ClearVPN Review: Dedicated Streaming Servers, Small Server Network
ClearVPN is a consumer-focused VPN that emphasizes a polished, easy-to-use interface and dedicated streaming servers for accessing popular platforms. The service provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and includes standard security features such as AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
This review is aimed at users seeking straightforward streaming and simple app experiences; suitability will depend on region, chosen server, and device. Details such as unblocking success, speeds, and privacy behavior may vary by server location and the provider’s current implementation.
At a Glance
ClearVPN combines a streamlined, design-focused app with standard VPN security features and dedicated streaming servers. It maintains a no-identifiable-logs policy while collecting certain device identifiers and anonymous analytics with user consent. The service supports IKEv2 and OpenVPN, uses AES-256 encryption, and includes a kill switch, but operates a relatively small server network and has not completed an independent audit.
| Logging | No identifiable logs; collects device ID, anonymous analytics, and basic connection metadata with user consent |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Ukraine (parent company MacPaw); also maintains an office in the United States |
| Audits | No |
| Protocols | IKEv2, OpenVPN |
| Encryption | AES-256; Perfect Forward Secrecy for OpenVPN; IKEv2 PFS pending |
| Kill switch | Yes (kill switch available; functions with OpenVPN; known IKEv2 glitch on Windows) |
| Leak protection | Claims protection against DNS, IPv4/IPv6, and WebRTC leaks; OpenVPN tests leak-free while IKEv2 showed DNS leak risk |
| Server network | 57+ servers across 49 countries |
| Connections | 6 simultaneous devices |
| Refund policy | 30-day money-back guarantee (3-day free trial available) |
Our Ratings
The ratings for ClearVPN are based on a structured review approach that considers publicly available privacy disclosures, documented technical features, and overall usability across supported platforms.
Category ratings are presented in the table below. Extended review of each category can be found later in the post.
Security & Privacy
According to the provider, ClearVPN adopts a privacy-focused stance that emphasizes minimal identifiable logging while collecting certain device identifiers and anonymous analytics with user consent. The provider states it does not keep identifiable connection logs but records device IDs, anonymous crash reports, and basic connection metadata such as the day of connection and the connected server country.
On jurisdiction and trust, ClearVPN is headquartered in Ukraine and also maintains an office in the United States; the provider documents data deletion timelines and related practices. This mixed presence may carry jurisdictional considerations for users concerned about legal obligations in other countries.
Regarding technical verification and security features, the apps support IKEv2 and OpenVPN and use AES-256 encryption; the provider reports Perfect Forward Secrecy for OpenVPN while PFS for IKEv2 is pending. No independent third-party audit of the apps or privacy policy has been reported.
| Logging policy | According to the provider, no identifiable connection logs are kept; device IDs, anonymous analytics, crash reports, and basic connection metadata (day, server country) are collected with user consent. |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Ukraine (headquarters) with an additional office in the United States. |
| Independent audits | No independent third-party audit has been reported. |
| Protocols and encryption | IKEv2 and OpenVPN; AES-256 encryption; Perfect Forward Secrecy for OpenVPN, IKEv2 PFS pending. |
| Kill switch | Yes; provider states a kill switch is available (reported to function with OpenVPN; an IKEv2 glitch on Windows has been noted). |
| Leak protection (DNS/IP/WebRTC) | Provider claims DNS, IPv4/IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection; OpenVPN tests were leak-free while IKEv2 showed DNS leak risk in reported checks. |
💡 Security tip
Enable the kill switch and prefer OpenVPN in the app when possible; opt out of analytics in settings if privacy is a priority and keep apps updated.
Transparency & Ownership
Jurisdiction: Ukraine. ClearVPN’s parent company is MacPaw, which is based in Ukraine; the provider also maintains an office in the United States. The provider’s public materials identify the company and its jurisdictions.
