AirVPN Review 2024: Elevating Your Online Anonymity

AirVPN has swiftly become a trusted ally to those who prioritize basic online privacy and security. Boasting strong encryption like AES-256-GCM, an array of privacy-centric features, as well as pricing tiers ranging from €2.75–€7.00/mo, AirVPN distinguishes itself in the realm of privacy-focused VPNs.

In our comprehensive AirVPN review, we’ll uncover its features and pricing plans to help you decide if AirVPN aligns with your privacy needs.

AirVPN review at a glance

Price	€2.75–€7.00/mo ($2.93-$7.47/mo)
Free version	No
Max # of connected devices	5
# of servers	200+
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN
Encryption	AES-256-GCM, CHACHA20-POLY1305
No-logs policy	No logs
Headquarters	Perugia, Italy
Netflix access	No
Learn more	Get AirVPN

Who is AirVPN best for?

• Recommended for internet users who prioritize privacy.

If privacy is your top cybersecurity concern, AirVPN is a good choice. Specifically tailored for individuals keen on dodging digital constraints and ensuring that their online activities remain shrouded, AirVPN provides strong encryption measures and secure protocols.

If you frequently stream geo-restricted content or require particular IP addresses for geo-spoofing, the number of available servers becomes essential. AirVPN falls short with its limited servers, its outdated-looking interface called Eddie, and its inability to unblock Netflix libraries.

However, AirVPN redeems itself with its commitment to privacy. While AirVPN’s server list might not be as extensive as other providers like NordVPN, it compensates with robust security features, such as AES-256-GCM encryption and port forward secrecy. AirVPN also supports Tor, which allows you to achieve an added layer of security and anonymity.

Moreover, if you're looking to save money on a VPN, AirVPN’s range of subscription tiers and accepted cryptocurrency payments can be a cost-effective way to ensure online privacy.

AirVPN pros and cons

AirVPN features

AirVPN flaunts an impressive array of features. There’s much to appreciate, from high-end encryption standards like the fast and secure AES-256-GCM or CHACHA20-POLY1305 encryption cipher, perfect forward secrecy, and its support of the modern, fast protocol WireGuard as well as OpenVPN. However, the slightly outdated interface might require some getting used to for VPN beginners.

Server count and countries

• 200+ servers in 19 countries

With over 200 servers sprawled across numerous countries with high bandwidth lines, AirVPN offers a decent network size. Keep in mind, though, that the number of servers that AirVPN has available compared to the top VPN providers is quite limited. For example, there aren’t any available server locations in Australia.

A high number of servers is crucial for distributing traffic and ensuring optimal speeds. Having servers in various countries also provides you with access to multiple IP addresses, which is essential for accessing region-locked content, especially popular streaming services like Netflix.

No-logs policy and headquarters

• AirVPN logs policy: No logs
• AirVPN headquarters: Perugia, Italy

AirVPN takes user privacy seriously, operating with a strict no-logs policy. Headquartered in Perugia, Italy, it's shielded from the intrusive 14 Eyes Alliance. A no-logs policy ensures that user activity isn't tracked, stored, or shared. The location of a VPN's headquarters can significantly influence its operations, especially concerning user data handling. Being outside notorious intelligence-sharing alliances is a major plus for privacy-focused internet users.

Security features

AirVPN truly stands out when it comes to bolstering security for its users. Adopting standard VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN ensures encrypted and secure connections. The Eddie Android edition introduces an advanced split tunneling feature, providing flexibility to choose which apps traverse through the VPN and which communicate directly with the internet. Meanwhile, the Eddie Desktop edition for platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux facilitates traffic splitting based on destination addresses, such as specific IP addresses, IP address ranges, or hostnames.

You’re granted the autonomy to either direct traffic outside the VPN tunnel exclusively to certain destinations or exclude specific destinations from the VPN tunnel. This traffic splitting remains consistent across both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.

