MEGA VPN Review

Key Takeaways: What Is MEGA VPN & Is It Good to Use?

• MEGA VPN offers basic security and uses WireGuard encryption, but it logs connection metadata, including IP addresses, which limits user privacy.
• The VPN offers reliably fast speeds on nearby servers and can unblock Netflix; however, performance drops on distant connections, and other streaming services aren’t accessible.
• Its minimal feature set, limited server network and lack of independent audits make it hard to recommend MEGA VPN over other top providers, like NordVPN.

Top Use Cases for MEGA VPN

• Streaming Netflix: MEGA VPN effortlessly connects to multiple libraries, including the U.S., the U.K., Japan and Australia.
• Browsing with lightweight protection: It’s easy to set up a secure connection on public WiFi or for casual use without having to configure complex settings.
• Users who prefer simplicity: MEGA VPN has a simplistic interface that appeals to users who aren’t looking for advanced tools.

mega.io

$1.14 / month

(All Plans)

Visit MEGA VPNReview

MEGA VPN is a low-cost, beginner-friendly VPN from the makers of MEGA cloud storage, but it has some significant limitations. In this MEGA VPN review, we’ll explore its features, speed, privacy practices and streaming performance to see if it can really protect your personal information.

While it offers straightforward apps for most major devices and the secure WireGuard protocol, MEGA VPN has notable downsides, such as a smaller server network, inconsistent streaming access and connection logging. If you’re looking for a more secure and reliable VPN, check out our guide to the best VPN services for help with your choice.

What Is MEGA VPN & Who Is It For?

MEGA VPN is a simple virtual private network (VPN) developed by Mega Cloud Services Limited, the company behind MEGA cloud storage. It offers the basics you’d expect from a VPN — a secure connection protocol, a kill switch and auto-connect — but lacks advanced features. It’s best suited to beginners who want basic privacy and easy setup.

• Release date: August 2024
• Developer: Mega Cloud Services Limited
• Owner: Mega Cloud Services Limited
• Platforms: Desktop and mobile apps
• Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
• Notable features: WireGuard protocol, kill switch, ad blocker
• Pricing: $1.14 per month

The Cloudwards Expert Opinion

The Cloudwards Expert Opinion

Kate is an experienced technical writer specializing in online security, digital privacy and VPNs.

To me, MEGA VPN feels like an entry-level service that hasn’t evolved much since it launched. While it benefits from being simple and affordable, it falls behind every major competitor in key areas like privacy, streaming and server coverage.

While I like its ease of use and reliable local speeds, it doesn’t offer enough for me to justify choosing it over more established, feature-rich providers.

mega.io

$1.14 / month

(All Plans)

Visit MEGA VPNReview

MEGA VPN Pros & Cons

mega.io

$1.14 / month

(All Plans)

Visit MEGA VPNReview

Pros:

• Very easy to use
• Cheap short term plan
• Trustworthy WireGuard protocol

Cons:

• Logs connection data
• Limited streaming access
• Relatively small server network

MEGA VPN Video Review

Is MEGA Actually Worth It? | 2024 MEGA Cloud Storage Review

MEGA VPN Alternatives

Features: What Can MEGA VPN Do?

MEGA VPN offers only a handful of features, putting it way behind most top-tier VPNs in terms of functionality. While it includes some essential tools, like a kill switch and auto-connect, it lacks options like protocol switching or multi-hop connections. What it does have works, but you may find the feature set underwhelming if you want greater flexibility.

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Kill Switch

MEGA VPN’s kill switch works well, preventing data from leaking if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. It’s enabled automatically, so you don’t have to worry about manually switching it on. You’ll find the kill switch on the Windows and Android apps, but it’s missing from the iOS and macOS apps.

Auto-Connect

The auto-connect feature prompts MEGA VPN to automatically establish a connection when your device joins an untrusted network. You can also have the VPN switch off when you’re using a trusted network, like your home WiFi. You can’t choose the server, though, so it’ll auto-connect to the best available option. This feature is available on desktop and mobile.

Ad Blocker

MEGA VPN’s ad blocker works at the DNS level to stop pop-ups and banner ads from populating when you visit websites. It’s available across devices, and while it’s not as robust as dedicated ad blockers, it performs effectively to stop annoying ads from bothering you while you’re browsing.

Split Tunneling (Android Only)

MEGA VPN supports split tunneling, but only on Android devices. This lets you route specific apps through the VPN connection while others travel along your regular network. It’s useful for apps that don’t work with VPNs or that need your local IP data. However, it’s disappointing that split tunneling isn’t available on all MEGA VPN apps.

