PrivateVPN Review

SCORE 9.8

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Operating out of Sweden, PrivateVPN promises top-tier cyber security alongside lightning speeds, first-rate customer service, and second-to-none streaming capabilities. All at an affordable monthly rate. While the latter is undoubtedly true, can PrivateVPN deliver on other fronts?

And how does it compete with such industry heavyweights as ExpressVPN, PIA, and NordVPN? We take an in-depth look into one of the market’s lesser-known options and uncover what value PrivateVPN can offer its customers.

Operating out of Sweden, PrivateVPN promises top-tier cyber security alongside lightning speeds, first-rate customer service, and second-to-none streaming capavbilities. 

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Rating

9.8

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PrivateVPN

Little is known about PrivateVPN’s origins, although the company has been involved in the digital security game since 2009. The brand claim to be the fastest-growing private VPN in the business, registering 44,000 customers so far. Based in Sweden, a member of the 14 Eyes alliance, PrivateVPN hosts just 200 servers, a fraction of that of competitors who generally boast server fleets well into the thousands. On the plus side, servers can be found in 63 countries, evenly spread across the world.

Despite its small-scale network, PrivateVPN does match many VPN rivals in terms of features and even pops up with a few surprises that could turn heads. We check out the provider’s credentials and explore what PrivateVPN is doing right and what it needs to improve.

Is PrivateVPN User-Friendly, and Which Devices Does It Support?

First of all, PrivateVPN ticks all the boxes when it comes to user-friendliness. Apps are easy to install, straightforward to navigate, and consistent in all formats, except for a few missing functions here and there. The interface is sleek and uncluttered and, at first glance, appears rather basic. This is a result of the default ‘Simple View’ setting, which is perfect for beginners.

Users with a bit more technical knowledge can click on ‘Advanced View’ to reveal a range of customization options, including protocols, encryptions, and advanced features. This split-level design combines the best of both worlds without confusing the two and ensures a top-notch user experience when handling PrivateVPN. But how does the VPN fare in terms of accessibility? Let’s find out:

Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers

While all the major operating platforms are covered with native apps, there are no browser extensions nor a Smart DNS function. This means customers looking to use their VPN on games consoles and streaming devices will have to set up the connection on their router. In spite of these drawbacks, one PrivateVPN subscription can be used on 10 simultaneous devices, which makes it an excellent choice for sharing with family and friends.

How Fast are PrivateVPN’s Speeds?

PrivateVPN performs admirably well on speed tests. Connecting to a local server enables fast and seamless browsing, streaming, torrenting, and online gaming. With its limited network, though, servers can become congested, and long-distant results can’t compete with faster VPN alternatives. More servers are likely to be added as the company grows, which could perhaps boost PrivateVPN’s challenge to competitors in the near future.

Can Customers Trust PrivateVPN?

PrivateVPN performs admirably well on speed tests. Connecting to a local server enables fast and seamless browsing, streaming, torrenting, and online gaming. With its limited network, though, servers can become congested, and long-distant results can’t compete with faster VPN alternatives. More servers are likely to be added as the company grows, which could perhaps boost PrivateVPN’s challenge to competitors in the near future.

When compared to competitors, there are a few functions missing from the above list. The WireGuard protocol is the first, plus the handy options of split-tunneling and multi-hop. With the VPN’s price, it’s hard to grumble, but the addition of such features would certainly give PrivateVPN an extra boost.

Streaming, Torrenting and Round-the-Clock Support

Those primarily seeking a VPN for streaming purposes should definitely consider PrivateVPN. Unblocking restrictions is a breeze for this provider, begging the question of why so many other premium VPNs still struggle in this department. In fact, PrivateVPN claims to be ‘the most trusted VPN for Netflix.’ And when put to the test, the company delivers time and time again. At least 10 Netflix libraries are consistently unblocked, including the US. Even the crafty BBC iPlayer poses no problems for PrivateVPN, and the same goes for Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, DAZN, and many more.

Absolutely. In fact, PrivateVPN provides one of the best VPNs for sharing files quickly and securely. While P2P activity is allowed on every one of its servers, PrivateVPN advises connecting to specific ‘Dedicated IP’ servers that are optimized for data transfer. Owned and managed by the company, such first-party servers enhance security by excluding third parties from any data involvement. Support for port-forwarding, unlimited bandwidth, high speeds, a kill switch, and the no-logs policy form the complete package for a first-class torrenting experience.

Users experiencing difficulties with the VPN can first check out the website’s support section and FAQs. While the installation guides are helpful, the remaining support pages are minimal, without even an option to search through queries. Any unresolved questions can be put to the customer service team, either by email or live chat. The chat is available 24/7 with responses usually within a few minutes and the support of PrivateVPN offer something not seen elsewhere; installation, configuration, and troubleshooting guidance via remote control.

Is PrivateVPN the Cheapest VPN on the Market?

First, let’s take a look at the current pricing plans:

While the time periods are a bit random, with a massive gap between three months and three years, the prices are very impressive. Even the monthly fee is much lower than competitors, and the three-year deal provides great value. The subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, although users need to give a reason for cancellation. Payment options are somewhat restricted, with debit and credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and PayPal accepted. PrivateVPN’s seven-day free trial is not as clear-cut as it sounds. Customers have to select a pricing plan and submit their payment details first before they can take advantage of the trial.

PrivateVPN Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

As a small-scale provider, PrivateVPN has a lot going for it.  Its performance in the areas of streaming and torrenting outshines some of the biggest names in the business. Add to that top-level security, user-friendliness, and an affordable price, and it’s easy to see why PrivateVPN is on the rise. However, more servers are needed to prevent congestion and varying speeds, and users on the hunt for more customization tools and advanced features may need to look elsewhere.

How to choose the
best VPN

Many VPNs limit you to connecting a specific number of devices at the same time. If you have multiple mobile devices, laptops, smart TVs or other hardware to protect.

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