PrivateVPN Review 2024: Budget-Friendly VPN for Streaming and Privacy
PrivateVPN stands out as a reliable VPN service that balances affordability with strong privacy features. Based in Sweden, it offers a no-logs policy to ensure users’ anonymity online. It also supports popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, making it an attractive option for streaming fans.
Although its server network is smaller compared to big-name competitors, it manages to hold its own with decent speed and stability. In this review, we’ll look at how PrivateVPN performs in 2024 and whether it’s worth your consideration for privacy, streaming, and security needs.
- PrivateVPN is budget-friendly, especially with its long-term plans.
- It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections on one account, more than many competitors.
- The no-logs policy ensures that none of your online activity is stored or shared.
- It unblocks major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ without issues.
- The Stealth VPN feature is useful for bypassing VPN blocks and censorship in restrictive regions.
- It provides strong security with AES-256 encryption and supports several VPN protocols, including OpenVPN.
- Port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy support are available, making it suitable for torrenting and P2P sharing.
- PrivateVPN has a smaller server network compared to competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
- Speeds can drop significantly on long-distance servers, impacting gaming and streaming quality.
- It lacks support for the WireGuard protocol in its app, which limits faster connections.
- There is no independent audit to verify its no-logs policy, which could be a concern for some users.
- The absence of phone support may be inconvenient for those preferring direct communication.
- It doesn’t include a smart DNS feature, limiting its usability on devices like gaming consoles.
PrivateVPN Features
Privacy and No-Logs Policy
PrivateVPN is committed to safeguarding your privacy. It operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store your browsing activity, connection times, or IP addresses. This ensures that even if authorities request data, there’s nothing to provide. However, Sweden’s membership in the 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance might concern some privacy advocates. Yet, PrivateVPN hasn’t been involved in any data breaches or scandals, adding a layer of trust to its no-logs claim.
Encryption and Protocols
PrivateVPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, which is one of the most secure encryption standards available. This encryption ensures that your online activity remains private and safe from hackers or prying eyes. It also supports several VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, and PPTP. OpenVPN is the most secure and reliable option, but users also have the flexibility to choose based on their needs. Notably, WireGuard is absent from its app, which could be a drawback for those seeking the latest and fastest protocol.
Simultaneous Connections
With PrivateVPN, you can connect up to 10 devices at once on a single account. This is higher than many competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, which typically offer 5 or 6 simultaneous connections. Whether you’re securing your laptop, phone, tablet, or smart TV, PrivateVPN makes sure you’re covered.
Stealth VPN
PrivateVPN includes a Stealth VPN feature, designed to help users bypass VPN blocks and censorship. This feature disguises VPN traffic as regular internet activity, making it harder for ISPs or government entities to detect or block your VPN use. It’s particularly useful for accessing restricted content in regions with heavy internet censorship, such as China or the UAE.
Port Forwarding and SOCKS5 Proxy
PrivateVPN offers advanced features like port forwarding, which is essential for optimizing activities like torrenting or gaming. It allows smoother connections by bypassing network restrictions. Additionally, each server comes with a SOCKS5 proxy, which provides faster download speeds for P2P sharing. The SOCKS5 proxy doesn’t encrypt traffic, but it hides your IP address, which can still enhance privacy while torrenting or bypassing firewalls.
Speed Tests
Speed tests revealed that PrivateVPN is capable of providing sufficient download and upload speeds for activities such as torrenting, streaming, and gaming. For example, when connected to the US and UK servers, the drop in speed was manageable, allowing smooth streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer without noticeable buffering. Latency remained low enough to ensure responsive browsing and gaming sessions, though more competitive gamers might prefer a VPN that offers faster speeds consistently.
Streaming Capabilities
PrivateVPN excels at streaming, providing reliable access to a wide range of platforms. It successfully unblocks Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Japan, and other regions. Other services like Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are also accessible without issues. What’s more, the Stealth VPN feature allows you to bypass restrictions even in countries with strict censorship, making it a great choice for international travelers or those living in regions where access to certain sites is blocked. PrivateVPN handles these tasks with minimal troubleshooting, delivering buffer-free playback most of the time.
Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
PrivateVPN includes a kill switch that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This is a crucial feature for maintaining security, as it prevents any unencrypted data from being transmitted. The kill switch is not activated by default, so you’ll need to enable it in the settings. Additionally, DNS and IPv6 leak protection ensures that your real IP address stays hidden, even during connection drops.
Testing revealed no IP or data leaks, meaning that the kill switch and leak protection work as advertised. This gives peace of mind, especially for users concerned about exposing their personal data.
Logging Policy
PrivateVPN boasts a no-logs policy, claiming it does not store user data or browsing history. While based in Sweden—a member of the 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance—PrivateVPN has not been involved in any privacy scandals, and its commitment to a no-logs policy adds a layer of trust. That said, unlike some competitors, PrivateVPN has not undergone an independent audit to verify these claims, which might be a concern for users seeking maximum transparency.
Pricing and Plans
| Plan | Duration | Price | Monthly Cost | Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Plan | 1 Month | $10.95 | $10.95 | 30 Days |
| Three-Month Plan | 3 Months | $18.00 ($6/month) | $6.00 | 30 Days |
| 36-Month Plan (Best Deal) | 36 Months (3 Years) | $72.00 ($2/month) | $2.00 | 30 Days |
PrivateVPN offers competitive pricing, making it one of the more affordable options in the VPN market. It provides three main subscription plans: a monthly plan, a three-month plan, and a 36-month plan. The monthly plan is the most expensive option, typically around $10.95 per month. However, the long-term plans offer substantial savings, with the three-month plan priced at approximately $6 per month, and the 36-month plan bringing the cost down to as low as $2 per month. These discounted plans make it an attractive option for users looking to secure a VPN without breaking the bank.
PrivateVPN backs all its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to try the service risk-free. If you’re unsatisfied with its performance, you can cancel within the first 30 days and receive a full refund. This is a standard feature in the VPN industry, but it adds peace of mind, especially for first-time users unsure about committing to a subscription.
PrivateVPN often offers steep discounts for new users through special promotions. For instance, it has sometimes provided additional free months when signing up for a long-term plan. These promotions are worth watching, as they can significantly lower the cost of your subscription. They also offer some extra offers on the Black Friday sale.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Is PrivateVPN good for torrenting?
Yes, PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for torrenting. It supports P2P sharing on all its servers and includes advanced features like port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxies to ensure faster, more secure downloads. Its no-logs policy ensures that your torrenting activity remains private.
Can PrivateVPN unblock Netflix?
Absolutely. PrivateVPN is capable of unblocking multiple Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Japan, and others. It also works well with other streaming platforms such as Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, providing smooth playback with minimal buffering.
How many devices can I connect simultaneously?
PrivateVPN allows you to connect up to 10 devices at once with a single subscription, which is more generous than many other VPN providers.
Is PrivateVPN secure enough for online privacy?
Yes, PrivateVPN is highly secure. It uses AES-256 encryption and offers features like a customizable kill switch and DNS leak protection. While its no-logs policy ensures that no user activity is stored, it’s important to note that it hasn’t undergone an independent audit to verify this claim.
What are the pricing options for PrivateVPN?
PrivateVPN offers three subscription options: a monthly plan, a three-month plan, and a heavily discounted 36-month plan. The 36-month plan is the most affordable, costing around $2 per month, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Wrapping Up
PrivateVPN proves to be a solid VPN choice for users seeking a budget-friendly option with a strong focus on privacy and streaming capabilities. While it doesn’t have the largest server network or the fastest speeds, it excels in unblocking content and securing your online activity. The ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously makes it a great choice for families or users with multiple gadgets. Advanced features like Stealth VPN, port forwarding, and SOCKS5 proxy further enhance its usability for torrenting and bypassing censorship.
