FrootVPN Review 2024: Good For Torrenting But Not Much Else

FrootVPN struggles with slow internet speeds, limited streaming capabilities, and a difficult installation process.
3.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On FrootVPN's website

FrootVPN
  • Good VPN for torrenting and P2P support
  • Overpriced compared to competitors who offer premium features
  • The installation process requires some technical know-how, and the app isn't the most user-friendly
  • Didn't pass our speed tests
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FrootVPN is an overly technical VPN service. While it has a user-friendly Windows app, installing it on all other operating systems requires several complex steps.

On top of a difficult installation experience, FrootVPN faced challenges with internet speeds and unreliable customer service. Only tech-savvy individuals who are interested in torrenting or P2P support may find the hassle of FrootVPN worth it.

3.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On FrootVPN's website
FrootVPN
  • Good VPN for torrenting and P2P support
  • Overpriced compared to competitors who offer premium features
  • The installation process requires some technical know-how, and the app isn't the most user-friendly
  • Didn't pass our speed tests

In this article
FrootVPN review at a glance
Who is FrootVPN best for?
FrootVPN prices and subscriptions
FrootVPN features
Our experience with FrootVPN
FrootVPN test results
FrootVPN compatibility
FrootVPN customer support
FrootVPN alternatives
FrootVPN FAQs
Bottom line: Is FrootVPN good?

FrootVPN review at a glance

Price $3.33-$9.99/mo
Free version No
Max # of connected devices 5
# of servers Servers in 29 countries
VPN protocol OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP
Encryption 2048-bit
No-logs policy No logs
Headquarters Seychelles
Netflix access Mixed results
Learn more Get FrootVPN

Who is FrootVPN best for?

  • Recommended for torrenting and P2P support

FrootVPN is a technical VPN, especially if you are using a non-Windows device. The installation process requires some technical know-how. But on the plus side, FrootVPN marks which servers are available for torrenting, making it easier for those interested in P2P. Overall, FrootVPN is best left for people with technical knowledge and who want to use VPNs for torrenting.

FrootVPN pros and cons

Pros
  • Good option for torrenting or P2P support
  • Successfully masks IP address
Cons
  • No native apps for iOS, Android, or macOS
  • Extremely technical installation
  • Higher starting costs

FrootVPN prices and subscriptions

FrootVPN offers plans on a monthly, three-month, and annual basis, and all of the starting costs are a bit on the pricey side. FrootVPN only offers VPN services; it doesn't have any premium security features like cookie blockers or dark web scanning.

Overall, it's overpriced for what you get compared to premium VPN services with similar pricing. You may save money on a VPN by using a different provider.

FrootVPN cost

Plan 1-month plan 3-month plan 12-month plan
Price per month $9.99/mo $3.99/mo (billed quarterly) $3.33/mo (billed annually)
Price per year $119.88 $47.88 $39.96
Learn more Get FrootVPN Get FrootVPN Get FrootVPN

Although FrootVPN doesn't offer any free trials, it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FrootVPN features

FrootVPN has a few notable features, but it's also worth taking a look at what it's lacking. Here are the features that stood out to us.

  • Kill switch: A kill switch will drop your internet connection if you lose contact with your VPN. However, it's only available on the Windows app with FrootVPN.
  • Unlimited bandwidth and speed: There are no restrictions to how much bandwidth you can use while using FrootVPN.
  • 2048-bit encryption: FrootVPN uses 2048-bit encryption, which isn't as strong as the industry standard of AES 256-bit encryption.
  • Streaming-optimized servers: There are servers optimized for streaming services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
  • Torrenting support: Torrenting and P2P is allowed on FrootVPN servers, and it marks which servers are available for torrenting.
  • Split tunneling: Split tunneling is a core VPN feature, but FrootVPN doesn't have it.

Server count and countries

  • Servers in 29 countries

FrootVPN doesn't share how many servers it has, but it does have servers in 29 countries. This is a small number of locations compared to other providers. For example, Surfshark has servers in 100 countries. The small number of servers may make it harder to find and connect to a server that isn't overwhelmed with too many requests.

No-logs policy and headquarters

  • FrootVPN logs policy: No logs
  • FrootVPN headquarters: Seychelles

FrootVPN has a no-logs policy — it won't track IP addresses, DNS requests, or other personal browsing information. While the privacy policy is reassuring, we couldn't find an independent third-party audit to verify its no-logs claims. (An audit makes sure that a VPN provider is truly not keeping logs of your online activity.)

