X-VPN Review: Is It Safe, Fast, and Free in 2026?

It can be easy to find a VPN in the current market, but finding one that offers flexibility, performance, and even a free option that still has strengths can be quite a different experience. For those looking for a reliable VPN that doesn’t log data while offering plenty of additional options, X-VPN can be a quality choice. Given that some simply look for a VPN to hide their IP, and others may have more critical use cases for one, X-VPN offers the best of both worlds while maintaining a level of privacy that can exceed the expectations of many. 

In this review, we’ll take a look at some of the key aspects of what makes X-VPN a solid choice for users. We’ll focus on where the company resides and why that’s important, some of the main features of X-VPN, the company’s proprietary protocol, and more. 

The Pros and Cons of X-VPN

Having spent a considerable amount of time with X-VPN, one of the first things I noticed was how incredibly easy it was to set up. Once you install the app and log into your account, it’s really just a matter of picking a server from the 10,000 servers list and hitting Connect. It lets you know when the VPN is active and when it isn’t. Fairly straightforward, but incredibly useful. 

With a focus on privacy and a verified no-logs policy, X-VPN has the tools that can make this VPN accessible for beginners, but also has the power for those with more experience and broader needs. Operated by a company out of Singapore, one of the big draws of this VPN is its Everest Protocol that offers impressive bypassing restrictions. This is in addition to its open-source protocol offerings. There’s also free plans available, extensive device compatibility, streaming support, and additional tools. 

Be aware that while there is an available free plan, having access to every server location, full features, and additional tools is going to require a subscription. Some may also take issue with Everest being closed-source, though this warrants its own section to truly flesh out. Additionally, some may prefer more granular controls over the interface X-VPN provides. Many of these we’ll dive into further down the road, but first, let’s first take a look at why X-VPN’s headquarters can be so integral to the app’s security features.

The Developers Behind X-VPN: Why Regions Make a Difference

X-VPN is operated and developed by LIGHTNINGLINK NETWORKS PTE. LTD., which is headquartered in Singapore. This is important for X-VPN – and your privacy – for several reasons. First, Singapore is not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances, meaning the company isn’t subject to certain intelligence-sharing agreements that can impact providers residing in areas like the U.S., Australia, or EU. This allows X-VPN the flexibility to adhere to its no logs policy and ethos as it cannot be legally forced by foreign agencies to store or record user data. 

In addition to this, Singapore is also flourishing in terms of cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure. Many companies in the privacy-tech sector have taken up residency within this region largely in part to its regulatory clarity and an environment that’s business-friendly. Both of these are largely helpful in X-VPN’s ongoing efforts to invest in privacy features and further system upgrades. 

It’s what helps X-VPN maintain a solid global infrastructure while also doing whatever it can to ensure that user privacy continues to be protected from external control. 

Is X-VPN Safe? 

Yes, X-VPN is safe to use. The core values of the company stem from its ability to protect users online. When looking at X-VPN, it’s important to note that there are three major pillars concerning safety: 

1. Keeping protocols up-to-date and maintaining strong encryption.
2. A no-logs policy built upon transparency and respect.
3. Additional tools that provide well-rounded browsing safety. 

Let’s explore what this means for users.

VPN Encryption 

X-VPN uses AES-256 encryption – the same level of encryption used by governments, major enterprise security systems, and financial institutions. When combined with protocols that focus on security – OpenVPN and WireGuard – X-VPN’s level of encryption ensures that ISPs can’t monitor your browsing activity, public Wi-Fi attacks are stopped dead in their tracks, your IP address and metadata stay private, and tracking systems cannot link web sessions to your identity. 

The implementation of this encryption adheres to modern security guidelines, meaning there’s no dealing with deprecated ciphers or cryptographic elements that are outdated seeing use in a network stack. To even further maximize privacy, users are able to take advantage of the open-source protocols X-VPN provides for how encryption is applied. 

All supported protocols are fully transparent in the X-VPN app, and users can go to Settings > Protocol to see the full this (including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Everest) and manually choose whichever they prefer. 

Security Features

X-VPN also provides more security features that go beyond basic encryption. They’re designed to help keep users safe in an environment that can be deemed high risk, or they can even help with protection while browsing the web casually.

These features include

Kill Switch 

If the connection to your VPN suddenly drops without warning, the kill switch activates and blocks internet traffic until the connection returns. This is useful for preventig DNS request leaks of your IP address. 

