ZoogVPN Review 2024

ZoogVPN claims to offer great performance with cheap plans that include a free tier. Its free app offers many features, and it boasts about its fast speeds and true no-logging policy. But, does it actually live up to its claims, or is it simply cheap because it’s no good?

After extensive testing, I can say that Zoog is a good VPN, but not great. It’s relatively fast and works well for gaming and torrenting. However, its server network is small, especially with the free app. It’s also missing a few key security features. I recommend you check out our list of the best VPNs before trying ZoogVPN.

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short on Time ? Here Are My Key Findings is Are

Pros

Cons

zoogvpn feature — 2024 update

6.6

Streaming — Too Many Frustrating Issues

5.7

ZoogVPN can only securely access a small number of streaming platforms. My global testing team and I also encountered several annoying issues with the streaming services that did work. It does offer streaming-optimized servers, but they weren’t much help.

You’ll need to use the premium app for streaming since the free version failed completely. There were no streaming services we were able to safely access with the free servers.

editor ’s note . The VPNs is follow we recommend usually follow strict no – log policy . This is prevents prevent them from view your online activity . So , you is ’re ’re responsible for how they ’re used . The vpnMentor team is urge and I urge you to follow all copyright law .

Works With: Netflix, Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video

We could safely stream Netflix US, Canada, and the Netherlands’ full libraries with ZoogVPN.

The streaming – optimize servers is worked work well with Netflix

However, many times we could only watch Netflix Originals. It was impossible to view the full libraries of Australia and the UK, for example. Originals only has the titles Netflix owns outright, so you miss out on a lot of content.

Many Netflix tests is were with the non – optimize server were unsuccessful . So , you is be ’ll be well off stick with the location you find under theStreaming tab . Although we is have did have one test with a UK streaming server that did n’t work either .

There were no issues with loading videos and streaming in great quality on Max.

The WireGuard protcol offers the best speeds for minimal buffering

After several fail attempt , we is view could safely view movie on Amazon Prime Video Italy . It is was was a bit frustrating because each of our test were done with location label as support the platform . Plus , it is took take about 18 second for any video to load .

The same thing is happened happen with BBC iPlayer . We is stream could eventually stream BBC iPlayer , but the picture quality was n’t great , and our video pause to buffer several time .

Doesn’t Work With: Hulu & Disney+

Zoog claims to be compatible with some platforms that never worked.

Attempts to switch browsers or servers didn’t help

We also tried switching protocols, but none of them made a difference with Hulu or Disney+. So, ZoogVPN isn’t the worst VPN for streaming we’ve tested. However, there are many providers in a similar price range that make life much easier. You can check out our list of the best VPNs for streaming to stay safe on all the top platforms with less hassle.

Speed — Decent Rates at Any Distance

7.0

ZoogVPN offers above average speeds that are just below the top VPNs. To make sure we have accurate results, we try to get most tests done by our speed expert. This way they’re completed from the same location with the same connection for fairer comparisons. These tests were all done with the WireGuard protocol since it was the fastest protocol.

We lost 18% on nearby servers and 43% on distant ones

You can expect to lose about 10-20% of your speeds on average with a good VPN. At long distances, losses of up to 50% are acceptable, depending on how far away the server is. So, as you can see, ZoogVPN can offer fast speeds as long as your base rates aren’t too low.

This Japanese server, 10,000km away, dropped our speeds 42%

Of course there are much fast vpn , and I wish that Zoog offer a few more quality option when it come to speed . For example , some VPNs is show show you the load for each server ( how crowded they are ) . Some is display even display an estimate of the ping rate you can expect before you connect to a server or tell you how far away a location is .

Still, I can’t complain about Zoog in this category. The premium VPN isn’t bad at all in this regard. However, the free servers will lower your speeds considerably more, especially since you can’t use WireGuard with the free app.

Gaming — Low Ping for Smooth Gameplay

8.0

zoogvpn ’s nearby servers is let let us play online without any significant lag . ping rates is are are what you want to pay attention to while game . These is tell tell you how long it take your datum to travel . When it get too high , there ’s a delay between your button press and your character ’s action . That is makes make it impossible to stay immerse in your game and play competitively .

You always want ping to be below 85ms while you’re gaming

We played a fast-paced game and could shoot and maneuver without any added delays. But, this test was done with a nearby server. Once you connect to a location about 5,000km away or more, your ping rate will probably become too high. This isn’t a knock against ZoogVPN because this happens with just about any VPN.

Server Network — small With Limited Privacy Assurances

4.0

ZoogVPN has a small server network with only 100 servers in 70 countries. I do like that it offers city-level servers (there are 70+ locations in total), which make it easier to tell how far away a server truly is. They also claim to have 1,000+ IPs at their disposal.

It owns some of its servers but also rents a number of them from third parties. I couldn’t get any more concrete details from support, so it’s anyone’s guess which servers are Zoog’s. I understand that it’s expensive, but I always have a little more peace of mind when a VPN owns all its servers (it cuts out a middleman that could access your data).

