Is Google One VPN Truly Secure? Unbiased Review

At a Glance

If you’re a paid Google One subscriber, you not only benefit from added storage space, added photo editing capabilities, and Dark Web monitoring, but you also have a handy, if a bit limited, VPN at your fingertips.

While this sounds good, do you really want to trust your online privacy to a company that makes most of its money by tracking your online searches and activity? In this article, we’ll take a look at Google One VPN to determine whether or not it is safe.

What is Google One?

While every Google user gets 15 gigabytes of cloud storage space, it is shared among Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. That’s not a lot of storage in today’s all-digital world. For a monthly or yearly fee, Google One adds 100 GB to 30 TB of storage, depending on how much you pay.

In addition to added storage, Google One also provides instant access to “Google Experts,” who can answer general questions or provide tech support for Google products and services.

The service also offers extra editing features in Google Photos, including Portrait Blur, Portrait Light, and the ability to remove unwanted people from your photos.

Other benefits include occasional Google Play credits, hotel deals, discounts and other perks, and cashback on Google Store purchases.

Last but certainly not least, as it is the focus of this article, Google One also offers a free, if somewhat limited, VPN.

Does Google One VPN Monitor and Log My VPN Usage?

Since one of the most popular uses for VPNs is to fly under the radar, avoiding trackers and targeted ads along the way, this is a very good question. After all, Google makes a good portion of its income from tracking your clicks, monitoring your searches, and providing targeted ads. So, can Google be trusted not to track you while you’re connected to its VPN network?

To answer this question, let’s start at the source, Google itself. A Google blog entry answers some questions that users have about Google One VPN, including whether or not Google can see what users do while connected to the VPN service.

Google says Google One VPN is built in such a way that Google is unable to tie your network traffic with your login. The provider uses blind signing, so its servers don’t connect your identity to your VPN connection. Also, it doesn’t log your network traffic or IP address. Plus, Google’s client libraries are all open source, so anyone can look at the code.

Also, an independent auditor has checked all of Google’s claims and given them the privacy thumbs-up.

What Devices Are Google One VPN Compatible With?

Google One VPN is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. While the VPN is included as a component of the Google One app on both Android and iOS, it is a separate app on the macOS and Windows platforms.

Currently, the app is not available for Linux, Amazon Fire, or other popular device platforms, other than the four mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Does Google One VPN Change My Location?

Google One VPN does change your location, but only slightly, unless you change the app’s settings. In tests on both my Mac and my iPhone, my IP address initially showed my location as 50 miles or so from my actual physical location, in the southeastern United States.

After I told the app to “Use a broader IP address region,” my IP address indicated that I was located somewhere in the north-central part of California.

Does Google One VPN Offer IP Addresses in Other Countries?

No, IP addresses in other countries were not an option. All IP addresses I was assigned while using the Google One VPN app were in my home country of the U.S. So, if you’re looking for IP addresses from another country you’ll want to look elsewhere. This also means that if you want to gain access to content limited to other countries, Google One VPN is not the VPN for you.

Does Google One VPN Unblock Streaming Content

I tested Google One VPN with the U.S. versions of Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. All three streaming providers allowed me to connect and view their content while Google One VPN was enabled.

While that’s great, it really doesn’t provide any advantage, as I am in the United States, so I really don’t need a VPN to be able to view these U.S. streamers. About the only advantage I can think of in this use case is that Google One VPN can hide your streaming activity, so it might come in handy if you’re trying to watch streaming content from work or at school.

What Services Should a Full-Service VPN Provide?

In addition to hiding your online activities from prying eyes, a full-service VPN should protect you from hackers, while providing access to geo-fenced content on the internet.

A VPN keeps your online travels undercover by encasing it in an encrypted tunnel of protection, preventing outsiders (like bad actors, the government, or even your ISP) from monitoring and logging your online activities.

Encrypted VPN protection comes in especially handy when you’re using a public WiFi hotspot, such as those found in coffee shops, restaurants, and airports.

Hotspots are usually unencrypted, which allows users to quickly connect to the hotspot without experiencing too much hassle. Unfortunately, since the local hotspot network is not encrypted, hackers have a much easier time monitoring the other hotspot users’ online activities. This means that they could steal those user’s personal and/or business information. If you’re using a VPN to encrypt your connection, the bad guys can’t monitor you.

