GOOSE VPN Review: Online Privacy, Speed & Simplicity

Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, trying to make an important decision about which VPN service to use.

You’ve read countless reviews, compared features, and weighed the pros and cons. But no matter how much research you do, you can’t shake the feeling that you might be making the wrong choice.

Decision anxiety is real and a struggle we can all relate to.

That’s why I’m here to share my personal experience with GOOSE VPN and help you set yourself free from decision anxiety.

But first, let me tell you a little story.

Last week, I was browsing the internet and suddenly found myself on a website I probably shouldn’t have been on.

As soon as I realized my mistake, I panicked and closed the browser, hoping no one had seen what I was looking at.

But the fear lingered, and I knew I needed to take action to protect my online privacy.

Enter GOOSE VPN. It gave me peace of mind knowing my browsing activity was encrypted and secure and allowed me to access geo-restricted content (hello, Netflix US!). The user-friendly interface made it easy to set up and use.

However, there are a few cons to consider:

The speed can be slow sometimes, and the customization options are limited. Additionally, the number of servers available may not be as extensive as other VPN services.

Let’s dive into the details in this in-depth review of GOOSE VPN. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of GOOSE VPN, and see if it’s a top VPN choice this year.

GOOSE VPN Overview

Based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, GOOSE VPN was founded in 2016 by Joeri van de Watering, a young entrepreneur who’s been hustling since he was 12 years old.

I mean, I was just trying to figure out how to ride a bike at that age, so props to him for being a digital marketing professional.

Joeri also co-founded cyber security solution providers Gizmo Cyber Group and Guardey. He started building e-commerce websites and analyzing search engine rankings, eventually founding a successful digital marketing agency at 19 years old.

What Does GOOSE VPN Do?

GOOSE VPN is a tool that aims to provide online security and privacy to its users.

With this tool, you can access streaming services, websites, and other online content from all over the world, all while keeping your browsing history hidden from ISPs.

And get this, GOOSE VPN encrypts your internet activities and routes them through remote servers to keep your data safe and your identity hidden from potential hackers.

As a result, you can surf the internet with peace of mind, knowing that no one is snooping on your online activity.

Plus, it’s got over 200,000 users worldwide, so you know it’s gotta be good. However, there are also limitations you need to know.

Pros of Using GOOSE VPN

Simultaneous and Unlimited Device

• With GOOSE VPN, users can change their location and IP address on multiple devices at the same time. That means you can browse securely from your laptop, phone, and tablet all at once.
• Moreover, there’s no limit to how many devices you can use with GOOSE VPN. So go ahead and connect all your devices for ultimate protection and privacy.

Secured

• GOOSE VPN uses top-notch security features like AES-256 encryption, HMAC Sha1, and RSA (2048) keys to protect users’ online privacy when browsing, downloading, or sharing sensitive information. These encryptions are considered “military-grade” in the VPN industry.
• If the connection to the VPN server drops, the Kill Switch and Double VPN features will activate to maintain anonymity. The Kill Switch automatically shuts down the internet if the VPN connection breaks, protecting users’ data and reducing the risk of identity leaks.
• The Cyber Alarm is a lifesaver. It sends real-time alerts about potential threats like malware, ransomware, and viruses.
• The Autopilot feature is seriously cool. It automatically connects to a server when it detects an unsecured network, like public Wi-Fi. And it’s customizable, so you can set it up according to your preferences. No more manually connecting to a server whenever you’re on the go.

Fair Use and Data Privacy Policy

• GOOSE VPN takes its no-logs policy seriously. That means they don’t keep records of users’ IP addresses, visited websites, or downloaded files. The only time they collect your IP address is when you log onto the website for location purposes. After that, it’s not stored or logged by GOOSE VPN.
• GOOSE VPN owns and manages its own network, giving them greater control over the setup and operation of its servers. So you can trust that they’re not outsourcing their operations to who-knows-where.
• Plus, GOOSE VPN has a fair usage policy that ensures everyone gets a fair share of the bandwidth pie. If users exceed 1% of the entire network’s bandwidth, they’ll be contacted by GOOSE VPN and given the option to reduce their usage or make a higher payment to continue using the service. It’s like a friendly reminder to share the internet love.

