Thunder VPN review: Features, pros & cons

Is Thunder VPN a fast and secure option? Can it compete with the top providers on the market? How well does it perform for streaming and online gaming? In this Thunder VPN review, we answer all of this and more, covering user feedback, technical features, privacy policies, server availability, pros and cons, and customer support. Everything you need to know about Thunder VPN is right here in this article.

For digital nomads and remote workers, a reliable VPN is not just a convenience, it is a necessity. Using public WiFi and working online can leave your data exposed, making security a top priority. The VPN market offers many options: some well-known providers deliver maximum privacy and security, others are less famous but still perform well, and a few simply do not measure up. So where does Thunder VPN stand? Let’s take a closer look.

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What is Thunder VPN and what is it for?

Like its competitors, Thunder VPN aims to offer secure, stable, and fast connections while keeping users’ privacy protected. Its main focus is simplicity, promising an easy and intuitive user experience. What really draws people in, however, is that it is completely free for Android (with an optional premium version that adds some extra features) and offers unlimited bandwidth. That’s why it has been downloaded over 100 million times on Google Play Store and holds a 4.4-star rating.

So who is behind this VPN provider? Thunder VPN was launched in 2018 by Signal Lab, a developer known for utility apps and connectivity tools. There is no specific information about the company’s headquarters, though it is believed to operate out of California. However, the lack of transparency in its documentation and policies is something to keep in mind for users who value openness in a VPN service.

What does Thunder VPN offer? Analysis of its main technical features

Before diving into what users think of Thunder VPN, let’s take a look at its main features and technical aspects. While the app was designed to offer fast and free VPN access, it has significant gaps when it comes to privacy policies, as it collects a considerable amount of user browsing data, which can feel intrusive. On the plus side, its minimalist interface and automated options make it a popular choice for those who want to protect their privacy without dealing with technical complications.

As mentioned earlier, while Thunder VPN focuses on offering a free version, it also has premium plans that boost performance and add extra features. It is marketed as an effective tool for browsing anonymously, protecting data on public Wi-Fi, and bypassing geographic restrictions. But does it really live up to these claims? Let’s take a closer look.

Technical features of Thunder VPN

Analysis of its technical features

If a quick overview isn’t enough, let’s dive deeper into some key aspects of Thunder VPN. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to decide whether this VPN is the right fit for your needs.

Server network

Compared to major providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, Thunder VPN has a smaller server network with limited country coverage. The free version only allows connections to servers in eight countries, while the paid version offers access to around 104 locations. That said, there is not much detailed information available about its network.

Thunder VPN’s servers are believed to be mostly located in North America, Europe, and Asia, although there is no detailed list of specific countries. This limits options for users who need connections from less represented regions, such as South America or Africa. As a result, access to geo-restricted content may also be more limited.

Another drawback of Thunder VPN is that, with a limited number of servers, they can become congested during peak hours, especially in high-demand regions. This can lead to a poor user experience. Unlike more robust VPNs, its server capacity may not be enough to ensure consistently fast and stable connections.

Encryption and protocols

Thunder VPN says it uses standard encryption, but it does not clarify if it’s AES-256, the industry benchmark for strong security. This lack of detail leaves some uncertainty about how well your data is protected, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks.

When it comes to protocols, the app uses SSL encryption, which is meant to simplify the technical side. However, it doesn’t offer options like OpenVPN or WireGuard, which are widely regarded for their security and performance. This could be a drawback for advanced users who prefer customizable settings.

Kill Switch

A notable drawback compared to other providers is that Thunder VPN does not include a kill switch. This feature is essential because it keeps your IP address hidden if the VPN connection drops. Its absence is a significant disadvantage when it comes to security.

There is a split-tunneling feature that activates automatically when you connect to a server. By default, it routes all the apps on your phone through the VPN, but if you want certain apps to bypass the encrypted tunnel, you can disconnect them manually.

Obfuscated servers

Thunder VPN does not offer obfuscated servers, which makes it less effective at bypassing strict restrictions in countries like China or Iran. This limits its usefulness for users who need to get around advanced censorship.

No-logging policy and independent audits

While Thunder VPN shows some weaknesses in security, its privacy protections are even more limited. Since one of the main reasons people use a VPN is to stay anonymous online, this is a crucial factor. So how well does Thunder VPN handle privacy?

Although Thunder VPN claims to be a no-logs service, its privacy policy tells a different story. The app collects basic device and usage data, your internet provider, the amount of data transferred, time zone, Wi-Fi status, and other details. If protecting your privacy is a priority, you might be better off looking for another VPN.

Furthermore, there is no independent audit that has confirmed its no-logging policy, which is clearly another negative point.

Device compatibility

Most VPNs on the market, especially premium ones, work across a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even routers. Thunder VPN, however, is only available for Android devices. While there is an app with the same name for iOS, it’s important to note that the two are separate VPNs.

Speed and bandwidth

Some drop in speed is expected when using a VPN, but it should be as minimal as possible. With Thunder VPN, performance is fairly average, and servers often get crowded during busy times. On the free plan, you might notice noticeable slowdowns that can disrupt streaming or downloading large files.

