Samsung Max VPN & Data Saver is an exclusive VPN for Samsung Android phones. It even comes pre-installed on these devices in certain regions. Its free version has no data limits, but is this a convenient way to protect your phone without paying for a subscription?
After our tests, I can’t recommend this VPN as it’s unsafe and might even hoard your data. On top of its slow speeds, small server selection, and weak security features, its vague privacy policy makes it untrustworthy. I recommend you check out this list of top VPNs that all offer money-back guarantees and proven no-logging policies.
Samsung Max Privacy VPN and Data Saver Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
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Free tier
There are no data limits with its free version, and you can use its data saving features.
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Slow speeds
Every single one of its servers created significant speed drops.
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Small server network
You get 1 server with the free tier, and there are less than 10 total with the paid version.
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Weak security
Samsung Max VPN doesn’t disclose its encryption level, and there’s no kill switch or protocol switching.
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Vague privacy policy
It doesn’t explicitly state that it will not store your IP. This is worrying because its previous policy said it would collect IP addresses.
Samsung Max Privacy VPN and Data Saver Features — 2025 Update
2.7
💸
Price
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0 USD/
|
📝
Does VPN keep logs?
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Yes |
🖥
Number of servers
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8+ |
💻
Number of devices per license
|
1 |
🛡
Kill switch
|
No |
🛠
Support
|
Doesn’t exist |
Streaming — Won’t Work With Most Platforms or Devices
2.8
Samsung Max VPN can only safely access a few streaming services, and it only works on Samsung Android phones. So, it doesn’t give you any way to stay safe while you enjoy streaming platforms on your smart TV, laptop, gaming console, etc. Its speeds can also be quite slow, which results in poor video quality. Overall, it’s a bad choice for streaming.
Be advised. The VPNs we usually recommend follow strict no logging policies. These are put in place, so they can’t record your online activities. As such, it’s your sole responsibility to use them ethically. My team and I ask that you please uphold all copyrights.
Popular Streaming Platforms We Tested
Streaming Service |
Status |
Netflix |
✅ |
Hulu |
❌ |
Disney+ |
❌ |
BBC iPlayer |
✅ |
Amazon Prime Video |
✅ |
Max |
❌ |
During our tests, The VPN worked best with BBC iPlayer where there were no quality issues. However, it took about 20 seconds to load videos when we streamed Netflix US. Amazon Prime Video was in between, with high picture quality but brief pauses for buffering throughout.
Unfortunately, the VPN doesn’t give you many ways to troubleshoot when you run into problems. For example, there’s no option to switch protocols, and the server list is quite small. While we tried switching from the apps to different browsers with Hulu, Max, and Disney+, there was still no way to stream them while connected to Samsung Max VPN.
The best VPNs can securely access all popular platforms from anywhere on various devices. My favorites have native apps for several smart TVs, so it’s easier to stay safe streaming on your big screen. You can check out our list of the top VPNs for streaming to learn more.
Speed — Slow With No Options for Improving Speeds
2.0
If your base rates are low, Samsung Max VPN’s big drops will make using your phone a nightmare. We usually have our US speed expert test each VPN from the same location using the same connection to create fairer comparisons. Even with a fast connection, Samsung Max gave him some speeds that were too slow for HD streaming.
The VPN’s data saving features didn’t improve speeds either. It does offer a Best Location feature, but it’s not much help when there are less than 10 locations available. As mentioned above, you can’t switch protocols to improve speeds. And it’s disappointing that there is no indication of server load or latency on the app before you choose a server.
We lost 66% on nearby servers and 76% on distant ones
These speed drops are much more severe than what you can expect with the top VPNs. With the best options, I can’t even tell you're using a VPN. I recommend you have a look at the fastest VPNs available if you don’t want to run into annoying load times or lag.
Gaming — Decent if You Can Find a Nearby Server
6.0
Samsung Max VPN works well with some mobile games, but only if your location is close to its servers. Its small network means it won’t provide low enough ping rates for many people. Ping measures how long it takes for your data to travel, and you’ll need it below 85ms to enjoy gaming without excessive lag.
The closest server gave me 44ms of ping, which allowed me to play Genshin Impact. I could grind in co-op mode without noticing significant lag. There were a few moments where the characters stuttered a bit, but I find that to be pretty common on mobile networks. While connected to WiFi, there were no issues with glitchy character movements.
With that said, its poor compatibility and weak security features will make it a bad choice for most gamers. It can’t be used on desktops, laptops, or consoles, and it won’t even keep you safe on your phone (as I’ll elaborate on in the security section). To stay safe from DDoS attacks, I recommend you try out one of the top-ranked VPNs for gamers.
Server Network — Small Selection Isn’t Worth A Paid Subscription
2.5
There’s only one free location (your nearest server), but you don’t get much more if you pay for Samsung Max. The VPN only offers servers in 8 countries, including Brazil, France, the UK, Germany, the US, India, Japan, and South Korea. The top VPNs often have nearly 100 countries, with several cities you can connect to in the largest ones.
In previous tests, certain countries were inaccessible
On the other hand, Samsung Max only connects you to country-level servers, so you can’t pinpoint your location for faster speeds. While I suspect that it uses virtual servers, it doesn’t provide any information about whether or not its servers are physically-located. Overcrowding is also a concern with so few locations, and this could explain its poor speeds.