MEGA VPN Features Overview

Features	Visit MEGA VPN
General
Payment methods	Credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay
Accepts cryptocurrency	Certain locations only
Simultaneous connections	10
Supports split tunneling	Android only
Unlimited bandwidth
Free trial available
Refund period	Varies by region
Worldwide server amount
Desktop OSes	Windows, MacOS, Linux
Mobile OSes	Android, iOS
Browser extensions	None
Can be installed on routers
Streaming
Can access Netflix US
Can access BBC iPlayer
Can access Hulu
Can access Amazon Prime Video
Security
Encryption types	ChaCha20
VPN protocols available	WireGuard
Enabled at device startup
Allows torrenting
No-logging policy
Passed DNS leak test
Killswitch available
Malware/ad blocker included
Support
Live Chat
Email support
Phone support
User forum
Knowledgebase

User-Friendliness & Hands-On Testing

MEGA VPN is very easy to set up and use. The apps are minimalistic and intuitive, with almost no settings to configure — there’s very little risk of switching off an important feature. Connecting to a server takes just a single click, and switching locations is fast and straightforward.

MEGA VPN on Desktop: macOS & Windows Apps

The apps for Windows and macOS are nearly identical in design, making it easy to switch between them if you have several devices. Both include an ad blocker and auto-connect options, as well as access to the full server list. The macOS app doesn’t have a kill switch, though.

The apps feel consistent and beginner-friendly, and the features are clearly labeled and explained.

MEGA VPN on Mobile: Android & iOS Apps

MEGA VPN’s mobile apps look and feel similar to the desktop versions, with the same intuitive layout. The Android app has the most complete feature set, with split tunneling, an ad blocker and a kill switch. The iOS apps have an ad blocker but lack split tunneling and a kill switch. Both platforms support auto-connect and use the WireGuard protocol.

MEGA VPN Pricing: How Much Does MEGA VPN Cost?

MEGA VPN is a very affordable option, with a single plan that costs $1.14 per month. There are no annual or long-term plans, but there is a week-long free trial to test the service before you commit to a monthly subscription. As it’s not a feature-rich VPN but simply one that works effectively, it’s a great price for what you get.

Monthly

• 10
• Yes

1-month plan

$1.14/month

Pricing Plan Breakdown & Money-Back Guarantee

There’s only one MEGA VPN-specific plan: month-to-month for $1.14 per month. Payment options are simple but secure, with credit cards and app-store payments as the primary choices. Some locations support Bitcoin payments, but this isn’t a global guarantee.

MEGA VPN does have a refund policy, but it’s not the same as a typical VPN money-back guarantee. EU residents can get a full refund within 14 days of purchase. In Brazil and South Korea, the refund period is seven days. Elsewhere, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase only if you believe MEGA has charged you in error — otherwise, purchases are final and non-refundable.

Does MEGA VPN Offer a Free Plan?

No, MEGA VPN doesn’t offer a free plan. However, for $1.14 per month, it’s about as close to free as most VPNs get. It’s worth noting that MEGA VPN is part of the MEGA software family — if you purchase any MEGA Pro or Business plan, the VPN is included for free.

MEGA VPN Speed

MEGA VPN delivers pretty good speeds, particularly on local servers where performance drops are minimal. It works well for streaming and online gaming on nearby connections. However, there’s a noticeable dip on more distant servers, with big jumps in latency. It’s not the fastest VPN we’ve tested, but it’s reliable for local use.

MEGA VPN Speed Test Results

Notes From the Lab: Our Detailed Speed Analysis

We tested MEGA VPN’s performance using manual speed tests via Speedtest.net using a U.K. connection with baseline speeds of 276 Mbps. The closest server, in London, delivered solid results, with just an 8% drop in speed and a minimal latency increase. 

However, distant servers varied significantly — U.S.-based servers maintained good download and upload speeds, while more remote regions like Australia and Singapore showed bigger drops and huge increases in latency.

Overall, MEGA VPN provides the best speeds on nearby servers and some mid-range connections, but you’ll notice a more significant slowdown if you’re using distant servers.

Security: Is MEGA VPN Safe?

MEGA VPN provides a basic level of security with the WireGuard protocol and effective DNS leak protection, but it falls short in some areas. Unfortunately, it failed our WebRTC leak checks, so your IP address could be exposed through your browser even when the VPN is active.