Even if you only mostly connect to your home WiFi network, while the connection from your device to the router is encrypted, your connection from the router to the internet is not. This means your ISP can monitor and log your activities. In plenty of countries, ISPs are allowed to track and log their users’ online travels. They can then sell that valuable usage information to advertisers, the government, or anyone else who is willing to pay or ask for it.

VPNs can also protect you from having your connection slowed by your ISP. It has been found that some ISPs will throttle or block a user’s internet connection because they were engaging in “ISP-unapproved” activities like file sharing or video streaming from certain sources. A VPN’s encrypted connection protection helps to prevent your ISP from monitoring and throttling your online pastimes.

A VPN also has the power to temporarily assign a new IP address to your connected device, providing access to geo-blocked content around the globe. Since IP addresses can be used to determine your physical geographic location, a new IP address located in another part of the world makes it look like you’re connecting from there, opening up access to geo-blocked content in that region.

Are There Better VPNs Than Google One VPN?

If you’re looking for basic VPN service to hide your online activities, Google One VPN may be sufficient. However, if you want the option of also being able to access content in other countries, block nefarious websites and ads, and benefit from multiple other online protections and enhancements, try one of the VPNs I’ll discuss below.

Better Google One VPN Alternatives

These are the six top Google One VPN alternatives.

The best Google One VPN alternatives are:

1. NordVPN: #1 Google One VPN alternative. NordVPN offers the best VPN protections for online users who are looking for reliable online protection and access to geo-fenced content around the globe. NordVPN offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best Google One VPN alternative for users on a tight budget. Surfshark’s low subscription prices are the next best thing to free. The provider boasts the largest global server network on this list, providing access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium Google One VPN alternative. While this provider is the most expensive VPN on this list of six, it provides premium VPN services and protection. The provider has an impressive global server network and comprehensive app support.
4. CyberGhost: Excellent VPN option for first-timers. Users who have little experience with VPNs should consider CyberGhost and its easy-to-use apps. The provider offers one-click access to streaming- and downloading-optimized servers.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA’s large global server network provides comprehensive online security and privacy, as well as access to content around a good part of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN provider. PrivateVPN’s server numbers are the lowest of any VPN on this list. However, the provider offers top-notch protected access to geo-fenced content in the countries that it serves.

The top six providers were ranked according to the following factors:

• Native app support
• Connection speeds
• Global server coverage
• Online security and privacy features
• Customer support

You can find out more about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best Google One VPN Alternatives – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Google One VPN  alternatives.

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The six best Google One VPN alternatives are:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is the #1 alternative to Google One VPN, thanks to the provider’s large network, fast and well-protected connections, and excellent device compatibility.

The provider’s global server network is made up of more than 5,800 servers in 60+ countries around the world, providing reliable access to geo-controlled content worldwide.

Every NordVPN server provides fast, well-protected connections. The provider uses banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your online travels incognito. The provider also blocks ads and malware.

NordVPN’s “Double VPN” feature allows users to route their internet connection through a duo of VPN servers, providing extra online protection and anonymity.

The provider’s no-logs policy ensures that no records are ever kept of your online antics, keeping the history of your activities forever protected. Meanwhile, a cryptocurrency subscription payment option helps to keep your subscription information private, especially when used in combination with a disposable email address.

NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers prevent outside contractors from having access to customers’ personal information. This VPN provider runs all of its servers 100% from volatile RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive or SSD. This means that all data is automatically and securely wiped from a server whenever it is rebooted or powered down.

The provider delivers fast connections that can easily handle video streaming, gaming, and other popular online activities. The provider will never throttle your connection or impose data caps.

NordVPN app support options include offerings for Windows, macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions are available to protect your browsing sessions.

The provider limits customers’ simultaneous connections to its servers to six devices per account. NordVPN is also compatible with select router makes and models, allowing you to simultaneously protect all of your devices, while only counting as one connection against the connections allowance.

NordVPN support options include 24/7 chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST ALTERNATIVE TO GOOGLE ONE VPN:NordVPN is the top alternative to Google One VPN. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections not only keep your online travels incognito, but also provide access to geo-blocked content around the world for several device platforms. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark provides top-notch VPN service for a rock-bottom price.

The provider’s global server network currently boasts an impressive server count of 3,200+ servers, located in 100+ countries around the globe. This is the largest global server network on this list.