There are no optimized servers, dedicated IPs, or any other additional network features. Many VPNs offer special servers for streaming, gaming, and more. Dedicated IPs can be useful for doing things like running a website. I also really appreciate it when VPNs let you know if they rent or own their servers, but Samsung provides none of this information.
Before you download Samsung Max, I suggest you take a look at this list of VPNs with larger server networks and way more features.
Does Samsung Max VPN Work in China? Probably Not
It’s unlikely that Samsung Max VPN works in China. Unfortunately, the VPN doesn’t have any form of customer service. So, I couldn’t field any direct claims from the company. But, the lack of obfuscation, strong security features, or a vast server network, would make it a bad choice for China (even if it worked there).
The Chinese government has banned many VPNs, but there have been no publicly reported cases of individuals getting in trouble for using them. My team and I don’t condone any illegal activities, and we ask that you familiarize yourself with the laws before accessing a VPN. To learn more about the situation, read up on our list of the best VPNs for China.
Security — Missing Crucial Safety Features
2.5
Samsung isn’t clear about what encryption levels it uses, which is a red flag. It’s difficult to find information on the app without an official website. However, the privacy policy states it “creates a secure tunnel connection for your UDP requests.” This vague statement isn’t reassuring as the top VPNs make it clear they use nearly unbreakable encryption levels.
There is no kill switch, and the VPN hasn’t disclosed what protocol it uses. I don’t feel comfortable relying on a VPN without a kill switch. This feature blocks your internet connection if the VPN suddenly disconnects, so you never go online without protection. The top VPNs also utilize tried-and-true protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard to improve your security.
On the positive side, the VPN did pass all of our leak tests. After over a dozen tests with various servers, our IP address remained hidden. But, that doesn’t make up for the VPN’s other security flaws and its lack of standard features like split tunneling or ad-blockers. To find a provider with a kill switch and military-grade encryption, check out this list of the most secure VPNs.
Switch DNS Provider
Samsung Max VPN allows you to switch DNS providers, which it claims can boost speeds. You’ll start off connected to your default DNS provider, but it also lets you choose between Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, Quad9, OpenDNS, and Comodo Secure DNS.
Unfortunately, we didn’t notice significant differences in our speeds with any of these options. In my experience, VPNs tend to be faster when they offer large server networks that mitigate overcrowding. Protocols can also improve speeds with WireGuard generally being the best choice for top rates.
Data Saving
The VPN can display data usage for all your apps on mobile and WiFi. While this is its most advertised feature, I can see all of this information within my Samsung device without this VPN. It’s also unclear if the VPN can actually do anything to “save” data, other than encouraging you to turn apps off.
You’re safer relying on your phone’s native data usage stats since it’s uncertain how much data the VPN records. I’ll go into more detail in the privacy section, but I’ll conclude by saying I believe the VPN could cause you more trouble than it’s worth.
Privacy Report
This feature purports to show you how many risks are associated with each of your apps. For example, it claimed there were 7 insecure HTTP requests and 1,700 domain names leaked from my Chrome app. Within this page, it also prompts you to turn on the VPN. I have no idea how accurate these stats are, and I’d feel much safer using a VPN with better security.
Privacy — Vague Policies Make Samsung Max Hard To Trust
3.5
The VPN doesn’t explicitly state what information it won't collect, so it’s possible it records personal information. I’m always wary of VPNs that don’t have detailed privacy policies because it’s tempting for these companies to sell their customer’s data. Plus, when you’re dealing with a mega corporation like Samsung, you should be extra cautious.
Before you decide to test out this free VPN, I suggest you learn more about the best no logs VPNs that have proven privacy policies which clearly state what they do and don’t record.
Does Samsung Max VPN Keep Logs? Maybe
The VPN doesn’t make it clear that it won’t store your IP address or online activities. This is especially worrying because in previous iterations of its logging policy, it admitted to storing user’s IP addresses.
It states it will create a “randomly generated identifier…to provide an uninterrupted Samsung Max VPN experience.” The privacy policy says this will not be used to collect your data, but no further details are given. It also admits to collecting several anonymous stats (most of which are optional) and working with companies like Facebook and Chartboost to provide mobile ads on the free app.
Was Samsung Max VPN Audited? No
Samsung Max VPN has never proven its policies through real-life cases or through an audit. Many VPNs have their policies audited by third-parties who make sure their claims are being followed. Without something like this or a court case, you simply have to take a VPN at its word.
Based in South Korea
Samsung is headquartered in South Korea, a country some suspect complies with the 14 Eyes Alliance. This is an agreement between several governments to share their citizens’ information. It’s good that South Korea isn’t officially a member, but Samsung Max does admit to storing information within the United States, which is worrying.
Torrenting — Unsafe & a Slow Choice for Phones
2.0
It took about 3 times as long to download a copyright-free file with Samsung Max VPN. Normally, I can download this 700mb file on my phone in about 18 minutes, but it took nearly an hour while connected to the closest Max server. Some VPNs offer port forwarding as a way to improve downloading and seeding speeds, but it’s not an option with Samsung Max.
The lack of a kill switch also makes it a dangerous VPN to use with P2P networks. You never know who you’re connecting to when you’re torrenting, so I’d prefer to use a VPN with the most advanced security features.
Torrenting is legal in most countries, but it’s never legal to download copyrighted content. My team and I are against all illegal activities and urge you to only access torrents within the public domain.