PrivateVPN Review PrivateVPN is often overlooked, but it is a solid VPN option with a 7-day trial. While it may not have an extensive range of security features, it competes with and often outperforms leading VPN providers. PrivateVPN offers valuable safety features and a seamless browsing experience, making it suitable for torrenting with its HTTP and SOCKS5 proxy. Additionally, it ensures unrestricted access to streaming services and boasts a user-friendly app with strong protection and a no-logs policy. Are you eager to learn more? In my review of PrivateVPN, you will discover everything from speed and performance to privacy and customer support. These are the factors you should take into account before choosing PrivateVPN.

PrivateVPN Review 2024

PrivateVPN is a popular choice for those looking to enhance their online privacy and security. With its strong encryption and strict no-logs policy, PrivateVPN ensures that your data remains protected and anonymous. This VPN service also offers a wide range of server locations, allowing you to access content from around the world. Additionally, PrivateVPN is known for its fast connection speeds, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting. The user-friendly interface and excellent customer support further add to the appeal of this VPN. Overall, PrivateVPN is a reliable and trustworthy option for anyone in need of a secure and private internet connection.

PrivateVPN Review- Quick Overview

⭐ Rating:	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#8 out of #42
📖 No logs policy:	No logs
💵 Price:	From $2.00/month
🖥️ Servers:	200 + servers in 63 countries
🖥️ Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Video, and more
🔥 Coupons:	PrivateVPN coupon 85% OFF

PrivateVPN pros and cons

PrivateVPN is a popular choice for those looking to protect their online privacy and security. Like any VPN service, it has its pros and cons that users should be aware of. One of the main advantages of PrivateVPN is its strong encryption and secure protocols, which help to ensure that your online activities are kept private and protected. It also offers a wide range of server locations, allowing users to access geo-restricted content from around the world. Another benefit is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for even beginners to set up and use. However, some users have reported slower connection speeds when using PrivateVPN, which can be a drawback for those who require fast and seamless browsing. Additionally, customer support has been criticized for being slow to respond at times. Overall, PrivateVPN provides a reliable and secure VPN service with some minor drawbacks that users should consider before making their decision.

Unblocking geo-restricted YouTube videos and BBC iPlayer with PrivateVPN is effortless, making it a suitable choice for streaming. It’s worth noting that even some well-known providers have difficulty with iPlayer. While Netflix was accessible, the VPN’s assistance in unblocking restricted videos resulted in poor streaming quality. It’s uncertain whether the VPN or the service itself is responsible for this, as Netflix has been experiencing server overload issues.
In our tests, PrivateVPN successfully bypassed every geographically restricted service we tested. This is not a common occurrence, even when evaluating top-tier VPN service providers.

Steps For Unblocking Netflix with PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for accessing Netflix, as it effectively unblocks various libraries and enables fast video loading due to its speedy servers. While there may be occasional difficulties in unblocking specific libraries on Netflix, PrivateVPN quickly resolves these issues. Additionally, selecting a server located far from your location may result in poor video quality.

PrivateVPN is a reliable VPN service that works seamlessly on both the web and mobile app versions of Netflix. With this VPN, you can access a wide range of content regardless of your location and enjoy watching your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions. PrivateVPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions makes it an excellent choice for users who want to access Netflix libraries from different countries. Furthermore, the service offers fast connection speeds, which means you can stream in HD quality without buffering or lagging. Overall, PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for Netflix lovers who want a hassle-free streaming experience.

Unblocking BBC iPlayer with PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN may have only 6 servers in the UK, but you can still easily access BBC iPlayer. The videos may take a little longer to load, but once they do, the streaming is smooth. If you encounter a low-quality video, there’s no need to panic as it is quickly resolved and you can return to HD quality.

When you factor in the cost of PrivateVPN, it’s great that you can unblock BBC iPlayer. You can even unblock it directly from the website. However, some users may not be satisfied with the limited number of servers. We understand that streaming services offer a diverse range of content, so unlimited access to them is appealing. If that’s important to you, you can refer to our top list of the best VPNs for streaming.

Is PrivateVPN Safe And Good Torrenting?

PrivateVPN is suitable for torrenting since it accommodates P2P traffic. However, in order to utilize it with torrenting clients for downloading files, you will need to connect to Dedicated IP/Torrenting servers.

