Turbo VPN Review—Examining Security, Privacy, and Reliability
With growing public awareness of online threats, the VPN market is poised for significant growth. Projections indicate that the market could reach $107.5 billion by 2027[1], underscoring the increasing importance of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for enhancing internet security and safeguarding personal data.
Turbo VPN is one of the VPN services users can choose to protect their privacy online—but how secure is it? This Turbo VPN review will analyze the service's features and performance, helping you decide whether it's the right choice for you.
We'll also present an effective way to bolster the security of your financial information when shopping online.
Disclaimer: Information in this review is valid as of May 2024 and is subject to change. For more recent information, visit Turbo VPN's official website.
Turbo VPN's Key Features
Turbo VPN's features can be analyzed based on these six categories:
- Privacy and security
- Speed and performance
- Global server network
- Device compatibility
- User experience and customer support
- Pricing
Privacy and Security
Turbo VPN uses AES-256, the standard-setting encryption algorithm, to ensure privacy and security of users’ data. The service supports the OpenVPN protocol (TCP and UDP), IKEv2, L2TP-Ipsec, and SSR[2]. Users may choose the protocol based on their needs, whether they require more connection stability or faster performance.
Other privacy and security features and measures Turbo VPN has include:
Speed and Performance
While Turbo VPN's official site claims that the VPN offers incredibly fast internet speeds, online speed tests have shown mixed results with possible speed reductions of around 50%[8]. To maintain the fastest connections while using the VPN, users can try the following:
- Choosing a server that's closer to them
- Connecting to a server that's not congested
- Using a speed-based VPN protocol
Those who need faster network connections may want to consider other VPN service providers, such as Hotspot Shield VPN, Proton VPN, or Hide.me VPN.
Global Server Network
Turbo VPN reports having over 21,000 servers spread across 111 locations in 47 countries[9]. Having access to more servers means users are more likely to find one that isn't crowded. Turbo VPN also uses a smart location algorithm that automatically selects each user's best and fastest VPN server location.
Users looking for a VPN that covers more countries should look into:
- NordVPN—It offers 6,300+ servers in 111 countries and advanced features such as Double VPN for additional encryption, Meshnet for creating local encrypted networks, and Dark Web Monitor for monitoring users' exposure to data breaches.
- CyberGhost VPN—It provides access to 8,000+ servers in 100 countries and features such as RAM-only servers that delete all data after a reboot for extra security, a content blocker that blocks ads from tracking users, and support for gaming consoles.
- Surfshark VPN—It has a network of 3,200+ servers in 91 countries and features that include an unlimited number of connections, CleanWeb that blocks ads, cookie pop-ups, and malicious websites, and an IP Rotator that changes the user's IP address every five to ten minutes without dropping the connection.
Device Compatibility and Support
Turbo VPN is compatible with most major operating systems:
- Windows
- MacOS
- iOS
- Android
- Android Lite
It also has a Chrome extension that users can download from the Chrome Web Store. However, Turbo VPN doesn't support routers, so gamers who want to use the service with gaming consoles such as Playstation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch may have to connect their console to the Wi-Fi hotspot on their computer.
Users can protect up to five devices simultaneously. Those who require more simultaneous connections should consider one of the following services:
- Windscribe VPN— allows unlimited connections
- Malwarebytes VPN—protects up to 20 devices
- HideMyAss VPN—protects up to 10 devices
- Express VPN—allows up to eight connections at a time
User Experience and Customer Support
Turbo VPN is easy to install and has a user-friendly interface. Beginners will have no trouble finding the options menu or the list of locations they can connect to, and the app will also recommend the fastest server available.
For customer support, Turbo VPN offers 24/7 live chat and support via email. The service also features a comprehensive FAQ section for those who prefer troubleshooting independently.
Pricing
Turbo VPN's free version is supported by ads and offers the most basic VPN functionalities. It allows users to connect from one device and access a limited number of servers.
Users who want an ad-free experience and access to all the features can sign up for one of the paid plans. The monthly subscription costs $11.99 per month, but those who choose to subscribe to the two-year plan will have to pay $4.17 per month.
Turbo VPN also offers a six-month plan at $6.67 per month and a one-year plan at $5 per month. All plans are billed as one payment for the entire period. If users are not completely satisfied, they can get a full refund within 30 days.