Another commendable feature is the Network Lock, which acts as a kill switch. In the event the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, this feature intervenes, severing the entire internet connection to guard against any inadvertent data exposures.

• Split tunneling: This is a specialized feature that allows you to partition your internet traffic. Certain applications or websites can be routed through the VPN, while others can be directed straight to the internet. This grants flexibility and targeted security based on preference. In AirVPN's interface, this can typically be found under the advanced settings or configuration menu.
• Kill switch (Network Lock): A kill switch is a safety mechanism designed to halt all internet traffic if the VPN connection is disrupted. This ensures no data is transmitted without the protection of the VPN, reducing the risk of data leakage. Within the AirVPN app, this can usually be located in the security or connection settings.
• VPN protocols: AirVPN offers both WireGuard and OpenVPN. While WireGuard is newer and often praised for its speed and efficiency, OpenVPN has a longer track record and is renowned for its reliability and security. For most users, allowing the VPN app to auto-select based on the connection and network conditions might be the best choice. However, those with specific needs can manually choose their preferred protocol in the app's settings.

Bonus features

AirVPN proudly boasts some bonus features. Perfect forward secrecy ensures that even if a session's encryption key is compromised, past sessions remain secure. For those keen on torrenting, AirVPN supports port forwarding/DDNS and P2P traffic. And with Tor integration, users can achieve an added layer of security and anonymity.

Our experience with AirVPN

Downloading and installing AirVPN on a Windows-based laptop was not entirely smooth. The 2.21.8 version was buggy after we downloaded and installed it to connect to an AirVPN server. For example, it would disconnect and reconnect after 3 seconds in a loop. Using the experimental version 2.23.1, however, fixed the issue.

AirVPN’s Eddie interface, though slightly outdated, was functional. It could certainly use an upgrade in the looks department. Navigating it was simple, but the best VPN services, like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, have a more intuitive user interface. Overall, connecting to our preferred AirVPN server was straightforward, but only after using an experimental version (2.23.1) that was compatible with our test device.

AirVPN test results

In our commitment to provide readers with comprehensive reviews of VPN services, we undertook a series of tests to evaluate AirVPN's performance, particularly focusing on its speed, its capability to access popular streaming services like Netflix, and the security it provides against DNS and WebRTC leaks. It's crucial to test these factors, as they contribute significantly to a VPN's utility and safety, directly impacting the user experience.

Speed tests

• AirVPN speed test results: AirVPN slowed our speeds down in the U.S. and the U.K. and slowed down our speeds significantly in Canada.
  

Understanding a VPN’s bandwidth performance is crucial for users who rely on consistent speeds for tasks like streaming, gaming, or downloading. We used an Acer laptop running Windows 11 at our test location in Los Angeles, California, United States, to run speed tests on several AirVPN server locations.

First, we assessed our baseline internet speed without connecting to AirVPN. Our baseline speed test results were as follows:

Next, we tested various AirVPN server location speeds in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Due to its limited servers, we were unable to find a server location in Australia. We also noticed a marked decrease in speed when we selected various server locations in Canada. The slowest download speed we obtained from a Canadian server location was 7 Mbps, while the fastest download speed was 20.26 Mbps.

Take a look at the table below for an overview of AirVPN speed test results.

AirVPN speed test results

Test type	No VPN	US to US	US to CA	US to UK
Download speed	257.70 Mbps	176.44 Mbps	20.26 Mbps	128.17 Mbps
Upload speed	22.78 Mbps	21.94 Mbps	5.79 Mbps	14.46 Mbps
Latency (ping)	44 ms	44 ms	84 ms	273 ms
Download speed % difference	N/A	-31.5%	-92.14%	-50.23%
Upload speed % difference	N/A	-3.69%	-74.62%	-36.47%
Latency % difference	N/A	0%	90.91%	520.45%

AirVPN Netflix tests

• AirVPN Netflix test results: AirVPN failed its Netflix tests.