Achieving the maximum speed took some time, but it ultimately reached an impressive 15MB/s (120mbps), depending on various factors such as leechers/seeders ratio. To fully understand its performance, you may need to utilize their free trial. While the service offers port forwarding support for torrenting, the potential drawback lies in the limited number of specialized servers, which could lead to server overload. If this becomes a significant issue, you may want to explore our recommended VPNs for torrenting to find a better solution.

Plans & pricing

PrivateVPN offers the same features on all of its plans, with pricing varying based on the subscription duration. This pricing model is a common one used by many VPN providers in the market. By offering identical features across all plans, customers can rest assured that they are receiving top-notch security and privacy protection no matter which plan they choose. Moreover, opting for a longer subscription can provide significant savings and make PrivateVPN an affordable option for individuals and businesses alike.

Version	Price
1-month plan	$9.90/month
3-month plan	$6.00/month
36-month plan	$2.00/month

When it comes to pricing, this service offers a range of options to suit different needs. If you’re looking for a short-term commitment, their monthly plan is the most expensive at $9.90. However, if you commit to a three-month plan, the price drops to $17.99, which saves you almost 39%. For those seeking a long-term solution, the yearly plan is the best deal at $59.99. Despite being on par with competitors in terms of pricing, the various options make it easier for customers to choose and customize their subscription based on their budget and usage requirements.

PrivateVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections with each plan, providing ample opportunities to secure multiple devices. The service can be tried risk-free for seven days through a free trial, which requires reaching out to their official support email address ([email protected]) for a gift code. This process does not require any payment information, ensuring no accidental renewals occur. In addition to the trial offer, PrivateVPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service and request a refund if it doesn’t meet their expectations.

You can pay with:

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrencies

Paying for a PrivateVPN subscription via PayPal may attract a 5% handling fee, which can slightly increase the cost of the purchase. For example, if you choose to buy the longest subscription, the price may go up by $3. While this cost is not significant, it’s important to consider before making any payments.However, if you’re looking for affordable VPN options that guarantee online safety and security, our current VPN deals are worth checking out. We offer various packages that cater to different budgets and requirements while providing excellent service. With our VPN service, you can safeguard not only your data but also your wallet! Our affordable prices combined with exceptional quality make us an ideal choice for anyone looking to secure their online presence without breaking the bank.

Servers & locations

Despite having a smaller server count than some of its competitors, PrivateVPN boasts an impressive fleet of 200+ servers in 63 countries. While this number may seem modest compared to other VPN providers’ thousands of servers, PrivateVPN prioritizes quality over quantity. With servers strategically located worldwide, users can enjoy fast and reliable connections with minimal downtime. Moreover, having servers in different countries allows users to access geo-restricted content from around the globe with ease. PrivateVPN’s focus on delivering high-quality service with fewer servers is a testament to their commitment to providing a top-notch VPN experience for their customers.

Regions	Number of countries	Number of servers
Europe	35 countries	41 servers
The Asia Pacific	13 countries	16 servers
Americas	9 countries	23 servers
The Middle East and Africa	5 countries	5 servers

While PrivateVPN offers a good range of country options, their server locations are limited. Overcrowding is a common issue with PrivateVPN, which can negatively impact user experience. To improve this, it would be beneficial for PrivateVPN to increase their fleet size as most competitors offer more options. Additionally, the fact that each user can have up to 10 simultaneous connections may exacerbate overcrowding on servers. It’s important for VPN providers to ensure that users have access to fast and reliable servers in order to provide a seamless browsing experience.

If you’re someone who craves adventure and offbeat travel experiences, Hong Kong and Cyprus are two destinations that should be on your radar. While they may not be the first places that come to mind when you think of exotic locations, both offer unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western cultures, with stunning skylines, delicious street food, and world-class shopping. On the other hand, Cyprus boasts beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional villages steeped in history and culture. Whether you’re looking for a city break or a sun-soaked getaway, these destinations have something special to offer.

Does PrivateVPN work Safely in China?

