Urban VPN Review (January 2024) – Is It the Safest Free VPN? (2024)

In this January2024 update of our Urban VPN review, we delve into a service that’s making waves with its free approach to virtual private networking. Amidst online privacy concerns, Urban VPN offers a compelling promise of unrestricted bandwidth and a vast server fleet at no cost.

Free VPNs typically come with trade-offs, but Urban VPN aims to defy expectations by providing lightning-fast speeds and advanced encryption features for free. This review will thoroughly examine what Urban VPN brings to the table, from its extensive server network to its strong stance on user anonymity.

While paid services like ExpressVPN or Surfshark are known for their feature-rich offerings, Urban VPN’s unique selling point is its price tag—or lack thereof. If you’re on the hunt for the best VPN that marries cost-efficiency with robust features, our in-depth analysis will guide you through Urban VPN’s capabilities.

Urban VPN Pricing – How Much is Urban VPN?

Urban VPN offers a totally free service, featuring numerous servers for optimal performance and content access. Enjoy unlimited location switches to bypass geographical restrictions and access content seamlessly, regardless of your global location.

Since it is free, now the question arises, “Is there a time limit on Urban VPN free?” No, it’s available for unlimited time and at no cost. There are no restrictions on your data usage, the number of apps or websites you opt to use, and the time of day. Simply connect and indulge in all the online content you desire.

Urben VPN opens up access to VPN features that can help users browse the web anonymously and bypass geo-restrictions. Despite being free, VPN Urban ensures a reliable and secure connection, giving users peace of mind while navigating the digital landscape.

Free VPNs have tons of limitations. Check out our list of VPN deals in 2024and get premium VPNs at discounted rates to browse and stream without any restrictions.

If you are concerned about protecting your online privacy, we recommend signing up for a high-quality VPN service like ExpressVPN. It is one of the most secure and dependable VPN services inthe market, with a wide range of features that can help you staysafe online.

UrbanVPN is not safe to use- and we don’t recommend it for privacy-conscious users. It has weak encryption.

Similar to Hola VPN, this service offers a Peer-to-Peer VPN network that lacks security measures. By utilizing the devices of its users, it functions as a server for other users, posing a significant risk to your data.

To ensure the safety of your information, we strongly advise using a premium VPN service such as ExpressVPN. With advanced encryption algorithms like military-grade AES 256-bit and protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway (its custom protocol), ExpressVPN provides lightning-fast speeds and top-notch encryption, offering you a robust and secure browsing experience.

Urban VPN Server Network and Locations

Urban VPN extends its reach with a vast network of over 4,600 servers across 82 jurisdictions, including regions where VPNs face heavy restrictions. This extensive network allows users to access a global suite of IP addresses, ensuring they can connect from virtually anywhere. The service’s commitment to providing a wide range of server locations underscores its dedication to user accessibility and freedom.

The global presence of Urban VPN’s servers enables users to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked content worldwide. Whether you want to stream your favorite shows or access websites unavailable in your current location, Urban VPN’s servers can help you achieve that.

With servers in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and more, Urban VPN offers users the flexibility to browse the web from different virtual locations, ensuring a seamless and unrestricted online experience.

Jurisdiction – Does it Belong to Five Eyes Country?

Urban VPN is a US-based VPN service. This is the reason they have to abide by mandatory US data retention laws.

The US is a part of 5 Eyes country, which means if the US authorities ask for any users’ information, then the company has to follow the law and has to give away the information.

In this scenario, you had better explore our guide that discusses the consequences of using VPN services based on 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes Countries.

In the meantime, we suggest you use a VPN that is based in a privacy-friendly nation. ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which is not a part of the 14 Eyes Alliance and the VPN has also been audited by third-party firms.

Obfuscation Servers

Urban VPN offers an impressive range of obfuscation servers strategically located around the world, including in countries like Belarus, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Vietnam. These obfuscation servers are designed to provide an additional layer of privacy and security for users who may face restrictions or censorship in their respective regions.

The aforementioned countries are where internet censorship and surveillance are prevalent. With Urban VPN’s obfuscation servers in these locations, users can bypass government-imposed restrictions and enjoy a truly unrestricted internet experience. Whether it’s accessing blocked websites, streaming geo-restricted content, or communicating securely, Urban VPN’s servers offer users the ability to circumvent censorship.

Speed and Performance – How Fast is Urban VPN?

Urban VPN offers users access to limitless bandwidth and satisfactory connection speeds. The servers of Urban VPN can attain speeds of up to 70Mbps on connections inside the United States. This may be comparable to several high-quality VPN service providers, which is noteworthy.

However, during our speed test, Urban VPN didn’t perform like ExpressVPN, which is the best fastest VPN in terms of speed, exhibited exceptional performance with download speeds reaching an impressive 52.37 Mbps, and upload speeds reaching 45.19 Mbps, all while operating on a 100 Mbps connection scale.

