Compare Brave Browser VPN, NordVPN, and Cool VPN Pro: Which App is the Best?

Cool VPN Pro offers a respectable feature set that covers the essentials of VPN functionality. The app advertises thousands of servers across multiple countries, which is competitive for this price range. The ability to automatically connect based on network type (Wi-Fi or cellular) adds convenience for users who want constant protection.

The app-specific VPN routing stands out, letting you choose which applications use the VPN connection while others access the internet directly. This flexibility proves useful when you need VPN protection for specific apps but want normal speeds for others. The one-tap connection interface makes getting online quick—when it works properly.

The feature set feels somewhat basic compared to premium competitors. Split-tunneling for websites is absent, server information is limited, and the selection process lacks granularity. Detailed connection statistics and advanced security options that power users expect are missing. The promised "unparalleled VPN performance" in the app description doesn't match what users actually experience.

The core VPN features are present, but execution has become inconsistent. Advertised features like "one-tap connection" now frequently result in extended "network optimization" screens that never resolve. Reliability is a feature in itself for VPN apps, and Cool VPN Pro's recent struggles here significantly impact the overall rating.

Performance is where Cool VPN Pro's current struggles become most apparent. The app's overall 4.8-star rating tells one story, but the recent 3.86-star average from the last 100 reviews tells another. This significant drop reflects widespread performance issues that have emerged recently.

Connection reliability is the primary concern. Numerous recent reviews report that the app gets stuck on "network optimization" screens and fails to establish connections. Some users mention waiting 10 minutes or more for connections that never complete. Others report that the app simply "doesn't work" at all, despite previously functioning normally. This inconsistency is particularly problematic for a VPN service where reliability is paramount.

When connections do establish, speed performance is mixed. Some users report adequate speeds for browsing and streaming, with one reviewer praising "blazing fast, unlimited speed." However, an equal number complain about extremely slow connections—one user described speeds of "3 kbit per second," which is essentially unusable. This wide variance suggests inconsistent server quality or capacity issues.

The app's stability has also deteriorated. Multiple reviews mention increased crashes, freezing, and unexpected disconnections. Battery drain is mentioned by several users, suggesting the app may not be efficiently managing system resources. The long loading times and "optimization progress not ended" errors indicate potential server-side or network infrastructure problems that the developers haven't adequately addressed.

Server availability appears inconsistent as well, with some users reporting that "all servers are down" during their attempts to connect. While it works reliably for some users (particularly those in certain regions like Iran and Myanmar where it remains popular), the overall performance trajectory is concerning. For a VPN service at any price point, the level of connection failures and performance issues we've documented is difficult to justify.

The design of Cool VPN Pro follows a fairly standard VPN app layout with a prominent connection button as the centerpiece. The interface is straightforward with minimal distractions, which makes it approachable for users who aren't technically savvy. The color scheme is simple, and the main connection status is clearly visible.

Navigation between servers and settings is uncomplicated, with most options accessible within a few taps. The server list is organized by country with flags for easy identification, and connection status indicators use familiar colors (red for disconnected, green for connected). This conventional approach works well enough for basic functionality.

However, the design feels dated compared to modern VPN apps like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, which have invested heavily in polished, intuitive interfaces. The visual hierarchy could be improved, and some screens feel cluttered with promotional content for premium features. The design lacks the sophistication and attention to detail that makes premium apps feel premium.

The biggest design issue is the intrusive advertisement placement in the free version. Multiple users complain about ads appearing at inconvenient moments, disrupting the user experience. While monetization through ads is understandable, the implementation here feels aggressive and detracts from the overall design quality.

NordVPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The map-based server selection is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries.

The app's design is clean and professional, with a dark theme that's easy on the eyes. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the kill switch toggle is easily accessible. The settings menu is well-organized, allowing users to customize their experience without feeling overwhelmed.

However, some users have reported issues with the interface, particularly around server selection and connection management. The app can sometimes feel clunky when switching between servers, and the connection process isn't always as smooth as advertised. The recent interface updates have received mixed feedback from users.

Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's design is competitive but not exceptional. The interface is functional and professional, but it lacks some of the polish and refinement found in newer VPN services.