Easy to use

• GOOSE VPN is incredibly easy to install and set up. It only takes a few simple steps, and you’ll be up and running in no time. All you need to do is provide your email address and payment details (with no upfront billing until the trial month ends), and voila! Your account is created instantly.
• The desktop apps are sleek and user-friendly. So even if you’re not a tech wizard, you can easily find and connect to servers and switch between protocols. No more fumbling around with complicated settings.
• Activating features like auto-connect, Smart Servers, or Cyber Alarm is a piece of cake. You won’t run into any issues whatsoever.

Compatible with all devices

• It is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux devices. It also works on TVs and gaming consoles

Allows Torrenting

• If you’re a fan of torrenting, then you’ll love GOOSE VPN’s dedicated P2P servers. Not only do they allow for faster downloads, but they also provide added safety and security.
• On Windows and Android, users can select a list of only P2P servers. That way, you can easily find the most suitable server for your needs. No more wasting time sifting through a long list of servers.
• Plus, GOOSE VPN’s selection of P2P servers is more extensive than its streaming servers. So you know they’re serious about providing top-notch service for all your torrenting needs

Money-Back Guarantee

• GOOSE VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee during the trial period. So you can try it out risk-free and see if it’s the right fit for you.
• But wait, there’s a catch. Users must not exceed 100 MB of data usage during the trial period to be eligible for the money-back guarantee. So make sure you monitor your data usage if you want to take advantage of this offer.

Cons of Using GOOSE VPN

Limited streaming support

Goose can only unblock Netflix US, so if you’re hoping to catch up on your favorite shows from Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video, you might be out of luck with Goose’s specialized streaming servers.

Inconsistent speed

I tested out servers closest to my location and found they had fast enough speeds to use without any issues.

However, the speed took a serious hit when I tried using international servers. That said, the speed still falls within a usable range, so it’s not all bad news.

So, while GOOSE VPN may not be the fastest VPN out there, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable option for your online security and privacy needs.

Check out the images below and consider the following notes for interpreting the data:

• Download speed: This indicates how quickly data is being transferred from the internet to your device. Generally, a higher download speed is better, as it means you can stream videos, load websites, and download files more quickly.
• Upload speed: This measures how fast data can be sent from your device to the internet. This is important if you frequently upload large files or use video conferencing services.
• Ping or latency: This measures how quickly your device can communicate with a server on the internet. A lower ping or latency is better, as it means less lag or delay when using online applications like gaming or video conferencing.

To determine what constitutes good internet speed, it depends on your individual needs. For basic web browsing and email, speeds of 10-25 Mbps download and 1-5 Mbps upload should suffice. For streaming HD videos or online gaming, faster speeds of 25-50 Mbps download and 5-10 Mbps upload are recommended.

Ultimately, a higher download number is generally seen as a good thing, as it means faster internet speeds. However, it’s important to consider your individual needs and usage habits when determining what speeds are “good” for you.

Speed before using GOOSE VPN

Singapore Server

Japan Server

US Server

UK Server

Limited coverage

• GOOSE VPN has limited coverage outside of Europe and North America. So if you’re traveling to other parts of the world, you may experience slower speeds due to congestion.
• Plus, compared to its competitors, GOOSE VPN has a relatively smaller network of servers – only 100 servers in 20+ countries. For example, ExpressVPN boasts over 3,000 servers across 90+ countries, while CyberGhost VPN offers access to more than 9,400 servers in the same number of countries.
• While this may be a downside for some users, it’s worth noting that GOOSE VPN still provides reliable service and can be a great option for those who primarily use servers in Europe and North America.

