First and foremost, let me emphasize that PrivateVPN is a gem in the VPN world, and it often doesn’t receive the recognition it truly deserves. This less popular VPN provider offers a 7-day trial that’s worth exploring.
While it may not boast an extensive array of flashy security features, PrivateVPN competes remarkably well with industry giants and frequently emerges victorious.
PrivateVPN presents a range of features that significantly enhance your online security and overall browsing experience.
It excels in facilitating torrenting activities, providing HTTP and SOCKS5 proxy options to bolster your privacy and speed when downloading files.
Moreover, the frustration of encountering geo-restrictions on streaming platforms has become a thing of the past with PrivateVPN.
The user-friendly app ensures a seamless experience backed by robust protection. And to sweeten the deal, rest assured that your activity logs remain untouched and uncollected.
If you’re eager to delve deeper and uncover more about PrivateVPN, my comprehensive review will provide you with all the essential details. From speed and performance to privacy and customer support, you’ll find everything you need to know before taking the plunge and choosing PrivateVPN as your trusted VPN provider.
About PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN, based in Sweden, has been one of the fastest-growing VPN providers in the industry since its launch in 2009. This company was established in 2009 and has demonstrated dedication to secure internet access and privacy for individuals globally.
The unique feature of this PrivateVPN is their commitment to user anonymity. The company has a strict no-logs policy, implying that it never retains your online activities or personal details. The privacy is enhanced even more with the powerful 2048-bit encryption and DNS leak protection, ensuring your data remains untouchable.
The global network of PrivateVPN with server locations in over 60 countries provides easy ways of overcoming geo-limitations and enjoying content from almost any part of the world. This makes it easy for both novice as well as expert users of VPNs to operate with it.
PrivateVPN guarantees an impeccable online world in a digital age where no one can imagine any form of life without online security. It is more than just a service that offers a guarantee of your virtual freedom and privacy.
Pros and Cons
PrivateVPN has its ups and downs, and it is essential to know these things before making your final verdict.
Here are some of the things I like and those I don’t like about this VPN service:
Things I like
- Robust Security: Many VPN services promise enhanced security, but only a few deliver, and PrivateVPN is one of the few. This company uses military-grade encryption to protect your personal information from potential cyber threats and prying eyes.
- User-Friendly: PrivateVPN also took their time to design their website and apps for newbies and professional VPN users. The system has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it suitable for all levels of users.
- Fast Connections: Another thing I find very attractive about this VPN service is its fast connections. You don’t have to wait forever to be connected to a server. Once I hit the connect button, it took only a few seconds for it to connect.
- Fast Speeds: With high-speed servers strategically located around the world, PrivateVPN ensures you can enjoy streaming, gaming, and downloading content without frustrating lags or buffering.
- Great for Streaming: If you are looking for a reliable VPN service for streaming, I highly recommend PrivateVPN. In addition to being super-fast, this service can unblock BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, and more, meaning you can enjoy your favorite streaming channels regardless of where you are.
- Great for Torrenting: I also like this VPN service because it does not restrict or limit torrenting. It is designed and optimized to enhance torrenting, and you will not experience throttling while downloading or uploading files.
- Supports Various Devices: PrivateVPN supports various platforms and devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, making it versatile for use on your preferred devices. In addition, to support multiple devices, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with one account.
Things I Don’t Like
- Limited Server Network: While PrivateVPN maintains servers in over 60 countries, its server network is smaller compared to some competitors.
- Congestion During Peak Hours: During peak usage hours, some PrivateVPN servers may experience congestion, leading to slightly slower speeds. However, this issue is not persistent and varies depending on server load and location.
- No Split Tunneling: Split tunneling is a helpful feature that comes with VPN services. Unfortunately, PrivateVPN does not have this feature.
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PrivateVPN Features
PrivateVPN is not a feature-rich VPN service, but it offers all the core features you need to keep your online activities private, anonymous, and safe. Here are some of the features you will enjoy when you opt for their service.
1. Kill Switch
A VPN kill switch is a crucial security feature designed to safeguard your sensitive data in situations where your VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
When such a disconnection occurs, the kill switch swiftly intervenes by severing your internet access until the VPN connection is reestablished and your online privacy is once again assured.
