Comprehensive Urban VPN Review: Is It Worth it in 2024?

The service is a relatively new entrant in the free VPN market, introduced by Urban Cyber Security Inc. in 2018. On the website, the VPN offers good speed, unlimited bandwidth, and anonymous connections. However, its use of P2P raises questions, which isn’t common practice among VPNs. So, are these claims valid? We tested it thoroughly to find out the answer to this question. So, here is our unbiased review of Urban VPN to let you know more about it.

Urban VPN key specifications 

Price	Free
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited
Protocols	OpenVPN
Browser Extensions	Yes
Customer support	Email and ticketing system
No-logs policy	Questionable
Jurisdiction	United States
Network	4572+ servers in 84 locations
Compatibility	Windows, Android, iOS

Urban VPN pros and cons

Urban VPN speed test

Speed is an essential factor to consider when choosing a VPN. Initially, people mainly focused on a VPN’s capability to protect and keep their connections anonymous. However, speed is equally important these days because of tasks like streaming, gaming, or downloading torrents. So, while working on this in-depth review, we tested Urban VPN, and here’s what we observed. 

Speed without a VPN 

First, we recorded our base internet speed before connecting to the VPN. It would be our benchmark to see how Urban VPN affects the speed. 

Download speed (Mbps)	Upload speed (Mbps)	Latency (ms)
237.83	350.37	5.2

Speed on a local server 

Below is the speed test results when we connected to a local Urban VPN server. 

Download speed (Mbps)	Upload speed (Mbps)	Latency (ms)
228.69	361.72	5.58

As you can see, the drop in download speed is minimal when using a local server. That is because your data packets travel a short distance from your device to the server. 

Strangely, the upload speed increased slightly. Sometimes, internet service providers (ISPs) throttle internet speed to balance bandwidth distribution on the network. A VPN helps to overcome the issue, which may be what happened here.

However, the latency (delay) also increased a bit after connecting to the VPN server. Higher latency means a poor connection. 

While these results aren’t bad for a free VPN, Urban VPN’s speed is unstable and varies a lot, as we’ll discuss later. 

Speed on a distant server

Below are the speed test results when we connected to a distant Urban VPN server. 

Download speed	Upload speed	Latency
28.53	101.53	179.39

The speed on a remote server is entirely different. As you can see, there is an enormous decrease in download and upload speeds while the latency has increased significantly.

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Is Urban VPN fast?

From the above tests, Urban VPN isn’t a fast service, especially with distant servers. While the speed is decent for daily browsing, it’s not so good for streaming or gaming. And unfortunately, it couldn’t even start downloading torrents. Also, the VPN connection constantly breaks off, which is annoying when streaming and even bad for security and privacy.

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Unlimited bandwidth

Urban VPN does not limit bandwidth usage on the Windows client. However, it is different from the Android version, where bandwidth is capped at 500MB, which refreshes every midnight.

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How does Urban VPN perform during daily use?

Besides the numbers, the most important thing is the actual internet experience. Hence, we set forth to see how Urban VPN performs with daily tasks like browsing, streaming, torrenting, and gaming. 

Browsing 

Urban VPN’s browsing speed is decent for a completely free VPN. However, compared to premium services like ExpressVPN, sometimes you have to wait for websites to load. The situation was even worse when connected to a distant server. So, you should use a nearby server if you want to browse seamlessly with Urban VPN.

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Streaming

Most VPNs are unable to bypass Netflix US geo-restrictions. However, Urban VPN can unblock Netflix in the USA, and most servers are fast enough to give you a seamless streaming experience. 

Moreover, the Urban VPN extension connects to a dedicated USA server, which allows you to unblock, access, and enjoy a wide variety of US content easily. However, you will likely encounter small inconveniences like delays, especially if you are located away from the US.

Also, Urban VPN allows you to unblock and access other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This will help you to expand your entertainment options.

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Gaming

Some online games are geo-blocked, while the early release of others is only available in a few countries. That is why a VPN is necessary for gaming.

