Compare Loop Habits and Thunder VPN: 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 free, privacy-focused habit tracker that combines powerful features with elegant simplicity. In our review, we found it offers everything needed for effective habit building without the clutter of unnecessary features or ads.
Key Features
  • One-Tap Connection – Simple interface that connects to VPN servers with a single tap, making it accessible for VPN beginners
  • Unlimited Bandwidth – No data caps or speed restrictions on the free tier, allowing unlimited browsing and streaming
  • Global Server Network – Access to servers worldwide for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing blocked content
  • No Registration Required – Start using the VPN immediately without creating accounts or providing personal information
  • Manual Server Selection – Choose specific server locations for optimal performance
  • Minimal Advertising – Much less intrusive ads compared to other free VPNs
  • Flexible Habit Tracking: In our review, we found that Loop supports various tracking frequencies including daily, weekly, and monthly goals (like "3 times per week" or "once every other week").
  • Detailed Analytics: The app provides comprehensive statistics and graphs that clearly visualize your progress over time, including habit strength calculations and historical data.
  • Customizable Widgets: During testing, we particularly appreciated the variety of home screen widgets that allow quick habit tracking without opening the app.
  • Privacy-Focused: All data is stored locally on your device with no account required. The app works completely offline and includes export options to CSV and SQLite formats.
  • Smart Reminders: Each habit can have its own notification schedule, with the option to make notifications "sticky" until you respond.
  • Clean Interface: We found the minimalist design keeps you focused on building habits without unnecessary distractions.
Our Rating
7.2
9.3
Total users
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Total ratings
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Average rating
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Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
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Features
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:

  • Unlimited Bandwidth: Unlike many free VPNs that impose data caps, Thunder 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
  • Manual Server Selection: Choose specific server locations for optimal performance
  • Minimal Advertising: Much less intrusive ads compared to other free VPNs

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.

8.5

Loop offers an impressive set of core features that focus on effective habit tracking without unnecessary bloat. The standout feature is the sophisticated habit strength calculation that considers both your streaks and overall consistency.

Key features we thoroughly tested include:

  • Flexible Tracking Options: The app supports daily, weekly, and monthly goals with customizable frequencies
  • Detailed Statistics: Multiple graph types show your progress over time
  • Custom Notifications: Individual reminders for each habit with "sticky" notification option
  • Home Screen Widgets: Various widget styles for quick habit tracking
  • Data Management: Export to CSV and SQLite formats for backup or analysis
  • Calendar View: Easy access to historical data and habit completion

However, we did notice some limitations. The app lacks the ability to categorize habits into groups or folders, which can become unwieldy with many habits. There's also no way to track multiple completions of the same habit within a day, and the weekly scheduling could be more flexible. For users who need comprehensive scheduling and timer functionality, HabitNow provides more advanced organizational features.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the features present are thoughtfully implemented and work reliably. We're giving it an 8.5 for features - it excels at core functionality while maintaining simplicity, though there's room for some organizational improvements.

Performance
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:

  • 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
  • Minimal Advertising: Much less intrusive than competitors, improving perceived performance

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
  • Must Keep App Open: Users must keep the app window open to maintain connections, which can be inconvenient
  • Connection Instability: Many users report that the VPN disconnects after a few minutes of use
  • Slow Loading Times: Some users report occasional slow loading times

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.

9.5

Throughout our testing, Loop demonstrated exceptional performance with near-instant response times and minimal resource usage. The app's efficiency is particularly impressive given its extensive tracking and visualization capabilities.

Key performance aspects:

  • Quick Startup: Launches rapidly and loads data instantly
  • Smooth Navigation: No lag when switching between views or scrolling through history
  • Low Resource Usage: Minimal battery drain and memory consumption
  • Reliable Widgets: Home screen widgets update promptly without issues

The 9.5 rating acknowledges Loop's outstanding optimization and reliability. This performance excellence places Loop among the top performers in the category, alongside HabitNow which also achieves strong performance ratings for its comprehensive feature set.

Design
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:

  • 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
  • Minimal Advertising: The app's focus on user experience means less intrusive advertising

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.

9.0

Loop's Material Design implementation stands out for its thoughtful balance between aesthetics and functionality. The interface uses color purposefully to highlight important information while maintaining a clean, distraction-free environment.

