PrivateVPN Review 2023: What is PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a growing VPN company that claims to be an excellent VPN for security and privacy. Instead of a massive list of unique features, this VPN positions itself as a simple but effective service. We ran PrivateVPN through a series of tests to see how it performed in each category and whether it actually keeps you safe and secret.
PrivateVPN’s advantages include a no-logs policy, torrenting support, strong security, and consistent connections. The Stealth VPN option is ideal for bypassing censorship. It’s a solid option for Netflix streaming, with consistent speeds and dedicated Netflix servers.
Hulu, Amazon Video, and ABC can also be accessed through dedicated servers, but not BBC iPlayer. The PrivateVPN apps are also incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to tweak your settings without being overburdened with options. The disadvantages include a small server network, a kill switch that is only available on Windows, and a lack of live customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Quick Highlights of PrivateVPN
| Rating | 9.7/10  |
| Data Cap | Unlimited |
| Speed | 94Mbps |
| Logging Policy | No Logs |
| Data Leaks | No |
| Jurisdiction | Sweden |
| Servers | 200 |
| IP Addresses | 7,000+ |
| Countries | 63 |
| US Netflix | Yes |
| Torrenting | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Works In China | Yes |
| Support | Live Chat |
| Cheapest Price | $2.00/mo for 3 years |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-days Money-Back Guarantee |
What are the Pros and Cons of PrivateVPN?
Pros:
- Unblocks Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, iBBC Player and more
- On a three-year plan, it’s really affordable
- Advanced torrenting features
- The Firestick software unblocks streaming applications
- Zero-logs Policy and no IP address leaks
- Military-grade encryption to keep your data secure
- Perfectly works in China
Cons:
- Small server network but work reliably
- Unappealing mobile apps
- No split tunneling
Streaming: Is PrivateVPN suitable for Netflix?
One of the top VPNs for streaming is PrivateVPN. Every service we used to test it, including 14 Netflix libraries, was unblocked. It has a fully functional app for Amazon Fire TV, which is unfortunate because it doesn’t operate on Smart TVs or PS4.
Numerous servers run by PrivateVPN are compatible with streaming services all over the world. In our testing with US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, the VPN consistently functioned. The specialized streaming servers of the VPN provider were just withdrawn from its app. Because “all servers now work for streaming,” a PrivateVPN employee explained when we called them.
PrivateVPN is the second-best service for unblocking Netflix libraries, according to our research into the top Netflix VPNs. PrivateVPN unblocks numerous international streaming services like Hotstar, DAZN, and Sky Go.
The lack of a Smart DNS option in PrivateVPN makes streaming with it difficult. On devices that do not support VPNs, smart DNS enables you to conceal your location and get around geo-restrictions. Because of this absence, using PrivateVPN on systems like Apple TV, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One is more challenging.
Torrenting: Does PrivateVPN support torrenting?
Yes, PrivateVPN is suitable for torrenting because it enables P2P traffic. However, you must establish a connection to Dedicated IP/Torrenting servers in order to use it with torrenting clients to download files. The speed took some time to reach its maximum, but the result was excellent. Although it obviously varies on a number of factors, like the ratio of leechers to seeders, the top speed was 15MB/s (120mbps), which is excellent. To see the real picture, you’ll need to sign up for their free trial. Torrenting can be done with the use of port forwarding.
Additionally, most ports on these servers are automatically redirected, so you don’t need to adjust any port settings on your torrent client. Because of its strong torrenting performance, PrivateVPN is a fantastic choice for using Kodi, Popcorn Time, and other torrent-based streaming platforms.
Consistency and Speed: Is PrivateVPN really fast?
Our tests demonstrate that PrivateVPN is quick when connected to a nearby server. Our download rates decreased slightly, indicating that the VPN is fast enough for all web activity. PrivateVPN’s global speeds, on the other hand, are less impressive, and its overcrowded servers frequently cause slowdowns.
We measured our internet data speeds before and after connecting to a local London VPN server over a UDP OpenVPN connection to ensure fair and unbiased speed testing. We ran a series of experiments over multiple days and then averaged the results. Here are the results of our connection to a neighboring PrivateVPN server:
PrivateVPN’s long-distance connection speed was almost as fast. We measured rapid speeds in a variety of areas. Despite average speeds when connecting to a US server, it functioned brilliantly in other distant locations such as Australia and Canada. Without any lagging or disruptions, we were able to enjoy online games and stream HD video from these locations.
