At a Glance
FrostVPN bills itself as giving “privacy peace of mind.” When it works properly, the VPN lives up to that billing. Unfortunately, you can’t expect much more than basic online protection from this provider.
The provider is based in the United States, so it’s subject to all of the usual 5 Eyes Alliance issues of any U.S.-based VPN provider or Internet Service Provider.
In this review, I’ll cover all of the features you need to be informed about, so you can make an intelligent decision about whether FrostVPN is the best VPN provider for your online security needs. I will also deliver my personal verdict as to whether FrostVPN is an overall good VPN provider, or whether you’d be better off considering other VPNs, like my top pick, NordVPN.
Is FrostVPN Right for You?
FrostVPN provides good basic online security and privacy, but doesn’t go much further than that.
The provider’s native app support is limited to macOS and Windows 10. All other device platforms require manual setup, meaning this is not the provider for new VPN users.
While the provider offers reliable access to Netflix, it failed with the other streaming sites I tested. Plus, its super slow connection speeds and horribly limited global server network mean you won’t get all you could out of your online activities.
The provider offers a short three-day money-back guarantee, so you won’t have long to run Frost VPN through its paces.
You can do better than FrostVPN, as NordVPN offers more features, faster speeds and more for around the same amount of money. The provider also offers optimal VPN protection and enhancement, fast connections, a comprehensive global server network, excellent native app support, and so much more. Plus, you get 30 days to give it a no-risk try.
My Verdict
FrostVPN offers above-average online security and privacy protections. Unfortunately, it falls short in most of the main VPN service categories that most buyers consider before making a VPN-buying decision.
While the provider offers a generous five simultaneous connections, you’ll need to do some manual setup on many of your mobile devices, as FrostVPN offers native app support for only Mac and Windows computers. (And those apps are a bit flaky.)
The provider’s small global server network and its slower-than-average connection speeds mean that even though FrostVPN does a good job of unblocking streaming services, your overall enjoyment won’t be as high as it would be with other VPNs.
I walked away from this provider a bit disappointed but secure in the knowledge that there are better VPNs available. Users who are looking for the top overall VPN provider will appreciate the features that NordVPN offers.
| OVERALL RANK: | 2.5/5 |
| Speed: | 2/5 |
| Tested Speed: | 6.06 Mbps average download speed (independently tested) |
| Streaming Support: | HD |
| Streaming Score: | 2/5 |
| Unblocks Netflix?: | Yes |
| U.S. Streaming Services Supported: | Netflix |
| U.K. Streaming Services Supported: | Netflix |
| Security Score: | 3/5 |
| Privacy Rating: | 2.5/5 |
| Supports Torrenting: | Yes |
| Value for the Money: | 2.5/5 |
| Money-Back Guarantee: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Website: | FrostVPN.com |
Pros:
- Good security features
- Accesses Netflix
- Easy-to-use software
Cons:
- Global server coverage needs expansion
- Sl-o-o-o-w connection and server speeds
- Only Mac and Windows apps, and they’re flaky
Features
FrostVPN offers three subscription lengths, including one-month, three-month, and one-year options.
The provider’s native software support is definitely limited, as apps are only available for macOS and Windows. While you can use it on your Android and iOS devices, you’ll be required to manually set it up. Same goes for your router. Up to five devices can connect at once while using the same set of login credentials.
As for the Mac and Windows apps, both apps proved to be easy to use but rather limited in features. The Mac app would refuse to connect more than not, killing my network connection in the process. This required force-quitting the app, then going into the Mac’s network settings to delete and then recreate my network connections.
The Windows app also proved to be a bit finicky, requiring me to restart my Windows machine on more than one occasion. The app would also refuse to release my network connection when I disconnected and closed the app, insisting on keeping me connected to FrostVPN’s less-than-dazzling connections.
The provider uses the PPTP, IPSec, and OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) protocols. Its native apps offer WebRTC leak protection, DNS leak and IP leak protection, and a kill switch. If you’re looking for malware or phishing protection, or ad and tracker blocking, keep moving, as there’s nothing to see here.
Sadly, like many of the lower-end VPN services I’ve reviewed, FrostVPN’s global server coverage is disappointing. With just 130+ servers in 44+ countries, even if FrostVPN proved to offer good content-unblocking power, your access to content around the globe would be limited.
Although P2P is allowed on all servers, they do accept DMCA copyright claim notifications, making this service a less-than-satisfactory option for file sharing. The provider says they will “disable and/or terminate the accounts of users, subscribers or account holders who repeatedly infringe the copyrights or other intellectual property rights of others.”
FrostVPN customer support consists of an FAQ section, a searchable knowledge base, and a support ticket system. No live chat option is to be found.
Streaming
I would venture to say that one of the most popular uses for a VPN is the unblocking of geo-blocked content like what Netflix, Spotify, BBC iPlayer, and others offer.
When the streaming industry first began, using just about any VPN was a super reliable way to access streaming content from around the globe.
However, Netflix and other streaming services soon caught on to the VPN trick and began blocking VPN-provided IP addresses from accessing their content libraries.
While a goodly number of VPN providers gave up on providing access to streaming sites, there are still a number of hardy VPNs that are willing to hang in there and keep providing new IP addresses when old IPs are blocked.
I tested Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer with FrostVPN, and the provider proved to only be adept at accessing Netflix.
Even if you’re only looking for access to Netflix, FrostVPN still probably isn’t the VPN for you due to its limited global server coverage.
Security and Privacy
FrostVPN offers reliable online security, but provides little in the way of additional online security and any acceptable privacy statement.
