CometVPN Review UK 2026: Speed Tests, Netflix and Verdict
- Smooth Netflix playback in testing
- Competitive UK download speeds
- Straightforward iPhone app
- Optional residential and dedicated IP services
I tested CometVPN on my iPhone while in Thailand, connecting to the UK for streaming, browsing and everyday use. My testing included streaming apps, connection reliability, privacy checks and comparisons with ExpressVPN. Recorded CometVPN download speeds ranged from 50.0 to 55.6 Mbps, and Netflix played without problems.
For UK readers travelling or living abroad, this is a practical assessment of using a UK VPN connection from overseas. The most useful findings were how CometVPN handled normal use, how much speed it retained and how its performance compared with an established alternative on the same internet connection.
Disclosure: CometVPN paid for this review and provided account credit for testing. The assessment reflects my experience and editorial judgement. This article contains affiliate links; I may receive a commission if you purchase through them.
CometVPN review: quick verdict
CometVPN delivered a positive everyday experience in my iPhone testing. Browsing worked normally, Netflix playback was trouble-free and UK download speeds were competitive with the ExpressVPN results I recorded.
Its strongest measured result came in my sequential comparison: CometVPN delivered 54.0 Mbps against a VPN-off reading of 54.5 Mbps. That is approximately 99% of the recorded baseline download speed. Upload performance fell more noticeably, and the long-distance UK connection added substantial latency.
My verdict: CometVPN is worth considering for UK connections while travelling, particularly if you also want the option of residential IP services. My results support its usefulness for everyday browsing and streaming, while the upload figures, subscription conditions and privacy-policy detail deserve consideration before buying.
Check CometVPN plans and current offers
CometVPN at a glance
| Feature | Finding |
|---|---|
| Device used for the recorded tests | iPhone Air running CometVPN 2.7.2 |
| Test location | Thailand, connecting to the UK |
| Recorded CometVPN connection | UK Standard connection using OpenVPN |
| Recorded download range | 50.0 to 55.6 Mbps across three tests |
| Netflix | Playback worked without problems |
| Broader testing | Streaming apps, connection reliability, privacy checks, protocols and residential options |
| Comparison service | ExpressVPN, including UK Docklands and UK London connections |
| Protocol menu | Auto, OpenVPN, WireGuard and Obfuscated |
| Residential options | Separate services; distinguish these from the Standard connection used for the published speed results |
How I tested CometVPN
I used CometVPN from Thailand to assess the experience of connecting back to the UK. Testing covered streaming apps, everyday browsing, connection and reconnection behaviour, network changes, privacy checks, protocol options and residential services.
The recorded speed comparisons used Ookla Speedtest on my iPhone. I also tested ExpressVPN and took a VPN-off reading to put the results into context.
| Test area | What I assessed |
|---|---|
| Streaming | Access to streaming apps, programme playback and the viewing experience |
| Speed | Download, upload and latency, including comparison with ExpressVPN and a VPN-off reading |
| Reliability | Connecting, reconnecting, changing servers, phone locking and network changes |
| Privacy and connection protection | IP, DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC checks, plus connection interruption and kill-switch behaviour |
| Connection options | Protocol choices and the distinction between Standard and residential services |
| Usability | Installation, account activation, connection controls and day-to-day operation |
These are practical observations across my testing sessions, rather than a controlled laboratory benchmark. Speedtest endpoint labels were not consistent throughout, and CometVPN and ExpressVPN did not use identical protocol settings. The figures therefore show what happened during my tests, rather than establishing a universal performance ranking.
CometVPN streaming tests from abroad
Streaming formed a broader part of my testing than Netflix alone. I checked the UK and international apps below while assessing CometVPN as a service for use abroad.
| Streaming service | Coverage in this review |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Tested; playback worked without problems |
| BBC iPlayer | Included in my UK streaming checks |
| ITVX | Included in my UK streaming checks |
| Channel 4 | Included in my UK streaming checks |
| 5 | Included in my UK streaming checks |
| NOW | Included in my UK streaming checks |
| Sky Go | Included in my UK streaming checks |
| Prime Video | Included in my wider streaming checks |
| Disney+ | Included in my wider streaming checks |
| YouTube | Included in my wider streaming checks |
Netflix was a clear positive: I had no problems watching through the VPN connection. Normal browsing also worked as expected, which matters when using the same connection for streaming and other tasks.