MEGA VPN Security Features

MEGA VPN has essential security features like a kill switch, auto-connect and an ad blocker, all of which typically work well. The kill switch prevents accidental data leaks, and the built-in ad blocker protects against malicious scripts at the DNS level. However, compared to other leading VPNs, MEGA VPN’s security tool kit is minimal.

MEGA VPN Detailed Security Analysis

We conducted thorough testing to evaluate MEGA VPN’s security claims. Although the service passed the DNS and Wireshark tests, it failed to protect our IP address during WebRTC testing. 

Notes From the Lab: DNS Leak Test Results

In the image above, you can see that the data Wireshark presents is nonsense — letters and numbers with no clear meaning. This scrambled data shows that MEGA VPN works to keep internet traffic encrypted while you’re connected to its servers.

During DNS leak testing, MEGA VPN experienced no DNS leaks. The only public IP address revealed during testing was that of the MEGA VPN server we were using.

Our WebRTC leak testing told a different story. It showed that MEGA VPN consistently leaked IP address data through browser WebRTC requests. If you rely on your VPN for privacy while using services like video calls or web apps, you should disable WebRTC manually in your browser settings to avoid these leaks.

Privacy: Is MEGA VPN Private?

MEGA VPN is not a private VPN. Despite offering basic encryption and mostly secure connections, this VPN logs identifiable user data, including IP addresses and usage timestamps. Also concerning is the lack of independent audits, and there is at least one confirmed incident of MEGA VPN providing activity information to a third party.

Privacy Policy: Does MEGA VPN Keep Logs?

Yes, MEGA VPN clearly logs user data. Its privacy policy states that it records your real IP address, the assigned VPN IP, connection start and end times, and bandwidth usage. This data is stored and can be used to link your online activity back to you.

Alarmingly, a Reddit user reported receiving copyright violation notices that MEGA VPN had forwarded. This confirms that MEGA continually tracks and monitors your VPN use, and that it will inform copyright holders or the appropriate authorities when considered necessary.

Independent Audits

MEGA VPN has not undergone any independent audits to verify its privacy claims. The apps are not open-source, and the company offers no transparency about its infrastructure. Given that real-world incidents and its privacy policy have exposed its logging practices, you can’t rely on MEGA VPN to keep your online activity private.

MEGA VPN Streaming Performance & Unblocking Ability

MEGA VPN is very limited in terms of streaming. In our tests, it successfully unblocked Netflix in multiple regions. Nearby connections offered lag-free 4K streaming, but long-distance servers suffered from continuous buffering. Unfortunately, no other major platforms worked with MEGA VPN.

Can MEGA VPN Unblock Netflix?

Yes, MEGA VPN can unblock Netflix in several locations, including the U.S., the U.K., Ireland, Australia and Singapore — a decent selection to access global content. However, streaming quality isn’t always great. While MEGA VPN does work with Netflix, it lacks the consistent performance needed for smooth streaming across its network.

Other Major Streaming Platforms

Unfortunately, MEGA VPN failed to unblock any other major streaming platform we tested. Despite switching between servers, we were met with proxy and location errors, and content failed to load. These platforms are known to have strong proxy detection technology, and MEGA VPN doesn’t have the dedicated servers or obfuscation needed to bypass it.

MEGA VPN Server Locations

MEGA VPN has connections in 28 countries across 34 locations, focusing heavily on Europe and North America. This makes it a decent option if you’re in Western regions and want nearby, reliable server access.

However, there are no connections in South America or Africa and only one each in Oceania and the Middle East. Asia is limited to just three countries.

Global Distribution of VPN Servers

Overall, MEGA VPN’s network feels unbalanced and lacking connections across much of the globe. You won’t find any specifics regarding server count either, and there doesn’t appear to be any plans to expand the network in the near future.

MEGA VPN Customer Support

MEGA VPN offers a limited range of customer support options, with email ticketing and an online knowledgebase as the only options. There’s no live chat, which is a significant downside because you can’t get immediate assistance.

The knowledgebase is logically structured and easy to navigate, with a decent variety of articles covering setup and configuration, connection and troubleshooting, and advanced features. There are no images or video tutorials, but we found the step-by-step guides easy to follow.

Email Support Speed & Quality

With no live chat, all you can do is try to contact human agents via email ticketing. However, this method left much to be desired during our tests — we submitted multiple email requests from subscriber and non-subscriber email addresses and received no responses, even after several days.

