![thundervpn logo](https://www.privacysharks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/thundervpn-logo-160x160.png)
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No e-mail support
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No chat support
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No phone support
Thunder VPN is an Android-only free Virtual Private Network service fraught with slow server connection speeds and a worrying logging policy. It also comes with relatively low-security standards and cannot access geo-blocked streaming sites like US Netflix.
Thunder may be free, offer unlimited bandwidth, and boast 5 million downloads on the Google Play Store, but it is likely not worth risking your online security and privacy for. In terms of user anonymity, Thunder VPN's encryption and logging processes are extremely concerning.
The VPN disappoints when it comes to server speeds and unblocking performance too. The VPN performed poorly during speed tests, and it did not enable access to Netflix, although it did unblock BBC iPlayer. There is also no support for torrenting, which is disappointing for users that want to share P2P files safely.
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Free VPN
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Android VPN app
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Split tunneling feature
Pros
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Slow speeds
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Small server network
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In-app ads
Cons
Type of IP offered: | Shared |
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Simultaneous connections / Users: | 1 |
OS support: | Android |
VPN Promotion: | Get VPN from Thunder VPN for 4.99$ per month |
- American Express
- Mastercard
- Mastercard Debit
- Visa
- Visa Debit
- Visa Electron
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- United States
Thunder VPN Security
Thunder VPN is a free service with a worrying logging policy and low-security encryption standards. The app may be free, but it comes with a significant risk to your online safety and privacy.
The VPN claims to have a strict no-logs policy; however, this would mean that the VPN does not store user internet activity data, details, or IP addresses. The VPN, despite its claims, is not a no-logs company. Its logging policy is invasive and even collects user IP addresses, which means that your online activity can be traced directly back to you.
The policy is just 272 words in length, which is extremely short. It also suggests that the VPN collects a significant amount of information. Thunder VPN collects and stores your IP address, ISP (Internet Service Provider) information, device OS version, device language, app identifier, app version, device identifier, ad identifier, device model and manufacturer, your email address, time zone, Wi-Fi information, connection time stamps, chosen server location, and data bandwidth used per day. This is also followed by "etc.," which is even more concerning.
Thunder VPN suggests that this data is stored to ensure the company can deliver the best possible service. However, there is no need for any VPN to log this much information. There is also no detailed information about how the VPN deletes data or how long it will be stored.
Alongside a disappointing logging policy, the VPN offers little information regarding its security measures. The FAQ section of the Thunder VPN websites states that SSL encryption is used to protect your data. However, SSL (Standard Layer Security) is outdated and offers little protection for your internet data. It was created in 1995.
Most premium VPNs utilize military-standard AES-256 bit encryption in combination with secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. However, this is not the case with Thunder VPN.
There is also no integrated kill switch which means that your online activities and IP address are likely to be exposed if the VPN connection drops for any reason. A kill switch works to cut your internet connection until the VPN is re-established to prevent any data leaks and is one of the most important security features of any VPN service.
Thunder VPN did pass DNS and IP leaks which is one positive. However, this does not mean that the VPN is safe and secure. We would advise that you avoid the VPN based on its worrying logging policy, the lack of a kill switch, and poor security standards. If you want to protect your internet privacy and security, we would recommend looking elsewhere.
Thunder VPN Features
Thunder is an Android-only free client that delivers disappointing server speeds and unblocking performance, as well as poor security features.
Connection times are relatively fast with Thunder VPN, and connecting to any one of its 9 servers should not take more than 2-3 seconds. However, server speeds on the free version are extremely slow, and download speeds did not surpass 2Mbps on any server, meaning that it is not a good option if you want to stream and game in high-definition.
Download speeds are slightly better on the premium version and enable streaming, but they are still likely not fast enough to satisfy most users. The VPN is disappointing when it comes to app compatibility, too, as it is only available for Android. This means that if you want to protect any iOS or Windows devices, it will be necessary to look elsewhere.
When you open the Android app for the first time, it will be necessary to accept a "monitor network traffic" request which contradicts the provider's privacy policy and is somewhat concerning. The interface features a simple Connect button that will automatically connect you to the best available server in terms of geographical location and speed. Thunder VPN comes with just 9 server locations; to select one, tap the Thunder icon.
The free Thunder VPN client is overwhelmed by distracting third-party advertisements when you launch the app and connect/disconnect from a server. It is necessary to remain cautious when tapping to avoid accidentally loading malicious websites or apps.
Netflix and other streaming services employ strong VPN-blocking technology to prevent users from accessing content with a VPN. So, it is no surprise that many VPN services fail to gain access to such sites. Surprisingly, Thunder VPN does enable Netflix streaming on the United States site. However, this is only possible on the premium version. If you try to access Netflix with a free Thunder VPN server, you will get Netflix's proxy error.
The VPN service is also successful at accessing BBC iPlayer. Even though server speeds are relatively low, it can still support video streaming. However, we would be inclined to recommend that you look for a premium VPN service that will deliver more consistent server speeds and more reliable unblocking performance.
When it comes to torrenting, P2P sharing is supported by Thunder VPN. However, we would avoid using the VPN for such activities at all costs considering its low standards of privacy. Thunder VPN stores identifying information, making it simple for anyone to link your online activities back to your device and you.
If you run into any issues while setting up or using Thunder VPN, you are on your own. There is no live chat support option on the Thunder VPN website, nor is there a FAQ section or even a help page. The only FAQs available are those on the app, and they are extremely simple and unhelpful. This is a major drawback as it is likely that you will experience technical issues when using a VPN.