Simon Migliano is a recognized world expert in VPNs. He's tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more.
TurboVPN is an unsafe free VPN. It's riddled with invasive third-party advertising and has dubious links to China. We also detected DNS leaks, unsafe permissions, and malware. Using TurboVPN poses a serious risk to your privacy and security.
Ranked #46 out of 56 VPNs
Turbo VPN Category Ratings
0.50.5/10
00.0/10
44.0/10
2.42.4/10
33.0/10
11.0/10
22.0/10
3.73.7/10
8.68.6/10
Turbo VPN Pros & Cons
Uses OpenVPN – our preferred protocol
Easy setup on all devices
Shares user data with China
No extra privacy features
Paywalls its kill switch
Inconsistent performance
Ownership has ties with China
Why Trust Our Review?
We’ve spent thousands of hours testing and reviewing 56 VPN services using our impartial review process to recommend you the best VPN software.
Here are some of our key VPN testing statistics:
Total Hours of Testing
30,000+
Weekly Speed Tests
3,000+
VPN Services Reviewed
56
Streaming Platforms Tested Daily
12
IP & DNS Leak Tests Performed
9,500+
How Much We've Spent On Testing
$25,000+
Turbo VPN is a popular, freemium VPN service incorporated in Singapore.
Previously, Turbo VPN was one of the worst VPNs we had reviewed with our tests uncovering evidence of DNS leaks, malware, and third-party intrusions.
Recently, we have seen minor improvements from the provider with a far less intrusive logging policy.
Having said that, we’re still not comfortable recommending Turbo VPN, and its lack of a kill switch remains a major concern. Try out our top-rated free VPNs for a faster, safer, and more secure service.
Aside from its privacy and security issues, Turbo VPN similarly falls short in all other categories. It cannot unblock any streaming services, apart from HBO Max sporadically, and it outright bans any torrenting or P2P connections on its servers.
We would also like to see a greater spread of server locations, especially on its iOS and macOS apps which are limited to just the nearest server.
Turbo VPN also offers a premium version of its service – this review focuses on its free VPN software.
EXPERT TIP: Turbo VPN isn’t safe to use, so why not try a premium VPN for free for 30 days?
In our Surfshark tests, the VPN recorded fast speeds, safeguarded our internet privacy, and even unblocked US Netflix. Try Surfshark for free by using its 100% refund guarantee.
Improved Logging Policy but Dubious Links to China
44.0/10
How is this calculated?
We dissect the logging and privacy policies of every VPN. A VPN should never log:
Your real IP address
Connection timestamps
DNS requests
A base of operations outside of 14-Eyes or EU jurisdiction is preferable.
Turbo VPN collects minimal data about your VPN connection including whether the connection was successful and where you're connecting to. We believe that this isn't enough to identify you. While registered in Singapore, it's owned by a Chinese national and has strong, worrying links to the Chinese government.
Ranked #40 out of 56 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
Turbo’s privacy policy isn’t the most accessible (the default font size is extremely small) but its logging policy has certainly improved from past iterations.
Turbo collects the following details about your VPN connection:
Turbo VPN doesn’t collect any identifiable information.
This is not the worst logging policy we’ve reviewed and you can’t be identified from this. However, Turbo claims that it doesn’t store timestamps of VPN connections, but it must log some if it knows when a connection is successful.
Turbo VPN also logs the aggregate amount of data transferred – this is fine and can’t be used to identify you.
The privacy policy states that Turbo VPN “may be compelled to disclose your data where [it is] served with a valid court order.” This is particularly troubling when coupled with Turbo’s suspect past and its ties with China.
Worrying links to China
Turbo VPN is developed by a firm called Innovative Connecting. It has released a number of other basic, free VPNs, including VPN Proxy Master, Snap Master VPN, Solo VPN Pro, and VPN Proxy Master Lite.
It’s incorporated at 38 Beach Road #29-11 South Beach Tower, Singapore. Singapore is a nation of intrusive surveillance, government snooping, and has links with the Five Eyes — a US-led intelligence sharing network.
The director of Innovative Connecting is a Chinese national and entrepreneur by the name of Danian Chen, who is also the CEO of LinkSure — the company behind ‘WiFi Master Key.’
Once described by Forbes as “one of the most influential young leaders in China,” Danian Chen is listed only in corporate filings and has no public association with the company.
The fact that Turbo VPN is owned by a Chinese national, and the service’s privacy policy states it will hand over your personal information to legal authorities ‘if ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction’ is highly problematic.
It’s worth noting that Turbo previously had one of the worst logging policies we’ve seen. While its current policy is a step in the right direction, we have no way of verifying if Turbo VPN follows it in practice.
Speed
Poor & Inconsistent VPN Speeds
2.42.4/10
How is this calculated?
