Privado VPN Review – Is It Safe in 2024

Investigations of our company are dedicated to revealing the real state of affairs about Privado VPN providers. Each vendor tries to beautify their website with bright information about achievements. It may appear to be a difficult task for a casual customer to figure out the pitfalls of the particular VPN service program.

Our experts, with extensive experience, uncover the hidden areas, advantages, and drawbacks of each VPN service product and present them here in a clear and easily readable form.

You will find here the core information about the current VPN service and the services that are provided for free. Yes, the main focus is on Privado VPN free possibilities, and we hope that our job will save you time and facilitate creating the right vision.

Pros

• Reliable privacy policy
• Simple installation
• Efficient customers support

Cons

• Low speed of the US server on Windows
• Low speed of the US server on macOS
• Low speed of the US server on iOS
• Low speed of the US server on Android
• No software for browsers
• Complicated register process
• Users credit card details may be collected by third parties
• Support option is not designed for every platform
• Does not work in countries with strict boundaries of web usage

Privado VPN Features

The current provider locates its headquarters in Switzerland, which is famous for its strict laws regarding personal privacy. They offer a vpn free version of their services with a generous stack of features, if to believe the claim on their official website.

We have seen many bright statements on providers’ websites, but our experience proves that promotional text cannot be equal to reality. We see that 10 GB and 12 servers are available for the vpn free version, and the protection measures are the same as for paid plans. However, we know of some other online VPNs that also furnish generous possibilities for free.

Provido VPN issued its software for distinctive platforms:

• Windows;
• MacOS;
• Android;
• iOS;
• And others.

They position themselves as a company that adheres to a no-logs policy. The network contains 48 countries, and you can connect up to ten devices simultaneously. Customer support works around the clock, and in addition, the help page exists on the website, where in advance various questions and answers were collected and divided into logical groups.
The first impression is quite pleasurable. Nevertheless, our main goal is to check what opportunities are opened for the vpn free plan. The next sections of the review will tell you a lot about the current VPN service and reveal what functionality is available for the paid plan.

Privacy and Logging

Before delving into the details of the privacy policy page, we will show you a piece of information that we found in other places on the website. The first notice is on the main page.

Currently, this text does not indicate anything except for the Swiss location. Generally the information that is located at the forefront of the website is part of the promotional campaign.

Besides the privacy policy page, the site also includes a separate page devoted to the no-logging approach.

The main message is that Switzerland is an individual player who does not substitute any alliance and hence is not obligated to follow specific laws. This country plays by its own rules regarding users’ privacy protection. Even if your personality gets under the government’s investigation, in theory, the VPN service should inform you about it.

Privado VPN is very determined about their users privacy protection and refers to their privacy policy page in order to ensure it ourselves. And we will switch to it right away after the last screenshot from the page about no logs.

This one sentence from the screen shot embodies the multi-sided query. No-log service objectively means no logs of:

• connection logs—date, time, and duration of VPN connections;
• the assigned IP address—the temporary IP address assigned to the user by the VPN server, which hides the user’s real IP;
• bandwidth usage: how much data was sent and received during VPN sessions;
• connected server: the specific VPN server the user is connected to, like location;
• the visited websites—the domains or URLs of websites visited while connected to the VPN. This is only visible if a VPN kill switch is not enabled;
• downloads/uploads: files or data downloaded or uploaded through the VPN connection.
• browsing activity: detailed browsing history like pages visited within sites could be logged without encryption;
• applications used—programs and apps used or traffic routed through VPN; 
• device info: properties of the device connected to the VPN, like OS, browser, and local IP address (not a real public IP).

Be attentive, because various providers implement different practices under the no-log term. And we will figure it out now in depth, switching to the main document that contains the full information about users’ privacy protection from the current provider.

According to this list, they provide reliable VPN services with genuine respect for personal privacy. However, the whole document is ahead, so let’s make a conclusion after seeing all the details and possible pitfalls.

We gathered a set of screenshots with important data and will analyze them one by one.

We are used to sharing our email very often while signing up on various resources; hence, your Privado’s username and email address are practically not valuable data.

But there was a minor unpleasant feeling because, at the beginning of this block, we posted a screenshot where it is said that they keep absolutely no data about users. Thus, we expected that even the email address would have no chance to be disclosed.

We are going further.

Till this moment, we have found out that consumers’ email addresses are gathered. But in the screenshot above, the second point from the list is about processing transactions. Seeing that, we are curious if some billing information is collected for this activity or if they just operate with an email address for this purpose. Who knows…

Now we are on the next screenshot.

The third point describes that Privado VPN uses mobile identifiers. What exact mobile identifiers do they have? Some of the identifiers can give access to your location. Of course, it is not a common procedure available for every civil, nonetheless, it’s enough accurate identifying data.

