Compare ExpressVPN, Thunder VPN, and Turbo VPN: Which App is the Best?

Thunder VPN delivers a solid foundation of core VPN features that meet the basic needs of most users. The app's feature set is straightforward and focused on simplicity rather than advanced functionality, which aligns well with its target audience of casual VPN users.

Key features we found most valuable include:

• Unlimited Bandwidth: Unlike many free VPNs that impose data caps, Thunder VPN offers truly unlimited data usage, making it suitable for streaming and heavy browsing
• One-Tap Connection: The interface is designed for simplicity with a prominent connect button that automatically selects the best server
• Global Server Network: Access to servers worldwide for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing blocked content
• No Registration Required: Users can start using the VPN immediately without creating accounts or providing personal information
• Manual Server Selection: Choose specific server locations for optimal performance
• Minimal Advertising: Much less intrusive ads compared to other free VPNs

However, Thunder VPN lacks many advanced features that users expect from premium VPN services. There's no kill switch to protect against connection drops, no split tunneling to route specific apps through the VPN, and no specialized servers for streaming or torrenting. The server selection is limited compared to premium alternatives.

While the core features work well for basic privacy and geo-unblocking needs, power users will find the feature set limiting. For users who need advanced features like kill switches, split tunneling, or specialized servers, alternatives like Proton VPN offer more comprehensive free tiers, while NordVPN provides extensive advanced features for premium users.

We rate features at 7.5 out of 10—good for basic VPN needs with better user experience than most free alternatives, but lacking the depth that serious users require.

Turbo VPN delivers a solid foundation of core VPN features that meet the basic needs of most users. The app's feature set is straightforward and focused on simplicity rather than advanced functionality, which aligns well with its target audience of casual VPN users.

Key features we found most valuable include:

• Unlimited Bandwidth: Unlike many free VPNs that impose data caps, Turbo VPN offers truly unlimited data usage, making it suitable for streaming and heavy browsing
• One-Tap Connection: The interface is designed for simplicity with a prominent connect button that automatically selects the best server
• Global Server Network: Access to servers worldwide for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing blocked content
• No Registration Required: Users can start using the VPN immediately without creating accounts or providing personal information
• Automatic Server Selection: Smart selection of the fastest available server based on your location
• Military-Grade Encryption: AES 128-bit encryption for secure connections

However, Turbo VPN lacks many advanced features that users expect from premium VPN services. There's no kill switch to protect against connection drops, no split tunneling to route specific apps through the VPN, and no specialized servers for streaming or torrenting. The server selection is limited compared to premium alternatives, and there's no way to manually choose specific server locations in the free version.

While the core features work well for basic privacy and geo-unblocking needs, power users will find the feature set limiting. For users who need advanced features like kill switches, split tunneling, or specialized servers, alternatives like Proton VPN offer more comprehensive free tiers, while NordVPN provides extensive advanced features for premium users.

We rate features at 6.0 out of 10—good for basic VPN needs but lacking the depth and reliability that serious users require.

Turbo VPN's performance presents a mixed picture that reflects the challenges of maintaining a free VPN service with heavy advertising monetization. While the app can deliver fast connections when working properly, reliability issues and the advertising model significantly impact the overall performance experience.

Performance strengths include:

• Fast Connection Speeds: When connected, users report good speeds for browsing and streaming
• Quick Connection Times: The app connects to servers relatively quickly when the connection is stable
• Global Server Network: Access to servers worldwide provides good coverage for geo-unblocking
• Lightweight App: The app itself is relatively small and doesn't consume excessive system resources

However, significant performance issues undermine the user experience:

• Frequent Connection Drops: Users consistently report that connections drop frequently, requiring reconnection
• Inconsistent Reliability: Connection quality varies significantly between sessions and servers
• Advertising Interruptions: The requirement to watch 4 ads for basic actions creates artificial delays that impact perceived performance
• Premium Version Issues: Even paid users report slow speeds and disconnection issues
• Connection Instability: Many users report that the VPN disconnects after a few minutes of use

User reviews reveal a pattern of performance degradation, with newer reviews showing more complaints about connection stability and speed issues. The app's heavy reliance on advertising revenue may be impacting server quality and maintenance, leading to the performance decline observed in recent reviews.

For users seeking reliable performance, alternatives like Proton VPN offer more consistent free performance with better server maintenance, while NordVPN provides premium performance with dedicated servers and better reliability guarantees.

We rate performance at 5.5 out of 10—good speeds when working but undermined by frequent connection drops and advertising interruptions that create an inconsistent and frustrating user experience.

Thunder VPN's design philosophy centers on simplicity and user experience, which works exceptionally well for its target audience. The interface is clean, intuitive, and focuses on functionality rather than flashy design elements.

