Snap VPN Review

VPNs (virtual private networks) make your internet browsing safe. VPN is a technology that allows users to access the internet remotely, through a proxy. Due to its usefulness, individual vendors offer VPNs on multiple platforms. However, many providers do not have a product across various operating systems. Take Snap VPN, for example. It is exclusively a VPN for Android devices. But is it any good? While we can argue that specialization can breed excellence, we also know that limitation is another form of mediocrity. Hence, those who want to learn the value of this particular service should seriously give our Snap VPN review a try.

Disclaimer – The following Snap VPN review is subjective. We do not recommend any particular product or practice.

Overview of Snap VPN

Snap VPN hails from Singapore and offers a small VPN network exclusively for Android users. It is a mobile-only service that is a few years old. Furthermore, it doesn’t have a website. Hence, there is no official data regarding the number of VPN servers available or other technicalities. However, as listed on Google Play Store, it claims to be a no-logs VPN that promises unparalleled speed and total anonymity while browsing the web.

Users should know that Snap VPN is not an independent entity. It is owned by a company called Lemon Clove. The parent company specializes in digital security, solutions, and faster internet. The company also owns another VPN service, VPN Robot. Coming back to Snap VPN, it is a free VPN service with in-app purchases that can unlock the premium version. Sadly, it has poor Customer Service, evident from the lack of a website. Thus, we can’t be sure about the prices, as Google subscriptions vary per region.

Snap VPN specs

Key specifications	Snap VPN
Bandwidth	Unlimited
VPN speed (FREE)	1 Mbps
Logging policy	No logs (Claimed)
IP and DNS leaks	No
Jurisdiction	Singapore
VPN servers	Undisclosed
IP addresses	Undisclosed
Countries	12
Streaming	No
Torrenting	No
Obfuscation	No
Customer Support	Email-only

Features of Snap VPN

Given below are the features of the Snap VPN service from Singapore:

Privacy and logging policy

Although the VPN doesn’t have an exclusive website, you can access its privacy policy by visiting Google Play Store. According to the policy, the VPN claims to be a no-logs service. However, bear in mind that no independent audits have taken place to date. But still, the VPN emphasizes that it doesn’t log the following data:

• Activity logs
• IP address
• Timestamps/session duration

Furthermore, the VPN goes on to console users by reiterating that it can’t provide any data it doesn’t possess. It also states that there is no sharing of any personal data with third-party advertisers. However, the policy makes it clear that so-called advertisers can still set up their cookies and similar tech on the VPN service. Here is what the VPN logs/records:

• Validity of the connection
• Approx geolocation of the connection
• Originating country
• ISP (Internet Service Provider)
• Data transferred per user

Advanced features and security

The service has limited resources, and it offers a bare-back VPN client, and on a single platform. Hence, it is no surprise that the VPN has nothing to offer. Forget advanced features, as we couldn’t even find the necessary stuff that makes a VPN secure. Sure, it uses OpenVPN and protects data behind the AES-256 encryption cipher. However, that isn’t enough. The crucial VPN kill switch is missing, along with other perks that can promote peripheral activities, such as Smart DNS for streaming or Port Forwarding for torrenting. Yes, as a free VPN, this is expected, but better services are available with more features, and that too, for free.

• VPN protocol – OpenVPN
• Encryption – AES-256

VPN server locations

If you purchase the paid subscription in-app, then you can access a list of servers spread across 12 countries. However, we do not know the exact amount of servers available in the network, as there is no official website. Also, the app only provides 6 servers for free. The countries you can choose from are as follows:

• Canada
• Netherlands
• South Korea
• India
• Japan
• Russia
• Germany
• Singapore
• France
• Australia
• United States
• United Kingdom

Connectivity and VPN speed

Unsurprisingly, Snap VPN is among the slowest services we have ever seen. But that is unsurprising for an Android-only service with limited network and capabilities. Furthermore, we believe that there is throttling involved—it’s too sluggish.

Server Location	Original Download (Mbps)	Original Upload (Mbps)	Original Ping (ms)	VPN Download (Mbps)	VPN Upload (Mbps)	VPN Ping (ms)
New York	60	10	30	40	8	60
London	100	20	40	60	15	70
Tokyo	120	5	50	30	3	90
Sydney	80	8	60	50	6	75
Sao Paulo	110	15	35	70	12	70

Torrenting

Snap VPN is one of the rare few VPN services that straight out accepts to block P2P traffic. Although it does make it an unpopular choice, even if the VPN supported torrenting, we would have advised against it. The app lacks a kill switch. Plus, being a free VPN, we can’t seem to put all our trust in it.

Streaming

We weren’t disappointed when the app failed to bypass any geo-blocks. Given the limited VPN network and the lack of features, it was expected that the VPN can’t stream global content. Although the service hints that you might access some streaming sites by upgrading to the premium version, we doubt it.

Obfuscation and bypassing VPN blocks

Like P2P, the VPN straight up confesses that it can bypass VPN blocks. Hence, the service will fail in a highly censored area. As the VPN lacks an obfuscation tool, expecting the service to work will be foolhardy.

Customer Care

As we have already stated, the VPN doesn’t have an exclusive website. It is a major disservice to customers as, without a website, it would be hard for them to access after-sales services. Even if the VPN is a free service, the lack of a website is a glaring issue.

Platform support for Snap VPN

The service only supports Android. There is no manual installation, thus, there is no VPN router or support for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. It also lacks support for other major platforms

Snap VPN pricing and subscription plans

Snap VPN is a free VPN service that offers in-app purchases. However, Google Play in-app subscriptions vary per region. Thus, there is no accurate information available, and we remind you that an official website is absent.

Verdict

Snap VPN, at the end of our review, isn’t turning any heads anytime soon. Although it is a free service, there isn’t enough to justify its use. Yes, it offers a decent logging policy coupled with good encryption, but nothing else. This apparent lack of services like streaming or torrenting is a major drawback. Also, the VPN is exclusive to Android, further limiting its potential. One can find a silver lining, but there are enough potential warnings to stay away. We recommend the same, given the fact that there are other much more attractive options available.