Quick answer: PrivateVPN is a small Swedish VPN with a big value proposition: port forwarding included, Stealth VPN, 10 devices and helpful support, from about $2.00 per month on the 3-year plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Key takeaways
- Score: 7.7/10
- Port forwarding included
- From about $2.00/mo on the 3-year plan
- 10 devices
- Small network
Last updated: September 26, 2026. Our score: 7.7/10 (editorial rating). Prices are in USD unless stated otherwise and can change at any time.
PrivateVPN at a Glance
| Our score | 7.7/10 |
|---|---|
| Price | From about $2.00/mo (3-year plan) |
| Servers | 200+ |
| Countries | 60+ |
| Speed impact | Moderate (WireGuard) |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 |
| Logging policy | No-logs policy |
| Jurisdiction | Sweden |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Best for | Port forwarding on a budget |
Our Verdict on PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN delivers features that bigger brands charge for, with personal support.
Its small network and limited audits hold it back from the top tier.
PrivateVPN Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very low 3-year price
- Port forwarding included
- Stealth VPN for restrictive networks
- 10 devices
- Helpful, hands-on support
Cons
- Small server network
- Fewer published audits
- Basic apps
PrivateVPN Speed and Performance
PrivateVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, with decent speeds on nearby servers.
PrivateVPN Privacy and Security
PrivateVPN is based in Sweden with a no-logs policy. Features include a kill switch, Stealth VPN and DNS leak protection.
PrivateVPN Streaming
PrivateVPN works with several streaming services, though results vary.
PrivateVPN Torrenting and P2P
Port forwarding is included, making PrivateVPN a strong torrenting choice.
PrivateVPN Apps and Ease of Use
Apps cover Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Fire TV and routers, with simple and advanced modes.
PrivateVPN Server Network
PrivateVPN runs about 200 servers in 60+ countries.
PrivateVPN Pricing and Value
The 3-year plan is about $2.00 per month (about $72 upfront). Monthly is around $9.90.
PrivateVPN Customer Support
Support includes live chat, email and remote setup help.
Who Should Buy PrivateVPN
Torrent users and budget buyers.
Who Should Avoid PrivateVPN
Users who need a large server network.
PrivateVPN Alternatives
PIA and AirVPN also offer port forwarding. Mullvad offers stronger anonymity.
PrivateVPN vs Top-Rated VPNs: Quick Comparison
| VPN | Score | Price | Devices | Jurisdiction | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PrivateVPN | 7.7/10 | From about $2.00/mo (3-year plan) | 10 | Sweden | 30 days |
| NordVPN | 9.6/10 | From $3.49/mo (2-year plan) | 10 | Panama | 30 days |
| Proton VPN | 9.4/10 | From $2.99/mo (2-year Plus); free plan available | 10 (Plus) | Switzerland | 30 days (prorated) |
| Surfshark | 9.3/10 | From $2.49/mo (2-year plan) | Unlimited | Netherlands | 30 days |
This table compares PrivateVPN with the three highest-rated services in our current reviews. Price is only one part of the picture: the refund window tells you how safely you can test a service, the device allowance tells you whether one plan will cover your household, and jurisdiction affects which privacy laws apply to the company. Use the comparison to shortlist two or three options, then read each full review before deciding.
PrivateVPN Key Specs Explained
Jurisdiction (Sweden): this is where the company is legally based, which determines the laws it must follow if authorities request data. A strong no-logs policy matters more than location alone, because a provider cannot hand over data it never collected.
Logging (No-logs policy): this describes what PrivateVPN says it records. Independent audits, open-source code and real-world tests such as court cases or server seizures are the best evidence that a policy is followed in practice.
Connections (10): this is how many devices can use the VPN at the same time. Count your phones, laptops, tablets and TVs before choosing a plan.
Speed impact (Moderate (WireGuard)): every VPN slows your connection a little because traffic is encrypted and routed through another server. Modern protocols such as WireGuard keep the slowdown small on nearby servers, while long-distance and multi-hop connections cost more speed.
Is PrivateVPN Right for You?
PrivateVPN is best for: Port forwarding on a budget. It is especially well suited to these use cases: torrenting, budget, travel. If that matches how you plan to use a VPN, PrivateVPN deserves a place on your shortlist. If your priorities are different, for example you mainly want the cheapest price, the most devices or the best streaming performance, compare it with the alternatives above before you buy.
PrivateVPN Support and Setup Help
PrivateVPN is known for hands-on support, including remote help to install the VPN on computers, routers and TVs.