Speed ratings are calculated using upload speeds, download speeds, and ping (latency).
We test average speeds regularly using a dedicated 100Mbps connection in London, UK. Local download speed is considered the most important factor.
Turbo VPN's speeds vary greatly by platform with Windows performing the best and Android throttling our connection immediately. Generally, Turbo VPN is fast enough for everyday browsing if you connect to a nearby server. But, we don't recommended Turbo VPN for streaming, torrenting, or gaming.
Ranked #51 out of 56 VPNs for Speed
Turbo VPN’s unique approach of providing a different server network for each platform resulted in varied speed test results.
Our download speeds were throttled across all servers on the Android app, causing even browsing to be slow.
We were restricted to just the ‘Fast server’ when using Turbo VPN on iOS and macOS. The server didn’t live up to its name as we recorded an average download speed of 40Mbps.
On Windows, we were able to test multiple servers without experiencing any throttling. Although, our connection speeds continued to be subpar.
Below are the results of our Windows speed tests:
Local Speed Test results before using Turbo VPN:
Download Speed: 98Mbps
Upload Speed: 98Mbps
Ping: 5ms
Local Speed Test results with Turbo VPN:
Download Speed: 45Mbps
Upload Speed: 39Mbps
Ping: 95ms
Download speed loss when Turbo VPN is running: 54%
These speeds are poor, even for a free VPN. If you are fortunate enough to live near one of Turbo VPN’s free servers, though, it should still be fast enough that you can do some light browsing without noticing too much slowdown.
Note: Due to Turbo VPN’s limited server coverage, our local speed tests were carried out using a US server despite operating from our London headquarters.
We also tested Turbo VPN’s longer-distance server locations on Windows:
Singapore: 70Mbps (download) & 29Mbps (upload)
India: 2Mbps (download) & 16Mbps (upload)
We recorded a 28% speed loss when connecting to its Singapore server which is fairly impressive. However, our connection speeds were immediately throttled when connecting to Turbo VPN’s India server and our ping exceeded 160ms.
It’s also the case that Turbo VPN is, unfortunately, wildly inconsistent. This is an issue backed up by many user reviews.
Turbo VPN claims to not put any caps on bandwidth or data usage, but it does operate a ‘fair usage’ policy.
Based on our experience with Turbo VPN’s Android app and its India server on Windows, running a few speed tests seems to surpass what it considers to be fair. Expect frequent and server throttling when using Turbo VPN.
Server Locations
Very Small Server Network
33.0/10
How is this calculated?
The global spread and coverage of the VPN server network is the most important factor here.
We also consider the number of city-level servers, plus how many IP addresses are maintained.
This rating does not directly contribute to the Overall Rating, but instead makes up a portion of the Security & Features rating.
Frustratingly, Turbo VPN’s available servers vary depending on what platform you use it on. If you are on iOS or macOS then you can only connect to a nearby server. If you are on Windows you get a choice of US, India, or Singapore. On Android, your options depend on the protocol you use with OpenVPN, the most secure choice, allowing access to four locations.
Ranked #52 out of 56 VPNs for Server Locations
VariableCountry
VariesCity
Not DisclosedIP Address
Turbo VPN takes an approach to servers that we’ve never seen before. The list of available VPN servers changes depending on what platform or device you are using, as well as what protocol you’re using. Here’s how it breaks down:
This is a needlessly confusing way of doing things, and we can’t see any reason for doing so. Your options are clearly better if you’re an Android user, although the selection for Windows has its potential uses.
Turbo VPN’s macOS app places its entire server network behind a paywall.
The server spread across all devices is poor, with Asia only being represented by single servers in India and Singapore as well as a total absence of coverage in Africa and South America.
We would also have liked some city-level options in larger locations like the US where a server being located in the East or West Coast could affect your connection speeds.
Streaming
Turbo VPN Is a Bad Choice for Streaming
0.50.5/10
How is this calculated?
Streaming is rated by the number of different services unlocked, how many regional libraries are viewable, and how consistently the VPN can access them.
Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video and more are all tested on a weekly basis.
It works with HBO Max, but that’s it. Turbo VPN’s limited servers mean that you can only attempt to watch a handful of regional services and libraries. It failed with all of them, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
Ranked #52 out of 56 VPNs for Streaming
Turbo VPN is a bad VPN for streaming, across all devices.
Its Windows app was able to unlock HBO Max with ease but its quality was subpar. The Android app could also stream HBO Max on its single US server but it took multiple attempts with awful video quality.
We were able to access HBO Max on Turbo VPN’s single US server.
All Turbo VPN applications failed to access Netflix in any region. The VPN also doesn’t work with Prime Video, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer.
Some users have claimed to be able to access Netflix, but only through premium VIP servers which are inaccessible to free users.