Design highlights:

  • Clear Data Visualization: Graphs and progress indicators are both beautiful and easy to interpret
  • Consistent Patterns: Common actions follow familiar Android design patterns
  • Effective Use of Space: Information density is well-balanced across all screens
  • Responsive Layout: Adapts smoothly to different screen sizes and orientations

While some might find the design austere, this intentional simplicity helps users focus on their habits. The 9.0 rating reflects excellent execution of Material Design principles with room for minor visual refinements. For users who prioritize visual appeal, HabitKit offers a more elegant GitHub-style visualization that some find more motivating.

Value for Money
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:

  • 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
  • Minimal Advertising: Much less intrusive than competitors like Turbo VPN and Now VPN

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:

  • Connection Stability: Frequent connection drops require reconnection
  • Must Keep App Open: Users must keep the app window open to maintain connections
  • Limited Advanced Features: No kill switch, split tunneling, or specialized servers

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.

10

Loop Habit Tracker delivers exceptional value as a completely free, ad-free, and open-source application. During our testing, we were consistently impressed by the quality and completeness of features available without any monetary commitment.

Value highlights:

  • No Premium Tier: All features available to everyone
  • Zero Ads: Clean, uninterrupted experience
  • Regular Updates: Continuous improvements without subscription
  • No Hidden Costs: Complete functionality without in-app purchases

The perfect 10.0 rating reflects Loop's outstanding commitment to providing a premium-quality habit tracker completely free of charge. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want high-quality features without spending money, though Habitive also offers unlimited free habits for those who need more flexibility.

Ease of Use
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:

  • 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
  • Minimal Advertising: Much less intrusive than competitors like Turbo VPN and Now VPN

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.

9.2

Loop Habit Tracker excels in providing a straightforward, intuitive experience without sacrificing functionality. Our testing revealed an app that anyone can start using effectively within minutes.

Standout usability features:

  • Simple Habit Creation: Adding new habits takes just a few taps with clear, logical options
  • Efficient Daily Use: Main screen provides quick access to all habits with one-tap completion
  • Smart Notifications: Reminders can be managed directly from notifications without opening the app
  • Intuitive History: Calendar view makes it easy to review and edit past entries
  • Accessible Statistics: Complex data presented in easily digestible visual formats

The 9.2 rating reflects the app's excellent usability, with only minor deductions for the initial learning curve of advanced features like custom schedules and the habit strength system. For users who want an even simpler setup process, Habitive offers a 3-click setup that's hard to beat.

Security & Privacy
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:

  • 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
  • No-Logging Policy: Claims to maintain a strict no-logging policy

However, some privacy concerns emerge from user feedback and business practices:

  • US-Based Developer: The developer is located in the United States, which raises questions about data jurisdiction and potential government access
  • No Independent Audits: Unlike premium VPNs, Thunder VPN hasn't undergone third-party security audits to verify its privacy claims
  • Data Harvesting Concerns: Some users report concerns about data harvesting, though this isn't explicitly confirmed
  • 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

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.

9.8

Privacy is where Loop truly shines. As an open-source app with a strict privacy-first approach, it sets a high standard for data protection in habit tracking apps.

Key privacy features:

  • Zero Data Collection: No personal information gathered or transmitted
  • Offline Operation: Functions fully without internet access
  • Local Storage: All data stays on your device
  • Minimal Permissions: Only requests essential Android permissions
  • Transparent Code: Open-source nature allows security verification

The 9.8 rating acknowledges Loop's exceptional privacy practices, with the tiny deduction only because some users might want optional cloud backup. This privacy focus puts Loop in excellent company with HabitKit, which also achieves a 9.8 rating for its offline-first approach.

Conclusion

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.

Loop Habit Tracker proves that simplicity and power can coexist perfectly in a habit tracking app. Its thoughtful design and robust feature set create an experience that's both sophisticated and accessible to everyone.

The app's commitment to user privacy and freedom sets it apart - being completely free, open-source, and offline-first. The distraction-free interface and reliable performance make it a pleasure to use daily, while comprehensive analytics keep you motivated.

While there's room for improvements in areas like habit categorization and cloud sync, the core functionality is exceptional. With an average rating of 9.3 across our review categories, Loop stands out as a premium-quality app that puts users first.

For anyone seeking a reliable, privacy-focused habit tracker that emphasizes substance over flash, Loop Habit Tracker is our top recommendation. However, if you need unlimited free habits without any restrictions, Habitive offers the best free experience, while HabitKit provides superior design aesthetics for users willing to pay for premium features.

Our Recommendation