Compare Psiphon VPN and Panda VPN: Which App is the Best?
Panda VPN is a fast VPN service with 10M+ downloads and 4.5/5 rating, offering WireGuard protocol and 3,000+ servers, though it has faced significant billing issues and auto-charging complaints. | 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. | 6.8 | 7.1 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. | 8.0 Panda VPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its premium positioning. The service includes WireGuard protocol, 3,000+ servers across 90+ countries, split-tunneling, and gaming optimization. The service also includes advanced features like streaming support and no-logs policy, making it more than just a basic VPN. What sets Panda VPN apart is its WireGuard protocol implementation and gaming-focused features. The service also includes advanced features like split-tunneling and streaming optimization, making it more than just a basic VPN. However, unlike Proton VPN, it lacks independent audits and transparency reports. 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 VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Panda VPN offers good features, but the billing issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need fast VPN features. 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. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Panda VPN's performance is good when working properly, with fast WireGuard protocol speeds and reliable operation. The service offers decent connection speeds and good performance, but the billing issues and subscription management problems significantly impact usability. The service works well for basic VPN protection when connected, but many users report billing issues and the need to contact customer service. The connection stability is good, but the billing concerns make it difficult to use reliably. The service's performance is particularly good for gaming and streaming use cases, with users reporting fast speeds and good performance. The WireGuard protocol and gaming optimization ensure optimal performance for these use cases. Compared to other VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Panda VPN's performance is competitive but not exceptional. The billing issues make it difficult to justify the performance benefits over alternatives that offer similar features with more reliable billing. 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. | 7.5 Panda VPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to server selection, connection controls, and key settings. The interface is clean and modern, with good attention to detail and user experience. The app's design is intuitive and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is well-structured. 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 premium positioning of the service, making it easy for users to manage their VPN connection. Compared to other VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Panda VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. 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. | 4.0 Panda VPN's value proposition is severely compromised by aggressive billing practices and subscription management issues. The service offers competitive pricing compared to other premium VPNs, but the widespread billing complaints and auto-charging issues make it difficult to justify the cost. The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, and the WireGuard protocol makes it particularly attractive for users who want fast speeds. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic VPN functionality. However, the service's value is severely impacted by billing issues and subscription management problems. Many users report unauthorized charges and difficulty with refunds. The billing issues make it difficult to recommend over more transparent alternatives like Proton VPN or NordVPN. Compared to other VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Panda VPN offers good features but at a similar cost with significant billing risks. The billing issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer similar performance with more transparent billing practices. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 6.5 Panda VPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple interface that requires minimal technical knowledge. The app's design is intuitive, and most users can get started quickly with the free trial. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. The service offers one-tap connection and server selection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the VPN connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by billing issues and subscription management problems. Many users report difficulty with cancellation and the need to contact customer service. The app can be frustrating to use due to billing concerns and subscription management issues. Compared to other VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Panda VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The billing issues can be frustrating for users who expect transparent subscription management. 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 Panda VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with WireGuard protocol and no-logs policy. The service includes 256-bit ECC encryption and advanced features like split-tunneling. The service also includes advanced features like gaming optimization for enhanced privacy protection. The service's privacy features are comprehensive for a premium solution, with no-logs policy and WireGuard protocol. The service also includes advanced features like split-tunneling for enhanced security and privacy protection. However, Panda VPN has faced some privacy concerns in the past, particularly around its data collection practices and billing transparency. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's data practices and billing issues. Compared to other VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN, Panda VPN's privacy practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high privacy requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features. | 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. | Panda VPN offers fast speeds and good features, but its value proposition is severely compromised by aggressive billing practices and subscription management issues. The service provides good performance and extensive server coverage, but the widespread billing complaints and auto-charging issues make it difficult to recommend over more transparent alternatives.
For users who prioritize speed and are willing to carefully manage subscriptions, Panda VPN offers good performance when working properly. However, those seeking transparent billing or experiencing billing issues might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with more reliable subscription management, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Ultimately, Panda VPN's billing issues and subscription management problems make it difficult to recommend despite its good performance. Users should consider alternatives that offer similar features with more transparent billing practices. For a more reliable free experience, consider Proton VPN or Thunder VPN. | 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 | ||