We calculate the average download bitrate of every VPN using a bespoke torrenting setup.
Testing also factors in the percentage of servers which permit P2P, plus useful features like port forwarding.
Turbo VPN does not allow torrenting or P2P connections. If you attempt to bypass this, your account may be banned.
Ranked #48 out of 56 VPNs for Torrenting
Previously, Turbo VPN blocked P2P traffic on its servers and its privacy policy warned that your account could be suspended if you attempted to torrent while using it too often.
In our most recent tests, we were able to successfully torrent on Turbo’s US server and any reference to account suspension has been removed from the privacy policy.
However, we contacted the Turbo VPN support team and they confirmed that both torrenting and P2P connections are still banned on the VPN’s servers.
Turbo VPN does not allow torrenting on any of its servers.
Regardless, even if Turbo VPN did work with torrenting, we would still not advise to use it. Historically, its logging policy has not been good enough to entrust the service with your identifiable data.
The absence of a kill switch on the free version is another major drawback for torrenters. A kill switch is a security essential for file-sharing.
Bypassing Web Censorship
TurboVPN Is Useless Against Censorship
11.0/10
How is this calculated?
Our remote-access server in Shanghai, China routinely tests if a VPN can beat restrictions and access a free, open internet. Obfuscation technologies and nearby servers are also a contributing factor.
This rating does not directly contribute to the Overall Rating, but instead makes up a portion of the Security & Features rating.
This VPN will not work in China. It doesn't have the resources or technology available to bypass the toughest censor on the planet. It may work in slightly more relaxed countries (like Iran or UAE), but reviews are mixed.
Ranked #50 out of 56 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship
Turbo VPN makes it quite clear that the app won’t work in China. It claims this is for ‘policy’ reasons.
Even if it were willing to let you use the VPN in China, it lacks the technologies to effectively beat the Great Firewall.
You may have some luck using Turbo VPN in other censored countries with less effective internet blocks. We don’t recommend doing so, though. You shouldn’t put yourself at risk by using this bad VPN in countries which frown upon VPN usage.
Security & Technical Features
Unsafe VPN with Weak Encryption, DNS leaks, and Malware
22.0/10
How is this calculated?
Top-rated VPNs offer OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols, AES-256 encryption, and a functional kill switch. We also consider additional security features and the global spread of VPN servers.
Turbo VPN is of the most unsafe and insecure VPNs we've ever tested. It leaks DNS requests and has potential malware embedded within its install files. We strongly, strongly advise you choose a different VPN.
Ranked #48 out of 56 VPNs for Security & Technical Features
Protocols
Available in Turbo VPN
IKEv2/IPSec
Yes
L2TP/IPSec
Yes
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
Yes
Proprietary
Yes
WireGuard
No
Encryption
Available in Turbo VPN
AES-128
Yes
AES-192
No
AES-256
No
Blowfish
No
ChaCha20
No
Security
Available in Turbo VPN
DNS Leak Blocking
No
First-party DNS
No
IPv6 Leak Blocking
No
Supports TCP Port 443
No
VPN Kill Switch
No
WebRTC Leak Blocking
No
Advanced Features
Available in Turbo VPN
Ad Blocker
No
Dedicated IP
No
Double VPN
No
Smart DNS
No
Static IP
No
SOCKS
No
Split Tunneling
Yes
Tor over VPN Server
No
Tracker Blocker
No
It’s unlikely that you’ll find a VPN quite as unsafe as Turbo VPN.
As part of our free VPN investigation we detected unsafe functions, DNS leaks, and virus/malware on the app.
Turbo VPN also uses third-party advertising platforms to obtain sensitive information “for personalized advertising purpose [sic].”
This goes against everything a VPN is supposed to do and what it represents.
Your personal data is not secure, with Turbo VPN not even maintaining its own DNS servers, which means that your web traffic is routed through third-party servers even when you’re connected to the VPN.
Turbo VPN relies on third-party DNS servers.
There are multiple VPN protocols listed within the app (although they vary depending on what device you’re using). OpenVPN is the default across all operating systems.
Of the protocols on offer, there are three we’ve never heard of before: SSR, ISSR, and Trojan. Given how Turbo VPN performs in every other regard, we don’t trust a bespoke protocol to properly encrypt your data.
You can’t be certain which protocol you’re using on the free version of Turbo VPN.
The ability to choose protocols is reserved for the premium version on Windows and macOS.
In another undesirable first for Turbo VPN, we have never before seen a VPN which paywalls its kill switch.
Turbo VPN’s kill switch is exclusively a premium feature across all devices.
We consider a kill switch to be the most basic, fundamental privacy feature for a VPN. It tells you everything you need to know about Turbo VPN’s priorities that it withholds the kill switch for paying users.
