Compare Grok and Now VPN: Which App is the Best?
Now VPN is a free VPN service with fast connection speeds and unlimited data, though it comes with aggressive advertising that may impact the user experience. | Grok is xAI's AI assistant that combines real-time information access with a witty personality, offering text generation, image creation, and seamless X platform integration. | |
| 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. | 6.3 | 7.3 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. | 6.5 Now 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:
However, Now 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 6.5 out of 10—good for basic VPN needs but lacking the depth and reliability that serious users require. | 8.0 Grok's feature set is impressive and comprehensive. The real-time information access is what really sets it apart - you can ask about current events and get up-to-the-minute answers that other AI assistants simply can't provide. The multimodal capabilities are particularly strong, with image generation that produces striking visuals and the ability to analyze uploaded images providing valuable insights. The integration with X platform is seamless and adds significant value for users already invested in that ecosystem. Grok's personality features, including its witty responses and rebellious tone, make interactions more engaging than typical AI assistants. Key Features:
However, we noticed that some advanced features are locked behind the X Premium+ subscription, which may limit accessibility for casual users. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 6.0 Now 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:
However, significant performance issues undermine the user experience:
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 6.0 out of 10—good speeds when working but undermined by frequent connection drops and advertising interruptions that create an inconsistent and frustrating user experience. | 8.0 The extension performs seamlessly, allowing you to interact with Grok without any lag or interruptions. The app handles text generation efficiently, and the image generation feature produces results quickly while maintaining good quality. The integration with X platform works smoothly, with minimal latency when accessing real-time information. Performance Highlights:
We did notice occasional performance variations, particularly during peak usage times, but these were infrequent and didn't significantly impact the user experience. The app maintains good stability across different devices and network conditions. The multimodal features, including image analysis and generation, perform consistently well, though some users have reported occasional delays with complex requests. Overall, the performance meets expectations for a modern AI assistant application. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 6.0 Now 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:
However, the design experience is significantly compromised by the advertising model. The 30-60 second unskippable ads that appear for basic actions like connecting or disconnecting create 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 forced rating prompts and persistent push notifications that cannot be disabled create a sense of being "pushed around" by the app rather than being in control. 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 6.0 out of 10—good core design principles undermined by intrusive advertising that compromises the user experience. | 7.0 The design is clean and functional, following modern mobile app conventions. The interface is intuitive with a familiar chat-based layout that users will find immediately recognizable. The dark theme with X's signature styling creates a cohesive brand experience that feels premium and polished. The app's visual hierarchy is well-structured, making it easy to distinguish between different types of content - text responses, generated images, and interface elements. Design Highlights:
However, we found that the design could benefit from more customization options and that the interface occasionally feels somewhat basic compared to more feature-rich competitors. The minimalist approach works well for the core functionality but may leave power users wanting more advanced interface options. Winner in this category |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 6.5 Now VPN's value proposition is fundamentally split between its free and premium tiers, creating a confusing experience where the free tier's value is undermined by its own monetization strategy. Value strengths include:
However, the free tier's value is significantly compromised by the advertising model:
The VIP pricing is particularly problematic when compared to alternatives. Premium VPN services like NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive features, better privacy protection, and more transparent pricing for similar or lower costs. The VIP tier also doesn't address the fundamental privacy concerns that come with the free service. 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 6.5 out of 10—good value in theory but undermined by advertising that makes the free experience feel more like a trial than a genuine free service, with expensive premium pricing that doesn't justify the upgrade. Winner in this category | 6.0 Grok's value proposition is somewhat mixed. The requirement for X Premium+ subscription ($16/month) creates a significant barrier to entry, especially when compared to free alternatives like ChatGPT or other AI assistants. However, for users already invested in the X ecosystem, Grok provides unique value through its real-time information access and distinctive personality. Value Breakdown:
The premium features, including advanced image generation and priority access, do offer tangible benefits, but the cost may be prohibitive for casual users. We found that the value is most apparent for power users who can leverage the real-time information capabilities and advanced features regularly. For occasional users or those primarily interested in basic AI assistance, the subscription requirement may not justify the cost compared to free alternatives. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Now 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:
However, the ease of use is significantly undermined by the advertising model and forced interactions. The 30-60 second unskippable ads that appear for basic actions like connecting or disconnecting transform 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 forced rating prompts that prevent the app from functioning properly create an artificial barrier to usage. Users report being unable to use the app until they provide a rating, which goes against the principle of ease of use. The inability to disable push notifications also creates ongoing annoyance for users who prefer to control their app notifications. 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 7.0 out of 10—excellent core usability undermined by advertising interruptions that make simple actions unnecessarily complex. | 8.0 Grok is remarkably easy to use, especially for users already familiar with chat-based AI interfaces. The onboarding process is straightforward, and the app's core functionality is immediately accessible. The chat interface is intuitive, with clear input areas and well-organized response layouts. We particularly loved how the app handles different types of interactions - text conversations, image generation, and image analysis - all through a unified interface that doesn't overwhelm users. The integration with X platform is seamless, making it easy for existing X users to access Grok. What Makes It Easy:
However, we did notice that some advanced features might not be immediately discoverable for new users, and the subscription requirement could be clearer during the initial setup process. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 5.5 Now VPN's security and privacy practices present a mixed picture that raises legitimate 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:
However, significant privacy concerns emerge from the business model and operational practices:
User reviews reveal additional concerns about the authenticity of the service, with some users warning about "bot reviews" and questioning whether the positive reviews are genuine. 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 5.5 out of 10—basic security features present but significant concerns about data handling, jurisdiction, and transparency that compromise trust in the service. | 7.0 Grok's security and privacy practices are generally solid, with xAI implementing standard industry practices for data protection. The app requires appropriate permissions and follows modern security protocols for user authentication and data transmission. However, we noted some concerns about data sharing practices, particularly regarding the integration with X platform and potential data usage for training purposes. Security & Privacy Features:
Users should be aware that conversations and interactions may be used to improve the AI model, which is common practice but worth noting for privacy-conscious users. The app does provide basic privacy controls, but we found the privacy policy could be more transparent about specific data usage and retention policies. Overall, the security measures appear adequate for typical use cases, though users with high privacy requirements may want to review the detailed privacy terms. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Now VPN represents a classic example of how a promising free service can be undermined by its own monetization strategy. While the app delivers on its core promise of free, unlimited VPN access with simple one-tap connection, the aggressive advertising model and forced interactions create a frustrating user experience that often feels more like a trial than a genuine free service. The app's popularity (10M+ downloads, 4.7-star rating) reflects genuine demand for free VPN services, and many users do find value in its basic functionality. However, the recent rating decline (4.7 to 4.61 in last 100 reviews) and increasing complaints about connection stability suggest that the advertising model may be impacting the service quality. For users who can tolerate the ads and forced interactions, Now VPN provides a functional free VPN, but the experience comes with significant trade-offs. For users seeking a more respectful free VPN experience, Proton VPN offers better privacy protection and fewer restrictions, while Windscribe VPN provides a cleaner free tier with more transparent monetization. For those willing to pay for premium features, NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive solutions with better reliability and privacy guarantees. | Grok stands out as a unique AI assistant with its real-time information access and distinctive personality. While the requirement for X Premium+ subscription may be a barrier for some users, those who invest in the platform will find a powerful AI tool that combines humor, intelligence, and current awareness in an engaging package. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