Design strengths we observed include:

• Clean Interface: The main screen features a simple, intuitive layout with the connect button as the focal point
• Clear Visual Feedback: Connection status is clearly indicated with color-coded states (connected/disconnected)
• Minimalist Approach: The app avoids overwhelming users with complex settings or technical jargon
• Consistent Branding: The visual design maintains consistency across different screens
• Accessible Design: Large buttons and clear text make it usable for users of all technical levels
• Minimal Advertising: The app's focus on user experience means less intrusive advertising

The design experience is significantly better than competitors like Turbo VPN and Now VPN, with much less advertising interruption. Users consistently praise the app's clean interface and ease of use, making it one of the most user-friendly free VPNs available.

While the core interface design is solid, some users report that the app requires keeping the window open to maintain connections, which can be inconvenient. However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall design quality.

For users who value a clean, uninterrupted interface, Thunder VPN offers one of the best free experiences available. Alternatives like Proton VPN offer similar design quality with better privacy protection, while Windscribe VPN provides a comparable free experience with fewer restrictions.

We rate design at 8.0 out of 10—excellent design principles with minimal advertising that creates a genuinely user-friendly experience.

Turbo VPN's design philosophy centers on simplicity and accessibility, which works well for its target audience of casual VPN users. The interface is clean and uncluttered, with a prominent connect button that makes the core functionality immediately obvious to new users.

Design strengths we observed include:

• Clean Interface: The main screen features a simple, intuitive layout with the connect button as the focal point
• Clear Visual Feedback: Connection status is clearly indicated with color-coded states (connected/disconnected)
• Minimalist Approach: The app avoids overwhelming users with complex settings or technical jargon
• Consistent Branding: The visual design maintains consistency across different screens
• Accessible Design: Large buttons and clear text make it usable for users of all technical levels

However, the design experience is significantly compromised by the advertising model. The requirement to watch 4 ads to connect and 4 more to disconnect creates a jarring user experience that breaks the otherwise clean interface. Users frequently mention that the ads feel intrusive and disrupt the app's flow, making what should be a simple action feel cumbersome.

Additionally, the ads themselves are often inappropriate or malicious, with users reporting redirects to scam websites and inappropriate content. This undermines the otherwise user-friendly design and makes the app feel more like an advertising platform than a privacy tool.

While the core interface design is solid, the advertising intrusions significantly impact the overall design experience. For users who value a clean, uninterrupted interface, alternatives like Proton VPN offer a more polished design without advertising interruptions, while Windscribe VPN provides a cleaner free experience with less aggressive monetization.

We rate design at 5.5 out of 10—good core design principles undermined by intrusive advertising that compromises the user experience.

Turbo VPN's value proposition is fundamentally compromised by its advertising model and billing practices, creating a confusing experience where the free tier's value is undermined by its own monetization strategy.

Value strengths include:

• Truly Free Core Service: Unlimited bandwidth and server access without time limits or data caps
• No Upfront Costs: Users can start using the VPN immediately without payment or registration
• Unlimited Usage: Unlike many free VPNs, there are no daily or monthly data limits
• Global Server Access: Free access to servers worldwide for geo-unblocking
• No Registration Required: Start using the service immediately without providing personal information

However, the free tier's value is significantly compromised by the advertising model:

• Intrusive Advertising: 4 ads to connect and 4 to disconnect make the free experience frustrating
• Malicious Ads: Users report ads that redirect to scam websites and inappropriate content
• Poor User Experience: The advertising interruptions often make the free tier feel more like a trial than a genuine free service
• Billing Issues: Users report unauthorized charges and poor customer support for billing problems

The premium pricing is more reasonable than Now VPN ($0.99-$69.99), but the billing issues and poor customer support undermine confidence in the service. Premium VPN services like NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive features, better privacy protection, and more transparent pricing for similar or lower costs.

For users seeking genuine value, alternatives like Proton VPN offer a more generous free tier with better privacy protection and fewer restrictions, while Windscribe VPN provides a more respectful free experience with clearer upgrade paths.

We rate value for money at 5.5 out of 10—good value in theory but severely undermined by advertising and billing issues that make the free experience feel more like a trial than a genuine free service.

Thunder VPN excels in basic usability with its one-tap connection approach, making it one of the most accessible VPN apps for beginners. The core functionality is genuinely simple and requires no technical knowledge to operate effectively.

Usability strengths include:

• One-Tap Connection: The primary action is as simple as tapping a single button—no configuration or technical setup required
• No Registration: Users can start using the VPN immediately without creating accounts or providing personal information
• Automatic Server Selection: The app handles server selection automatically, removing the complexity of choosing optimal servers
• Clear Status Indicators: Connection status is immediately visible with clear visual feedback
• Cross-Platform Consistency: The interface works similarly across Android and iOS devices
• Minimal Advertising: Much less intrusive than competitors like Turbo VPN and Now VPN

However, the ease of use is somewhat undermined by connection stability issues. Users report that the app requires keeping the window open to maintain connections, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, frequent connection drops require reconnection, which interrupts the user experience.

While the core interface is genuinely easy to use, the connection stability issues compromise the overall user experience. For users seeking a truly hassle-free VPN experience, alternatives like Proton VPN offer a cleaner free tier with better connection stability, while Windscribe VPN provides a more reliable free experience.

