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Best free option
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
PrivadoVPN is a secure virtual private network (VPN) with a free option and plenty of features, but if you’re looking for a little more, consider NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN.
NordVPN has useful unique features, Surfshark offers unlimited devices, and Proton VPN doesn’t have data caps on its free tier.
We’ve broken down our top three alternatives and compared them to all the things you love about PrivadoVPN. Read on to see which one is right for you.
NordVPN: Best for unique features
Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices
Proton VPN: Best free option
Honorable mentions
Speed tests
How to choose the best VPN
Why should you use a VPN?
FAQs
Bottom line: The best PrivadoVPN alternatives
The best PrivadoVPN alternatives
- NordVPN: Best for unique features
- Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices
- Proton VPN: Best free option
Top 3 PrivadoVPN alternatives compared
Starting price | Starts at Free | Starts at $3.59/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at Free |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 daysMax, |
Streaming support | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more | Yes - Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, BBC, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more |
Learn more | Get PrivadoVPN | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get ProtonVPN |
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.
NordVPN: Best for unique features
Who it’s best for
If you like the extra features PrivadoVPN offers, like a SOCKS5 proxy or secure encryption tools, then you’ll love NordVPN’s unique features like Onion over VPN and Meshnet.
What we liked
NordVPN offers features competitors don’t, like Meshnet, which is an effective way to create a virtual LAN party (and be able to use a VPN to watch your parents’ Netflix). Threat Protection Pro stops trackers, malware, and other online threats.
The double VPN routes your traffic twice, giving you extra security. And the Onion over VPN option works with Tor browsers for increased anonymity and security.
We could argue that NordVPN offers more than PrivadoVPN, because it includes more unique features. If that’s what you’re looking for in a VPN, then NordVPN is worth your time and money.
What we didn’t like
NordVPN comes in at a much higher price, at $3.59–$15.99/mo, than PrivadoVPN, which ranges between $1.48–$10.99/mo. But that’s because all of those extra features don’t come cheap.
While NordVPN is still affordable, people on budgets might want to sacrifice some of the unique features for a lower monthly cost.
NordVPN specs
Price range | $3.59–$15.99/mo |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
Number of servers | 6,600+ servers in 111 countries |
Number of connected devices | 10 |
Average speed | 253.96 Mbps |
DNS leak test | Pass |
Kill switch test | Pass |
VPN protocol | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get NordVPN |
Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices
Who it’s best for
Unlike PrivadoVPN, which caps its device limit at 10 on its paid plans, Surfshark has unlimited simultaneous device use. If you have a family or just a large number of devices, Surfshark is the obvious choice.
What we liked
Surfshark offers its VPN and antivirus on an unlimited number of devices. Couple that with a strong server network, and you have a step up from PrivadoVPN’s cap of 10 devices on paid plans. While you can add antivirus to your paid PrivadoVPN plan, it has a limit cap.
Surfshark also discloses the number of servers it offers (3,200+ servers in 100 countries), not just the number of locations like PrivadoVPN (servers in 49 countries). Since server count is a deciding factor in how worthwhile a VPN is, knowing this information helps us (and you) evaluate it against the competition.
What we didn’t like
Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is a 14 Eyes Alliance country. Eyes Alliance countries have agreements to spy on each other’s citizens. PrivadoVPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which has much better privacy laws.
While Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, the fact that you’re using a VPN is still information that can be shared if the government mandates it.
Surfshark specs
Price range | $2.19–$17.95/mo |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
Average speed | 254.03 Mbps |
DNS leak test | Pass |
Kill switch test | Pass |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get Surfshark |
Proton VPN: Best free option
Who it’s best for
Budget-conscious people may love PrivadoVPN for its free tier, but the monthly data cap can leave you stranded. ProtonVPN doesn’t cap data on its free plan, which means you can stream, surf, and download without worrying about running out of monthly gigabytes.
What we liked
Like PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN doesn’t have speed caps and doesn’t keep logs. We also like that you won’t have pesky advertisements while using Proton VPN, which is rare for a free product. Proton VPN has many of the features found in premium VPNs but at no cost.
If you want to upgrade, the prices are reasonable. Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which is outside the 14 Eyes.
What we didn’t like
PrivadoVPN free includes 13 server locations you can use on an Unlimited number of devices. Unfortunately, Proton VPN offers only five locations for one device with its free VPN.
If you’re a streamer or gamer, this might not work for you. Upgrading will get you more options, but budget users may feel a crunch even with Proton’s reasonable pricing.
