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PrivateVPN is a reasonable budget VPN if you need up to ten simultaneous connections, a simple desktop app, and port forwarding on selected setups. It is not a top pick for privacy on the evidence available. Its no-logs policy is the provider’s own statement, and the independent reviews checked for this article report no public independent audit that confirms it. Whether it counts as a “top” choice depends on which of those priorities matters most to you.
This review draws on PrivateVPN’s published website and help center, Top10VPN’s 2026 review, and an earlier TechRadar review. Sources were checked on 7 October 2026. It does not include hands-on speed tests from our side.
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Does PrivateVPN keep logs?
PrivateVPN says it does not. Its help center FAQ answers the question directly: “No, we do not generate logs of any data traffic.” The privacy policy is more detailed. TechRadar quoted its wording as follows: “We do not collect or store logs of your activity, including no logging of browsing history, traffic destination, connection time stamps, DNS queries, IP addresses (neither allocated IP nor connected IP), data content or bandwidth.” The homepage adds that Swedish privacy law means the company keeps no traffic logs. That is the provider’s interpretation of its obligations, not an independent legal determination.
What the claim does and does not prove
These are representations by the company. Top10VPN labels the policy unverified and reports no independent audit. TechRadar makes the same point: a public audit would give customers evidence that does not depend on the company’s word. A no-logs promise can be accurate and still be impossible for an outsider to confirm. If your concern depends on a verified record of what a provider does or does not store, this is the gap to weigh before subscribing.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
Protocols, leak protection and the kill switch
The FAQ lists a wider set of protocols than most people will ever need. Listing a protocol is not the same as making it easy to use, so the table separates the vendor’s claims from what independent reviewers reported.
| Protocol | Listed in PrivateVPN’s FAQ | Independent notes |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | Yes | Top10VPN says it requires manual setup rather than being selectable in the app. |
| OpenVPN | Yes | Not stated in the independent reviews checked. |
| IKEv2 | Yes | Not stated in the independent reviews checked. |
| IPSec | Yes | Not stated in the independent reviews checked. |
| AnyConnect | Yes | Not stated in the independent reviews checked. |
| L2TP (legacy) | Yes, for older devices | TechRadar’s earlier review found DNS leaks on L2TP and PPTP. |
| PPTP (legacy) | Yes, for older devices | TechRadar’s earlier review found DNS leaks on L2TP and PPTP. |
WireGuard: listed, but check how you configure it
WireGuard is one of the protocols PrivateVPN advertises, and it is the one many readers will look for first. Top10VPN reports that it requires manual setup. If you want WireGuard, expect to configure it yourself rather than selecting it from the app’s protocol menu, and confirm the current steps for your operating system in the vendor’s setup instructions.
Rank #2
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Encryption, leak protection and the kill switch
The FAQ says encryption reaches up to 256-bit and that the service protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks. It lists a kill switch for Windows, macOS and Android. Independent results are less tidy. Top10VPN reported IPv6 leakage on Linux and inconsistent kill-switch behavior in its testing. TechRadar’s older review described features that vary by platform, including a desktop Connection Guard and missing controls on some apps.
Because behavior differs by device, test the connection on the device you actually use:
Rank #3
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
- Connect to a server and open a DNS leak test page and an IP check page in your browser. Compare the reported addresses with your normal connection.
- Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable while connected. Then check whether traffic stops. If it continues over your normal connection, the kill switch is not protecting that device.
- Repeat the test after switching protocols and after a reboot, since settings and defaults can change between app versions.
Speed and server network
Top10VPN measured download speed in its 2026 review. Its nearby server lost 4% of download speed. The losses were larger on distant routes: 39% when connecting to South Africa and 24% when connecting to Australia. These are that reviewer’s results under its own test conditions, not a guarantee for your location or connection. Top10VPN attributes weaker long-distance results partly to a smaller network and to congestion.
| Test route (Top10VPN, 2026) | Reported download-speed loss |
|---|---|
| Nearby server | 4% |
| South Africa | 39% |
| Australia | 24% |
The provider’s server count is not consistent across its own pages or the review. The table shows what each source states.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
| Source | Servers | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| PrivateVPN homepage (accessed 2026) | More than 200 | 63 |
| PrivateVPN Help Center FAQ (accessed 2026) | 200+ | 43 |
| Top10VPN 2026 review | 200 | 62 |
Treat the network as roughly 200 servers. Before subscribing, open the server list in the app and confirm the specific countries you need, rather than relying on any single figure.
Devices, apps and routers
- Simultaneous devices: the FAQ says one account can connect ten devices at the same time.
- Platforms: the vendor advertises Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux and router support.
- Desktop app: Top10VPN describes a simple view and an advanced view. The mobile app offers less configuration.
- Port forwarding: available only on selected protocols and locations. Check that your chosen location and protocol support it before relying on it.
- Routers: the vendor says routers are supported, but the material reviewed does not establish which router models work or give model-specific setup. Confirm your router appears in the vendor’s setup instructions before buying hardware for this purpose.
Plans, prices and refunds
The homepage displayed the following US-dollar prices when sources were checked on 7 October 2026. Displayed prices can change by market and date.
Best Value
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
| Plan length | Price shown on the homepage |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $9.90 per month |
| 3 months | $6.00 per month, billed $17.99 per quarter |
| 36 months | $2.00 per month. The page also shows $72 billed every 12 months after the initial 36-month period. The wording is hard to read, so confirm the amount and renewal date at checkout. |
The FAQ gives a different starting point, saying plans start at $12 per month. Check the checkout page before you commit, because the figure you see there is the one you will pay.
The homepage advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee. TechRadar reported that the terms it reviewed limit refunds to users who have not used the service. Read the current refund terms before paying, and do not assume you can test the service and cancel without restriction.
Who should choose PrivateVPN
The fit depends on what you need from a VPN. The table points you to the section with the evidence.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| If your priority is | Fit | Where the evidence sits |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost coverage for several household devices | Reasonable | Devices and plans |
| Independently verified no-logs proof | Weak | Does PrivateVPN keep logs? |
| Port forwarding for a specific use | Conditional on protocol and location | Devices, apps and routers |
| Predictable speed on distant servers | Weak | Speed and server network |
| Linux use with strict leak protection | Use with caution | Protocols, leak protection and the kill switch |
| Router-wide coverage at home | Unverified | Devices, apps and routers |
Checklist before you buy
- Confirm the country list in the app for the locations you need.
- Decide whether you will configure WireGuard manually or use another protocol that suits your device.
- Run the leak and kill-switch checks on the device you will use most.
- Check the price at checkout and read the current refund terms.
- If you plan to protect a whole network through a router, confirm your model appears in the vendor’s setup instructions.
Subscribe if you want an inexpensive, multi-device VPN with a straightforward app, and you are comfortable accepting the provider’s own no-logs statement. If independent verification of logging practices is a requirement, look for a provider that publishes an external audit.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