Cool VPN Pro's value proposition is complicated. The free tier exists, which technically makes it accessible to anyone, but the ad-heavy experience and limited server access mean you're getting what you pay for—or less. Based on user feedback, the free version has become increasingly restricted and difficult to use without constant ad interruptions.

The premium pricing (€2.69 to €104.99) sits below what you'd pay for premium services like ExpressVPN, making it appear competitive. However, value isn't just about the price—it's about what you receive for that price. With Cool VPN Pro's declining reliability and increasing connection issues, the question becomes whether saving a few euros monthly is worth the frustration of a VPN that doesn't consistently work.

Users who subscribed when the service was more reliable express disappointment with recent performance degradation. Several reviews mention that "it was wonderful when it was free" or that the service has declined since they first started using it. This suggests that the value equation has shifted negatively over time, with the company perhaps struggling to maintain service quality as it scales.

Compared to Brave Private Browser's integrated VPN features or even AVG Secure VPN's straightforward offering, Cool VPN Pro doesn't clearly differentiate itself on value. The extensive advertisements, reliability issues, and lack of transparency about server quality make it difficult to recommend as a strong value option, even at its lower price point. If you need a VPN that consistently works, spending a bit more on a proven service might ultimately provide better value.

NordVPN's value proposition is mixed, with strong security features but questionable reliability for the premium price. The service offers comprehensive security features, extensive server network, and good performance when working properly. The ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously is generous for most users.

However, the service's value is significantly impacted by connection stability issues and customer service challenges. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service.

The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, but the connection issues make it difficult to justify the cost. Users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection problems might find value in the service, but those seeking reliability and performance might be better served by alternatives like Proton VPN.

Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN offers more features but at a significantly higher cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

When Cool VPN Pro works as intended, it's reasonably easy to use. The basic concept is simple: open the app, tap the connect button, and you're protected. For users who just want to bypass regional restrictions without diving into technical settings, the straightforward approach has merit. First-time users can get connected without reading documentation or watching tutorials.

The app provides some helpful automation features, like the option to auto-connect when joining specific networks. Setting these up is relatively intuitive, and they work reliably once configured. Server switching is straightforward, with a simple list interface that lets you select your desired location quickly.

However, ease of use breaks down when things don't work smoothly. A significant number of recent reviews mention getting stuck on loading screens, particularly the "network optimization" phase. When connection attempts fail, error messages are often vague and don't provide actionable solutions. This creates frustration, especially for less technical users who don't know how to troubleshoot VPN connection issues.

The free version's ad interruptions also impact usability. Users report that ads appear when trying to connect or switch servers, adding friction to what should be a seamless process. Additionally, the distinction between free and premium features isn't always clear upfront, leading to confusion when certain servers or options are locked behind the paywall.

Cool VPN Pro claims a no-logs policy, stating it doesn't track or keep logs of user activities. The app advertises a "high safe encryption algorithm" for securing connections on public Wi-Fi. These are standard VPN privacy claims, but the lack of transparency about specific encryption protocols raises concerns.

Unlike premium VPN services that undergo independent security audits and publish detailed transparency reports, Cool VPN Pro provides limited information about its security practices. The privacy policy exists but isn't as comprehensive or clear as what you'd find with established providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. There's no mention of independent audits or third-party verification of their no-logs claims.

The app requires various permissions, which is normal for VPN functionality, but the privacy implications of the extensive ad network integration in the free version aren't clearly disclosed. When you're using a VPN partly for privacy, having multiple advertising SDKs tracking your behavior creates an inherent contradiction. Premium subscribers avoid this issue, but free users should be aware of the trade-off.

The company is registered in Singapore (HOPE DEVE PTE. LTD.), which has reasonable data protection laws, but it's not in a jurisdiction known for strong privacy protections like Switzerland or Iceland. The lack of clear information about server ownership (owned vs. rented) and data handling practices makes it difficult to fully assess the privacy posture. For users primarily concerned with bypassing geo-restrictions rather than maximum privacy, these concerns may be less critical.

NordVPN takes security and privacy seriously, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN and NordLynx. The kill switch protection ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops.

The service's no-logs policy is comprehensive and has been verified by independent security firms. NordVPN is based in Panama, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like double VPN and split tunneling for enhanced security.

However, NordVPN has faced some security concerns in the past, including a data breach in 2019. While the company has since improved its security practices, some users remain concerned about the service's track record. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers.

Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features.