The table distinguishes test coverage from a confirmed playback result. Successful Netflix playback does not, by itself, establish access to a particular country's exclusive catalogue. Similarly, live channels and on-demand programmes can behave differently within the same app.
Standard versus residential connections
CometVPN's residential options are relevant to streaming because access can vary with the type of IP address used. They should be assessed separately from Standard servers, including any additional cost.
For comparison, Best Reviews reported that HBO blocked its Standard connection but worked through Native Residential. That is another reviewer's finding, rather than a result from my UK tests, but it illustrates why the connection type matters.
Native Residential traffic is metered. Before choosing it for regular viewing, check the data allowance and cost against your expected usage.
CometVPN speed test results
Across three recorded UK tests, CometVPN delivered downloads between 50.0 and 55.6 Mbps. Uploads ranged from 10.5 to 14.8 Mbps, with idle latency between 204 and 271 ms.
| CometVPN test | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK test 1 | 50.0 Mbps | 14.8 Mbps | 204 ms |
| UK test 2 | 55.6 Mbps | 10.5 Mbps | 271 ms |
| UK sequential comparison | 54.0 Mbps | 11.6 Mbps | 208 ms |
CometVPN versus no VPN versus ExpressVPN
I ran the following sequence on 24 September 2026: CometVPN first, then no VPN, followed by ExpressVPN.
| Connection | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| CometVPN UK | 54.0 Mbps | 11.6 Mbps | 208 ms |
| VPN off | 54.5 Mbps | 22.6 Mbps | 13 ms |
| ExpressVPN UK Docklands | 55.0 Mbps | 13.7 Mbps | 305 ms |
Download results were close. CometVPN was approximately 0.9% below the VPN-off reading and 1 Mbps behind ExpressVPN. That small difference does not establish a meaningful overall speed advantage for either service.
Uploads showed a larger change: CometVPN was approximately 49% below the VPN-off reading, while ExpressVPN was approximately 39% below it. CometVPN recorded 97 ms less latency than ExpressVPN in this particular sequence.
The practical takeaway: CometVPN preserved download performance well on this connection. Upload-heavy work and latency-sensitive activities deserve separate consideration.
The vpnoff reading used for my sequential comparison
Connection reliability and everyday use
My reliability checks covered connecting and reconnecting, switching servers, locking and unlocking the phone, and moving between Wi-Fi and mobile data. These are useful checks for a travel VPN because everyday use involves more than leaving an app connected for a single speed test.
I encountered an initial connection error before successfully connecting. After connection, normal websites loaded and Netflix playback worked without problems.
The recorded results also show why download speed alone is an incomplete measure. CometVPN maintained a relatively narrow download range, while latency and upload performance varied more between sessions.
Using the CometVPN iPhone app
Ease of use: 9/10. CometVPN was straightforward to use on my iPhone. Selecting a UK connection and finding the protocol settings was simple. I encountered an initial connection error, but subsequent everyday use was uncomplicated. The iPhone app made the selected location and connection state clear. Its protocol menu included Auto, OpenVPN, WireGuard and Obfuscated options, and a kill-switch setting was available.
My recorded UK speed results used Standard mode with OpenVPN. Keeping that detail explicit helps distinguish those measurements from other protocols or residential connections.
Account credit was supplied for the review and required activation before I could proceed. That experience belongs to the review-access process; it should not be treated as a timed assessment of ordinary customer support.
Privacy, leak protection and kill switch
My testing included IP, DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC checks, along with connection interruption and kill-switch behaviour. These checks address different questions: whether a connection exposes identifying information, and what happens if the VPN tunnel stops working.
A kill-switch toggle being enabled is different from observing its behaviour during an interruption. Likewise, a successful connection or streaming session cannot establish whether a provider keeps logs.
CometVPN's published privacy policy distinguishes browsing activity from operational information. The policy reviewed for this article described retention of certain connection metadata, including user ID, server and session duration, for up to nine months. Readers should consider that detail alongside its no-logs marketing.
CometVPN confirmed on 24 September 2026 that an independent privacy or security audit is not yet available. Hands-on app testing can assess behaviour on the tested device, but it cannot independently establish what happens throughout a provider's infrastructure.
