The lines between VPNs and privacy tools are blurring fast—and not everyone wants a heavyweight VPN with dozens of toggles. That’s where 1.1.1.1 with WARP comes in. Built by Cloudflare, it promises a “VPN-like” experience for users who value speed, simplicity, and real-world privacy without the complexity.
This review matters because many users still wonder if 1.1.1.1 can truly replace a VPN. We’re testing it to separate privacy from marketing—seeing how well it performs, what it protects, and whether it’s a good fit for your daily internet habits in 2025, especially now that it supports Linux too.
Basic Overview
Originally launched as a secure DNS resolver, 1.1.1.1 has grown into a lightweight VPN alternative that encrypts your entire internet connection using WARP. Powered by Cloudflare’s global infrastructure, it now supports mobile, desktop, and Linux users. Millions rely on it to bypass ISP tracking, secure public Wi-Fi connections, and filter unsafe content with ease.
What It Promises from Its Official Website
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According to Cloudflare, 1.1.1.1 with WARP:
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Encrypts all traffic leaving your device (not just DNS)
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Prevents your ISP from seeing your online activity
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Speeds up browsing through smart routing (WARP+)
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Is always free, with WARP+ as an optional upgrade
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Keeps no logs, no personal data, and respects user privacy
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Now includes support for Linux (via CLI) in addition to Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Our Testing
We installed 1.1.1.1 with WARP and WARP+ on Android, Windows, and other devices. Setup was straightforward—even on Linux, the CLI (WARP-cli) worked well with simple commands. DNS leak tests showed full protection. On Android, we noticed smoother browsing on public Wi-Fi. However, we ran into issues with some apps like Google Docs and YouTube when WARP was active.
Speed tests showed minor improvements using WARP+, but not enough to justify upgrading unless you're often on unstable networks. On Linux, everything worked reliably in both WARP and DNS-only modes, but you’ll need to be comfortable with terminal commands.
Features That Stood Out
Full-Traffic Encryption with WARP
One of the most notable strengths of 1.1.1.1 with WARP is its ability to encrypt all traffic leaving your device—not just DNS requests. When WARP is enabled, your data is tunneled securely through Cloudflare’s servers using the WireGuard protocol. This prevents third parties on your network, such as ISPs, public Wi-Fi providers, or potential eavesdroppers, from snooping on your activity. While it may not offer full VPN-grade anonymity, the protection level for casual users is significant and seamless.
WARP+ Smart Routing Acceleration
WARP+ enhances your internet experience by routing traffic through Cloudflare’s Argo Smart Routing network. This allows data to take faster and more reliable paths through the internet, especially helpful in regions with unstable or high-latency connections. While speed improvements can vary, our testing showed WARP+ did help reduce load times and packet loss in certain cases. It’s particularly effective on mobile networks where congestion is more common.
Now Available for Linux
Until recently, Linux users had to rely on workarounds, but now Cloudflare offers official WARP CLI support for Linux-based systems. The client works smoothly on distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian, providing the same secure DNS and traffic encryption as other platforms. Although there is no graphical user interface yet, the CLI offers clear commands and reliable control for tech-savvy users who prefer command-line tools.
No Account Needed for Use or Upgrade
Unlike many VPN services that require email registration or login credentials, 1.1.1.1 allows users to access both its free and paid services without creating a Cloudflare account. Even WARP+ subscriptions can be purchased directly through the app store, maintaining a high level of anonymity. This commitment to minimal data collection makes it appealing to privacy-focused users who want to avoid unnecessary exposure.
Easy Switching Between Modes
The app makes it easy to switch between DNS-only mode and full WARP encryption, or to pause protection temporarily. You can even pause your connection for a set amount of time, such as 15 minutes or an hour, or disable it automatically on certain networks. This flexibility is great for users who want better control without having to dig through complicated settings every time.
Application-Level Bypass
For apps that don’t behave well under WARP, you can manually exclude them from Cloudflare’s routing within the app settings. This ensures that services like banking apps, or platforms with strict network requirements, can continue functioning as expected. The manual exclusion feature allows you to customize which apps benefit from encryption and which don’t, offering a hybrid approach to privacy.
Malware and Adult Content Filtering
The “1.1.1.1 for Families” feature allows users to activate filters that block known malware domains or both malware and adult content. It’s a lightweight and easy-to-use form of parental control that doesn’t require installing third-party tools. Though basic, the filter is effective at blocking unwanted content and adds an extra layer of safety for shared or family devices.
