Our verdict: Cloudflare WARP is an easy way to encrypt your traffic on public Wi-Fi and hide it from your internet provider, at no cost and without a data cap. It is not a classic VPN: you cannot pick a country, and it is not meant to hide your location from websites.
About Cloudflare WARP
The 1.1.1.1 app with WARP comes from Cloudflare, one of the largest network providers. In WARP mode it sends your device's traffic through an encrypted tunnel to the nearest Cloudflare data center. In 1.1.1.1 mode it only encrypts DNS lookups.
WARP is free with no data limit. WARP+ is a paid subscription that gives access to a larger network for better speed. The same client is also used by companies with Cloudflare Zero Trust to protect employee devices.
What it does well
- Encrypted tunnel. Sends traffic to Cloudflare through a modern encrypted protocol.
- 1.1.1.1 DNS mode. Encrypts only DNS lookups if you do not want the full tunnel.
- No data cap. The free WARP service has no monthly data limit.
- One-click toggle. Turn protection on and off from the system tray.
- Zero Trust enrollment. Organizations can enroll the same client in Cloudflare Zero Trust.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want to protect their traffic on public Wi-Fi or keep their internet provider from seeing their DNS lookups.
Look elsewhere
Users who need to choose a server country or hide their location from websites and streaming services.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free with no data cap
- No account required
- Simple one-switch app
- Fast DNS resolver
Cons
- No choice of server location
- Not designed to hide your location from websites
- Your traffic passes through Cloudflare instead of your provider
How to install Cloudflare WARP
Install the MSI, open the 1.1.1.1 app from the system tray, accept the terms and flip the switch. In Preferences you can switch between WARP and 1.1.1.1-only mode. Some company networks and online games may behave differently while WARP is on.
Questions about Cloudflare WARP
Is Cloudflare WARP free?
Yes. WARP is free with no data cap. WARP+ is an optional paid subscription with access to a larger network.
Is WARP a VPN?
It uses VPN technology to encrypt your traffic, but it does not let you choose a country and is not meant to hide your location.
What is the difference between 1.1.1.1 and WARP?
1.1.1.1 mode encrypts only DNS lookups. WARP mode encrypts all traffic from the device to Cloudflare.
