Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Compare NordVPN and PrivateVPN, two leading VPN service providers rated at 83.5% and 51.8% respectively. NordVPN, headquartered in Panama, and PrivateVPN, based in Sweden, offer similar pricing options, with NordVPN starting at $2.99 per month and PrivateVPN at $2.00. Both companies adhere to a no-logging policy and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, NordVPN outperforms PrivateVPN in several aspects. These include a larger server count (5000 servers compared to 200), additional encryption (ChaCha20), extensive protocol support (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec), and advanced features like Double VPN, Ad Blocking, and Split Tunneling. While PrivateVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections compared to NordVPN’s 6, it falls short in features like Smart DNS, and lacks in the number of third-party audits. Lastly, NordVPN’s presence outside the 14 Eyes alliance provides a clear advantage in terms of user privacy. In short, NordVPN appears to be the preferable choice for its combination of advanced features, extensive server coverage, and stronger privacy protections.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: NordVPN vs PrivateVPN
| VPN Company | NordVPN | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Sweden |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $2.00/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $9.90 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 5,000 | 200 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 63 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Likely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | Live Chat, and 24/7 Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and PrivateVPN are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while PrivateVPN begins at just $2.00/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
PrivateVPN Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over PrivateVPN, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of Sweden. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, NordVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and PrivateVPN differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, PrivateVPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 200 servers in 63 countries. This difference might affect the performance and speed – especially for users in less covered regions.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and PrivateVPN is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of PrivateVPN, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Performance in China: PrivateVPN Better
NordVPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, PrivateVPN currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between NordVPN and PrivateVPN.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and PrivateVPN is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. NordVPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, PrivateVPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Ad Blocking Feature: NordVPN Better
A significant differentiator between NordVPN and PrivateVPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. NordVPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, PrivateVPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 63 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both NordVPN and PrivateVPN offer valuable features, with NordVPN standing out in areas such as ad blocking, double VPN functionality, and server network size, while PrivateVPN shows promise with functioning effectively in China. Users should make their selection based on their specific needs, geographical location, and desired services that each VPN can provide.
About NordVPN & PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN, a Swedish-based service, was established in 2009. The company is known for its commitment to user privacy and security, offering features like AES-256 encryption and a zero-logging policy. PrivateVPN supports various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, and provides a range of global servers.
To learn more, read our PrivateVPN review.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.