely. It updated its privacy policy in line with this.

Cloudflare stores its users’ information in the United States, the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), and the United Kingdom. Upon checking the DNS logs tab on the app, I saw a record of my recent browsing history. I found this quite intrusive. Unlike WARP, CyberGhost doesn’t log your connection data and so doesn’t have any data to share with government requests.

Torrenting — Bad Choice for Torrenting

I don’t recommend torrenting with WARP since it doesn’t hide your identity from the websites you visit. Although you can download torrents, it won’t protect your digital identity.

Additionally, Cloudflare has stated in its privacy policy that it will share your personal data “to respond to subpoenas, court orders, or legal process, or to establish or exercise our legal rights or defend against legal claims.” This means that if you accidentally torrent copyrighted material, it can share your information with the government.

ExpressVPN offers high security and fast connection speeds ideal for torrenting and peer-to-peer downloads. Additionally, it has a no-logs policy, highly secure applications, and a privacy-friendly offshore jurisdiction to ensure the protection of customer data.

My team and I don’t condone illegal torrenting, so be sure to check the rules and regulations in your country. Always make sure the torrents you download are copyright-free, no matter which VPN you decide to use.

Does WARP VPN Work in China? No, Don’t Try!

WARP doesn’t work in China. WARP only encrypts your data using your existing IP address. This means it cannot unblock content that’s blocked inside China. If you want a reliable VPN for secure browsing when traveling to China, I recommend trying ExpressVPN to access the internet in China safely.

Keep in mind that non-government-approved VPNs are illegal in China, but there have been no public cases of tourists being penalized by the Chinese government. The common practice is that China fights VPNs by technologically blocking them and not by chasing after the people who use them.

User Experience

- 6.0 / 10

Simultaneous Device Connections — Unlimited Number of Devices

You can use WARP on all your devices simultaneously. If you upgrade to the WARP+ Unlimited service (which can only be done on mobile), you can also use the premium service on every device. To do that, I simply copied the license key from my WARP+ app and replaced the one on my other devices that were using the base WARP subscription, including my Windows PC. This way, I could use the premium service on my desktop.

I tested WARP on 2 Android devices and 2 Windows PCs using the subscription I made with my Google account. I stayed connected on all devices for almost a day, and the connection never dropped or slowed down.

Device Compatibility — Available for Popular Operating Systems

WARP VPN works with popular operating systems. You can use the service with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. The app worked fine across all the devices that I tested. It took just a few seconds to download, install, and start using the service.

However, the VPN doesn’t work with routers or gaming consoles. It also lacks browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browser extensions, which I find quite disappointing. I would have liked to see WARP supported on my router so that I don’t have to manually install the app on all my devices.

Ease of Setup & Installation — Easy to Install on Mobile and Desktop

I was impressed with the simplicity of the WARP setup process. The installation process is simple and straightforward. The app can be installed from the website or the Appstore. I tested the VPN on my Windows PC and Android phone. With one click, I was able to set up the app on my phone and PC. WARP features a neat interface with a large toggle button to activate the service. There’s also a hamburger menu that allows you to adjust the connection settings.

WARP has a “1.1.1.1 for Families” feature that comes with malware and adult content blockers. The app also allows switching between the DNS-only 1.1.1.1 service or 1.1.1.1 with WARP’s full encryption from the settings menu.

WARP automatically excludes some apps from its service. The apps excluded are mostly streaming-related apps. This is because WARP VPN frowns on its service being used to access geo-restricted content. You can find a full list on the FAQ page, but some of these apps include Sonos, Hotstar, Spotify, and some mobile games. WARP’s mobile app also consumed a lot of memory, which consequently slowed down my phone’s performance.

Steps to Installing WARP VPN on Windows:

  1. Download the WARP client. Visit the provider’s website to download the Windows version of the WARP client. 
    Screenshot of WARP's download link
  2. Run the installation file. You will need to follow the steps in the setup wizard to install the software.
  3. Establish connection. Toggle on the connection button to activate the service. 
    Screenshot of WARP's app interface
  4. That’s it. Start browsing securely.