The provider uses military-grade encryption, and its native apps offer WebRTC leak protection, DNS leak and IP leak protection, and a kill switch (but little else).
When it comes to privacy, there are no cryptocurrency-based subscription payment options. As for server logs, the provider does not monitor, record or store logs for any VPN user. They also do not log or store web traffic data, such as websites visited, files downloaded or similar info.
FrostVPN is based in the United States, and as such is subject to the data storage and sharing requirements for U.S.-based VPNs and ISPs. The U.S. is a member of all of the “eyes” alliances, meaning your data could be shared with other countries if Uncle Sams gets his nosy paws on it.
Connection Speeds
FrostVPN connection speeds are slow, slow, slow. Did you get that? Slow.
During my connection speed testing, my ISP-provided unprotected connection speeds averaged just over 396 Mbps. However, my testing with FrostVPN’s servers showed a severe plunge down to an average of a snails-paced 6.06 Mbps, which is barely enough for HD streaming under good conditions – this barely keeps up with online browsing. Upload speeds showed an even bigger performance hit.
While I was usually able to stream Netflix in 720p HD, there were times when the slow connection speeds meant I was able to only view content at 480 SD.
Gamers and file sharers will also likely be disappointed, especially gamers, as the provider’s low connection speeds and high ping numbers don’t exactly lend themselves to a satisfactory gaming experience.
The provider does not inflict data caps or bandwidth throttling on its users.
Cost
FrostVPN offers three subscription options, including one-month, three-month, and one-year options.
The one-month option will take the same chunk out of your billfold as a medium cheeseburger meal from McDonald’s. The tariff drops a few bucks if you spring for a three-month subscription, and drops another buck per month if you commit to a year of service.
The provider offers a three-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll need to decide quickly whether or not you’re cool with the FrostVPN service. (I know, I’m as surprised as you are that it took me this long to make a second frigidity-related pun.)
I have to say, despite FrostVPN’s low price, there are better values to be had in the VPN industry. If you’re looking for a VPN that offers all-around excellent protection and access to geo-blocked materials, while not gouging you in the pocketbook, NordVPN comes out on top.
VPN Alternatives
Since FrostVPN turns out to be a VPN provider that I can’t really recommend, I feel I should offer up alternative VPN services that I know will fit most users’ needs and online habits.
NordVPN
I strongly suggest you consider NordVPN. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. (Really, I’ve tried the guarantee, it really is a no-hassle process.)
NordVPN not only does a good job of protecting your online activities from prying eyes, but it also doesn’t slow down your internet connection by a noticeable amount.
NordVPN provided the fastest connection speeds in my most recent rounds of speed tests (providing average download speeds of 196.4 Mbps in testing), and it never spoils the fun with bandwidth throttling or by inflicting data caps on its customers’ usage.
This makes NordVPN an excellent choice for gamers, video streaming fans, and folks who share a lot of files. (NordVPN allows P2P file-sharing activity on many of its VPN servers. If you begin sharing files on a server not designated for P2P use, the provider will automatically switch your connection to a P2P server.)
You’ll also have excellent access to geo-blocked content from streaming sites, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and many others. This is thanks to the provider’s massive global server network, which currently boasts a vast network of 5,500+ servers based in 60+ countries around the globe.
NordVPN’s native app support is just as comprehensive as its server network thanks to VPN client options for Android, Amazon Fire, iOS, Android TV, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Linux, and Windows device platforms.
Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and the service is also compatible with a large number of router makes and models.
NordVPN’s online protection includes banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and more. The provider’s Double VPN feature changes your IP address twice for added anonymity. In addition, the provider also offers malware protection, as well as ad and tracker blocking.
Privacy is also well-guarded thanks to the provider’s acceptance of Bitcoin as subscription payment, and a strict no-server-logs policy. The provider’s owned-and-operated servers mean no third-party contractors ever have access to your personal data. Plus, the provider runs all server operations 100% from RAM, ensuring that all data is securely wiped whenever a server is rebooted or shut down.
For more information about NordVPN, read the Pixel Privacy review.
Surfshark
Surfshark offers top-notch VPN protection at a low, low price.
The VPN provided protected connections measuring in at an average download speed of 188.8 Mbps in my most recent testing. Surfshark also never imposes data caps on your VPN usage or throttles your connections.
Surfshark protects its users’ online travels from harm by using banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. The provider offers multiple connection protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec.
Surfshark doesn’t track its users’ online travels, saving no user logs on its servers. Surfshark offers a cryptocurrency subscription payment option to protect your payment privacy. (Use a disposable email address to sign up to gain extra privacy.)
Surfshark runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, writing no data to a hard drive or an SSD. This ensures that all data is securely wiped from Surfshark servers whenever they are rebooted or shut down.
The provider offers apps for Android, Android TV, Linux, Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, and Amazon Fire TV platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and the provider is compatible with several routers.
This provider charges a rock-bottom rate when you opt for its 12-month and two-year subscription options.
FrostVPN FAQs
Does FrostVPN allow P2P traffic?
Yes, FrostVPN does allow peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic on its entire global server network. The provider does not monitor its users’ online activities, nor does it record or store any information about its users’ online activities.
Does FrostVPN provide a safe browsing experience?
Yes. The provider uses military-grade encryption. Its apps also provide WebRTC leak protection, DNS leak and IP leak protection, and a kill switch.
Is FrostVPN easy to install on my router?
While FrostVPN can be installed on Asus Merlin and DD-WRT routers, the process is a manual one. FrostVPN provides step-by-step instructions on how to install their VPN on these routers. While experienced users shouldn’t have any problem installing FrostVPN on these routers, it might be over the head of some beginners.