It’s essential to recognize that even the most reputable and high-quality VPN services may experience occasional disconnections. These interruptions can stem from various sources, such as a weak Wi-Fi signal, unusually heavy internet traffic, technical issues with the VPN client or server, interference from your internet service provider, or settings on your router or firewall.
Additionally, switching between different VPNs or internet service providers can also trigger these disconnects. Therefore, the presence of a kill switch serves as a critical failsafe mechanism to ensure that your data remains protected even during these unforeseen and brief lapses in VPN connectivity.
PrivateVPN’s kill switch is designed to spring into action the moment it detects any disruption in your VPN connection.
We’ve all experienced that frustrating scenario: you’re in the midst of downloading, uploading, or streaming content securely through your VPN, and then suddenly, the dreaded “Connection Failed” message pops up.
However, before you even have a chance to react, PrivateVPN’s kill switch has already swung into action, swiftly disabling your internet connection to shield your data from potential exposure.
What sets PrivateVPN apart is its impressive speed in executing the kill switch function. It operates with exceptional efficiency, assuring you that your data remains safe and secure at all times. With PrivateVPN’s swift kill switch mechanism in place, you can have the peace of mind that your online activities are protected, even in the face of unexpected connection drops.
2. P2P VPN
Utilizing a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) VPN offers a robust layer of online safety and security by establishing an encrypted connection. This encryption plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your digital activities from prying eyes and potential threats.
With a P2P VPN, your data is transmitted through a secure tunnel, making it virtually unreadable to anyone attempting to intercept it.
This encryption ensures that your online communications, including sensitive information like login credentials, personal messages, and financial transactions, remain confidential and protected from hackers, cybercriminals, and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
In addition to encryption, P2P VPNs often incorporate features like anonymous IP addresses and server locations optimized for torrenting and file sharing.
These elements enhance your privacy and security when engaging in P2P activities, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of peer-to-peer networking without exposing yourself to potential risks.
With PrivateVPN P2P VPN, you will enjoy the following:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Unlimited P2P file sharing supported
- 2048-bit military-grade encryption
- One-click software for 100% anonymity in seconds
You will also enjoy a zero data logging policy, thanks to their Swedish laws. Unlimited bandwidth and speed are also some pecks you will enjoy with this feature.
3. Multiple Protocols
In simple terms, VPN protocols are like communication languages that enable your device to establish a secure connection with a VPN server. These protocols dictate how data is transmitted, encrypted, and decrypted during the VPN connection process, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure.
PrivateVPN, like many other VPN providers, supports multiple protocols. These protocols come with varying levels of security, speed, and compatibility, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs. Common VPN protocols include OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2/IPsec, among others.
Each protocol has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, OpenVPN is known for its robust security features, while IKEv2 offers fast and stable connections. The choice of protocol depends on factors like your device, the level of security you require, and your specific use case, whether it’s streaming, torrenting, or general browsing.
In essence, VPN protocols are the technical backbone that ensures your VPN connection is secure and functional, providing you with the privacy and protection you seek when using a VPN service like PrivateVPN.
4. Website Unblocking Features
Access to certain websites can be restricted for a variety of reasons, and these restrictions may vary based on the time of day or the location from which you’re trying to access them. Here are a few common scenarios:
- Workplace Restrictions: Many workplaces implement network access restrictions to improve productivity and minimize distractions. They might block websites like social media platforms, gaming sites, or entertainment websites during work hours to ensure employees stay focused on their tasks. These restrictions are often enforced through firewalls or content filtering systems.
- Geographical Restrictions: Some websites or content may be restricted based on your physical location. This is often seen with streaming services, where content licensing agreements vary by region. To enforce these restrictions, websites use techniques like geolocation or IP address filtering to determine your location and grant or deny access accordingly.
- Censorship: In some countries, governments impose strict censorship measures to control access to information. They may block websites, social media platforms, or news outlets to limit the flow of information or suppress dissent. In such cases, censorship is typically enforced through firewalls, DNS filtering, or internet service provider (ISP) regulations.
