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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.