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Best for Data Privacy
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Best for Budgets
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Affordable pricing and a free plan option
Fast speeds and unblocks Netflix
Choosing between NordVPN and PrivadoVPN for your online privacy needs? We’ve carefully evaluated their features, server speeds, no-log policies, and pricing plans to help guide your selection.
NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for data privacy with its advanced security features and global network of high-speed servers. Meanwhile, PrivadoVPN is the best VPN for low budgets, offering a free VPN plan with solid encryption and premium security features at an affordable cost.
Learn more in our in-depth review of NordVPN vs PrivadoVPN and discover the best VPNs.
NordVPN is ideal for anyone demanding a virtual private network with top-notch security features without compromising speed. Its advanced security features, such as a double VPN for an enhanced layer of security, protection against malware and cyber threats, and thousands of ultra-speed servers worldwide, make it ideal.
PrivadoVPN gets the job done when it comes to safeguarding your data with solid security features. It offers a free VPN solution with limited capabilities and a premium VPN with superior encryption protocols and dedicated IP addresses at a low cost. This makes PrivadoVPN the perfect choice for anyone on a budget seeking a secure and reliable VPN solution.
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| Price | From $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | From $1.48/mo (billed every two years) |
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries | Unlisted in 49 countries |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, SOCKS5 |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get PrivadoVPN |
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.
NordVPN is a top-notch choice for data privacy because it offers exhaustive security functions that enhance data protection. It also boasts a massive network of 6,800+ servers in 111 countries worldwide.
Some highlights include military-grade encryption, fast and secure protocols like its proprietary NordLynx (built on WireGuard) to boost download speeds, a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and more advanced features like Threat Protection, Meshnet, a double VPN, and dedicated IP addresses.
Plus, it offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, an intuitive interface, and wide-range compatibility with various platforms.
The robust Threat Protection feature has superb blocking capabilities that stop intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious websites while scanning downloads for malware and viruses. This protects your device from threats online and alerts you about risky apps.
Meshnet enables private networking between up to 60 devices for secure file sharing, gaming, and remote work collaboration without first routing through a VPN server, significantly expanding the standard limit from 10 devices to 60. Plus, with the wide availability of thousands of global servers and dedicated IP addresses, NordVPN sidesteps network blocks, easily making it one of the best VPNs for streaming.
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Specialized servers are available for various purposes, like Onion over VPN (Tor) for secure torrenting and P2P servers for secure file sharing. There’s also a double VPN, which adds another layer of protection, encrypting internet traffic through two servers and obscuring trails.
Plus, its vetted no-logs policy has successfully passed an independent audit performed by Deloitte in late 2023, ensuring that NordVPN doesn’t collect or track your browsing activity. NordVPN is also headquartered in Panama, and it doesn’t participate in a surveillance alliance or share intelligence with other countries since it is outside of intelligence-sharing countries called Eyes Alliances.
To date, NordVPN has not given up any user information to authorities or government entities, proving its commitment to user privacy. While it’s packed with features, it is less affordable than some competitors, and its advanced features may have a bit of a learning curve for beginners.
If you’re looking to save money on a VPN but want a reliable VPN service to begin securing your data and web traffic, PrivadoVPN offers significant value with an appealing free version. The free version provides 10 GB of monthly data across servers in 13 cities around the globe (e.g., New York, Montreal, London), AES-256 encryption, secure protocols, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
However, it has limited server options and doesn’t include an ad blocker and other premium features. That said, PrivadoVPN is intuitive to navigate and is compatible with diverse platforms.
PrivadoVPN also has premium plan options that offer advanced security features and start as low as $1.48/mo (billed every two years).
PrivadoVPN’s premium plans support up to Unlimited simultaneous connections and offer unlimited data. This includes VPN servers in 66 cities worldwide, a comprehensive ad blocker, SOCKS5 proxy support for secure file transfers and faster download speeds, and parental controls for social media sites.
Like NordVPN, it provides enhanced privacy with advanced encryption protocols, a split tunneling feature that allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN for security, and a kill switch for maintaining security during connection drops.
PrivadoVPN also provides user privacy protection through a strict no-log policy under Swiss privacy laws, which means it’s committed to keeping your online activities private and untraceable.
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While the exact number of servers PrivadoVPN is unknown, its global server network is smaller than NordVPN, with server locations spanning iver 66 cities in 49 countries. Impressively, we could still watch Netflix and stream our favorite movies, proving that PrivadoVPN can bypass geo-blocks with its servers.
PrivadoVPN lacks the advanced features found in NordVPN, including a double VPN, P2P servers, a dedicated IP, or Meshnet. Additionally, those seeking immediate assistance might prefer live chat support over PrivadoVPN’s 24/7 ticketed support system. Those who value privacy will be disappointed that PrivadoVPN’s no-logs policy has not undergone an independent audit.
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Best Value | |
| Price range | $2.99–$17.99/mo | Free–$10.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 2-year Basic plan for $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | 2-year plan for $1.48/mo (billed every two years) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get PrivadoVPN |
When comparing the costs, NordVPN's plans start at $2.99/mo (billed every two years), providing extensive security features, a wide server network, and high-speed performance. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize comprehensive protection and advanced functionalities.
