iTop | PC Software Leader to Enhance Privacy & Security, What is iTop used for?, Is iTop free?

by Heba Soffar · September 29, 2025

iTop is a PC software brand that develops tools to safeguard user privacy, strengthen online security, and improve everyday computer use. It bundles many tools — VPN, private browser, ad-blocking, split tunneling, security reinforcement, etc. This can reduce the need for multiple separate apps.

iTop | PC Software Leader to Enhance Privacy & Security

iTop is a software company and suite of PC utilities designed to improve digital privacy, security, and productivity. It offers tools such as iTop VPN, iTop Private Browser, iTop Easy Desktop, iTop Screen Recorder, iTop Data Recovery, iTop PDF, and DualSafe Password Manager.

Its software focuses on:

Privacy protection → VPN with encryption, no-logs claims, ad/tracker blocking, secure browsing.
Security enhancement → private file lockers, phishing/malware site blocking, password management, data recovery.
Utility & productivity → desktop organization, screen recording, PDF editing, quick search tools.

iTop

What is iTop

iTop is a software company (or a product suite) that provides various PC utilities focused on privacy, security, productivity, and “digital lifestyle” tools.

Some of its main offerings:

iTop VPN — claim: encryption, no-logs policy, many servers worldwide, fast speeds.
iTop Easy Desktop — a utility to organize your Windows desktop, group icons/files, using “Desktop Boxes”, and includes a Private Box feature to hide/lock sensitive files.
iTop Screen Recorder — record screen/webcam / live streaming, editing tools, etc.
iTop Data Recovery — retrieve lost files in scenarios like deletion, system corruption, virus attack, etc.
iTop PDF — edit, convert, merge, compress PDFs.
DualSafe Password Manager — password storage, autofill, and generates strong passwords.
iTop Private Browser — a browser with built-in VPN, ad/t tracker blocking.

What iTop claims / strengths

The branding presents iTop as a leader in strengthening privacy and security for PC users.
It offers a free version for many tools, though there are premium / paid upgrades.
It aims to combine productivity tools with protection (for example, keeping your files safe, keeping your internet activity private).
Features like Private Box (to lock files), no-logs claims for VPN, global server network, etc.

Criticisms/concerns / what users report

While iTop has many positive aspects, there are also user concerns and caveats to be aware of:

Bundled software / Surprise installations: Some users report that iTop apps (VPN, screen recorder, etc.) installed alongside other software (e.g. IObit’s tools) without being explicitly chosen. These kinds of bundling can cause unwanted installations.
Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs): Some antivirus/malware tools or user community discussions have flagged iTop-related software or installers as PUPs (programs that aren’t outright malware but are unwanted, often because of ads, popups, or aggressive marketing).
Popups/upselling: Users mention frequent prompts to upgrade or buy “Pro” versions, ads, etc. These can be annoying and may affect trust.
Unclear trust/privacy verification: While the site claims “no log” for the VPN and other privacy guarantees, there’s less evidence (public audits, external verifications) available to back up all claims fully.

What to consider / due diligence

Check what permissions and features you actually need, and disable those you don’t want. For example, maybe you don’t need all components of the suite.
Be careful during installation: uncheck additional apps if offered, and read carefully.
Use reputable antivirus / anti-malware tools to check for any unwanted components or leftovers.
Look for independent reviews, especially of privacy and security tools like VPNs. Check for third-party audits and transparency reports.
Read privacy policy and terms of service: see how logs are handled, where servers are located, etc.

Features of iTop (Privacy, Security & Related Utilities)

iTop VPN

Best-in-class / “military-level” encryption.
“No-logs” policy: they claim they don’t record browsing history, original IP, server IP, or connection times.
Many servers globally, so users can bypass geo-restrictions / access content from different regions.
High-speed/stable connections.
Split tunneling (on some platforms) so you can choose which apps or traffic go through VPN.

iTop Private Browser

Built on Chromium, giving fast performance and compatibility.
Built-in VPN client.
Ad blocker, pop-up blocker, anti-tracking, and anti-phishing protections.
Auto Trace Shredder: clears cookies/cache/history automatically when tabs are closed (to reduce leftover data).

