ClearVPN Review 2026: Is It a Clear Choice for a VPN?

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use VPN with solid streaming performance, ClearVPN is a great option. Developed by MacPaw, ClearVPN stands out with its clean interface, smart server recommendations, and streaming-optimized locations. 

In our testing, installation was simple, speeds were noticeably improved compared to past results, and the VPN successfully passed our DNS and WebRTC leak tests. However, ClearVPN hasn't completed an independent audit of its no-logs policy, which may give privacy-focused users pause. 

We’ll explore ClearVPN’s performance, features, pricing, and more in this review.

At a glance

We last tested ClearVPN in Q1 2026.

4.3

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On ClearVPN's website

VPN

ClearVPN

• Streams Netflix and other streaming services effortlessly
• Strict no-logs policy and headquarters based in Ukraine

Our experience

Installing ClearVPN was straightforward and simple. Once we purchased our subscription for the trial and downloaded the Windows app, all we needed to do was log into the client.

ClearVPN's server list is clean: we could scroll, search, and sort the list by name and speed. Additionally, ClearVPN suggests servers based on various categories, including cost, censorship, and privacy.

A unique feature of ClearVPN is the ability to receive recommendations based on the specific streaming service you want to connect to by selecting Streaming services. We also had the option to choose the Optimal location to achieve the fastest speeds.

In the past, ClearVPN provided some of the slowest speeds we've seen recorded among all the VPNs we tested. So, we were pleased that ClearVPN only averaged a 23% decrease on our baseline download speeds and our ping rates remained solid with the U.S. and Canada servers. 

ClearVPN has also added protection levels to its dashboard to ensure you're making the most of the VPN. You can find these underneath the server list button on the dashboard. Here, you can easily enable toggles for all of ClearVPN's security features like ad blocking, threat protection, and parental controls. 

Aside from its historically poor speed performance, our experience with the app was good. The user interface is intuitive, but we'd appreciate the kill switch being on the main dashboard.  

Who is ClearVPN best for?

• Recommended for beginner VPN users who are interested in privacy and ease of use.

Ease of use is one of ClearVPN’s main highlights. It's clear that MacPaw, the developer, took time to assess what is necessary in a VPN interface. While the design looks simple, it is very inviting and lays out everything in large, clickable icons.

The settings are also clear and understandable, with no cumbersome jargon getting in the way of your privacy. That makes ClearVPN an excellent choice if you’re a VPN newbie — or if you prefer a simple approach instead of a feature-packed service.

The service’s privacy aspect is equally as important. ClearVPN utilizes the same AES-256 encryption as the best VPNs such as NordVPN. It has a no-logs policy, keeping your most private data out of anyone's hands.

This all comes at a competitive price that’s based on the length of the plan you subscribe to. Paying for a plan with a longer subscription length is one way to easily save money on a VPN if you intend to use it for an extended period.

ClearVPN pricing

ClearVPN's subscriptions range from $3.75–$9.99/mo. You can purchase a monthly or annual plan, with the latter offering the best savings. 

But the annual rate is higher than other premium competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark, which offer more specialty servers, security features, and bundled security software. NordVPN starts at $3.39/mo and Surfshark starts at $1.99/mo.

ClearVPN features

With a paid subscription, you unlock ClearVPN's full server network, with locations in 51 countries. You can also connect up to 6 devices, which isn’t as many as top premium VPNs, but it may be more than enough for you.

ClearVPN comes with a kill switch, split tunneling, an ad blocker, and a smart connection tool, which we'll dive into as well.

Server count and countries

• Unlisted in 51 countries

ClearVPN operates servers in 51 countries. Considering we don't know the actual server count, it's hard to determine how it compares to other services. 

Why does this matter? A high server count can be necessary to limit server congestion, as it gives you more servers in the same location to choose from. If you connect to a congested server and experience slow internet speeds, you can hop over to the next nearest server to see if your connection improves.

But it was cool to see a list of optimized servers by streaming platform. We utilized the Netflix servers during our testing by selecting Netflix US and Netflix UK from the Streaming services list.