Thunder VPN provides unlimited bandwidth in its free version, but connection speeds aren’t guaranteed. This makes it appealing for users who want to browse without worrying about data limits, though the overall experience can be limited.

Ad blocker

Unlike many other providers, Thunder VPN does not include an ad-blocking feature. In fact, the app displays ads within its interface as part of its revenue model, which can be annoying for some users.

Support: How is Thunder VPN’s customer service?

Thunder VPN lacks a strong customer support system. Users can only report issues or ask questions through app store reviews, which often results in slow or no responses. Its website offers very limited information about the service, and there is no way to contact a company representative. If you have questions, chances are you’ll be on your own.

Is it suitable for streaming and gaming?

Thunder VPN is not optimized for accessing popular streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu. Even if you manage to connect, the servers are likely to be detected and blocked. For online gaming, where low latency is essential, Thunder VPN has also proven to be unreliable. Ping times are often too high for competitive games like Fortnite, Valorant, or Call of Duty, leading to frequent disconnects and frustrating delays.

How to use Thunder VPN?

One thing Thunder VPN does well is keeping the app very user-friendly. Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, installing it is straightforward. In just a few minutes, you can have the app up and running on your Android device.

All you need to do is go to Google Play Store and search for the Thunder VPN app. One way to make sure you have the right one is to check that the “T” in the logo is shaped like a lightning bolt. There are other apps with similar icons, so be sure you’re installing the correct version.

Once the app is on your phone, the next step is to accept its terms of use. As always, it’s a good idea to review the privacy policy, especially if you’re looking for a VPN that doesn’t collect data and guarantees full anonymity. Thunder VPN will ask for basic permissions to function properly, like access to your internet connection. Once you grant them, you can start using the service. Just tap the Connect button, and it will automatically connect to the most optimal server. You can also switch servers without disconnecting the VPN if you prefer.

In addition, Thunder VPN does not require registration or subscription to use its free service, which makes the process even easier.

How does its interface hold up? In this regard, Thunder VPN performs well. Its design is clean and minimalist, making it very easy to navigate. While it doesn’t offer the advanced features found in leading VPNs, it succeeds in providing a simple and user-friendly experience.

Advantages and disadvantages of Thunder VPN

By now, you’ve likely drawn your own conclusions about Thunder VPN’s strengths and weaknesses. If not, the table below highlights its key benefits as well as the areas where it could improve:

Overall, Thunder VPN is a convenient choice for users looking for a free, straightforward, and easy-to-use VPN. However, its limitations in speed, advanced security features, and device compatibility make it better suited for casual use rather than tasks that demand high security or consistent performance.

Thunder VPN: User reviews

Now it’s time to take a look at what users are saying about Thunder VPN. Despite the drawbacks we’ve discussed, most user reviews are generally positive.

Here are some reviews from the Google Play Store:

• “I’ve only had it installed for a short time, but I’m finding it very efficient. I had another VPN that kept disconnecting and wouldn’t let me access some safe websites, so I switched to this one. So far, it hasn’t caused me any headaches, which is why I’m giving it five stars. I’ll see how it performs over time and decide what to do if any issues come up.” – Ahmed Mustafa
• “Super fast and lets me access way more multimedia content than any other VPN I’ve tried! No drops, no interruptions. I’ve been searching for something like this for years, and I finally found it with you! Congratulations on your product. I highly recommend it” – Maarce Ü
• “It works really well. It’s easy to use, lets me download games that aren’t available in my country, and even boosts performance in online games that need a stable connection.” – Anthony Caleb Arzuaga Abad
• “This app is really good. I just installed it, but so far it works great and connects super fast. I hope it keeps performing like this, because it’s a really useful tool, especially in places with poor internet like where I am. Many thanks to the developers.” – Marcia V

We also found some negative reviews, such as:

• “I tried to access content from the United States, but it doesn’t always work. They should improve their servers.” – Luis F.
• “It’s fine for basic stuff, but the connections are very slow, especially in the afternoons. Don’t expect miracles.” – Ana G.
• “It’s fine for browsing or unblocking something simple, but I don’t trust its level of encryption for important things.” – María C.

Based on user reviews, Thunder VPN seems suitable for those who don’t expect too much from a service of this kind. Its ease of use and simple interface stand out, but it doesn’t quite measure up to other providers on the market, even compared to free options like Proton VPN.

Alternatives to Thunder VPN

If Thunder VPN doesn’t quite meet your needs, there are other options to consider. Even if you’re looking for a free service, some providers perform better. For example, Proton VPN offers a free plan with access to servers in the U.S., Japan, Romania, and the Netherlands, with no data limits. It provides the same AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy as its paid version and benefits from being based in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws. Streaming performance is also very solid. On top of that, it has 15,000 servers across more than 120 countries, ensuring both security and anonymity.

Windscribe VPN is another free option worth considering. It provides 10 GB of data per month and has servers in 10 countries. It also includes a firewall and DNS leak protection, which adds an extra layer of security. The service is easy to use, with apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and browser extensions.

Frequently asked questions about Thunder VPN

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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