VIP72 VPN: A Deep Dive into Features & Closure

Company Overview

VIP72 VPN was founded in 2006 with the primary goal of offering anonymous browsing solutions to users who needed enhanced online privacy and security. Positioned as a provider catering to users seeking to bypass geo-restrictions and maintain anonymity, they offered a combination of VPN connections, proxy servers, and SOCKS proxies to reroute traffic and obscure users’ real identities. Their services were particularly attractive to those looking for the best anonymous proxies, as they provided residential IPs and supported advanced techniques such as modifying HTTP headers to further disguise user activity.

Their target audience ranged from individual users who desired personal anonymity to businesses needing secure communications. VIP72 was also a popular choice among web scrapers and researchers who required rotating IP servers to bypass website detection mechanisms. The company operated VPN servers in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, aiming to provide a broad geographical reach for users looking to bypass region-based restrictions. Their SOCKS servers and proxy network further expanded their global coverage, allowing users to select from thousands of IP addresses across 182 countries.

In addition to securing internet connections, VIP72 VPN claimed to offer access to geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms. Users attempted to access services such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, HBO GO, Apple TV, Android TV, and ABC Player using VIP72’s network. However, due to their lack of optimized streaming servers and slow connection speeds, the VPN struggled to consistently unblock these platforms, making them an unreliable option for streaming.

Eventually, in September 2021, VIP72 VPN shut down without notice, and their website became inaccessible. There was no official announcement or transition plan for existing customers, marking the end of their 15-year presence in the VPN industry. Whether the shutdown was due to legal pressure, loss of business, or internal operational issues remains unknown, but the sudden disappearance left many users without support or refunds for their remaining subscriptions.

Features & Services

VIP72 VPN provided several tools aimed at enhancing user privacy and security. Below is a breakdown of their key services:

• Server network: VIP72 operated VPN servers in 13+ countries, including the U.S., UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Additionally, they had 2,500+ SOCKS proxy servers across 182 countries, allowing users to mask their IP addresses and bypass restrictions. However, the network lacked expansion over time
• Encryption standards: The provider used 1024-bit encryption with OpenVPN, securing activities like browsing, VoIP, and P2P file sharing. However, this encryption was outdated compared to modern AES-256-bit encryption, making them potentially less secure
• Double VPN: For enhanced anonymity, VIP72 routed traffic through two separate servers. While this made tracking more difficult, they significantly reduced connection speeds, making them impractical for streaming or gaming
• P2P and torrenting support: VIP72 allowed P2P file sharing and torrenting on most servers, except in the U.S. However, slow speeds and a lack of optimized P2P servers made it less appealing for frequent torrent users
• Device compatibility: The VPN was available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD but lacked mobile apps for Android or iOS, limiting their usability
• No bandwidth caps: VIP72 had no data limits, allowing unlimited browsing and downloads. However, slow speeds often made this feature less valuable in practice
• Proxy services: In addition to their VPN, VIP72 provided SOCKS proxy services, useful for masking IPs, bypassing geo-restrictions, and web scraping. However, proxies lacked encryption, making them less secure than a full VPN

VPN protocols and speeds

VIP72 primarily employed the OpenVPN protocol, recognized for their robust security features. The use of 1024-bit encryption aimed to provide a secure tunnel for user data, safeguarding it from potential threats. However, this high level of encryption, combined with the double VPN feature, often led to significant reductions in connection speeds. Users reported a download speed reduction of approximately 58% when connected to UK servers and an upload speed reduction of about 69% on French servers. The average ping time to Google.com was recorded at 599ms, with an average connection time of 20 seconds. 

While these speeds were sufficient for basic browsing and standard-definition streaming, they posed challenges for high-definition content consumption and real-time online gaming. The lack of server optimization further exacerbated these issues, leading to inconsistent performance across different server locations.

Security & Privacy Measures

Security and privacy were central to VIP72’s service offerings. Key measures included:

Encryption: The use of 1024-bit encryption via the OpenVPN protocol was intended to protect user data from interception and unauthorized access.

No-logs policy: VIP72 claimed to implement a strict no-logs policy, asserting that they did not monitor or store users’ online activities. However, their base of operations in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, raised concerns about potential data sharing with government agencies. 

