With countless VPN services on the market, finding one that balances usability, privacy, speed, and price is no easy task. iTop VPN claims to deliver all of this—even in its free version. But how does it truly compare to leading competitors, especially when tested under real-world conditions?
This review evaluates iTop VPN’s performance, features, security protocols, logging policy, streaming capabilities, and pricing—providing clarity for users deciding whether this service is worth trying or better left alone.
Company Background and Jurisdiction
iTop VPN is developed by iTop Inc., a software company based in Hong Kong. Besides VPN services, the company offers products like screen recorders, data recovery tools, and password managers.
While Hong Kong is technically outside intelligence alliances like the 5/9/14 Eyes, recent legislative developments have raised concerns about privacy. Unlike several other providers, iTop has chosen to continue operating from Hong Kong without undergoing an independent security audit. For privacy-conscious users, this may be a significant drawback.
Key Features of iTop VPN
From the first launch, it’s clear that iTop VPN targets beginner users. The interface is simple and offers direct access to specialized servers for streaming, gaming, downloading, or bypassing specific social media platforms.
Main Features (VIP version)
- Kill Switch – available even in the free version
- Split Tunneling – select apps to bypass VPN
- Static or Dynamic IP – based on user preference
- Ad Blocker & Malware Protection
- DNS & IP Leak Protection
- “Security Reinforce” Mode – system optimization for security
On paper, iTop VPN offers impressive value—even its entry-level paid tier includes features that other services restrict to premium plans. However, whether these features deliver in real-world scenarios requires a closer look.
Free vs. VIP: What’s the Real Difference?
The free version of iTop VPN offers only 300 MB of daily data, limited server access (approximately 5 locations), and displays frequent ads. During tests, basic browsing experienced a 69% drop in speed, making the free plan unsuitable for anything beyond short tasks.
The VIP plan, on the other hand, unlocks full-speed servers, streaming access, and enhanced security. While basic performance in local regions was nearly identical to non-VPN speeds, global performance showed inconsistencies—especially when connecting to North America or Asia.
Streaming and Geo-Blocking: Does iTop VPN Work?
iTop VPN promotes dedicated servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. In testing, some services did work—such as BBC iPlayer and U.S. Netflix—but not consistently. For example, Disney+ frequently flagged the VPN and denied access.
Free Plan Limitation:
Due to the 300 MB daily cap, even successful streaming attempts on the free tier are essentially useless—you’ll run out of data before the opening credits are over.
VIP Plan Results:
The VIP plan allowed access to major platforms, but speeds were inconsistent. Compared to competitors like NordVPN, CyberGhost, or Surfshark, iTop VPN struggled to deliver uninterrupted 4K streaming. Buffering and slower load times were common on long-distance servers.
Encryption Standards and Security Protocols
iTop VPN claims to use “military-grade encryption”, a vague term used widely in the VPN industry. In reality:
Encryption iTop VPN
- AES-256 – Industry standard and highly secure
- Salsa20/ChaCha20 – Lightweight encryption, preferred for mobile apps
However, iTop does not clarify which protocols use which encryption, nor does it allow advanced users to customize these settings. This lack of transparency is a concern for those prioritizing control over their connection.
Protocols iTop VPN
- TCP – Stable, but slower
- UDP – Faster, but potentially less reliable
- HTTPS – A double encryption layer marketed as a unique feature
There is no support for WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2, which are widely regarded as more modern, faster, and more secure protocols. This puts iTop behind leading VPNs in terms of flexibility and performance.
Logging Policy and User Data Collection
Although iTop VPN advertises a no-logs policy, its jurisdiction and privacy policy raise questions.
What iTop VPN does not collect
- Browsing history
- IP addresses
- DNS queries
- Connection timestamps
What it does collect
- Email address and username
- Device and app version data
- Error logs (without full clarity on contents)
- Browser-level access when using the “Browser Privacy” tool
Additionally, the privacy policy mentions cooperation with legal authorities when required by law. While this is standard for many VPNs, the absence of a third-party audit limits the trust users can place in these claims.
Compatibility and Supported Devices
This is one of iTop VPN’s weak spots. While the service supports major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, it lacks native apps for Android TV, Fire TV, routers, or gaming consoles. This severely limits its use for streaming on smart TVs or protecting entire home networks.
If you need VPN functionality on PlayStation, Xbox, or streaming devices, you’ll need to configure connection sharing manually via a PC—an option that’s not practical for most users.
