Urban VPN Review: Features, Performance, and User Experience
I've spent countless hours testing VPNs, and when I stumbled upon Urban VPN's promise of a completely free service with unlimited bandwidth, I was intrigued. Could this be the unicorn of VPNs? A service that costs absolutely nothing while delivering premium features? After thorough testing and comparison with other providers including SafeShell VPN, I'm here to share the unfiltered truth about what Urban VPN actually delivers—and why it might be costing you more than you think.
Many users mistakenly believe that free VPNs like Urban VPN provide the same level of service and security as paid options. This dangerous misconception can leave your personal data exposed and your online activities vulnerable. Let's debunk these myths and examine what Urban VPN actually offers compared to a robust alternative like SafeShell VPN.
Urban VPN: The Hidden Costs of 'Free'
Urban VPN markets itself as a completely free VPN service, but as the old saying goes, if you're not paying for the product, you are the product. Here's what my investigation revealed:
Privacy Concerns (Major Red Flags)
Diving into Urban VPN's privacy policy exposed some alarming practices:
- Extensive Data Collection : Urban VPN logs your browsing history, IP address, device information, search queries, and even takes screenshots of your device (on iOS)
- P2P Network Structure : Your traffic routes through other users' connections, and theirs through yours—creating significant security vulnerabilities
- Data Sharing : They explicitly state they share your data with "trusted partners" and third parties
- US-Based : Headquartered in New York, within the jurisdiction of the 5 Eyes alliance, making your data subject to government surveillance
What particularly concerned me was discovering their partnership with BiScience, a digital marketing company that specializes in data extraction. This explains how they monetize their "free" service—by selling your browsing data.
Performance Issues
My speed tests revealed dismal performance:
| Test Location | Urban VPN Speed | SafeShell VPN Speed |
|---|---|---|
| US Connection | ~5 Mbps | 180+ Mbps |
| UK Connection | ~10 Mbps | 165+ Mbps |
| Mobile Device | ~60 Mbps | 190+ Mbps |
These speeds make Urban VPN practically unusable for anything beyond basic browsing—forget streaming or gaming.
Streaming Capabilities (Or Lack Thereof)
Despite claims of unblocking streaming services, Urban VPN failed to access:
- ❌ Netflix (all regions)
- ❌ BBC iPlayer
- ❌ Amazon Prime Video
- ❌ Disney+
- ❌ Hulu
Even their paid mobile version only managed to unblock Disney+ in my tests, while failing with everything else.
Limited Features & Poor User Experience
Urban VPN's apps are extremely basic, lacking essential VPN features:
- No kill switch
- No split tunneling
- No protocol options (OpenVPN only)
- No auto-connect feature
- No settings page whatsoever
- Frequent connection failures
Perhaps most frustrating was the complete absence of customer support. When problems arise—and they will—you're entirely on your own.
SafeShell VPN: A Superior Alternative
After my disappointing experience with Urban VPN, I tested SafeShell VPN to see how it compares. The difference was night and day.
Uncompromising Privacy
SafeShell VPN employs their proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol, utilizing military-grade encryption to ensure your data remains private. Unlike Urban VPN, SafeShell maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been verified through independent audits.
Blazing-Fast Performance
SafeShell VPN's optimized server network delivered consistent speeds above 180 Mbps in my tests—a stark contrast to Urban VPN's crawling performance. This makes SafeShell ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming and online gaming.
Exceptional Streaming Capabilities
SafeShell VPN excels at unblocking streaming platforms:
- ✅ Netflix (all regional libraries)
- ✅ BBC iPlayer
- ✅ Amazon Prime Video
- ✅ Disney+
- ✅ Hulu
- ✅ Sports streaming services
What impressed me most was SafeShell's unique App Mode feature, which allows users to access content from multiple regions simultaneously—something I haven't seen with other VPNs.
Feature-Rich Applications
SafeShell VPN offers fully-featured apps for all major platforms, including:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
- Apple TV, Android TV
- Browser extensions
- Even Apple Vision Pro support
Their apps include essential security features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and customizable connection settings—all wrapped in an intuitive interface.
Multi-Device Support
SafeShell allows connections on up to 5 devices simultaneously, making it perfect for protecting all your household devices without additional costs.
How to Set Up SafeShell VPN for Streaming
Getting started with SafeShell VPN is straightforward:
- Subscribe to a SafeShell VPN plan at safeshellvpn.com
- Download the app for your device
- Login to your account
- Select App Mode for the best streaming experience
- Choose a server in your desired region
- Connect and enjoy unrestricted access to your favorite content
Final Verdict: Urban VPN vs SafeShell VPN
After extensive testing, the verdict is clear: Urban VPN fails to deliver on its promises while potentially compromising your privacy. Its subpar performance, inability to unblock streaming services, and concerning data collection practices make it a poor choice for anyone serious about online privacy or streaming.
SafeShell VPN, on the other hand, offers everything you'd expect from a premium VPN service: robust security, blazing-fast speeds, excellent streaming capabilities, and a user-friendly experience across all devices.
| Feature | Urban VPN | SafeShell VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | ❌ Logs extensive data | ✅ Strict no-logs policy |
| Speed | ❌ 5-10 Mbps average | ✅ 180+ Mbps average |
| Streaming | ❌ Blocks most services | ✅ Unblocks all major platforms |
| Security | ❌ Basic encryption only | ✅ Advanced ShellGuard protocol |
| Features | ❌ Bare minimum | ✅ Comprehensive security suite |
| Support | ❌ Non-existent | ✅ 24/7 responsive support |
| Value | ❌ "Free" but sells your data | ✅ Transparent pricing with free trial |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Urban VPN safe to use?
Based on my analysis of their privacy policy and technical implementation, I cannot recommend Urban VPN for security-conscious users. Their extensive data collection, P2P network structure, and partnership with data extraction companies pose significant privacy risks.
Why is SafeShell VPN faster than Urban VPN?
SafeShell VPN maintains dedicated high-speed servers optimized for bandwidth efficiency , while Urban VPN relies on a P2P network that routes your traffic through other users' connections, resulting in significant latency and throughput limitations.
Can I watch Netflix with these VPNs?
In my testing, Urban VPN consistently failed to unblock Netflix in any region, while SafeShell VPN reliably accessed Netflix libraries worldwide with no proxy detection issues.
Is it worth paying for a VPN when free options exist?
Absolutely. Free VPNs like Urban VPN typically compromise on privacy, security, and performance. The modest investment in a service like SafeShell VPN provides vastly superior protection, performance, and features that make the difference between a frustrating and seamless online experience.
Does SafeShell VPN offer a trial period?
Yes, SafeShell VPN offers a flexible free trial that allows you to test all its premium features before committing to a subscription.
In 2025's increasingly restricted online landscape, a reliable VPN is essential for maintaining privacy and accessing global content. After my comprehensive urban vpn review, I can confidently recommend SafeShell VPN as the superior choice for anyone serious about their digital freedom and security.
