Thunder VPN
Thunder VPN is a popular free VPN client for Android (also partially available for iOS), downloaded over 100 million times and rated 4.8 stars on Google Play. In this article, we will examine what the service offers, its real-world performance, the terms of its free and VIP access, as well as legal use cases in Russia.
What is Thunder VPN and who is it for
The app is positioned as a "Free forever" VPN with no registration and no data limits. The developer is Signal Lab. The network covers over 20 countries; however, in the free mode, the choice of locations is limited and often overloaded. According to reviews, Thunder VPN is aimed at novice users who need a quick way change IP address to minimally protect their connection on public Wi-Fi. It is unlikely to suit corporate clients or those looking for stable streaming/torrenting.
Key features
- One-tap free connection; installation without registration.
- Network of 20+ countries; smart auto-server.
- Split Tunneling (selecting apps that use the VPN) in the Android client.
- Stated No-Logs policy (no independent audit).
- Up to 5 simultaneous devices on the paid subscription.
- Supports Wi-Fi / LTE / 3G; minimum system requirements are Android 5.0.
- Simple menu in Russian, but the free version contains built-in ads.
- Traffic encryption is presumably based on outdated SSL; no Kill Switch.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Completely free access without registration.
- Legal scenario: basic protection of personal data in cafes, hotels, airports.
- Split Tunneling simplifies testing network policies and accessing corporate resources.
- Low device requirements; the app is about 20 MB in size.
Minuses
- Unstable speed — in tests, a drop of up to -96% compared to the baseline channel.
- No Kill Switch or modern protocols like WireGuard/OpenVPN.
- Short and vague privacy policy; some user data is still collected.
- Not recommended for P2P, Netflix/Hulu streaming: unblocking is not guaranteed.
- Ads in the free version; not all locations are available in some regions.
Free vs VIP Plans
| Parameter | Free | VIP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 0 ₽, contains ads | ≈ €10.99 / month; weekly and annual plans are available |
| Number of countries | ≈ 8–10 | 20+ |
| Simultaneous devices | 1 | up to 5 |
| Speed | Average/Low | Moderate (no guarantees) |
| Ads | Yes | No |
| Refund | No | Refund policy is not transparent |
How to install Thunder VPN on different devices
Android: Open Google Play, type "thunder vpn proxy," press "Install." After downloading, grant the "VPN connection" permission and tap the central button to start.
iOS: A version with the same name is available in some regions; the installation process is identical, but the service's availability should be checked in the App Store for your Apple ID.
PC (Windows 10/11): There is no official desktop client; most users run the mobile version via an emulator, but the manufacturer does not guarantee stability. For corporate remote access, it is better to use alternative solutions with native PC applications.
Comparison with Closest Alternatives
In the free VPN market, Thunder VPN competes with Proton VPN Free, Windscribe Free, and Hotspot Shield Basic. Unlike Thunder VPN, all three alternatives disclose the protocols they use, offer a Kill Switch, and limit log collection. However, their free plans have data limits (from 2 to 10 GB / month). If the priority is precisely unlimited traffic "for 0 ₽," Thunder VPN may be of interest, but the user sacrifices speed and advanced protection.
Legal aspects of VPN use in Russia
Russian legislation (Article 15.1 and 15.3 of Federal Law No. 149-FZ) does not prohibit owning and using a VPN client in and of itself. The violation is accessing resources recognized as prohibited or facilitating their distribution. Therefore, legitimate use cases for Thunder VPN are traffic encryption in a hotel, remote work with corporate services, testing your own websites from abroad. The user is obliged to independently ensure that their actions comply with Federal Law No. 149-FZ and other regulations.
FAQ - answers to popular questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia?
Yes, provided you do not use the service to access prohibited information and comply with Federal Law No. 149-FZ.
Is Thunder VPN available on PC?
There is no official client for Windows; the developer recommends the mobile app.
Is Split Tunneling supported?
Yes, in the Android version, you can select applications that will bypass the VPN tunnel.
How to disable ads?
Ads are only removed by switching to the VIP plan.
Thunder VPN reviews: what are the most common complaints?
Low connection speed and the lack of a Kill Switch.
Conclusions
Thunder VPN attracts users with its unlimited data and simplicity: download, tap, connect. For basic protection on public networks or checking regional prices on websites, it is sufficient. However, the lack of modern protocols, a Kill Switch, and a No-Logs audit prevents us from recommending the service to those who value maximum security, stable streaming, and P2P speeds. Before purchasing a VIP subscription, it makes sense to compare it with alternatives that have a transparent privacy policy and official PC platform support.
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