Moving on.

In order to obtain the subscription, you will use your credit card, and the payment processor may store it. It is not the decision of Privado VPN to keep this information, but you should know that their third-party partners can do it.

Three screenshots are left to acquaint, and we are switching to the next one.

Consumers’ personal information is securely protected, even in the event of an encounter with the government. We believe that it is a strong argument for the benefit of their privacy policy. We know that not many VPN services can boast such a peculiarity. 

We are moving to the next screenshot.

One more strong point in favor of the security system: even physical interference into their servers won’t disclose users’ data because there is no logging.

The last screenshot.

While we were investigating the privacy policy, we found that Privado stores an email and some mobile identifiers. Hence, this information is retained by them for an undetermined period of time.

In the screenshot, it is said “for as long as necessary”, but it is a very fuzzy definition without accurate benchmarks. Who knows if they retain the user’s data for the period of collaborating or also after the client has gone?

We have finished with the privacy policy investigation and picked all the essential queries that have an effect on the user’s confidentiality. There were two minor findings about the data retention; however, they do not make much sense.

Speed Tests – How Fast is Privado VPN

Connection speed is also a paramount characteristic of a VPN’s efficiency. Each provider impacts the velocity differently: in some cases, the reduction can be so significant that you could not even download a web page; sometimes it can process a moderate slowdown; and proxy servers can augment the indexes.

Companies utilize distinctive servers’ configurations, and now you will see how good Privado VPN is.

We conducted speed tests and divided them into three logical blocks: PC tests, browser’s extension tests, and mobile tests. PC testing includes two operating systems:

• Windows;
• MacOS.

The browser’s extension block is empty because the current provider does not have the software dedicated to browsers.

Mobile testing includes:

• Android OS;
• iOS.

PC Test

The first in order will be the Windows operating system, and macOS will follow immediately after.

Windows

The vertical image shows the results of the internet service provider speed (ISP). The indexes are:

• download speed is 89.48 mbps;
• upload speed is 90.26 mbps;
• ping time is 2 ms.

The top-right image shows the performance of the US server. The indexes are:

• download speed is 29.78 mbps;
• upload speed is 53.43 mbps;
• ping time is 134 ms.

The download speed is about 67% below the ISP speed, and the upload speed is nearly 41% below it too. Ping time has increased from 2 ms to 134 ms.

The bottom-right image shows the performance of the NL server. The indexes are:

• download speed is 81.79 mbps;
• upload speed is 77.66 mbps;
• ping time is 37 ms.

The download speed has been cut by nearly 9%, the upload speed decreased by 14%, and the ping time increased from 3 ms to 37 ms.

The US server showed significant speed deterioration both for the download and upload indexes. It will cause meaningful inconvenience while utilizing such a network. In contrast to the American location, the European region generated a satisfying result with minor losses that we can assess as within an allowable range.

MacOS

The vertical image shows the results of the ISP. The indexes are:

• download speed is 74.2 mbps;
• upload speed is 83.3 mbps;
• ping time is 5 ms.

The top-right image shows the performance of the US server. The indexes are:

• download speed of 27.2 mbps;
• upload speed is 73.8 mbps;
• ping time is 218 ms.

The download speed decreased by 63% below the ISP speed, and the upload speed worsened by about 11%. Ping time heightened from 5 ms to 218 ms.

The bottom-right image shows the performance of the French server. The indexes are:

• download speed is 80.8 mbps;
• upload speed is 73.7 mbps;
• ping time is 46 ms.

The download speed was upgraded by nearly 9%, the upload speed fell by about 12%, and the ping time increased from 5 ms to 46 ms.

The US server demonstrated distinctive results for the download and upload indexes. The download speed encountered a palpable reduction, and the upload speed lost a little of its capability.

The server, which is located in France, has quite good performance. The download speed has been improved, and the upload speed underwent a little loss.

Browsers’ Extensions Test

This section is empty because Privado VPN does not provide software for browsers.

Mobile Test

Mobile gadgets take up a big part of overall internet traffic; hence, companies struggle for market share issuing products for our cellular devices.

The current VPN is compatible with two major mobile platforms:

• iOS;
• Android.

We have made tests for either platform and will start with iOS and continue with Android.

IOS

The vertical image shows the results of the ISP. The indexes are:

• download speed is 35.1 mbps;
• upload speed is 37.5 mbps;
• ping time is 3 ms.

The top-right image shows the performance of the US server. The indexes are:

• download speed is 22.3 mbps;
• upload speed is 30.6 mbps;
• ping time is 137 ms.

