Webroot Wi-Fi Security VPN Review (2024)

With the meteoric rise of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), traditional security companies have been getting in on the act with their own VPN offerings. Few of these, however, are impressive on their own, and Webroot Wi-Fi Security VPN is no exception. The app is awkward to use and provides little functionality to make it stand out among competitors. It also takes the unusual stance of outright banning BitTorrent. That said, it is affordable and can be bundled with antivirus software, making it attractive to existing Webroot customers or anyone in need of a simple VPN.

What Is a VPN?

When you switch on a VPN it creates an encrypted connection between your device and a server operated by the VPN company. Your web traffic travels from your machine to the server, protected from bad guys lurking on public Wi-Fi networks or your own ISP looking to make a buck by selling your data. Out on the web, your true IP address is hidden and your traffic appears to come from the VPN server, providing a little more privacy online.

VPNs are simple and powerful tools, but they can't solve every security problem. You still need a password manager and should activate two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. And, while some VPNs say they will screen out malware, I prefer to rely upon a standalone antivirus utility because it's far more capable. Also, you can take online anonymity to the next level with the free Tor browser, albeit with some serious caveats.

How Much Does Webroot Wi-Fi Security Cost?

Most VPN services offer subscriptions plans of varying lengths with increasing levels of savings for longer subscriptions. Not so for Webroot Wi-Fi Security. Instead of offering a monthly and annual plan Webroot offers two one-year plans. The $39.99 plan allows up to three devices to be connected simultaneously, and the $59.99 plan raises the device cap to five.

If you're looking to add value to your Webroot purchase, you can snag a Webroot Wi-Fi Security VPN subscription with a year of Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus for $84.98. That's compared to Internet Security Plus' usual price of $59.99. That bundle price is only for three devices for both antivirus and VPN.

I use monthly plans for comparing pricing between VPN services in part because I encourage people to start with a shorter subscription to test out a service before committing long-term. The lack of a monthly plan is definitely a strike against the service. Still, Webroot's pricing otherwise compares very favorably. Among the nearly 40 services I have tested, the average annual price for a VPN is $71.87. Keep in mind, however, that the cheaper Webroot plan only allows three devices, whereas just about every other product on the market will get you at least five. Kaspersky Secure Connection is the most affordable VPN I've reviewed, and it offers five simultaneous connections for just $29.99 a year.

It's also worth noting that an increasing number of VPNs no longer enforce any restriction on simultaneous connections. Avira Phantom VPN, Encrypt.me VPN, Ghostery Midnight VPN, IPVanish VPN, Surfshark VPN, and Windscribe VPN let you use as many devices as you wish. Note that Encrypt.me and IPVanish are owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company.

If you're short on cash, there are many excellent cheap and even free VPNs out there. Editors' Choice winner Mullvad VPN costs around just $5 per month. TunnelBear and AnchorFree Hotspot Shield both offer strong free options but limit your data to 500MB per month and 500MB per day, respectively. Editors' Choice winner ProtonVPN's free subscription tier does limit the servers you can use but places no limit on the amount of data available to free users. It's the best free plan we've seen.

Webroot does not support BitTorrent on its servers. That's unusual, as nearly every other VPN service I have tested has taken a hands-off approach to the controversial file sharing system. TorGuard VPN hangs its reputation on BitTorrent support and offers add-ons like 10GB network access and static IP addresses that appeal to seeders and leechers alike.

If you're looking to purchase a VPN anonymously, Webroot will leave you disappointed. While the company accepts major credit cards and PayPal, you won't be able to use cryptocurrency. Nor can you exchange prepaid gift cards for service, as you can with Private Internet Access.

VPN Protocols

VPNs are not a new technology, and there are now several different ways to create a VPN connection. I prefer the OpenVPN protocol, which is open source. That means its code is available to be picked over for any potential vulnerabilities by anyone and everyone with the inclination to do so.