Double VPN: This feature routed user traffic through two separate servers, adding an extra layer of anonymity but at the cost of reduced connection speeds.

Despite these measures, VIP72’s reputation was marred by allegations of involvement in malicious activities. In 2015, reports surfaced linking the service to the distribution of the Bunitu Trojan botnet, a malware used to create proxy networks from infected computers. This association raised significant concerns about the provider’s commitment to user security and ethical business practices. 

Plans & Pricing

VIP72’s pricing was considered premium compared to other VPN providers, especially given their limited feature set. Their plans included:

• Weekly Plan: $9 per week, allowing users to access all available servers
• Monthly Plan: $25 per month, providing the same features as the weekly plan but at a lower cost per day
• Yearly Plan: $265 per year, which offered the best long-term value

Unlike many competitors, VIP72 did not offer a free trial, money-back guarantee, or flexible payment options such as cryptocurrency. Payments were only accepted through Liberty Reserve, a now-defunct online payment system, which significantly limited accessibility for potential customers. The lack of a refund policy also meant users had to commit without testing the service first, leading to potential dissatisfaction.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

Strong anonymity features

VIP72 emphasized anonymity through their use of SOCKS proxies and VPN connections, allowing users to mask their real IP addresses and reroute their traffic through encrypted tunnels. These features made it significantly harder for advertisers, ISPs, and government surveillance programs to track online activity. Additionally, the VPN’s no-logs policy claimed to prevent user data from being stored, though their credibility in this area was questionable.

Bypasses geo-restrictions

VIP72 VPN was effective in circumventing government-imposed censorship, making it a popular choice for users in heavily restricted regions like China, Iran, and Russia. By offering IP addresses from multiple countries, the VPN allowed users to access international streaming services, news websites, and social media platforms that were otherwise blocked. However, their ability to consistently unblock major platforms like Netflix and Hulu was inconsistent at best.

Supports P2P file sharing

VIP72 permitted peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing and torrenting on select servers, ensuring that users could download and share files without their ISP monitoring their activity. However, this functionality was not available on US-based servers, which meant that users had to carefully choose a server location to avoid restrictions. Additionally, due to slow speeds and a lack of optimized P2P servers, users often faced lengthy download times.

Large proxy network

With over 2,500 SOCKS proxies across 182 countries, VIP72 had one of the largest proxy networks among VPN providers. This network allowed users to rotate their IP addresses frequently, which was useful for web scraping, accessing geo-restricted content, and preventing tracking by websites. However, while SOCKS proxies provide lightweight anonymity, they lack the encryption of a full VPN, leaving users vulnerable to data interception.

Disadvantages

No mobile support

VIP72 VPN was only compatible with desktop operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD, making it inaccessible for users who needed security on Android or iOS devices. With the rise of mobile browsing and remote work, the lack of mobile apps made VIP72 highly impractical, as users could not protect their data while using public Wi-Fi networks or mobile hotspots.

Slow speeds and performance issues

Due to their reliance on outdated encryption methods like 1024-bit RSA and the absence of optimized servers, VIP72 struggled with slow connection speeds. This was particularly noticeable when using the Double VPN feature, which, while increasing anonymity, resulted in significant latency issues. Streaming, gaming, and large downloads often became frustratingly slow, making them a poor choice for users who needed a high-speed VPN connection.

No customer support options

Users had limited access to customer service, as VIP72 provided no live chat, no phone support, and no actively monitored email assistance. Those who encountered technical issues had to navigate a poorly designed website with minimal troubleshooting resources. Many users reported that the FAQ section was outdated and lacked essential guidance, leaving them with no clear way to resolve their problems.

Security concerns and alleged involvement in malware distribution

One of the most alarming issues with VIP72 was their alleged connection to the Bunitu Trojan botnet, which was used to hijack infected computers and reroute internet traffic through compromised devices. This raised serious concerns about whether VIP72 was genuinely protecting user privacy or if it was being used as a platform for cybercriminal activity. Given that VIP72 was based in the U.S., a Five Eyes surveillance country, users were also concerned about potential government intervention and data-sharing practices.

No refunds or free trial

Unlike many competitors that offer free trials or money-back guarantees, VIP72 VPN provided no refunds under any circumstances. Users who paid for weekly, monthly, or annual plans had no option to test the service before committing, leading to frustration when they discovered slow speeds, lack of support, or security concerns. This rigid policy made VIP72 a high-risk investment, as users had no recourse if they were dissatisfied with the service.