PrivateVPN is a reliable VPN service that works even in China. It has a unique Stealth VPN mode that enables it to bypass the Great Firewall. This is achieved through the use of the L2TP protocol and AES 256-bit encryption, which ensures that your online activities remain private and secure.To get the best speeds while using PrivateVPN, it’s recommended that you choose servers located closer to your location. Countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the Philippines are great options for faster speeds. With its ability to work in China and numerous other countries, PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for those who require secure and unrestricted internet access.

It’s worth noting that you can still enjoy streaming in China. The speed and video quality may not be the best, but it’s still manageable. It’s always useful to have additional options to get around China’s restrictions, so consider our list of the top VPNs for China.

Is PrivateVPN fast: Speed and performance?

	Download retention	Upload retention
Australia	30% (292 Mbit/s)	45 % (430 Mbit/s)
US (NY)	19% (184 Mbit/s)	34 % (327 Mbit/s)
United Kingdom	11% (107 Mbit/s)	31 % (298 Mbit/s)
Singapore	25% (246 Mbit/s)	46 % (444 Mbit/s)
France	47% (450 Mbit/s)	64 % (615 Mbit/s)

Compared to other VPNs available, PrivateVPN’s speeds are not particularly impressive. It is important to note that there are faster VPN options on the market. One of the reasons for this could be the lack of the WireGuard protocol, which provides strong security and some of the fastest connection speeds in the industry. This protocol has gained popularity due to its ability to offer excellent performance with minimal overhead. Therefore, if fast speeds are a priority, it may be worth considering a VPN that supports this protocol. However, it is also important to consider other factors such as security features and server locations when selecting a VPN provider.
To accurately determine the speed of service for PrivateVPN, drop-off percentages were measured. If the percentage is lower, it indicates a faster VPN service. Although PrivateVPN doesn’t offer many tunneling protocols, users can change the encryption settings. To test the speed of the service, multiple speed tests were conducted with different OpenVPN configurations. This will give users an idea of how fast their connection will be when using PrivateVPN with different settings. By choosing the right encryption and protocol combination, users can optimize their VPN connection for better speed and security.

OpenVPN (AES-128-GCM)	Download speed drop	Upload speed drop
UDP	56%	44%
TCP	80%	89%

The UDP variant of OpenVPN that uses AES-128-GCM encryption has shown decent speed scores, although they may not be exceptional on their own. However, the latency times of this protocol were generally high across all locations, which could result in lags or stuttering if you are connecting to servers that are farther away. It is important to consider these factors when selecting a VPN protocol for your needs, as the distance between you and the server can affect your online experience. Additionally, it is recommended to test different protocols and servers to find the one that offers the best balance of speed and security for your specific requirements.

The TCP variant does not offer any speed advantage. The outcomes are consistent with typical TCP performance, and speed is not a primary consideration for this mode. It’s important to mention that in certain instances, the ping times were unreasonably high, such as in Singapore and Australia where they surpassed 500 milliseconds, a half-second delay that could be perceptible.

OpenVPN (AES-256-GCM)	Download speed drop	Upload speed drop
UDP	61%	38%
TCP	80%	87%

OpenVPN UDP (AES-256-GCM) has a faster upload speed compared to its download speed, but the ping times are still above average for both OpenVPN versions. The impact of encryption on speed is a complex issue. While encryption does have an effect on speed, the exact amount of this impact depends on various factors such as server load and network congestion. It is important to note that compromising security for speed can never be a good idea, and choosing the right encryption level can help strike a balance between both. Additionally, optimizing network settings and using quality hardware can also improve VPN speeds without sacrificing security.

When it comes to the TCP variant, it compares closely to AES-128 encryption. Both experience similar decreases in download speed, but AES-256 offers slightly faster upload speeds. Essentially, the AES algorithm version is most significant for users without AES hardware acceleration on their devices. This becomes particularly important when configuring PrivateVPN on a router.

OpenVPN configurations	Speed	Security	Connection stability
UDP (AES-128-GCM)	Medium	Medium	High
TCP (AES-128-GCM)	High	Medium	Medium
UDP (AES-256-GCM)	Medium	High	High
TCP (AES-256-GCM)	High	High	Medium

PPTP and L2TP are two outdated protocols that aren’t very secure, hence testing them was not necessary. OpenVPN is a better option as it offers better security and encryption. PrivateVPN announced the beta version of WireGuard two years ago, but for now, it can only be configured manually. It is worth noting that WireGuard is a faster, more efficient, and more secure protocol than its predecessors. However, until it becomes fully integrated into PrivateVPN’s service, users will need to configure it manually to use it.

