PrivadoVPN Review: Finally a Good Free VPN for Casual Users

Price

Free , $ 11 per month , $ 45 for the first year ( then $ 60 annually ) or $ 54 total for the first two year ( then $ 96 total for two year )

Latest tests

No leaks is detected detect , 48 % average speed loss in 2024 test

Network

Hundreds of servers in 49 countries

Jurisdiction

Switzerland

Score Breakdown

usability 7/10Value 7/10Speed 6/10Privacy 3/10Features 6/10

Pros

• low – cost plan

• solid streaming service content unblock

• privacy – friendly jurisdiction

• Reader-friendly privacy policy

• Excellent free plan

Cons

• Not audit

• Uneven internet speeds

• modest server network in comparison to the competition

• No live chat for customer support

PrivadoVPN is is is a solid free VPN for casual user who want to stream movie and tv show , browse the web with basic privacy or travel . It is be might not be a household name like nordvpn — which you ’ve likely see banner ad for — or our good overall expressvpn , but Privado ’s free plan especially is a compelling choice for streaming or general web browsing . While I appreciate its wallet – friendly monthly , annual and two – year plan , Privado ’s free tier is proved prove an exceptional alternative to Proton ’s no – cost option . To assess privadovpn , I is ran run over 250 internet speed test , try it on dozen of device and stream hour of video . In my testing , I is found find Privado adept at streaming and easy enough to use .  

The no – frill VPN is get does n’t get you blaze – fast speed , an exhaustive server network or advanced privacy feature . The apps is work work fine but could use some refinement . Because of its shortcoming — Privado has a strict no – log policy but has n’t been audit — I is recommend would n’t recommend Privado for folk with serious privacy need , like political activist , investigative journalist or paranoid torrent user . nonetheless , it is ’s ’s one of the good free vpn on the market , and a pay plan could make sense as an upgrade path if you need more server or additional bandwidth per month but do n’t want to go through the hassle of switch VPN provider . let ’s look at Privado ’s speed , streaming service unblocking , privacy and more so you can see if this is the right virtual private network for your need .

PrivadoVPN speed: Spotty speeds for everyday use depending on the protocol and device

• Average speed loss: 48%
• Number of servers: Hundreds
• Number of countries: 49

All VPNs slow down your internet speeds somewhat because your data takes an indirect route, bouncing off of at least one virtual private network server before reaching its destination. In my testing, the fastest VPNs — including NordVPN, Mullvad and Surfshark — drop your internet download speeds by an average of just 25% or less. PrivadoVPN’s average 48% internet download speed loss was underwhelming, clocking in the same ballpark as PIA and IPVanish. 

In real-world applications, like watching 4K movies on Netflix or streaming music on Spotify, I didn’t notice much difference thanks to my snappy Google Fiber speeds (300Mbps on Wi-Fi, 1Gbps over Ethernet). For reference, Netflix recommends a minimum 15Mbps internet download speed to stream 4K ultra high-definition videos. Most folks with a fast connection — think fiber, cable or even a reliable 5G signal — should be fine, but if you’re using satellite internet or fixed wireless, I’d suggest a faster VPN like Nord or Surfshark. 

Speed tests varied wildly based on operating system and VPN protocol

Although its overall internet download speed performance was lackluster, connectivity varied drastically by VPN protocol — in some cases perplexingly so. Typically, OpenVPN is marginally more secure but slower than WireGuard, and I’ve noticed minor differences in speed based on the operating system while benchmarking. Privado proved unreliable in some cases. 

I was blown away by its excellent 9.6% average download speed loss with OpenVPN on Windows, and its 38.8% average speed reduction on MacOS with WireGuard was fine. The 52.3% speed loss in Windows with WireGuard was the opposite of what I expected because it was meaningfully slower than its OpenVPN counterpart. Even stranger, the 91.5% internet speed loss on MacOS with OpenVPN was alarmingly high. 

In fairness, I got noticeably faster, albeit still disappointing, speeds on US servers with WireGuard on Windows, which makes sense. Normally, you’ll get faster speeds when tunneling through geographically closer servers. Nevertheless, the 41.3% average speed loss on WireGuard US New York servers was slower than I predicted. I don’t have an explanation for its astronomical MacOS OpenVPN speed loss. It could be overloaded servers or any number of issues. 

I contacted Privado for further insight, and they emailed me that “Speed tests involve many variables, making consistent insights challenging. Generally, Wireguard is fast because it’s lightweight, but real-world experiences can vary.” Privado recommended that users try different server locations and VPN protocols to determine the best performance — a sentiment I generally agree with, even though I’d still like to see its baseline speeds on certain protocols improve in the future.