- Maintenance or Outages: Occasionally, websites may become temporarily unavailable due to server maintenance or unexpected outages. In such cases, you may be unable to access the site regardless of your location or the time of day.
- Security Concerns: In response to security threats or attacks, websites may implement temporary access restrictions or go offline briefly to mitigate risks and protect user data.
- Network Congestion: During peak usage times, internet service providers or content delivery networks may experience network congestion, leading to slower or restricted access to certain websites.
PrivateVPN offers the right tools to help you bypass geographic and workplace restrictions by masking your IP address and routing your traffic through servers in different locations.
5. Compatible with Various Apps and Platforms
PrivateVPN provides user-friendly VPN applications designed to be intuitive and accessible across various computer and mobile phone systems.
Their commitment to compatibility ensures that PrivateVPN can be seamlessly integrated into all commonly used operating systems, offering a versatile and user-centric experience.
Whether you’re using a Windows or macOS computer, an Android or iOS mobile device, or even Linux, PrivateVPN strives to provide you with a straightforward and user-friendly VPN solution.
This wide range of compatibility allows users to protect their online activities on their preferred devices, making it convenient to maintain privacy and security across their digital lives.
PrivateVPN’s dedication to delivering user-friendly VPN apps on a variety of platforms ensures that users can easily access the benefits of a VPN, regardless of their technical expertise or device preferences.
How Much Does PrivateVPN Cost? Does It Offer Great Value for Money?
PrivateVPN follows a standard pricing model where all their plans offer the same set of features, with the only distinction being the duration of the subscription, which allows for greater savings with longer commitments. Most VPN providers commonly employ this pricing approach in the market.
Here’s a breakdown of their pricing plans:
- Monthly Plan: Priced at $9.90 per month.
- Three-Month Plan: Priced at $6.00/mo, translating to a nearly 39% savings compared to the monthly plan.
- Three-Year Plan: Priced at $2.00/mo, offering the best value among the plans.
Regardless of the plan you choose, you’ll enjoy the benefit of 10 simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure multiple devices under a single subscription. Additionally, PrivateVPN offers a 7-day free trial, which can be obtained by contacting their official support email address (support@privatevpn.com). The free trial doesn’t require any payment information, ensuring that you won’t encounter unexpected charges. Furthermore, for added peace of mind, PrivateVPN extends a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their service risk-free and request a refund if you’re not satisfied with your experience.
They have multiple payment options from which to choose, including credit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin.
It’s important to note that if you choose to make your payment via PayPal when purchasing a PrivateVPN subscription, you may encounter a 5% handling fee.
While this fee may seem minor, it can incrementally increase the overall cost, especially when opting for the longest subscription duration. For instance, if you’re purchasing the annual plan, the handling fee could add an additional $3 to the total price.
While this fee may not be a significant expense, it’s a factor worth considering when evaluating your budget and payment preferences.
Depending on your payment method and the specific pricing plan you’re interested in, it’s advisable to factor in any associated fees to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the total cost of your PrivateVPN subscription.
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How Does PrivatVPN Treat Logging and Privacy?
PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy as specified in their privacy policy. PrivateVPN Policy unambiguously clarifies that they do not keep records of their customers’ activities.
This includes logs on your browsing history, locations visited, timestamps of connections, DNS queries, the IP addresses assigned, linked IP addresses, content, data, or bandwidth usage.
Moreover, they follow the industry standards with respect to their privacy policy. PrivateVPN utilizes cookies, holds onto your email address for account management, and can use third-party analytics solutions.
Significantly, the privacy policy does not show any evidence of data sharing or questionable data practices.
Nevertheless, one should remember that trust plays a vital role when using a VPN provider. Despite this, the privacy policy of PrivateVPN seems strong and credible, but it largely depends on consumers’ trust that it will implement what it has written.
Some VPN providers undergo public security and privacy audits, giving another assurance that their practices are as stated.
In fact, this trend towards transparency and accountability is also catching on among VPN service providers, supplying users with more tangible proof of such a provider’s adherence to privacy and security.
One issue with PrivateVPN’s policy is that it is not being independently audited or validated through a public court case. Indeed, some VPN providers opt to undergo audits conducted by reputable companies to provide concrete evidence that they adhere to their stated policies. These audits serve as a means of building trust and transparency with users.
