Compare Thunder VPN and Chatbot AI: Which App is the Best?
Thunder VPN is a highly-rated free VPN service with 100M+ downloads, offering fast connections and minimal ads, making it one of the better free VPN options available. | A comprehensive AI chatbot assistant with access to multiple advanced models including GPT-4, GPT-4o, and DeepSeek. Features text generation, image creation, mental health support, and language learning capabilities. | |
| 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. | 7.2 Winner in this category | 6.5 |
| 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. | 7.5 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:
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. Winner in this category | 7.5 Chatbot AI offers a range of features that leverage multiple advanced AI models. In addition to its main function of providing AI chat assistance, it provides much more, making it a versatile tool for various AI needs. The app's multi-model approach stands out as its strongest asset, providing access to GPT-4, GPT-4o, Google Gemini, Claude, and DeepSeek all within a single interface. This gives users the flexibility to choose the best AI for their specific needs. Top Features of Chatbot AI 1. Multi-Model AI Access: Chatbot AI excels at providing access to multiple AI models in one place. You can easily switch between GPT-4, GPT-4o, Google Gemini, Claude, and DeepSeek depending on your specific needs. Whether you're writing creative content, seeking technical assistance, or just having casual conversations, you can choose the best model for the job. 2. Text Generation Capabilities: The app excels at creating various types of content, from creative stories and poems to professional emails and technical documents. In our tests, we found the text generation to be quite impressive, especially when using the more advanced models. 3. AI Image Generation: Integration with DALL·E technology enables users to create images from text descriptions, adding a visual dimension to the AI experience. This feature works well, though it can be slow at times and requires a premium subscription. 4. Specialized AI Assistants: The mental health support and fitness coaching features provide targeted assistance for specific life areas. These specialized features add unique value that you won't find in most other AI assistants. 5. Language Learning Tools: The conversational practice and grammar assistance features are valuable for language learners. You can engage in practice conversations and receive helpful grammar tips. 6. Cross-Platform Synchronization: Users can access their conversations and settings across mobile, web, and desktop devices. This makes it easy to continue conversations from wherever you are. However, we identified several limitations that impact the overall feature rating:
That's why we rate the features at 7.5 out of 10. The app offers an impressive range of capabilities and the multi-model approach is genuinely valuable, but the restrictive freemium model and inconsistent performance limit its overall effectiveness. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 6.5 Thunder VPN's performance presents a mixed picture that reflects the challenges of maintaining a free VPN service. While the app can deliver fast connections when working properly, reliability issues significantly impact the overall performance experience. Performance strengths include:
However, significant performance issues undermine the user experience:
User reviews reveal a pattern of performance issues, with many users praising the app's speed when it works but complaining about frequent disconnections. The app's focus on user experience over aggressive monetization may be impacting server quality and maintenance. 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 6.5 out of 10—good speeds when working but undermined by frequent connection drops and stability issues that create an inconsistent user experience. Winner in this category | 6.5 The extension performs adequately for basic chat functionality, but there are several performance concerns that impact the overall user experience. Some users reported smooth operation while others experienced significant issues. The basic messaging interface responds quickly to user input and displays messages promptly. The app generally maintains stability during normal usage without frequent crashes. Performance remains relatively consistent across different devices and platforms, and the app launches and loads the main interface reasonably quickly. However, we identified several performance issues that impact the overall rating:
That's why we rate performance at 6.5 out of 10. While the app provides generally stable basic functionality, the inconsistent response times, occasional technical issues, and the disruptive freemium limitations prevent it from delivering a consistently smooth user experience. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.0 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:
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. Winner in this category | 6.5 The design is clean and modern, following current mobile design trends. We found the app's visual design to be functional and generally user-friendly, though it doesn't particularly stand out in terms of innovation or visual appeal. What users love most is the straightforward chat interface and the clean layout. The main conversation screen is accessible and doesn't overwhelm users with too many options. The app maintains a cohesive design throughout different sections, and the interface adapts well to different screen sizes and orientations. However, we identified several design-related issues that impact the user experience:
That's why we rate the design at 6.5 out of 10. The app provides a functional and clean interface, but it lacks the visual polish and user experience refinement that would make it truly stand out in the competitive AI assistant market. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Thunder VPN's value proposition is significantly better than most free VPNs, offering a genuinely useful free service with minimal advertising and good performance. The app provides excellent value for users who can tolerate occasional connection issues. Value strengths include:
The free tier's value is significantly better than most free VPNs, with minimal advertising and good performance. However, some limitations affect the overall value:
The premium pricing is reasonable ($1.99-$59.99), but the connection stability issues may not justify the upgrade for many users. Premium VPN services like NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive features and better reliability for similar or lower costs. For users seeking genuine value, Thunder VPN offers one of the best free experiences available. Alternatives like Proton VPN offer a more generous free tier with better privacy protection, while Windscribe VPN provides a more reliable free experience with fewer restrictions. We rate value for money at 8.0 out of 10—excellent value for a free VPN with minimal advertising and good performance, though connection stability issues limit the overall experience. Winner in this category | 5.5 Chatbot AI's value proposition is one of its most contentious aspects, with user opinions ranging from enthusiastic endorsement to strong criticism. While the app offers access to multiple advanced AI models, the pricing structure and freemium limitations significantly impact its overall value. The ability to use GPT-4, GPT-4o, Google Gemini, Claude, and DeepSeek in one app provides significant value for users who need different AI capabilities. The app includes text generation, image creation, mental health support, and language learning features. Users can access the service across multiple devices, increasing the utility of their subscription. The free tier provides an ad-free experience, which is appreciated by users. However, we identified several significant value concerns that heavily impact the rating:
That's why we rate value for money at 5.5 out of 10. While the app offers access to valuable AI capabilities, the restrictive freemium model, high pricing, and mixed performance reviews significantly limit its overall value proposition. Users should carefully consider their specific needs and budget before committing to a subscription. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 7.0 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:
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. Winner in this category | 7.0 Chatbot AI offers a generally straightforward user experience that most users should find accessible. The core chat functionality is intuitive and easy to understand, with a familiar messaging interface that requires minimal learning curve. Installing it is a breeze, and you can easily add the app to both Android and iOS devices. Once installed, the chat interface works seamlessly right out of the box. The main conversation screen is clean and easy to use, with clear input fields and message display. Users can start chatting almost immediately after downloading the app, with minimal configuration required. The app follows standard mobile messaging conventions that users already understand, and the experience remains consistent across different devices and platforms. However, we identified several usability issues that impact the overall ease of use. Many users reported frustration with the app's freemium limitations, particularly the abrupt cutoff after just a few messages. This creates a jarring user experience where users are suddenly blocked from using the app they just started exploring. Additionally, some users mentioned that the app's interface doesn't clearly communicate what features are available in the free version versus the premium version. This lack of transparency can lead to confusion and disappointment when users discover they need to pay to access certain capabilities. We also found that while the basic chat functionality is simple, some of the more advanced features like image generation and model selection could benefit from better onboarding and explanation. New users might not immediately understand how to access or use these features effectively. Several users reported technical issues that affected usability, including slow response times and occasional crashes. While these issues don't make the app difficult to use when it's working properly, they can create a frustrating experience when they occur. That's why we rate ease of use at 7.0 out of 10. The app provides a generally intuitive experience for basic chat functionality, but the restrictive freemium model and lack of clear feature communication create usability barriers that prevent it from being truly user-friendly. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 6.0 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:
However, some privacy concerns emerge from user feedback and business practices:
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. Winner in this category | 6.0 In the Security & Privacy category, we give Chatbot AI a 6.0 out of 10. The app's security and privacy practices present a mixed picture that requires careful consideration. The app uses user accounts which can provide some level of data protection and control. User data is synchronized across devices, suggesting some form of secure data storage. We found no reports of major security incidents or data leaks in user reviews. However, we identified several significant privacy and security concerns:
That's why we rate security and privacy at 6.0 out of 10. While the app doesn't appear to have major security vulnerabilities, the lack of transparency about data handling practices and the potential for sensitive information exposure through AI model processing create significant privacy concerns that users should carefully consider. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Thunder VPN represents one of the better free VPN options available, offering a genuinely useful service with minimal advertising and good performance. While the app delivers on its core promise of free, unlimited VPN access with simple one-tap connection, connection stability issues and the need to keep the app window open create some usability concerns. The app's exceptional popularity (100M+ downloads, 4.8-star rating) reflects genuine demand for a user-friendly free VPN service, and many users do find value in its basic functionality. However, the frequent connection drops and stability issues suggest that the free model may be impacting server quality and maintenance. For users who can tolerate occasional connection issues, Thunder VPN provides a functional free VPN with minimal advertising. For users seeking a more reliable free VPN experience, Proton VPN offers better privacy protection and connection stability, while Windscribe VPN provides a more reliable free tier with fewer restrictions. For those willing to pay for premium features, NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive solutions with better reliability and privacy guarantees. | Chatbot AI delivers a comprehensive AI assistant experience with access to multiple advanced language models. The app's strength lies in its versatility, offering everything from text generation to image creation and specialized coaching features. However, the restrictive freemium model and mixed user feedback suggest that while the app has potential, users should carefully consider their needs and budget. The high pricing and limited free trial make it difficult to recommend without reservations. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