The download index is approximately 36% lower than the ISP speed, and the upload speed is about 18% lower. Ping time has increased from 3 ms to 137 ms.

The bottom-right image shows the performance of the UK server. The indexes are:

• download speed is 25.4 mbps;
• upload speed is 30.2 mbps;
• ping time is 43 ms.

The download speed decreased by nearly 28%, the upload speed decreased by around 19%, and the ping time increased from 3 ms to 43 ms.

IOS did not perform solid results, but rather very moderate. Depending on the ISP speed, you may get different experiences. If the internet speed is not very fast, then you may face some discomfort using this VPN.

Android

The first image in a row shows the results  of the ISP. The indexes are:

• download speed is 84.8 mbps;
• upload speed is 57.3 mbps;
• ping time is 2 ms.

The central image shows the performance of the US server. The indexes are:

• download speed is 44.9 mbps;
• upload speed is 45.9 mbps;
• ping time is 143  ms.

The download speed is about 47% lower than the ISP speed, and the upload speed is nearly 20% lower. Ping time has increased from 2 ms to 143 ms.

The right image shows the performance of the German server. The indexes are:

• download speed is 50.9 mbps;
• upload speed is 53.3 mbps;
• ping time is 42 ms.

The download speed is nearly 40% lower, the upload speed is approximately 7% worse, and the ping time has increased from 2 ms to 42 ms.

The speed test section is over. We have learned how Privado VPN works on different platforms, and it is time to consider the security side in depth.

About Safety – How Secure is Privado VPN?

Among the whole set of features that we found on the website, there was also a notification about the encryption type used by Privado.

256-bit-AES is a globally trusted encryption that provides strong security. Besides the information from their official website, every application has a settings page where we can observe the safeguard capabilities. We will show it to you now, and will start with the Windows’s app.

Windows

On the left image of the screenshot, only the Kill Switch option is presented. Its task is very simple: in case of sudden connection disruption with online VPN, this feature blocks traffic transmission directly through the ISP network.

The right image shows the available protocols, and we will give a few words about each one:

• IKEv2
  • This protocol effectively functions with frequently switching networks, includes strong encryption methods, supports diverse authentication approaches (EAP), and performs network address translation (NAT).
• WireGuard
  • This protocol is known for its advanced performance and minor overhead costs. It involves modern and the best cryptographic algorithms and protocols: Noise protocol framework, Curve25519 for key exchange, and ChaCha20Poly1305 for encryption and authentication. It works on Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, ensuring sustainable connectivity while switching between various networks.
• OpenVPN
  • This protocol establishes encrypted tunnels between devices. OpenVPN is based on OpenSSL libraries and congruent with distinctive encryption algorithms, including AES. It is applicable to various operating systems and actions over UDP or TCP protocols.

Of course, we would like to see here as well a split tunneling feature and other additional safeguard optionality; however, the set of security settings is not redundant but reliable and can furnish a decent level of protection. 

MacOS

The application designed for Apple’s PCs has the same security settings as Windows, so we will not recur twice with the same information.

Applications for mobile devices possess almost the same security stack as desktop programs, besides a slight distinction on iOS devices. Let us observe it in short.

Android

Current software has an identical set of safety features as the desktop programs, with only one addition. The developer added the Smart Route feature, which is also well known as split tunneling. This functionality enables you to select which exact applications will be routed through a VPN free and which of them will bypass it and work as usual through ISP.

Resuming the facts, Android’s app obtained such a stack:

• Kill Switch function;
• IKEv2 protocol;
• OpenVPN protocol;
• WireGuard protocol;
• Smart Route function.

Here is nothing to show more, we can switch to iOS.

IOS

IPhones and iPads have inherited the protocols but did not get the Kill Switch option. So, iOS devices have merely a set of protocols:

• IKEv2 protocol;
• OpenVPN protocol;
• WireGuard protocol.

If you want to know more details about the protocols and the Kill Switch function, scroll up this section to the Windows’s block, where we described all the features.

Desktop Apps

We have already observed a lot about desktop apps, and this section is going to give some complementary information for your better imagination about them.

The visual interface for both applications is similar, with few differences.

The main screens of the applications have an almost exact design; macOS’s VPN possesses two more icons that do not bring an essential sense, just secondary functionality. Both programs gained five common interactive elements on the primary screens:

• Connect/disconnect button;
• Kill Switch toggler;
• Gear icon opens the settings display;
• Home icon in the left upper corner;
• Locations field.

A few words about two additional icons immanent in macOS software:

• Ringbell icon on the left sidebar that opens the notification window;
• The icon above the ring bell on the left sidebar fastens the application’s window to the dock bar and vice versa.

The installation procedure is fast and clear for both platforms. The first window that you will see after the software has been launched is a sign-up window.