It’s worth acknowledging that PrivateVPN, being a smaller company, may face certain logistical and resource constraints that could explain the absence of an independent audit.
However, as the VPN industry continues to evolve, there is hope that PrivateVPN, like many others, may consider undergoing such audits in the future to bolster user confidence and demonstrate their commitment to user privacy and security.
In the absence of formal audits, PrivateVPN has earned a good reputation and is trusted by many users to responsibly handle their data. Trustworthiness and the company’s track record play significant roles in users’ decisions to rely on a VPN provider.
Where Are PrivateVPN’s Servers?
PrivateVPN operates a server network consisting of hundreds of servers, not reaching into the thousands, with coverage in 63 countries. While the diversity of countries in their server network is commendable, the relatively limited number of server locations can potentially lead to overcrowded servers, which may impact the overall user experience.
| Region | No. of Countries |
| Asia | 12 |
| South America | 7 |
| Europe | 36 |
| Oceanic | 2 |
| America | 3 |
| Africa | 2 |
Overcrowded servers can result in slower speeds and reduced performance, as multiple users share the same server resources. This issue is particularly relevant given that PrivateVPN allows for 10 simultaneous connections per user. The more devices connected to a server, the greater the potential for overcrowding.
It’s worth noting that many competitors in the VPN industry maintain much larger server fleets, which can help distribute the user load more evenly and reduce the likelihood of overcrowding.
On the positive side, PrivateVPN offers server locations in less common or exotic places like Hong Kong and Cyprus. These unique server options can benefit users seeking specific regional access or bypass geo-restrictions in less common locations.
While the server network size is a factor to consider, the quality of servers, speed, and reliability can also significantly impact your VPN experience. Users should weigh these factors alongside the number of servers when evaluating a VPN service.
Can I use PrivateVPN in China?
PrivateVPN distinguishes itself as one of the select VPN providers that successfully operate in restrictive countries like China. This is made possible by the implementation of obfuscation technology, often referred to as Stealth VPN.
Obfuscation helps disguise VPN traffic, making it harder for network administrators or censorship systems to detect and block VPN usage.
To cater to users in and around China, PrivateVPN strategically places servers in locations close to mainland China, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tokyo.
By doing so, users can connect to these servers without significant network slowdowns, ensuring that they can access a secure and unrestricted internet experience even in regions with stringent internet censorship.
What about PrivateVPN’s Performance, Is It Good?
In performance testing, I use various tools and benchmarking services, including SpeedTest’s command line app and website, across both US and UK test locations. Each test environment is equipped with a 1Gbps connection, allowing us to assess a VPN provider’s capabilities thoroughly.
During testing, PrivateVPN’s OpenVPN speeds in the UK yielded results that were below industry standards, clocking in at 110Mbps. In comparison, many other VPN providers achieve speeds of 200Mbps or higher, with some even surpassing 500Mbps in recent tests, as exemplified by Mullvad.
It’s worth noting that while PrivateVPN’s native apps may not support WireGuard, the servers themselves are WireGuard-enabled. To assess the potential performance improvement offered by WireGuard, a manual connection was established to evaluate its impact on speeds.
Ultimately, the performance of a VPN can vary depending on numerous factors, including server locations, server load, and network conditions.
While speed is a critical aspect to consider when selecting a VPN provider, it’s essential to also evaluate other factors, such as security, privacy, and server availability, to ensure that the VPN aligns with your specific needs and priorities.
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What Devices and Platforms Can I Use PrivateVPN On?
PrivateVPN offers native apps for various platforms, making it a versatile choice for users across different operating systems.
Their supported platforms include Windows, macOS (from version 10.11 and up), Chrome OS, and Linux (specifically for Ubuntu or Debian distributions). PrivateVPN provides convenient setup guides for each device type, including comprehensive guides for various Linux distributions.
When it comes to the user experience, both the Windows and macOS apps share a similar style and layout, providing consistency for users who switch between these platforms. However, there are some aspects of the app layout that could be improved.
For instance, PrivateVPN’s Basic View features a single large button for connecting or selecting a server, while the Advanced View essentially opens the settings menu.