Cross-Platform Support
1.1.1.1 with WARP is available on a wide range of platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. The consistency of features across devices means users can expect the same privacy protection whether they’re on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. With Linux now officially supported, this makes it one of the most flexible privacy tools in its class for multi-device users.
Features That Felt Lacking
No Server Location Selection
Unlike traditional VPNs, 1.1.1.1 does not allow you to choose your server location. This limits its ability to bypass geo-restricted content or simulate being in another country. For users looking to access international streaming libraries or location-locked services, this absence is a major limitation. The app automatically connects to the nearest Cloudflare server, offering no control over where your traffic exits.
Real IP Address May Still Be Exposed
Although WARP encrypts your traffic and replaces your IP address with a Cloudflare one, this doesn’t apply to websites hosted on Cloudflare’s own infrastructure. These sites may still be able to see your real IP address due to how Cloudflare manages edge connections. This means WARP is not suitable for users looking for strong anonymity across all web services, especially those visiting Cloudflare-hosted platforms.
No Kill Switch Feature
There is no kill switch built into 1.1.1.1 or WARP. If the connection drops unexpectedly, your device will continue to send traffic through your regular, unencrypted network. This creates the risk of exposing your activity during connection interruptions. In contrast, most reputable VPNs offer a kill switch to prevent such leaks and maintain consistent protection.
Compatibility Issues with Popular Apps
During testing, we noticed problems when accessing platforms like Google Docs and YouTube while WARP was active. Pages failed to load properly or wouldn’t load at all until the service was paused or excluded. While the app exclusion feature is useful, having to constantly tweak settings to make core services work can frustrate users who expect smooth, uninterrupted connectivity.
Limited Control and Advanced Features
Power users may find the app too simplified. There are no options for custom DNS configuration beyond DoH, no split tunneling by default, no multihop connections, and limited insight into connection metrics. While this minimalism keeps the app user-friendly, those familiar with full VPNs might miss having more control over their privacy setup.
What the Users Say
User feedback for 1.1.1.1 with WARP is largely positive, especially regarding its simplicity and performance on mobile networks. On Reddit, many users appreciate its ability to bypass DNS-level restrictions, particularly in school or workplace settings. For example, in this Reddit thread, users discuss how WARP helps hide DNS queries from ISPs, though some caution that it's not a full VPN and doesn’t offer strong IP masking—especially on sites hosted by Cloudflare.
On the Google Play Store, 1.1.1.1 with WARP holds a strong rating of 4.1 stars with over 5 million reviews. Users frequently mention fast speeds and simple toggle-based setup, though negative reviews often cite app conflicts or dropped connections while using WARP. You can explore those user reviews directly on the Play Store.
Overall, the consensus is clear: it’s a great tool for boosting privacy and speed for everyday users, but not a full VPN replacement for anonymity seekers or those with geo-unblocking needs.
Comparison with Similar Tools
When compared to traditional VPNs like NordVPN, DewVPN, or others, Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 with WARP stands out for its simplicity and speed-focused design. Unlike full VPNs, it doesn’t offer server location selection, multihop routing, or torrenting support. However, it does encrypt all outbound traffic with WARP, making it much more than a basic DNS resolver. For casual users who want basic privacy on public Wi-Fi or to stop their ISP from tracking DNS requests, it’s more than sufficient—and it’s entirely free unless you opt for WARP+.
That said, if your needs go beyond everyday privacy—like bypassing geo-blocked content, masking your location, or ensuring full anonymity—a traditional VPN is still the better choice. VPNs offer advanced privacy tools, kill switches, broader platform compatibility (including routers), and typically stronger legal protections for user data. 1.1.1.1 with WARP doesn’t aim to compete directly in that space; instead, it offers a lightweight, fast, and beginner-friendly solution for people who don’t need all the bells and whistles but still want safer browsing.
Bottom Line
Get 1.1.1.1 with WARP if you want an ultra-light privacy tool to encrypt your traffic, hide DNS from your ISP, and protect public Wi-Fi usage. Skip it if you need full VPN capabilities like location switching, anonymity, or torrenting support. It’s a fast, free privacy app—not a full VPN replacement.
Our Final Thought
Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 with WARP isn’t a VPN in the strict sense—but it’s a powerful privacy booster for daily users. It’s best suited for people who want fast, secure browsing without configuration hassles. Now that it supports Linux too, its reach and value have grown. Just don’t expect it to replace a true VPN if your needs include anonymity or streaming access across regions.