RAM-Only Servers

Those using the premium version of X-VPN uses servers that store data in temporary memory, meaning that will automatically wipe itself upon a reboot. No data is ever left behind, meaning privacy stays anonymous. 

Double VPN

This function can route your data traffic through two separate servers to achieve double encryption, adding an extra layer of protection. 

Private DNS

X-VPN routes all DNS queries through encrypted, private channels. This helps prevent DNS-based tracking, censorship at the DNS level, and ISP loging. A deep-dive by TechLoy looked at X-VPN’s DNS infrastructure and noted how fast its private DNS system is capable of detecting and blocking malicious or tampered results. 

Split Tunneling 

Users can decide which apps can take advantage of X-VPN and which ones can bypass it. This is ideal for accessing streaming content locally while maintaining a high level of protection while browsing. 

Wi-Fi Protection

VPN encryption activates automatically whenever an unsecured network is used. 

Data Leak Protection Tools

Along with tools listed above, X-VPN also includes leak tests for IPs, DNS, and WebRTC. This provides users with real-time feedback concerning the status of their privacy. 

It’s all these features and more that help X-VPN maintain a cohesively secure browsing environment. 

➡️ Get X-VPN 

No-Log Policy

One of the strongest aspects of X-VPN is its well-documented no-log policy, which truly emphasizes keeping data collection to a minimum while preventing user identification. X-VPN never stores browsing history, connection timestamps, IP addresses, traffic data, or DNS queries. 

It’s a policy that’s caused others to take notice, as several credible and respected outlets have covered X-VPN’s non-identifiable data practices. For example, Reuters notes that the company has “reinforced its commitment to privacy and security,” whereas CIO.com confirms that X-VPN’s 2025 transparency report documented zero data disclosures. It's a record that’s publicly verifiable, which can be rare in the VPN industry, and helps define X-VPN as consistent and credible. 

Comparison Table: X-VPN vs. Major VPN Logging Policies 

 Looking at data in the table above, X-VPN adheres to many of the same practices as other industry-leading VPNs, maintaining privacy practices that one would come to expect from other reputable services like Surfshark and ExpressVPN. 

X-VPN Performance: Speed, Streaming, and More Functionality 

Any VPN worth its salt these days isn’t just good for privacy – it needs to excel at day-to-day performance as well. In 2025, X-VPN has continued to improve its server infrastructure, expand its open-source protocol options, and has further optimized its proprietary protocol Everest. All of which ensures fast and reliable connectivity. 

Speed Test

 

Speed results are going to vary depending on the protocol chosen, level of encryption, and proximity to a server. However, X-VPN delivering a more refined WireGuard implementation in 2025 has brought a significant boost to a user’s baseline performance. 

Let’s take a look at some stats when using OpenVPN or WireGuard: 

• Local connections: Fast, can expect 85-95% of base speed
• Mid-range international connections: Stable, between 70-85%
• Long-distance connection: Efficient routing can provide solid performance
• Everest Protocol can be slower than WireGuard but excels at bypassing network restrictions and unblocking content

While Everest doesn’t focus exclusively on raw speed, it instead turns to maintaining connections through filters, firewalls, and DPI systems – especially in areas with heavier restrictions. For those planning to use X-VPN for torrenting, streaming, or browsing, they should consider WireGuard or OpenVPN for smoother performance.

Streaming Test

X-VPN does incredibly well in streaming tests. Thanks to a massive fleet of available servers alongside the Everest Protocol, streaming tests show reliable access to a wealth of streaming content that can have region restrictions, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and sports streaming platforms. 

What I really like about X-VPN is that it never seems to have server congestion, throttling, or failure loops caused by trying to access region-locked content. This is because high accessibility can be maintained thanks to constantly refreshing IPs and good routing. 

Additional Security Tools 

Along with what you would typically expect from a VPN, X-VPN provides some additional tools that really help it stand out from the others. 

This includes: 

• Tracker and ad blocking
• Dedicated gaming servers
• Peer-to-peer-friendly regions
• AI threat detection for malicious websites
• Anti-censorship modes thanks to the Everest Protocol 

It’s these additional tools that provide an extra layer or security – it’s not just about protecting traffic, but it’s about maintaining good internet practices as well. 

