AirVPN Review 2025: Elevating Your Online Anonymity

AirVPN is a good choice to secure your internet connection and enhance your digital privacy, but our testing revealed it's not suited for casual users.

AirVPN is a competitive choice for security-focused and advanced VPN users, as it boasts strong encryption utilizing AES-256-GCM and can be integrated with the Tor browser.

But some elements leave room for improvement, especially the limited server list.  AirVPN offers fewer than 300 servers, which could easily lead to overcrowding. It also didn't perform well during our in-house speed tests. And we were disappointed that it has no history of third-party audits, meaning AirVPN still needs to earn our trust. 

In our comprehensive AirVPN review, we’ll uncover its pricing plans, security features, and testing performance so you can determine if it's the best VPN for you.

Pros
  • AES-256-GCM encryption
  • Tor integration
  • Lots of advanced use potential
Cons
  • Outdated interface
  • Limited server locations
  • Can be overwhelming for new users
In this article
At a glance
Our experience
Who is it best for?
Prices and subscriptions
Features
Our experience
Test results
Compatibility
Customer support
Top alternatives
FAQs
Bottom line

At a glance

Price $3.20-$8.14/mo (charged in Euros)*
Free version No
Max # of connected devices 5
# of servers 250+ servers in 23 countries
VPN protocol WireGuard, OpenVPN
Encryption AES-256-GCM, CHACHA20-POLY1305
No-logs policy No logs
Headquarters Italy
Netflix access Yes
Learn more Get AirVPN
* Subscriptions are charged in Euros. Exchange rates as of 08/11/2025.

How we test and rate VPNs

We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.

Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.

To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.

We last tested AirVPN on August 11, 2025.

#1 Rated VPN for Privacy and Security
5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
2025 Editor’s Choice
Best Overall VPN
VPN
NordVPN
Get up to 77% off + 3 extra months
  • #1 rated VPN with 8,000+ servers ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 120+ countries
  • Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
  • All-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more

Our experience

AirVPN provided a decent experience for us, but it was definitely not outstanding. Installation was smooth, though perhaps a bit confusing since you're actually downloading Eddie UI to access AirVPN.

AirVPN outdated setup

We were greeted with an outdated UI and seemingly endless customization options with no real explanation. This leads us to believe that this virtual private network (VPN) isn't built for the casual user.

AirVPN dashboard not connected

However, if you're interested in gaining insights into logs, server loads, and more, AirVPN does provide a wealth of that information. If that sounds like you, the extra settings will likely be a good thing for you.

AirVPN countries list

When it came to actually connecting to servers, AirVPN was smooth and offered a wide range of options. Although the VPN has a relatively small number of servers overall, we didn't encounter many issues. 

We also appreciated the Logs tab, which helped us understand what was happening if a server took longer than usual to connect. But we can't imagine that everyday users would benefit from the extra noise. 

AirVPN logs

Overall, the service wasn't great. Our speeds tanked when connected to VPN servers, even those located in the U.S. 

But AirVPN’s Eddie interface, though slightly outdated, was functional. It could certainly use an upgrade in the looks department. Navigating it was simple, but there are many better VPNs out there, considering usability, performance, and perks. 

Who is AirVPN best for?

  • Recommended for advanced users who prioritize privacy.

If you're tech-savvy and 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 due to its limited server selection and outdated-looking interface, known as Eddie.

However, AirVPN redeems itself with its commitment to privacy. While AirVPN’s server list may not be as extensive as that of other providers, such as NordVPN, it compensates with robust security features, including AES-256-GCM encryption and port forward secrecy. 

AirVPN also supports Tor, which provides an additional 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 prices and subscriptions

AirVPN offers a range of subscription plans, ranging from $3.20-$8.14/mo (charged in Euros), tailored to suit various term lengths. AirVPN maintains a surprisingly affordable pricing model, particularly when opting for the longer-term subscription plans, which come with substantial discounts.

Plan Price per term
Three days $2.32 (charged in Euros)
One month $8.14/mo (charged in Euros)
Three months $5.81/mo (charged in Euros, billed for three months)
Six months $5.61/mo (charged in Euros, billed for six months)
One year $4.74/mo (charged in Euros, billed for a year)
Two years $3.82/mo (charged in Euros, billed for two years)
Three years $3.20/mo (charged in Euros, billed for three years)
Learn more View plans

Exchange rate as of 08/11/2025.