FrootVPN is located in the Seychelles, so it only responds to Seychelles authorities. When choosing a VPN provider, it's important to consider local data protection laws. While Seychelles is not in the Five Eyes Alliance or any other mass surveillance group, it can still ask for information from companies.

Security features

The security features of FrootVPN leave a lot to be desired. Let's dive into each one and where it's problematic.

  • Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to personalize your browsing experience and let certain apps bypass the VPN. It can be helpful if speed is important. However, FrootVPN doesn't have a split tunneling feature.
  • Kill switch: A kill switch can stop you from accidentally browsing the internet without proper VPN protection. However, a kill switch is only available on the Windows app.
  • VPN protocols: FrootVPN advertises that it has OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP. However, PPTP and L2TP are considered obsolete by many providers, including NordVPN. So OpenVPN is the only viable protocol. It's also worth noting that it's possible to use IPSec or WireGuard.

Our experience with FrootVPN

It didn't take long to realize that FrootVPN had the most complicated installation process ever. FrootVPN only has a native app for Windows. Any other operating system had to go through several steps to use FrootVPN. We wanted to use it on Android, and these were the steps we underwent to install it.

  • Find the installation tutorial for your device in the Knowledge Base.

FrootVPN Mobile Installation Guides
FrootVPN Mobile Installation Guides

  • Choose which VPN protocol you want to use.
  • Download the relevant third-party VPN app (it will tell you which one in the guide).
  • Go back to the FrootVPN website and go to Server Info. Pick which servers you want to use. Don’t download all servers. You can choose to download them all, but you'll regret it. (You'll see why in a bit.) Make sure you are downloading servers with the relevant VPN protocol.
  • Then click Download Configuration Files.

FrootVPN Server Information and Configuration Files
FrootVPN Server Information and Configuration Files 

  • A ZIP file is downloaded. Unzip the file.
  • Go to the third-party VPN app and individually install each server. You need to enter your username and password for each server you install (which is why you don't want to download the entire server base). This process may take several minutes, depending on how many servers you are installing.

FrootVPN installation Import Profile prompt
FrootVPN installation Import Profile prompt

  • FrootVPN is ready to use.

It's an extremely complicated process when other VPN providers have an app you just download and log in, and all of the servers are already installed. You don't even need to think about which VPN protocol to use since the provider will choose the best one for you.

For the non-techies, the FrootVPN installation is a nightmare. Even for us, it was a bit of a logistical mess.

Once FrootVPN was properly installed, our problems didn't end there. We noticed our computer started to run slowly whenever the VPN was on. The app itself felt a bit cluttered, even though there were no fancy tools.

FrootVPN connection stats
FrootVPN connection stats

Overall, FrootVPN didn't win us over with its complicated installation process and non-friendly user experience.

FrootVPN test results

During our evaluation, we tested to see if the VPN successfully masked our IP address. We also tested our internet connection speeds and whether we were able to use the VPN while watching Netflix. Here are our results.

Speed tests

  • FrootVPN speed test results: FrootVPN didn't pass our speed tests.

When you connect to a VPN, you may see a slight drop in speed. The VPN requires some bandwidth to operate. When testing for speed, we want to avoid VPNs that significantly impact internet connections.

FrootVPN speed tests, no VPN connection
FrootVPN speed test with no VPN connection

We tested FrootVPN on a Chromebook and evaluated multiple servers based around the world. Across all servers, FrootVPN drastically lowered internet speeds. While using it, our computer ran slower than usual. We had to turn off FrootVPN to run at a normal speed.

FrootVPN speed test connected to U.S. server
FrootVPN speed test connected to U.S. server

FrootVPN speed test connected to U.K. server
FrootVPN speed test connected to U.K. server

FrootVPN speed test connected to AU server
FrootVPN speed test connected to AU server

FrootVPN speed test results

Test type No VPN US to US US to EU US to AU
Download speed 138.7 Mbps 17.6 Mbps 13 Mbps 3.4 Mbps
Upload speed 114.7 Mbps 55 Mbps 16.8 Mbps 35.2 Mbps
Latency (ping) 78 ms 79 ms 295 ms 451 ms
Download speed % difference N/A -87% -91% -98%
Upload speed % difference N/A -52% -85% 69%
Latency % difference N/A +1% +278% +478%
Test results as of 04/02/2024.

FrootVPN Netflix tests

  • FrootVPN Netflix test results: FrootVPN has mixed results when it comes to streaming Netflix.

We struggled to watch Netflix while using FrootVPN. Even when we connected a U.S. streaming-optimized server, Netflix buffered endlessly and didn't work. We had a better time connecting to the Australia server, but the video quality was grainy.