About X-VPN’s Proprietary Protocol: Everest

One aspect of X-VPN that’s frequently misunderstood is its closed-source proprietary protocol, Everest. It can be easy to assume that a closed-source protocol is inherently not trustworthy. However, this can lack an understanding of Everest’s purpose. Just like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have their own proprietary protocols – NordLynx, which focuses on speed, and Lightway, which focuses on efficiency, respectively – the purpose of Everest is to bypass censorship and heavy network restrictions.

In short, this means Everest must remain closed-source to stay effective. Were the code public, both filtering systems and government restrictions could block it. It’s a technical necessity built upon strategy. 

Transparent and Flexible Alternatives

It’s important to remember that X-VPN provides two distinct open-source protocol options: OpenVPN and WireGuard. Those who have transparency as a priority can take advantage of either at any time. Those that need to access block platforms or bypass region-restrictions can rely on Everest. 

The multi-protocol model delivers:

• Transparency for users focusing on privacy
• Users in restrictive regions having power unblocking capabilities
• Use-case flexibility

Leading into 2026, X-VPN’s balanced approach is a fantastic strength for the app. 

Is X-VPN Free to Use? (Free Plan vs. Paid Plan) 

As we’ve previously seen, X-VPN isn’t shy about providing options, and this also holds true when it comes to accessibility, as both free and premium versions are available. A unique thing about X-VPN is that both versions offer the same level of privacy protection, which isn’t too common in the VPN market. 

Free Plan 

The free version offers:

• Unlimited data
• No login and no personal info required
• AES-256 encryption
• Manual free server selection from 26 regions( for iOS and Android)
• Kill Switch
• Leak Protection
• Flexible Protocol Options

In terms of a free VPN option X-VPN has some rather solid offerings, as other free providers can mandate data caps, display ads, or log user information. 

Paid Plan 

With a premium subscription, you can get access to the full suite of features: 

• Log in with a fake email address
• Over 10,000 global nodes in 250+ regions
• Smart location routing
• Advanced functions, like Split Tunneling, Static IP, Double VPN, etc
• Ultra-fast speed
• Severs optimized for torrenting, gaming, and streaming
• Additional security tools on PC and Android
• Dedicated customer support

A premium plan is well worth it for anyone who relies on a VPN for daily use or for anyone simply looking to have consistent access to streaming platforms. Should you simply want to occasionally encrypt traffic, the free version may suit your needs. Of course, remember that X-VPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no harm in trying the premium features. 

Is X-VPN Right for You? 

X-VPN is shaping up to be an incredibly strong platform leading into 2026, and it’s exciting to see the development. With flexible options that can serve a variety of a user’s needs – including in regards to privacy, security, and even financially – X-VPN can be a solid choice for anyone who’s looking for a casual VPN to those that need some rather extreme protection. A strong no-logs policy and multiple protocol options means users have a variety of choices when it comes to how they want to surf the internet. 

Everest is one of the clear highlights of X-VPN, largely thanks to its bypassing capabilities. Open-source options are still available for transparency, but all of them deliver quality performance. Reliable streaming, excellent consistency, and a strong free tier makes X-VPN something for anyone to consider. Those looking for unrestricted access to content, secure browsing while using public networks, and all around privacy should certainly consider X-VPN

It can often feel like online privacy has escaped us. From certain streaming services locking content to specific regions, to some companies and even state departments utilizing aggressive data tracking, the internet can seem like a space that’s constantly under monitoring and surveillance. In these times, a virtual private network, or VPN, can be an essential item for virtually anyone who accesses the internet. 

A reliable VPN is a way for users to mask their IP address on demand. While many can think of a VPN simply as a means for accessing region-locked content or improving gaming speeds, the fact of the matter is that strong privacy and security can mean a lot more for certain users. Whether it’s avoiding censorship, bypassing geo-restrictions, or simply aiming to keep your personal data safe, a VPN can be crucial.

In this review, we’re taking a close look at X-VPN. We’re going to look at the company behind it, examine its privacy policies, explore key features, try out its free version, and compare it to other VPN providers you may find on the market. We’re also going to hone in on its performance, usability, and extra tools that may give it an edge. 

The Developers Behind X-VPN: Why Regions Make a Difference

 

X-VPN is operated by Lightninglink Networks Pte. Ltd., headquartered in Singapore. While this may not seem noteworthy, the location of a VPN plays a significant role when it comes to the impact on a user’s trust and privacy. Singapore is ideal for users as the country’s regulatory environment offers more relaxed data-retention laws when compared to other areas and regions. 