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 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

While AirVPN doesn’t offer a free version, it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You must send a written refund request within 30 business days of your subscription payment, as listed in its Terms of Service.

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

  • 250+ servers in 23 countries

With only 250+ servers sprawled across numerous countries with high bandwidth lines, AirVPN offers a small network. 

AirVPN servers list

Keep in mind, though, that the number of servers available with AirVPN 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. This ensures that user activity isn't tracked, stored, or shared. But we didn't find any history of third-party audits to validate these claims.

Unfortunately, AirVPN's headquarters in Italy means it's part of the intrusive 14 Eyes Alliance. The location of a VPN's headquarters can significantly impact its operations, particularly in terms of handling user data. 

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 automatically select the best option based on connection and network conditions may be the best choice. However, those with specific needs can manually choose their preferred protocol in the app's settings.

AirVPN protocols

Split tunneling

Split tunneling is a specialized feature that allows you to partition your internet traffic. Specific applications or websites can be routed through the VPN, while others can be directed straight to the internet. This provides flexibility and targeted security based on individual preferences.

The Eddie Android edition introduces an advanced split tunneling feature, allowing users to choose which apps use 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
  • 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.

In AirVPN's interface, you can find split tunneling options under Preferences > Routes.

AirVPN Routes aka split tunneling feature

Kill switch

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. 

AirVPN refers to this feature as Network Lock, which can be found in the Preferences section. You have several settings available to help customize your needs.

AirVPN Network Lock aka Kill Switch feature

Bonus features

AirVPN proudly boasts some bonus features, including:

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

AirVPN test results

In our commitment to providing readers with comprehensive reviews of VPN services, we undertook a series of tests to evaluate AirVPN's performance, focusing particularly on its speed, 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 significantly contribute to a VPN's utility and security, directly impacting the user experience.

Speed tests

  • Speed test results: AirVPN slowed our download speeds by an average of -68%

Understanding a VPN’s bandwidth performance is crucial for users who rely on consistent speeds for tasks like streaming, gaming, or downloading. We used a Lenovo laptop running Windows 11 in the 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:

AirVPN speed test baseline speed not connected

Next, we tested various AirVPN server location speeds in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and New Zealand. We usually test Australia, but because of AirVPN's limited server options, there wasn't one available.

Test type No VPN US to US US to CA US to EU US to NZ
Download speed 492.98 Mbps 81.17 Mbps
140.27 Mbps 208.97 Mbps
185.25 Mbps
Upload speed 38.34 Mbps 31.10 Mbps 35.93 Mbps 33.11 Mbps 16.08 Mbps
Latency (ping) 30 ms 62 ms 71 ms 195 ms 222 ms
Download speed % difference N/A -83.53% -71.54% -57.61% -62.42%
Upload speed % difference N/A -18.88% 6.28% -13.64% -58.05%
Latency % difference N/A 106.66% 136.66% +550% +640%
Test results as of 08/11/2025.

To test AirVPN's speeds, we connected to servers in Atlanta, Manchester, and Montreal. AirVPN doesn't have any AU servers, so we connected to a server in Auckland, New Zealand instead. We found that AirVPN tanked our download speeds across the board. 

While it's expected that distant servers will have slower speeds and higher latency, we experienced a significant performance drop even when connected to U.S. servers. From a physical location in North Carolina, we connected to a server in Atlanta, Georgia, which should have produced a strong connection. Instead, our speeds dropped -83.53%. Ouch.

AirVPN speed test US to US

Honestly, all the servers we saw had fewer than two stars, indicating that our connection wouldn't be great regardless of which server was selected. Bottom line, using AirVPN may require some trial and error to find a server that works best for you. 

AirVPN has poor server performance

Netflix tests

  • Netflix test results: AirVPN unblocked Netflix in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. 

We were able to watch Netflix with AirVPN on all servers that we tried. Again, we couldn't test Netflix Australia since AirVPN does not have a server in Australia. We instead tried to test New Zealand, but weren't able to access the content because New Zealand doesn't support ad-supported plans.