Device & OS Compatibility
Free software for all major platforms
How is this rated?
A quality VPN should maintain functional, fully-featured applications and extensions for as many platforms and devices as possible.
This does not directly contribute to the Overall Rating, but instead makes up a portion of the Ease of Use rating.
The basic, free version of Turbo VPN has apps available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. They all vary slightly in terms of servers and features on offer, but they all look very similar. They’re extremely simple, with a severe lack of important features.
Apps
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Previously a mobile-only VPN, Turbo VPN is now available on Windows and macOS, in addition to Android and iOS.
Turbo VPN does something which we’ve never seen from a VPN before: it offers a totally different list of servers depending on what platform you’re using.
The Android application gives you access to the largest server list, plus extra settings like split tunneling (only available on the Android app).
Turbo VPN’s server list.
On iOS, macOS, and Windows there are no extra features or settings whatsoever.
On iOS and macOS, you can’t choose a server, either, instead being stuck with a ‘fastest’ option (Germany, in our case, which is odd given we’re located in the UK).
All the apps are very simple, and look almost identical from platform to platform.
The Turbo VPN client for Windows.
Ease of Use
Simple, but Very Limited Apps
3.73.7/10
How is this calculated?
This rating mainly consists of the intuitiveness of setup and everyday use.
Device or platform compatibility and customization options are also a factor.
Turbo VPN has so few features that it ends up being incredibly easy to use as a result. All of its apps look identical. That's good for consistency, but it means that the desktop versions are poorly optimized. Beginners will be happy, but even intermediate users will be left wanting more.
Ranked #51 out of 56 VPNs for Ease of Use
How to Install & Set Up Turbo VPN
Find the app within the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download.
Open the app and click ‘I Agree’ to accept the privacy policy.
The first time you connect you need to accept the VPN connection request by clicking ‘OK’.
Click the carrot button to connect. The flag in the top right indicated your chosen server location.
Turbo VPN's server list.
The settings can be found behind the burger menu, but only give you the option to for the VPN to connect upon startup.
You can also find the FAQs behind the burger menu, but some of the information is misleading.
All four of Turbo VPN’s apps (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) are simple to use.
This is largely due to the near-total lack of advanced features. You can choose a server, you can connect, and that’s about it.
Turbo VPN started life as a mobile-only VPN, and that much is obvious in the design of its desktop apps. They look identical to the mobile versions, which is lazy and unintuitive to use with a mouse and keyboard.
The main issue with Turbo VPN’s apps, though, are the constant advertising popups.
They’re disruptive enough on mobile, but on desktop they’re a huge nuisance – opening a new browser window full of ads every time you connect or change servers.
Customer Support
Surprisingly Robust Customer Service
8.68.6/10
How is this calculated?
This rating is based on our assessment of each VPN’s:
Email support
Live chat support
Online resources
Not every VPN offers all of these, and they often vary in quality and response time.
Customer support was surprisingly responsive and helpful. While Turbo VPN's online resources are extremely basic, the round-the-clock live support impressed us with quick and polite responses.
Ranked #12 out of 56 VPNs for Customer Support
Customer Support
Available in Turbo VPN
24/7 Live Chat Support
No
24/7 Email Support
No
Chatbot
No
Live Chat Support
No
Email
Yes
Email Support via Online Form
No
Tutorial Videos
No
Online Resources
Yes
Turbo VPN has recently performed a complete overhaul of its customer support. Where it was once almost non-existent, it’s now actually on a level equal to some of the most popular VPNs.
The biggest contributor to this is its 24/7 live chat. This is accessed from a chat window on the support page. It first runs your query by a chatbot that attempts to find an answer from its minimal FAQs section. However, if you don’t get what you need there you can be instantly forwarded to a live support agent.
The agent responded extremely quickly, and was actually helpful in addressing the issue we had, too.
Email support has been improved, too. You now fill out a simple online form and will be emailed a response in the coming hours.
The Bottom Line
Avoid Using Turbo VPN
We do not recommend Turbo VPN under any circumstances. It’s unreliable, insecure, and dangerous.
The VPN service doesn’t let you torrent on its free servers, and it doesn’t work with content platforms like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
Though you may be able to stream HBO Max, it’s not worth the trade-off in terms of privacy, security, and performance. We advise using a secure free VPN, instead.
Windscribe is our top-rated free VPN. Unlike Turbo VPN, it has reliable download speeds, a good selection of servers and, most importantly, a strong privacy policy. Read Windscribe review
Surfshark
9.29.2/10
Surfshark is a premium VPN but it comes at a budget price of $2.30 a month. It's a good streaming VPN with fast speeds and several configurable settings TurboVPN can only dream of. Read Surfshark review