Public independent audits or external verification of the apps and privacy policy have not been reported. No controversies related to ClearVPN have been documented in the reviewed sources. Open-source status of the apps is not available.
| Jurisdiction | Ukraine (headquarters); additional office in the United States |
|---|---|
| Parent company / ownership | MacPaw |
| Public audits or reports | No public independent audits reported |
| Open-source apps | Not available |
| Notable disclosures or limitations | Small server network (57+ servers across 49 countries); limited device compatibility (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS only); no router support; collects device IDs and anonymous analytics |
Server Network & Infrastructure
ClearVPN operates a relatively small network, reporting 57+ servers across 49 countries, with the majority located in Europe and additional presence in North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania; the provider documents no servers in Africa.
The provider states it uses leased servers and notes a single virtual location in India while the remainder are physically located. It does not offer RAM-only servers or private DNS, and it does not provide dedicated/static IPs—details that may be relevant for privacy or performance considerations.
- Number of servers: 57+ servers
- Countries/regions covered: 49 countries (majority in Europe; no servers in Africa)
- Virtual locations: Single virtual location in India; rest physically located
- RAM-only servers: No — does not offer RAM-only servers
- Dedicated/static IP availability: No — dedicated/static IPs not offered
- Notable server specializations: Streaming-optimized servers; all servers P2P-friendly
Speed & Performance
VPN speed depends on factors such as distance to the server, server load, and the chosen protocol.
| Nearby servers | During our testing, nearby servers delivered the best results, with average speed drops around 9%; local and nearby France servers reduced speeds by less than 7%. Free servers showed drops between 9.6% and 22% on the Ukraine and automatic selections. |
|---|---|
| Distant servers | While reviewing, distant servers produced inconsistent results; our testing found average drops of about 48% on distant servers, with specific reductions of 58% (Australia), 67% (Malaysia), and 92% (Panama). Some distant locations (e.g., Israel) performed notably better. |
| Connection stability | Our testing revealed variable stability across the network; the app does not display server load, which makes predicting congestion difficult. A few instances of buffering were observed during streaming tests. |
| Gaming and latency | During our testing, online multiplayer sessions ran smoothly on several servers with minimal lag; a premium server averaged about 160 ms ping from the tester’s location (~6,000+ km away). Free servers also provided an acceptable gameplay experience with minimal lag. Summary: average drops were ~9% for nearby servers and ~48% for distant servers, with some outliers showing drops up to 92%. |
During our testing, gaming focused on typical online multiplayer and competitive matches rather than single-player titles. Measured latency averaged ~160 ms on the premium server used for gameplay; no clear platform-specific (PC/mobile/console) breakdown is available from the source.
Primary gaming verdict: Gaming is generally acceptable, especially on closer servers, but higher latency on distant servers can limit responsiveness for latency-sensitive titles.
Streaming & Unblocking
ClearVPN’s dedicated streaming servers were able to access several major platforms during testing, though the free app is limited to a single slower server. The paid app generally provided better quality with occasional buffering reported on some streams.
Supported Streaming Services
❗ Regional variations
Unblocking success varied by server and region in testing. Dedicated streaming servers worked best and enabled access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Peacock, and BBC iPlayer in the tests; free servers were slower and limited. Results may vary by server, region, and device.
Torrenting & P2P Use
According to the provider, P2P is supported across the entire network. During testing, an 816 MB file downloaded in 21 minutes 17 seconds with the premium app and 35 minutes 59 seconds with the free version; actual speeds will vary by server proximity and network conditions.
Port forwarding and proxy/tunneling options are not specified in the available documentation. The app includes a kill switch that prevents IP leaks on disconnects; it is reported to function with OpenVPN while an IKEv2 glitch on Windows has been noted.
| P2P Support | All servers |
|---|---|
| Port forwarding | Not specified |
| SOCKS5/Proxy support | Not specified |
| Kill Switch | Yes, prevents IP leaks on disconnect; works with OpenVPN (IKEv2 glitch on Windows noted) |
App Compatibility
ClearVPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and supports six simultaneous connections. Device compatibility is limited to the most popular operating systems, and the provider does not offer Linux support, browser extensions, router installation, or smart DNS functionality.
