PrivadoVPN Review: Free VPN with Premium Features for Secure Browsing
Swiss-based PrivadoVPN is making waves in the VPN scene with its combination of a generous free version and premium features. With a focus on privacy, strong app support, and a growing feature set, PrivadoVPN aims to cater to a wide audience. But how does it fare in real-world testing? Let’s dive in.
### User-Friendly Interface and Features
Upon opening PrivadoVPN’s Windows app, users are greeted with a sleek and modern interface. The app has undergone significant improvements in terms of navigation and design, making it intuitive and easy to use. The home screen features a simple connect button, server information, and key details about your location and IP address. The app also includes quick-access buttons for essential features like kill switch, VPN protocol selection, split tunneling, and ad- and tracker-blocking through “Control Tower.”
### Robust Feature Set
PrivadoVPN offers a range of features to enhance user experience. The split-tunneling feature, “SmartRoute,” allows users to customize which apps or websites are excluded from the VPN connection. Additionally, the service includes an ad- and tracker-blocker, parental controls, and the option for antivirus protection at an additional cost. The app settings provide further customization options, including auto connect, interface settings, and location preferences.
### Performance and Speed
In performance testing, PrivadoVPN showcased impressive speeds across servers in various countries. The average download speeds were 68% of the base speed, with upload speeds even higher at 79% of the base. These speeds position PrivadoVPN among the fastest VPN services available. The service proved to be reliable for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, with excellent compatibility with major streaming platforms.
### Security and Privacy Measures
PrivadoVPN prioritizes security with AES-256 encryption and support for protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Operating from privacy-friendly Switzerland, the service benefits from strong data protection laws and independence from data-sharing alliances. While PrivadoVPN claims to be a no-logs VPN, it lacks an independent audit and operates on traditional servers instead of RAM-only servers. The service’s privacy policy states that it does not log sensitive data, but collects some anonymous information for operational purposes.
### Pricing and Plans
PrivadoVPN offers flexible subscription plans, including monthly, annual, and biennial options. The monthly plan is priced at $10.99, while the annual plan costs $35.88, equivalent to $2.99 per month. The biennial plan offers the best value at $47.76 or $1.99 per month, with an additional three months free upon sign-up. The service also provides an excellent free plan with limited data usage and server access, suitable for users exploring VPNs or with light browsing needs.
### Verdict
Overall, PrivadoVPN emerges as a strong contender in the VPN market, with a user-friendly interface, robust features, and impressive speeds. While it may lack some advanced features found in premium VPNs and faces scrutiny due to the absence of an independent audit, its focus on privacy and free plan offerings make it a compelling choice for users seeking secure browsing options. Before committing to a paid plan, users can test the service through its free version to assess its suitability for their needs.
In conclusion, PrivadoVPN strikes a balance between performance, features, and affordability, making it a viable option for users looking to enhance their online security and privacy.