Residential VPN options
CometVPN offers residential services alongside its Standard VPN. These options are worth considering if you need a different type of IP address or more specific location targeting.
| Service | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Standard VPN | The connection type used for the published CometVPN speed measurements |
| Native Residential | Metered residential traffic; location availability and performance depend on the selected endpoint |
| Dedicated Residential IP | A separately priced IP reserved for your use; check location, billing term and service conditions |
Residential services should not be assumed to perform identically to Standard servers. Their main appeal is the connection type and targeting available, rather than a guaranteed speed improvement.
Plans, trial and value for money
The advertised Standard prices checked for this review were:
| Plan | Advertised price | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $9.99 per month | $9.99 billed monthly |
| 12 months | $2.50 per month | $30 upfront; advertised with one additional month |
| 24 months | $1.89 per month | $45.36 upfront; advertised with three additional months |
Prices are in US dollars, and VAT may apply. The monthly equivalents describe the advertised base terms; check the checkout total, promotional months and renewal amount before paying.
CometVPN clarified by email on 24 September 2026 that renewal pricing remains the same for its longer plans. This is the provider's confirmation; check the renewal amount and billing term shown at checkout and retain your purchase confirmation.
The trial advertised for review included three days of Standard VPN access and 1GB of Native Residential traffic. Check payment requirements, automatic renewal and cancellation timing before starting.
Refund eligibility also depends on the purchase. The terms reviewed limited the standard 30-day refund provision to eligible first purchases of 12- or 24-month plans, with exclusions affecting monthly plans, some payment methods and consumed residential traffic. App-store purchases follow their applicable refund process.
View current CometVPN prices and conditions
CometVPN versus ExpressVPN
In my sequential comparison, both services delivered downloads close to the VPN-off reading. ExpressVPN recorded the higher upload speed; CometVPN recorded the lower latency. Those results are useful for my connection and test conditions, but do not establish that either service will always be faster.
CometVPN deserves consideration on the strength of its download results and everyday experience. Your choice should also account for the streaming services you use, required devices, subscription conditions and whether residential IP options matter to you.
Read my ExpressVPN review for the separate assessment of that service.
CometVPN pros and cons
What I liked
- Netflix playback worked without problems.
- UK download speeds were competitive in my iPhone tests.
- The sequential download result was close to the VPN-off reading.
- The iPhone connection and protocol controls were straightforward.
- Residential services provide additional connection options.
What to consider
- Upload speeds fell noticeably against the VPN-off reading.
- The long-distance connection carried substantial latency.
- I encountered an initial connection error.
- Residential upgrades have separate costs and conditions.
- Some connection metadata is retained, and an independent privacy or security audit is not yet available.
Final verdict: is CometVPN worth considering?
My experience with CometVPN was positive for everyday browsing and Netflix, supported by competitive UK download measurements. The sequential comparison was particularly encouraging: 54.0 Mbps through CometVPN against 54.5 Mbps with the VPN off.
For someone connecting to the UK from abroad, those findings make CometVPN a credible option to consider. The main measured trade-offs were reduced upload performance and increased latency, while the residential services introduce additional flexibility and costs.
I would shortlist CometVPN for UK travel use, then choose the plan and connection type around the services and devices you actually need.
CometVPN: a practical option for UK connections abroad.
Competitive downloads in my iPhone tests, successful Netflix playback and optional residential services.
Frequently asked questions
Does CometVPN work with Netflix?
Netflix played without problems in my testing. This confirms my playback experience, rather than access to every regional catalogue or title.
Did you test UK streaming apps?
Yes. My testing included BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, 5, NOW and Sky Go, alongside other streaming services. The streaming section distinguishes the services covered from the specific playback outcome reported for Netflix.
How fast was CometVPN?
My recorded UK downloads ranged from 50.0 to 55.6 Mbps. In the sequential comparison, CometVPN delivered 54.0 Mbps against 54.5 Mbps with the VPN off.
Was CometVPN faster than ExpressVPN?
Download speeds were close in the sequential comparison: CometVPN recorded 54.0 Mbps and ExpressVPN 55.0 Mbps. ExpressVPN had the higher upload result, while CometVPN had lower latency in that sequence.
Were these tests performed in the UK?
No. I tested from Thailand using UK VPN connections. The results reflect that overseas use case.
Do I need residential access?
That depends on your requirements. Standard and residential services use different connection types and have different costs. The published CometVPN speed results in this review came from Standard mode.
Does CometVPN offer a money-back guarantee?
It advertises a 30-day guarantee, but eligibility and exclusions depend on the plan, payment method and purchase channel. Check the current terms for your purchase rather than assuming every payment is refundable.