No-logs policy and headquarters

• ClearVPN logs policy: No logs
• ClearVPN headquarters: Kyiv, Ukraine

ClearVPN is a product of MacPaw, a company known for Apple-based solutions. Based in Kyiv, Ukraine, MacPaw and ClearVPN therefore operate outside of the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes Alliances. These alliances enable certain countries to collect and share surveillance data, which may include VPN logs.

In this case, Ukraine is not obligated to retain or disclose any records of your activity. And ClearVPN doesn’t collect any logs outside of the information necessary to create your account, upholding its strict no-logs policy.

However, at this time, ClearVPN hasn’t completed a logs audit by an independent company, something we’d like to see it address in the future.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling is a common VPN feature that allows you to choose which websites you want to be routed through your VPN and which ones you don't. This is useful for people who want to be protected while using certain apps (like their browser), but want full speed for other apps (like video games).

With the VPN disconnected, we could toggle on the feature via the Split tunneling tab. Now, ClearVPN automatically enables its beta protocol Hysteria2 when split tunneling is active. 

Once toggled on, we could specify which domains should use the VPN and which should bypass it, which is more extensive than most split-tunneling features we've seen.

Kill switch

If your VPN service drops for any reason, a kill switch disconnects your device from the internet until the VPN connection is secure again. This is important to keep your connection encrypted and not leak your IP address or other data if the VPN stops working.

Since this is an important security feature, it's fortunate that ClearVPN does have it. It took us a moment to find this important feature, and we didn't like that the kill switch was buried in the System settings tab, which is accessible from Settings.

VPN protocols

When we strip away the fun streaming aspect, a VPN is, at its core, a cybersecurity tool. The encryption and protocols do a lot of the heavy lifting to keep you safe.

ClearVPN offers three strong protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN. The best option is to let the service choose the protocol, which is easy with the "auto" option.

ClearVPN also offers a new Hysteria2 (beta) protocol that automatically connects when split tunneling is enabled.

Protection levels

ClearVPN has expanded beyond just the VPN service with its protection levels tab. From here, you can enable malicious ad blocking, scam and phishing protection, and parental controls, also known as Kid Safe Mode. You can also add the ClearVPN extension to your browser from here. 

Kid Safe Mode is a new ClearVPN feature created as an extra layer of protection while your children browse online. With this toggle, you can block your child's access to harmful content, defend them from malicious sites, and keep their browsing private. 

ClearVPN test results

A VPN is a great tool to use when you want to keep your data private while using the internet. But routing your IP address through servers far away to disguise it can slow down your internet speeds. That's why we test VPNs beforehand to know how much they affect performance.

We also verify that the extra features they claim to offer actually work as intended.

Speed tests

• Speed test results: ClearVPN decreased our download speeds by an average of 23%.

For real-world speed tests, we used our MacBook in a physical location in the United States. First, we determined our baseline speed (without a VPN connection). 

Then we turned on ClearVPN to calculate how several servers around the world would impact our speeds. 

We started by selecting ClearVPN's Optimal Location, which connected us to a server in New York. This server decreased our speeds by over 40% in our previous test, but this time it only dropped our download speeds by about 9%. We were just disappointed it doubled our latency.  

We normally record significant slowdowns when we test ClearVPN, but this round of testing was a big improvement. Our browsing didn't feel slow until we connected to the Sydney server.  

This is a normal result though, especially when you connect to servers that are far from your physical location. For the best results, we recommend using ClearVPN's Optimal Location option. 

Netflix tests

• Netflix test results: ClearVPN successfully unblocked every Netflix library we tested.

We didn't have any hiccups watching Netflix with ClearVPN during our most recent testing. 

ClearVPN had no trouble unblocking Netflix regional libraries or streaming content exclusive to other countries. We also appreciate that it has streaming-optimized servers for several countries and streaming services. 

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

• DNS leak test results: ClearVPN passed its DNS leak test.
• WebRTC leak test results: ClearVPN passed its WebRTC leak test.

We tested ClearVPN for both a DNS leak and a WebRTC leak using the trusted site Browserleaks.com. Testing a VPN for leaks is crucial, especially if you plan to use it to maintain online anonymity.