Customer Experience

VIP72 VPN catered to a niche market, particularly users looking for SOCKS proxy services and those needing anonymity in restrictive regions. However, their overall reputation was poor, with numerous complaints about outdated infrastructure, slow performance, and a complete lack of customer support. While their VPN was once a viable option for bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship, their credibility declined over time, and the service eventually shut down in 2021. The lack of official review pages on platforms like Trustpilot further complicates efforts to assess user satisfaction, but feedback from WizCase, Reddit discussions, and other independent reviews paint a negative picture of their reliability and security. Before their discontinuation, the VPN received a 1.5/5 rating on WizCase, largely due to performance issues, an outdated security model, and questionable business practices. Discussions on Reddit were similarly unfavorable, with users expressing concerns about the VPN’s legitimacy and their involvement in security controversies.

Positive feedback

Despite their flaws, some users appreciated that VIP72 VPN could bypass heavy internet censorship, particularly in countries where mainstream VPN services were blocked. The ability to access geo-restricted content made it a useful tool for users in places like China, where the Great Firewall restricts access to many international websites and services. Additionally, some found the SOCKS proxy network helpful for tasks that required lightweight anonymity without full VPN encryption. These users noted that the proxy service was reliable for accessing region-locked websites, conducting market research, and performing automated online activities that required different IP addresses. However, even among those who found value in these features, there were complaints about VIP72’s limited functionality, lack of updates, and overall instability.

Critical feedback

The biggest criticisms of VIP72 VPN centered around their outdated technology, poor customer support, and security risks. Many users reported experiencing significant speed drops, particularly when using the Double VPN feature, which routed traffic through multiple servers. While this added an extra layer of anonymity, it came at the cost of usability, with speeds slowing to the point where even basic browsing became frustrating.

Additionally, the lack of mobile apps meant that users could only access the VPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD, making them an impractical choice for those who needed a secure connection on smartphones or tablets.

Another major issue was the company’s complete absence of customer support. Many users found themselves stuck with technical problems and no way to get help. VIP72 had no live chat, phone support, or even a functional email response system, leaving customers without any assistance. The only available resource was a basic FAQ section on the website, which was poorly organized and provided little useful guidance. This lack of support was particularly frustrating for those who had paid for the service and encountered difficulties during setup or use.

Adding to these concerns was VIP72’s strict no-refund policy, which meant that once a user purchased a plan—whether it was weekly, monthly, or yearly—they were stuck with it, even if the service did not meet their expectations. Many users expressed frustration at this policy, especially given the VPN’s high price point compared to their competitors. Unlike leading VPN providers that offer money-back guarantees or free trials, VIP72 required full payment upfront, leaving customers with no recourse if they were dissatisfied with the service.

Customer Support

Customer support was one of the weakest aspects of VIP72. The company provided no live chat, phone support, or ticketing system. The only form of assistance available was a basic FAQ section on their website, which lacked in-depth troubleshooting guidance.

For a service that claimed to prioritize security and anonymity, the absence of responsive customer support left users vulnerable, particularly when facing technical issues. Many turned to online forums like Reddit for solutions, which is far from ideal when dealing with privacy-sensitive services.

Conclusion

VIP72 VPN was once a notable choice for users seeking anonymity, SOCKS proxy support, and access to restricted content, but their outdated technology, lack of mobile support, slow speeds, and security concerns ultimately made them an unreliable option. While they provided a large proxy network and the ability to bypass geo-blocks, these advantages were overshadowed by performance issues, a strict one-device limit, and an absence of customer support.

In 2021, VIP72 shut down without notice, leaving users without access or refunds, further damaging their already controversial reputation. their alleged involvement with the Bunitu Trojan botnet also raised significant privacy concerns, making them a questionable choice for those seeking true security.

For users looking for a secure and reliable VPN, exploring alternatives like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark is a smarter option, as these providers offer stronger encryption, faster speeds, multi-device support, and better customer service.

To help you make an informed choice, we offer detailed reviews of top VPN services, a comparison tool to evaluate features, and a blog covering essential topics on online privacy and security. Browse our content to find the best VPN for your needs and take control of your digital security.