DuckDuckGo is known for its privacy-first approach to search. Its new Privacy Pro service expands on this commitment, offering a VPN, personal data removal tool, and identity theft restoration service in one bundle. But is it worth the price? This review dives into Privacy Pro’s features, performance, and value.
DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro, at a glance:
- Device connections: 5 simultaneous
- Location: Pennsylvania, USA
- Number of servers: 77
- Number of countries: 7
- Price: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
Features and Services: A Comprehensive Privacy Solution
DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro bundles three key privacy tools: a browser-based VPN, a personal data removal service, and identity theft restoration. This review focuses primarily on the VPN and data removal aspects.
The identity theft restoration service, partnered with industry leader Iris, offers 24/7 support, credit repair assistance, document replacement, fraudulent medical claim resolution, travel assistance, and coverage for certain expenses. While untested in this review, its inclusion adds significant value to the bundle.
The VPN: Simple and Browser-Based
The VPN, accessible via a globe icon in the DuckDuckGo browser, is relatively basic compared to standalone VPN services like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. This simplicity is partly due to its newness and its browser-based nature.
DuckDuckGo PrivacyPro VPN
Connecting to the VPN is straightforward, with automatic connection to the nearest server. The interface displays connection time, server location, and IP address. Users can switch between 77 servers across seven countries (US, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and the UK) within the VPN settings.
DuckDuckGo PrivacyPro VPN
While basic, the VPN includes a built-in kill switch and a split-tunneling feature for Android users, enabling selective app usage through the VPN. It lacks advanced features like multi-hop or obfuscated servers, but DuckDuckGo acknowledges this and promises future improvements.
Data Removal: Efficient and Device-Based
DuckDuckGo’s data removal service, powered by its acquisition of Removaly, scans 53 data broker websites for your personal information and submits removal requests. Unlike other services, data is stored and requests are sent directly from your device, enhancing privacy.
DuckDuckGo PrivacyPro
The process is simple: provide your personal details, and the service scans for and lists your data on broker sites. Removal requests are then sent, with progress tracked within the browser dashboard. While the estimated removal time is 2-3 weeks, this review experienced faster results, with most removals completed within a week.
DuckDuckGo PrivacyPro
This data removal service, comparable to Surfshark’s Incogni and Mozilla’s Monitor Plus, offers excellent value as part of the Privacy Pro bundle.
Performance and Security: A Balanced Approach
VPN performance tests across all available server locations revealed average download speeds at 34% of the baseline and upload speeds at 25%. While not top-tier, the speeds are adequate for most browsing and streaming activities. Access to Netflix was generally successful, though some US servers exhibited inconsistencies.
DuckDuckGo PrivacyPro
Security-wise, the VPN uses the secure and open-source WireGuard protocol. DuckDuckGo maintains a no-logs policy for VPN activity, though it collects anonymized performance metrics. The use of dedicated, rented servers further enhances privacy. However, the VPN has not yet undergone independent audits. The company’s US location places it within the Five Eyes jurisdiction, a consideration for privacy-conscious users.
Conclusion: Value Depends on Browser Loyalty
DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro offers a compelling combination of privacy tools. While the VPN alone may not justify the cost, the inclusion of data removal and identity theft restoration makes the bundle attractive, especially for DuckDuckGo browser users. The seamless integration within the browser environment enhances its convenience. However, those preferring other browsers might find more value in separate, more feature-rich VPN services.