Webroot Wi-Fi Security does support OpenVPN along with my second choice: the IKEv2 protocol. The company also supports the older and less secure L2TP/IPsec and PPTP protocols on PCs and Macs. I don't recommend using either of these options if you can help it.

Someday, we'll hopefully all be using WireGuard with our VPNs, but only a few VPNs have rolled out this new technology. Webroot currently doesn't support WireGuard, which isn't a problem yet but could become one soon.

Servers and Server Locations

Webroot provides servers in some 35 countries, which is on the low side. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, has servers in 94 countries. The industry average is 51. While those are relatively small numbers, Webroot has an impressive distribution of servers. It covers Europe and North America extensively but also provides servers in South America and one in Africa—two continents often completely ignored by competitors. There's room for improvement but it's a strong start.

That distribution means that you'll probably find a nearby server no matter where you go but you'll be limited—and have fewer options for spoofing your location. Webroot deserves credit for offering servers in Russia, a region with repressive internet policies. Webroot also has servers in Hong Kong.

Webroot currently offers around 700 servers for customers. More servers does not guarantee better service, but a large collection of servers does mean that you have more chances to find a server that works for you. CyberGhost leads on this point—with nearly 6,000 total servers—and NordVPN is close behind.

Some companies offer specialized server options. NordVPN and ProtonVPN, for instance, let you connect to the Tor anonymization network via VPN or use multihop connections to bounce your traffic between multiple VPN servers. Webroot notably provides servers specifically for UK video streaming, which is sure to be handy for some.

A virtual server is a physical server that plays host to several software-defined servers. A virtual location is a server that is configured to appear somewhere other than where it is physically located. Both are useful to VPN companies. A virtual server can be quickly spun up to meet demand, and a virtual location can provide coverage to a dangerous area while keeping the server safe. The important thing for consumers is that the VPN company be transparent about where its servers are actually located and that the company uses smart security measures in a shared server context.

Webroot tells me it only uses virtual servers to meet increasing demand, and even then only in the same approximate geographic region as the server you selected. You'll be connected to the location you select, or at least very close to it. That's good, but I'd like Webroot to make clear where, exactly, its servers are.

As I'll discuss below, Webroot does not manage any part of the Wi-Fi Security VPN infrastructure. That said, a company representative assured me that physical access to servers is limited, and remote access is secured with zero trust access tools as well as 2FA. Some VPN companies have gone further opting to directly own their own hardware, secure them in specialized facilities, and even to operate without hard disks to prevent tampering.

Your Privacy With Webroot

When you switch on a VPN, you're protecting yourself from bad guys and your ISP, but you are also potentially vulnerable to the VPN company itself. That's why it's important to try and get a sense of what efforts each company makes toward protecting your privacy.

For its part, Webroot has an extremely lengthy and detailed privacy policy. It is not particularly easy to read—unlike Editors' Choice winner TunnelBear's policy, which is positively breezy—but it's not impenetrable legalese. Webroot's policy says that the company does not log what you browse or download while connected to the VPN, nor does it log IP address or DNS data. Some anonymized DNS information is sent to Webroot for troubleshooting if the app crashes, which is not unusual. The policy also says that the company will not sell your data or personal information.

A Webroot representative confirmed all this information with me and elaborated further. The company does log the start and end time of a VPN session and the amount of data transferred. The company also logs which region you connected with—but not the IP address you were assigned—and the number of simultaneous connections. This information is deleted on a rolling 90-day basis. Again, none of this is unusual, but Webroot should strive to hold less information and delete it more quickly.

Webroot is based in Colorado and operates under US law. It is owned by Carbonite, Inc., which is based in Boston. Carbonite is, in turn, owned by OpenText, which appears to be a Canadian company. Other companies tout their legal jurisdiction as a benefit to customers. Editors' Choice winner NordVPN is based in Panama, and ExpressVPN operates under the authority of the British Virgin Islands. Both say their respective locations act as buffers against aggressive law enforcement requests to protect user privacy. Webroot says this is a nonissue. A company representative told me, "because Webroot Wi-Fi Security does not collect sensitive user data, it would not be able to provide such data in response to a legal request." This is a normal position for a VPN company to take.