Surfshark’s comprehensive online protection keeps things private online, thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider’s “MultiHop” option uses twin servers to double up on encryption and anonymity.

Surfshark also provides excellent privacy protection, which includes a no-user-logs-ever policy, as well as a Bitcoin subscription payment option. Plus, the provider now runs its global server network 100% from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a physical hard drive.

The provider puts no daily or monthly data caps on its customers’ usage, nor does it ever throttle their connections.

Those well-protected connections are easily fast enough to handle your favorite online activities.

Surfshark also offers app support for iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS (with native Apple silicon support), Windows, and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as well as support for select router makes and models.

Surfshark users can connect an unlimited number of devices to its VPN servers.

Customer support options include around-the-clock support chat, a support contact form, and a searchable support library.

LOW-PRICED ALTERNATIVE TO GOOGLE ONE VPN:Surfshark provides a reliable way to not only keep your online travels undercover, but to also minimize the hit on your bank account balance. The provider allows unlimited connections to its impressive global server network. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

While ExpressVPN is admittedly the most expensive VPN on this list, it offers excellent value for its asking price.

The provider has an impressively large global server network, with 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries around the globe.

ExpressVPN protects its users’ connections with government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. A split-tunneling feature allows users to pick and choose which apps will use the service’s encrypted VPN tunnel.

A strict no-server-logs policy means there are no records being kept that would expose the history of your online travels. Bitcoin is a private subscription payment option.

The provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology made it one of the first VPN providers to run all server operations 100% from RAM, writing no data to a physical hard drive or SSD. This means that whenever an ExpressVPN server is rebooted or powered down, all information on the server is automatically and securely wiped clean.

The provider’s speedy connections can easily handle your favorite online activities. It never spoils the fun by imposing data caps or throttling customers’ bandwidth.

Support for Windows, Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Chromebook, and Linux platforms is available. Brave, Vivaldi, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing, and top-notch router support also makes the scene.

Up to five devices can be simultaneously connected on a single monthly account, while up to eight devices can be connected at once by subscribers who opt for long-term subscriptions.

Customer support options include 24/7 agent chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE PREMIUM VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN‘s premium VPN service is an excellent option for online users who don’t mind paying a bit more for comprehensive online protection. It provides top-notch online security and fast connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

First-time VPN users, who are looking for easy-to-use VPN protection, will appreciate CyberGhost’s services.

The provider boasts over 9,200 servers in its global server network that serves 90+ countries around the globe. CyberGhost has a large number of servers that provide connections that are optimized for streaming and file downloads.

All CyberGhost-provided connections are well-protected, thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The provider also offers ad and tracker blocking, and can also force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages, if available.

The provider follows a strict no-user-logs policy, while also accepting cryptocurrency as a subscription payment option.

CyberGhost’s VPN servers provide fast connections, which can easily handle streaming, gaming, and any other connection-dependent activities. As I previously mentioned, there are servers optimized for streaming and file downloads. Data caps and bandwidth throttling never spoil the fun.

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use app offerings include options for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions are available to protect your browsing, while the provider’s router compatibility protects all of your devices when they connect to your WiFi network.

Up to seven devices can be simultaneously connected to CyberGhost’s VPN network by a single customer.

Always available live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library make up CyberGhost’s customer support.

EXCELLENT OPTION FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USERS:Whether you’re new to the world of VPNs or you just prefer easy-to-use VPN protection, CyberGhost could be the right VPN for you. Intuitive apps for most popular devices provide fast and well-protected connections from its impressive global server network. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable access to geo-fenced global content, thanks to its 3,300+ servers located in 83+ countries.

All PIA connections are well-protected, thanks to the provider’s use of military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider also offers blocking of ad, tracker, malware, and malicious websites.

All PIA servers are run free of user logs, meaning there is no evidence of your online activities being left behind. The provider’s Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information undercover.

PIA now runs its entire server network solely from RAM, meaning all data is securely wiped when a PIA server is rebooted or turned off.

Native app support from the provider includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing, and the provider is compatible with select router makes and models.

PIA’s customers can simultaneously connect as many devices as they’d like, thanks to the provider’s unlimited connections policy.

While the provider’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list, they are easily up to handling your favorite online pastimes. No data caps or bandwidth throttling worries to worry about here.