For less technical users, this personal service can be more valuable than extra features.
Who Runs PrivateVPN?
PrivateVPN is operated by Privat Kommunikation Sverige AB in Sweden and has been running since 2009. As a smaller company, it cannot match the marketing budgets or audit programmes of the largest providers, but it has built a loyal user base through fair pricing, included port forwarding and responsive support. If you prefer supporting an independent European provider, it is worth considering.
Our PrivateVPN Rating Explained
We score PrivateVPN 7.7 out of 10, which on our scale means a niche or budget option that works best for a narrower group of users. Our rating weighs privacy and security most heavily, followed by performance, features, ease of use and value for money over the full cost of ownership, not just the introductory price. A provider can lose points for unclear logging practices, a limited refund policy, a small network or a steep renewal jump, and it can gain points for independent audits, open-source code, generous device limits and fair renewal pricing.
In PrivateVPN’s case, the score reflects these strengths: very low 3-year price, Port forwarding included and Stealth VPN for restrictive networks. It is held back mainly by the following: small server network, and fewer published audits. If those drawbacks do not matter for how you use a VPN, PrivateVPN may be an even better fit for you than the number suggests.
What to Check Before You Buy PrivateVPN
Before paying, confirm four things at checkout. First, the total amount due today, because most long-term VPN plans are billed upfront rather than monthly; PrivateVPN currently starts at from about $2.00/mo (3-year plan). Second, the renewal price and date, which can be very different from the introductory rate. Third, the refund terms (30 days), including whether refunds are full or partial and whether app-store purchases follow different rules. Fourth, the device allowance (10), so you know whether one plan covers your whole household.
It also helps to decide in advance what you need most. If streaming is the priority, test your platforms early in the refund window. If privacy is the priority, read PrivateVPN’s privacy policy and audit summaries. If you torrent, check whether PrivateVPN offers the P2P features you rely on, such as port forwarding. A few minutes of checking now can save you from paying for the wrong service.
How to Cancel PrivateVPN
To cancel, sign in to your PrivateVPN account on the official website and open the subscription or billing area. Turn off automatic renewal to stop future charges; you normally keep access until the end of the period you already paid for. If you want a refund and you are still within the 30 days window, contact PrivateVPN support by chat, ticket or email and include your account email or order number. Purchases made through the Apple App Store or Google Play usually follow the store’s own refund rules instead.
How to Set Up PrivateVPN
- Visit the official PrivateVPN website using the button on this page and choose a plan.
- Create your account and complete payment. Keep your confirmation email, because you will need it for any refund request under the 30 days policy.
- Download the PrivateVPN app for your device from the official website or your device’s app store.
- Sign in, then turn on the kill switch (if available) before your first connection so your traffic never leaks if the VPN drops.
- Connect to a nearby server for everyday browsing, or choose a specific country when you need a local IP address.
- Check that your IP address has changed using any IP-check website, then install PrivateVPN on your other devices.
How We Review VPNs
This PrivateVPN review is research-based and was last verified on September 26, 2026. We checked PrivateVPN’s current pricing and plan terms, its privacy policy, published independent audits and security reports, supported protocols and platforms, and recent independent coverage of its performance and ownership. Speed notes describe the protocols PrivateVPN uses and how consistently it performs in widely published independent testing; they are not a single lab result, because real-world speed depends heavily on your own connection, device and distance from the server.
Before you commit, we recommend running your own quick test during the refund window: connect to a nearby server, run a speed test with and without the VPN, and try the specific streaming, gaming or work apps you use every day. That is the most reliable way to know whether PrivateVPN suits your setup.
Every OnlyVPNGuide review looks at the same areas: privacy policy and audit history, company ownership and jurisdiction, security features such as kill switches and leak protection, protocol support, server coverage, streaming and P2P policies, app quality across platforms, support options, and the full cost of ownership including renewal prices and refund terms. We check provider documentation, published audits and independent reporting, and we update reviews when prices, features or ownership change. Scores are editorial and are never sold. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, which does not change the price you pay or how we rate a service.
PrivateVPN FAQ
Does PrivateVPN support port forwarding?
Yes, it is included.
How much is PrivateVPN?
About $2.00 per month on the 3-year plan.
How many devices does PrivateVPN allow?
10.
Where is PrivateVPN based?
Sweden.
Does PrivateVPN have a refund policy?
Yes, 30 days.
Is PrivateVPN good for streaming?
It works with several services, though results vary.
Final Verdict
PrivateVPN is excellent value for torrent users and budget buyers who want port forwarding without paying extra.