This helps the developers behind X-VPN build a strong “no-logs” policy while operating globally. The result is that there’s no storing of user data, offering a layer of protection that starts with privacy. 

Without the influence of territories like the U.S. and the EU, X-VPN is free from the pressures of these regions, allowing them to remain more private. As noted by The Los Angeles Times, X-VPN provides services to well over 100 million users from all over the world, and the results can speak for themselves. 

Security and Privacy within X-VPN

 

Just like a guitar needs strings and tuners to work as it should, a VPN requires certain qualities to be a viable option for users. Without the ability to provide privacy while keeping traffic secure, a VPN means very little if it does not possess these features. 

This is just a small piece of the pie, however, as a solid VPN can also be evaluated for the type of data that it logs, the levels of encryption it applies, and how well it can actually function when protecting users from threats in a real-world environment. It is all of these features that give a user a solid foundation for protection, and it’s how a VPN can consider itself suitable for the public. Let’s see where X-VPN stands when it comes to these essential properties. 

Maintaining a No-Logs Ethos

The backbone of X-VPN begins with the idea of not logging the activity of users. Utilizing AES-256 encryption across the platform, this stronghold is preserved by a 256-bit key length, making brute-force attacks virtually impossible. This is in addition to complex algorithms and hardware acceleration helping keep things efficient. 

An article by Techloy put it this way: 

Encryption starts during handshake: TLS 1.3 negotiates the secure session with forward secrecy via ECDHE. This means that even if someone intercepts your data later, they won’t be able to decrypt earlier sessions–like using a different encryption key for every conversation. Even if someone intercepts the traffic later, without the session key, they can’t decrypt it. 

However, these aren’t the only tools within X-VPN’s toolbox, as RAM-only servers that wipe themselves after a reboot thanks to volatile memory, obfuscation, private DNS, split-tunneling for specific app connections, and a kill switch that shuts off the internet when your VPN disconnects are all part of the X-VPN package. 

Think of it in the same way Apple encrypts your iMessages; neither company is actually capable of sharing your information even if it wanted to, as both utilize a level of protection that leaves them unable to view what you’re actually doing. At the end of the day, X-VPN’s commitment to privacy ultimately leads back to the rights of a user. 

A Data Logging Policy That Matters

X-VPN’s information gathering and policies are on par with other leading service providers, especially when considering how the company does not retain active usage data. To further illustrate this point, let’s do a quick comparison between two of its competitors – NordVPN and ExpressVPN – to see how all three compare in the realm of data logging. 
 

In terms of X-VPN’s claims of “no activity logs,” they’re meaningfully consistent with other high-end competitors. At this point, it is important to keep in mind that some connection metadata may stick around, as any VPN must record some technical information, which is unavoidable. Be that as it may, X-VPN can keep pace with the competition when it comes to the adoption of minimal-logging. 

Transparency and External Verification 

 

Verification and transparency are also necessary, as it is simply not enough for a company to have a no-logs data policy – it is but a number of pixels within a complete digital picture. Just like one does their research before buying a new vehicle – inspecting reviews and looking at consumer reports – this only becomes more critical as it pertains to one’s own security. Despite being a freshman in a class of seniors, X-VPN still provides zero data disclosures, meaning maintaining privacy is the end result for the user. 

Expanding to 44 countries within Europe, an article by CIO noted X-VPN’s independent audits, no-logs policy, and the company’s transparency record within its 2025 transparency report. 

It states: 

This 2025 Transparency Report reaffirms X-VPN’s position as a privacy-first VPN service, demonstrating that its infrastructure is designed not to collect, retain, or expose any user-identifiable data. By publishing detailed handling procedures, real-world request statistics, and outlining future audit plans, X-VPN continues to build trust through technical transparency rather than marketing claims.

Everest: Reaching New Security Heights

 

What truly has X-VPN standing out from the rest is its implementation of Everest  – the company’s proprietary protocol. Essential for bypassing censorship, network restrictions, and geo-blocks, development began with the intent of delivering even more powerful unblocking capabilities for users. 

It’s worth touching upon within its own section, as when one talks about transparency and privacy, Everest is part of a common conundrum within the debate between closed and open-source software. 

To bypass the most restrictive of environments, a closed-source protocol can be necessary. While open-source can be a true sense of freedom, sharing, and community, it also imposes a risk, as code can be shared with anyone. Should the code become exposed, it can compromise Everest’s effectiveness. This helps no one. 

