NordVPN vs. PrivadoVPN 2025: Ultra Data Privacy or Affordable Security?

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 is ideal for anyone seeking a virtual private network with top-notch security features that doesn't compromise 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.

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.

NordVPN vs. PrivadoVPN at a glance

• NordVPN: Best for data privacy
• PrivadoVPN: Best for budgets

	Best Overall
Price	From $2.99/mo	From $1.48/mo
Max # of connected devices	10	Unlimited
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
# of servers	8,400+ servers in 120+ countries	Unlisted in 50 countries
VPN protocol	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, SOCKS5
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review

NordVPN pros and cons

NordVPN is a top-notch choice for data privacy, offering comprehensive security features that enhance data protection. It also boasts a massive network of 8,400+ servers in 120+ countries worldwide. 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. Plus, it offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, an intuitive interface, and wide-range compatibility with various platforms.

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, a double VPN, and dedicated IP addresses. 

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.

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 repeat independent audits, ensuring that NordVPN doesn’t collect or track your browsing activity. NordVPN is also headquartered in Panama and doesn’t participate in a surveillance alliance or share intelligence with other countries, as it is outside of intelligence-sharing countries known as the Five Eyes Alliance.

To date, NordVPN has not disclosed any user information to authorities or government entities, demonstrating 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.

PrivadoVPN pros and cons

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 offers 10 GB of monthly data across servers in 13 cities worldwide (e.g., New York, Montreal, London), including 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 compatible with a diverse range of platforms. PrivadoVPN also offers premium plan options that include advanced security features, starting as low as $1.48/mo.

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 offers enhanced privacy through advanced encryption protocols, a split tunneling feature that allows you to select which apps or websites use the VPN for security, and a kill switch to maintain security during connection drops. 

PrivadoVPN also provides user privacy protection through a strict no-log policy, which is compliant with Swiss privacy laws. This commitment ensures that your online activities remain private and untraceable.

While the exact number of servers PrivadoVPN has is undisclosed, its global server network is smaller than NordVPN, with server locations spanning over 66 cities in 50 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, and a dedicated IP. 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.

Which VPN is the better value?

		Best Value
Price range	$2.99–$17.99/mo	$1.48–$10.99/mo
Best value plan	2-year Basic plan for $2.99/mo	2-year plan for $1.48/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review

When comparing the costs, NordVPN's plans start at $2.99/mo, 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 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.

Payment options

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.

NordVPN payment options

• Credit or debit card
• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Cryptocurrencies via CoinGate (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)

PrivadoVPN payment options

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrencies
• Other payment processors like Mint and Sofort

Which VPN is faster?

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 compares the average speed change when connected to VPN servers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.

	Our Pick
Average speed change	13% slower	21% slower
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review

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.

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 throughout repeated historical testing is noteworthy.

Which VPN is more secure?

	Our Pick
Number of servers	8,400+ servers in 120+ countries	Unlisted in 50 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 Read NordVPN Review	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review

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).

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.

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.

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?

	Our Pick
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 Read NordVPN Review	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review

NordVPN’s interface excels across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart devices. It offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, enhancing user experience. The settings are organized intuitively, ensuring both beginners and advanced users can easily navigate. NordVPN also provides comprehensive 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and online guides, ensuring 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 vs. PrivadoVPN alternatives

Based on repeated in-house testing, we think NordVPN is the best VPN provider available. However, we also recommend Surfshark as a solid budget VPN and Proton VPN as the best VPN for enhanced privacy features. Here's how NordVPN compares:

FAQs

Is NordVPN or PrivadoVPN better?

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 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.