Compare Down Dog 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. | Down Dog delivers exceptional meditation customization with guided, sleep, and walking modes. Dynamic content generation ensures unique sessions every time. Strong 4.7 Android and 4.9 iOS ratings reflect excellent value. | |
| 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 | 8.8 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. | 9.3 Down Dog's feature set stands out for one key reason: customization. Every aspect of your meditation practice can be tailored to your preferences, from session length and guidance level to background music and instructor voice. This level of personalization is rare in the meditation app space and addresses one of the biggest complaints we've had with other apps—feeling locked into someone else's vision of what meditation should be. The three meditation modes—guided, sleep, and walking—each serve distinct purposes and work exceptionally well. We found the guided meditations perfect for daily practice, with adjustable guidance levels that let you gradually reduce verbal instruction as your practice deepens. The sleep meditations effectively helped us wind down at night, with soothing narration that gradually fades into silence. Walking meditations proved surprisingly effective, offering mindful guidance while moving through our neighborhood, something we hadn't experienced in other apps. The dynamic content generation deserves special mention. Unlike Calm or Headspace where you might repeatedly listen to the same tracks, Down Dog creates unique meditations each time you practice. Multiple users confirmed in reviews that they've used the app for years without encountering duplicate sessions. This keeps the practice fresh and prevents the mental autopilot that can develop with familiar recordings. The six instructor voice options provide genuine variety, and the multi-language support extending to over nine languages makes the app accessible globally. Background options ranging from calming music to nature sounds, brainwave frequencies, and complete silence let you set the perfect atmosphere. The recent addition of breathwork exercises adds another valuable dimension. However, we did note some limitations: there's no progress tracking beyond basic history, no community features, and the thematic focus options, while useful, aren't as extensive as some competitors. We rate the features at 9.3 out of 10—exceptional core functionality with thoughtful customization options. 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. | 8.8 Meditation | Down Dog performs reliably in daily use, with smooth session playback and responsive interface interactions. The app launches quickly, and meditation sessions begin without noticeable lag or buffering issues. Audio quality is consistently good across all instructor voices and background music options, with clear narration and well-balanced sound mixing that doesn't require constant volume adjustments. The dynamic content generation happens seamlessly in the background—we never experienced situations where the app struggled to assemble a new meditation or encountered obvious technical glitches in the generated content. Transitions between guided narration, silence periods, and background music flow naturally, creating cohesive sessions that feel professionally crafted rather than algorithmically assembled. However, there are performance considerations worth noting. The video-based approach to meditation content results in larger file sizes than audio-only apps. One user specifically requested audio-only options, noting that even the low-quality video settings consume significant storage space and require good internet connectivity for downloading. For users with limited storage or data plans, this represents a real limitation compared to lightweight alternatives. The breathing exercise timing drew criticism from several users. One detailed review mentioned that the breath count moves too quickly, with the app saying "breathe in for 4" but then prompting you to exhale after only 2 seconds, which would lead to hyperventilation rather than relaxation. While this didn't appear in the majority of reviews, it suggests quality control issues in specific features. Cross-device syncing works reliably, maintaining your preferences and history across platforms without conflicts or data loss. We rate performance at 8.8 out of 10—generally excellent with some rough edges in specific features and file size management. 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. | 9.0 Down Dog's design philosophy centers on minimalism and clarity, creating an experience that feels intentionally uncluttered. The interface strips away distractions, presenting only what you need to configure your session and begin meditating. Each meditation session displays a beautiful background image that provides a focal point for contemplation, enhancing the meditative atmosphere without overwhelming the experience. We particularly appreciated how the customization options are organized. Despite offering extensive personalization, the interface never feels overwhelming. Settings are logically grouped and easy to adjust, with visual feedback that makes it clear what you're selecting. The color scheme uses calming tones that align with the app's purpose, and the typography is clean and readable without calling attention to itself. The visual consistency across meditation types maintains a cohesive experience whether you're doing guided practice, preparing for sleep, or embarking on a walking meditation. Animation transitions are smooth and purposeful, never gratuitous. The design successfully balances aesthetic appeal with functional simplicity—everything has a purpose, and nothing feels superfluous. However, the design isn't perfect. Some users noted that the video-based approach means larger file sizes, which affects the overall user experience even if the visuals are beautiful. Compared to the sophisticated UI animations in Headspace or the rich visual storytelling of Calm, Down Dog takes a more restrained approach that some might find too minimal. Still, the clean, distraction-free aesthetic serves the app's purpose exceptionally well. We rate the design at 9.0 out of 10—beautifully executed minimalism that supports rather than dominates the meditation experience. 