Although PrivateVPN is not the fastest VPN accessible, these speeds will allow you to stream, torrent, and surf the web without interruption. You should be aware of its slow, busy servers, but with little trial and error, you should be able to find a fast VPN server.
Servers and Locations: How many servers does PrivateVPN have worldwide?
PrivateVPN offers a diverse choice of server locations, with servers in 63 countries worldwide. Despite a large number of countries served, the network has just 200 servers, which is insufficient for a popular VPN service. Having said that, its dedicated IP servers are good in terms of security and speed.
Servers are offered in major regions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada. All of them feature city-level servers as well, allowing you to connect to the nearest server in a certain country. Unfortunately, the app does not allow you to automatically connect to the fastest server and does not provide any information regarding server load.
Unfortunately, South Africa is the only African server available. However, there are many VPN servers near China, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, making connections from behind the Great Firewall fast and trustworthy.
PrivateVPN’s server locations are virtual in approx. 15% of cases, which means they are physically situated in a different country than the IP address. For instance, PrivateVPN’s South Korea server is actually located in a server park in the United States.
PrivateVPN employs a small number of virtual server locations. This promotes transparency and guarantees that your data is not transferred to countries other than the one you’ve selected. Virtual server locations can potentially significantly slow down your internet connection if you believe you’re connected to a nearby server but it’s actually on the other side of the world. Although PrivateVPN lists all of its virtual server locations on its website, they are hidden and difficult to locate.
Privacy Features: Is PrivateVPN safe and secure?
The safety and security features that PrivateVPN has to offer are extensive. When the VPN is turned on, it hides your IP address and encrypts all of your data. Even if you are linked to an unsafe WiFi network, this will keep you secure.
Additionally, IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection, and an automated kill switch are all provided by PrivateVPN to safeguard your connection. As a result, even if your VPN connection stops unexpectedly, your data will still be completely secure. The kill switch is only accessible through the Windows app, which is a drawback.
One of the best features of PrivateVPN is that you can stay safe without changing any security settings before connecting. Although you have the option, the default settings for security provide great protection.
When connecting to PrivateVPN, we encountered no IP or DNS leaks. PrivateVPN allows you to select from a variety of encryption techniques. The most secure option is AES 256-bit encryption, which is employed by many military and government organizations.
OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2 are among the security protocols supported by the VPN. An OpenVPN connection with UDP is the default protocol. Change your protocol in the app’s settings or by following one of PrivateVPN’s installation guidelines.
IP and DNS Leak Test with PrivateVPN
Data leaks are still possible even though PrivateVPN encrypts all VPN traffic using industry-standard protocols. This occurs when data is sent outside of the secured VPN tunnel, revealing your identity to outsiders. Thankfully, IPv6 and DNS leak protection are included with PrivateVPN.
We conducted a series of practical leak tests on the PrivateVPN Windows and iOS apps to ensure that these functionalities worked as intended. We used the website ipleak.net to check for IP address leaks. In the US, UK, Australia, and Sweden, we made use of PrivateVPN servers. Our true IP address was never disclosed by PrivateVPN, protecting our anonymity and maintaining our privacy.
Additionally, PrivateVPN successfully completed our DNS leak test. This is made possible by the fact that PrivateVPN runs its own DNS servers that answer all of your DNS queries, eliminating any chance of data breaches from external servers and handlers. These findings confirm that PrivateVPN is secure and that you can rely on it to safeguard your identity when you browse the internet.
Customer Support: Is customer care support good of PrivateVPN?
PrivateVPN’s customer service received positive reviews overall, although we wish they would be more specific about their live chat help. PrivateVPN has a first-rate live chat service, but unlike many of its rivals, it is not always available. On the PrivateVPN website, there is no information indicating when the live chat feature will be accessible.
In Sweden, live chat is only accessible during normal business hours. The live chat support team was responsive, friendly, and helpful in our experience. When the live chat assistance is unavailable, you can still get in touch with customer service via email or by using the website’s contact form. PrivateVPN’s website also provides useful tools including thorough installation directions and a FAQ page.
Despite the straightforward installation procedure, PrivateVPN provides a special remote assistance service via TeamViewer. With the help of this service, a PrivateVPN technical support agent can take remote control of your device and install the VPN for you without any additional work on your part. You can also use the TeamViewer service to troubleshoot.
No-logs Policy: Is PrivateVPN have any Log Policy?
A trustworthy no-logs VPN service, PrivateVPN has never given out user information to a third party. Its base in Sweden, a 14 Eyes jurisdiction, is a little drawback, but this is made up up by its private logging policy. Your email address—used for signing in, changing your password, and renewing your account—is the only data that PrivateVPN keeps.
