There are merely a few VPNs as interesting as PrivadoVPN. This affordable service seemingly ticks all the boxes.
From privacy and security to powerful streaming abilities, P2P support, and best of all – a 100% free plan with excellent speeds. Granted, PrivadoVPN isn’t very popular.
However, we don’t think this VPN’s been served its justice properly. Our team tested this service and we’ve been using it for a while now.
Here’s our comprehensive PrivadoVPN review where we’ll report our findings and explain why we’ll likely keep using it.
PrivadoVPN Review: A Short Summary
PrivadoVPN ended up being quite a respectable VPN with a premium experience merely tainted by a few tiny drawbacks.
Here are its pros and cons that will tell you more about it:
Pros
Control Tower DNS (ad blocker, parental control, social media control)
One of the key features of PrivadoVPN is compatibility. The VPN works with a plethora of platforms and systems, including:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Routers
Fire TV
Android TV, and so on…
Additionally, PrivadoVPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. More than enough to protect your devices.
We also love its nifty little app with a circular connection button for easy access. PrivadoVPN is quick and snappy, sporting amazing-looking iOS/Android apps too.
During our PrivadoVPN review, we were amazed at the short connection times and simple access to all of its security features.
Features of PrivadoVPN
Now that we mentioned them, the premium version of PrivadoVPN is brimming with top-tier VPN security measures. We tested all of them, so here are our findings.
Server Locations
PrivadoVPN is far from the largest VPN, with a server network smaller than its premium rivals.
At the time of testing it, we discovered servers in 49 countries and 66 cities. This is in stark contrast to NordVPN and 6,300+ servers in 110+ countries. A slight disappointment.
Military-Grade Encryption
Like most premium options, PrivadoVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption. It’s unbreakable and used to prevent your ISP or anyone else from tracking you online.
Besides, this encryption is used by banks and the military to keep confidential data away from snoopers. So far, it worked miraculously!
Kill Switch
There’s also a kill switch. It protects you from IP leaks by disabling your connection if the VPN connection breaks.
In our PrivadoVPN review, we had zero connection issues, however. We tested the kill switch on our Android phone because we lost the VPN connection due to our WiFi problems.
PrivadoVPN’s kill switch sprung into action, preventing our online presence from being detected.
SmartRoute
Another worthy addition is SmartRoute or split tunneling. Its usefulness is undeniable, being able to route only the selected apps and websites through the VPN tunnel or vice versa.
We like this website’s split tunneling, which is lacking from VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
WireGuard VPN Protocol
PrivadoVPN uses WireGuard, which is the fastest VPN protocol along with NordLynx. However, users can enjoy OpenVPN and IKEv2 connections for added compatibility.
PrivadoVPN has the Scramble function, which should, in theory, help you get around firewalls. More about that later.
Control Tower DNS
We finally have the Control Tower DNS for blocking ads, trackers, and malicious sites. PrivadoVPN includes Family Security to block “unsuitable” content like gambling, dating, and other “inappropriate” sites.
We especially like the option to block porn sites for keeping children away from atrocities.
Does PrivadoVPN Keep Logs?
No, it doesn’t. PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Its no-log policy clearly states that no logs of your IP address, browsing history, connection timestamps, and DNS queries are being stored. Only minimal information is kept on the servers, though.
This information includes email address and username, payment data, and troubleshooting-related stuff.
PrivadoVPN has no independent audits but on the brighter side, it won’t store logs even in its free version. Not many VPNs offer this perk.
PrivadoVPN Speed Tests
Here, we’ll see how fast or slow PrivadoVPN is. Below is our native internet speed in Belgrade, as this was our location at the time of writing.
We tested PrivadoVPN using servers in Germany, the US, Japan, and Canada with the protocol selection set to “Automatic.” The speed test results are below:
Germany
United States
Japan
Canada
Streaming & Torrenting With PrivadoVPN
With more than a satisfying performance, PrivadoVPN performs excellently on a litany of streaming services.
Below are the screenshots of Netflix and BBC iPlayer, both of which we had no trouble unblocking.
PrivadoVPN doesn’t offer any specialty servers, which isn’t an issue.
All servers are optimized for streaming and torrenting. The latter, as you also see, works perfectly fine.
PrivadoVPN’s P2P speeds are amazing, and if you use a server close to you, a speed reduction will be minimal, if at all existent.
Good job on this front!
Is PrivadoVPN Working in China?
Despite the Scramble function, PrivadoVPN doesn’t seem to be working in China. With or without Scrambling, it doesn’t matter, as the Great Firewall of China is an overbearing foe.
If you’re traveling to China or planning to stay there, we suggest equipping yourself with NordVPN instead.
Its obfuscated servers work majestically in almost all censored countries. Even ExpressVPN and its powerful Lightway protocol will be pretty reliable for the most part.
PrivadoVPN Price Review
Price-wise, it’s extremely hard to beat PrivadoVPN. The shiny 24-month deal with 3 free months at $1.99/mo beckons you to take it immediately.
If you’d like a short-term commitment, there’s the 12-month deal at a measly $2.99/mo and 3 free months.
Both plans are backed by a 30-day refund policy to be reimbursed if you’re dissatisfied. As said earlier, PrivadoVPN has a free subscription with 10 GB of monthly data, 10 server locations, and full P2P support. This is great for testing purposes.
Customer Support of PrivadoVPN
Customer support of PrivadoVPN is good enough. 24/7 live chat support isn’t there, so the company relies on email support instead. While not the fastest, you usually won’t have to wait for hours before someone picks up your request.
Coupled with plentiful on-site guides and FAQs, we’re sure you’ll be problem-free with this VPN 99% of the time.
The Final Verdict
To digress on everything we said, PrivadoVPN is an underrated name in the ever-growing VPN market. It performs well, offers solid security, comes with a no-log policy, and proudly unblocks Netflix. Its shortcomings aren’t too alarming, especially at the price of under $2/mo.
So, is PrivadoVPN worth your money? After our thorough examination, we’d say a resounding yes!
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
