Cool VPN Pro offers budget-friendly VPN access with thousands of servers, but recent reliability issues and a declining rating (3.86 in last 100 reviews vs 4.8 overall) raise concerns about connection stability and service quality. | DeepSeek AI is a completely free AI assistant powered by a 600B+ parameter model, offering high-quality responses for coding, writing, and general questions without any subscription fees or usage limits. | |||||||||
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 5.8 | 7.8 Winner in this category | ||||||||
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ | ||||||||
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free | ||||||||
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. | ![]() Downloads | ![]() Downloads | ||||||||
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. | ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 7.0 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. | 8.5 DeepSeek AI has a solid set of features that make it a great alternative to paid AI assistants. It does more than just answer questions - it's like having a smart friend who can help with pretty much anything. Here's what we really liked: 1. The AI is really smart This thing is powered by a massive AI model with over 600 billion parameters. That's a lot of brainpower! It can handle complex questions, coding problems, and analytical tasks really well. 2. It shows its work Unlike most AI assistants, DeepSeek actually shows you how it thinks through problems. This is especially helpful when you're learning something new or debugging code. It breaks everything down step by step. 3. It's completely free No catch, no hidden fees, no premium tiers. You get unlimited access to this powerful AI without paying anything. That's pretty rare these days. 4. It works everywhere Whether you're on Android or iOS, the experience is the same. No need to worry about compatibility issues. The main downsides:
But for basic AI chat and coding help, it's really solid. We give features an 8.5 - it does the core stuff really well, but could use some extra bells and whistles. Winner in this category | ||||||||
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 4.5 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. | 6.5 Performance is a bit hit or miss with DeepSeek AI. When it's working well, it's great. When it's not, it can be frustrating. When everything is running smoothly, the app responds quickly and works without any lag. The AI processes your questions fast and gives good answers. It works consistently across different devices, so you get the same experience whether you're on Android or iOS. What works well:
The problem is that the servers seem to get overloaded a lot. You'll often see "server busy" messages, and sometimes the app just doesn't work at all. The recent drop in ratings from 4.2 to 3.98 stars suggests this is an ongoing issue. Common issues users report:
It's not the app's fault - it's more about server capacity and infrastructure. But it definitely affects how useful the app is. We give performance a 6.5 - good when it works, but the reliability issues are a real problem. Winner in this category | ||||||||
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 6.5 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. | 7.5 The design is clean and straightforward. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done without getting in your way. We like how simple it is to use. The chat interface looks familiar - just like any messaging app you've used before. The text is easy to read, and the buttons are where you'd expect them to be. It works well on both phones and tablets, and the layout adjusts nicely to different screen sizes. The app doesn't try to be flashy, which is actually kind of refreshing. What we liked:
The downside? It's pretty basic looking. No cool animations or fancy themes. Some people might find it boring, but we think it's actually better this way - less distraction, more focus on the AI responses. We give design a 7.5 - it's functional and clean, but could use a bit more personality. Winner in this category | ||||||||
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 5.0 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. | 9.5 This is where DeepSeek AI really shines. It's completely free, and we mean completely free. No ads, no premium features, no hidden costs. What you get for free:
Compare this to ChatGPT Plus at $20/month or other paid AI services, and it's pretty amazing. You're getting similar quality for zero cost.
The only reason it's not a perfect 10 is that some people might want extra features like voice input, image generation, or plugins that you'd get with paid services. But for basic AI chat and coding help, you can't beat the value. We give value for money a 9.5 - it's basically free AI assistance that works really well. Winner in this category | ||||||||
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 6.0 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. | 8.0 This might be the easiest AI assistant we've ever used. Seriously, you can start using it right away without any setup. Download the app, open it, and start typing. That's it. No account needed, no complicated settings to figure out. It works the same way on both Android and iOS, so if you switch phones, you won't have to relearn anything. What makes it so easy:
The only annoying thing is that sometimes you get "server busy" messages when the app is overloaded. And there's not much guidance for new users on how to get the best results. But overall, it's really user-friendly. We give ease of use an 8.0 - it's super simple to use, though the occasional server issues can be frustrating. Winner in this category | ||||||||
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 5.5 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. | 7.0 Privacy is a mixed bag with DeepSeek AI. On the plus side, you don't need an account to use it, which means they're not collecting your email or personal info. What we liked:
The downside? It's an AI assistant, so it has to process and store your conversations to work. They probably use your chats to improve their AI model, which is pretty standard for these apps. They don't sell your data to third parties, which is good. But you should know that your conversations are being processed and stored somewhere. It's more private than apps that require accounts and collect lots of personal info, but less private than apps that keep everything on your device. We give privacy a 7.0 - reasonable for an AI assistant, but not perfect. Winner in this category | ||||||||
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Cool VPN Pro finds itself at a crossroads. While it has built a substantial user base of over 10 million downloads and maintains a historically strong 4.8-star rating, the recent performance decline tells a different story. The sharp drop to 3.86 stars in the most recent 100 reviews reflects growing frustration with connection failures, excessive advertisements, and reliability issues that have emerged over time. For users primarily seeking to bypass internet restrictions in regions with heavy censorship, Cool VPN Pro still serves a purpose, particularly given its lower price point and accessibility through a free tier. The app works adequately for some users, especially those who successfully connect and maintain stable sessions. However, the inconsistent performance makes it difficult to recommend with confidence. The core issue is reliability. A VPN needs to work when you need it, and Cool VPN Pro increasingly fails this fundamental test. The frequent connection failures, long optimization delays, and server availability problems create an unpredictable experience. When you're paying for a service—even a budget one—you should expect consistent functionality. If you're considering Cool VPN Pro, we'd recommend exploring more established alternatives first. NordVPN and ExpressVPN cost more but deliver significantly better reliability and performance. Brave Private Browser offers integrated VPN features with better transparency, while AVG Secure VPN provides a straightforward, reliable option without the connection issues. The money saved on Cool VPN Pro's lower pricing may end up costing you more in time and frustration dealing with a service that doesn't consistently deliver on its promises. | DeepSeek AI stands out as a compelling free alternative to paid AI assistants, offering impressive capabilities powered by its advanced 600B+ parameter model. While it has some performance and accuracy limitations, the fact that it's completely free makes it an excellent choice for users who want powerful AI assistance without the cost. The app particularly shines for coding and technical tasks, with many users praising its ability to provide detailed, step-by-step solutions. For those willing to work around occasional server issues and minor accuracy concerns, DeepSeek AI delivers exceptional value. | ||||||||
| Our Recommendation | ||||||||||