We were disappointed that we were unable to watch Netflix with AirVPN, even after testing various server locations to see if they could bypass Netflix’s network blocks. Sadly. none of the servers we selected in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or Singapore were capable of accessing Netflix libraries.

AirVPN Netflix test results

	US to US	US to UK	US to Canada	US to Singapore
Did it work with Netflix?

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

• AirVPN DNS leak test results: AirVPN passed its DNS leak tests.
• AirVPN WebRTC leak test results: AirVPN passed its WebRTC leak tests.

DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book, translating URLs into IP addresses. A DNS leak could expose a user's browsing habits. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) allows browsers to communicate directly, but it can leak IP addresses. Fortunately, AirVPN passed both DNS and WebRTC leak tests, ensuring you remain anonymous while using the service.

AirVPN compatibility

AirVPN offers a broad range of compatibility. You can install it on:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• ChromeOS
• Android
• iOS
• Android TV
• Fire OS
• Routers (DD-WRT, Tomato, AsusWRT, pfSense)
• Tor
• SSH tunnel
• SSL tunnel

Additionally, AirVPN supports a maximum of five simultaneous connections.

AirVPN customer support

AirVPN provides a community forum where you can ask and answer questions from fellow AirVPN users and where the AirVPN staff answers any customer inquiries. You can also email their support team or mail a letter via snail mail.

AirVPN prices and subscriptions

AirVPN offers a range of subscription plans tailored to suit various needs and budgets. With a comprehensive suite of features that underscore its premium quality, AirVPN maintains a surprisingly affordable pricing model, particularly if you opt for the longer-term subscription plans, which come with substantial discounts.

For those who prioritize financial privacy, AirVPN provides an additional layer of discretion by accepting cryptocurrency payments. This not only safeguards your digital identity but also ensures your financial transactions remain private.

AirVPN's subscription cost is contingent on its duration. Given the comprehensive features it brings to the table, the rates are competitive. Budget-conscious users will particularly appreciate the value of the extended subscription plans. Beyond standard payment methods, the inclusion of cryptocurrency payments bolsters user anonymity even further.

AirVPN accepts the following payment methods:

• Credit cards
• Online payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, etc.
• Cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, litecoin, bitcoin cash, doge, monero)
• Gift vouchers

AirVPN cost

Plan	Price per term
Three Days	€2.00 ($2.13)
One Month	€7.00/mo ($7.47/mo)
Three Months	€5.00/mo ($5.34/mo)
Six Months	€4.83/mo ($5.15/mo)
One Year	€4.08/mo ($4.35/mo)
Two Years	€3.29/mo ($3.51/mo)
Three Years	€2.75/mo ($2.93/mo)
Learn more	Get AirVPN

VPN alternatives

Protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your data while connected to the internet are among the top reasons why you should use a VPN. Take a look at some of the best VPN services available as excellent VPN alternatives:

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost is a well-known VPN service that offers robust encryption, a large server network, and user-friendly apps for various devices. It's great for streaming and ensures that user privacy remains paramount.

  Get CyberGhost | Read CyberGhost Review
  

• Surfshark: A newer entry in the VPN market, Surfshark offers impressive speeds, modern security features, and a no-logs policy that has been verified by independent third-party audits. It's known for its ability to connect an unlimited number of devices under one subscription.

  Get Surfshark | Read Surfshark Review
  

• NordVPN: One of the most popular VPN services available, NordVPN has a strong focus on privacy and security. Its Double VPN feature ensures data is encrypted twice, adding an extra layer of protection.

  Get NordVPN | Read NordVPN Review
  

AirVPN FAQs

Bottom line: Is AirVPN good?

AirVPN is a solid choice for those who prioritize online privacy and security. While its competitors may offer more bells and whistles, it delivers on its promise of secure and private browsing. It's particularly recommended for users who value transparency and support for cryptocurrency. However, those who prioritize streaming might want to look elsewhere due to AirVPN’s inability to access Netflix. Our best VPNs for streaming can access many major streaming services and provide fast connections while you stream.