Compare Poe AI Chat and Cool VPN Pro: Which App is the Best?
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. | Poe is a comprehensive AI chat platform that brings together the best AI models in one place, offering everything from text conversations to image and video generation with a user-friendly interface. | |
| 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 | 8.4 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. | 9.0 Poe delivers an impressive array of AI features that truly sets it apart from other chat applications. During our testing, we found access to multiple cutting-edge AI models including GPT-4.5, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and Gemini 2.0, all working seamlessly within a single interface. This multi-model approach allows users to compare responses and choose the best AI for their specific needs. Key features that stood out during our testing include:
User reviews consistently praise the quality and speed of AI responses, with many noting that Poe provides "detailed explanations" and "fast response" times. The app's ability to handle complex queries while maintaining conversational flow impressed us during testing. However, some users mentioned limitations with the free tier's point system, which can restrict heavy usage. We rate features at 9.0—excellent overall capabilities with room for improvement in the freemium model. 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. | 8.5 The app performs seamlessly, allowing you to chat with AI models without any lag or interruptions. We found consistently fast response times and reliable functionality, though there are some technical issues that occasionally impact the user experience. Performance highlights include:
User reviews frequently praise Poe's performance, with comments like "fast response, detailed explanation" and "extremely important and reliable." Many users appreciate the quick turnaround time for AI responses, which is crucial for maintaining engaging conversations. However, some users report occasional issues including app crashes, with one user noting "just kicks me out of the app" during use. The point system's daily reset can also cause performance-related frustrations when users hit their limits. Overall, Poe delivers solid performance that supports its core functionality well, with room for improvement in stability. We rate performance at 8.5—strong overall performance with occasional technical issues. 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. | 8.5 The design is clean and intuitive, making it easy to get started right away. We loved the minimalist approach that puts the focus on conversations rather than distracting visual elements. What users love most is the intuitive chat interface and the well-organized model selection. It's super easy to navigate and quickly find what you need. The conversation layout is straightforward and easy to follow, with clear distinction between user messages and AI responses. Design highlights we appreciated include:
User reviews frequently mention the app's "user-friendly interface" and "smooth" experience. Many users appreciate how the design doesn't interfere with the core functionality of AI conversations. However, some users noted that the point system interface could be clearer, and a few mentioned that the app occasionally feels "guilt-tripping" when promoting premium features. The overall design successfully creates an environment where users can focus on their AI interactions without unnecessary distractions. We rate design at 8.5—strong visual appeal with minor areas for improvement in user guidance. 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. | 8.0 Poe's value proposition is strong, particularly when considering the quality and variety of AI models available. Our analysis of the freemium model reveals a thoughtful balance between accessibility and premium features, though the point system in the free tier has generated mixed user reactions. Value considerations include:
User reviews reflect this mixed value perception. Many users praise the app as "the best AI ever" and appreciate the free access to powerful models. However, some users express frustration with the point system, noting that it can feel limiting for heavy usage. Comments like "all the app seems to do is just guilt trip you into giving them money" indicate that the freemium model's limitations are noticeable. For casual users, the free tier provides excellent value, while power users will find the premium subscription worthwhile for unlimited access. We rate value for money at 8.0—good overall value with some friction in the freemium model. 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. | 9.0 We can't think of a simpler AI chat app to start with than this one. The best part? It works seamlessly right out of the box, no complex setup needed. Installing it is a breeze, and you can easily start chatting with AI models almost immediately. Once installed, the interface is intuitive and easy to grasp. The chat interface feels familiar and intuitive, similar to popular messaging apps. Ease of use highlights include:
User reviews consistently praise Poe's ease of use, with comments like "makes my life easy," "very interactive," and "answers all of my questions politely and friendly." Many users appreciate how the app simplifies complex AI interactions into natural conversations. However, some users mentioned confusion about the point system and occasional app crashes that can interrupt the user experience. The email verification requirement for certain features was also noted as a potential barrier. Overall, Poe successfully demystifies AI technology for everyday users. We rate ease of use at 9.0—excellent accessibility with minor technical issues. 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. | 7.5 Poe's security and privacy practices present a mixed picture that requires careful consideration. We found that the app does implement some positive privacy measures, but there are areas where user data protection could be improved. Security and privacy considerations include:
User reviews show mixed feelings about privacy, with some users expressing concerns about data collection while others appreciate the transparency about how their data is used. The fact that conversations are processed by multiple AI providers means users should be mindful about sharing sensitive information. While Poe's privacy practices are generally in line with industry standards for AI chat applications, users seeking maximum privacy should be aware that their conversations are not end-to-end encrypted and may be used for AI training. We rate security and privacy at 7.5—adequate protection with room for improvement in data handling transparency. 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. | Poe stands out as one of the most comprehensive AI chat platforms available. It brings together multiple cutting-edge AI models in a single, well-designed interface. Our testing showed consistently high-quality responses and a smooth user experience that makes AI interactions feel natural and productive. The app's versatility is its biggest strength. Whether you need help with research, creative writing, coding, or just casual conversation, Poe provides the right AI tools for the job. The point system in the free version might limit heavy users, but the premium subscription offers excellent value for those who rely on AI assistance regularly. With its combination of powerful AI models, custom bot creation, and multimedia generation capabilities, Poe represents the future of AI interaction. We highly recommend it for anyone serious about leveraging AI technology. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
