ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Alternative VPN Review
Privado VPN
Use Cases
PrivadoVPN is well-suited for casual users looking for secure, private browsing, as well as those who occasionally stream or torrent. Its free tier is perfect for light usage, while the premium plan offers great value for consistent use on multiple devices.
Server Coverage
PrivadoVPN has a network of 320+ servers in 45 countries. While the server count is lower than competitors, it covers popular locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. The network supports streaming and P2P traffic, with some servers optimized for torrenting.
Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.
Privado Speed Test Results
Performance Metrics
- Speeds: Speeds are reliable on premium servers, averaging 200-250 Mbps. Free servers are slightly slower, ranging from 50-100 Mbps depending on congestion.
- Streaming: Supports unblocking Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu on premium plans, but the free plan struggled with these services.
Privado Pricing Tiers:
Pricing and Value
PrivadoVPN offers two main pricing tiers:
- Free Plan: 10 GB monthly data, access to 12 servers, one simultaneous connection.
- Premium Plan: $4.99/month (billed annually), includes unlimited data, access to all servers, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.
The free plan is generous compared to many competitors, making PrivadoVPN an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.
Privacy and Security Features
PrivadoVPN is built around strong privacy measures:
- Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption, one of the strongest encryption standards.
- Protocols: Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, balancing speed and security.
- No-Logs Policy: Based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, PrivadoVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy.
- Kill Switch: Automatically blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops.
- IPv6 and DNS Leak Protection: Ensures no data leaks during usage.
Compatibility
PrivadoVPN supports the following platforms:
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android, iOS
- Smart TVs and Fire TV Stick
- Router configurations for whole-network protection
It also allows up to 10 devices simultaneously on the premium plan, which is above average.
Known Limitations
Small Server Network: With only 320+ servers, it may experience congestion during peak times.Limited Free Tier: The 10 GB data cap on the free plan can be restrictive for heavy users.No Browser Extensions: Currently, PrivadoVPN does not offer browser-specific extensions.
User Feedback and Real-World Tests
I tested PrivadoVPN for daily use:
- Streaming: Successfully unblocked Netflix US and Disney+ on premium servers. Free servers worked for YouTube and BBC iPlayer but struggled with Hulu.
- Torrenting: Download speeds were steady on P2P-optimized servers, making it a reliable option for torrent users.
- Privacy Test: No IP or DNS leaks detected during testing.
Customer Support
PrivadoVPN offers email support and an FAQ section. While there’s no live chat, the support team responds promptly, and the online resources are comprehensive.
Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | PrivadoVPN Details |
|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes, 10 GB monthly data |
| Servers | 320+ in 45 countries |
| Streaming Support | Premium only |
| Encryption | AES-256, OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes |
| Starting Price | $4.99/month (Premium) |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 |
Final Verdict
PrivadoVPN is an excellent choice for users seeking a free or budget-friendly VPN with strong privacy features. While its server network is smaller, it compensates with solid performance, a strict no-logs policy, and support for multiple devices.
Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.