User Interface and Application Experience iTop VPN
iTop VPN provides a minimalistic and user-friendly interface, especially on Windows and macOS. Users can easily switch between servers for streaming, downloading, gaming, or accessing social platforms. The app also shows server load, helping users avoid overcrowded locations.
Platform Observations:
- macOS: Clean interface, fast connections, but limited advanced settings.
- Windows: Full functionality with all features accessible, including split tunneling and ad blocker.
- iOS & Android: Smooth interface, but regional restrictions may prevent download from certain app stores.
- Android TV / Fire TV: Not supported.
Despite a slick UI, some essential options are missing on Mac and mobile platforms, reducing the app’s overall utility for power users.
Speed Tests: Real-World Performance
One of the key promises from iTop VPN is “unlimited speed on premium servers.” Testing across multiple regions offered mixed results.
Baseline (without VPN):
- Download: 500 Mbps
- Upload: 350 Mbps
- Ping: 17 ms
iTop VIP Speed Results:
- Germany: 360.2 Mbps / 283.9 Mbps / 33 ms
- USA (Miami): 398.5 Mbps / 255.3 Mbps / 180 ms
- Australia: 301.8 Mbps / 284.5 Mbps / 284 ms
- Japan: 298.2 Mbps / 255 Mbps / 283 ms
Verdict
Local speeds were solid, but long-distance servers introduced higher latency and occasional instability. For standard browsing and HD streaming, performance is acceptable. For 4K or real-time gaming, results were below premium VPN expectations.
Torrenting (P2P): Usable or Not?
iTop VPN provides limited torrenting capabilities:
Free Version iTop VPN
- P2P not supported
- Torrent clients fail to connect to seeders/peers
VIP Version iTop VPN
- Dedicated “Downloading” servers available
- Speeds remained low (500MB file took 45+ minutes)
- Connection interruptions occurred during large transfers
Compared to providers like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or CyberGhost, iTop VPN falls short in both speed and reliability for torrent users.
China and Censorship: Can iTop VPN Bypass Firewalls?
Testing in high-censorship countries (China, Iran, Turkey) revealed that iTop VPN struggles to maintain connectivity:
- None of the tested servers connected in China
- Protocol switching (to HTTPS) did not resolve the issue
- No obfuscation mode (like Stealth or Camouflage) is available
Without specialized tools to bypass deep packet inspection (DPI), iTop VPN is unsuitable for users in highly censored regions.
Leak Protection: IP, DNS, and WebRTC Tests
Despite several limitations, iTop VPN performed well in basic privacy tests:
- ✅ No IP leaks (public IP masked successfully)
- ✅ No DNS leaks (requests routed through VPN servers)
- ✅ No WebRTC leaks (browser tests passed)
From a technical standpoint, iTop VPN does a decent job protecting user identity on basic levels. However, lack of independent audits and opaque data policies remain problematic.
Customer Support: Room for Improvement
Unlike top-tier VPNs offering 24/7 live chat, iTop VPN relies on email-based support and contact forms.
- Response received within 5 hours
- Answer was clear, included screenshots and guidance
- No searchable knowledge base or self-help resources provided
For users expecting immediate help or advanced troubleshooting, this might not be sufficient.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
iTop VPN is one of the cheapest options on the market, especially during promotions.
VIP Pricing
- $1.66/month – 24-month plan + 12 months free (86% off)
- $2.50/month – 24-month plan
- $3.99/month – 12-month plan
Payment methods include credit card and PayPal, but no cryptocurrency, which may deter privacy-focused users.
30-day money-back guarantee is available but with restrictions—users must provide a valid reason. Some refunds may be partial.
Final Verdict: Is iTop VPN Worth It?
iTop VPN offers a surprising amount of features for its price, but compromises are clear—especially in streaming stability, device compatibility, and trustworthiness.
Recommended for:
- New users seeking a budget-friendly, simple VPN
- Light internet use (public WiFi, casual streaming)
- Those not needing advanced features or TV/router support
Not recommended for:
- Streaming 4K content across various platforms
- Gaming or torrenting at high speeds
- Privacy-first users requiring external audits and anonymous payment
Overall Rating: 79/100
While iTop VPN may appeal to beginners, advanced users will likely be better served by more established services with proven privacy practices and faster, more stable infrastructure.