Support

- 5.0 / 10

Cloudflare has made reaching customer support far more difficult than it should be. It even warns users in its forums not to contact support through traditional means (email, live chat, and phone). Instead, you have to submit feedback through a contact form (with a bug report) and wait for a response. I sent a message and asked if Cloudflare could advise me on how to improve speeds. Unfortunately, more than a week later, I still haven’t heard back. This makes me wonder if support is sufficiently managed or just used for bug reports.

On the bright side, WARP does have quite an impressive and detailed FAQ with full troubleshooting and payment guides. To get direct support, you must be a Cloudflare Business or Enterprise customer, where you’ll reach out directly via the dashboard. This, however, isn’t available to basic WARP or WARP+ users.

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

- 6.0 / 10

WARP is free to use, but you can also get an upgrade to a monthly premium plan. The free WARP version limits your data usage to 10GB per month, and any usage over this limit will slow your connection. Subscribing to WARP+, the premium version of the service, will grant you faster speeds and unlimited data, but you can only do so via the App Store or Google Play Store. There’s also the option to refer another user and get 1GB of bandwidth for each referral.

WARP’s pricing varies by region of the world you’re located in. If you live in North America or Europe, you’re likely to pay slightly more than what someone in South America or Africa would pay. Also, depending on the device operating system you’re subscribing with, there could be slight differences. That said, the price is relatively low wherever you’re paying from.

Payment is made through your credit/debit card attached to your AppStore account. There’s no official money-back guarantee from Cloudflare — you’re only able to get one if you subscribe through Google Play and initiate the refund within 48 hours. You won’t be able to get a refund on iOS. Fortunately, I bought my subscription on Android and successfully got a refund.

Check out these VPNs if you’re interested in a risk-free monthly plan – they all offer an unconditional 30-day refund policy, so you can purchase with confidence.

WARP VPN offers the following plans

1-Month Plan
 
$4.99
per month
 
View Plan
1-Year plan
$4.99
$3.59
per month
Save 28%
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View Plan
Save 28%
3-Months Plan
$4.99
$3.99
per month
Save 20%
View Plan
View Plan
Save 20%

Final Verdict

WARP offers an encrypted tunnel and DNS protection but overall fails to compare to other premium VPNs on the market.

I was most excited to see WARP’s supposed higher speeds but experienced slower speeds on both WiFi and mobile instead. It fills a very niche spot in the VPN market — primarily offering protection against those sharing your local network and hiding your browsing from your ISP and other prying eyes. However, it doesn’t hide your identity from the websites you visit. If the speeds and security features can be improved, I might change my mind. For now, I can’t recommend getting WARP.

If you’re searching for a more fully-featured VPN with high speeds, strong security, and the ability to unblock numerous streaming platforms while on a budget, ExpressVPN is a better option. You can easily install ExpressVPN on all devices, and enjoy lightning-fast speeds with its large server network.

FAQs About WARP VPN

Is WARP VPN good?

Slightly. WARP is a good basic option if you want to stay secure on shared networks or hide your activity from your ISP. Since it’s free, it’s worth checking to see if WARP makes a difference to your internet connection. If you have a slow or unreliable connection, it may help you get faster speeds. Unfortunately, the app didn’t improve my speed. Worst still, it lacks the top-grade features that popular VPN apps have.

Can I use WARP VPN for free?

Yes, you can get WARP completely for free on mobile or PC. But the speeds are lackluster, and you have to deal with bandwidth limitations.

If you decide to upgrade to the premium plan, you have just 48 hours to apply for a refund on the Google Playstore. If you’d like to find out more about other free VPNs, you can check out this list of the best free VPNs on the market. However, I recommend against using free VPNs for their weak performance and security issues.

Is WARP VPN really safe?

WARP is safe, but it has some security restrictions. Although it encrypts your traffic, it doesn’t hide your IP address from peers or websites you visit when you’re torrenting. This gives you security in certain situations but leaves you exposed to others. It also keeps some logs for 24 hours.
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