The remarkable speed capabilities of Urban VPN extend beyond the test results we obtained. With unlimited bandwidth and consistently satisfactory speeds, Urban VPN’s US server connections can even reach speeds of up to 200 Mbps, a feat that rivals the performance of top-tier premium VPNs.

To thoroughly assess its capabilities, we specifically connected to Urban VPN’s US server. Our test yielded the following outcome, further showcasing the outstanding speed capabilities of this VPN provider:

We also connected to different server locations other than the US to check for speed. Here are the results:

UK Speed Test

Australia Speed Test

While Urban VPN claims fast connection speeds, the reality of VPN use often involves a trade-off with performance. Out of other Urban VPN reviews, our review acknowledges the potential for speed loss, particularly when connecting to distant servers. However, Urban VPN’s unlimited bandwidth and server-switching capabilities aim to mitigate these losses, offering users the best possible performance under the constraints of VPN technology.

If you need a better alternative, we recommend you go for ExpressVPN, which offers blazing-fast speed on all its servers.

Security & Privacy – Is Urban VPN Safe & Secure?

Urban VPN steps up its game with advanced features such as DNS/IPv6 leak protection, ensuring users can browse with anonymity and security. The addition of Urban anti-malware and Urban AdBlocker further fortifies the browsing experience against potential threats. These features are designed to keep users safe from malware infections and intrusive ads, providing a cleaner and more secure online environment.

Urban-VPN review and Urban VPN opera about the best secure VPN highlight that it offers a range of features and capabilities. However, it’s important to note that the service lacks advanced security features commonly found in premium VPN providers, because of which you can’t say that Urban VPN is safe.

It sells your personal information to other parties, and since it lacks security features such as a kill switch or IP/DNS leak prevention, you will be exposed to the public eye if the VPN connection is malfunctioning. Moving on, we dislike that it is not P2P-compatible and cannot be used for torrenting.

Let’s delve into each subheading to gain a better understanding of Urban VPN’s security offerings.

AES-256 Encryption

Urban VPN proxy review notifies that it offers AES-256 encryption, a military-grade standard widely recognized for its strength and reliability. This encryption ensures that user data remains confidential and inaccessible to unauthorized parties, providing a secure browsing experience.

Ad-Blocker

With an integrated ad-blocker, Urban VPN helps users avoid the annoyance and potential risks associated with intrusive advertisem*nts. By blocking unwanted ads, users can enjoy a cleaner and safer online environment, reducing the chances of inadvertently clicking on malicious links or falling victim to online scams.

Anti-Mining

Urban free VPN review section about the security highlights that this VPNincorporates anti-mining features to safeguard users from unauthorized cryptocurrency mining activities. This protection helps prevent the misuse of system resources by malicious entities seeking to exploit users’ devices for their own financial gain, thereby enhancing overall security during browsing sessions.

No Advanced Security Features

While Urban VPN offers robust encryption, an ad-blocker, and anti-mining measures, it falls short in terms of advanced security features commonly offered by premium VPN providers. These features may include features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, multi-hop connections, or dedicated IP addresses. As such, users seeking a comprehensive security suite may find Urban VPN lacking in this aspect.

Urban VPN utilizes OpenVPN for its Mac and Windows applications, although the specifics of its encryption standards remain unclear. The review raises questions about the potential use of PPTP in free services, emphasizing the need for robust security protocols. Users are encouraged to consider the implications of encryption and protocol choices when selecting a VPN service.

Leaks – IP, DNS, WebRTC, & Virus Test

We conducted thorough evaluations using various privacy testing tools to examine its IP leak, DNS leak, and WebRTC leak protection capabilities. Remarkably, the software successfully cleared all the assessments, demonstrating its robust shielding against potential leaks. These results underscore the reliability and effectiveness of its protective measures, ensuring enhanced privacy and security for users.

Our investigation into Urban VPN’s IP masking capabilities reveals that while the service is generally effective, there may be inconsistencies with the Chrome extension. These findings highlight the importance of thorough testing and the selection of reliable applications for maintaining online privacy.

We connected to the same US server. Here are the test results:

IP Test

DNS Test

WebRTC Test

Virus Test

To our surprise, upon scanning the Urban VPN Windows client, we meticulously searched for any traces of malware or viruses. Much to our relief, my thorough examination yielded no evidence of any harmful viruses lurking within the software. We are pleased to report that the client appears to be clean and devoid of any malicious threats.

Does UrbanVPN Collect Data?

Operating under US jurisdiction, Urban VPN is transparent about its data logging practices, which may concern privacy-focused users. However, the service’s policy on data collection, retention, and deletion is clearly outlined, providing users with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their privacy. Urban VPN’s approach to user data underscores the importance of transparency in the VPN industry.

