PrivateVPN Review 2025: Is It Small But Mighty?

PrivateVPN is a basic VPN that can secure your internet activities, but some aspects of it are subpar. It had an average downoad speed drop of close to 80%, which could be attributed to the small server network.

However, we do like that includes dedicated IP addresses with your subscription rather than as an add-on. It also supports port forwarding and includes features to bypass VPN blocks. 

In our PrivateVPN review, we break down everything from pricing and security features to its performance in our extensive testing.

At a glance

We last tested PrivateVPN on January 10, 2025.

Our experience

Downloading and installing PrivateVPN was straightforward. Once installed, he service provides tutorials for VPN activities like unblocking streaming services and connecting from restricted countries. 

We also like that you can choose between a simple view and an advanced view in the PrivateVPN desktop app. The advanced view reveals more advanced settings, but you don’t need to dig through these if you’re a VPN newbie and prefer the simple view.

However, we wish there was a kill switch toggle directly on the simple view, which some of the best VPN interfaces tend to do. There's no way to access to the settings in simple view, so you'll need to open advanced view for this. 

Thanks to the clearly laid-out server list, choosing and connecting to a server was simple. You can also easily star your favorite server and compare server latency. The VPN connected swiftly without any hitches. 

For the most part, we didn't have any dramatic issues testing PrivateVPN. Its performance is not up to par compared to some of the best VPNs we've tested, but it gets the job done. 

Who is PrivateVPN best for?

• Recommended for individuals who want strong privacy features without sacrificing ease of use

PrivateVPN is perfect for anyone who values the ability to unblock geo-restricted content, including popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. The company is based in Sweden and has a strict no-logs policy, which is particularly attractive to those concerned about privacy, as Sweden has stringent privacy laws.

PrivateVPN supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, L2TP, IPsec, and WireGuard. It’s a great choice for both newcomers and tech-savvy users. It also allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, which makes it a great choice for people who have a lot of devices or for large households.

The ability to pay with Bitcoin also adds an extra layer of privacy, especially for those who want to keep their purchases anonymous.

PrivateVPN prices and subscriptions

PrivateVPN has one plan tier with prices that range between $2.00–$9.90/mo. The price you pay is determined by your subscription length.

Long-term PrivateVPN plans offer considerable discounts. The three-month plan costs $6.00/mo (billed every three months) and the 36-month plan comes in at an absolute steal at $2.00/mo (billed every three years).

The 36-month plan is highly competitive with other VPN providers:

• PrivateVPN: $2.00/mo (billed every three years)
• Surfshark: $2.19/mo (billed every two years)
• NordVPN: $3.09/mo (billed every two years)
• ExpressVPN: $4.99/mo (billed every two years)

PrivateVPN features

PrivateVPN provides a good range of VPN protocols and security features, plus it can unblock geo-restricted streaming services. It covers the basics of security features, including a kill switch, military-grade encryption, and multiple VPN protocols. 

There's no split tunneling option, which is a common VPN feature. But PrivateVPN does offer extras like the ability to bypass VPN blocks, port forwarding, and P2P/torrenting support. 

Server count and countries

• 200+ servers in 63 countries

PrivateVPN has a subpar server network compared to top-tier VPN providers. For example, NordVPN has 7,400+ servers in 118 countries while Proton VPN has 12,000+ servers in 117 countries.

The importance of server count and the spread of locations can't be overstated. A large server count generally means less server load, which can translate into faster speeds. We saw a couple servers with their ping listed as timeout. 

We do like that PrivateVPN offers a number of dedicated IP/torrenting servers. Many VPN providers charge extra for a dedicated IP, so it’s nice to see this built-in at no additional cost.

No-logs policy and headquarters

• PrivateVPN logs policy: No logs
• PrivateVPN headquarters: Sweden

A no-logs policy is a promise from the VPN provider not to record or store any of your online browsing activities. This means the VPN has no information to provide to a government agency or a third party if it’s requested.

Of course, you’ll need to provide some information to PrivateVPN in order to create an account and pay for your subscription. This may include your email address and credit card number, depending on how you set up your account and choose to pay. 

However, PrivateVPN only shares this information as necessary to provide you with its service. This data is also only stored as long as is necessary.

PrivateVPN's commitment to not keeping logs is a major plus for privacy-conscious users. In fact, PrivateVPN markets itself as a no-logs VPN, meaning it doesn't log any data. 

However, we couldn't find any information on third party-audits of this policy. So we just have to take PrivateVPN's word for it. 

The location of a VPN's headquarters is also crucial, as it determines which country's laws the VPN provider is subject to. Sweden, where PrivateVPN is headquartered, is known for its strong privacy protections, though it is part of the 14 Eyes alliance, which is an international surveillance alliance. 

This means the government is less likely to request user data — but even if it did, PrivateVPN's no-logs policy means there’s no data to hand over.

Split tunneling

Unfortunately, PrivateVPN doesn't include a split tunneling feature. 

Split tunneling allows you to choose which part of your internet traffic goes through the VPN and which part accesses the internet directly. This means you can protect your sensitive data by routing it through the VPN while accessing local websites as usual. 

Kill switch

A kill switch is a safeguard designed to automatically disconnect your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This can help prevent your real IP address and other sensitive information from being exposed when the VPN connection drops. 

The PrivateVPN kill switch can be activated in the Advanced View .

VPN protocols

PrivateVPN also offers a variety of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, L2TP, and IPsec. The choice of protocol depends on whether you prioritize speed or security. 

