PrivateVPN Review

Overview

PrivateVPN is a Sweden-based VPN service that offers a compelling combination of security, speed, and affordability. Despite being a smaller provider compared to industry giants, it has built a solid reputation for reliability and privacy-focused features. With its straightforward approach and competitive pricing, PrivateVPN has become an attractive option for users seeking a balance between performance and cost.

Our Score: 9.1/10
Ranked 5th out of 198 VPNs

Our Evaluation

Our team conducted extensive testing of PrivateVPN’s services, examining its security protocols, connection speeds, streaming capabilities, and overall user experience. We also analyzed its privacy policy and customer support responsiveness to provide a comprehensive assessment.

PrivateVPN delivers impressive performance for its price point, with strong encryption, reliable connections, and the ability to unblock most streaming platforms. While its server network is smaller than some competitors, the strategic placement of servers ensures good coverage in key locations worldwide. The service offers a genuine 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test all features risk-free.

PrivateVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

Pros:

Excellent value for money
Strong security features
Good streaming capabilities
User-friendly interface
Supports up to 6 simultaneous connections
High-speed connections
Works in restrictive countries
Strict no-logs policy

Cons:

Smaller server network than major competitors
Limited advanced features
Customer support not 24/7
No dedicated browser extensions

PrivateVPN Features — 2025 Update

Price

Starting at $2.00/month with special discount offers available.

Key Features

Score: 9.0/10
2048-bit encryption with AES-256
Multiple protocol options (OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2)
Strict no-logs policy
Kill switch
Port forwarding
Stealth VPN mode for bypassing restrictions
IPv6 leak protection
DNS leak protection
Up to 6 simultaneous connections

Streaming

Score: 9.2/10
Successfully unblocks Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more
Works with BBC iPlayer consistently
Good performance for HD and 4K streaming
Some occasional buffering on very distant servers

Speed

Score: 9.3/10
Impressive speeds on local connections
Good performance on international servers
Minimal speed loss with nearby servers
Fast enough for HD streaming and online gaming
Consistent connections with minimal drops

Gaming

Score: 9.0/10
Low enough latency for most online games
Stable connections for uninterrupted gameplay
Protection against DDoS attacks
Access to region-restricted games
Port forwarding for improved gaming experience

Security and Privacy

PrivateVPN offers robust security features including:

2048-bit encryption with AES-256
Multiple secure protocols (OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2)
Strict no-logs policy
Based in Sweden (14 Eyes alliance, but with strong privacy laws)
Stealth VPN technology to bypass censorship
Perfect forward secrecy
Built-in leak protection

Device Compatibility

PrivateVPN works on most popular devices:

Windows, Mac, Linux
iOS, Android
Amazon Fire TV
Routers
Kodi
No browser extensions

Customer Support

Email and live chat support (not 24/7). Also offers:

Detailed setup guides
Troubleshooting articles
Remote installation assistance
Comprehensive knowledge base

Conclusion

PrivateVPN offers an excellent balance of performance, security, and affordability. While it doesn’t have the largest server network or the most advanced features, it excels at providing a reliable, user-friendly service that meets the needs of most VPN users. Its ability to unblock streaming platforms, maintain good speeds, and offer strong security makes it a solid choice, especially for budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on essential VPN functionality. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, PrivateVPN is definitely worth considering in 2025.