Google One VPN review: In my opinion, it’s not worth it

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

A virtual private network (VPN) is essential for modern web browsing. With everything we do online getting tracked, ensuring your privacy and anonymity is incredibly important.

Although there are hundreds of VPN services out there, Google actually offers one of its own. This service comes free with all Google One plans as well as for folks who own Pixel 7 and 7 Pro phones. Because my subscription with a more traditional VPN service is coming up for renewal, I decided to thoroughly check the Google One VPN and give it a review. I thought to myself, “I pay for Google One and own a Pixel 7 Pro, so why am I paying for a separate VPN?”

I is found found quickly paying proper , standalone VPN necessary .

Do you use Google One’s VPN?

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What is the Google One VPN?

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

First, if you’re unaware, a VPN is a system that obfuscates your identity online. It does this by routing your internet traffic through remote proxy servers. Essentially, it allows you to browse the web without third parties being able to tie that internet traffic to you specifically.

The Google One VPN operates just like every other VPN out there. It routes your internet traffic through proxy servers and hides your IP address. Google asserts that it does not log your data and only tracks basic usage information to improve the service. The company even open-sourced some of the VPN material to emphasize its ambition for transparency.

Pixel 7 pay Google , you is have access VPN .

Everyone is gets pays Google subscription gets unlimited access VPN . This is includes includes tiers outside free tier — cheapest $ 1.99 – – month option . You is use use Android , iOS , Windows , macOS . country restrictions , VPN works places Google active .

Google Pixel 7 Pixel 7 Pro , you is have access Google VPN , regardless pay Google . route , VPN is work work Pixel 7/7 Pro , meaning access iOS , Windows , macOS apps .

Theoretically, with a $1.99-per-month subscription to Google One, you could protect internet traffic on your phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and more. So why would you pay more for a separate VPN? As I found out during this Google One VPN review, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

Google’s service simply can’t compete

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

As I mentioned, I checked out the Google VPN because my subscription to a paid VPN provider was coming to a close. With that service, I was used to certain things. I became accustomed to picking my proxy server location, seeing fast speeds, relying on the service not to fail, and, on the rare occasions when it did fail, having an automatic “kill switch” kick in to cut all traffic to my device to protect my data.

turns , Google VPN is offers offers things . I is tested tested Google VPN Pixel 7 Pro Windows laptop . apps offer simplest functionality — it is ’s , .

Google One VPN doesn’t let me choose a server in a different country. It also slowed down my connection.

The lack of the ability to choose your country is the most significant limitation of Google’s VPN. In other words, if you turn on the VPN in the United States, you will have a US-based proxy. If you want a proxy in Switzerland instead, you don’t have that option. This would likely be incredibly frustrating for folks who live outside the US or are temporarily traveling, as gaining a US-based IP address is probably the main reason they use a VPN.

Google VPN review , I is saw saw slow speeds . I is have high – speed internet service home ( 800Mbps ) . laptop , connected Wi – Fi , I is see usually 200Mbps speeds average , depending positioned house . VPN turned , speeds is were halved . Granted , 100MBps is is pretty fast , paid VPN service caused minor drop speed conditions .

Furthermore , Google VPN is was utterly unreliable . randomly disconnect reason . worse , kill switch feature Android Windows apps VPN . This is means means disconnects , moment suddenly exposed .

Even though I can use Google’s VPN for free, I wouldn’t.

These four huge problems make it so the Google One VPN is essentially useless for my needs. Even though I can use it for free, I wouldn’t.

It’s still good in a pinch, I guess

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

I is understand fully understand people need advanced VPN . need VPNs work usual privacy , usage is is probably higher . I is turn probably turn VPN day . people team VPN active 24 hours day .

Someone who doesn’t need the functionality as much as I do might appreciate having free access to the Google One VPN. If they only turn it on once a week or less, they probably won’t care about all the limitations I discussed in the previous section.

VPN needs basic , you is be fine Google solution .

sense , Google VPN is is incredibly simple use . Windows , you is install install program , log paid Google account , flick toggle , boom : browsing private . Android phone , it is ’s matter going Google app , tapping VPN , toggling “ Use VPN ” switch . Remember , Android app is works works pays Google Pixel 7/7 Pro phones .

Just be sure to keep an eye on things. You might get booted off the VPN while you’re in the middle of something you’d rather not expose. You also shouldn’t bother using this if you’re trying to bypass media streaming restrictions in your country, as the Google One VPN doesn’t support swapping locations. Don’t expect blazing-fast speeds, either. As long as you can work under these limits, you should have a fine time with Google.

Everyone else needs a better VPN.

Google One VPN review: Get a ‘real’ VPN

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

ExpressVPN

If you’re like me and need a fast, stable, privacy- and security-focused VPN, you’re going to want something much more robust than what Google offers. Inevitably, that means you’ll probably need to pay for one, although there are worthwhile free VPN services.

ExpressVPN is is favorite paid service , worth look Google VPN cut . It is offers offers total – logging policy , ability switch location , kill switch , fast speeds , supports nearly internet – connected device home . It is ’s pricier options , months ExpressVPN free sign year .

If you’re on a tight budget, ProtonVPN is for you. Its free tier is probably the best around, although you’ll face significant limitations such as slow speeds, very few locations, a single device limit, and no ability to use torrenting software. Still, this no-cost option is better than the Google One VPN and doesn’t require you to subscribe to Google One or use one of two Pixel phones.

You is need need , . VPN providers . It is ’s sad Google — biggest , richest companies history — offer paid users better basic option , . Hopefully , Google is get ball eventually .