Online gaming is an intensive activity, so you need a VPN with good speed. We tested Urban VPN’s performance during gaming.

Surprisingly, playing fast-paced games like Doom Eternal and Overwatch was smooth, especially on nearby servers. However, there were lags when we connected to a faraway server due to high latency.

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Torrenting

Urban VPN has a non-disclosure policy regarding torrenting activities, creating uncertainty on whether it supports P2P sharing. This is made worse because it lacks a live chat option, which means you cannot seek clarification from customer support.

A thorough evaluation shows that Urban VPN does not support torrent downloads. With an Urban VPN server, you cannot download a copyright-free torrent as it fails to start downloading. So, if you want a torrenting VPN, you should opt for a renowned VPN service like ExpressVPN. Besides supporting P2P sharing, it also offers robust security measures to keep you safe when torrenting.

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Stability 

While we got decent speed on some servers, the VPN connection wasn’t stable. We noticed that the connection suddenly broke off on many occasions with nearby and faraway servers.

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Privacy – Is Urban VPN private 

The logging practice is another crucial element of a VPN. After all, you wouldn’t want a VPN that handles your data carelessly or collects it to sell to third parties. One of the main reasons for using a VPN is to stay private online, so you want a service that keeps it that way. 

Unfortunately, Urban VPN has poor logging practices, as the logging policy states that it collects certain ‘online identifiers.’ That includes IP addresses and Android ID (if you use the VPN on your Android device).

In addition, Urban VPN claims that it also collects IP addresses to determine the geographical location of its users. The biggest concern is why the VPN would want to know this. 

Urban VPN claims to remove these identifiers when you stop using their services and uninstall the software from your device. So, they will continue to gather your data as long as you use the service. 

Moreover, UrbanVPN also collects other types of data like the website you visit and search history but claims that it anonymizes the information immediately. However, this is vague and proves that Urban VPN won’t protect your online anonymity. 

Making matters worse, Urban VPN even sells the ‘anonymized’ data to third parties, but you can opt out of it, according to its website. However, we couldn’t find the option to stop this anywhere. 

Urban VPN logging practices go against the anonymity a VPN should provide and put your privacy at risk. Premium services like ExpressVPN adhere to a strict no-logs policy that reputable auditing firms have audited. 

Furthermore, remember that Urban VPN is based in the US and is a founding member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. These countries share intelligence information, which is not good for privacy.

Information that Urban VPN asks for

When creating an account for most VPN services, you are required to give some personal information. However, you should provide as little as possible. 

Thankfully, Urban VPN doesn’t ask you to share anything. Since it is a free VPN, you don’t have to create an account or enter personal data like email. Instead, you only need to download and install the software on your device to get started.

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Is Urban VPN safe?

Apart from streaming, a VPN also comes in handy to protect your data and maintain your anonymity. In this section, we review the security and privacy of Urban VPN.

Encryption

Premium VPN services like Surfshark and ExpressVPN employ several measures to protect your information and connections. For example, they use AES 256-bit encryption that scrambles your data, making it unreadable by third parties. Also, the DNS leak protection will prevent traffic from routing through your ISP’s servers, while the kill switch will cut off the traffic if the VPN connection is disrupted. These are essential security features, but Urban VPN doesn’t mention any of them, which doesn’t inspire trust.

Fortunately, Urban VPN uses the OpenVPN protocol for macOS and Windows clients. It is a great VPN protocol as it balances strict security and high internet speed. However, premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are adopting WireGuard, the latest VPN protocol hailed for its improved speed and security.

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P2P VPN security concerns 

Unlike premium options like ExpressVPN and Surfshark, Urban VPN is a community-powered VPN, which means it works as a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. According to the VPN’s user agreement, it will route some of your traffic through other users’ devices and their traffic through your device. 

Urban VPN has not explained what it means, but it is probably the same approach as Hola VPN uses. Unfortunately, this P2P system is not popular in the VPN industry because connections are unstable as they rely on other users’ devices. It may also be why the speed varies compared to VPNs with extensive server networks like Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN.

