ZoogVPN Review. Is It the Best Budget-Friendly VPN or Just Another Option?

In the crowded world of VPNs, ZoogVPN stands out for its unbeatable value, particularly for users looking to balance affordability with performance. With its free version and relatively budget-friendly paid plans, coupled with solid support for users in heavily restricted regions, ZoogVPN packs a punch. But does it truly deliver, or is it just another VPN in a sea of existing options on the market? Let’s dig deeper into ZoogVPN’s features and performance and determine why it’s worth your attention.

Why ZoogVPN Might Be Your Next VPN

There are several reasons to give ZoogVPN a close look, especially if you’re after a reliable, budget-friendly VPN that doesn’t skimp on core features:

• Completely free version. ZoogVPN offers a generous free plan for those who want to try before they buy. It’s not just a limited trial – users can enjoy up to 10GB per month without hidden fees or expiration dates.
• Low-cost premium plans. Few VPNs can compete with ZoogVPN’s incredibly affordable pricing structure, starting at just $2.49/month. With that, you get all premium features, which is ideal for users looking for maximum value.
• Support in heavily blocked regions. ZoogVPN’s Shadow Protocol makes it an outstanding option for circumventing state-level censorship if you’re in countries like China, Iran, or Russia.
• Excellent customer support. In contrast to the prevalent number of VPN providers that leave users hanging, ZoogVPN offers 24/7 live chat and phone support, guaranteeing that help is always at hand.
• SOCKS5 Proxy. ZoogVPN offers SOCKS5 proxy support on selected servers, which can improve your browsing speed and reduce latency by routing traffic through a proxy server. It comes in use for activities like P2P file sharing, where speed plays a significant role.

Is ZoogVPN Speed Good Enough for Streaming and Gaming?

When it comes to VPNs, speed is always a vital aspect of comparison. No one wants to deal with lag while streaming or downloading files, right? While many VPNs, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, often cause a 20-30% speed reduction, ZoogVPN performs perfectly well, ensuring minimal impact on your internet experience.

We put ZoogVPN to the test with various speed trials on both local and international servers. Here’s how it fared:

• Without VPN. Baseline download speed of 103 Mbps
• With ZoogVPN (US server). Download speed dropped to 85.33 Mbps
• With ZoogVPN (European server). Speed was still 79.42 Mbps

The results speak for themselves: ZoogVPN caused only a 10-20% decrease, significantly better than the industry average, where most VPNs see a drop of 25-40%. For general browsing, HD streaming, and even gaming, ZoogVPN’s speeds are more than sufficient.

Nearby servers provided excellent speeds, perfect for high-definition streaming and large file downloads. Even when connecting to distant servers like Japan or Australia, ZoogVPN kept its performance strong, though some latency was expected. As we may conclude, ZoogVPN’s performance is robust and dependable, handling various online activities with minimal speed loss, and we can recommend it as a reliable choice for your internet needs.

Security & Privacy. Does ZoogVPN Truly Protect You?

We understand that privacy and security are a must and are one of the key reasons users adopt VPNs, especially for those who value anonymity online. Needless to say, no one wants to trust a no-name product with their sensitive data only to find it leaked on a darknet forum the next day. ZoogVPN takes this seriously.

With AES-256 encryption, the industry standard used by governments and militaries, your data is kept secure against even the most advanced threats. 

Our DNS Leak Tests

We conducted rigorous DNS leak tests to ensure ZoogVPN’s commitment to privacy. Here’s what we found:

• iOS and Windows. We tested these platforms extensively and confirmed that no DNS leaks were detected. This means your online activities are well-protected, and your IP address remains concealed.
• Other devices. Unfortunately, we haven’t tested all other devices, so users with devices outside of iOS and Windows should exercise caution or seek additional confirmation.

Kill Switch for Added Security

ZoogVPN also includes a Kill Switch, a crucial feature for users who prioritize privacy. In the rare event that your VPN connection drops, the Kill Switch cuts off your internet, ensuring your IP address isn’t exposed. This feature works seamlessly across ZoogVPN’s apps.

No Logs, But Is It Truly Private?

ZoogVPN claims a strict no-logs policy, meaning your online activities are never stored or tracked. While there haven’t been any independent audits to verify this, there have also been no reports of breaches, so for now, you’ll have to take their word for it.