US to US US to CA US to UK US to AU
Did it work with Netflix? N/A
Test results as of 08/011/2025.

That said, unblocking Netflix libraries in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom went smoothly. 

AirVPN Netflix test UK

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

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

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) enables browsers to communicate directly; however, it can potentially leak IP addresses.

Fortunately, AirVPN passed both DNS and WebRTC leak tests, ensuring you remain anonymous while using the service.

AirVPN passed the WebRTC Leak test
AirVPN passed the WebRTC Leak test

AirVPN passed the DNS Leak test
AirVPN passed the DNS Leak test

Kill switch test

  • Kill switch test results: AirVPN passed its kill switch test. 

We test kill switches by visiting IPleak.net and switching servers while the website retrieves our DNS address every few seconds. If our internet service provider (ISP) appears between the old and new servers, then the VPN did not correctly shut down all internet traffic when faced with an unexpected disconnection. 

AirVPN calls its kill switch "Network Lock," and we tested it by switching from a New York server to a server in Toronto, Ontario. Unlike our last round of testing, our ISP did not leak, meaning AirVPN passed the kill switch test. 

AirVPN passed the kill switch test
AirVPN passed the kill switch test

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 up to five simultaneous connections.

AirVPN customer support

AirVPN's customer support leaves much to be desired, but its forums are a goldmine for information thanks to a smart and invested user base.

In addition to searching the forum archives or posting your own thread and hoping for a response, you also have the option to reach out to the support team via email or even snail mail.

Top 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. But other reasons include unblocking streaming libraries, browsing online to get the best deals, and bypassing other geo-restrictions. Unfortunately, AirVPN didn't perform well during our speed tests, so we recommend these alternatives for a more seamless experience.

Award Best overall VPN Best value VPN Best privacy VPN
Star rating
5.0
4.9
4.9
Price $3.09–$17.99/mo $1.99–$20.65/mo $3.59–$9.99/mo
Max # of connected devices 10 Unlimited 10
# of servers 8,000+ servers in 120+ countries 3,200+ servers in 100 countries 13,800+ servers in 120+ countries
Netflix access
Learn more Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get Proton VPN

AirVPN FAQs

Is AirVPN better than NordVPN?

No. While AirVPN offers CHACHA20-POLY35 encryption and perfect forward secrecy, NordVPN has a larger server network and offers features like double VPN servers, an ad and tracker blocker, and Meshnet. NordVPN is the best overall VPN we've tested, whereas AirVPN is lackluster with a super outdated interface. 

Who is AirVPN’s parent company?

AirVPN parent’s company is "Air," established at the end of 2012. Before Air took over, AirVPN was managed by Iridium. Air now exclusively operates AirVPN, emphasizing network neutrality and anti-censorship projects.

Does AirVPN have split tunneling?

Yes, AirVPN offers split tunneling. It allows you to choose which apps or websites to route through the VPN and which to access directly. The split tunneling feature is found under the "Route" tab. 

Does AirVPN keep logs?

AirVPN operates with a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn't track or store users’ online activities. However, AirVPN has not undergone third-party testing, which means the validity of its privacy claims has not been verified. Top VPN providers undergo repeat third-party audits to build user trust. 

Bottom line: Is AirVPN good?

AirVPN is a reliable option for individuals 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 those who value transparency and support for cryptocurrency.

However, those who want a premium service that's easy to use should look elsewhere due to AirVPN’s low server count and clunky interface. The best VPNs can easily access many major streaming services and provide fast connections consistently.

4.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On AirVPN's website
VPN
AirVPN
  • AES-256-GCM encryption
  • Lots of advanced settings
  • Can be overwhelming for new users
Author Details
Mars is a California-based cybersecurity professional and writer currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity. With interests ranging from OSINT to ethical hacking and threat intelligence, Mars leverages years of writing experience to produce informative content on topics such as Internet guides and VPNs.
Kate is an Editor at All About Cookies. She has a decade of digital publishing experience and a background in EdTech. As a digital security expert, she leverages her passion for helping people to create authentic, well-researched content on a wide-range of digital privacy and security topics.