For a balance of both, OpenVPN is usually the recommended choice. However, the VPN app can auto-select a protocol if you're unsure which to use.

Stealth VPN

Lastly, you can choose to turn on Stealth VPN, a feature that essentially hides the fact that you’re using a VPN and helps you get around censorship in countries like China and Russia.

PrivateVPN test results

When testing VPNs, it's crucial to evaluate their impact on internet speed. A great VPN should provide security and privacy features without significantly compromising your connection speed. To assess this, we carried out speed tests with PrivateVPN, both with the VPN turned on and off.

Speed tests

• Speed test results: PrivateVPN decreased our speeds by an average of 78%

We test all the VPNs we review to determine how they would impact our download speeds, upload speeds, and latency. We select a couple servers around the world to see how distance affects our baseline speed. 

To set a baseline, we conducted an initial speed test without the VPN turned on. The tests were performed on a Windows device in a physical location.

PrivateVPN now has one of the lowest speed test scores among all the VPNs we've tested. We started with the Dallas server, which was listed with the lowest ping among all the U.S. servers (10 ms). 

But we were stunned by how much PrivateVPN dropped our speed with such a closeby server:

We didn't have much hope with the other servers because they would all be outside of the U.S. However, our slowest speeds were with the Canadian server and the Australian server results were just below the U.S. server.

This is where a larger server network would benefit PrivateVPN, to reduce server load with more options and provide a .  

Netflix tests

• Netflix test results: PrivateVPN unblocked Netflix libraries in all countries we tested.

Our tests proved that PrivateVPN can access Netflix libraries across different regions. People often turn to VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions imposed by streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. This enables them to enjoy content that isn’t available in their region.

PrivateVPN unblocked Netflix in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. It did so without any real issues, including lag or buffering.  This means that no matter where you are in the world, you can use PrivateVPN to access a vast array of Netflix content.

It’s important to note that VPN performance varies quite significantly. Therefore, its ability to access Netflix content from different regions will change as Netflix continues its attempts to detect and block VPNs. 

For example, PrivateVPN was able to access the Australian Netflix library during our 2023 test, lost the ability in 2024, and was able to connect again in 2025. 

DNS leak tests

• DNS leak test results: PrivateVPN passed its DNS leak test.

DNS, or Domain Name System, is the protocol that translates website names into IP addresses. A DNS leak occurs when your VPN fails to secure your DNS queries, revealing your internet service provider’s (ISP’s) DNS servers and, consequently, your online activities to your ISP or other third parties. 

PrivateVPN passed our DNS leak test, which means it has adequate DNS leak protection and maintains your privacy.

WebRTC leak tests

• WebRTC leak test results: No leaks

WebRTC is a feature that enables video and voice calls, as well as P2P sharing within a browser. It stands for Web Real-Time Communication. However, WebRTC is prone to IP leaks, even if you’re using a VPN.

A WebRTC leak test checks if your real IP address is exposed while using a VPN. PrivateVPN passed the WebRTC leak test, meaning it successfully masked our IP address, reinforcing its promise of anonymity.

Kill switch test

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

A kill switch protects your real IP in the event your VPN connection is disrupted or your internet drops. A VPN kill switch worth its salt won't reveal your IP, but PrivateVPN didn't hold up to its security promise. 

One way to test whether the enabled kill switch works is to switch servers during a leak test. We switched from a server in Mexico to a server in Argentina and our true IP wasn't revealed. 

PrivateVPN compatibility

PrivateVPN works with several devices and platforms and offers dedicated apps for a handful of operating systems and device types. We’d love to see PrivateVPN offer more apps for different devices, like smart TVs and routers.

Here's a quick list of device and mobile apps that PrivateVPN provides:

• Window
• macOS
• iOS (iPhone and iPad)
• Android
• Linux
• Routers
• Kodi
• Amazon Fire OS
• Google Chrome (browser extension)

PrivateVPN customer support

PrivateVPN offers several customer support avenues to help you with any issues or questions you may have, including 24/7 live chat, email (support@privatevpn.com), and a self-guided support center. 

Self-service center

PrivateVPN boasts a wealth of online resources, including FAQs, setup guides, and a troubleshooting section on its website. These resources are comprehensive and easy to follow, even for VPN newcomers.

24/7 live chat

All plans include a 24/7 live chat option, so you can get real-time assistance whenever you need it.

During our interaction, we found the customer service representatives to be prompt, friendly, and helpful. They were ready to clarify doubts and resolve issues effectively. Overall, PrivateVPN's customer support measures up well, so you’ll likely have access to the help you need when you need it.

Top alternatives

While PrivateVPN offers a solid VPN service, it's always good to have alternatives in mind. Each VPN service has its own set of strengths and potential drawbacks. 

Here are three tested alternatives to PrivateVPN, each with its unique features and capabilities.

FAQs

Bottom line: Is PrivateVPN good?

PrivateVPN offers a sufficient balance between speed, privacy, and versatility. It performs well with stable connections and successfully unblocks streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. This, plus its low price for the 36-month plan, makes it a great solution for casual browsers and heavy streamers alike. 

We especially liked its user-friendly interface, which makes it a great choice for newcomers to the VPN world. Finally, let’s not forget its strict no-logs policy and the fact that it's based in a country known for respecting privacy (Sweden).

However, PrivateVPN has fewer servers than most of its competitors. This could limit its functionality in certain situations. The good thing is that PrivateVPN manages these servers well by providing reliable and speedy connections. 

Even so, if you’re looking for a larger server count or specific VPN features, check out our list of the best VPN services for more recommendations.