Streaming – Does Urban VPN Work with Netflix?

Yes, Urban VPN can unblock Netflix and other major streaming sites, as well as other geo-restricted content providers. This capability allows users to enjoy a broader range of media and services, regardless of their physical location. Urban VPN’s performance in overcoming geo-blocks is a testament to its utility for users seeking unrestricted access to online content.

Sign up with Urban VPN, the world’s most fabulous virtual private network. Install Urban VPN and choose one of our VPN server locations in the United States. Log in to your Netflix account and start watching. However, we did encounter a minor inconvenience where there was occasionally a slight delay in loading video overviews on both Netflix before playback began.

Fortunately, we had the immense pleasure of effortlessly streaming “Netflix” without experiencing any interruptions due to server disconnections or frustrating buffering problems. The seamless viewing experience allowed me to fully immerse myself in the captivating storyline and relish every moment of this remarkable series.

Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and many others.

According to Urban VPN, it claims to possess the capability to circumvent restrictions imposed by streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and several others. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that VPN companies often encounter challenges in keeping pace with streaming services’ most recent blocking techniques.

There exists a potential for Urban VPN to encounter limitations in its ability to bypass restrictions imposed by these providers consistently.

Torrenting – Is Urban VPN Good For Torrenting?

No, Urban VPN is not ideal for torrent downloading.

Urban VPN maintains a non-disclosure policy regarding torrenting activities, leaving users uncertain about its compatibility with such file-sharing protocols. Unfortunately, the absence of a live chat option makes it challenging to seek clarification from customer support regarding this matter.

Regrettably, our thorough evaluation revealed that Urban VPN is not conducive to torrent downloads. Our attempt to initiate the download of a copyright-free torrent file through an Urban VPN server proved futile, as the VPN failed to commence the downloading process altogether.

If you’re looking to find VPNs that support torrenting, delve into our comprehensive guide on the top VPNs for torrenting in the US. Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN, renowned as the ultimate VPN for torrenting and peer-to-peer (P2P) activities. With ExpressVPN, you can enjoy this essential feature across all of their server locations, ensuring optimal performance and security for your torrenting needs.

Urban VPN Device Compatibility

The device compatibility of Urban VPN is inadequate, and the site seems to be unnaturally bloated.

Urban VPN is not the best VPN to support multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. Thus, users can use free Urban VPN apps tailored for Mac, Android, and iPhone, enhancing compatibility across different devices. Furthermore, Urban VPN offers seamless integration with popular web browsers such as Urban VPN for Firefox, Edge, Mozilla, and Google Chrome.

UrbanVPN is a versatile option that supports a wide array of streaming devices. With its unlimited bandwidth feature, it stands out as the top choice for a free VPN when it comes to platforms like Kodi, Roku, and various other streaming devices.

Here is the list of the compatible devices:

Urban VPN Desktop and Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)

In this Urban VPNreview, we should discuss user experience. It was excellent, mainly because it’s too simple and does not possess energy. The setup is simple: visit the site, tap the Urban VPN download tab, and install the program.

It’s easy to install and works like any other program. After installation, you may access the app without logging in. On the left is a significant connection (Play) button, and on the right is a server list. To connect to a server, double-click on the desired country and allow Urban VPN to connect to the server there. This process, however, is very sluggish, which surprised me.

I had to wait for 10+ seconds to connect occasionally, which is not the case while using ExpressVPN or NordVPN, which had quick connections. Even so, once connected, you canbrowse the web and utilize the internet as usual, but with reduced speed, which I’ll discuss later.

In terms of mobile compatibility, Urban VPN is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Therefore, it supports both platforms. On iOS, the app is outdated and has very few functions, so you can only connect to a server or disconnect – nothing else.

Interestingly, the mobile app offers some premium options if you click the Payment View option in the menu. We’ll go into more detail about it later in our Urban VPN review since the cost is ridiculous compared to the free version.

Its browser add-ons are just proxies with a selection of server locations. They’re available for Chrome and Urban VPN Firefox and provide several ad-blocking tools that the desktop app lacks. Again, nothing out of theordinary and certainly nothing to brag about.

Urban VPN TV Apps

Urban VPN includes a native Android app, which means it should function on Android Smart TVs. We recommend premium VPNs like ExpressVPN for Android TV, but we don’t recommend Urban VPN for apparent reasons.

Even thoughit works on Android, its lack of features makes it unsuitable for usage on platforms other than the ones listed above. Although sideloading the app on your Android TV may work, the app remains the same, with no enhancements or improved capabilities.

If you use an Amazon Fire TV Stick, for example, Urban VPN will not operate, and the same is true for Samsung and LG TVs. It’s possible to sideload it on your Nvidia Shield TV, but don’t expect miracles since its streaming skills aren’t the best.