Unlike many other VPN services, Webroot Wi-Fi security is a white-labeled product. It's not made by Webroot. The company licenses the product from SaferVPN, which is based in Israel. Webroot, however, says that it handles the subscriptions. Note that SaferVPN is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company. I found SaferVPN's privacy policy quite difficult to parse, but it appears to match with Webroot's assurances. Note that I have yet to evaluate SaferVPN, but it is on my list for review.

Some VPN companies have begun commissioning third-party audits to prove they are good stewards of user data. I applaud the effort, but it is worth noting that not all audits are the same: a small, targeted audit doesn't do much to assure skeptical customers. Webroot says that Wi-Fi Security has undergone a third-party audit but that those results cannot be released. That's unfortunate. We can intuit that Webroot would not have white-labeled SaferVPN's product without vetting it first. After all, it's Webroot's reputation on the line.

I did not find anything truly objectionable in Webroot's privacy policy. That said, security is a matter of trust. If you don't feel you can trust a company for whatever reason, there are plenty of other worthy options to use.

Hands On With Webroot

I tested Webroot Wi-Fi Security on an Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7BEH (Bean Canyon) desktop running the latest version of Windows 10. In my previous review of Webroot Wi-Fi Security, I had to restore my PC twice before I was able to get the application working. I had no such issue this time around; it installed and worked perfectly on the first attempt. The only unusual behavior I noticed was that Webroot once got stuck when disconnecting and I had to quit the application. That's a minor issue, and not one I could replicate.

Before I could test Webroot Wi-Fi Security VPN, I first had to find and install the application, which turned out to still be quite difficult. There's no download link from my Webroot account page and I couldn't find a download option on the product page. In the end, I was forced to Google "Webroot Wi-Fi Security download," which finally got me pointed in the right direction. Another note: Webroot doesn't include much basic information about the Wi-Fi Security VPN outside of FAQ postings, many of which are several years old. The company should strive to be more transparent about its product, and how to download it—partly to make my life easier, but mainly because transparency helps build trust.

Another odd quirk was that Webroot pushed me to enable 2FA on my account when I signed into the company's user portal. That's great, but I was confused when I logged into the Wi-Fi Security VPN app and wasn't prompted to enter my 2FA credentials. The app doesn't provide access to personal information—like a password manager might—but it's still odd.

Once it was up and running, I found the Webroot Wi-Fi Security app to be a simple, straightforward affair. The app's main window is little more than a vibrant orange button on a green background, inviting a click. Doing so will automatically connect you with what Webroot believes is the best VPN server. While I appreciate how simple Webroot Wi-Fi Security makes getting the VPN up and running it's not what I would call friendly. TunnelBear VPN does a much better job, with its bright colors, powerful bears, and map-centric interface.

You can choose a different server location by clicking the map pin icon next to the button. Doing so opens a new window that is designed completely differently, with a rounded search box and boldly colorful flags. It looks quite nice, but I just wish Webroot was a touch more consistent with its design. ProtonVPN and others do an excellent job of providing a cohesive experience even as you move across platforms, while Webroot doesn't stay consistent within one app.

From this window, you can search for a VPN server location, or browse the list. I appreciate that Webroot puts its specialized streaming server at the top along with recommended servers. However, other VPN apps let you drill down to specific servers rather than just the country. That's handy for when you need to find a working server in a specific region, although Webroot's approach is fine for most users.

The Settings window is accessed from the hamburger menu and pulls up a few additional features. An Auto Connect option automatically activates the VPN when you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network. You can also manage a list of trusted Wi-Fi networks that don't need VPN protection (although I would argue for using a VPN as often as possible). The Kill Switch feature does the opposite, suspending all online communication if the VPN is disconnected accidentally.

