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 $2.94-$7.47/mo (charged in Euros), AirVPN distinguishes itself in the realm of privacy-focused VPNs.

Unfortunately, you don't get a whole lot of servers at your disposal with AirVPN, and the UI leaves a lot to be desired. This, combined with some slower speeds, means it falls short of being one of the best VPNs you can choose.

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	$2.94-$7.47/mo (charged in Euros)*
Free version	No
Max # of connected devices	5
# of servers	257 servers in 22 countries
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN
Encryption	AES-256-GCM, CHACHA20-POLY1305
No-logs policy	No logs
Headquarters	Perugia, Italy
Netflix access	Yes
Learn more	Get AirVPN

Our experience

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

We were greeted with an outdated UI and seemingly endless customization options with no real explanation. This leads us to believe that this VPN is not built for the casual user.

But if you like insights into things like logs, server loads, and more, AirVPN does provide lots of that. If that sounds like you, the extra settings will likely be a good thing for you.

When it came to actually connecting to servers, AirVPN was smooth and had lots of good options available. Though the VPN has very few overall servers, we didn't come across too many duds. 

We also appreciated the logs tab, which helped us know what was going on if a server took longer than usual to connect.

Overall, the service was good if not a bit lackluster. Being connected to a server didn't noticeably impact our speeds.

AirVPN’s Eddie interface, though slightly outdated, was functional.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.

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 with its limited servers and its outdated-looking interface called Eddie.

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 prices and subscriptions

AirVPN offers a range of subscription plans ranging from $2.94-$7.47/mo (charged in Euros) and 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	$2.14 (charged in Euros)
One Month	$7.47/mo (charged in Euros)
Three Months	$5.34/mo (charged in Euros, billed for three months)
Six Months	$5.16/mo (charged in Euros, billed for six months)
One Year	$4.36/mo (charged in Euros, billed for a year)
Two Years	$3.51/mo (charged in Euros, billed for two years)
Three Years	$2.94/mo (charged in Euros, billed for two years)

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

• 257 servers in 22 countries

With only 257 servers sprawled across numerous countries with high bandwidth lines, AirVPN offers a small network. 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. This ensures that user activity isn't tracked, stored, or shared.

Unfortunately its headquarters in Italy means its part of the intrusive 14 Eyes Alliance. The location of a VPN's headquarters can significantly influence its operations, especially concerning user data handling. 

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.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling 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.

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
• 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's options under Preferences > Routes.

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 calls this feature Network Lock, which you can find in Preferences. You have several settings available to help customize your needs.

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 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

• Speed test results: AirVPN slowed our download speeds down by 69% on average
  

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 at our test location in New Brunswick, Canada 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, U.K., and New Zealand. We usually test Australia, but because of AirVPN's limited server options, there wasn't one available.

We noticed a marked decrease in download speed for all servers, though upload speed stayed remarkably stable in the United States and Europe.

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

AirVPN speed test results

Test type	No VPN	CA to US	CA to EU	CA to CA	CA to AU
Download speed	310.62 Mbps	90.68 Mbps	84.59 Mbps	103.89 Mbps	109.51 Mbps
Upload speed	54.67 Mbps	50.57 Mbps	52.36 Mbps	37.68 Mbps	22.04 Mbps
Latency (ping)	14 ms	34 ms	107 ms	46 ms	223 ms
Download speed % difference	N/A	-71%	-73%	-66%	-65%
Upload speed % difference	N/A	-8%	-4%	-31%	-60%
Latency % difference	N/A	143%	664%	229%	1,493%

AirVPN Netflix tests

• Netflix test results: Pass

We were able to watch Netflix with AirVPN in all servers that we tried, with no annoying buffering or loading issues.

Again, we were unable to test Australia since AirVPN does not have an Australian server. We instead tried to test New Zealand, but weren't able to access the content because N.Z. doesn't support ad-supported plans.

That said, United States, Canada, and the U.K. went smoothly:

AirVPN Netflix test results

	Canada to US	Canada to UK	Canada to Canada	Canada to Australia
Did it work with Netflix?				N/A

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

• DNS leak test results: Pass
• WebRTC leak test results: Pass

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.

Kill switch test

• Kill switch test results: Fail

We test kill switches by going on IPleak.net and switching servers while the website grabs our DNS address every few seconds. If our real IP address shows up in between the old and new server, then the VPN did not properly shut down all internet traffic when faced with an unexpected disconnection. In other words, it failed.

AirVPN calls its kill switch "Network Lock" and we tested it by switching from a New Zealand server to a United States one. Unfortunately, our real Canadian IP showed up in between the servers.

AirVPN may perform better in other circumstances where you unexpectedly lose connection, but it failed our text.

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

Other than 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.

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:

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 slow speeds and low server count. Our best VPNs for streaming can access many major streaming services and provide fast connections while you stream.