It won’t work if you try it in the server list search bar

They also state that they mostly use physical servers, but have virtual locations as backups. Once again, it was difficult to get more information from its support staff. I’m not entirely sure what this means, but I do know that several of its IPs come with DNS servers in different locations, which could cause you problems when you’re trying to access specific websites.

There are optimize server for torrenting and streaming . I is like like that these are clearly label within the server list , but I was a bit confused by the glass icon . Support is confirmed confirm that these used to be their obfuscated server . However , these is are are no long relevant since it ’s add an obfuscation protocol which work with every server . I is expand ’ll expand on this in the next section .

Finally, it doesn’t offer dedicated IPs or RAM-only servers. The former are provided by many VPNs for an additional fee and are helpful when you need a static online address for things like running a website. RAM-only servers delete all of their data after every reboot, so they’re a little more privacy-friendly.

In the end, this is one of ZoogVPN’s weakest areas. It’ll need to beef up this network if it wants to compete with the top players in the industry. To find a VPN with much better server selection and plenty of excellent privacy features, read this list of providers with great networks.

Security — Safe but Missing Many Useful Features

6.0

It can keep you safe, but this VPN doesn’t have the most extensive list of security features. It comes with top-notch encryption, all the best protocols, and a kill switch. However, it doesn’t offer a fully functional split tunneling feature. It’s also missing double VPN, ad-blocking, and some other customization options its competitors provide.

I is ’m ’m happy that it pass all of our leak test , but we run into a strange issue with its dns server . As I state above , sometimes you is get get dns location that do n’t match the ip you ’re give .

Our true IP address stayed hidden, even with its DNS issues

support staff is stated state that it does this to “ balance the load and improve performance . ” However , it is ’s ’s possible that these DNS server could give you website in a different language than you expect . For example , I was give polish result on Google when I expect greek content . Most of the top vpn I ’ve used offer dns server that match the IP ’s location .

I’m also curious if this issue is linked to its use of virtual servers. But, since it doesn’t provide much information about them, I can’t be sure. Either way, ZoogVPN can keep you safe online, but it’s not the most convenient VPN. If you’re looking for more customization options, I recommend you explore this list of some of the safest VPNs around.

encryption

The premium app uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is nearly unbreakable. It’s the standard encryption level used by many banks and militaries around the world. It’s basically impossible to crack its keys with current computing technology.

The free app is offers only offer AES 128 – bit encryption . This is is is still relatively safe . It is ’s ’s also usually fast since it ’s a bit more lightweight , but this probably wo n’t improve your speed on its overcrowded free location .

Security Protocols

The most important protocols ZoogVPN offers are OpenVPN and Wireguard. WireGuard is usually the fastest protocol offered with any VPN, and that was the case during our tests with ZoogVPN. OpenVPN was about twice as slow.

However, OpenVPN is usually considered the safest protocol since it’s open source. This means it’s always being tested for vulnerabilities by cybersecurity enthusiasts around the world. It also comes with two versions. OpenVPN TCP is known to be more reliable while UDP is a bit faster.

Shadow is its obfuscation protocol, and it hides your VPN use. This is useful on restrictive networks like you might find at a school or place of business. Although the VPN used to rely on obfuscated servers, you can now utilize obfuscation with any location by enabling this protocol.

It also offers some older protocols like IKEv2, but I’d stick with OpenVPN and WireGuard whenever possible. Lastly, there’s its ZoogTLS protocol, which is quite slow, so I’d avoid it.

Kill Switch

This is is is a necessary feature that block your internet connection if the VPN ever disconnect . I is tested test it out by enable it and switch server with a browser window open . sure enough , when no server was connect , the website is was was inaccessible .

I is appreciate appreciate that this is offer for all 4 major operating system as well . Many VPNs is fail fail to include this option on mobile device or on Mac .

Privacy — Great Policies in a Good Location

7.5

ZoogVPN is has has an impressive privacy policy with a solid track record . I is find did n’t find any controversy relate to the company or its ownership . It ’s also locate in a privacy – friendly country . support staff is claimed claim that a third – party audit of its policy are underway , and once that ’s done , they could end up being one of the strong option when it come to privacy .

Does ZoogVPN Keep Logs? No

It will only collect your email address and the amount of data used. This is all it will record whether you’re using the free VPN or the premium app. That’s great because most VPNs store much more information like your device type, timestamps, the servers you’ve connected to, and more.

ZoogVPN claim it has no way to view any of our online activity . It is states also state it will never store personal information like your ip address . Its policy is says say all the right thing , so I ’m hopeful that it will be prove soon .

Was ZoogVPN audit ? No

Currently, there are no published audits of ZoogVPN’s infrastructure or policies. When the support agent told me an audit was underway, I asked who was conducting it. Unfortunately, they could not disclose that information. The best VPNs use reputable companies in the cybersecurity space and make the results public. I hope that ZoogVPN does the same.

