PrivateVPN review

What is PrivateVPN?

PrivateVPN is a small VPN based in Sweden, founded in 2009. It doesn’t compete with the giants on size – it has a couple of hundred servers in around 60 countries – but it has a loyal following among torrent users, thanks to features many big VPNs don’t offer, such as port forwarding.

Is PrivateVPN safe?

PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy and no known leaks or controversies, and in tests it showed no IP, DNS or WebRTC leaks. Two things hold it back: it has not published an independent audit of its no-logs policy, and Sweden is part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance, although it has no mandatory data-retention law for VPNs. The kill switch works on Windows, but tests found it less reliable on Android, and there is none on iOS.

Is PrivateVPN good for torrenting?

This is where it shines. Torrenting is allowed on every server, there are no bandwidth limits, and port forwarding is included at no extra cost – an open port means more connections and faster seeding, which is especially useful on private trackers with ratio rules. Dedicated IP addresses are also available.

PrivateVPN speed and protocols

PrivateVPN uses OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption and offers Stealth VPN, an obfuscated mode that helps on networks that block VPNs. WireGuard support is more limited than on the big providers. Speeds are fine for HD streaming and torrents, but it is not among the fastest VPNs.

Does PrivateVPN work with Netflix and streaming?

Surprisingly well for its size: in tests it unblocked Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan, plus Disney+, Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. You can use it on up to 10 devices at the same time.

PrivateVPN price and money-back guarantee

PrivateVPN is one of the cheapest VPNs on its long plans, and the price doesn’t change much between promotions. Every plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is no free plan.

PrivateVPN vs Private Internet Access and Proton VPN

Private Internet Access and Proton VPN also offer port forwarding, with much larger networks and published audits. PrivateVPN is simpler and cheaper, with good streaming results. All our picks are in the VPN category.

PrivateVPN FAQ

Does PrivateVPN keep logs?

PrivateVPN says it keeps no logs of your activity, but this has not been confirmed by a public independent audit.

Does PrivateVPN have port forwarding?

Yes, included at no extra cost.

Can I use PrivateVPN for torrenting?

Yes, on every server, with no bandwidth limits.

How many devices can I use with PrivateVPN?

Up to 10 at the same time.

Our PrivateVPN verdict

PrivateVPN is a small, honest VPN that is great for torrenting thanks to port forwarding and P2P on every server, and good for streaming too. The small network, the lack of a public audit and the weaker mobile kill switch keep it from the top, but for torrent users on a budget it is a very good choice.