Frequently asked questions
Everything you'd want to know aboutApexVPN— how it works, what's free vs. paid, and how to get the most out of it on Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
Getting started
What is ApexVPN?
ApexVPNis a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. It encrypts your internet connection and routes it through one of our servers, which hides your real IP address and prevents your internet service provider, network operators, or anyone else on your network from seeing which sites and services you use. It's available as native apps for Windows and Mac, and as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
How does ApexVPN actually work?
When you connect, ApexVPN creates an encrypted "tunnel" between your device and an ApexVPN server. Your traffic travels through that tunnel using AES-256 encryption, so anyone intercepting it between you and the server sees only unreadable data. From the outside, your internet activity appears to come from the ApexVPN server's location, not your own. For the full technical breakdown, see ourFeaturespage.
Do I need any technical knowledge to use it?
No. ApexVPN is built around a single connect button — open the app or extension, click connect, and you're protected. Advanced features like split tunneling or double VPN are available if you want them, but nothing requires manual configuration to work.
Which platforms does ApexVPN support?
Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. SeeDownload for Windows,Download for Mac,Chrome,Firefox, orSafari.
Free vs. Paid ApexVPN
Does ApexVPN have a free version?
Yes —ApexVPNoffers a free version of the app, available forWindows and Mac only. The free version is not available for the Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browser extensions, which require a paid subscription. This lets you try the core ApexVPN experience — encryption, IP masking, and the same no-logs infrastructure — before deciding whether to upgrade.
What's different about the free version?
As with most reputable VPNs, the free app is intentionally more limited than a paid plan — typically in areas like available server locations, connection speed under heavy load, and access to advanced features such as split tunneling or double VPN. See thePricingpage for the exact, current breakdown of what's included in the free app versus each paid plan.
Is the free version safe to use?
Yes. The free ApexVPN app for Windows and Mac runs on the same no-logs, AES-256-encrypted infrastructure as our paid plans — we don't weaken security or sell data to make up for the lack of a subscription fee. That's a real difference from many "free" VPN apps you'll find in app stores, which often fund themselves by logging and selling user data, injecting ads, or running weaker encryption. If you want to dig into why that trade-off exists across the industry, see ourLearnsection.
Why isn't there a free option for the browser extensions?
Running a genuinely private, no-logs server network has real infrastructure costs. Offering a free app for Windows and Mac lets people try ApexVPN with no commitment, while keeping the browser extensions on a paid plan helps fund the servers and support that make the whole service possible — for free and paid users alike.
Can I upgrade from the free app to a paid plan later?
Yes. You can upgrade at any time from within the app or from thePricingpage — your account carries over, and you'll immediately gain access to the browser extensions and full feature set.
Security & Privacy
Does ApexVPN keep logs of my activity?
No. ApexVPN does not log your browsing history, connection timestamps, or IP address. See exactly what we do and don't collect in ourPrivacy policyandAbout uspage.
Is ApexVPN safe to use for online banking?
Yes, generally. A VPN adds a layer of encryption on top of your bank's own security, which is especially valuable on public Wi-Fi. If your banking app blocks VPN traffic, useSplit tunnelingto exclude just that app while keeping everything else protected.
Does ApexVPN make me completely anonymous online?
No VPN makes you fully anonymous, and any provider that claims otherwise is overselling. ApexVPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic from your ISP and local network, but websites can still track you through cookies, browser fingerprinting, or by you being logged into an account.
What encryption does ApexVPN use?
AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by banks and governments, combined with a WireGuard-based protocol for speed. Full details are on ourFeaturespage.
What happens if my VPN connection drops?
ApexVPN's automatic kill switch blocks all internet traffic on your device the moment it detects a dropped connection, so your real IP address is never exposed, even briefly.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN?
Is ApexVPN legal where I live?
In most countries, using a VPN is completely legal, and millions of people use one every day for privacy, security, and remote work. A small number of countries restrict or heavily regulate VPN use — if you're traveling somewhere with strict internet controls, it's worth checking local laws before you go.
Can I get in trouble for using a VPN?
Using a VPN itself is not illegal in most places. However, a VPN does not make illegal activity legal — laws that apply to your actions apply whether or not you're using a VPN.
Will my ISP know I'm using ApexVPN?
Your ISP can typically see that you're connected to a VPN server (based on the IP address you're connecting to), but it cannot see the content of your traffic — the sites you visit, what you download, or what you do — because that's encrypted.
Streaming, Torrenting & Speed
Can I use ApexVPN to watch content from another country?
Yes — connecting to a server in a different country makes you appear to browse from that location, which can give you access to that region's content library. Streaming platforms actively try to detect and block VPN traffic, so results can vary by service, server, and over time.
Does ApexVPN support torrenting?
Yes, ApexVPN supports P2P/torrenting traffic on supported servers. As always, make sure you have the legal right to share or download the content in question — a VPN protects your connection, not your legal obligations.
Will ApexVPN slow down my internet connection?
Some speed reduction is normal with any VPN, due to the overhead of encrypting and routing your traffic. ApexVPN minimizes this with a WireGuard-based protocol, unlimited bandwidth, and no throttling — connecting to a server closer to your physical location is the easiest way to maximize your speed.
Why is my connection slower than usual?
The most common causes are a distant server location, a congested server, or an underlying issue with your own network unrelated to the VPN. Try switching to a nearby server first; if the issue persists, contactSupport.
Billing & Plans
How much does ApexVPN cost?
See current monthly, yearly, and 2-year plan pricing on ourPricingpage. The Windows and Mac apps also have a free tier, as described above.
Can I get a refund?
Yes — all paid ApexVPN plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. ContactSupportwithin 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes, you can cancel at any time from your account settings. Your plan remains active until the end of the current billing period.
How many devices can I use with one plan?
A single ApexVPN plan covers your Windows and Mac apps, plus the Chrome, Firefox, and Safari extensions — no need for separate subscriptions per device.
Troubleshooting
ApexVPN won't connect — what should I check first?
Try switching to a different server, restarting the app, and confirming your internet connection works without the VPN. If the issue persists, checkService statusfor any ongoing incidents, or contactSupport.
A website says my VPN is blocked — what now?
Some sites specifically detect and block known VPN IP ranges. Try switching to a different server location, or useSplit tunnelingif you need that specific site to bypass the VPN.
Where can I get more help?
Visit ourSupport Centerfor setup guides and troubleshooting, orContact usdirectly — we're available 24/7.
Still Have Questions?
Try the free ApexVPN app forWindowsorMac, or see full plans on ourPricingpage. You can alwaysreach our support teamdirectly.