Although PrivateVPN offers OpenVPN as its best option, speed is not one of its strong suits. While OpenVPN is known for its high level of security and encryption, it can also result in slower connection speeds due to the complex encryption process. However, PrivateVPN does offer other protocols such as PPTP and L2TP/IPSec that may provide faster speeds but with less security. It’s important to consider your priorities when choosing a VPN provider and selecting the right protocol for your needs.

User Friendly Interface and ease of use

Platform	Experience
Windows	The richest version of PrivateVPN
macOS	Well personalized for the OS but lacks some features
Linux	No graphical application
Mobile	Comfortable and solid apps for Android and iOS
Browser	No browser extension

The PrivateVPN application boasts a user-friendly interface that is consistent across different operating systems. The app’s appearance may differ slightly, but the overall design remains similar, providing a personalized experience for users. The developers have done an excellent job in creating an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of connecting to a VPN server. Users can easily navigate through the options and settings, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to using VPNs or prefer a straightforward approach. Additionally, the app offers advanced features like split tunneling and kill switch, allowing users to customize their VPN experience further.

While there may be some areas in which a product or service is not perfect, it’s important to consider how these minor issues might affect your overall experience. In some cases, the clunky spots may be insignificant and have little impact on your satisfaction with the product or service. However, in other cases, these issues could significantly detract from your experience and make it difficult to use or enjoy the product. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to determine whether the imperfections are something they can overlook or if they will have a significant impact on their overall satisfaction.

Windows

The Windows app for this software is user-friendly and straightforward. It keeps you informed with push notifications, so you are aware of your connection’s status at all times. The main screen windows can be customized to display either a simple or advanced view. The simple view only displays the connection status and allows you to change the country you are connected to. In contrast, the advanced view gives you access to customize the connection type and encryption, granting you full control over the app settings. These features make it easy for users of all levels to use this software effectively on Windows devices.

While using a specific VPN, some users have faced peculiar problems. The Streaming Services tab did not display any servers, and port forwarding assigned a different port each time the user connected. This would require reconfiguration of routers and other software to use a new port each time. An additional inconvenience is that port forwarding cannot be disabled. In comparison, it might be helpful to check the list of the best VPNs for Windows to find alternatives that better suit your needs.

macOS

The macOS app shares many similarities with the Windows version, but it has some notable differences. The buttons in the app have been rounded to better align with Apple’s UI design principles. However, there are also trade-offs that come with using the macOS app, as not all of the features available in the Windows version are present. It is important to consider these differences when deciding which operating system to use for your workflow or tasks.

It’s unnecessary to cry over the loss of some features, such as PPTP, which poses a security risk. On the other hand, there are valuable additions like DNS leak protection and the ability to terminate specific apps upon disconnection from a VPN server. For a customized VPN experience on macOS, check out our recommended VPNs for macOS.

Linux

Users of the Linux operating system who opt for PrivateVPN need to be aware that there isn’t a desktop app available for them. Instead, they can access a manual that guides them on configuring OpenVPN connections with PrivateVPN services. While this may seem like an inconvenience, it’s worth noting that OpenVPN is widely regarded as one of the most secure VPN protocols available, and its use ensures that Linux users are still able to benefit from the privacy and security provided by PrivateVPN. Additionally, following the manual can provide users with a better understanding of how VPN connections work, which can be beneficial in the long run.

Setting up an OpenVPN stack using a command-line terminal may not be as user-friendly as on Windows and macOS, but it’s still a secure and reliable option. OpenVPN offers excellent security features, encrypting your internet traffic and protecting you from cyber threats. Although it requires technical expertise to use, it is popular among cybersecurity professionals and privacy advocates.

PrivateVPN mobile apps

The desktop version’s design principles are carried over to the Android and iOS app. However, the mobile app’s performance is not as seamless, which adversely affects the user experience on mobile devices. The basic VPN services in both apps come with limited options. Only the Android app has a built-in kill switch that is absent on iOS. Improving the mobile app’s performance to match its desktop counterpart would significantly enhance user experience. Additionally, adding more features to the mobile apps would increase their value proposition for users. Providing advanced features like split-tunneling, multi-hop VPNs, and ad-blocking could make these apps more attractive to users who need enhanced privacy and security while browsing online.