On the other hand, PrivadoVPN offers an affordable option starting at $1.48/mo (billed every two years) for a two-year plan. Despite its lower cost, it delivers solid security features and reliable connections, making it perfect for those on a budget. Both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their services without financial risk.
NordVPN and PrivadoVPN offer multiple payment methods, ensuring flexibility and privacy. But NordVPN accepts more payment options, offering a range of choices for its customers.
We tested NordVPN's and PrivadoVPN's internet speeds to determine how each VPN impacts browsing and streaming experiences. To ensure accurate and comprehensive results, we used a high-speed connection on various devices, including a Windows PC and an Android smartphone.
The table below shows how each VPN affects your internet speed compared to not being connected to a VPN server:
Our Pick |
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| US | 44.72% faster | 19.74% slower |
| Canada | 41.30% faster | 22.59% slower |
| UK | 31.47% faster | 28.30% slower |
| AU | 12.21% faster | 27.20% slower |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get PrivadoVPN |
NordVPN consistently outperformed PrivadoVPN in speed tests, with significantly faster speeds across all locations. Notably, NordVPN provided much faster speeds for U.S., Canadian, and U.K. servers. While both VPNs experienced slower speeds in Australia, NordVPN maintained a higher performance level than PrivadoVPN.
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It’s important to note that physical distance from the server impacts speed and latency. Users connecting to distant servers, like those in the U.K. or Australia, may experience slower speeds due to the greater physical distance, which increases latency.
Plus, it’s unusual for a VPN service to actually improve speeds. Typically, you should see a decrease in download and upload speeds when connected to a VPN server. So the fact that NordVPN improved our speeds is noteworthy.
Our Pick |
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| Number of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries | Unlisted in 49 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Panama | Switzerland |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN | IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, SOCKS5 |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | Yes (Threat Protection) | Yes (Control Tower) |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get PrivadoVPN |
NordVPN excels in security with AES-256-GCM encryption and protocols such as its proprietary NordLynx (built on WireGuard), IKEv2/IPSec, and OpenVPN. Its features include an automatic kill switch, customizable split tunneling, and DNS and ad filtering, enhancing user safety in multiple ways.
Plus, the inclusion of NordVPN Threat Protection blocks risky websites, stops web tracking, cleans up ads, and protects your device from malware and computer viruses (much like antivirus software).
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Based in Panama, NordVPN operates outside surveillance alliances, keeping user activity hidden from governmental monitors. Deloitte has independently audited NordVPN's strict no-logs policy to ensure top-notch privacy.
PrivadoVPN also offers strong security with AES-256 encryption and supports IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols. Like NordVPN, it includes a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS, and ad filtering. The Privado VPN premium plan offers Control Tower, an advanced security feature that includes an ad blocker, threat protection, and parental controls.
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Based in Switzerland, where privacy laws are strict, PrivadoVPN adheres to a no-logs policy. However, without independent audit confirmation, privacy-conscious users might question the integrity of its logging practices.
Our Pick |
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Routers | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge | |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Email, online guides |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get PrivadoVPN |
NordVPN’s interface excels across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart devices. It provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, enhancing usability. The settings are organized intuitively, ensuring both beginners and advanced users easily navigate. NordVPN also delivers comprehensive 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and online guides, guaranteeing immediate assistance whenever needed.
PrivadoVPN supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and smart devices but lacks designated apps for Linux and routers (though you can install it manually). Its straightforward interface suits less tech-savvy individuals, offering ease of use. However, customer support relies on an email ticket system, knowledge base, and FAQs without the immediacy of live chat. While functional, those needing instant support will find NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat more effective.
NordVPN offers more progressive security measures, an extensive server network, and swifter speeds, making it a wiser selection for those who prioritize data privacy and speed.
Yes, NordVPN is deemed one of the most secure VPNs due to its robust encryption, validated no-logs policy, and state-of-the-art security functions like double VPN and Threat Protection.
Yes. PrivadoVPN has robust encryption, adheres to Swiss privacy laws, and doesn’t participate in a surveillance alliance. However, its no-logs policy has yet to be independently audited and verified by a third-party company.
NordVPN is the best choice for those prioritizing data privacy and advanced security features. With its extensive server network, robust encryption protocols, and a verified no-logs policy, NordVPN ensures your online activities remain private and secure. Additionally, features like Threat Protection, Meshnet, and double VPN provide extra security and convenience. However, it comes at a higher price point.
PrivadoVPN is ideal for budget-conscious individuals seeking a reliable VPN with solid security features. Offering a free plan, strong encryption, and essential privacy protections, PrivadoVPN delivers excellent value. While it comparatively lacks some advanced features and an independent audit of its no-logs policy, it still performs well for basic VPN needs.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
If NordVPN and PrivadoVPN don’t meet your needs, consider these tested alternatives:
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| Price | $1.99–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$6.99/mo | $4.99–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 7 | 8 |
| # of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Unlisted in 100 countries | Unlisted in 105 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | The Netherlands | Romania | British Virgin Islands |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN |
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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