Today we will be reviewing the latest addition in the VPN industry. VPNs have become more popular with each passing day. As if it was not evident enough, major corporations around the globe have also started to take an interest in exploiting the VPN scene. The internet security field has potential that many want to tap. Thus, it was only a matter of time when a tech giant, such as Google, also tried to corner the market. Google has come out with its brand of VPN, namely the Google One VPN, and today we will review this product at the behest of our readers.
Is it really a VPN? Does it work? Is it worth the money, and will it compromise privacy? There are tons of such questions, and we look forward to answering them all with a comprehensive Google VPN review.
Is Google One VPN real?
Yes, as absurd it may sound, Google has finally come up with a VPN. Although, there’s a catch. The product offered is not standalone but part of the Google One cloud storage package. Furthermore, the service is only viable in a select few countries. That, too, exclusively applies to Android.
The Google VPN appears to adopt a lackadaisical approach towards internet security. The product in question does the bare minimum and has glaring issues. Be it privacy, safety, or performance, the VPN needs further work to be practical.
However, it is real, and it is here, although it may not be a decent addition to a strong lineup of VPNs. Remember: that the service is relatively new! Moreover, with the Google brand name, it has the potential to go the extra mile.
Notable Google One VPN Specifications
Below you’ll find a rundown of pivotal information about Google One VPN:
Specs | Google One VPN |
---|---|
Number of the simultaneous connection | No extra connection. Individual subscription per device |
Accepts cryptocurrencies | No |
Bandwidth limit | Unlimited |
Advanced features | None except a kill switch and split tunneling |
Platform supported | Android |
Router support | None |
Free version | No |
Money-back guarantee | Google terms and conditions apply. No specific money-back guarantee |
VPN logging policy | Claims to be a no-logs VPN. However, no relevant information was found on the website |
Servers | Hasn’t specified the number, or locations of the servers |
Geo-unblocking | No |
Torrenting | No |
Leak protection | No |
Customer support | 24/7 live chat, email, and phone |
Security protocol and encryption | Hasn’t specified |
Google One VPN Features
There is an apparent lack of features. Although One VPN from Google tried to integrate a kill switch and split tunneling, it’s a bareback approach towards internet security. In this back to basic app, we couldn’t find anything worth noticing that can take on the current market leaders. Thus, despite being a household name and a brand responsible for making the internet normalcy, the VPN Google offers don’t seem to work its magic. At least not for me.
Having said that, here are a few features we could find out for the One VPN. However, you can find out more about the service by visiting the Google One VPN website.
Ease of Use
Admittedly, the VPN is beginner-friendly. We are not surprised because there isn’t much going on. The app is a clean-cut look with fewer options and menus, making it sufficiently easy to navigate through. Although, the lack of an exclusive app icon may be a glaring drawback. You won’t find the VPN icon anywhere. You’d have to scramble through a plethora of information throughout the Google 1 to reach the VPN.
Another point to heed is viability. The product is exclusive to Android. There are a few countries that have access to this service. Only 18 countries in the world can currently utilize the VPN from Google.
Privacy and Security
It’s time to address the elephant in the room. We are all well aware of the issues of privacy related to Google. The company has been infamous for tracking and logging a needless amount of user data. Now, what they may or may not do with this data is irrelevant here. Because as a VPN vendor, trust and reputation are the only currency a provider has. Google seems to lack both in the privacy domain.
Having said that, Google claims that it will never use the VPN connection to track, log or sell your browsing activity. It also reinstates that it will only log a minimum amount of data. But which ones? The company fails to specify. As for security and what VPN protocols the provider will employ, or what encryption practices it will adhere to, there is no clear information yet.
Servers and Performance
As soon as you enable the Google VPN, it will automatically connect you to a server. But which one or where? There is no sufficient information. There is absolutely nil information regarding the number of servers available or their geographical distinction. Although we tried a streaming test and figured out that Google isn’t offering obfuscated servers for sure as it failed to bypass geo-blocks.
Customer Support
The sole satisfactory point regarding One VPN is the 24/7 customer support. As expected of this tech giant, Google has comprehensive customer support, and we are hopeful that the company won’t disappoint in this department.
Google One VPN Prices
The VPN is not sold individually. You’d have to purchase the Google One subscription if you want to enjoy the VPN privileges. The Google One is a cloud storage package that allows up to 30 TB of cloud space. The plan differed comes in five subscriptions plans, such as:
- 2 TB @ $9.99 monthly and $99.99 annually
- 5 TB @ $24.99 monthly and $249.99 annually
- 10 TB @ $49.99 per month
- 20 TB @ $99.99 monthly
- 30 TB @ $149.99 monthly
Beware, though, as there is no free trial for the VPN available. Further, the subscription is limited to a single device. There are your usual payment methods available. Although, payments via cryptocurrency are absent.
Pros
- Relatively fast
- Good customer support
- Has split tunneling
- Uses a kill switch
Cons
- Android exclusive
- Not a standalone product
- Lacks industry standard features
- No information regarding servers
- No data about protocols or encryption
- Can’t change locations
- Doesn’t permit geo-unblocking or torrenting
- Costly
- Doubtful logging policy without official statement
Is Google One VPN Worth It?
Well, the more you expect, the more you’d disappoint yourself. Google is a big name in the tech sector. However, the bare minimum VPN from Google won’t turn heads. Furthermore, the VPN isn’t a standalone product. It comes as a bundle with Google One services. Thus, it is costly, devoid of useful features, has a questionable privacy rep, and is only for public Wi-Fi use. If you are looking for a trusted service that can aid you in streaming your favorite Netflix from the other side of the globe, then guess what: One VPN isn’t for you.
The company offers no information regarding security protocols, encryption profiles, number of servers, or their location. The VPN works, no doubt, but only as a layer over your apps to facilitate encrypted data transfer. It is this narrow approach that limits the applicability of the service. Although I know and understand that it is a newer addition in a strong line of value for money products, and is only a year-old service. Thus, it has limited scope to act. Furthermore, there is Android exclusivity (which is not helping). Yes, the service can potentially grow into a viable option, with tons of features and stuff.
For now, I am disappointed with the brand and can’t recommend this half-baked VPN to anyone. If you are considering a Google One cloud storage service regardless of the addendum VPN, then sure, it won’t hurt. But going after a cloud package for the VPN experience is a bit of a far-fetched idea!
Google One VPN Review
Summary
Google One VPN is a largely untested security product on the market, coming from a reputable brand. Besides being limited to Android, the tech giant has shared very little information about features and functionalities. As things stand now, we cannot recommend it.