DNS (Domain Name System) is the link between you and a website. IP address information is exchanged with a DNS and can be seen by your internet service provider (ISP) or by unwanted third parties, such as hackers.

What we wanted to know is if ClearVPN would hide or leak information about our DNS, and fortunately, it passed the test. 

WebRTC facilitates peer-to-peer communication on a website, particularly for video conferencing. We tested this, and WebRTC came up leak-free as well.

Kill switch test

• Kill switch test results: ClearVPN failed our kill switch test.

To ensure a kill switch is working, we visit IPleaks.net while connected to a server and let it run while we connect to a new server. If our real IP shows up between the first and second servers, then the kill switch isn't working as intended.

ClearVPN typically passes this test, but this time our true location appeared when we switched servers. This issue persisted no matter which server we used, so we consider this a failed result. 

ClearVPN compatibility

Even though MacPaw specializes in Mac products, ClearVPN can handle most device types. This is great if you have six devices on different operating systems. These include:

• macOS
• Windows
• iOS
• Android

It also has a Chrome web extension.

ClearVPN customer support

ClearVPN provides 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and an online help guide. If you can't find the information you need in the guides, you're encouraged to reach out for assistance.

Online guides

We navigated to the ClearVPN support page, where a search bar and several drop-down categories are available to help you find answers to your questions.

Most of these guides were very brief, with some of them consisting of only one sentence. That said, we were able to find some of the answers to our questions during our research for this review, so it wasn't completely unhelpful.

Live chat

To access the live chat, we navigated to the support page. From there, we clicked on the small chat bubble at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. 

Email

You can email the ClearVPN support team by completing a form on their website. During our previous testing, we needed verification on how many servers ClearVPN operates, so we contacted customer support via email. 

We received a reply a day later, and the support team was very nice and provided help. A short while afterward, we received another email checking in on us and asking if we needed any further assistance. This was a sign of great customer service.

Top alternatives

ClearVPN has its merits, but it also has its flaws. If you're looking for more reliable VPN connections, faster download speeds, and advanced security features like obfuscation, consider our top-tested recommendations. 

	NordVPN	Surfshark	Proton VPN
Award	Best overall VPN	Best value VPN	Best privacy VPN
Star rating	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	$3.39–$25.29/mo	$1.99–$20.85/mo	$2.99–$9.99/mo
Max # of connected devices	10	Unlimited	10
# of servers	9,000+ servers in 165+ countries	4,500+ servers in 100 countries	17,800+ servers in 120+ countries
Netflix access
Learn more	Get NordVPN	Get Surfshark	Get Proton VPN

ClearVPN FAQs

Bottom line: Is ClearVPN any good?

ClearVPN is a good VPN for streaming available at a reasonable price. We like that it has a strict no-logs policy, strengthened by its headquarters in Ukraine. ClearVPN also has great streaming connectivity and responsive customer service.

At the same time, when we tested for speed, ClearVPN was slower than most VPNs we've tested. So although it unblocks streaming services like Netflix, it could drag your streaming speeds. We also would feel more secure using ClearVPN if its no-logs policy is audited and verified by a third party.

So while ClearVPN has a few drawbacks, that doesn't mean we don't recommend it. Although it's not as fast or reliable as NordVPN or Surfshark, ClearVPN is still worth considering, especially since it supports Ukraine by offering a free VPN app to all residents.

4.3

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On ClearVPN's website

VPN

ClearVPN

• Streams Netflix and other streaming services effortlessly
• Strict no-logs policy and headquarters based in Ukraine

Author Details

Sameer Narain

About the Author

Sameer M. Narain is a freelance writer with a foundation in systems, software, and hardware. With over 10 years of experience in testing various antivirus programs, data encryption programs, VPNs, and drive defragmentation software, he is adept at synthesizing information for the everyday reader and tech enthusiast. He has a special interest in staying secure for big team-related projects where confidentiality is king, therefore his writing often attempts to solve the bigger picture with easily accessible programs.

Kate Quinlan