MyVPN is a free application that works alongside 3rd-party cloud servers for users to set up and configure a personal VPN server. It doesn’t require you to provide any of your personal details — only the cloud hosting service that you choose will require you to create and log in to an account.
Since MyVPN requires you to create your own server, it can be a little complicated to use in comparison to most premium VPNs, which have their own server networks.
I tested MyVPN using Digital Ocean, which is one of the hosting websites that it recommends. This involved checking the unblocking capabilities, the different protocols, and the connection speeds on multiple servers. There’s an Android app too, so I tried using the VPN on my phone to see if it’s any good.
It does have great unblocking ability and the fact that the VPN server is just yours means that you have complete control over it. However, MyVPN lacks many of the important security features that premium VPNs offer.
Important. This VPN is primarily marketed towards businesses. Unlike most personal VPNs we review, it's not necessarily designed for activities like streaming and gaming. Therefore, consider that its overall score may be impacted since we grade every VPN using the same categories. To make an informed decision, read on to see how the VPN performed in the areas that matter most to your business.
Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings
MyVPN Features — 2024 Update
5.5
💸
Price
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0 USD/month
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📝
Does VPN keep logs?
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No |
🛡
Kill switch
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No |
🛠
Support
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FAQ |
📥
Supports torrenting
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No |
Streaming and Speeds — Depends on The Server Provider
MyVPN isn’t a regular VPN, so it doesn’t come with a server network and doesn’t promise to do anything more than provide an easy-to-use client.
I set it up with a few servers from Digital Ocean and it had a good performance overall. To test the protocols, I used OpenVPN and servers in the US, UK, Germany, and Singapore. With this combination, I unblocked Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It would be difficult to determine whether it’s the VPN protocol doing the work here, or merely the cloud server location.
The speeds are also dependent on the servers you use, as they all come with different settings. With Digital Ocean’s most basic ones I didn’t notice major slowdowns on servers close to my location. However, my connection took a big hit on the long-distance ones, but this is expected.
This setup is a little complicated, and if you’re not familiar with the system, it may take you a long time to have your VPN set up. For a more efficient and easy to use setup, I recommend you take a look at these superfast streaming VPNs.
Server Network — Create Your Own
MyVPN doesn’t have a server network. In order to set it up, you must first rent the servers from one of its supported providers. After that, you’ll be able to use them through MyVPN to gain the benefits of VPN protocol.
Security and Privacy — Depends on Your Server Provider
MyVPN offers no form of data encryption, as that depends on your server provider.
The only form of security you get is from the different protocols that the VPN allows you to set up, including L2TP, PPTP, OpenVPN, WireGuard, Shadowsocks, and SOCKS5.
There are no additional features like a kill switch or split-tunneling. If you want a VPN with powerful native security tools like AES 256-bit encryption and more, have a look at these tough VPNs.
MyVPN is based out of Russia and so is not part of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance. The VPN’s website itself has no mention of a privacy policy. However, since you’re setting up your own server network, only you will have access to the IP addresses that you use. This also means that MyVPN cannot keep a data log of your activity.
Torrenting — Possible
MyVPN should support torrenting, but that also depends on your server provider. However, you must keep in mind that it doesn’t provide a kill switch, so you can still be exposed if the connection drops.
I don’t condone illegal downloads. Remember that you will be held responsible even if you are caught downloading copyrighted materials even by mistake. That said, if P2P file sharing is important to you, take a look at these VPNs that will keep your connection protected.
Does MyVPN Work in China? — Yes
MyVPN operates effectively in China and features numerous security protocols enabling obfuscation. Nevertheless, the performance of the servers to which you're connected also plays a significant role in the overall experience.
If you need to safely access the internet in China, I recommend that you take a look at these VPNs.
Simultaneous Device Connections — Unlimited
You can use MyVPN on as many devices as you need, but it also depends on the servers. While some servers allow you to connect up to 32 devices, others allow only one.
Device Compatibility — Cross-Platform Support
MyVPN has apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android, but lacks iOS support. There is also an open-source software for Github. I tried using MyVPN on my Android phone, but had problems signing into my Digital Ocean account.
MyVPN’s Android app doesn’t comply with Google’s policies
You can also use MyVPN on your browser, as an “app” in a new tab — not as an extension.
The browser app has the same layout as the desktop app, so if you don’t want to download the program and you only need to route browser traffic, it’s a good option. However, I found that connecting to my server took considerably longer while using the browser application.
On macOS, the app couldn’t be opened without manual permissions, as the developer couldn’t be verified. This doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a problem with the app, but the developer may not be registered.
Not including iOS support limits compatibility for a lot of smartphone users. Have a look at these top VPNs with native iOS apps.
Installation & Apps
5.3
Set-Up & Installation — Complicated Process
The MyVPN application itself does not require any special configuration, but the cloud servers can be a little complicated to set up. There are recommended server hosts, or you can add your own.
Each hosting service has a different sign-up process and I found that not all of them were suitable. For example, Crypto Servers would not accept payments from my international credit card. I did some research and found that the payment portal the website uses only accepts local payments, or payments via Bitcoin.
Digital Ocean, meanwhile, was easier to set-up. Once you create an account, you have to top-up your account or buy one of the packages. After this step is done, you also need to download and install the client for the protocol that you want to use.
MyVPN will then generate a file which you have to import onto your protocol and this is what gets your connection active.
It’s easy to turn the VPN on and change servers once you have them set up, but the initial process can be difficult and time-consuming.
The set-up process while using L2TP or PP2P protocols is much more complex as you have to manually change multiple settings in your operating system. In the case of the Android application, it is done automatically.
Reliability & Support
3.3
There is no way of reaching out or receiving support from MyVPN. The website has no mention of an address, phone number, or email address. The only relevant information I could find was a Telegram group. I joined the channel to find that it was solely a platform for the VPN to share links to the blog section of the website.
Speaking of which, MyVPN has a very basic website. It only has links for the application download, a blog section with a few articles, a short ‘About Us’ section, and a FAQ that only has guides on how to use the VPN.
This is a world away from a service like ExpressVPN, which offers exemplary 24/7 customer support.