The app offers the function of toggling Stealth VPN and switching the used port, which is useful for changing tunneling protocols and encryption. However, there are limited customization options beyond that. The app simply switches between the all servers list and dedicated IP address to avoid glitchy streaming services. If you require more options for Android or iOS VPN apps, it may be worth exploring other options. You can check out our comprehensive lists of the best VPN apps for Android and top VPN apps for iPhone to find a more suitable solution.

PrivateVPN features Of Extensive Range

While PrivateVPN may not boast a plethora of security features, it offers some distinctive tools that can enhance both security and browsing capabilities globally. One such tool is its ability to bypass internet censorship and geo-restrictions, enabling users to access content from all over the world. Additionally, it provides users with a high level of privacy by encrypting their online traffic and masking their IP addresses. Furthermore, PrivateVPN’s customer support team is available 24/7 to assist users with any issues they may encounter while using the service. Overall, while it may not have an extensive range of features, PrivateVPN provides valuable tools for improving online security and accessing global content.

Port forwarding

PrivateVPN stands out from other VPN providers with its innovative approach to port forwarding. Once you’re connected, a random port number will appear that can be entered into your torrent client. This feature is particularly useful for those who use VPNs for torrenting. Additionally, this feature can also be used when setting up a remote server. Port forwarding is essential for file sharing and remote access, and PrivateVPN’s unique method makes it easy and hassle-free for users. By providing a simple solution for port forwarding, PrivateVPN offers an excellent user experience and adds value to its services.

This feature is always activated by default, meaning that every time you connect to the server, a random port number gets assigned to your connection. Unfortunately, there is no option to disable this feature. While this may not be an issue for most users, it can pose a problem for those who require specific port numbers for their applications or services. In such cases, it’s important to contact the service provider and request a dedicated port number.

Proxies

The support for HTTP and SOCKS5 proxies is available on all servers, each of which serves a different purpose. While both proxies are useful in their own way, they’re best suited for different scenarios. The HTTP proxy is designed to work with only HTTP and HTTPS traffic, making it ideal for use with web browsers. It offers no support for other types of traffic and is primarily used to facilitate browser-based requests. On the other hand, the SOCKS5 proxy is more versatile and can be used to handle a wide range of traffic types, including UDP and ICMP. This makes it more suitable for applications that require access to non-browser traffic, such as gaming or P2P file sharing.

When it comes to supporting different types of traffic, SOCKS5 is the way to go. This protocol is known for its flexibility and security, making it a popular choice for torrent clients. Using SOCKS5 can add an extra layer of protection for your online activities. If you’re looking for a list of available servers and their corresponding ports, you can easily find them online. With SOCKS5, you can enjoy safe and secure browsing without compromising on performance or speed.

Stealth VPN

Stealth VPN is a powerful tool that allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their region. By encrypting online traffic, Stealth VPN hides a user’s internet activity from both their internet service provider (ISP) and government agencies. This makes it an ideal solution for individuals who wish to maintain their privacy online. Additionally, Stealth VPN can also be used to bypass censorship-heavy locations such as China, where many popular websites and platforms are blocked by the Great Firewall. With Stealth VPN, users can access these sites without fear of being monitored or restricted.

Additionally, it serves as an excellent tool for streaming platforms due to its obfuscation capabilities. This enables users to go unnoticed by VPN-detecting services such as Netflix and Disney+. However, it’s important to note that using this tool may result in a reduction in connection speed due to the additional layer of encryption. Nevertheless, the trade-off for enhanced security and access to new episodes of Money Heist is well worth it, isn’t it?

Is PrivateVPN safe?

PrivateVPN is a VPN service that offers robust security features coupled with a user-friendly interface. With PrivateVPN, users have the ability to customize their encryption levels and choose from a variety of tunneling protocols to ensure maximum protection. The VPN service also boasts a strict no-logs policy, which means users can rest assured that their online activities are not being tracked or logged. Additionally, PrivateVPN includes a reliable kill switch feature that automatically disconnects the user’s internet connection if the VPN fails, preventing any data leaks. Overall, PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a simple but highly secure VPN service.

