Compare Merlin AI and Now VPN: Which App is the Best?

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:

• Unlimited Bandwidth: Unlike many free VPNs that impose data caps, Now 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
• Smart Server Selection: Automatic selection of the fastest available server based on your location
• WiFi Security: Basic protection for public WiFi connections with encrypted tunnels

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.

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:

• 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 30-60 second ads for basic actions create artificial delays that impact perceived performance
• Rating Decline Trend: The recent rating drop from 4.7 to 4.61 (last 100 reviews) suggests increasing performance 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 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.

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:

• 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 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.

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:

• 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: 30-60 second unskippable ads for basic actions make the free experience frustrating
• Forced Interactions: Rating prompts that prevent app functionality create artificial barriers
• Poor User Experience: The advertising interruptions often make the free tier feel more like a trial than a genuine free service
• Expensive VIP Pricing: The VIP subscription ($1.49-$79.99) is expensive compared to dedicated premium VPN services

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.

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:

• 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
• Beginner-Friendly: No technical jargon or complex settings that might confuse non-technical users

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.

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:

• 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:

• Hong Kong-Based Developer: The developer is located in Hong Kong, which raises questions about data jurisdiction and potential government access
• No Independent Audits: Unlike premium VPNs, Now 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 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.