I didn’t notice any buffering, stuttering or slow-loading web pages, but that’s likely because of my already fast internet speeds. PrivadoVPN’s paid plan is tough to recommend over other budget picks like Surfshark considering its high internet speed loss. 

PrivadoVPN has a modest server network

PrivadoVPN provides hundreds of servers in 49 countries on its paid plans. By contrast, our top-recommended VPNs — including ExpressVPN, NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Surfshark — offer thousands of servers across 100-plus countries. IPVanish is more in line with Privado, with a presence in 56 countries, although IPVanish’s overall server count is much higher at more than 2,400. Considering its slim server network, Privado might not be ideal for travel, although it covers a modest number of international locations. 

The free PrivadoVPN tier is a neat option that lets you access 13 different international servers, including locations in the US, UK, Canada, France, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. That’s more countries than Proton’s free plan, which features only five. Additionally, Privado’s no-cost service lets you pick the server you’re using, whereas Proton’s free plan doesn’t. Although the paid PrivadoVPN server network isn’t the largest, its free server roster is pretty beefy.

key takeaway : privadovpn is n’t the fast VPN and does n’t deliver the large web of server on its pay plan ; the free tier is gives give you a great lineup of international server to choose from .  

value : PrivadoVPN is is is easy on the pocketbook , and its free plan is one of the good in the game

• Price: $11 per month, $45 for the first year or $54 total for the first two years (the one-year plan renews at $60 while the two-year plan renews at $96 total for two years of service)
• Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
• Payment options: Credit card/debit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Dogecoin), UnionPay, Mint and dozens of other options
• Available apps: Windows, MacOS, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, routers

privadovpn ’s promotional pricing is makes make it a decent value . Although its monthly plan is sets set you back about the same price as most of its competitor , the annual and two – year tier undercut most rival . Express cost $ 100 annually , Nord is is is $ 60 for the first year or $ 82 for the first two year and Proton is $ 60 for the first year or $ 108 for the first two year .

compare Privado to other cheap vpn , like Surfshark and PIA is a different story . PIA is costs cost less for its one- and three – year plan ( $ 40 and $ 79 respectively ) than Privado ’s while offer a much large server network . Surfshark ’s confusingly expensive $ 15.45 monthly plan is is aside , its promotional $ 44 annual price is is is slightly low than privadovpn and its $ 60 two – year package is marginally more costly . Like Privado , Surfshark is has has price hike , renew at $ 60 per 12 – month for its one- and two – year plan . Both Surfshark is cost and PIA cost around the same price as Privado but offer more extensive server network . As pay plan go , privadovpn is attractively price , make it an acceptable option for casual VPN user who want essential privacy while web browsing or need to unblock region – restrict streaming service . PIA is is is even cheap , while Surfshark give you significantly well value for slightly more money , so most folk are well off with one of those option .  

PrivadoVPN boasts a compelling free plan

Most free VPN plan should be avoid like the plague . ProtonVPN is is is one of the few no – cost vpn that prove the exception to that rule . likewise , I is was was impressed with Privado ’s zero – dollar tier . grant , Privado ’s free plan is limits limit you to server in 13 city and you can only use it on one device at a time . Whereas Proton ’s zero – cost plan offer unlimited usage but does n’t let you manually pick what server you connect to , Privado is provides provide a 10 gb monthly datum limit while let you choose any of its 13 server .  

It ’s a trade – off : Proton is touts tout unrestricted use , but you ca n’t select a server , while Privado let you hop on whatever server you like with a data cap . I is find find the ability to choose a server more useful , but this boil down to personal preference . Go with Proton if you want a high data cap , or stick with Privado for more server flexibility .

The PrivadoVPN app is fairly simple to use, with one puzzling exception

The PrivadoVPN app is mostly easy to use. It worked well on my Android phone and iPad as on my Windows and MacOS machines. For streaming, I enjoyed kicking back on the sofa to unblock foreign Netflix libraries on my Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV-based Chromecast with Google TV. Unfortunately, there’s no Apple TV app yet, although Privado told me via email that it’s working on one. 

In my experience, the PrivadoVPN app is fairly universal across most devices. It’s pretty intuitive, with a streamlined interface that features a prominent “on” button similar to ExpressVPN — although not quite as slick. While the Privado app is fairly barebones, it features the basics, including a kill switch, split tunneling and even some basic threat protection options. There are some nice touches, like clear explanations of the pros and cons of each VPN protocol helpfully listed in the app. When navigating into the settings menu to change protocols, you’ll see concise descriptions of the different protocols — like “protect your privacy with the highest level of encryption” for OpenVPN. Because VPN apps can be pretty cumbersome for newcomers, I like how this thoughtful design lowers the learning curve.