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. | 9.4 The value proposition of Meditation | Down Dog becomes impressive when you consider what one subscription unlocks. You're not just getting a meditation app—you're gaining access to the entire Down Dog ecosystem: Yoga, Meditation, Barre, HIIT, and Prenatal Yoga. This bundled approach means that if you're interested in multiple wellness practices, you're essentially paying one subscription price for five specialized apps, each with the same level of customization and quality. At approximately €4.19 to €119.99 depending on your subscription length and platform, the pricing sits in the mid-range for meditation apps. When we compare this to paying separately for a meditation app, a yoga app, and a fitness app, the value becomes clear. Even if you primarily use the meditation features, knowing you can explore yoga or HIIT workouts without additional cost adds significant flexibility to your wellness routine. What particularly impressed us was the company's commitment to accessibility. Multiple reviewers shared stories of Down Dog providing financial assistance during difficult times, allowing them to maintain their subscription when money was tight. This human-centered approach to pricing demonstrates that the company values helping people over maximizing revenue. One long-time user specifically praised the team for their support during financial hardship, allowing continued access to all five apps. The lack of a free tier or trial period is a drawback—you need to commit to a subscription to access any content. Competitors like Calm and Headspace typically offer limited free content or trial periods. For those seeking free meditation, Medito offers comparable quality at no cost, while Insight Timer provides an enormous free library. However, for users who value customization and want access to multiple wellness modalities, Down Dog's subscription represents excellent value. We rate value for money at 9.4 out of 10—exceptional value for the multi-app access, with financial assistance options that demonstrate genuine care for users. 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. | 8.7 Down Dog makes meditation accessible from the moment you open the app. The setup process is straightforward, guiding you through basic preferences to personalize your initial experience. For newcomers to meditation, the app provides clear explanations of different meditation types and guidance levels, helping you make informed choices without overwhelming you with options. Once configured, starting a meditation session requires minimal effort. Select your preferences, press play, and you're meditating. The interface is intuitive enough that we rarely needed to think about navigation—everything is where you'd expect it to be. The ability to save favorite configurations streamlines repeated use, and adjusting settings on the fly is simple when you want to try something different. The walking meditation feature demonstrates thoughtful usability design. The app seamlessly transitions to a format suitable for moving practice, with audio guidance that works well without needing to look at your screen. Sleep meditations similarly adapt their interface, dimming appropriately and avoiding bright elements that would interfere with your wind-down routine. However, there are friction points. The mandatory account creation frustrates some users who prefer to try an app before committing personal information. One reviewer specifically cited this as their reason for giving a low rating, noting they couldn't even evaluate whether they'd like the app before signing up. Additionally, while most users find the customization empowering, the sheer number of options can initially feel daunting to absolute beginners who just want to press play and start. Compared to the ultra-simple approach of Let's Meditate, which requires no account and minimal setup, Down Dog demands slightly more investment upfront. We rate ease of use at 8.7 out of 10—highly usable once you're in, with minor barriers to entry. 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. | 7.8 Down Dog's privacy approach is functional but not exceptional. The app requires account creation to use, collecting personal information including email addresses for authentication. While this is standard for subscription-based meditation apps, it contrasts with privacy-focused alternatives like Medito or Let's Meditate that function without any account requirements. The developer's privacy policy states that data collection is limited to what's necessary for app functionality and subscription management. Your meditation history and preferences sync across devices, which requires some data storage on their servers. We found no evidence of aggressive data collection or third-party sharing for advertising purposes, which is reassuring. The app doesn't bombard you with marketing communications beyond essential subscription management emails. Cross-device syncing, while convenient, means your meditation data lives in the cloud rather than exclusively on your device. For users who prioritize data minimization and local storage, this represents a privacy compromise. The app doesn't offer options for local-only operation or data export to maintain control of your information. Account management appears secure, though a few users reported issues with subscription and account linking that suggest the authentication system could be more robust. Down Dog strikes a middle ground in the privacy spectrum—better than apps that aggressively monetize user data, but not as protective as open-source or account-free alternatives. The required account creation and cloud-dependent features mean you're trusting Down Dog with your personal information and practice data. We rate security and privacy at 7.8 out of 10—adequate protection with standard industry practices, but not privacy-first in its design philosophy. 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. | After extensive testing, Meditation | Down Dog has earned its place as one of the most thoughtfully designed meditation apps available. Its greatest strength lies in treating personalization as a core feature rather than an afterthought—every session adapts to your preferences, creating a practice that grows with you rather than constraining you to a predetermined path. The app excels in several areas that matter most for sustained meditation practice: exceptional customization options, genuinely useful variety in meditation modes (guided, sleep, and walking), and the rare benefit of dynamically generated content that never repeats. The subscription's access to five Down Dog apps—covering meditation, yoga, barre, HIIT, and prenatal yoga—transforms what might seem like a mid-range price into outstanding value for users interested in holistic wellness. However, it's not the right choice for everyone. Privacy-conscious users who prefer apps that don't require accounts should consider Medito or Let's Meditate, both of which offer solid meditation experiences without mandatory sign-ups. Those seeking completely free access to meditation content will find better options elsewhere, though Down Dog's financial assistance program helps mitigate this limitation for users facing hardship. The larger file sizes may frustrate users with limited storage or slower internet connections. We recommend Meditation | Down Dog for users who value flexibility and personalization in their practice, especially those already interested in yoga or other fitness modalities covered by the subscription. If you've tried meditation apps before and found them too rigid or repetitive, Down Dog's customizable approach addresses exactly those frustrations. The rising rating trend and enthusiastic user reviews suggest a product that's continuously improving and genuinely meeting user needs. For those ready to invest in a subscription-based meditation practice with exceptional versatility, Down Dog delivers consistent value that justifies the cost. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