Urban VPN Gaming Apps

Gamingusing Urban VPN is restricted soit cannot be used on game consoles. It will function on Android,Windows, iOS, and macOS, but it will be worthless if you play games on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo consoles.

Extending your gaming skills using a VPN, such as ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or even NordVPN, will be achievable. This is mainly owing to their router compatibility and Smart DNS,which Urban VPN lacks.

Urban VPN Router Support

The last point to mention in this section of my Urban VPN review for 2024is router support. As expected, it is not present, and the provider will not operate with any router type. What is the solution? Simply use a premium service such as ExpressVPN.

I suggest it since it works with all routers and allows you to encrypt your whole home network with the touch of a mouse. This review began on a sour tone, and you’ll witness it crumble before your eyes in the subsequent analysis.

Ease of Use — Urban VPN Offers User-friendly Apps

The straightforward nature of Urban VPN is often praised, with its no-registration policy and easy-to-navigate interface. This simplicity is a double-edged sword, as it may come at the cost of advanced features. Nonetheless, for users seeking a hassle-free VPN experience, Urban VPN delivers with its straightforward approach.

Additionally, Urban VPN offers simple Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android applications. Simple interfaces make the applications easy to use. You may effortlessly connect to a VPN server, choose a protocol, and verify your IP address. Additionally, Urban VPN’s pricing model offers flexibility with its freemium options for Android users, including a free trial and various subscription tiers. This approach allows users to test the service before committing financially, providing a low-barrier entry point to VPN usage.

Urban VPN offers easy-to-use programs for beginners and experts. The applications are quick, secure, and accessible. However, Urban VPN’s app lacks premium VPN functionality. Moreover, the VPN doesn’t support split tunneling, kill switches, or manual server selection. If you want a VPN with more features, choose another service provider. If you want an essential, free VPN, Urban VPN is a fantastic choice.

Customer Support

Urban VPN’s lack of live chat support and a comprehensive knowledge base is a notable drawback. The availability of only a blog for information and email support for privacy policy inquiries may not suffice for users seeking immediate assistance. This aspect of the service suggests an area for improvement in customer relations.

Furthermore, the website lacks crucial sections such as a support page, FAQ section, setup instructions catalog, and troubleshooting resources. Although there are a few concise setup instructions scattered throughout the website, they offer little help in resolving real-world issues.

The absence of a live chat option further limits the ability to seek immediate assistance, leaving email communication at privacy@urban-vpn.com as the sole means to contact their support staff. Comparatively, reputable providers like ExpressVPN offer a comprehensive support system, including a dedicated page to address user queries, detailed setup guides, and round-the-clock live chat support.

Trustworthiness – Logging Policy

In this comprehensive Urban VPN review conducted, it has been revealed that the service retains the logs of its users, compromising their privacy. According to their privacy policy, the following data is collected: personal information such as IP address, web browsing history, contact details, and technical data encompassing device type, browser, access time, and date.

It is worth noting that Urban VPN claims to adhere to the GDPR guidelines appropriately. They utilize the OpenVPN protocol, renowned for its robust security features, as confirmed in the Windows and Mac apps. Unfortunately, the website lacks explicit information on how they safeguard user data.

If you are interested in exploring the logging policies of VPNs other than Urban VPN, we recommend referring to this informative guide. However, for those seeking the best alternative, ExpressVPN is highly recommended. ExpressVPN offers a stringent no-logs policy and has undergone audits by esteemed firms such as KPMG and PwC, ensuring the utmost protection for your data.

VPN Comparison Between Urban VPN and ExpressVPN

Here is a quick comparison between the two VPN providers based on their features and price. Let us know which one is the best:

FAQs: Urban VPN Review

Final Verdict

After conducting an extensive Urban VPN review, we have reached a final verdict regarding its suitability for users in the US. Urban VPN embodies the complexities of free VPN services, balancing user-friendly features with concerns over data logging and encryption clarity. While it offers robust ad and malware blocking, the absence of a kill switch and comprehensive support are areas of potential risk.

Urban VPN’s “free unlimited bandwidth on desktops” could appear appealing. Unfortunately, the service and its Urban VPN extension fall short in several critical areas. If you roll the dice or flip a coin to choose which VPN to use, the odds are that you’ll end up with a service with much superior features.

That’s not all! Urban VPN will happily sell your personal information to third parties for profit and will only stop if you pay them to stop. When it comes to the stereotypical features of a free VPN, an urban VPN has them all. Users considering Urban VPN should weigh these factors carefully, with a recommendation to explore premium subscription options for enhanced privacy and security.

Instead, we sincerely recommend that you shell out money for the content you value. In addition, in this situation, ExpressVPN is what you need. For a small monthly fee, you can ensure your personal information is being handled securely. As per our Urban VPN review, it is not as good as it claims to be. Don’t bother with that; it’ll just cause trouble.