Compare Merlin AI and Psiphon VPN: Which App is the Best?
Merlin AI combines ChatGPT, Grok AI, DeepSeek, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity AI in one powerful app with 70+ AI tools. Enjoy 102 free daily queries and seamless cross-platform integration. | Psiphon VPN is an open-source circumvention tool with 100M+ downloads and 4.5/5 rating, offering internet freedom and bypassing censorship, though it has faced some recent connection issues and forced app installations. | |
| 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. | 8.3 Winner in this category | 7.1 |
| 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. | 9.0 Merlin AI has everything you'd want in an AI assistant. It brings together seven different AI models - ChatGPT, Grok AI, DeepSeek, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity AI - all in one place. This means you don't need separate subscriptions for each one. We really liked the 70+ AI tools it comes with:
The best part is how easy it is to switch between different AI models - just one tap and you're using a different AI. Plus, everything syncs across your devices so you can start a conversation on your phone and continue it on your computer. Winner in this category | 8.0 Psiphon VPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its circumvention positioning. The service includes open-source transparency, automatic protocol selection, and constantly changing servers. The service also includes advanced features like multi-language support and NGO partnerships, making it more than just a basic VPN. What sets Psiphon VPN apart is its open-source nature and internet freedom focus. The service also includes advanced features like research-backed security and NGO partnerships, making it more than just a basic VPN. However, unlike Proton VPN, it lacks some advanced privacy features like kill switch and split tunneling. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN offers good features, but the connection issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need circumvention features. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 8.0 The app runs smoothly without lag or interruptions when chatting with multiple AI models. The search function works quickly and accurately, so you can easily find your conversations. We tested it on different devices and platforms, and it performed well everywhere. The chat responses are fast, even when switching between different AI models. The cross-device sync works reliably, so you can start a conversation on your phone and pick it up later on your computer. The integration with Gmail and LinkedIn works well without delays. We did notice some occasional loading times when processing complex requests or large documents, but overall the performance is consistent and reliable for everyday use. The best part is that basic features work offline, so you can access your conversations even without an internet connection. Winner in this category | 6.0 Psiphon VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good circumvention capabilities when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and automatic protocol selection, but the frequent disconnections and loading delays make it difficult to use reliably. The service works well for basic circumvention protection when connected, but many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection issues are particularly concerning given the circumvention positioning. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the circumvention positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a circumvention tool, but Psiphon VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's performance is below average. The connection issues make it difficult to justify the circumvention positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.0 The app looks clean and modern. It's easy to find what you need without getting lost in menus. The chat interface is well-designed with clear differences between responses from different AI models. We liked how the app works the same way whether you're on Android, iOS, or desktop. It adapts nicely to different screen sizes. The dark and light theme options are a nice touch, and you can customize the interface to your liking. The mobile version works really well too - you can easily access your AI conversations on your phone without any issues. Winner in this category | 6.5 Psiphon VPN's interface strikes a basic balance between functionality and circumvention usability. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls and key settings. The interface is functional but not particularly polished, with basic attention to detail and user experience. The app's design is functional and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is basic. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features. The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about connection status and app performance. The design reflects the circumvention positioning of the service, making it suitable for users in restricted regions. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's design is functional but not as polished. The interface is basic and functional, with adequate attention to detail for circumvention users. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 9.0 Merlin AI offers great value. You can use it for free without creating an account, and you get 102 queries per day across all the major AI models. This free access to ChatGPT, Grok AI, DeepSeek, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity AI in one app saves you from needing multiple expensive subscriptions. The premium plan adds useful features like voice chat, advanced AI tools, and team collaboration. The pricing is reasonable, making it a good choice for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to boost their productivity. When we compared it to individual subscriptions for these AI services, Merlin AI saves you money while offering more convenience. You really can't find another tool that gives you this much value for so little cost. Winner in this category | 7.5 Psiphon VPN's value proposition is good for circumvention users, with open-source transparency and internet freedom features. The service offers competitive pricing compared to other circumvention tools, with the ability to get open-source circumvention for free being a significant advantage. The service's pricing is competitive with other circumvention tools, and the open-source nature makes it particularly attractive for users who want complete control and transparency. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic circumvention functionality. However, the service's value is impacted by connection stability issues and forced app installations. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Proton VPN or NordVPN. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN offers good features but at a similar cost. The connection issues make it difficult to recommend over circumvention alternatives that offer similar performance with better reliability. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 9.0 Merlin AI is one of the easiest AI assistants we've tried. You can start using it right away without any complicated setup. The free tier gives you 102 queries per day, which is plenty to test everything out. Installing it is simple, and it works great on both Android and iOS. Switching between AI models is super easy - just tap to change from ChatGPT to Grok AI to Claude, and so on. The integration with Gmail and LinkedIn works smoothly. You don't need to configure anything complicated. The free tier lets you explore all the features without committing to anything, which makes it easy to learn at your own pace. We give it a 9 out of 10 because it's really user-friendly, though some of the more advanced features might take a bit of time to figure out. Winner in this category | 6.0 Psiphon VPN is moderately easy to use for basic circumvention functionality, but requires some technical knowledge for optimal use. The app's design is functional, but most users need to understand circumvention concepts to get the best results. The service works well for most circumvention use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. The service offers automatic protocol selection and constantly changing servers, making it accessible to users with technical knowledge. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the circumvention connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most circumvention use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection issues and forced app installations. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The app can be frustrating to use due to connection issues and loading delays. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a circumvention tool. |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 7.0 For security and privacy, we give Merlin AI a 7 out of 10. The app uses standard encryption for your conversations and personal data, which is good. However, since it connects to multiple AI providers, your data might be shared with these third-party services. This is mentioned in their privacy policy, but it's something to be aware of. The app doesn't ask for unnecessary permissions, but remember that your conversations and any documents you upload are processed by external AI services. While the company is transparent about how they use data, we would have liked more control over what gets shared with which AI providers. They do a good job of being upfront about it, but some users might want more control over their data. | 8.5 Psiphon VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with open-source transparency and research-backed security technologies. The service includes automatic protocol selection and constantly changing servers. The service also includes advanced features like NGO partnerships for enhanced privacy protection. The service's privacy features are comprehensive for a circumvention solution, with open-source transparency and research-backed security. The service also includes advanced features like NGO partnerships for enhanced security and privacy protection. Psiphon VPN has an excellent security record, with open-source transparency and community oversight. The circumvention focus ensures complete transparency, and the NGO partnerships mean the highest security standards are maintained. Compared to other circumvention tools like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Psiphon VPN's security practices are excellent. The service provides the highest level of protection for users who prioritize circumvention and transparency. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Merlin AI stands out as an exceptional all-in-one AI assistant that successfully combines multiple AI models with practical tools. The generous free tier makes it accessible to everyone, while the premium features offer significant value for power users. For anyone looking to consolidate their AI tools into one powerful platform, Merlin AI delivers an impressive and well-rounded experience. | Psiphon VPN offers good circumvention capabilities and open-source transparency, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection issues and forced app installations. The service provides excellent internet freedom features and NGO partnerships, but the connection problems and loading delays make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives.
For users who prioritize internet freedom and are willing to work within the service's limitations, Psiphon VPN offers a solid feature set with good circumvention capabilities when working properly. However, those seeking specialized VPN functionality or experiencing connection issues might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability, such as Proton VPN for general VPN needs.
Ultimately, Psiphon VPN's open-source approach and internet freedom focus make it a good choice for users seeking circumvention tools, but the connection stability issues and forced installations make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. For general VPN usage, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for more reliable connections. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
