Compare Urban VPN Proxy and Tab Notes: Which Extension is the Best?

Urban VPN Proxy offers a free VPN service with additional integrated functions such as adblocking. There are only concerns about the comprehensive data collection.
Tab Notes lets you jot down notes right in your browser tabs. It's got an easy-to-use interface and works smoothly, making it a great tool for anyone looking to boost their productivity.
Key Features
  • IP Address Masking: Allows users to change their IP location to any of the 77 available countries.
  • Ad-Blocking: Protects against annoying ads and mining websites.
  • Encryption: Complies with the latest OpenVPN standards for secure browsing.
  • No Additional Software Required: Easy installation as a browser extension.
  • Free Service: Offers a vast network of 530+ VPN servers without a subscription fee.
  • In-Browser Note-Taking: Tab Notes excels in allowing users to take notes directly within their browser, eliminating the need to switch between applications.
  • Synchronization: The ability to sync notes across multiple devices ensures that users have access to their notes wherever they go, though this feature is limited to the premium version.
  • Customizable Interface: While the interface is clean and user-friendly, it offers limited customization options, which could be expanded to enhance user experience.
  • Open Source: The code can be read in full on GitHub
Our Rating
7.4
7.9
Total users
6,463,814
1,459
Total ratings
56,408
40
Average rating
4.4 ⭐
4.8 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.7
4.63
53.0K+ ratings
5.0M+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
5.0
5.0
7 ratings
1.0K+Users
Edge
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.4
4.05
946 ratings
1.3M+Users
-
Firefox
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.2
3.86
2.5K+ ratings
154.7K+Users
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.6
4.64
33 ratings
459Users
Safari
-
-
Features
8.0

Several features are included in the free Urban VPN Proxy. The most obvious is IP address masking, which allows VPN access to servers in over 80 countries.

vpn

An adblocking function is also integrated as an add-on, which reduces unwanted advertising while surfing and also protects against mining websites.

adblocking

However, advanced security features such as a kill switch or multi-hop connections, which are available in some premium VPNs, are missing here, probably due to the free version.

7.0

In our tests, the functions of Tab Notes proved to be ideal for quickly creating notes directly in the browser. If you need to develop ideas or jot down information quickly while browsing, you don't have to jump back and forth between apps.

notes

Notes can be synchronized across different devices with GitHub gists to keep everything in one place.

There is a dark and light mode function, but we would like to see more customization options here.

The option to access your notes offline can also be an advantage. This also includes the export function, where the notes are exported as a text file.

txt

Functions such as “Customize: Edit font, font size and more” and “Styled text: Make your text bold, italicized or underlined.” are listed as features on Github. These were not found in our tests in the extension on Chrome and Firefox. We feel that this function is important to be able to structure the notes a little, which would further improve the extension.

Performance
5.5

The performance of Urban VPN Proxy was good at the beginning of the tests, the connection speed and server availability were also okay, but could be even better in our tests. Especially at peak times, when the server load is high, you notice a sharp drop in speed.
After longer testing, the connection drops and throttled speeds became more and more frequent at peak times. The performance may still be sufficient for occasional users, but those who need a stable connection will not find what they are looking for with the free extension.

7.5

In terms of performance, Tab Notes is fast and responsive. It doesn't take up any resources, so your browser runs smoothly. Only the settings selection page didn't work for us. Selected options could not be saved here.

Design
8.0

The design of Urban VPN Proxy is clear and simple. Every user is immediately shown the basic functions and these can be switched on and off directly as required.
The design could be a little more customizable and generally look a little more modern.

8.0

The user interface is very clear and easy to use. We had no problems finding my way around and using the tool. In our test, we noticed that we would like to see a few more themes and color options. The layout is intentionally simple to minimize distractions, but it would be important to have different layout options for the font.

Value for Money
8.0

Urban VPN Proxy is free and has a good price-performance ratio. With access to over 530 servers without a subscription fee, it's perfect for any basic user. You also get additional functions such as adblocking for free.

However, it should be noted and clear to everyone that you “pay” for the use by saving your tracked data through the extension.

8.0

The price-performance ratio of Tab Notes is fine. The extension is completely free. Compared to other free tools, however, the functions and customization options are somewhat limited. However, if you are looking for a simple extension for short notes without any frills, you will find it here.

Ease of Use
9.0

Urban VPN Proxy is a very easy-to-use tool overall. The installation process is quick and uncomplicated, and you can start establishing a VPN connection immediately after installation. Every user should have no problems with it, only the performance problems can cause some users to despair.

8.2

We found Tab Notes to be super easy to use. Installation and subsequent navigation is a breeze, and you can get started straight away without needing a manual. Due to the small number of functions, it is suitable for anyone, no matter how tech-savvy they are, to take simple notes. Only the non-functioning of the settings page can confuse new users.

Security & Privacy
6.0

Urban VPN Proxy offers basic encryption according to OpenVPN standards. Due to the VPN function, you initially browse the websites anonymously. At the same time, however, the service collects precisely this web browsing data for itself. The data is collected in an anonymized format. The browser extension also lacks a clear no-logs policy and other advanced security functions, which also affects the rating in this category.

8.5

Tab Notes uses standard encryption to protect your data. Advanced security options are not available. The privacy policy is also kept very simple and does not provide detailed information about data management. In general, the basic security and data protection guidelines are adhered to, but in our opinion they could be presented in more detail.

Conclusion

Urban VPN Proxy is a perfect choice for those looking for a free VPN service with basic features.


It stands out for its ease of use and offers a wide range of server locations.
The only drawback is the extensive data collection. After all, this is explicitly pointed out several times before use and active consent is required.


Overall, the service offers good value for money. However, if you want to use a VPN because of the anonymity on the Internet, you will have to use a different option due to the extensive data collection.

Tab Notes is a good tool for anyone who wants to write down ideas as a note as quickly as possible without having to sort them out too much.

Its intuitive and simple design increases productivity by reducing distractions when you just want to make a quick note. It could still be improved in areas such as customization and the number of features.

Overall, it's worth considering for anyone who wants to quickly collect notes and possibly sort them into another application later.

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between Urban VPN Proxy and Tab Notes, Tab Notes came out on top, scoring 7.9.

Urban VPN Proxy is the most widely used, with over 6 million users and 56k+ reviews, but Tab Notes outperformed it in our review. We rate Urban VPN Proxy and Tab Notes lower than users do.

Notably, Tab Notes has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.80, which is even higher than our rating of 7.9.

In the end, the differences between these extensions are minimal, so your choice may come down to personal preference or specific features.


  • Looking for the richest feature set? Urban VPN Proxy stands out with a rating of 8. On the other hand, Tab Notes lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.
  • Need top performance? Tab Notes stands out with a rating of 7.5. On the other hand, Urban VPN Proxy lags behind in this area with a rating of 5.5.
  • Both look and feel great: Urban VPN Proxy and Tab Notes. In the Design category, Urban VPN Proxy has scored a solid 8. The design is functional and generally pleasing, but not without some minor flaws.
  • Best deal? You can't go wrong with either: Urban VPN Proxy and Tab Notes. In the Value for Money category, Urban VPN Proxy has scored a fair 8. It provides decent value for money, though there may be better options in its price range.
  • If you hate complicated tools, Urban VPN Proxy stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Tab Notes lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.2.
  • With privacy and security becoming ever more important, Tab Notes stands out with a rating of 8.5. On the other hand, Urban VPN Proxy lags behind in this area with a rating of 6.

If you want a quick recommendation, Tab Notes is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.