Customer Support
The provider offers 24/7 live chat and email support, according to its documentation. Email support is presented as the channel for more detailed inquiries.
According to the provider, there is an extensive FAQ and numerous help articles available for self-service. Documentation does not specify guaranteed email response times or additional support channels.
- Live chat availability: 24/7 live chat
- Email/ticket support: Email support available; response times not specified
- Knowledge base/guides: Extensive FAQ and help articles
- Other: Not specified
- Languages: Not specified
Pricing & Plans
ClearVPN’s pricing options align with its documented feature set, including dedicated streaming servers, AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and 24/7 live chat support. These elements are reflected across the available subscription tiers and trials.
Cheapest plan: 1 Year — $3.75/month. A monthly plan is listed at $9.99/month, and the provider offers a free limited version plus a 3-day free trial. Paid purchases are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
❗ Pricing considerations
Pricing and promotions may vary over time. This website is updated regularly, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Users should verify current plans directly on the provider’s website before purchasing.
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Free version
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3-Day Trial
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Monthly
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Yearly
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| Price |
Free
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Free
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$9.99/month
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$3.75/month
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| Details | Limited free plan with access to a single standard server and unlimited data for basic use; account creation required; slower speeds than premium servers. | Full premium access for three days, including dedicated streaming servers and all app features; intended for short-term evaluation, no payment required upfront. | Monthly plan with full premium features and a 30-day money-back guarantee; billed monthly and supports six simultaneous connections. | Annual subscription providing full premium access at a lower monthly equivalent; includes dedicated streaming servers and a 30-day money-back guarantee. |
| Get started | Get started | Get started | Get started |
Final Verdict
ClearVPN is positioned for users who want a straightforward, visually polished app with dedicated streaming servers and accessible support; the service supports mainstream platforms and offers a free tier and short trial. It is a suitable choice for users who prioritize simple apps, reliable streaming access, and responsive 24/7 customer support. The service implements AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, which align with common security expectations. Speeds tend to be strongest on nearby servers, while distant connections can be inconsistent.
Users who require wide geographic coverage, advanced privacy assurances, or extensive device compatibility should consider alternatives that offer larger networks and third-party audits. ClearVPN’s network is comparatively small (57+ servers across 49 countries) and the provider has not published independent audits. Router support, Linux apps, and browser extensions are not available, which limits some advanced use cases. The provider also collects certain device identifiers and anonymous analytics with consent, which may be a factor for privacy-focused users.
For routine streaming, gaming, and general browsing, ClearVPN may be an appropriate option for users who accept its network size and feature limitations.
FAQ about ClearVPN
Is ClearVPN safe for protecting privacy and browsing data?
According to the provider, ClearVPN does not keep identifiable connection logs and uses AES-256 encryption. The provider records device IDs and anonymous analytics with consent, and no public independent audit has been reported.
Does ClearVPN work with Netflix and other streaming services?
Testing reports that ClearVPN’s dedicated streaming servers accessed Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Peacock, and BBC iPlayer. The free app only connects to a single slower server, which reduced streaming performance in some tests.
Does ClearVPN support torrenting across its server network?
The provider states that all servers permit P2P, and testing showed a premium download of an 816 MB file completed in 21 minutes 17 seconds. Free servers also allowed torrenting but were slower in the same test.
Can ClearVPN be configured on home routers or network gateways?
Documentation states ClearVPN cannot be set up on routers and lacks smart DNS, limiting direct router or non‑VPN device integration. No router support is provided in the available materials.
Does ClearVPN offer a free trial or free plan?
The provider offers a free limited version and a 3-day free trial that grants access to premium features temporarily. Paid plans are also covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee according to the documentation.
Is ClearVPN audited by independent third parties or not?
No public independent audits of ClearVPN’s apps or privacy policy have been reported in the sources. The provider has received cybersecurity awards, but no third-party verification is documented.
What apps and devices does ClearVPN officially support?
ClearVPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and supports six simultaneous connections. Linux, router installations, browser extensions, and smart TV/stick apps are not available per the provider.
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