App Showcase: VPN 360: Super Fast VPN Proxy
App info
- App name: VPN 360: Super Fast VPN Proxy
- Onboarding steps: 3
- Paywall type: Free Trial - Soft Paywall
- Monthly installs: 100,000
- Monthly revenue: $200,000
- App category: productivity
What it does
VPN 360 is a utility app designed to provide users with a secure and private internet connection. By routing a device's internet traffic through encrypted servers located around the world, it masks the user's IP address and protects their data from potential snooping, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. The app allows users to virtually appear as if they are in another country, which can also be used to access region-specific content.
Where it shines
VPN 360 excels in its simplicity and directness. The core functionality is presented immediately after setup with a large, central power button (00:45) that makes connecting and disconnecting a one-tap affair. The location selection screen is equally straightforward, presenting a long, scrollable list of countries, with options to favorite locations for quick access (01:03). The app's settings also offer clear, powerful features like Split Tunneling, which allows users to select specific websites to route through the VPN, providing granular control over their connection (02:25).
UX highlights
- Clear State Changes: The main button provides satisfying visual feedback, morphing from a power icon to a loading animation, and finally to a green checkmark upon connection (00:40). This leaves no ambiguity about the connection status.
- Informative Settings: In the settings menu, dependent features are disabled with an explicit instruction. For example, the Kill Switch toggle is grayed out with a message saying "Turn off Split Tunneling to enable it" (02:51), preventing user confusion.
- Quick Access to Support: The app integrates a help center and a direct contact support chat within the main menu (03:07). The chatbot experience is clean and starts with helpful prompts to guide the user.
- Contextual Permission Requests: Before showing system prompts for tracking (00:01) or notifications (02:57), the app displays a custom warm-up screen explaining the benefits of opting in.
Monetization & growth
The app employs a paywall-first onboarding strategy. After a brief warm-up for app tracking, the user is immediately presented with a paywall at 00:08. It offers a 7-day free trial for both monthly and annual plans, with the monthly option highlighted as a "Popular choice." The paywall builds trust by displaying a 4.8-star rating from over 10,000 reviews and lists key premium features like "125+ virtual locations" and "No ads." The app also has a sharing feature (01:21) to encourage organic growth.
Who it’s for
This app is primarily for individuals concerned with online privacy and security, especially those who frequently use public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, or hotels. It's also for users who need to bypass geographic restrictions for streaming services or other websites. Its simple interface makes it accessible to non-technical users who want a straightforward "set it and forget it" security tool.
Notes & opportunities
The app's flow is very direct, which is a strength, but it could introduce friction by asking for payment before demonstrating any value. The location list (00:50) is very long and could benefit from a search function or better organization by continent to improve usability for users looking for specific regions. Finally, the account creation process at 01:51, which uses a magic link, happens after the main setup, which might cause some users to miss it and not sync their premium status across devices.