Compare Calm and Turbo VPN: Which App is the Best?
Turbo VPN is a popular free VPN service with 100M+ downloads, offering fast connections and unlimited bandwidth, though it comes with significant advertising that impacts the user experience. | Calm is a leading meditation and sleep app with 4.1 stars on Android, 4.8 stars on iOS, and 50M+ downloads. Known for celebrity-narrated sleep stories by Cillian Murphy and Bob Ross, plus comprehensive daily meditation programs. While most users love the content, some Android users report recent billing and technical concerns. | |
| 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. | 5.3 | 7.3 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. | 6.0 Turbo 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, Turbo 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 6.0 out of 10—good for basic VPN needs but lacking the depth and reliability that serious users require. | 8.0 Calm's content library is genuinely impressive and sets the standard for meditation apps. The celebrity-narrated sleep stories are the standout feature—falling asleep to Cillian Murphy's voice, Bob Ross painting descriptions, or Rosé's calming narration provides a unique experience users rave about. These aren't just celebrity gimmicks; they're high-quality productions that genuinely help people fall asleep. Outstanding features include:
The library is genuinely extensive, with enough variety that most users find multiple favorites. The quality is consistently high—professional voice work, good production values, and thoughtful content design. Users frequently mention specific favorites like "Painting with Bob Ross" or programs with Tamara Levitt that they return to regularly. The app uses a subscription model, with most content requiring payment. The free version offers limited access, which is standard for premium apps in this category. Some users wish for more free content to evaluate before subscribing, though the free trial provides opportunity to explore the library. A few long-term subscribers mention content updates could be more frequent, though the existing library is large enough that most users have plenty to explore. For daily users who cycle through content quickly, occasional waits for new stories can be noticeable. We're rating features 8.0 out of 10. The celebrity sleep stories, daily programs, and extensive meditation library provide excellent value, making Calm a feature-rich leader in the meditation app category. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 5.5 Turbo 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:
However, significant performance issues undermine the user experience:
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 5.5 out of 10—good speeds when working but undermined by frequent connection drops and advertising interruptions that create an inconsistent and frustrating user experience. | 7.5 Calm performs reliably for the vast majority of users across 50+ million downloads and two platforms. The 4.8-star iOS rating and 4.1-star Android rating indicate consistent, stable performance that users depend on nightly. Audio playback is smooth, sleep stories run without interruption, and the app handles background playback well while you sleep. Performance strengths:
The app handles demanding use cases well—playing audio continuously through 7-8 hours of sleep, managing large content libraries, and supporting offline downloads. Users who've used Calm for years mention it working consistently night after night, which demonstrates solid long-term reliability. A small percentage of users report occasional audio stopping during sleep sessions or rare app crashes. These issues seem device or configuration-specific rather than widespread problems, as the majority of users don't mention performance concerns. Some users note the splash screen takes a moment to dismiss, though this is designed as a brief mindfulness moment rather than a technical delay. Load times are generally good, with content starting quickly after selection. The app's size and resource usage are reasonable for the extensive content library it manages. Updates are regular, suggesting active maintenance and performance optimization. For an app with 50M+ downloads used nightly by millions, achieving 4.8 stars on iOS demonstrates exceptional performance reliability. The vast majority of users experience smooth, consistent operation exactly when they need it most—during meditation and sleep. We're rating performance 7.5 out of 10. Calm delivers reliable, stable performance for the overwhelming majority of users, with consistent playback and efficient resource usage. The high ratings across millions of users demonstrate performance excellence at scale. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 5.5 Turbo 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:
However, the design experience is significantly compromised by the advertising model. The requirement to watch 4 ads to connect and 4 more to disconnect creates 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 ads themselves are often inappropriate or malicious, with users reporting redirects to scam websites and inappropriate content. 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 5.5 out of 10—good core design principles undermined by intrusive advertising that compromises the user experience. | 7.5 Calm's design successfully creates a soothing, peaceful atmosphere that supports its meditation and sleep mission. The dark, calming color scheme with deep blues and purples sets the right mood immediately. Visual elements are thoughtfully chosen to promote relaxation rather than stimulation, which is exactly what you want from a meditation app. Design strengths:
The interface generally succeeds at fading into the background, letting the content take center stage. For most users, navigation feels natural—open the app, select your content, and start your meditation or sleep session without friction. Some users mention the splash screen "take a breath" message appears frequently and takes a moment before you can access content. While this fits the app's philosophy, a few long-term subscribers find it repetitive after daily use for years. The search function within categories could be more robust for power users who want to explore the full catalog depth. For subscribers, the experience is streamlined. For free users exploring before committing, distinguishing between free and premium content could be clearer, though this is fairly standard for freemium apps. We're rating design 7.5 out of 10. Calm delivers a beautiful, calming visual experience with thoughtful design that supports meditation and sleep. Minor navigation refinements would elevate it further, but the overall aesthetic excellence justifies the premium positioning. Winner in this category |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 5.5 Turbo VPN's value proposition is fundamentally compromised by its advertising model and billing practices, creating a confusing experience where the free tier's value is undermined by its own monetization strategy. Value strengths include:
However, the free tier's value is significantly compromised by the advertising model:
The premium pricing is more reasonable than Now VPN ($0.99-$69.99), but the billing issues and poor customer support undermine confidence in the service. Premium VPN services like NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive features, better privacy protection, and more transparent pricing for similar or lower costs. 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 5.5 out of 10—good value in theory but severely undermined by advertising and billing issues that make the free experience feel more like a trial than a genuine free service. | 7.0 At around €70 per year (pricing varies by region), Calm positions itself as a premium meditation app, and for most users, the content library justifies the investment. With 50M+ downloads and 4.8 stars on iOS, millions of people clearly find value worth paying for. Users who've subscribed for years mention the app becoming an essential nightly routine they wouldn't want to give up. The value proposition is strong:
For users getting Calm through employer wellness programs, the value is excellent—high-quality content at no personal cost. Even at full price, long-term subscribers frequently mention the subscription has become essential for their sleep quality and mental health, which makes the cost worthwhile. The subscription model is standard for premium apps—the free version offers limited access to encourage paid subscription. Users can try the app during a free trial period to evaluate whether the content works for them before committing long-term. Cancellation through the Play Store is typically one-click, which most users navigate successfully. Some users report billing confusion during trial periods or difficulty with customer service responses when issues arise. A small number mention pricing discrepancies during promotional periods. Like any subscription service, it's important to track trial end dates and verify charges match promotional pricing if taking advantage of special offers. Compared to competitors, Calm sits at the premium end with Headspace, while Medito offers free content. The celebrity narrations and production quality differentiate Calm's value proposition. We're rating value for money 7.0 out of 10. The extensive, high-quality content library with unique celebrity narrations provides solid value for the subscription price, particularly for users committed to regular meditation and sleep improvement. Those with employer coverage get excellent value, and even full-price subscribers generally find the cost justified by daily use. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 4.5 Turbo VPN's ease of use is fundamentally compromised by its advertising model, despite having a simple core interface. While the app's basic functionality is straightforward, the requirement to watch multiple ads for basic actions creates a frustrating user experience. Usability strengths include:
However, the ease of use is severely undermined by the advertising model and forced interactions. The requirement to watch 4 ads to connect and 4 more to disconnect transforms 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 ads themselves are often inappropriate or malicious, with users reporting redirects to scam websites and inappropriate content. This creates a poor user experience that goes beyond simple inconvenience and into potentially harmful territory. 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 4.5 out of 10—excellent core usability severely undermined by advertising interruptions that make simple actions unnecessarily complex and potentially harmful. | 7.0 Calm is designed to be intuitive, and for most users, it succeeds. Opening the app and starting a meditation or sleep story takes just a few taps. The main interface presents your options clearly—browse by category, check out daily programs, or jump back to recently played content. Playback controls are simple and work as expected. For subscribers in their daily routine, the experience is smooth. Select your favorite sleep story, set a timer if desired, and drift off. The app remembers your preferences, making it easy to return to content you love. Many users mention using Calm nightly for years, which speaks to how well the basic experience works. Usability strengths:
The free trial process is standard for subscription apps—you provide payment information upfront, explore the content during the trial period, and can cancel before being charged. Most users navigate this successfully, though like any subscription app, you need to remember to cancel if you don't want to continue. Some users report specific issues: occasional login difficulties with Google authentication, confusion about which content is free versus premium for non-subscribers, and rare cases of the app stopping playback during the night. A small number of users mention subscription management confusion, though canceling through the Play Store is typically straightforward with one-click unsubscribe. The splash screen appears when opening the app, which some daily users find repetitive over time. For those who want to jump straight into content, this adds a brief delay, though it's designed to encourage that initial mindful breath. We're rating ease of use 7.0 out of 10. The app is genuinely easy to use for the vast majority of users, with intuitive navigation and simple playback. Minor friction points exist, particularly for free users exploring content boundaries, but don't significantly impact the subscriber experience. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 5.0 Turbo VPN's security and privacy practices present significant concerns that raise legitimate questions about the service's trustworthiness. While the app claims to offer secure connections and privacy protection, several factors undermine confidence in its privacy commitments. Security strengths include:
However, significant privacy concerns emerge from the business model and operational practices:
User reviews reveal additional concerns about the authenticity of the service, with reports of unauthorized charges and poor customer support. 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 5.0 out of 10—basic security features present but significant concerns about data handling, jurisdiction, and transparency that compromise trust in the service. | 7.0 Calm handles user data responsibly with standard privacy practices appropriate for a wellness app. The company partners with major employers and insurance providers, which requires meeting enterprise-level security and privacy standards. With 50M+ downloads and partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, Calm maintains professional data protection practices. Security and privacy strengths:
The app collects usage data to track your meditation progress, favorite content, and streaks—standard for any app with personalization features. This data helps improve your experience by remembering preferences and providing personalized recommendations. The privacy policy outlines what data is collected and how it's used. Financial transactions are processed through Google Play Store, which provides an additional layer of security and familiar payment infrastructure. The Play Store handles payment information rather than the app storing it directly, following best practices for subscription apps. For users concerned about mental health data privacy, Calm's meditation and sleep content choices represent personal information. The app's enterprise partnerships and scale suggest they take this responsibility seriously, though as with any wellness app, users should review the privacy policy to understand data handling. Some users report billing questions during trial periods, which is common across subscription apps and typically relates to understanding trial terms rather than security issues. Standard subscription management through the Play Store provides familiar cancellation options for most users. The lack of data breach reports across millions of users and years of operation demonstrates solid security practices. For a wellness app trusted by major corporations, maintaining strong security and privacy standards is essential to business partnerships. We're rating security & privacy 7.0 out of 10. Calm maintains professional privacy practices appropriate for a wellness app with enterprise partnerships, handles user data responsibly, and shows no history of security breaches across millions of users. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Turbo VPN represents a cautionary tale of how a promising free service can be undermined by its own monetization strategy and business practices. While the app delivers on its core promise of free, unlimited VPN access with simple one-tap connection, the aggressive advertising model and billing issues create a frustrating user experience that often feels more like a trial than a genuine free service. The app's massive popularity (100M+ downloads, 4.7-star rating) reflects genuine demand for free VPN services, and many users do find value in its basic functionality. However, the recent rating decline (4.7 to 4.5 in last 100 reviews) and increasing complaints about connection stability, malicious ads, and unauthorized charges suggest that the advertising model may be impacting the service quality. For users who can tolerate the ads and billing issues, Turbo VPN provides a functional free VPN, but the experience comes with significant trade-offs. For users seeking a more respectful free VPN experience, Proton VPN offers better privacy protection and fewer restrictions, while Windscribe VPN provides a cleaner free tier with more transparent monetization. For those willing to pay for premium features, NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive solutions with better reliability and privacy guarantees. | Calm has earned its position as a leading meditation and sleep app with 50M+ downloads, 4.8 stars on iOS, and 4.1 stars on Android. The celebrity-narrated sleep stories are genuinely special—falling asleep to Cillian Murphy, Bob Ross, or Rosé provides a premium experience that justifies the subscription for millions of users. The daily programs, extensive meditation library, and variety of soundscapes create comprehensive value. Long-term subscribers frequently mention Calm becoming essential to their nightly routine, helping with sleep quality and stress management over years of use. The production quality is excellent, the content library is extensive, and the app performs reliably for the vast majority of users. For those whose employers provide Calm subscriptions as a wellness benefit, it's an excellent value proposition. Recent Android reviews show some concerns—the last 100 reviews average 3.04 stars, lower than the overall rating. Some users mention billing confusion during free trials, occasional technical issues, and customer service responsiveness questions. These issues appear to affect a subset of Android users rather than representing the typical experience, but they're worth noting. If you're considering Calm, the free trial lets you explore the content library to see if the sleep stories and meditation programs work for you. The celebrity narrations and production quality differentiate it from competitors. For daily meditation and sleep improvement, Calm delivers substantial value that users rely on over years. Alternative options include Medito for free meditation content with no subscription required, and Headspace for premium content with different stylistic approach. But Calm's unique celebrity content and extensive library make it a strong choice for those committed to meditation and sleep improvement. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