Additionally, the P2P VPN technology has security risks. Since Urban VPN routes your traffic through other devices instead of servers, they can possibly see your traffic. Also, remember that Urban VPN is not transparent about its encryption, which is very risky. 

Another primary concern with P2P VPN is that the internet behavior is linked to the user. So, will you be in trouble if another user misbehaves online while using your IP address? 

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Can Urban VPN be classified as a VPN?

Because of the unconventional system Urban VPN uses, we wonder whether to classify it as a ‘real VPN.’ Some IP scanning tools showed our IP address when connected to the Urban VPN. In addition, our exact location was visible. 

However, other tools showed our fake IP address and location when connected to Urban VPN. It proves that the VPN sometimes works. However, the fact that some IP tools cannot detect fake IP addresses raises concerns about the authenticity of Urban VPN connections.

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Is Urban VPN legit or a scam? 

A VPN should protect your data and keep you private online. Therefore, it’s a shame that Urban VPN is not up to the task. First, the VPN is not transparent about its encryption or the security measures it uses. Second, it doesn’t have a no-logs policy, which means it collects and sells user data. Third, the P2P system raises concerns about stability, security, and privacy. Nonetheless, using Urban VPN is perfectly legal. 

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Ad-Blocker

Urban VPN has an integrated ad-blocker that helps you avoid the potential risks and annoyance of intrusive advertisements. The VPN blocks unwanted ads, which allows you to enjoy a safer and cleaner online environment. This also reduces the risks of falling victim to online scams and clicking on malicious links.

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Anti-mining

The anti-mining feature will safeguard you from malicious and illegal cryptocurrency mining activities. It protects your system from being misused by malicious entities that would exploit your devices for financial benefits, increasing your overall security when browsing.

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Protocols

Finding information about protocols on the Urban VPN website is not easy. For example, it doesn’t mention the protocols on iPhone and Android apps. This is a major letdown, as tunneling protocols are essential for a VPN’s performance. These protocols are responsible for encryption and securing your traffic.

However, the silver lining is that the Urban VPN has OpenVPN protocols for its Mac and Windows applications. These protocols offer a good balance between security and high internet speeds. 

Moreover, it fails to state whether it uses an AES 256-bit or 128-bit encryption key. So, it’s hard to trust Urban VPN’s security measures due to a lack of clarity and transparency.

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DNS/IPv6 leak protection

Domain Name System (DNS)/ IPv6 leak protection ensures that your requests do not pass through the nameservers of your ISP. As such, the DNS queries can remain private, meaning you can surf anonymously. 

Any VPN service can provide you with the standard benefit of anonymity. However, Urban VPN likes marketing anonymity as a premium feature to generate demand.

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Urban anti-malware

Urban VPN’s anti-malware acts like other anti-malware tools, which protects you from browsing malicious sites. Its main objective is to prevent different malware types from infecting your system, keeping identity thieves and ransomware attackers at bay. Urban anti-malware is available on both the Android app and browser extension. Once you launch the app, you will be prompted to enable it. Also, you can choose to manually activate it in the accessibility settings on your mobile devices.

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Urban VPN usability review 

The ease of use is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a VPN, especially for beginners. Some things to look out for are a navigable interface, a simple installation process, and reliable customer support. 

Urban VPN’s website 

While Urban VPN is user-friendly, there is room for improvement.

For example, the download button is on the homepage, and the download process will start after you click it. Making it easier, the top menu displays different products from Chrome extensions, ad-blocker, and anti-malware. Also, you will find Urban VPN server locations when you scroll down the homepage. 

However, the homepage is filled with advertisements. It would have been better if the company displayed more important information like extra features, protocols, etc. 

The website is available in 10 languages, including German, French, Spanish, and Italian.

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Urban VPN download and compatibility

Thankfully, the user-friendly Urban VPN site interface makes it easy to install the software. Here’s how to do it. 

1. Visit the Urban VPN website.
2. Click on the ‘Free Download‘ button or the device’s OS icon at the top menu bar. 
3. Open the file that downloads.
4. Follow the installation process.
5. Open the app and connect to a server.