Some users may find it more intuitive to have a clearly labeled “Settings” button on the home screen, simplifying access to configuration options.
Despite the minor layout concerns, PrivateVPN’s native apps offer essential functionality and user-friendly interfaces for users on Windows, macOS, and other supported platforms, ensuring that users can easily connect to secure VPN servers and protect their online activities.
How Safe Is PrivateVPN?
PrivateVPN stands out as a straightforward yet highly secure VPN service. It offers you the flexibility to customize encryption levels, provides a range of tunneling protocols to choose from, strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, and features a reliable kill switch to prevent any potential data leaks.
With PrivateVPN, users can benefit from robust security features that help maintain online privacy and anonymity.
Additionally, this VPN service is well-suited for safe streaming and torrenting activities, making it a versatile choice for users looking to protect their digital activities and access geo-restricted content while enjoying high levels of security.
The combination of customization options, strong security measures, and support for streaming and torrenting makes PrivateVPN an appealing choice for users seeking a secure and versatile VPN service that meets their privacy and entertainment needs.
Military-Grade Encryption
Encryption is a fundamental aspect of online security, rendering your online traffic indecipherable to any potential interceptors, including government entities and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). With PrivateVPN, you have the flexibility to customize the level of encryption used to secure your online activities.
PrivateVPN offers a selection of encryption options, allowing users to choose from:
- AES-256-CBC
- AES-256-GCM
- AES-128-CBC
- AES-128-GCM
These choices essentially revolve around two key factors: the encryption key length (128 or 256 bits) and the mode of encryption (CBC or GCM).
- Key Length: The key length determines the number of potential combinations in the encryption process. Longer key lengths, such as 256 bits, offer a significantly larger number of potential combinations, making it more challenging for hackers’ computers to decipher the encryption. This complexity enhances security and protects your data.
- Encryption Mode: The choice between Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) and Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) represents different methods of encrypting and authenticating data. Each mode has its strengths and applications, with GCM often being preferred for its efficiency and security benefits.
Ultimately, the ability to customize encryption levels provides PrivateVPN users with greater control over their security preferences, allowing them to select the encryption options that align with their specific security requirements and priorities.
PrivateVPN’s Customer Support
PrivateVPN’s customer support appears to offer a mixed experience, with varying levels of responsiveness and resources.
While they provide a live chat support option, your experience with it may not always be as prompt as desired. Waiting for 10 minutes without a response can be frustrating for users seeking immediate assistance.
However, it’s essential to consider that support response times can vary depending on factors like the volume of inquiries and the time of day.
On the positive side, PrivateVPN’s email support seems to be highly efficient, with a response received in around 3 minutes during your experience. Receiving an in-depth response in such a short timeframe is certainly a commendable aspect of their customer support.
In terms of their knowledge base, it may have room for improvement, particularly in providing comprehensive explanations of various features. For example, a lack of detailed information about how port forwarding works can be a drawback for users seeking clarity.
On a positive note, PrivateVPN offers separate step-by-step setup guides for different devices, which can be helpful for users looking for specific instructions on how to configure the VPN.
Overall, while there are areas where PrivateVPN’s customer support could benefit from enhancement, such as the live chat and knowledge base, the rapid and detailed responses through email support are notable strengths of their customer service offering.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is PrivateVPN safe to use?
Yes, PrivateVPN is a safe and secure VPN service. It employs robust encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection to keep your online activities private and secure.
Can I use PrivateVPN to stream movies?
Absolutely! PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for streaming enthusiasts. It offers access to geo-restricted content by allowing you to connect to servers in different countries. This means you can enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and sports events from anywhere in the world.
Does PrivatePVN offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, PrivateVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, you can request a refund within the first 30 days of your subscription.
Wrapping Up
PrivateVPN is a reliable and user-friendly VPN service that prioritizes your privacy and online security. With a strong focus on encryption, fast speeds, and excellent customer support, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to safeguard their online activities. While it may have a slightly smaller server network, the overall performance and affordability make PrivateVPN a top contender in the VPN market. So, if online privacy and security are your concerns, give PrivateVPN a try and unlock the internet’s full potential with peace of mind.