Ineffective in Restrictive Countries

• It’s important to note that GOOSE VPN may not be effective in countries where VPN usage is heavily regulated or banned.
• According to an interview with GOOSE VPN founder Joeri, the tool performs well in countries like Turkey and Iran. And while it worked fine in China about 50% of the time, it was blocked by the Great Firewall at other times.
• So if you plan on using a VPN in a country where VPN usage is heavily restricted or banned, it’s best to research and find a VPN specifically designed to work in those regions.

Varying Protocols and Features

• GOOSE VPN offers a variety of protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and IKEv2. However, the options available differ depending on your operating system.
• If you’re a Windows user, you’re in luck – you can use all the protocols GOOSE VPN offers. On the other hand, Apple users can choose L2TP and IKEv2, while Android users can only access IKEv2.
• While DNS leak protection is available on Windows, it’s not currently available on Android.
• And get this – the mobile apps don’t have a Kill Switch feature. This feature helps keep your privacy intact in case of a dropped internet connection. So if you’re using GOOSE VPN on your mobile device, just be aware of this limitation.
• Finally, if you’re using Linux, you’ll need to install GOOSE VPN manually. It’s not as easy as with other operating systems, but it’s still doable if you’re tech-savvy.

Lacks basic security features

GOOSE VPN is lacking some basic security features that are commonly offered by other VPNs.

For example, it doesn’t currently offer built-in leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, RAM-only servers, split tunneling, ad-blocker, or multi-hop server. These features are essential for maintaining privacy and security while using a VPN.

Nonetheless, while GOOSE VPN may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, it still provides reliable service and can be a great option for those who don’t require these advanced security features.

Limited customization

• While GOOSE VPN provides reliable service, it’s worth noting that the options available for configuration or features are limited. This may be a drawback for some users who are seeking more advanced customization options. If you’re looking for a VPN with lots of bells and whistles, GOOSE VPN may not be the best fit for you.
• That said, if you’re looking for a VPN that’s easy to use and provides basic security features, GOOSE VPN is definitely worth considering.

Poor user interface on desktop

• GOOSE VPN’s app has a simple window that displays the user’s connection status, default protocol, and current location in text format, but it lacks interactivity.
• The location list is a user-friendly menu of countries with icons indicating P2P-friendly or specialist streaming servers. However, there’s no general Favorites system, which means users may have to scroll to find their most frequently used servers. But with a relatively small network, scrolling shouldn’t take too long.
• Goose VPN doesn’t have browser extensions, which could have been more convenient than using desktop apps.

Limited features on mobile apps

• The mobile apps offered by GOOSE VPN have a similar interface to desktop apps but with fewer features.
• They include a location name and Connect/Disconnect button. However, users will need to connect to servers manually and cannot switch protocols while connected.
• Additionally, both the iOS and Android apps have limited customization options. Users can only access Smart Safe and protocol selection options.

• The GOOSE VPN mobile app’s location list is much longer than the desktop app. This is because each country has regular and P2P-friendly options.
• However, this design choice can be confusing and unnecessary, especially for users who only need regular servers. It would be more user-friendly to separate the P2P and non-P2P servers into separate tabs.
• With this improvement, users can quickly find the server that meets their needs without sifting through a long list of options.
• The Settings page of the GOOSE VPN mobile app is quite disappointing. It doesn’t offer any auto-connect options, protocol choices, kill switch, DNS control, or other essential features that you might expect from a mobile VPN app.

• Instead, there’s only one option available: users can choose from the full list of servers or allow the app to select the best one automatically. While this feature is useful, some users may be disappointed by the lack of basic options in the app.

With that said, it’s worth noting that GOOSE VPN still provides reliable service and basic security features. However, if you’re looking for a mobile VPN app with more advanced customization options, you may want to consider other options.

Data Leakage

While GOOSE VPN provides basic security features, data leakage is still a significant concern for some users.

In my own testing, I ran GOOSE VPN through three different leak tests and found no data leaks. However, other users have reported mixed results when running leak tests.