Urban VPN has been established as a highly compatible VPN, supporting almost all operating systems, such as Windows., Android, macOS, and iOS. Also, the VPN seamlessly integrates with different web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Edge.

Since Urban VPN is a free service, it is understandable that it lacks extensive features. The provider should consider offering basic measures like the kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Other premium VPN providers, such as ExpressVPN, offer these premium features, making them more reliable and trustworthy.

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Urban VPN interface 

Thankfully, Urban VPN has a straightforward interface. The homepage only shows the server locations and the On/Off button to start a VPN connection. It is ideal for beginners. 

Unfortunately, the minimalist interface means the VPN lacks some useful features. For example, it doesn’t have manual server selection, kill switch, split tunneling, or multiple protocol options.

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Customer service 

A major Urban VPN downfall is that it fails to provide essential support features. For example, its website lacks important sections such as a FAQ section, support page, troubleshooting resources, and set-up instructions catalog. Although its website has concise instructions all over it, they are unhelpful if you want to resolve major issues.

Since the website lacks a live chat option, it limits your ability to seek immediate help. You can only contact the support staff through the email privacy@urban-vpn.com. Comparatively, other reputable VPN providers, such as ExpressVpn, offer users a comprehensive support system like detailed set-up guides, a dedicated page to respond to users’ queries, and 24/7 live chat support.

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So, is Urban VPN easy to use and dependable?

Urban VPN has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started effortlessly. For example, you can connect to a server on the homepage. But, unfortunately, it is filled with a lot of unnecessary advertisements.

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Urban VPN server network

While Urban-VPN is prominently a P2P VPN, it doesn’t rely on the system entirely. It also has VPN servers scattered worldwide. However, the server information is a bit contradicting. For example, the Urban VPN website indicates it has servers in 81 countries, yet there are 84 flags on the homepage. We counted 4572 servers on the website while writing this Urban VPN free service review. Countries with the most servers include India, the US, Germany, and France. 

Urban VPN server locations 

Here are the Urban VPN server locations:

1. Africa – South Africa, Morocco, Algeria 
2. Europe – Belarus, Austria, Denmark, Cyprus, Hungary, France, Estonia, Ireland, Iceland, Latvia, Italy, Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, Turkey
3. Asia – Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Mongolia, Thailand, Taiwan 
4. Oceania – New Zealand, Australia 
5. North America – Mexico, the United States, Canada 
6. South America – Peru, Brazil 
7. Middle East – Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, UAE, Israel

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So, does Urban VPN have enough servers? 

Urban VPN has a decent server network for a free VPN. The number of servers per location may be higher because the service also utilizes the P2P system. However, Urban VPN doesn’t offer dedicated IP addresses.

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Obfuscation servers

Urban VPN has strategically placed obfuscation servers worldwide in countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, and Belarus. These servers provide an additional layer of security and privacy by concealing your VPN traffic, which will be useful in regions with strict censorship or restrictions. This will enable you to communicate, stream videos, and access other blocked content.

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Comparison between Urban VPN and ExpressVPN

Here is a comparison between a free Urban VPN and a subscription-based ExpressVPN for you to review its feasibility. 

Features	Urban VPN	ExpressVPN
Price	Free	$12.95
Compatibility	Android, Windows, Chrome, and Firefox	All devices, including various router models
Network	4,572 servers in 81 countries	3,000 servers in 94 countries
Jurisdiction	The United States	The British Virgin Islands
Logging policy	Keep logs	Strict no-logs policy
Customer support	No	Live chat and email

Conclusion

We wouldn’t recommend Urban VPN. That is because it has connection stability issues, slow speed, and lacks essential features like encryption and a kill switch. Also, the provider collects and sells user data to third parties. Generally, Urban VPN is not capable of many things, including bypassing geo-blocks, downloading torrents, and providing adequate online security and privacy. If you are interested in a VPN, we strongly suggest you subscribe to premium services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, or PrivateInternetAccess. 

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