ClearVPN Review 2025
Complete Testing Results, Current Pricing & Honest Verdict
Good for beginners, but lacks advanced features
🎯 Quick Verdict
✅ What We Liked
- User-friendly interface perfect for beginners
- Affordable annual pricing at $3.75/month
- Excellent for streaming (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+)
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- Made by reputable Ukrainian company MacPaw
- 3-day free trial available
❌ Major Drawbacks
- Small server network (45 countries vs 100+)
- Slow speeds on distant servers
- No independent security audit
- Missing WireGuard protocol
- Inconsistent kill switch performance
- Limited advanced features
💡 Bottom Line: Great entry-level VPN for casual users, but power users should consider NordVPN or Surfshark instead.
🔍 What is ClearVPN?
The Ukrainian VPN Focused on Simplicity
ClearVPN is a relatively new VPN service launched in 2020 by MacPaw, the Ukrainian software company behind popular Mac applications like CleanMyMac and Setapp. Unlike traditional VPNs that overwhelm users with technical options, ClearVPN takes a refreshingly simple approach.
Instead of choosing servers manually, ClearVPN offers “shortcuts” – one-click solutions for specific needs like streaming, gaming, or privacy protection. This makes it particularly appealing to VPN newcomers who want security without complexity.
Key Stats
💰 ClearVPN Pricing & Plans (2025)
Current Pricing Options
Price Comparison vs Competitors
| VPN Service | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Servers | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClearVPN | $9.99 | $3.75 | 60+ | 45+ |
| NordVPN | $12.99 | $3.39 | 6000+ | 111 |
| Surfshark | $12.95 | $2.19 | 3200+ | 100+ |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95 | $6.67 | 3000+ | 105 |
Value Assessment: ClearVPN offers competitive annual pricing but fewer servers than premium competitors. Good value for casual users, but power users might prefer NordVPN's server network.
⚡ ClearVPN Features Overview
AES-256 Encryption
Military-grade encryption keeps your data secure from hackers and surveillance.
Smart Connection
Automatically connects to the optimal server based on your needs and location.
Streaming Shortcuts
One-click access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services.
Kill Switch
Automatically blocks internet if VPN connection drops (some reliability issues noted).
6 Devices
Protect up to 6 devices simultaneously with one subscription.
No-Logs Policy
Claims not to store any browsing data (but lacks independent audit verification).
Detailed Feature Analysis
✅ Available:
- OpenVPN: Industry standard, highly secure
- IKEv2/IPSec: Fast and stable, good for mobile
- Hysteria2 (Beta): New experimental protocol
❌ Missing:
- WireGuard: Modern, fastest protocol
- SSTP: Good for restrictive networks
- L2TP/IPSec: Older but widely compatible
Europe (Strong Coverage)
Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, and more
Americas (Limited)
USA, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Panama
Asia-Pacific (Basic)
Japan, Singapore, Australia, India, Hong Kong
Note: Server count is significantly smaller than major competitors. No African servers available.
✅ What's Included:
- • Ad Blocker (ClearWeb)
- • Split Tunneling
- • Dynamic Flow Technology
- • DNS Leak Protection
- • Perfect Forward Secrecy
- • 24/7 Live Chat Support
❌ Missing Features:
- • Multi-hop VPN
- • Dedicated IP addresses
- • Tor over VPN
- • Port forwarding
- • Browser extensions
- • Smart DNS service
🚀 Speed Performance Testing
Real-World Speed Test Results
| Server Location | Download (Mbps) | Upload (Mbps) | Ping (ms) | Speed Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔄 No VPN (Baseline) | 737.6 | 35.7 | 11 | — |
| 🇺🇸 New York (IKEv2) | 161.6 | 30.7 | 30 | -78% |
| 🇨🇦 Toronto (IKEv2) | 37.2 | 8.1 | 134 | -95% |
| 🇬🇧 London (IKEv2) | 34.0 | 6.3 | 169 | -95% |
| 🇦🇺 Sydney (IKEv2) | 16.5 | 6.9 | 261 | -98% |
⚠️ Speed Performance Concerns
Our testing revealed significant speed drops, especially on distant servers. ClearVPN averaged 91.5% speed loss, which is higher than industry leaders like NordVPN (3-11% typical loss). The IKEv2 protocol performed better than OpenVPN, but overall speeds remain below expectations for a premium VPN.
