Privado VPN review: Features, pros & cons

Privado VPN is a virtual private network provider that sets itself apart from the competition thanks to its free plan (although it also offers a paid version with additional features). Like any free VPN, it has its strengths, but also some areas that could be improved. In today’s Privado VPN review, we’ll cover all of that and more: user opinions, the types of plans available, technical features, the effectiveness of customer support, pros and cons, the number of servers, and more. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to decide whether it’s a reliable VPN that truly delivers on its promises.

For digital nomads and remote workers, staying connected safely is essential. Since your work depends on the internet, you’re always at risk of cyberattacks, which makes using a trustworthy VPN a must. But is Privado VPN up to the task? We’ll explore that. Equally important is having a global Holafly plan, so you can access the internet anywhere without swapping SIM cards or worrying about roaming fees.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

What is Privado VPN and what does it offer?

As mentioned earlier, Privado VPN is a virtual private network provider that stands out for its strong focus on user privacy and security. Based in Switzerland, a country known for its strict privacy laws, Privado VPN leverages this advantage to offer a reliable and secure service. Its location also means it isn’t subject to global surveillance alliances like the “Five Eyes” or “Fourteen Eyes,” making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize keeping their data confidential.

At first glance, Privado VPN seems to check most of the boxes you’d expect from a solid VPN, if not all of them. After all, VPNs are essential tools for browsing the internet safely and anonymously, thanks to the encrypted tunnel they create. For this reason, users naturally look for reliable VPNs that meet key security standards while keeping any impact on browsing speed to a minimum. To achieve this, a VPN needs to meet certain technical requirements. Next, we’ll take a closer look at whether Privado VPN delivers on them.

Technical features of Privado VPN: Security, speed, servers, and more

Overall, Privado VPN delivers solid speeds and includes the security standards you’d expect from a service like this. Even its free version performs surprisingly well. Below, you’ll find a table summarizing Privado VPN’s main technical features, followed by a closer look at some of them in more detail.

Encryption and protocols

Like most VPNs on the market, it uses AES-256 encryption, widely regarded as one of the most secure standards and commonly used in government and banking systems. This ensures that all transmitted data remains fully protected against attacks or interception. In addition, Privado VPN supports modern, next-generation protocols such as:

• OpenVPN: Strong and highly configurable protocol.
• IKEv2: Excellent for mobile devices due to its fast reconnection capability.
• WireGuard: Modern protocol that balances speed and security, ideal for demanding tasks such as streaming and gaming.

These protocols are considered top-tier in the VPN industry and are a standard feature of any reliable service. By default, Privado VPN runs on IKEv2, but opting for WireGuard is usually the smarter choice, particularly if you’re looking for faster connection speeds.

Server network

Privado VPN operates a physical server network across more than 67 locations worldwide. This also helps explain why its network is relatively small, as maintaining physical servers involves higher infrastructure costs, making it harder to offer IP addresses in countries with less developed systems. While Privado VPN’s network isn’t as large as that of some competitors, it does cover key regions that ensure fast connections and reliable access to geo-restricted content.

When it comes to the total number of servers, Privado VPN doesn’t disclose an exact figure, though it’s estimated to be around 240. That said, its website provides a detailed breakdown of all server locations, including the countries and cities where they’re available.

Free plan and premium plan

One of Privado VPN’s most appealing features is its free plan, which includes 10 GB of data per month and access to 13 server locations, making it more generous than many other free VPNs. These servers are part of the same network used by paid accounts, so you get the same level of quality and security. It also stands out for its geographic variety, offering IP addresses in key locations across Europe and North America (including four cities in the United States), as well as in Argentina, Brazil, and India. This makes it a great option for occasional users, those who want to test the service before committing, or anyone who simply doesn’t want to pay for a VPN.

The premium plan removes all data restrictions and gives you access to the full server network. Most of the IPs are based in Europe, with limited presence in Africa and South America, but good coverage throughout Asia. Privado VPN’s premium pricing is competitive, particularly for longer-term subscriptions, as illustrated in the table below.

Kill Switch

A kill switch is a feature that every VPN should have. It ensures your data stays protected if the VPN connection drops, keeping your online activity private at all times. One thing to note is that the kill switch works smoothly on Windows, macOS, and Android, but it isn’t available for iOS.

Streaming and P2P downloads

Privado VPN works with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Interestingly, even the free version has performed well in user tests, with many claiming it’s the best free VPN for accessing Netflix in the U.S. It also supports torrent downloads on select servers, making it a versatile option for different needs.

Compatibility with devices and operating systems

Privado VPN is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, and it can also be set up on routers to protect your entire home network. On top of that, the premium version allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is a very generous number.

Customer support

Privado VPN provides customer support to help with questions, troubleshoot issues, and assist with specific setups. However, its support options are somewhat limited compared to more widely recognized VPNs. The available resources include:

1. Online knowledge base: Articles, tutorials, and configuration guides available on their website.
2. Contact form: Available on the website for specific inquiries, responses typically take between 24 and 48 hours, depending on the complexity of the question.
3. Email support: This method is generally used for more technical inquiries.
4. Specific guides for advanced configurations: Clear setup instructions for less common devices, such as routers or specific operating systems, are available on their support page.
5. No live chat: Unlike some other VPNs, Privado VPN doesn’t provide real-time support, which can be frustrating for users who need immediate assistance.

Privado VPN’s customer support is sufficient for handling basic issues and standard setup assistance, but it lacks real-time options like live chat or multilingual support. It works well for users who prefer to solve problems on their own or don’t need immediate help, but it may not meet the needs of those facing urgent or more technical issues.