Security Concerns VPN Users Should Consider
Turbo VPN can enhance your safety and privacy while browsing, but it is not a perfect shield against every threat. A VPN might not be as effective against malware attacks—it can't stop you from downloading a file containing viruses or accessing an infected website.
VPNs also can't protect you if you accidentally provide your sensitive information to hackers or fall for a scam. Data breaches are another risk that remains—they impacted more than 353 million people in the United States in 2023 alone[10].
You can try additional methods to boost your online security, including:
- Using antimalware software and a firewall along with a VPN connection to protect your data against a broader scope of threats
- Enabling two-factor authentication to prevent access to your accounts even if someone manages to obtain your password
- Making sure your software is always up-to-date to reduce the chance of becoming more susceptible to cyberattacks due to software vulnerabilities
While these methods may reduce the likelihood of your sensitive information being stolen, they can't protect your financial details if the platform containing them suffers a data breach. This is why you should consider another piece of online security toolkit—a virtual card.
By paying with virtual cards, your actual payment card details remain safe as they are never shared with the merchant. This service is offered by some banks, but if you opt for an independent virtual card provider such as Privacy, you can get additional security and convenience features.
Privacy Virtual Cards Protect Your Financial Information
Privacy Virtual Cards come with a unique 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV, and they work like regular payment cards when shopping online. While Privacy Cards are connected to a real funding source, they protect your actual financial details from becoming exposed during online transactions. Your sensitive information cannot be stolen in a potential data breach on any merchant's website as it never leaves Privacy's servers.
Privacy uses the highest encryption standards and stringent security policies to protect the information you share with the company. Some features that can help improve your security are:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)—This feature helps bolster account security by requiring a second form of authentication besides the password. Privacy uses email as the second factor by default but also supports SMS and authentication apps.
- Transaction alerts—This feature sends push and email notifications right to your device every time a Privacy Card is used or declined, allowing users to detect potentially unusual activity promptly.
- Fraud protection—If you suspect an unauthorized charge on your virtual card, Privacy will investigate the matter and issue a chargeback, just like your bank or other financial institution would.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—A Single-Use Card is valid for a single transaction. Shortly after it's completed, the card becomes useless to anyone who might try to steal it. Single-Use Cards are ideal for transactions with unfamiliar vendors.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—A Merchant-Locked Card is "tied" to the first merchant it's used with. If a hacker manages to steal the card, they won't be able to use it anywhere else. These cards are most suitable for paying bills, subscriptions, or purchases at your favorite stores.
- Category-Locked Cards—A Category-Locked Card is "locked" to a specific category of merchants, such as groceries or retail. This type of card is perfect for budgeting and limiting spending on certain types of goods and services.
Privacy lets you set spending limits on all card types. Any charge that exceeds the limit will be declined, which helps you avoid potential overcharges or hidden fees.
You can also pause or close your Privacy Cards at any time. This feature helps protect you from unexpected charges, such as from a subscription service during the cancellation process.
Other Convenience Features
Privacy also provides features that make online transactions easier and more convenient, such as:
- Privacy App—Create, manage, and use your virtual cards on Android and iOS devices.
- Privacy Browser Extension—Create, manage, and use your virtual cards with Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Safari for iOS, and Google Chrome.
- 1Password integration—Use 1Password's browser extension to create and store Privacy Virtual Cards. You can also use the extension to auto-fill your card details at checkout.
- Shared Cards—Share your Privacy Cards, regardless of their type, with family members or friends.
- Card Notes—Leave notes on your Privacy Cards to help you identify the merchant they are used with or to remind you when your monthly payment is due.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get a Privacy Virtual Card, follow these four steps:
- Sign up on the Privacy website
- Verify your identity by providing Know-Your-Customer (KYC) information
- Connect your preferred funding source, such as a debit card or bank account
- Request your first Privacy Virtual Card
Privacy offers four monthly plans—Personal, Plus, Pro, and Premium. Learn more about them below:
Privacy Virtual Cards are available to U.S. residents aged 18 or older with a checking account at a U.S. bank or credit union. These cards can be used at most stores that accept U.S. Visa® and Mastercard® payments.
