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Thunder VPN Review

Our rating
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25%
Features Read more toggle icon
25%
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  • No chat support chat disabled icon
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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.

    Pros

  • pro icon Free VPN
  • pro icon Android VPN app
  • pro icon Split tunneling feature

    Cons

  • con icon Slow speeds
  • con icon Small server network
  • con icon In-app ads
Price Starting At: 4.99 $ / monthly 59.88 $ / annually
For New Users: No money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 17+
General information
Type of IP offered: Shared
Simultaneous connections / Users: 1
OS support: Android
VPN Promotion: Get VPN from Thunder VPN for 4.99$ per month
Capabilities
Unlimited Bandwidthcross iconKill Switchcross iconSplit Tunnelingcross iconZero Data Loggingcross iconFree Version / Trialcross iconMobile Appcross iconFirestick Compatiblecross icon
Payment options
  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Mastercard Debit
  • Visa
  • Visa Debit
  • Visa Electron
Geolocations available
  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Thunder VPN Security

25%

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.

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Thunder VPN Features

25%

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.

Summary

0.5
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Table of content

Who Owns Thunder VPN?

Signal Lab, an app developer, owns Thunder VPN. The company is also behind another popular free VPN client, Secure VPN. Worryingly, Signal Lab does not have a company site. There is little information about the provider on its Thunder and Secure VPN websites either. The only reference to Signal Lab on these sites is a link to an unprofessional email address.

There is also a lack of information regarding Thunder VPN’s corporate structure and address. This is concerning as a company must comply with the laws and regulations of the company in which it is incorporated. When you use VPN services, you are putting your faith in the provider to protect your privacy and identity. The lack of transparency surrounding Thunder VPN is a major cause for concern.

Does Thunder VPN Have a No-Logging Policy?

On its Google Play listing, Thunder VPN claims to offer a transparent no-logs policy. It also repeats this claim in the FAQ section of its app. A no-logs policy means that a company does not store any private user information, browser history, IP addresses, or other identifying data.

On a closer look, Thunder VPN is not a no-logging VPN. It offers an extremely short and worrying privacy policy which reveals that the VPN collects and stores a significant amount of identifying user information.

According to its privacy policy, Thunder VPN logs personal information including your IP address, OS version, ISP (Internet Service Provider), language, VPN app version, VPN client identifier, unique device identifier, ad identifier, device model and manufacturer, email address, Wi-Fi network state, time zone, a timestamp when you connect, chosen location, and bandwidth used per day.

This extensive list is also followed with “etc.,” which is even more concerning. The lack of transparency regarding the VPN’s logging processes should dissuade any privacy-conscious user from using Thunder VPN’s apps and services.

Thunder VPN claims to record this data to enhance its service, but there is no reason for any VPN services to log this amount of personal information. It is also worrying that Thunder VPN offers no clarification regarding the deletion of data or retention periods.

What Encryption Standard Does Thunder VPN Use?

As with all other aspects of this VPN service, there’s little information about its security and privacy measures. In its FAQ section, Thunder VPN claims to use SSL to encrypt user data. Even though this may sound reassuring, SSL or Standard Layer Security is a fragile and outdated VPN protocol created in 1995.

Most other VPN services utilize military-standard AES-256 bit encryption in combination with secure OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols and a host of other security features. Despite this, Thunder VPN did manage to block IP and DNS leaks during our testing, which is a minor positive.

Does Thunder VPN Have a Kill Switch?

Thunder’s free version also lacks a reliable integrated kill switch, one of the most important privacy and security features of any VPN. All premium VPNs and even most free VPN services offer a kill switch to ensure your private data is protected if the VPN fails for any reason.

By using Thunder VPN, you are putting your internet privacy and anonymity at significant risk. If you want to secure your internet connection, Thunder VPN is not a good choice.

Is Thunder VPN Fast?

Thunder VPN’s free service for Android comes with just 9 server locations around the world. When testing the service, we experienced significant download speed losses across many servers. The VPN reached an average download speed of less than 2Mbps, which is hardly enough for even browsing.

Is Thunder VPN Good for Streaming?

As part of any VPN review, it is necessary to test the service in terms of its streaming performance. Many users download a VPN to access content on overseas streaming services like Netflix.

Thunder VPN’s free app is successful at accessing BBC iPlayer, which is impressive as most VPN services struggle to overcome geo-blocks there. However, if you want to stream Netflix, it will be necessary to upgrade to the paid VPN. However, server connection speeds are relatively slow with Thunder VPN, meaning that you may be met with lagging and buffering when you try to stream in high-definition.

Does Thunder VPN Support Torrenting?

Although Thunder VPN claims to support torrenting, we would avoid using the VPN for P2P sharing activities at all costs. On its website, the VPN refers to certain online activities that may lead to the termination of your account. This includes file-sharing activities.

The VPN even states that users will be held responsible for any damages incurred by the VPN. If you require protection for torrenting activities, we recommend looking at premium VPNs that come with secure privacy features and a strict no-logging policy to ensure your data and activities remain safe and anonymous.

Does Thunder VPN Have a Good Server Network?

Thunder VPN has a minimal server network with the option of just 8 locations to connect to. Previously, the VPN offered access to 9 countries, including Japan, but this has recently been removed from the Thunder VPN network. This means that Thunder VPN servers are now largely spread across countries in Europe and North America. It is also common for the VPN to use fake connections, which means that it is not the most reliable of VPNs.

There is also no option to select server locations based on particular cities, which is disappointing. Currently, users can choose from a list of locations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Overall, Thunder VPN is one of the smallest VPNs that we have reviewed. Other free VPNs like Tunnel Bear and Hotspot Shield offer access to significantly more servers in a greater range of locations.

Such a small server network may mean that certain servers will become overwhelmed and congested by too many users at once. This can cause issues when you want to stream, download or game at high speed.

What Devices Can You Use Thunder VPN on?

As part of all VPN reviews, it is helpful to consider a service’s device compatibility. Unfortunately, Thunder VPN only supports Android. Therefore, if you need to protect an iOS phone or Windows computer, you will need to look elsewhere.

Is Thunder VPN Easy to Use?

The VPN is available to download from the Google Play Store. Once the client has downloaded, it will be necessary to accept a ‘terms of service’ request. The app is relatively well-designed and simple to use.

There are few customizable features or options available, though. You can select an automatic VPN connection or alter the notifications settings, but that’s it. Also, as with most free VPNs, there are annoying pop-up advertisements throughout, most of which run for a few seconds before you can exit.

Is Thunder VPN Good?

We would not recommend Thunder VPN to any user. Its slow server connection speeds, invasive logging policy, poor customer support, and low privacy standards make for an extremely disappointing product.

The only redeeming quality is its streaming performance, but the privacy risks likely outweigh this minor benefit. Therefore, we would advise looking elsewhere.

Thunder VPN Alternatives

If you have decided against Thunder VPN, there is a host of alternative options available. Here are the best Thunder VPN alternatives:

Surfshark

Despite that Surfshark is not a free VPN, it comes at an extremely affordable subscription price. There is excellent streaming performance, a transparent no-logs policy, a generous unlimited connections policy, first-rate privacy features, and reliable customer service.

Hotspot Shield

If you have your mind set on a free VPN, Hotspot Shield is an excellent choice. There is support for 5 devices, military-grade encryption, decent connection speeds, and a no-logging policy. However, users are limited to just 1 server location and 500MB of data per day.

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Author Cliff Durward

Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids. I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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