PrivateVPN is a reliable VPN service provider that offers robust security features to ensure your online activities remain private and anonymous. Apart from this, it is also an excellent choice for safe streaming and torrenting. With its secure servers and high-speed connections, PrivateVPN makes it easy to access geo-restricted content without compromising on speed or quality. Additionally, the VPN service uses advanced encryption protocols, making it virtually impossible for anyone to intercept your online traffic. Whether you are browsing the web, streaming movies, or downloading torrents, PrivateVPN has got you covered with its top-notch security features.

Encryption

Encryption ensures that your online activity is unreadable to anyone who tries to intercept it, including your government and ISP. PrivateVPN allows you to adjust the level of encryption to your preference.

You can pick between:

• AES-256-CBC
• AES-256-GCM
• AES-128-CBC
• AES-128-GCM

Your options are to choose between 128-bit or 256-bit versions and between CBC or GCM modes. The encryption key length of 128 and 256 bits indicates the number of potential combinations, with longer lengths offering more potential combinations. Having more potential combinations is advantageous as it makes it more difficult for hackers to crack the encryption, rendering the process unfeasible.

The distinction between CBC and GCM is somewhat subtle. Both methods involve scrambling block cipher data, but they do so in slightly different ways. In theory, CBC is less secure because it relies on previous data blocks when encrypting data, while GCM randomizes the blocks, making it more challenging to reassemble them like puzzle pieces.

Tunneling protocols

PrivateVPN’s selection of tunneling protocols may not impress you with its length, but you can still choose from the following options:

• OpenVPN (TUN+UDP+1194) – the default setting uses UDP, which is faster but less secure than TCP. It uses 1194, which is a fairly common port, so it should fit most use cases.
• Opt for OpenVPN (TUN+TCP+443) if UDP/1194 is not functioning, as it prioritizes security over speed. It operates on the 443 port, commonly used for web connectivity by internet browsers. Therefore, if internet access is possible, this port should also be accessible.
• OpenVPN (TAP+UDP) is the sole option in the list that stands out with a strong warning of “not recommended.” This is due to the fact that connected TAP devices operate in a manner similar to being on a local area network (LAN), potentially providing a means for a hacker on the same server to access your device if there is a vulnerability. Additionally, the constant enabling of port forwarding adds to the potential security risk.
• PPTP is extremely outdated and should be avoided. Using it will not make your connection any safer.
• L2TP/IPSec is deemed to be secure, however, OpenVPN offers significantly improved security features.

You can also activate Stealth VPN, which functions as a VPN mode that masks VPN traffic to appear as regular web traffic. It includes sending additional data packets to conceal your VPN connection, enabling access to the Internet in countries such as China.

WireGuard is currently available in the beta client, and with further development, it is expected to be integrated into the regular app soon. However, until that happens, PrivateVPN users will have to rely on OpenVPN as their primary choice. While WireGuard promises faster speeds and better security features than OpenVPN, the latter still remains a reliable option for users who prioritize privacy and security. With PrivateVPN’s commitment to offering top-notch encryption protocols and secure connections, users can rest assured that they are protected from online threats while browsing the web.

Kill switch

The kill switch is a safety measure for when your connection fails. Therefore, we aim to replicate such interruptions in our tests. For the first test, we utilize a special router that restricts access to specific IP addresses, disconnecting the server connection. In the second test, we deactivate essential application processes to observe the client’s behavior in both scenarios.

In the initial test, none of my connections leaked beyond the VPN tunnel. I received a notification from the app confirming that the kill switch was activated. However, the app couldn’t re-establish the connection due to server access being blocked. It didn’t try to connect to another server, so you’ll need to do this yourself. Your IP address is still secure.

Logging

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which is not an ideal location for privacy due to its membership in the 14-Eyes surveillance alliance and enforcement of data retention laws. Internet service providers in Sweden are required to retain user logs for up to two years, posing a challenge for the service provider in complying with legislation. Despite this, PrivateVPN assures users of no logs being kept while using the service, although their privacy policy states that personal data is only retained for as long as necessary, unless required or permitted by law.