Proton VPN specs
Price range | Free–$9.99/mo |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
Number of servers | 8,500+ servers in 112 countries |
Number of connected devices | 10 |
Average speed | 248.69 Mbps |
DNS leak test | Pass |
Kill switch test | Pass |
VPN protocol | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, Stealth |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get ProtonVPN |
Honorable mentions
PrivadoVPN users looking for something new may want to stick with a VPN similar to Privado. If you want something different than our suggestions above, these honorable mentions include excellent streaming support, proprietary features, and increased security.
We’ve field-tested each one and used them ourselves.
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost prides itself on its streaming and gaming-compatible libraries. We found that CyberGhost is fast and reliable, and its streaming-optimized servers allow you to watch your favorite shows no matter where you are in the world.
Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review - ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers top-notch protection and includes extras like a password manager and an ad and tracker blocker. You can even get an ExpressVPN Aircove router with the software preinstalled to protect your entire home with one connection.
Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review - Private Internet Access (PIA): PIA’s regular VPN includes ad, tracker, and malware blocking, and you can add antivirus and a dedicated IP to your already reasonably priced subscription. While it doesn’t boast about its streaming support, we’ve tested it and found PIA to be effective at unblocking geo-restricted streaming catalogs.
Get PIA | Read Our PIA Review
Speed tests
Your internet speed can be affected by your device, ISP, and even by using Wi-Fi over hard-wired internet. We test using Wi-Fi at normal home speeds to give you an accurate picture of what your speed may look like.
VPN speeds are important because if it slows down your connection too much, you won’t use it. If you don’t use the VPN, you expose yourself to potential security risks.
VPN speed to US server | Normal speed | Speed difference | |
280.88 | 272.71 | +3% | |
274.92 Mbps | 309.06 Mbps | -11.05% | |
306.53 Mbps | 310.54 Mbps | -1.29% |
How to choose the best VPN
Considering the following features and functions to evaluate a VPN:
- Affordable monthly cost
- No logs
- A large variety of servers
- AES-256 bit encryption or comparable
- Low to no internet speed slowdown
- Includes a working kill switch
- Covers at least eight devices under a single subscription (the more, the better)
- Works with streaming and offers streaming support
- Works with a variety of devices and operating systems
- Includes security extras like an ad and tracker blocker, dedicated IP, or even antivirus
- Supports large file transfers and torrenting
Why should you use a VPN?
- Protects you from hackers on shared internet
- Helps you stop ISP throttling
- Unblocks streaming and geo-restricted content
- Provides additional security online with ad, tracker, and malware blockers
- Can help you save money online shopping by reducing price gouging
- Allows for secure download of large files through torrenting support
- Hides your personal data
- Secures personal devices while online gaming
FAQs
Is using a VPN legal?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal. You’ll have to check local and national laws to make sure, but most places do not ban VPNs.
Countries like China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and others do have VPN bans. Travelers should always check local laws to avoid getting into any trouble.
Does using a VPN slow down internet speed?
Any additional processing you add to your internet connection has the potential to slow down internet speeds. In our testing, most of the premium VPNs did slow down our speeds, but not noticeably.
In NordVPN’s case, it actually increased our internet speed during testing.
So, no, a VPN doesn’t necessarily always slow down your speed, but most likely will a little. If it’s noticeable, you should switch to a better quality service.
Is PrivadoVPN an American company?
No, PrivadoVPN is based out of Switzerland. This means increased data privacy and practices for customers who worry about logging and data sharing.
Bottom line: The best PrivadoVPN alternatives
NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN all offer something that PrivadoVPN doesn’t. NordVPN includes more unique features, Surfshark has unlimited device use on paid plans, and Proton VPN is a trustworthy free option with unlimited data use.
If you’re a PrivadoVPN user who wants a little more from their VPN, these options might be right for you.
No matter what you choose, make sure you’re using a VPN to keep you secure. Using the best VPNs can help you save money while online shopping, access geo-restricted streaming catalogs, and even speed up your internet connection.
Who doesn’t want a cheaper, faster, cleaner internet? Start using a VPN today.
3 best PrivadoVPN alternatives 2024
Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
Starts at $3.59/mo (billed every two years) | Best for unique features | Get NordVPN | |
Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best for unlimited devices | Get Surfshark | |
Starts at Free | Best free option | Get ProtonVPN
Read ProtonVPN Review |