We rate ease of use at 7.0 out of 10—excellent core usability with good interface design, but undermined by connection stability issues that require user intervention.

Turbo VPN's ease of use is fundamentally compromised by its advertising model, despite having a simple core interface. While the app's basic functionality is straightforward, the requirement to watch multiple ads for basic actions creates a frustrating user experience.

Usability strengths include:

• One-Tap Connection: The primary action is as simple as tapping a single button—no configuration or technical setup required
• No Registration: Users can start using the VPN immediately without creating accounts or providing personal information
• Automatic Server Selection: The app handles server selection automatically, removing the complexity of choosing optimal servers
• Clear Status Indicators: Connection status is immediately visible with clear visual feedback
• Cross-Platform Consistency: The interface works similarly across Android and iOS devices

However, the ease of use is severely undermined by the advertising model and forced interactions. The requirement to watch 4 ads to connect and 4 more to disconnect transforms what should be a simple one-tap action into a frustrating experience. Users consistently report that these ads make the app feel "pushy" and interrupt their workflow.

Additionally, the ads themselves are often inappropriate or malicious, with users reporting redirects to scam websites and inappropriate content. This creates a poor user experience that goes beyond simple inconvenience and into potentially harmful territory.

While the core interface is genuinely easy to use, the advertising interruptions and forced interactions significantly compromise the overall user experience. For users seeking a truly hassle-free VPN experience, alternatives like Proton VPN offer a cleaner free tier without forced interactions, while Windscribe VPN provides a more respectful free experience with fewer interruptions.

We rate ease of use at 4.5 out of 10—excellent core usability severely undermined by advertising interruptions that make simple actions unnecessarily complex and potentially harmful.

Thunder VPN's security and privacy practices present a mixed picture that raises some concerns for privacy-conscious users. While the app claims to offer secure connections and privacy protection, several factors undermine confidence in its privacy commitments.

Security strengths include:

• Encrypted Connections: The app provides encrypted tunnels for data transmission, protecting users on public WiFi networks
• No Registration Required: Users can use the service without providing personal information or creating accounts
• Basic Privacy Protection: IP address masking and location spoofing for basic privacy needs
• Standard VPN Protocols: Uses established VPN protocols for secure connections
• No-Logging Policy: Claims to maintain a strict no-logging policy

However, some privacy concerns emerge from user feedback and business practices:

• US-Based Developer: The developer is located in the United States, which raises questions about data jurisdiction and potential government access
• No Independent Audits: Unlike premium VPNs, Thunder VPN hasn't undergone third-party security audits to verify its privacy claims
• Data Harvesting Concerns: Some users report concerns about data harvesting, though this isn't explicitly confirmed
• No Transparency Reports: No public transparency reports about government requests or data handling practices
• Free Service Concerns: The completely free model raises questions about how the service is monetized

User reviews reveal mixed experiences, with some users praising the app's privacy features while others express concerns about data collection. The lack of transparency about the service's data handling practices further undermines trust.

For users who prioritize privacy and security, alternatives like Proton VPN offer Swiss-based privacy protection with independent audits and transparency reports, while Windscribe VPN provides Canadian privacy protection with more transparent data handling practices.

We rate security and privacy at 6.0 out of 10—basic security features present but concerns about data handling, jurisdiction, and transparency that compromise trust in the service.

Turbo VPN's security and privacy practices present significant concerns that raise legitimate questions about the service's trustworthiness. While the app claims to offer secure connections and privacy protection, several factors undermine confidence in its privacy commitments.

Security strengths include:

• Encrypted Connections: The app provides encrypted tunnels for data transmission, protecting users on public WiFi networks
• No Registration Required: Users can use the service without providing personal information or creating accounts
• Basic Privacy Protection: IP address masking and location spoofing for basic privacy needs
• Standard VPN Protocols: Uses established VPN protocols for secure connections

However, significant privacy concerns emerge from the business model and operational practices:

• Singapore-Based Developer: The developer is located in Singapore, which raises questions about data jurisdiction and potential government access
• No Independent Audits: Unlike premium VPNs, Turbo VPN hasn't undergone third-party security audits to verify its privacy claims
• Advertising Revenue Model: The heavy reliance on advertising suggests potential data collection for ad targeting, though this isn't explicitly disclosed
• No Transparency Reports: No public transparency reports about government requests or data handling practices
• Free Service Concerns: The completely free model raises questions about how the service is monetized and whether user data is being sold

User reviews reveal additional concerns about the authenticity of the service, with reports of unauthorized charges and poor customer support. This lack of transparency about the service's legitimacy further undermines trust in its privacy practices.

For users who prioritize privacy and security, alternatives like Proton VPN offer Swiss-based privacy protection with independent audits and transparency reports, while Windscribe VPN provides Canadian privacy protection with more transparent data handling practices.

We rate security and privacy at 5.0 out of 10—basic security features present but significant concerns about data handling, jurisdiction, and transparency that compromise trust in the service.