➡️ Get X-VPN 

It’s part of the reason why X-VPN provides multiple connection options, as some users may be turned off by a closed-source system. OpenVPN and WireGuard are both open-source, and both are available options when using X-VPN, allowing Everest to provide extreme protection for worst-case scenarios. Providing options offers flexibility in how users connect. 

This keeps Everest a choice for those that need it, yet also provides Everest with its own protections against attackers. Rather than having something that attempts to fit every use case scenario, X-VPN instead provides users with options that are adaptable to their needs. 

The Performance and User Experience of X-VPN

Upon experimenting with X-VPN, it’s obvious from the get-go that the program is designed to help serve both those with VPN experience and those without – allowing access to security and privacy to remain relatively simple.

X-VPN resides in the menu bar of macOS for quick access; the UI is easy to navigate; and there were no issues during the installation process. When you first open X-VPN, you’re greeted with a variety of server locations along with some suggestions for getting the most out of the VPN, including options for BitTorrent and Video & Game. Within the left-hand menu bar, users will be presented with options for Dark Web Monitoring, Security, and VPNs. 

With a global network of over 10,000 servers in 80 countries, X-VPN has 250 locations worldwide. This helps users across the globe have access to options for changing their geo-location, but the inclusion of the additional tools and security helps users stay protected when traversing the web. 

Users are given a choice between strong unblocking performance and maximum privacy thanks to the inclusion of open-source protocol options like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and the company’s own protocol Everest. Should anyone want complete privacy, then the open-source protocols will provide access to region-locked streaming content and better speeds. Those looking for performance will choose Everest. 

Browser-protection features are but another aspect of X-VPN, including things such as tracker blocking, download and search protection, and a malicious threat blocker will all be handy tools in a user’s arsenal if they need an all-in-one browsing solution. Meanwhile, storage cleanup and ad-blockers help transform the X-VPN app into an extensive software suite. 

Exploring the Positives of X-VPN

One positive aspect of X-VPN is its overall device compatibility. Along with support for iOS and macOS, the service also works for video game consoles, routers, Windows, Chromebooks, Amazon Fire TVs, and more. The high level of compatibility and a service that’s easy to set up make X-VPN a simple choice for those with little VPN experience, whereas professionals who have been using them for years will also find things to appreciate. 

Multiple protocol options also help users determine their needs – pairing well with X-VPN’s cosmopolitan reach and dynamically powerful unblocking abilities. Given the company’s strong ethos towards privacy, implementing RAM-only servers while maintaining a policy that centers on not sharing activity logs means there’s a sense of security one feels when utilizing these services. 

Even better, as Reuters observed in a press release, there are plenty of options as well as unlimited data when using the free version of X-VPN, meaning the product still delivers even when a user doesn’t have a subscription. 

Those using the free version are able to connect to 26 different server regions, allowing them to decide for themselves what services they want to connect to. This allows folks to avoid connecting to potentially bloated servers automatically, giving a level of access that many software companies today simply don’t provide. 

Subscription and Pricing 

Along with the aforementioned free VPN that X-VPN offers which provides plenty of options, there are three different paid subscription tiers that offer their own benefits and perks. While there’s obviously more power behind the paywall, users can access plenty even when going with the free option. 

Subscription options include a straight $11.99/mo., $47.99 for the first 12 months, and $69.99 for the first two years. Along with keeping the pricing competitive alongside other VPN services, one should also consider the additional services that X-VPN provides. 

For anyone looking for a company with a strong constitution based on privacy, the inclusion of multiple server options and protocols, as well as coverage for a multitude of devices with a program that’s simple to use, X-VPN can be a solid choice. 

The Final Word on Privacy and Security

Whenever someone is in need of a VPN for Mac, they should potentially consider the application and use cases beyond simply changing one’s location to access region-locked streaming content or ensuring they have a fast connection for online gaming. While some may consider these essential, true considerations for one’s privacy should at the very least be in one’s mind. 

Regardless of one’s needs, X-VPN can be rather adaptable for those that need it the most. It offers flexibility and options without compromise. 

Providing transparency and global reach, X-VPN provides multiple protocols for those that prefer either closed or open-sourced options. For those that need more powerful unblocking options, X-VPN’s Everest protocol will suit their needs rather well. In the end, there’s a multitude of options for users. From those that want to stream like never before or those that demand a private online experience, X-VPN is going to provide a viable solution.