PrivateVPN Review: A Secure Path to the Open Internet

At a Glance

Founded in 2009, PrivateVPN is a Swedish-based VPN provider offering secure and private internet connections through over 200 server locations in 63 countries. As part of the Miss Group, they provide stable connections and uninterrupted 24/7 service, catering to a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. With support for multiple VPN protocols, they ensure flexibility for users worldwide. Located in the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance and governed by Swedish privacy laws, the company prioritizes security.

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Features

VPN tunneling and protocols: PrivateVPN supports a range of secure tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec. Their system automatically selects the best protocol for your network, ensuring a balance between speed and security.

Global server network: They provide access to servers in 63 countries, primarily concentrated in Europe and North America, enabling users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content globally.

VPN kill switch: Their kill switch automatically disconnects internet access if the VPN connection drops, ensuring data remains protected even during unexpected interruptions.

High-quality network (HQN): By sourcing internet capacity directly from IP transit providers, PrivateVPN reduces latency and delivers high-speed connections without relying on intermediary hosting companies.

Multiple device support: PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections under one subscription, each with unique IP addresses.

Zero-logging policy: Operating under Swedish privacy laws, PrivateVPN retains no user activity or connection logs, providing complete anonymity.

Speeds & Protocols

PrivateVPN advertises unlimited bandwidth, but third-party tests that used SpeedTest’s command line app showed speeds falling short of expectations. On a 1GB connection, speeds averaged between 100 and 150Mbps, even when connected to nearby servers. Significant performance improvements were seen only after manually configuring WireGuard locations, adding complexity.

Security & Privacy

PrivateVPN focuses on keeping your data secure with AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy backed by Swedish privacy laws, and advanced protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. Your traffic is routed through secure tunnels, mixed with other users' data for added privacy, and protected against leaks with IPv6 safeguards. Together, these features make it a great choice for keeping your online activities safe and private.

Plans & Prices

PrivateVPN offers flexible pricing options tailored to different needs, all of which include access to their apps, 24/7 customer support, and unlimited high-speed bandwidth. They accept a wide range of payment methods, including Visa and credit cards such as Mastercard, American Express, JCB, and Diners Club. Additionally, alternative payment options like UnionPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal provide added convenience for users worldwide. While they don't have a free trial, They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that applies to all plans, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

1-Month plan: Priced at $9.90 per month when billed monthly, it's ideal for those who need short-term VPN coverage

3-Month plan: Priced at $6.00 per month when billed as $17.99 every three months, it offers a 50% discount compared to the monthly plan

36-Month plan: The best value option, priced at $2.00 per month, billed as $72.00 every three years. This plan provides 85% savings and the biggest long-term discount

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Pros

• Private VPN app: PrivateVPN provides a mobile app compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, ensuring seamless compatibility with all major operating systems. Their user-friendly interface makes installation and setup straightforward, even for non-technical users
• Military-grade AES-256 encryption: PrivateVPN employs AES-256 encryption, the highest standard available, used by the U.S. government and military. This ensures impenetrable security for user data
• Advanced protocol: They support OpenVPN and WireGuard, both renowned for their robust encryption and speed. These protocols offer enhanced security compared to outdated alternatives like PPTP
• IPv6 leak protection: PrivateVPN protects against potential leaks caused by IPv6 vulnerabilities, ensuring users’ identities are safeguarded at all times
• Simultaneous device connection: PrivateVPN allows up to 10 devices to connect simultaneously, each with unique IPs, providing excellent value for families or small teams
• Port forwarding: PrivateVPN allows users to enhance P2P sharing, gaming, and remote access by opening specific ports through their secure VPN tunnel. This feature improves connectivity and performance while maintaining privacy

Cons

• Small server network: PrivateVPN operates on a limited number of servers, which can lead to overcrowding and slower connection speeds
• No browser extensions: PrivateVPN does not provide browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers, limiting its flexibility for users who prefer lightweight browser-based VPN solutions
• Limited obfuscation support: The Stealth VPN feature, which hides VPN traffic to bypass censorship, is only available on Windows and Android apps, leaving users on other platforms without this capability
• No smart DNS feature: The VPN service lacks a Smart DNS feature, which is useful for unblocking content on devices that don't support VPN apps, such as certain smart TVs and gaming consoles. While they do offer DNS leak protection to safeguard user privacy, the absence of a Smart DNS option limits flexibility for accessing geo-restricted content on these devices

Customer Experience

PrivateVPN has received a mix of reviews, with the majority being overwhelmingly positive. They maintain a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot, highlighting strong customer satisfaction. On G2, their rating also leans toward favorable, with users frequently praising their customer support and reliability. However, some recurring issues have led to negative feedback from a minority of users.

Positive reviews

Customers often highlight PrivateVPN’s excellent customer support as a standout feature. Many users have shared instances where representatives went above and beyond to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. For example, one customer noted how a support agent provided a clever workaround for a connection issue, ensuring the VPN worked seamlessly. Another user shared how a customer representative patiently guided them step-by-step to resolve a technical issue on their Mac, praising the team’s professionalism. Customers also value the service for its affordability and user-friendly design.

Negative reviews

Despite the positive feedback, a lot of users on platforms like Reddit have expressed dissatisfaction with different aspects of the service. A common issue is the inability to access popular UK streaming services like BBC iPlayer, which has persisted for months without resolution, leaving customers frustrated. Others have pointed out that speeds can be inconsistent, and manual setup for certain features, like WireGuard, adds unnecessary complexity. Additionally, a few customers have raised concerns about subscription renewals being processed without adequate notice or consent, leading to frustration.

How Can I Contact PrivateVPN

There are several ways to reach PrivateVPN for support. You can send them a message at their email address, [email protected], or get remote assistance through TeamViewer for Windows, Mac, and Linux by sharing your TeamViewer ID and password with their support team. Help is also available through the live chat option on their website. Additionally, you can stay connected with them on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (Twitter).

Conclusion

PrivateVPN offers secure and private internet connections through over 200 servers in 63 countries, with compatibility across major operating systems like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Their features include advanced protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch for added security, along with a zero-logging policy governed by Swedish privacy laws. While their speeds may require manual configuration for optimal performance, they provide multiple pricing plans, including a 30-day money-back guarantee. With multiple contact options, including email, live chat, and social media, PrivateVPN ensures reliable customer service while aiming to balance security, privacy, and affordability.

If you want to continue exploring tools to enhance your online security, don't stop here! Check out our curated list of the best VPNs for detailed reviews and insights. Be sure to try our comparison tool to find the perfect fit for your needs, and visit our blog for expert tips and updates on all things web-related.

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