Last Updated on March 29, 2023
PrivateVPN service was launched in Sweden at 2009. VPN is distinguished by its affordable prices, simultaneous work with 6 devices, high level of security, user-friendly interface and support for Netflix. It’s a handy no-log VPN service with more than 150+ servers in 62 countries, so you can comfortably work from many countries.
Privacy & Anonymity
- If you need a VPN to bypass geographical restrictions on access to certain content.
- If you want to be protected from surveillance by state authorities or ISP.
PrivateVPN successfully solves both tasks by masking your real IP address and protecting your data with OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec encryption. When you connect, PrivateVPN automatically selects the most suitable VPN protocol for your network. There is also an automatic kill switch function that protects your data in case of an unexpected connection failure. However, the kill switch currently only works in the application for Windows. But it does have some protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks.
PrivateVPN has a very transparent policy, disclosing in great detail what data is used and for what purpose. For example, it states that there is no registration or storage of data about traffic or use of the service. All that is required is an email address and password to create an account.
If you happen to travel to China, you don’t have to worry about being behind the Great Firewall of China. PrivateVPN has a special secret mode that hides the fact of using a VPN, which allows you to access the Internet in China.
PrivateVPN features
- Supported platforms – Windows, Mac OS, IOS, Android. Client for Windows and Mac download from official site, and for phones in Google play and AppStore.
- Works on current protocols with source code: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IkeV2, IPsec
- 2048 bit AES-256 encryption is used for additional security
- Servers are located in 62 countries
- Money-back guarantee – 30 days
- Simultaneously connected devices – 6
- Chat with support via live chat, mail or resolve issues via remote desktop using TeamViewer
Risk free with 30-day money-back guarantee. Try PrivateVPN >
Streaming & torrents
If Netflix is on your priority list, you should take a serious look at PrivateVPN. Unlike other VPNs whose settings can get as lost as a forest, everything here is as simple and friendly as yoChat with support via live chat or mailu can get. It’s even clearly stated which server supports which streaming site. You don’t have to guess or go over it – just sit down and immediately start watching your favorite movie, just like on TV. PrivateVPN has dedicated servers for Netflix in the US, UK, Italy, Peru, Germany and Canada, and if some regular server won’t support Netflix, it’s guaranteed to be supported by a server from this list. There are servers for ABC, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and Amazon Video along the same lines. Torrent lovers will be pleased to know that PrivateVPN supports unlimited file sharing through peer-to-peer networks and without traffic restrictions – you will not have to worry about unstable download speeds.
Platforms & devices
As we have already noted, the kill switch feature only works in the Windows application, which can be considered the service’s biggest drawback. On the other hand, there are apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and there are manual setup guides for Linux, Kodi, and compatible routers. While most other providers only allow 5 devices at a time, PrivateVPN takes it a step further: there are 6 (on one subscription). This is a great option for the whole family, a small company or a group of friends.
Servers & geography
PrivateVPN currently has about 150+ servers in 62 countries, but the network is constantly growing. It’s not very impressive against the background of some VPNs with thousands of servers, but PrivateVPN is a young service and it has few users yet. However, its performance speaks for itself and more than makes up for the possible lack of servers.
Speed & Reliability
150+ servers is not too many, so one might think that PrivateVPN must be low in speed and reliability. Our tests show that it is not much worse than competitors with thousands of servers. This once again confirms that the size of the network is not the main thing. In our tests we connected to different servers:
| Server location | Download | Upload | Pings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 85.24 Mbps | 90.89 Mbps | 210 ms |
| United Kingdom | 84.31 Mbps | 85.12 Mbps | 136 ms |
| Austria | 78.31 Mbps | 79.93 Mbps | 269 ms |
| Canada | 88.21 Mbps | 90.15 Mbps | 284 ms |
| Italy | 89.36 Mbps | 90.43 Mbps | 133 ms |
| France | 89.98 Mbps | 91.22 Mbps | 130 ms |
This confirms that the further away the server is, the slower the connection will be. But overall average speeds are very decent and more than enough for streaming video, downloading files and online games.
Support
There are different opinions to get PrivateVPN support. there are rumors that the live chat room is not open 24/7, unclear live support work schedule. But when we wrote to the chat room ourselves, we received an instant response. More transparency would be nice. But there are helpful resources on the help page. Like installation instructions and frequently asked questions.
Dirrect issue solving
In case of a more complicated problem, a technical support specialist can connect to your computer via TeamViewer and solve the problem remotely.
Prices
Like other VPN providers, PrivateVPN offers three duration options to choose from. And the prices are surprisingly affordable, with discounts available on longer plans. You’ll have to pay $9.99 for one month, and if you pay three months in advance, each month will already cost $6.00 . But the most economical option is to pay for 24 months at a time, then the price per month is only $2.50. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our rating score & verdict
PrivateVPN review
Verdict
A good and universal VPN service. Reasonable prices, servers in many countries, high speeds confirmed by tests. Definitely worth a try.