Circumventing Censorship. ZoogVPN’s Custom Shadow Protocol

What really sets ZoogVPN apart from many competitors is its ability to operate in censored regions where most VPNs struggle to function. Thanks to ZoogVPN’s custom Shadow Protocol, it can bypass state-level firewalls in countries like China, Iran, and Russia – a feature not all VPNs offer. ZoogVPN’s obfuscated servers make your connection look like ordinary HTTPS traffic, helping you bypass Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) techniques that governments use to block VPNs.

This means ZoogVPN disguises your activity, letting you freely browse social media, stream content, or connect to any platform securely, even in China, where censorship is notoriously strict. ZoogVPN goes even further with ZoogTLS and Shadow protocols, adding extra layers of encryption to keep your connection safe and smooth. Here are multiple confirmations on different Chinese forums that ZoogVPN does work in China, although in some regions it could be slow. Anyway, the fact it even works there surprised us!

We decided to put this claim to the test by reaching out to a friend in mainland China, one of the most heavily censored internet environments in the world. Our friend reported back that while one of ZoogVPN’s European servers struggled, the rest worked flawlessly, even allowing access to restricted sites like Google, YouTube, and Facebook. This is impressive, considering most VPNs can’t even establish a connection.

The Shadow Protocol ensures that ZoogVPN can bypass even the most aggressive blocks, making it ideal for anyone looking to maintain free and unrestricted internet access.

Streaming. Unblock Even the Hard-to-Access Services

ZoogVPN unlocks major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ and provides access to more niche services that are often overlooked. ZoogVPN’s app even has a dedicated streaming section with a list of supported platforms, making it seamless to switch regions and access blocked content.

We tested it on ESPN+, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, and more – all worked perfectly and with no setbacks. In case you’re trying to catch up on live sports in specific countries, access a platform from a heavily restricted region, or stream your favorite libraries, ZoogVPN can handle it all. On some less common services, performance varied slightly, but overall, ZoogVPN remained one of the better performers for streaming. 

User Experience. Simple, Yet Powerful

Setting up ZoogVPN is pretty easy, so it suits both non-tech-savvy beginners and seasoned VPN users. The apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even routers, ensuring all your devices are covered.

The app itself is minimalistic and functional – simply choose a server and connect. For more advanced users, there are options to fine-tune your settings, but they don’t clutter the interface for those who just want to get connected fast.

While ZoogVPN doesn’t have as many fancy features as some competitors, we put a huge plus for its simplicity, especially for users who prioritize ease of use over complexity.

Ping for Gaming. Low Latency, High Performance

For gamers, who care about smooth performance and low latency, ZoogVPN is also a pretty decent option. On nearby servers, ZoogVPN delivers fast ping times, keeping the action responsive and fluid. In fast-paced games like first-person shooters, where every millisecond counts, ZoogVPN consistently maintained ping rates below the critical 85 ms threshold, ensuring that in-game actions and responses were instantaneous with no frustrating delays.

During testing, we experienced seamless gameplay with no interruptions, lag, or stuttering, which kept us fully immersed in the game. For competitive gamers, this level of performance can make all the difference in tight situations. While any VPN may see increased ping on distant servers, especially over 5,000 km away, ZoogVPN easily handles local connections. Even on long-distance servers, the slight increase in latency was manageable and didn’t disrupt our gaming experience.

In a nutshell, ZoogVPN is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize nearby connections for real-time action, offering reliable performance and minimal lag for everyday use and moderate gaming needs.

Pricing plans

ZoogVPN offers a range of pricing plans tailored to fit various needs and budgets. The Free Plan provides access to 3 VPN locations with 10GB of bandwidth per month, suitable for casual users. It comes with limited features and restricted content access.

For those seeking more comprehensive coverage, the 2-Year Plan offers significant savings at $2.49 per month, billed as $59.99 every 27 months. This plan covers unlimited devices, access to over 1000 IPs and 100+ locations, full P2P support, and 256-bit encryption. It also grants access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ across 20 regions.

The 1-Year Plan is priced at $3.39 per month, billed at $39.99 annually. It offers the same benefits as the 2-Year Plan, making it a solid choice for those seeking a longer-term commitment without the extended savings.