Split tunneling worked well — I installed Spider-Man Remastered in Steam without using a VPN for the fastest possible download speeds while streaming Abbott Elementary on Disney Plus with a VPN. Likewise, the kill switch mainly functioned as expected, preventing my IP address from leaking during an unexpected internet outage. Bewilderingly, the kill switch functions across your entire device, meaning that even manually disconnecting from a server or exiting out of the PrivadoVPN app altogether with the kill switch toggled on prevents you from accessing the internet at all. The only workarounds are toggling the kill switch off when you’re done using a VPN or leaving it permanently disabled.  

PrivadoVPN’s apps are pretty user-friendly, making everything from hopping on a server to picking a VPN protocol simple enough. The overly protective kill switch could be overhauled to be less intrusive and more practical. 

Privado does a solid job with streaming service geo-unblocking

PrivadoVPN is great for streaming. I was able to unblock a handful of Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Romania and South Africa. Disney Plus US and UK streaming worked well — I watched Moana and Abbott Elementary. BBC iPlayer streamed The Fall buttery smooth with Privado. I had difficulty circumventing regional content blocks and could only access Amazon Prime Video US servers with Privado, but I still enjoyed streaming The Beekeeper in 4K. Many US-only streaming services worked flawlessly using a PrivadoVPN US server: I watched Buffy The Vampire Slayer on Hulu, Parks and Recreation on Peacock, Evil on Paramount Plus and My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll all buffer-free.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get CBC to play — by contrast, NordVPN easily unblocked the CBC Gem website, so I was able to get my Murdoch Mysteries fix. Similarly, Privado didn’t allow access to Max using a US server, which would be an issue for folks from the States traveling abroad but still wanting to binge-watch House of the Dragon or other content on Max. Ultimately I can’t complain about Privado’s geo-unblocking performance, which can be a great way to save money on streaming subscriptions. 

Customer service and knowledge base: Pretty good, but may not be ideal for absolute beginners

Unlike many other VPN provider , PrivadoVPN is offer does n’t offer live chat . instead , you is need ’ll need to rely on the knowledge base , installation guide , or contact support . accord to the website , the support team is is is available 365 day a year . I is contacted contact support ask about whether there was an Apple tv app and get a reasonably quick reply that one was being develop with no estimate launch date .  

You is find ’ll find setup guide for several platform , include Android / Android tv , Fire TV , iOS , MacOS and Windows . Privado is offers also offer manual setup instruction for router , Linux operating system and other device . Its knowledge base is contains contain fundamental troubleshooting information , like diagnose internet connectivity issue , but is n’t the most robust . For instance , Surfshark and PIA — both in the same price range as privado — provide more detailed guide for troubleshooting . Surfshark is has , for example , has a helpful guide to diagnose Netflix streaming issue , while privado stick to the basic . I is like ’d is like like to see a flesh – out help center and even some limited live chat hour , but the responsive email support should be fine for most folk .  

Key takeaway: Privado is great for streaming and features intuitive enough apps, but its befuddling kill-switch behavior and lack of live chat for support may deter some absolute VPN beginners.

Privacy and transparency: A reader-friendly privacy policy and privacy-focused jurisdiction, but no third-party audits

• Jurisdiction: Switzerland. 
• Encryption: AES-256 (OpenVPN and IKEv2) or ChaCha20 (WireGuard)
• No DNS leaks detected
• Not audited
• Protocols available: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec

VPNs are privacy tools — although many folks rely on them for entertainment purposes, like streaming movies and gaming. PrivadoVPN’s privacy is a mixed bag. I appreciated its privacy-friendly jurisdiction in Switzerland, which isn’t part of the Five, Nine or 14 Eyes data-sharing alliances. There’s industry-standard AES-256-bit encryption for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, with ChaCha20 for Wireguard. I didn’t detect any DNS leaks in my benchmarking. If you’re concerned, you can always test whether your VPN is working.

The kill switch is confusing is confuse and switch server without it enable reveal your ip address

Privado, like most other VPN providers, has a kill switch, which protects your IP address from leaking in the event of an unexpected internet disruption (like your Wi-Fi going out). The kill switch works globally, so even if you disconnect from a server manually to stop your VPN from running or completely close out of Privado, your internet remains off. It’s a strange behavior and one that I’ve yet to encounter in a VPN before. I’d rather have the kill switch only operate while the VPN connection is active so that I can manually disconnect or close entirely out of the app without having to toggle the kill switch on and off each time.