The registration procedure entails two steps. At first, you need to provide your email, and Privado VPN will send a confirmation letter. The second point is to validate the received letter, and you will get the login and the password for signing in to an account, which can be used on any device.

Mobile Apps

The iOS and Android applications gain one styled visual representation with some minor decorative differences. Both programs have on their main windows four interactive components:

• Connect/disconnect button;
• Hamburger menu icon opening the settings display;
• Ringbell icon in the right upper corner that opens the notification window;
• Locations field.

The installation is simple, as is the desktop version. After launching this VPN on your mobile gadget, at first you will face the sign-up window. Now you can use already-received credentials or process the registration procedure if you have not done it before.

Browser Extension

This section is waiting for better times because Privado VPN does not have distributions for browsers at the moment of this review creation.

Performance

Depending on the operating system, Privado VPN’s software works differently. On Windows OS, the connection speed suffered serious losses while the online VPN was connected to the US server. The Dutch location, contradictory, showed good speed with a little reduction.

As for macOS, the results are better than on Windows. The American server again showed a significant decrease in the download speed, but the upload speed did not have a serious impact in contrast to the Windows’s app. The French location’s results are worthy: the deterioration of the upload speed is very little, and the download speed underwent an improvement.

The application on the iPhone showed average performance. It is not too low, but there is a lot of space ahead for enhancing the connection speed. At the moment, it is not fast enough to place a leading position among competitors.

The US server on Android lost almost half of the download speed, and the upload speed was also downgraded a lot. The German server’s download index also performed with a meaningful reduction, but the upload index has fallen less than 10%.
The vpn free version provides 10 gb of bandwidth for an account. It is enough for testing purposes or tasks that mean a modest traffic transfer, but you definitely need more for watching video content or playing games.

Work in Highly Restricted Countries

There is no information on the official website or software products regarding this query.

Server’s Locations

The website says that the network contains servers in 48 countries around the world.

The free version proposes eleven countries for each platform:

• Germany;
• France;
• United Kingdom;
• India;
• Netherlands;
• Canada;
• United States;
• Mexico;
• Brazil;
• Argentina;
• New Zealand.

The US region contains four servers in different cities.

That is all important information about the Privado VPN network.

What Bonuses Does the Paid Version Offer, and How Much Does It Cost?

As you see, the lowest price can be $1.99 per month if you purchase a 24-month subscription, which will cost almost $48. If you buy a 12-month plan, then the monthly price will be $2.50, for a total of $30 in one payment. A single monthly subscription costs $10.99, which is much more expensive compared to the long-term plans.

After obtaining the subscription, you will get rid of the limitation of 10 gb and enjoy unlimited bandwidth. Also, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, utilize all 65 servers in 48 countries, and get additional and useful features such as SOCKS5 proxy, ad blocker, parental control, and threat prevention.

They added for some reason points to the subscription plans that are available for free too. We understand that it is such a trick to pay more attention to paid versions. For instance, unlimited devices and zero-logs assurance were built into the free version.

About Support

You can get to the customer support page on their website. It contains three main divisions designed to help users.

The ‘Knowledge Base’ item includes a lot of predefined answers divided into eight logical blocks. The  ‘Installation Guides’ item is an assembly of instructions on how to set up a current VPN on various platforms. The central ‘Contact Support item’ will lead the live support.

We wrote a letter to them and soon got a response.

We received an answer in less than 12 hours. After the first response, we received one more letter from their side because they did not get any feedback from us.

Their support system is well built, including predefined sections and live communication as well. You can also contact support through the applications-dedicated field, but not on all platforms.

Privado VPN Review: Final verdict

In general, the privacy policy of the current provider is strong. They keep only users’ emails and may have access to some identifiers provided by Android and iOS. One dark point left is that we did not find exact identifiers, and it would be nice to know. Also, Privado VPN collaborates with third-party payment providers who can collect credit card details.

Not all but the majority of speed tests showed a reduction in download and upload indexes. Especially high deterioration incurs the US server almost on every device. The European region works better, apparently with very low losses.

The security measures implemented in the system are worthy and ensure dependable protection. Except for the modern protocols, there were some additional security features, but only two. It is a point where they can expand the possibilities for users.

The usability of all applications is comfortable without annoying traits. Each platform contains eleven countries and a similar set of settings. For some reason, Privado VPN has not managed to issue software for browsers.

It seems that this provider does not work in countries with high web usage restrictions from the government side; we did not find such information.
The support system is reliable, including live communication and other predefined options.
If your main goal is to achieve confidentiality, then Privado VPN will fit you. Keep in mind that the speed aspect requires improvement, and you will face lags while using it.