- Joined
- Apr 29, 2013
- Messages
- 210,400
- Reaction score
- 302
- Points
- 113
The PrivadoVPN Free plan is widely regarded by tech publications and users as one of the best and most generous free VPN services on the market. Unlike many free VPNs that throttle speeds significantly, log your data, or limit you to a strict time limit, PrivadoVPN offers a "free forever" tier that runs on the exact same high-speed infrastructure as its paid service.
However, it does come with a few notable limitations. A comprehensive review of the plan outlines its key pros, cons, and performance metrics:
The Pros (What Makes It Great)
- Generous Monthly Data Cap (10 GB): You get 10 GB of high-speed data every 30 days. While streaming will burn through this quickly, it is plenty for secure web browsing, checking email, messaging, and occasional use.
- Blazing Fast Speeds: Because it supports top-tier protocols like WireGuard, you get nearly unthrottled speeds on nearby servers, making it fast enough for high-definition video.
- Access to Multiple Server Locations: Free users aren't restricted to just one server. You get access to roughly 13 server locations across the globe (including major regions like the US, UK, and Germany), which is far more than most competing free VPNs offer.
- Strong Security & No-Logs Policy: PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland, which boasts strong privacy laws. They maintain a strict zero-log policy, meaning they do not track your online activity. It also includes essential security features like a Kill Switch and DNS leak protection.
- Streaming and Torrenting Capable: Unlike most free VPNs that completely block streaming or P2P traffic, PrivadoVPN allows torrenting on all free servers and can successfully unblock major platforms (like US Netflix), though results can occasionally vary.
- No Ads: The free tier does not bombard you with third-party advertisements.
- The 10 GB Wall: Once you use up your 10 GB of high-speed data, you aren't completely cut off, but you are dropped into "Lite Mode." In this mode, you can no longer choose your server location, and your speeds are heavily throttled (often down to around 1 Mbps) until your data resets next month.
- Single Device Connection: The free plan limits you to 1 active connection at a time (compared to 10 connections on the paid plan).
- Smaller Free Server Selection: While 13 locations is good for a free plan, it is a fraction of their full network, meaning certain regions can get crowded during peak hours.
- No Independent Audits: Unlike some top-tier competitors, PrivadoVPN's no-logs claims and core infrastructure have not been heavily verified by public third-party security audits.
However, if you plan to stream video daily, torrent heavily, or protect multiple devices simultaneously, you will blow past the 10 GB limit within the first week, and you will eventually need to look at a paid subscription (either theirs or another provider's).
Best VPN & Online Protection Bundle | PrivadoVPN
Stay private online with the best VPN, real-time antivirus, ad blocker, and secure DNS. PrivadoVPN offers full protection in one online security suite.