The privacy statement clearly specifies that:
This statement is brief even though it is optimistic. It would be nice if the logging policy made it clear that it does not record DNS requests, connection timestamps, or IP addresses as well. Also, PrivateVPN hasn’t always been completely transparent about its logging policies.
The VPN used to record the IP addresses of those who signed up for its free trial, but this is no longer the case. These IP addresses, according to PrivateVPN, were safely kept in a “dummy database” and connected to “no other data.” The issue is that PrivateVPN did not make any mention of its logging anywhere, even though it was done secretly and purely to stop the exploitation of their free trial.
Despite this, we believe that PrivateVPN is now a genuine no-logs VPN and that this violation was caused more by negligent management than malicious intent.
Pricing: How much does PrivateVPN cost?
The features offered by PrivateVPN’s plans are the same. The main variation will be in the duration, with longer subscriptions offering higher savings. Almost all VPN companies use this strategy, which is a market standard.
The monthly cost of the PrivateVPN plan is $11.99, but if you pay for three years in advance, the monthly cost drops to $2.00, a savings of 85%. A three-month package is also available; it costs $6.00 a month.
Major credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin—the greatest choice for complete anonymity—among other payment options are all accepted. The only way to obtain the 7-day free trial offered by PrivateVPN is to send a message to customer service asking for a trial. A gift code will be emailed to you by the team. Additionally, all subscriptions have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PrivateVPN FAQs
Does PrivateVPN work in China?
Yes, PrivateVPN works in China perfectly. It contains a specific Stealth VPN mode that is intended to circumvent the Great Firewall. PrivateVPN accomplishes this through the use of the L2TP protocol and AES 256-bit encryption.
To get the fastest speeds, choose from nearby servers in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, and so on. Surprisingly, you can enjoy a good streaming experience in China as well. Yes, the pace and video quality are a little slow, but not bad enough to ruin your fun! And, of course, having additional options to circumvent China’s prohibitions is always beneficial. So keep a list of the best VPNs for China in mind.
How to download PrivateVPN?
Follow these steps to download and install PrivateVPN:
- Download and run the client from here Client Version App.
- Click I Agree and then Install.
- If UAC is enabled, select Yes.
- During installation, you may be prompted to install the TAP adapter. Tick Always trust and then click Install.
- Look for PrivateVPN in the start menu and then click on the icon.
- Enter your Username and Password, then click LOG IN.
- Select your preferred VPN server and then click Connect.
- Enjoy your personal internet access!
How to get a PrivateVPN Free trial?
PrivateVPN no longer provides a free trial period. If you wish to try the VPN, you may do so with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You must specify a reason for asking a refund, however, all refunds are processed within five business days.
Does PrivateVPN have Dedicated IP Servers?
All PrivateVPN apps provide a distinct menu that allows you to connect to ‘Dedicated IP’ servers. These servers have various distinct features that make them particularly suitable for certain operations. PrivateVPN’s dedicated IP servers automatically activate all ports, making them ideal for torrenting and P2P file-sharing. Other servers require you to manually configure your torrent client, which can be a time-consuming and complicated operation.
Does PrivateVPN have App for all Major devices?
PrivateVPN App supports all major platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Its apps are among our favourites, with a focus on simplicity over functionality. We do, however, wish the VPN came with browser extensions and a Smart DNS tool.
PrivateVPN’s apps function and look nearly identical across all platforms, providing us with a sense of comfort and continuity.
Conclusion
Overall, PrivateVPN is the best VPN service. It features beginner-friendly software, cutting-edge security, and encryption, as well as some of the lowest pricing available. Streamers who want a quick and simple way to unblock streaming websites from all over the world will find PrivateVPN to be especially useful. Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and 14 different Netflix libraries are all accessible with the VPN. However, since customers are unable to stream material on gadgets like Apple TV or gaming consoles, we wish PrivateVPN included a Smart DNS feature.
The VPN is also the second best option we’ve found for torrenting because it has a strong kill switch, a zero-logs privacy policy, and quick bitrates. For the majority of customers, PrivateVPN is an excellent VPN. Any streaming service can use it, and it will also safeguard data over public WiFi and mask your torrenting behaviour. However, you’ll need to search elsewhere if you want a more feature-rich VPN with the fastest speeds, Smart DNS, browser add-ons, round-the-clock live chat, and a wide range of server locations.