PrivadoVPN, launched in 2019, is a relatively new virtual private network (VPN) provider. It has quickly gained recognition for its affordability and a surprisingly robust free version. This review delves into PrivadoVPN’s features, performance, and security to determine if it truly competes with established VPN leaders.
Pricing and Plans
PrivadoVPN PricingPrivadoVPN offers competitive pricing, particularly for longer subscriptions. While some premium VPNs like ExpressVPN can cost upwards of $100 annually, PrivadoVPN offers a yearly plan for just $36. A two-year subscription provides even better value at $48.
New subscribers receive a three-month bonus, extending the first year’s service to 15 months and the two-year plan to 27 months. A monthly plan is also available for $11. All paid plans allow up to 10 simultaneous connections, covering multiple devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
PrivadoVPN’s server network spans 66 cities across 49 countries. Although smaller than giants like CyberGhost with their thousands of servers, server count isn’t the sole determinant of performance. The following sections explore speed test results and other crucial features.
PrivadoVPN Free VersionPrivadoVPN also offers a generous free version with a 10GB monthly data allowance. Speeds are not throttled, but access is limited to 13 servers in 10 countries. These include popular streaming locations like the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, and Germany. Despite the data cap, PrivadoVPN’s free version remains a competitive option for casual users.
User Interface and Design
PrivadoVPN InterfacePrivadoVPN features a straightforward setup process with a helpful introductory tour of the Windows application. The main interface is compact, resembling older Windows applications. It provides a quick connect button, displays the current server location, and offers server selection from a full list, favorites, or through search and filtering.
Status icons at the bottom indicate the status of features like the kill switch, which blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. These icons provide quick access to relevant settings. The settings window is more expansive and allows customization of server sorting, VPN protocols, split-tunneling, account management, and support access. PrivadoVPN also includes a “Control Tower” feature for blocking malicious websites, scams, ads, and spam.
Performance and Features
PrivadoVPN Speed Test ResultsSpeed is a critical factor for any VPN. Extensive testing across various servers and times revealed that PrivadoVPN’s performance, while adequate for streaming, was slower compared to other tested VPNs. Download speeds varied significantly depending on the server location. While some European servers delivered impressive speeds, connections to the U.K. and Canada were noticeably slower.
PrivadoVPN France Server SpeedUpload speeds were generally consistent with expectations for international connections. However, fluctuations in download speeds on the same server suggest potential network congestion issues, possibly due to PrivadoVPN’s smaller server network.
PrivadoVPN Control TowerBeyond speed, PrivadoVPN offers useful features like split-tunneling, allowing users to selectively route traffic through the VPN. It also includes family-oriented content blocking for websites related to dating, substance abuse, gambling, and adult content.
Customer Support
PrivadoVPN SupportPrivadoVPN advertises 24/7 support. However, tests revealed limited live chat availability. Email support responses were received, but often generic and requiring further information. This suggests that PrivadoVPN’s support primarily relies on email with restricted live chat hours.
Privacy and Security
PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland, a country outside of major intelligence alliances. While this is a positive aspect, it doesn’t guarantee complete privacy. PrivadoVPN’s privacy policy states a minimal data collection policy. However, unlike many top-tier VPNs, PrivadoVPN has not yet undergone an independent audit of its no-log policy or security practices. To date, no data breaches have been reported for PrivadoVPN.
Conclusion
PrivadoVPN offers a compelling free version with a decent server selection and a generous data allowance. Its paid plans are also highly affordable. However, performance inconsistencies and limited customer support are drawbacks to consider. Alternatives like ProtonVPN offer unlimited free data, while TorGuard provides even cheaper paid plans. Surfshark, for a slightly higher price, offers unlimited device connections. PrivadoVPN could be a suitable choice for budget-conscious users or those prioritizing family-oriented content filtering. However, users seeking top-tier performance and robust support might consider exploring other options.