• Lea Hyatt of vpnMentor said that a DNS leak test using the OpenVPN protocol showed no leaks.
• Gerald Hunt of VPN Rank also revealed no leaks were detected during GOOSE VPN’s user server testing, including IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests. The results showed that only a US IP address was displayed, and no DNS or WebRTC leaks were detected.
• On the other hand, Steven Feeney of Safety Detectives, said he encountered DNS leaks while using Goose VPN servers in various regions, including the US, Canada, Singapore, Japan, and parts of Europe.

Data Leak Test

These mixed results suggest that data leakage may be related to specific situations or configurations rather than a widespread problem with the VPN service itself. I suspect the difference in data leakage results for GOOSE VPN may be affected by various factors, such as time of day, region, and other variables.

Nonetheless, it’s important to regularly conduct leak tests and take appropriate measures to ensure online privacy and security.

Additionally, GOOSE VPN does not provide information about WebRTC leak protection and does not offer IPv6 protection at this time. The WireGuard protocol, one of the fastest available protocols, is also not currently supported by GOOSE VPN.

However, according to a statement in its FAQ section, GOOSE VPN intends to add support for the WireGuard protocol by the end of 2023. In the meantime, it’s worth noting that VPN providers offering WireGuard, such as Private Internet Access, ProtonVPN, and CyberGhost VPN, all have faster speeds than GOOSE VPN.

No value for money

GOOSE VPN offers a paid add-on called Cyber Alarm that alerts users when they’re about to visit a website that may contain malware.

While this feature generally works as intended, it may not be worth paying extra for each month, especially when other VPNs offer similar features at no extra cost.

For example, Private Internet Access provides PIA MACE, which is an ad-blocker that blocks trackers and malware. This feature comes included with the VPN service and doesn’t require users to pay extra.

So if you’re looking for a VPN with built-in malware protection, it may be worth considering other options that offer similar features at no extra cost.

Lack of third-party verification

While some users may find everything in GOOSE VPN’s privacy and usage policy reassuring, others may prefer additional assurance that their privacy is being protected.

VPN providers can provide this assurance by conducting an independent audit to verify their claims. This is something that providers like ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN have done, which can give users added trust and confidence in the service.

While GOOSE VPN doesn’t currently offer an independent audit, it’s worth noting that the provider still provides basic security features and reliable service. However, if you’re looking for a VPN with verified privacy and security claims, you may want to consider other options that have undergone an independent audit.

Use Cases of GOOSE VPN

Based on the features and benefits of GOOSE VPN, here are some use cases:

• Secure Remote Work: Young entrepreneurs can use GOOSE VPN to create a secure tunnel for their remote workers to access sensitive company information from various locations. They can also ensure that all necessary security measures are in place to protect their team’s online activities.
• Protecting Business Data: Small business owners can use GOOSE VPN to encrypt all online traffic and protect confidential information from potential hackers. By using military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, and Cyber Alarm, they can keep their data safe from identity leaks and malware threats.

Overall, GOOSE VPN is a great tool for small business owners who want to protect their online privacy and access restricted content while keeping their browsing history hidden from ISPs. However, some cons, such as limited streaming support and inconsistent speed, should also be considered before choosing GOOSE VPN.

Verdict: Is GOOSE VPN a Smart Option?

After weighing all the pros and cons, here’s what we’ve got:

First off, GOOSE VPN is a great option if you’re looking for robust encryption, multiple-device support, and a no-log policy. Plus, it’s super easy to install and set up, so even your grandma could do it (no offense, grandma).

And if you’re into torrenting, GOOSE VPN has dedicated P2P servers that allow for faster and safer torrenting.

But let’s not forget about the cons. Some users have reported inconsistent speed, which could be a total buzzkill. And there have been reports of leaks while using the service, which raises concerns about its reliability.

However, for small business owners who want to protect their online privacy and access restricted content while keeping their browsing history hidden from ISPs, GOOSE VPN is a solid option. It’s easy to use and compatible with multiple devices, making it accessible to even the least tech-savvy among us.

So, what’s the verdict? GOOSE VPN is a reliable VPN service that can help ensure online privacy and security. However, users should keep in mind the potential limitations and conduct regular leak tests to ensure optimal performance.