For those who prefer a month-to-month option, the 1-Month Plan is available at $9.99 monthly, providing flexibility without a long-term commitment.

Get the Best Deal on ZoogVPN

Free Trial & Money-Back Guarantee

ZoogVPN offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free. This guarantee ensures you can evaluate the VPN’s performance and features before committing fully. A trial period provides peace of mind, allowing you to check it out and demonstrating ZoogVPN’s confidence in its service quality.

Torrenting with ZoogVPN. Speed, Security, and Efficiency

For torrenting enthusiasts, ZoogVPN hits the sweet spot with speed, security, and efficiency. When connected to one of its torrent-optimized servers, ZoogVPN keeps download speeds impressively high. In our tests, a 700MB file was downloaded in just around 20 minutes, mirroring speeds achieved without a VPN – perfect for those who want to torrent without sacrificing performance. Even on non-optimized servers, ZoogVPN delivered consistently strong speeds, with only minor slowdowns, ensuring a smooth torrenting experience.

Security is a top priority for ZoogVPN when it comes to torrenting. The built-in Kill Switch – which we’ve already mentioned – adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your IP address remains hidden even if your connection drops. While ZoogVPN doesn’t offer port forwarding, its high-speed, secure connections more than compensate, making it easy to torrent without worrying about slowdowns or leaks. ZoogVPN’s growing server network is specifically optimized for P2P file sharing, reducing the chances of ISP throttling or DMCA notices.

Though torrenting itself is legal, downloading copyrighted materials can land you in trouble, so ZoogVPN always recommends sticking to legal torrents. With full P2P support across multiple optimized servers, ZoogVPN offers a fast, secure, and hassle-free torrenting experience. Combined with its affordable pricing and robust features, it stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to torrent efficiently and safely.

24/7 Customer Support

We were pleasantly surprised by ZoogVPN’s robust customer support, offering multiple ways to assist users when they need help. The outstanding part is its 24/7 live chat support – a service many other VPNs reserve for their premium customers. As you may already know, for providers that rely heavily on automated bots or slow email responses, ZoogVPN connects you directly to a human support agent within seconds. Real-time assistance is invaluable when you need a quick solution to any issue.

ZoogVPN’s support team is highly knowledgeable in cybersecurity and VPN technology, providing in-depth explanations and helpful solutions. They’ll take the time to research your problem thoroughly, offering accurate and personalized responses. However, this level of thoroughness can sometimes lead to waiting times of around 10 minutes, which, while reasonable, may be a bit longer compared to some competitors.

Beyond live chat, ZoogVPN offers customer support via telephone and across social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and Facebook. For those who prefer self-service, ZoogVPN’s extensive knowledge base covers a wide range of FAQs and setup guides, making it easy to find answers on your own. While the resources are comprehensive, the lack of video tutorials might be a slight downside for users who prefer visual learning tools.

Pros & Cons

We consider that the minor drawbacks do not significantly impact the overall experience, especially considering ZoogVPN’s strengths.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing. One of the cheapest VPNs, especially with long-term plans.
• Free plan. 10GB/month at no cost at all. You have the opportunity to test it within a 7-days-money-back-guarantee
• Great for censored regions. Shadow Protocol allows for bypassing heavy censorship.
• Solid performance for streaming. Easily unblocks popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and more.
• Reliable customer support. 24/7 availability through live chat and phone.

Cons:

• Smaller server network. Compared to giants like NordVPN, ZoogVPN’s server selection is more limited. Yet, the vendor keeps extending its network, so the service progresses all the time in these terms.
• No advanced features. Missing split tunneling on some devices and port forwarding.
• Speeds can drop on long-distance servers. While excellent for local connections, expect slight lag when connecting to far-off servers.

Try ZoogVPN Now

Conclusion

We can straightforwardly say that ZoogVPN isn’t just another VPN – it’s a fantastic choice for users who prioritize affordability without sacrificing quality. For those seeking strong privacy, fast streaming, and access in censored regions, ZoogVPN delivers where it counts. While it may lack some advanced features, the core functionality and competitive pricing make it stand out from the crowd within today’s VPN market.