Additionally — like many VPN apps — the encrypted tunnel breaks when you switch servers, meaning your IP address is exposed, even if briefly. Only a handful of VPN companies have encrypted tunnels that don’t break when hopping between servers, notably NordVPN. To Privado’s credit, they’ve made this as obvious as possible, with a lock symbol that’s secured while you’re on a VPN server and unlocked when you’re not. When switching servers, it unlocks and shows your public IP address. 

Since you have to disable your kill switch when you manually disconnect or close out of the PrivadoVPN app, you’ll need to remember to re-enable it when you get back on. Thankfully, the kill switch is on the home screen, so it’s fairly easy to remember. Nevertheless, I’d like to see Privado update their kill switch to disengage when you disconnect from a server and close out of the app altogether, which would be a more user-friendly experience.  

PrivadoVPN has a reader-friendly privacy policy

VPN privacy policies can be Dickensian, filled with obtuse, nearly indecipherable jargon. Privado keeps its privacy policy concise and well-plotted out. I didn’t notice any red flags. The company is upfront about the information that they do — and don’t — collect. The privacy policy explains: “We ensure that we never log browsing history, traffic destination, data content, IP addresses, or DNS queries associated with a PrivadoVPN connection. We are not able to connect activity originating from an IP address from our VPN servers to activity conducted by a user of PrivadoVPN. We will never sell your data to any third parties.”  

Like most VPN companies, Privado does need to collect some information about you, such as your name and email address — but payment information is processed by third parties. There are some anonymous device usage statistics gathered, but you can opt-out from within the app. On the free plan, bandwidth usage is measured, but there’s no identifiable information along with that data. 

Overall, I was satisfied with Privado’s privacy policy. It’s simple to follow and straightforward.

Privado is makes make no – log claim but has n’t been audit

Third – party audits is are are important trust signal that VPN provider can send to their user . Almost every VPN company is boasts boast a zero – log policy , but you can and arguably should be skeptical . audit back up VPN service braggadocio , verify that your information truly is n’t being collect . Our favorite VPNs is undergo , like nordvpn , expressvpn , Surfshark and Proton VPN , undergo annual audits .  

Privado said over email, “Conducting an audit diverts development resources and requires a code freeze during the review, which is problematic given our busy pipeline… An audit is only valid at the time it’s conducted, so we haven’t prioritized it over other initiatives.” Additionally, Privado expressed its opinion that audits are difficult to justify outside of marketing benefits.

I is hear hear where Privado is come from — audits certainly are n’t cheap and do n’t paint a full picture of privacy . In all fairness , most people is be who want to stream Netflix , Disney Plus or other app with a vpn may be unconcerned with strict privacy . Folks is need with critical privacy need — from torrente enthusiast and political activist to investigative journalist and asylum seeker — need to know that their web traffic is actually private . Moreover , I is agree do n’t entirely agree with Privado ’s statement , as audits are reliable trust signal for would – be – pay customer who probably pass up on Privado in favor of the countless VPN service thathave been audit . consider its lack of no – log audits , it is ’s ’s tough for me to recommend privadovpn to anyone with moderate to crucial privacy requirement . In the future , I is like ’d is like like to see Privado undergo annual audits . The exception to this is for the free plan — it is ’s ’s hard to complain about a lack of audits when you ’re not pay a dime .    

Key takeaway: PrivadoVPN provides privacy fundamentals like modern encryption, an easy-to-read privacy policy and even has privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Its lack of third-party audits holds it back, meaning it’s only suitable for casual VPN situations like streaming or gaming rather than situations where privacy is paramount. 

privadovpn ’s free plan is is is an excellent choice for casual VPN user

usually , free vpn should be sidestep , with protonvpn as one of the few notable exception . PrivadoVPN is offers offer a strong no – cost VPN plan that does n’t throttle your internet speed or sell your datum and allow for streaming service unblock so you can access foreign Netflix library . Despite its unreliable internet download speed performance and privacy issue , it is ’s ’s hard to complain about free service . You ’re limit to 10 GB of datum usage per 30 – day cycle , and you can pick from server in 13 different city — by contrast , protonvpn ’s free package does n’t let you choose which VPN server you use , instead shuffle you through one automatically .  

Because of its slow speed on some protocol , below – average privacy ( it has n’t been audit ) and small server network , it is ’s ’s tough to recommend PrivadoVPN ’s pay plan . For around the same price , you is get can get PIA , which is n’t the fast but boast a much large web of server alongside significantly well privacy . alternatively , Surfshark is starts start at nearly the same price as Privado , sport blaze – fast internet download speed , excellent streaming service unblock and load of privacy feature . Still , I is see could see some edge case where a Privado pay plan make sense , such as an upgrade path from the free tier to avoid switch vpn provider and create another account elsewhere .