PIA support options include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO GOOGLE ONE VPN:Private Internet Access provides comprehensive online security, as well as access to geo-fenced content, thanks to an impressive global server network. PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections to its servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

While PrivateVPN’s server count is the smallest on this list, at just a bit more than 200 servers, the servers are spread well, if thinly, among 63+ countries. While the provider’s server network is a bit limited, it provides reliable access to content in the areas it serves.

The provider also came in last in the download speeds competition. That said, PrivateVPN’s connections are easily fast enough to handle most popular online pastimes. Plus, the provider never inflicts data caps or bandwidth throttling.

All of PrivateVPN’s customer connections are well-protected by banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature keeps users’ VPN traffic hidden by disguising it as normal browser activity.

The provider’s strict no-server logs policy ensures that there are no records kept of your online antics. A cryptocurrency payment option helps to keep your payment information private.

PrivateVPN’s app support is limited to Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Some types of Linux, as well as select routers, can be manually configured to work with PrivateVPN. Currently, the provider does not offer browser extensions.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PrivateVPN’s server network.

PrivateVPN’s support offerings include agent chat, a support request form, and an FAQ page.

STEALTHY VPN OPTION:Although PrivateVPN’s global server network coverage is admittedly a bit thin, those servers do provide reliable access to geo-fenced content in the countries it serves. A handy “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN usage. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing Alternatives for Google One VPN

There are several factors that you should always consider when you’re shopping for alternatives to Google One VPN.

The following is a list of the most important features that I researched when deciding on which VPNs to recommend for this article:

• Connection speeds: Fast connections usually make your online activities more enjoyable (we can’t do anything about paying bills and filing income taxes). The VPNs I included on my list scored well in my connection speed testing.
• Global server network: A large global server network provides access to geo-blocked content around the globe. This is especially important when in search of a Google One VPN alternative, as Google’s VPN does not allow you to select individual countries.
• Value: A VPN’s true value can be determined by comparing its asking price to its features and performance. Every VPN on my list offers excellent value.
• Ease of use: A VPN should offer intuitive apps for popular device platforms. Each VPN on my list offers easy-to-use apps for most popular devices.
• Security and privacy: A VPN should use government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection to protect your internet connection. A strict no-logs policy is also a must.
• Streaming: Streaming is a popular online pastime, making it important for VPNs to offer reliable access to streaming services, such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other popular services.

The list above does not include everything that I consider when conducting my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach provides an excellent understanding of VPNs and their services. This allows my readers to have the knowledge to determine which VPN is a good fit for their needs.

How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Online Activities

Using a VPN to protect and enhance your online activities is easy and requires just a few steps:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. (Like my #1 choice, NordVPN.)
2. Install the VPN’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Connect to the VPN provider’s network.
4. Select a VPN server located in another country to access geo-controlled content located in that country. Or, if you simply want to hide your online activities, connect to a server in your own country.
5. Enjoy your newly secured connection and improved access to content!

Why Not Use a Free VPN?

You can likely find a free VPN (there are several “free” VPNs in addition to Google One VPN), but it is almost certain that you’re going to be disappointed with the free VPN experience, no matter which one you choose.

First of all, you’ll likely find that you have a limited number of server locations to select from, and you may even be connected automatically to a server of the provider’s choice, just like Google One VPN.

Once you’ve finally connected, you’ll find that your connection speeds have dropped precipitously. This is because VPN providers preserve most of their available bandwidth for their paying customers, so they slow their free users’ connections. Most free VPNs also impose daily or monthly data caps on your VPN usage.

Your privacy is also at risk when using a free VPN, as freebie providers pay the bills by tracking their free users’ online travels, saving the info in a big ol’ file, and then selling that information to advertisers and other nosy types. Free VPNs have also been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions.

While everyone is looking to save a few bucks these days, your online security and privacy protection is not the place to save a buck.

Conclusion

Those considering Google One as a VPN solution would do well to also consider other, more flexible VPN options.

Always look for a VPN that provides online security and privacy protections, as well as reliable access to geo-fenced content. NordVPN is my top pick for overall comprehensive VPN services.

NordVPN’s encrypted connections keep your internet activities undercover, while protecting your private information and opening up a world of geo-controlled online content.

The provider offers app support for most popular connected devices and fast, stable connections are standard. NordVPN’s customer support is always there when you need it.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Google One VPN FAQs