Webroot also includes a web filtering option. This might sound like a parental control feature, but it's not. Once activated, your VPN will use the Brightcloud Threat Intelligence system, which screens out malicious sites. That's useful, albeit perhaps a bit redundant given the filtering built into web browsers these days. Strangely, this feature is not enabled by default.

When you're using a VPN, you want to be sure it's actually working and not leaking your IP address or DNS information. I confirmed that with Webroot active my IP address was changed, and DNS requests were sent to different servers. Note that I only tested one server; other servers may or may not be configured correctly.

Webroot and Netflix

Not all websites and services play nice with VPNs. Some banks, for instance, may flag your activity as suspicious if you connect via VPN. Netflix also tries to block VPN users but for a different reason: using a VPN can let you access video content that's only licensed in certain countries. If you hop on a UK server, for instance, you can use your VPN to see whatever Netflix is serving up across the pond.

Watching Netflix, at least domestically, wasn't a problem with Webroot. I was able to stream Netflix while connected to a US server. Netflix and VPN providers are extremely proactive when it comes to streaming, so keep in mind that a VPN that works today may be blocked tomorrow—and vice versa.

Beyond VPN

Several VPN companies have begun adding on features that do more than protect your web traffic. TunnelBear, for instance, offers a standalone ad-blocker, as well as a separate password manager called RememBear. NordVPN offers a password manager and encrypted file locker for an extra fee. ProtonVPN is seeking to build an entire suite of secure, privacy-first applications starting with secure email and VPN.

For its part, Webroot offers several security tools, as it is one of the top security software companies. Especially notable is that Webroot can offer true, standalone antivirus protection, which other VPNs simply cannot match. Norton, Kaspersky, Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, and McAfee all have VPNs of varying quality, in addition to the standard collection of antivirus and security tools.

Speed and Performance

Using a VPN adds complexity to your internet connection, which usually manifests in higher latency and lower speeds. To get a sense of that impact I run a series of tests using the Ookla speed test tool and then find a percent change against a baseline. You can read all about how this testing works in exhaustive detail in the aptly named feature How We Test VPNs. Note that Speedtest by Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company.

In my testing, I found that Webroot Wi-Fi Security increased latency by 84.3 percent, quite a bit worse than the median of 69.6 percent. The service reduced download speed results by 69 percent, which is dead-on for the median result of 68.5, and reduced upload speed results by 84.8 percent, which is quite a bit worse than the overall median result of 63.6. The solid download results are especially notable, as we assume that is the activity where most people will notice a slowdown.

You can see how Webroot Wi-Fi Security compares in the chart below, which shows the top performers out of the nearly 40 VPNs I have reviewed.

The current title of fastest VPN goes to Hotspot Shield VPN, but Surfshark is close behind. Its latency and download scores were a smidge behind the leader, while its upload score remains unmatched. That said, I don't consider these results to be a comprehensive assessment of a VPN company's capacity. It is very useful for comparing services, but that's all. Keep in mind that your individual experience will vary depending on where you live, and when you use a VPN.

Webroot Wi-Fi Security VPN on Other Platforms

Webroot provides apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Linux users will have to look elsewhere for a serviceable VPN solution. The company does not offer proxy plugins for browsers, which spoof the location of only your browser traffic.

Webroot also doesn't appear to offer support for connecting your router to a VPN, which spreads protection to your entire network. Most VPN companies will at least provide instructions on how to do this, and some will even sell you a preconfigured router. This feature is not greatly missed, but it may be critical for some.

An Adequate Contender

Webroot Wi-Fi Security brings just enough to the table to make it an adequate service. It does a good job covering the globe with servers, it offers the minimal number of simultaneous connections, and it has a simple but no-frills app. But the field of VPNs is quite crowded, and adequate barely cuts it.

While its annual price compares favorably to the competition, its subscriptions are less flexible and offer less value than other VPNs. It's badly in need of clear, useful information to help its customers, and its stance against BitTorrent is very disappointing. Webroot Wi-Fi Security VPN is a reasonable add-on to your Webroot antivirus package, but, on its own, the VPN product just isn't particularly impressive.