Speed

Speeds are adequate for most users, especially when using the WireGuard protocol, whether on the free or premium version. According to tests by various users, connection speeds drop by around 8–10% on nearby servers, which is quite reasonable. On distant servers, the drop is higher, ranging from 30–50%. While it may not match the performance of the top providers on the market, Privado VPN handles bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming quite well.

That said, it may not be ideal for online gaming, where every millisecond counts, particularly on faraway servers. On the other hand, it works well for torrenting, since P2P downloads are supported across all servers, though speeds can vary based on server location and network traffic.

Finally, it’s worth noting that because its server network is relatively small, there can be congestion during peak hours, which may affect connection speeds.

Privacy, no-logging policy, and independent audits

Privado VPN doesn’t log any user data, except for individual bandwidth usage and device information. Being based in Switzerland also adds a layer of privacy protection. On the downside, no independent audit has yet been conducted to verify this policy, so users have to rely on the company’s word.

The good news is that current data is stored on RAM servers, meaning it’s only kept for short periods. Connection logs are also anonymous and not tied to individual accounts. In other words, the VPN knows when users are connected to its network, but it has no information about who they are, what they’re doing, or their location.

Experience using Privado VPN

A smooth user experience is another important aspect of a VPN and Privado VPN performs well in this area. Getting started is quick and easy. You just download the app from the website or app store, follow the simple setup instructions, and you will be up and running in minutes. No technical expertise is required, making it accessible for beginners. You will also need to create an account, even for the free plan, and log in to access the app.

Privado VPN has a clean and easy-to-navigate interface, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. The main screen features a large button to connect or disconnect the VPN with a single click, and servers are displayed in a clear list organized by location. You can also choose servers recommended for specific tasks like streaming or P2P. The settings are straightforward to access and include options to change protocols, enable the kill switch, or set up automatic connections.

In conclusion, Privado VPN is designed with simplicity in mind without compromising on functionality. User reviews highlight its ease of use, particularly for everyday tasks like streaming, secure browsing, or torrenting. While it may lack the advanced settings found in more technical VPNs, this straightforward approach is a strength for those looking for a reliable, hassle-free service.

Advantages and disadvantages of Privado VPN

As we’ve seen, Privado VPN delivers solid browsing speeds, includes basic and some advanced security features, is reliable for streaming and torrenting, and offers competitive pricing for long-term plans. That said, there are areas for improvement, such as providing faster and more efficient customer support. To give you a clearer picture, here is a table outlining the pros and cons of Privado VPN:

Privado VPN: User Reviews

When choosing a VPN or any service, people often start by checking what other users have experienced. Strong ratings can make a service more appealing, while poor reviews might push you to consider alternatives. So how do users feel about Privado VPN? Let’s find out.

Positive Reviews of Privado VPN

Here is a compilation of positive reviews of the brand taken from Trustpilot, Google Play Store, and App Store:

• “It’s very good considering it’s free. Easy to set up and doesn’t slow down your PC.” – Jescote
• “Excellent, it works great for me. I highly recommend it! Thank you very much.” – David Villarreal Toca
• “The app works great. The connection is stable and fast, and it perfectly hides my public IP. I’ve been using it for four days and it works wonderfully, so I give it 5 stars. I would give more if I could. This is the first VPN app that actually works for me.” – Alberto Blas
• “Looking back at my review from a few days ago, the app works perfectly with all connection protocols, including WireGuard, on all my mobile devices. The connection is fast and stable. The only issue is on my Google Pixel 5, where it takes a little trouble to connect to the server the first time using this protocol. Other than that, it’s a free VPN that works flawlessly, so I’m giving it five stars again.” – Juan Perez Mogena
• “Excellent app. I have the paid version and it works perfectly. I’ve tested all the protocols without any issues. On some networks, you need to select a specific protocol because the automatic setting doesn’t connect due to certain restrictions.” – Felipe R

Negative opinions about Privado VPN:

• “Pros: The app seems to work very well and doesn’t slow down my phone. It’s reasonably priced and easy to use and understand. Cons: Since installing Privado VPN, my battery drains much faster. On a phone that used to last over a day, I barely make it 12 hours. Conclusion: If they fix the excessive battery drain, I would give it 5 stars. EDIT: Uninstalled. Besides draining the battery, it caused mobile data connection issues. Works fine on PC though.” – José Luis
• “DO NOT INSTALL IT!!! It is a waste of time. The free version only lasts a very short time, there are too many restrictions, intrusive notifications, and poor quality. PSYPHON is much better, install that one instead. Its free version has no time limit and it is safer and more reliable.” – Jose Gonzales
• “It would be better if it were available in Spanish and had an optimized connection. It should also include all countries, around 90, and use less data to save on mobile usage. Unlimited online data would be great so you don’t have to worry about running out. It would also be helpful to have an auto-connect feature that activates automatically when the app closes due to Android system restrictions.” – Daniel Ramos

Alternatives to Privado VPN

There are many premium alternatives to Privado VPN, such as Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and PIA VPN. These providers all offer much larger server networks, very fast speeds, robust security features, and efficient customer support. When it comes to free alternatives, however, there are only a few good options, and Proton VPN stands out as the most reliable. In addition to its free version, you can expand its features with over 15,000 servers in more than 120 countries through paid plans starting at $3.44 per month.

Here is a comparison between both free services:

As you can see, both options are strong and come with their own pros and cons. So if you are looking for a free VPN, Privado VPN or Proton VPN are definitely worth considering.

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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