Compare Cool VPN Pro and VPN Proxy Master: 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. | VPN Proxy Master is a popular free VPN service with 100M+ downloads and 4.8/5 rating, offering unlimited free access and 6,700+ servers, though it comes with significant advertising and connection stability issues. | |
| 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 Winner in this category | 5.8 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. Winner in this category | 7.0 VPN Proxy Master offers a solid set of features for a free VPN service, with unlimited data access and an extensive server network of 6,700+ servers worldwide. The service includes military-grade encryption, multiple VPN protocols (IPsec, ISSR, OpenVPN, SSR), and support for up to 10 devices simultaneously. What sets VPN Proxy Master apart is its completely free tier with no data caps or time limits, making it accessible to users who cannot afford premium VPN services. Unlike Proton VPN without ads, VPN Proxy Master relies on heavy advertising. The service offers good server coverage for basic geo-blocking and content access, and the one-tap connection interface makes it easy to use for beginners. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in premium VPNs, such as kill switch protection, split tunneling, and specialized servers for streaming or torrenting. The free model also means limited customer support and no advanced security features that premium services typically offer. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master offers more generous free features but with significant limitations in terms of reliability and user experience. The service provides basic VPN functionality but cannot compete with premium alternatives in terms of advanced features. 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. | 5.0 VPN Proxy Master's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and server coverage, but the frequent disconnections and advertising make it difficult to use reliably. The service works well for basic geo-blocking and content access when connected, but many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The advertising also impacts performance, making the app slow and unresponsive at times. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the free model. Users expect basic functionality from a free service, but VPN Proxy Master's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with better performance. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's performance is below average. The connection stability issues and advertising make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer similar features with better performance and fewer limitations. 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. Winner in this category | 5.5 VPN Proxy Master's interface is simple and functional, with a clean design that focuses on ease of use. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls and server selection, making it easy for users to connect to the VPN with minimal technical knowledge. The app's design is straightforward with a dark theme and clear connection status indicators. The server selection process is intuitive, and the one-tap connection feature works as advertised. The interface is generally user-friendly and doesn't overwhelm users with complex options. However, the design is significantly impacted by excessive advertising that can make the app practically unusable. Many users report that ads interfere with the core functionality, and the app can become slow and unresponsive due to the heavy ad load. The advertising also affects the overall user experience and makes the interface feel cluttered. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's design is basic but functional. The interface works for basic VPN needs, but the excessive advertising significantly detracts from the user experience and makes it difficult to recommend over alternatives with cleaner interfaces. |
| 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. | 6.0 VPN Proxy Master's value proposition is mixed, with the completely free tier offering good value for basic VPN needs, but the advertising and connection issues significantly impact the overall value. The service provides unlimited free access with no data caps, which is generous compared to other free VPNs. The service offers good server coverage and basic VPN functionality without requiring payment, making it accessible to users who cannot afford premium VPN services. Unlike Proton VPN without ads, VPN Proxy Master relies on heavy advertising. The free tier includes most essential features needed for basic geo-blocking and content access. However, the service's value is significantly impacted by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. Many users report that the ads make the app practically unusable, and the frequent connection drops reduce the practical value of the free service. The premium subscription is necessary for a usable experience, but the pricing is competitive with other VPN services. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master offers more generous free features but with significant limitations. The advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with fewer limitations. 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. Winner in this category | 6.0 VPN Proxy Master is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process that requires no technical knowledge. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without any setup or configuration. The service offers automatic server selection and connection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require registration or account creation, which simplifies the setup process. The connection process is straightforward and works well when the service is functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is significantly compromised by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. Many users report that ads interfere with the connection process, and the app can become slow and unresponsive due to the heavy ad load. The frequent connection drops also make the service frustrating to use. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with fewer limitations. 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. Winner in this category | 5.5 VPN Proxy Master offers basic security features with military-grade encryption and multiple VPN protocols, but the free model raises significant privacy concerns. The service uses AES-128 encryption and supports various protocols including IPsec, ISSR, OpenVPN, and SSR. The service claims to have a no-logs policy, but the free model and heavy advertising raise questions about data collection and user privacy. The service is based in Singapore, which provides some legal protection, but the free model means the service needs to monetize through other means, potentially compromising user privacy. However, the service has faced criticism for privacy concerns, particularly around data collection and the free model. Many users report concerns about the service's data practices, and the heavy advertising suggests significant data collection for targeted ads. The service also lacks transparency about its data practices and privacy policies. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's security practices are questionable. The free model and heavy advertising make it difficult to trust the service with sensitive data, and users seeking privacy protection would be better served by alternatives with more transparent privacy practices. 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. | VPN Proxy Master offers a completely free VPN service with an extensive server network, but its value proposition is severely compromised by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. The service provides basic VPN functionality for users who can tolerate the ads and connection problems, but the overall user experience is significantly impacted by these limitations.
For users seeking a reliable free VPN solution, VPN Proxy Master's advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives like Proton VPN that offer more stable free tiers. While the service offers unlimited free access, the practical usability is limited by the heavy advertising and frequent disconnections.
Ultimately, VPN Proxy Master's free model comes with significant trade-offs that may outweigh the benefits for most users. Those seeking a reliable VPN experience would be better served by alternatives like Proton VPN that offer more stable free tiers or are willing to pay for premium services that provide better performance and fewer limitations. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