In summary, this service is giving conflicting messages about its handling of personal data. Increased transparency would greatly enhance the service’s credibility. Users who prioritize privacy should consider this factor.In the second test, the app promptly responded to the termination of the OpenVPN process, and the kill switch functioned as intended.When I terminated only the app’s front end, it closed all background processes and disconnected me from the VPN server without activating the kill switch. This means that in rare cases, the app may crash and reveal your actual IP address. However, it performed flawlessly in all other scenarios.I also found it strange that there was no option to activate the kill switch while the app was connecting to a server, leaving me no choice but to have my IP and connections exposed while waiting for the app to connect.

Audits

PrivateVPN is a provider that has not undergone any independent audits, which can be a cause for concern. This is especially true since the provider is located in a country that is part of the 14 Eyes Alliance. Despite PrivateVPN’s claim of having a strict no-logs policy that ensures user privacy, it may be difficult to trust this assertion without any external validation. It is important for VPN providers to be transparent about their practices and policies, and independent audits can provide users with the assurance they need to trust their chosen VPN service.

PrivateVPN has a good reputation in terms of security and privacy, with no reported incidents of IP or IP6V leaks. Additionally, they offer customizable encryption levels and access to obfuscated servers. Despite these positive aspects, an independent audit would provide added assurance for users. Overall, PrivateVPN is considered trustworthy and a reliable option for those seeking privacy and security online.

Customer support

	PrivateVPN
24/7 live chat	Yes
Email	Yes
Phone line	No
Guides or articles	Yes
FAQs	Yes

In terms of customer support, my experience with PrivateVPN was mixed. Although they offer a live chat option, it is quite slow, as I waited for 10 minutes without receiving a response. However, I did receive a prompt response of around 3 minutes when I emailed them, which I consider a major advantage, especially given the detailed nature of the response. I found that PrivateVPN’s knowledge base was somewhat inadequate, with certain features needing more thorough explanations. For instance, their explanation of how port forwarding works was lacking in detail, requiring manual checking for further information.

PrivateVPN offers detailed step-by-step guides on how to set up their VPN on various devices in the Getting Started section. Although their email support is commendably fast, their live chat and knowledge base could use improvement. Providing clear and concise guides can be an effective way for users to set up the VPN without experiencing any difficulties. However, if they face any issues during the process, it’s essential to have a reliable customer support system in place to resolve them. While email support is efficient, having a more responsive live chat feature and an updated knowledge base can further enhance the user experience. It can help users find solutions to common problems quickly and reduce the need for contacting customer support.

Is PrivateVPN good?

Based on our analysis of PrivateVPN, the service presents both advantages and drawbacks. Users may find the port forwarding feature beneficial, along with the option to customize encryption levels. Additionally, PrivateVPN effectively unblocks numerous online media streaming platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon videos. However, it does encounter user interface issues with the streaming servers’ selection screen.

PrivateVPN is a VPN service that falls slightly short of the top VPN services available. To improve their standing, they could consider adding features like split tunneling and expanding their server count. It is worth noting that these upgrades can significantly enhance user experience.If you have used PrivateVPN, we would love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below. Sharing your experiences can help others make an informed decision about whether this VPN service is right for them.

PrivateVPN Review: FAQs

Who owns PrivateVPN?

Privat Kommunikation Sverige AB owns PrivateVPN, and the company is situated in Sollentuna, Sweden.

Is PrivateVPN safe?

PrivateVPN offers numerous customization options, including the ability to adjust your encryption mode. However, there are certain issues with port forwarding, which cannot be turned off in the app.

Is PrivateVPN free?

PrivateVPN does not offer a free subscription, but they do provide a free 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. To access the trial, you need to register an account with your email address.

Is PrivateVPN a good VPN?

Yes, PrivateVPN is safe to use. It uses strong encryption, has a no-logs policy, and includes features like a kill switch for added security.

Is PrivateVPN good for Netflix?

In most cases, Netflix will not detect your use of a VPN. PrivateVPN has plenty of US-based IP addresses for you to choose from, ensuring you’ll get to make the most of your Netflix subscription.

Where is PrivateVPN based?

PrivateVPN, a Swedish-based VPN provider, offers the highest levels of security and privacy, stable connections from anywhere in the world and uninterrupted VPN service — 24 hours a day — guaranteed.