On a U.K. streaming-optimized server, it didn't show us the right content. Then after refreshing and connecting to the U.K. regional library, we got an error message when we tried to play a show.

It was also hard to troubleshoot the issue since we simply couldn't just connect to another server. We would have to go back to the FrootVPN website, download a server file, and then install it on the third-party app if we wanted to connect to a different one.

FrootVPN issues connecting to Netflix

FrootVPN Netflix test results

US to US US to UK US to Canada US to AU
Did it work with Netflix?
Test results as of 04/02/2024.

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

  • FrootVPN DNS leak test results: Passed
  • FrootVPN WebRTC leak test results: Passed

The most crucial test of a VPN is whether it can successfully mask your IP address. We conducted two tests to ensure user data was secure. The Domain Name System (DNS) leak test evaluates if the DNS requests are being sent to the right servers. The WebRTC leak test confirms that your IP address is masked. FrootVPN passed both tests.

FrootVPN compatibility

FrootVPN claims to be compatible with all devices, but that's a little misleading. Technically, it only has a native app for Windows. For other operating systems, you need to download a third-party application and separate server configuration files. This is a tedious task that isn't user-friendly.

Here is a list of devices that are compatible with FrootVPN.

  • Windows
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Routers

FrootVPN customer support

FrootVPN claims to have 24/7 customer support, but that wasn't our experience. During our testing, we had a question about server availability and decided to open up chat support. We were surprised to receive a notice that the support team was offline during business hours on a weekday.

A screenshot of a chatbox with FrootVPN customer support

Our only other options were to browse the Knowledge Base or open a support ticket. Neither of these helped answer our question about servers. Overall, customer service was disappointing.

FrootVPN alternatives

FrootVPN isn't for everyone. Luckily, there are several other premium VPNs available that might be a better fit for you. Here are some of our top-tested VPN picks.

  • NordVPN: NordVPN is an all-in-one product that offers premium security tools, like a password manager, dark web monitoring, and malware protection. It's an excellent app to help you stay safe online.

    Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review
  • Surfshark: Surfshark is an affordable VPN option with unlimited simultaneous connections. It also offers several premium security tools to protect your privacy, like data breach alerts, antivirus and webcam protection, and Incogni data removal services.

    Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review
  • Proton VPN: Proton VPN has a free version which gives you access to limited servers and unlimited bandwidth. Upgrading can give you additional features like split tunneling, malware protection, and double hop.

    Read Our Proton VPN Review

FrootVPN FAQs


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Is FrootVPN safe?

FrootVPN may not be the safest VPN on the market. It doesn't use the industry standard of AES-256-bit encryption, and it offers obsolete VPN protocols.


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Does FrootVPN unblock Netflix and other popular streaming sites?

FrootVPN is hit-and-miss when it comes to unblocking Netflix or other popular streaming sites. Although streaming-optimized servers are available for the U.S. and U.K., our testing shows that FrootVPN struggles to play content from streaming sites.


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Is FrootVPN good for online gaming?

FrootVPN may not be the best option for online gaming either. A crucial component of online gaming is quick internet speeds. Our speed tests of FrootVPN show that it significantly lowers internet connection. Therefore, FrootVPN isn't a good option for online gaming.


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Are FrootVPN’s speeds good?

FrootVPN's speeds aren't good. Our speed tests show that it made a huge negative impact on internet speeds. If speed is an important factor for you, then FrootVPN may not be the best choice.


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What is the fastest VPN?

Based on our testing, the fastest VPN providers are Surfshark, CyberGhost, and IPVanish. Keep in mind that your results will vary depending on the server you connect to, and you may need to troubleshoot to find the best server.

Bottom line: Is FrootVPN good?

FrootVPN falls short of being a good VPN. Despite having strong torrenting support, it doesn't have core VPN features like split tunneling, for example. FrootVPN also lowers internet speeds, lacks native apps for easy installation, and doesn't have reliable customer support.

Non-techies should avoid FrootVPN while technically minded individuals may only want to use it for torrenting and not everyday use.

FrootVPN may not meet your needs, but there are plenty of other easy-to-use VPNs available. Some of the best VPN services offer quick installation, boast fast speeds, and can unblock regional streaming content.

3.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On FrootVPN's website
FrootVPN
  • Good VPN for torrenting and P2P support
  • Overpriced compared to competitors who offer premium features
  • The installation process requires some technical know-how, and the app isn't the most user-friendly
  • Didn't pass our speed tests
Author Details
Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.