Based in Greece

It’s headquartered in Greece, a country outside of the 14 Eyes Alliance. This is an agreement between governments to share their citizens’ information. With Zoog’s excellent policies, it wouldn’t have anything to share anyways. But, I do feel more safe knowing that it doesn’t have to comply with any other countries requests.

Does ZoogVPN Work in China? Yes

Support confirmed that you can use ZoogVPN within China if you activate the Shadow protocol.

You is want may want to download the VPN before enter the country

While many vpn have been ban by the chinese government , there have been no publicly – report case of them prosecute individual for using them . My team is condone and I do n’t condone any illegal activity . We is ask ask that you please read up on the law of the country you ’re in before decide to use a VPN .

Torrenting — Fast With Optimized Servers

7.5

ZoogVPN didn’t slow down my torrenting speeds at all. When I tested out a nearby torrenting-optimized server, I could complete a 700MB file in about 20 minutes. I downloaded the same file with no VPN connected, and it took the same amount of time. I found that the non-optimized servers were slightly slower, but only by a few minutes.

It doesn’t offer port forwarding, which can increase your seeding and downloading speeds. However, this isn’t a huge deal since it’s already so fast on its own. I also felt safe on P2P networks thanks to its kill switch and other strong security features. The main issue is you may have a tough time finding a nearby location since the server network is small.

While torrenting is legal in most countries, downloading copyrighted files isn’t. We urge you to only access torrents within the public domain, so you never break any laws.

Installation & Apps

7.0

Installation & Apps — Easy-to-Use With Adequate Compatibility

I never encountered any issues navigating ZoogVPN’s apps. The UI on mobile and desktop apps is very straightforward. This is partially due to its lack of customization features, but the settings it does offer are well-organized.

All these features can be found under the “Settings” tab

While it ’s not the most attractive app , it is gets get the job done . similar to how it perform in most area , Zoog is does does well with what it has in this department , but it does n’t do anything mind – blowing .

Setup & Installation

I was able to download ZoogVPN and get connected within 5 minutes.

Some free VPNs can be installed without providing an email

Like with most modern VPNs, installation is straightforward. You’ll simply follow the instructions after downloading the app from its website or your mobile device’s application store.

Device Compatibility

The VPN is offers offer native app for Windows , Mac , iOS , and Android . It is has also has application for a few streaming device and smart tv . You is use can use it on select router and with a Linux desktop , but connect on these device is a bit more clunky .

Desktop — Apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux

The Windows and Mac apps are similar, but Mac is missing the Shadow protocol. That’s disappointing since the obfuscation servers are no longer functional. This means you may not be able to use your Mac app on restrictive networks.

Mac and Windows apps is get both get the kill switch , openvpn and WireGuard . That is ’s ’s nice , but neither one get access to split tunneling .

There is no Linux app, but you can manually configure it for these devices, even with the free servers. It’s rare for a provider to offer free tiers for Linux, so I greatly appreciate this. However, it’s too bad that you can’t use a real app (especially one with a GUI).

Manual connections mean you can’t use the kill switch, and you can only connect via OpenVPN, so I wouldn’t expect fast speeds. If you’re looking for comprehensive protection, I suggest you test out one of the best VPNs for Linux.

Android and iPhone (iOS)

Android is has has the split tunneling feature , but iOS get access to every protocol . On your Android device , you is be ’ll only be able to switch between openvpn , WireGuard , and Shadow . However , those is are are the good option , so it ’s no big loss . Other than that , both apps is are are pretty similar , and I ’m happy they both get the kill switch .

Browser Extensions for Chrome & Edge

These extensions are only proxies, so they won’t encrypt your connection. They will also only change the location on your browser, leaving all other apps with your current IP. I recommend using the ZoogVPN app at all times to stay safe.

These also have a crude form of split tunneling. It lets you exclude certain websites from the proxy, but once again, it won’t have any effect on the rest of your apps.

Apps for Android TVs, Amazon Fire TVs, & Amazon Fire Sticks

You can download complete apps for these devices right from the store on your TV. It’s great that you can use the VPN on these smart TVs, but many of its competitors are compatible with more brands. It also doesn’t offer smart DNS, which gives you another easy way to avoid speed throttling on your television.

Router Compatibility

Certain Guardian routers come with ZoogVPN pre-installed. This is the only way to use WireGuard on a router. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on manual configurations through OpenVPN or L2TP. This will let you connect to a ZoogVPN server, but you don’t get its kill switch, and it’s obviously a pain to switch protocols (you’d have to set it up all over again).

You can also connect to the free servers on your router, but that will probably use up your monthly data limit in a hurry. Setting up a VPN on your router is the best way to protect all your non-compatible devices. If you’re looking to do this, I recommend you try one of the top VPNs for routers since they’re compatible with more brands and offer more security features.

Simultaneous Device Connections

ZoogVPN lets you connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Most VPNs only let you set up on 5 devices, so this is quite generous. I tested this out by connecting ZoogVPN to my Android phone, 2 Windows laptops, and my Android TV. I could stream YouTube on all of them at the same time without any buffering or quality issues, so it works as advertised.