Speed Rating
Slow on distant servers
Consistency
Variable performance
Coverage
Good regional spread
🔒 Security & Privacy Analysis
Security Scorecard
✅ Security Strengths
- • AES-256 encryption: Military-grade standard used by banks and governments
- • Ukrainian jurisdiction: Outside Five Eyes surveillance alliance
- • Perfect Forward Secrecy: New encryption keys for each session
- • Multiple protocols: OpenVPN and IKEv2 support
- • DNS leak protection: Passed all leak tests
⚠️ Areas of Concern
- • No independent audit: Privacy policy claims haven't been verified by third parties
- • Kill switch issues: Inconsistent performance, sometimes fails during server switches
- • Missing WireGuard: Lacks the most modern and secure protocol
- • Data collection: Collects some diagnostic and device information
❌ Security Weaknesses
- • Unverified no-logs policy: Claims need independent verification
- • Limited transparency reports: No regular security disclosures
- • Server infrastructure: Uses leased servers instead of owned hardware
🎬 Streaming Performance Testing
Streaming Service Compatibility
Netflix
US, UK, Canada libraries
Hulu
Full access, good quality
Disney+
Works consistently
Amazon Prime
Minor buffering issues
BBC iPlayer
Intermittent access
Max (HBO)
Reliable unblocking
ESPN+
Sports streaming works
YouTube TV
Good performance
🌟 ClearVPN's Streaming Advantage
ClearVPN's unique “Streaming Shortcuts” feature makes it exceptionally easy to access geo-blocked content. Instead of manually selecting servers, you can click directly on the streaming service you want to access.
✅ Streaming Pros:
- • Dedicated streaming servers
- • One-click platform access
- • Good 4K streaming support
- • Minimal buffering on Netflix
⚠️ Limitations:
- • BBC iPlayer unreliable
- • Some quality drops on distant servers
- • Free version limited to one service
- • No Smart DNS feature
🎯 Streaming Verdict
Excellent for casual streaming, especially Netflix and US services
Consider alternatives for: BBC iPlayer, extensive international content
⚖️ ClearVPN vs Top Competitors
| Feature |
ClearVPN
$3.75/mo
|
NordVPN
$3.39/mo
|
Surfshark
$2.19/mo
|
ExpressVPN
$6.67/mo
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Count | 60+ | 7,700+ | 3,200+ | 3,000+ |
| Countries | 45+ | 126+ | 100+ | 105 |
| Speed Performance | Poor | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Netflix Unblocking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| WireGuard Protocol | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Independent Audit | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 24/7 Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Device Limit | 6 | 10 | Unlimited | 8 |
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Good |
🆚 NordVPN vs ClearVPN
Verdict: NordVPN offers better overall value with superior speed, security, and server coverage for nearly the same price.
🆚 Surfshark vs ClearVPN
Verdict: Surfshark provides much better value with lower pricing, unlimited devices, and more advanced features.