iTop Easy Desktop

Desktop organizer: group icons, files, folders into “boxes” for categories, to reduce clutter.
Private Box: a locked box/folder on the desktop to hide or protect sensitive files. Password required.
Quick Search and hotkeys for finding files/folders without leaving the desktop or switching windows.
Customization: type-based rules to auto-group by file type; boxes can be resized, titled, colored; scroll inside boxes.
Supports Windows 10, 11, and older.

iTop Screen Recorder

Free screen + webcam + audio capture.
Video editing features: add text, filters, background music, etc.

iTop Data Recovery

Recover lost files (photos, videos, documents) from situations like deletion, system corruption, virus attack etc.

iTop PDF Tool

Edit PDF: modify text/images, add annotations/stamps.
Convert PDFs to/from other formats (Word, Excel, JPG, PPT, etc).
Merge PDFs; compress files without losing too much quality.

DualSafe Password Manager

Store and autofill passwords securely across devices.
Strong password generator.

Advantages of iTop

Wide feature set: iTop bundles many tools — VPN, private browser, ad-blocking, split tunneling, security reinforcement, etc. This can reduce the need for multiple separate apps.
Strong encryption & security basics: It uses AES-256 encryption (or claims to), which is considered very strong. Kill-switch functionality, DNS protection, etc., are included in many paid plans.
Large server network: Many servers, many locations globally, allowing more flexibility in bypassing geo-restrictions, accessing content from different regions, etc.
Affordable/good value (for paid plan): According to some reviewers, the cost for premium options is reasonable. The free version is usable (though limited), which lets users try before buying.
Streaming and unblocking ability: It does a decent job of unblocking streaming services and bypassing geo-restrictions in many cases.
User-friendly interface: Reviews note that the apps are generally easy to use, have a simple UI, and are accessible to less tech-savvy users.

Disadvantages of iTop

Lack of transparency in protocols & audits: One significant drawback is that iTop uses a proprietary/custom VPN protocol rather than widely scrutinized open ones (such as WireGuard, OpenVPN) in many cases. They haven’t published much detail about how their custom methods are implemented. Also, there seems to be no major third-party security audit publicly available.
Privacy policy / “no log” claims are somewhat vague/inconsistent: While iTop claims “no logs” for many sensitive parameters, there are contradictions or unclear statements (e.g. tracking of bandwidth usage, device IDs, or contact information). Some features (especially free versions) necessitate recording usage metrics.
Speed/performance issues, especially on free servers: Free servers are more easily congested and do have bandwidth/speed limits, which can lead to slower service. Even in paid plans, some reviews noted less-than-stellar speeds or drops.
Inconsistent feature set across platforms: Some features present in the Windows version may be missing or limited in mobile versions (Android/iOS). Examples: Kill switch, some settings, etc.
User interface / UX / app stability issues: Some users report laggy apps, occasional glitches, and maybe unexpected behavior (e.g. kill switch not always triggering correctly).
Potential jurisdiction/trust concerns: Being based in Hong Kong raises some concerns among users about legal obligations, especially considering changes in law/governance. Also, the privacy/policy risks when data collection is not fully transparent.
Free plan limitations: If you use the free version, expect restrictions: limited bandwidth, fewer servers, sometimes ads or in-app upsell prompts. If you need high performance, streaming, gaming, or strong privacy, you’ll likely need the paid plan.

If your use is casual, e.g. browsing, streaming sometimes, privacy as a concern but not extreme, iTop offers a decent, affordable option with many features. If you are more serious, e.g. need very strong privacy, maximum speed, want audited protocols, or use apps across multiple devices/platforms, there may be better alternatives that are more transparent, have proven track records, and fewer trade-offs.

You can follow science online on YouTube from this link: Science online

What is VPN?, Virtual private network (VPN) features, types, advantages and disadvantages

Software firewalls and hardware firewalls advantages and disadvantages

Remote desktop service or Remote Working advantages and disadvantages

IP Address space types, features, uses, advantages and disadvantages

Cloudflare uses, features, advantages & disadvantages