With no live chat, all you can do is try to contact human agents via email ticketing. However, this method left much to be desired during our tests — we submitted multiple email requests from subscriber and non-subscriber email addresses and received no responses, even after several days.

MEGA VPN vs Other VPN Services

Compared to the top VPNs on the market, MEGA VPN sits at the lower end of the quality scale. To put its strengths and weaknesses in perspective, we compared it directly with leading competitors. Take a look below to see how MEGA VPN measures up against other providers in terms of privacy features, streaming performance and overall value.

MEGA VPN vs NordVPN

2.4	4.6
Very easy to use Cheap short term plan Trustworthy WireGuard protocol	Extensive security features User-friendly desktop UI Fast download speeds
Visit MEGA VPN $1.14 / month(All Plans)	Visit NordVPN $3.01 / month(save 76%)(All Plans)

Compared to NordVPN, MEGA VPN feels limited in almost every way. NordVPN offers a larger server network, an audited privacy policy and multiple secure protocols. It also works with major streaming platforms. MEGA VPN excels only in its simplicity — it’s lightweight and easy to set up — but you’ll likely prefer NordVPN’s more complete feature set.

You can find out more in our NordVPN review.

www.nordvpn.com

$3.01 / month

(save 76%) (All Plans)

Visit NordVPNReview

MEGA VPN vs Surfshark

2.4	4.55
Very easy to use Cheap short term plan Trustworthy WireGuard protocol	Strong security suite options Solid security Excellent speeds
Visit MEGA VPN $1.14 / month(All Plans)	Visit Surfshark $2.69 / month(save 85%)(All Plans)

Surfshark also outperforms MEGA VPN in almost every way, from global server coverage to privacy protection. Surfshark has split tunneling on all platforms and MultiHop connections, and it unblocks streaming services. MEGA VPN may appeal if you want fewer settings, but the lack of protocol options and inconsistent speeds mean it’s not great for daily use.

Read more about Surfshark in our dedicated Surfshark review.

surfshark.com

$2.69 / month

(save 85%) (All Plans)

Visit SurfsharkReview

MEGA VPN vs Mullvad

2.4	4.3
Very easy to use Cheap short term plan Trustworthy WireGuard protocol	Excellent speeds & latency User-friendly interface Supports IPv6
Visit MEGA VPN $1.14 / month(All Plans)	Visit Mullvad $5.70 / month(All Plans)

Mullvad is the better choice for privacy — you don’t need an email address to sign up, you can make anonymous payments and it has undergone independent audits. In comparison, MEGA VPN records connection data, including IP addresses, and has no third-party verification. Mullvad is far more transparent and trustworthy than MEGA VPN.

Learn more about Mullvad’s privacy practices in our Mullvad review.

www.mullvad.net

$5.70 / month

(All Plans)

Visit MullvadReview

Community Feedback: MEGA VPN Reviews on Reddit & Social Media

MEGA VPN users report frequent issues with the service. There are multiple threads on Reddit asking about disappearing server locations, a kill switch that doesn’t work and inconsistent speeds. Overall, community feedback suggests that the VPN doesn’t feel reliable for much beyond basic browsing.

The Verdict: Is MEGA VPN a Good VPN Service?

MEGA VPN is a basic, low-cost option that is easy to use and offers secure encryption. It performs pretty well on nearby servers, works with Netflix in multiple regions and is very simple to set up. For those new to VPNs, this may be enough for occasional use.

However, MEGA VPN has more negatives than positives, with the key issue being that it stores connection data and lacks independent audits. It also doesn’t unblock most streaming services and has a limited server network compared to alternatives like NordVPN.

That said, it’s a low-cost VPN at just $1.14 per month, and it comes with a seven-day free trial of the service so you can test it risk-free.

What do you think about MEGA VPN’s trade-off between simplicity and privacy? Have you tried MEGA VPN? What would you like to see added to this VPN’s feature set? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thank you for reading.

FAQ: MEGA VPN Review

• How Secure Is MEGA VPN?

  MEGA VPN is not secure. It uses the WireGuard encryption – which is good – but it records your connection data and failed our WebRTC leak test, so it’s not as secure as top competitors like NordVPN.

• What’s the Strongest VPN in the World?

  Based on our tests, NordVPN is the strongest VPN thanks to its encryption, strict zero-log policy with independent verification and advanced security features.

• Is There a 100% Free VPN?

  Yes, there are 100% free VPNs like PrivadoVPN, but it comes with some limitations, like server choices and connection speeds.