🔄 Better Alternatives to Consider
NordVPN
Best overall choice with superior speed, security, and features
Surfshark
Best value with unlimited devices and great features
ExpressVPN
Premium option with fastest speeds and excellent reliability
👤 User Experience & Interface
Design
Beautiful, modern UI
Ease of Use
Perfect for beginners
Mobile App
Good but limited features
Support
Responsive live chat
🖥️ Desktop Experience (Windows/Mac)
✅ What Works Well:
- • Intuitive shortcuts: One-click streaming, gaming, and location options
- • Clean interface: No overwhelming technical options
- • Quick setup: Ready to use in under 2 minutes
- • Visual feedback: Clear connection status and server info
- • Auto-connect: Remembers your preferred settings
⚠️ Room for Improvement:
- • Limited server details: No load or ping information
- • Missing advanced options: No manual protocol selection
- • Kill switch location: Buried in system settings
- • No favorites: Can't bookmark preferred servers
- • Basic statistics: Limited connection data
📱 Mobile Experience (iOS/Android)
✅ Mobile Strengths:
- • Touch-optimized: Large buttons and clear navigation
- • Quick connect: One-tap connection to optimal server
- • Battery friendly: IKEv2 protocol conserves power
- • Widget support: Quick toggle from home screen
- • Auto-protection: Can connect automatically on unsecured WiFi
❌ Mobile Limitations:
- • Fewer features: Missing some desktop functionality
- • Protocol limitations: Can't change VPN protocols
- • Kill switch issues: Unclear activation instructions
- • Mystery features: “ClearShield” shown but not functional
- • Navigation confusion: Some options hard to find
💬 Customer Support Analysis
📞 Live Chat
- • Available 24/7
- • Response in ~2 minutes
- • Knowledgeable agents
- • Helpful follow-ups
📧 Email Support
- • Response within 24 hours
- • Detailed technical answers
- • Professional and courteous
- • Good problem resolution
📚 Documentation
- • Basic setup guides
- • Limited troubleshooting
- • Some outdated info
- • Needs more depth
🎯 Final Verdict: Is ClearVPN Worth It?
Good for beginners, but limited overall
💰 Value for Money
Reasonable pricing, but competitors offer more
🚀 Performance
Speed issues on distant servers
🔒 Security
Good basics, needs audit
🎬 Streaming
Excellent Netflix access
👤 User Experience
Outstanding interface design
🌍 Server Network
Too small compared to rivals
✅ Choose ClearVPN If You:
- • Are new to VPNs and want something simple and beautiful
- • Primarily need a VPN for Netflix streaming and casual browsing
- • Want to support Ukrainian developers during difficult times
- • Value user interface design over advanced features
- • Have nearby servers (US, Europe, Canada)
❌ Skip ClearVPN If You:
- • Need fast speeds for large downloads or gaming
- • Want access to servers in many countries (100+)
- • Require advanced security features like multi-hop
- • Need WireGuard protocol for maximum speed
- • Want a VPN with independently audited privacy claims
💡 Our Final Recommendation
ClearVPN is a decent starter VPN with beautiful design and excellent streaming capabilities, but it falls short of premium competitors in speed and server coverage.
🥇 If you want the best overall VPN:
Choose NordVPN for superior speed, security, and server coverage at nearly the same price ($3.39/month).
💰 If you want the best value:
Choose Surfshark for unlimited devices, better features, and lower pricing ($2.19/month).
Bottom line: ClearVPN is worth considering if simplicity is your top priority and you mainly need Netflix access. However, most users will find better value with NordVPN or Surfshark.
Trusted by millions of users worldwide * 30 money back guarantee.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
ClearVPN at $44.99/year ($3.75/month) offers reasonable value for casual users who prioritize simplicity over features. However, NordVPN at $3.39/month provides significantly better performance and server coverage for less money. For most users, the extra 36 cents per month for NordVPN is well worth it.
Yes, ClearVPN successfully unblocks Netflix US, UK, and Canada libraries. It also works with Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and most other major streaming services. The dedicated streaming shortcuts make it particularly easy to access geo-blocked content.
ClearVPN uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and has a no-logs policy, making it reasonably secure for basic privacy needs. However, it lacks independent security audits that verify these claims, and the kill switch has some reliability issues. For maximum security, consider audited alternatives like NordVPN or Surfshark.
ClearVPN stands out with its unique “shortcuts” approach – instead of manual server selection, you choose what you want to do (stream Netflix, enhance privacy, etc.) and it automatically connects to the best server. This makes it exceptionally beginner-friendly, though it sacrifices the granular control that advanced users prefer.
