VPN Review: VyprVPN

A 'nest of vipers' denotes a group of disreputable or villainous people, and can be used as an aphorism for some corners of the Internet. After all, the dark side of the Internet is only ever a URL click away, with data bandits hiding behind even the most innocuous-looking websites.

Supposing that snakes truly fear fire (at least according to Indiana Jones), VyprVPN is the torch that will allow you to navigate the viper's nest and surf the web freely. A detailed look at how this VPN provider fares in comparison to the others we have tested is shown in the review below.

VyprVPN is a VPN provider which boasts more than 2 million customers. The company is headquartered in Switzerland, but, is a subsidiary of the US-based Golden Frog. Applications exist for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, with configuration possible for Smart TVs and routers.

VyprVPN is only available as a paid subscription; prior to download, it is necessary to create an account on Golden Frog and select a monthly, or yearly subscription. Then, based on your operating system, you can download the appropriate app. Once the account has been created, VyprVPN's installation and operation are relatively quick.

The desktop program features a proven interface design, displaying only the most important VPN functions on its main screen. Like other VPN clients, the "Connect" button is the center of attention, above and below which, servers can be selected from an alphabetical list. These are not arranged by category, however, favorites can be marked for quick use. Alongside every server location is real-time data about its speed. The desktop program also offers a quick connect feature, which connects you to the fastest server available.

Through the hamburger menu on the upper left of the interface, the support center can be accessed, as well as information about available updates. Settings can be found below, in the main menu, under the heading "Customize". The kill switch can also be activated here, while auto-start options, protocols, and a DNS server can be selected, about which more is written below.

The usual options for auto-start can be configured here, so that VyprVPN does not (for example) automatically connect to untrusted WLAN networks.

VyprVPN provides the standard suite of features, but also misses a couple. The most glaring deficiency in this regard is the absence of support for split tunnel routing on Windows, which allows certain devices to be exempted from VPN connections. This is even more frustrating as split tunnel routing is offered by most of VyprVPN's competitors. Only Mac and Android users will be able to utilize split tunneling for their devices. In terms of additional features, one need only consult the rest of Golden Frog's portfolio, which includes the encrypted messaging program "Cyphr".

VyprVPN did not disappoint in terms of streaming: The BBC iPlayer could be accessed outside of the UK, while Netflix content from the respective countries we tested was also stream-able.

Mobile App

VyprVPN's mobile app is identical with its desktop program, except that the veritable split tunneling feature "App Connection" appears. Apart from that, you can control whether a VPN connection is established automatically on restart, guaranteeing that you always surf anonymously.

VyperVPN no longer offers a browser extension (it was deemed to be redundant some time ago). Nevertheless, the provider does offer a solid array of features, packaged in an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which cover all of the basics, without adding too many extras.

Score: 4.0 / 5

VyprVPN can call upon more than 700 servers spread across 64 countries, equating to upwards of 200,000 IP addresses. As with most VPN providers, the majority of VyprVPN's servers are concentrated in North America and Europe, while Africa (Algeria and Egypt) is barely covered at all. On the plus side, VyprVPN can lay claim to more servers in Asia, Central, and South America than most other providers.

The server networks of leading VPN providers like NordVPN, HideMyAss, or ExpressVPN are miles ahead of VyprVPN, however, the service offers decent coverage.

Note: 3.7 / 5

The speed of all VPNs which we tested was evaluated using a server in Europe with a 1 GB/s connection. We tested random VyprVPN servers at different times of the day to more accurately evaluate their performances. More information concerning our methodology can be found in our VPN speed test.

The table below shows the average results from the last 365 days, arranged in order of download and upload speed (descending):

When the test was conducted, VyprVPN clocked a download speed of 166.7 MB/s and an upload speed of 11.5 MB/s, gaining it a respectable fifth place in our ranking. Set against the heavyweights of the VPN market, this is solid.

Score: 4.3 / 5

VyperVPN supports the OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP VPN protocols. For premium subscribers, the OpenVPN-based proprietary 'Chameleon' protocol can be used. 'Chameleon' is lauded for its ability to prevent blocking or throttling of VPN connections in countries where their usage is restricted or otherwise frowned upon. In our Windows version, as well as in Android, OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption came pre-installed.

The strength of the encryption is also dependent upon the protocol that is used, with OpenVPN, Chameleon, and L2TP/IPsec with AES 256 offering the best possible security (a 160-bit OpenVPN option is also available). PPTP (128-bit encryption) lags somewhat behind the other protocols.

The program passed our VPN leak tests for IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC without any difficulties.

Like many other VPN providers, VyprVPN promises not to compile or save any logs. In contrast to its competitors, however, VyprVPN has put its money where its mouth is and gone through with an independent audit of its service. A report written in 2018 by Leviathan Security confirmed that VyprVPN's users can be assured "that the company is not logging their VPN activity." The handful of deficits identified by the independent consultants were quickly rectified by VyprVPN.

Additionally, VyprVPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a country known for the strength of its data security laws, and which is not party to any of the various international intelligence-sharing agreements. For privacy-driven users, VyprVPN offers a number of potent arguments underlining why it handles their data more securely than its competitors.

Score: 4.7 / 5

VyprVPN offers a support chat which is staffed around the clock with bilingual personnel. For those cases that a support team member does not speak a language other than English, automatic translations are used. When entering the support chat, a bot first attempts to solve the problem, however, should this fail, you will be forwarded to a live support team member.

The wait times vary somewhat, however, we received help within seconds or minutes on the several occasions that we tested the service.

Beyond the support chat, it is also possible to file a support ticket. Our email query was answered in less than 2 hours, and that on a Sunday.

Guides, FAQs, and links to useful blogs are provided In the help center.

From our point of view, VyprVPN does everything right in terms of customer support.

Score: 4.7 / 5

Monthly and yearly subscription packages are available for VyprVPN. The 'basic' subscription allows for up to three devices to be simultaneously connected using a VPN, whereas the 'premium' subscription enables up to five devices to be connected at the same. The 'premium' subscription also enables usage of the proprietary 'Chameleon' protocol, as well as VyprVPN's cloud . The annual subscription is one of the most affordable on the market.

A current price list can be found below:

There are also two subscription options for organizations, 'business' and 'business premium', which offer extras such as a fixed IP, and an individual, dedicated server.

No free version of VyprVPN exists, however, the desktop app offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, while the mobile app can be tested for three days. Credit cards, PayPal, Alipay, or Google/Apple Pay are accepted as payment methods.

In nearly every regards, VyprVPN is a solid VPN service, which sets itself apart from its competitors owing to its emphasis on the security and privacy of its users. In the chaotic marketplace of online service providers, there is little more one can do than take companies at their word, however, VyprVPN engaged an independent audit to back up its promises. Although they may be bigger, or offer better service, VyprVPN's competitors would do well follow in the company's footsteps and conduct independent audits.

With fast and intuitive applications, a good network of servers, and solid features, VyprVPN gives a good accounting of itself alongside the VPN heavyweights, even without factoring in its exemplary performance in terms of data security and privacy. VyprVPN did not make it to the podium in our speed ranking, however, its fifth place is nothing to be ashamed of.

VyprVPN is rarely at the top of 'best-of' lists, however, it still provides a good companion for escaping the 'nest of vipers' that is the internet.

Based on the customer reviews that we examined for VyprVPN, the service was rated 'good'. Some criticism was leveled against the company's support, which appeared less helpful to some than it did to us. Connection problems and slow connections were also frequently cited. The price-performance ratio was lauded, alongside the program's simple installation, and features, such as 'Chameleon'.