FrootVPN Review (2024)

FrootVPN, a reputable VPN provider based in Sweden, has been in operation since 2014 and currently operates 80 servers across 22 countries. Known for its robust privacy policies, including a strict no-logs policy, FrootVPN supports multiple protocols such as OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP. While the service excels in many areas, its connection speeds and support could benefit from improvement.

Features

FrootVPN gained initial popularity due to its association with The Pirate Bay, offering free services that attracted torrent users globally. Today, FrootVPN supports major operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and some routers. It provides configuration files for users familiar with OpenVPN software, allowing for flexible connectivity options beyond its native client.

Mobile users can set up FrootVPN using the OpenVPN app and provided config files, though the process is straightforward thanks to accessible FAQs and installation guides. Windows users can take advantage of a native application that is user-friendly and efficient, facilitating quick setup and seamless operation.

During my review, I encountered some difficulty locating OpenVPN config files for Android devices. Initially, I misunderstood the Servers tab in my account as a server status page. A support inquiry was not helpful due to the absence of 24/7 customer support, leading to delays in resolving the issue.

The desktop app features a basic Settings tab for configuring startup behavior and language preferences. The main connection window allows users to select from various protocols, including OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, PPTP, and L2TP. While there is a convenient feature to send app logs directly to support, I noted the absence of a kill switch and DNS leak protection toggle.

Pricing

FrootVPN is competitively priced at $4.99 per month, $11.97 for three months, and $35.88 annually. All plans include access to the native desktop client, support for OpenVPN, PPTP, SSTP, and L2TP, as well as unlimited bandwidth, speed, and 2048-bit encryption. Users can connect up to five devices simultaneously, and torrenting is permitted.

Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and Perfect Money, allowing for anonymous transactions. Although FrootVPN does not offer a free or paid trial, it does provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, contingent upon the provider’s assessment of whether user expectations were reasonably met.

Performance

Testing FrootVPN from a Caribbean location revealed significant slowdowns in connection speeds.

Despite being able to stream and browse without major delays, the service did not perform optimally.

For example, speeds on a US server

and a UK server (configured for BBC iPlayer) were noticeably reduced.

While upload speeds showed some improvement, download speeds were subpar.

Security tests yielded positive results with no DNS, WebRTC,

or IPv6 leaks, indicating effective protection of user identity and location.

However, FrootVPN does not currently unblock Netflix’s US libraries or provide consistent

performance with BBC iPlayer, leading to frequent buffering and connection drops.

P2P torrenting is permitted, but the slow speeds may limit its practicality.

In summary, while FrootVPN offers strong privacy features and competitive pricing, its connection speeds and customer support could be enhanced to improve the overall user experience.

Privacy and Security

FrootVPN excels in privacy and security with a comprehensive array of industry-leading features. The service supports a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP, with IPv6 support available through OpenVPN. User data is protected using 2048-bit encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy, and the provider also supports PGP keys and TLS 1.1 and above. Importantly, FrootVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user information, including bandwidth, IP address, timestamps, DNS queries, and session logs, remains confidential. However, the provider requires an email address and username for account creation. It is worth noting that if your email is used as your login, it will be used consistently across all devices accessing the VPN.

Best practices in VPN security suggest that users should have a separate login/password combination for VPN access distinct from their members’ area credentials. FrootVPN adheres to this principle and is committed to transparency in its Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Legal Statement. These documents are designed to be clear and concise, focusing on essential information. Operating under Swedish jurisdiction, FrootVPN is not obligated to retain user data for providers using a prepaid flat rate model. In the event of a legal request, the only information FrootVPN can provide is a username, email address, and subscription expiry date.