- NordVPN is a huge service,
while PrivateVPN looks like it's a really small endeavor.
But just as David has beaten Goliath,
perhaps, PrivateVPN has a chance to strike down the giant.
Observe this side-by-side comparison of these services,
as I explain what are the similarities
and differences between these services.
But if you already have an opinion on those VPNs,
share it in the comments and consider checking our channel
as long as you're here.
(chill music)
NordVPN is an industry leader,
with advertisements all around the internet,
while PrivateVPN is a very modest service.
You can even call it a dark horse.
After all, it's hard to say how PrivateVPN
compares to NordVPN without testing both, which I did.
My first test began with opening each app.
Ease of use is an important factor
if you and your family will use a service regularly,
and you certainly can bring your family on board,
both VPNs allow up to six simultaneous connections
on every major platform.
The apps themselves are nice to say the least.
NordVPN's apps are sleek, comfortable,
and in my opinion, have a very pleasant design.
It's not too bright, not too sharp edged,
so it's easy on your eyes.
Not the Linux app, which is entirely command based.
But that's normal as far as Linux apps are concerned.
Besides the major platforms,
NordVPN has browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome.
They come with malware blocker and WebRTC leak protection.
You can also install NordVPN on the router
with manual configuration options
that work for most popular router models.
PrivateVPN's UI is also quite my liking.
I didn't have any troubles navigating it.
However, PrivateVPN has a problem,
since it's Mac app is quite a bit worse than Windows app.
Lacking kill switch, application guard,
and DNS leak protection.
This makes Mac app much less secure.
PrivateVPN doesn't have browser extensions,
but it can be installed on a router just like NordVPN.
And both NordVPN and PrivateVPN Fire Stick apps
are equally functional,
so you can use VPN even on your smart TV.
Nevertheless, it plainly lacks functionality
on some platforms, so NordVPN wins this round.
Performance-wise, the difference is staggering there.
First of all, PrivateVPN uses an old but gold
OpenVPN protocol.
While the NordVPN NordLynx protocol was made specifically
to be faster and more secure.
Speed test results speak for themselves.
I have connected to the UK server with a baseline speed
and NordVPN out-speeds PrivateVPN,
with both OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols enabled.
PrivateVPN has a much smaller server pool
which it compensates a little
with a higher number of country locations than NordVPN has.
Despite the high disparity between NordVPN
versus PrivateVPN speed test,
PrivateVPN actually has a very good performance by itself.
By purchasing internet capacity
directly from IP transit providers,
it skips the intermediaries to get higher speeds.
Unfortunately, that's not enough
to beat NordVPN's performance,
so it comes on top once again.
In terms of security and privacy,
this comparison also looks quite one-sided.
If you even wondered, is NordVPN safe?
Then I'm about to give you the answer.
Even though NordVPN and PrivateVPN
both use high tier military-grade encryption,
PrivateVPN loses on other sides.
NordVPN's proprietary protocol NordLynx is not only faster,
but it has advanced security as well.
Furthermore, even though both services
have configurable kill switch,
PrivateVPN lacks that function on Mac and mobile devices.
This feature is your last line of defense
that will disable your internet connection
if VPN malfunctions.
Not having it is a big issue.
NordVPN is located
in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Panama.
They have a no-logs policy that was independently audited,
so that you won't have to ask, does NordVPN keep logs?
PrivateVPN does the same
and their no-logs policy is legitimate.
However, the service itself is Sweden based.
Sweden is part of a Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliance.
I have to give the winning place to NordVPN once again,
since its dedication to security and privacy is greater.
Next, I'd like to address streaming capabilities
of these VPNs.
Since accessing geoblocked content
is one of the most desirable functions of VPNs.
I tested each of these two giants'
popular streaming platforms.
Results are very similar.
NordVPN for Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+,
and BBC iPlayer showed very reliable results.
And thanks to the SmartDNS feature,
I was able to watch shows even from my smart TV.
PrivateVPN can stream high quality video reliably
despite losing to NordVPN in speed
and it has around 20 streaming dedicated servers.
Through these servers,
I got access to many streaming platforms with PrivateVPN,
Netflix U.S., Amazon Prime, Disney+,
and BBC iPlayer are the most valuable ones.
This is a solid draw,
both VPNs perform great in terms of streaming.
And I can say almost the same about torrenting as well.
NordVPN torrenting is possible in more than 40 countries
and it offers a free SOCKS5 proxy
to help with torrenting process.
PrivateVPN has no restrictions on torrenting,
allowing it on all servers,
but their team recommends torrenting
through the Swedish servers for best speeds.
With both of those VPNs,
I had no trouble with P2P file sharing
and neither should you.
As a result, this time, it is also a draw.
Good VPNs should be able to bypass firewalls
and deep packet inspections like the ones China enforces.
PrivateVPN has a specific protocol called Stealth VPN,
allowing you to do just that.
And NordVPN has obfuscated servers for this purpose,
and they also work like a charm.
In this category, it's a solid draw.
But if you try to contact customer support,
there will be a major difference.
Despite having 24/7 support,
PrivateVPN doesn't have a live chat that's always available.
You'll have to contact the support team through emails
or check guides and knowledge base.
On the other hand, NordVPN has all the above
and a 24/7 live chat
that's always replying in a matter of minutes.
Just for that, NordVPN earns a victory here.
This PrivateVPN versus NordVPN comparison
escalates one last time as I reach the pricing category.
NordVPN is not the cheapest, let's be real,
but it has quite a lucrative price
with the longest commitment.
Plus, you can get a NordVPN discount,
if you know where to look.
Additionally, you can get a NordVPN free trial
for seven days, but only if you sign up
with an Android phone first.
And even if you got a subscription,
there's a 30 day money back guarantee
if you change your mind.
PrivateVPN also has the same money back guarantee,
but PrivateVPN free trial doesn't have any requirements
like NordVPN does.
Moreover, PrivateVPN's prices are amongst the lowest
on the market, making it a very nice choice for beginners.
This time, the win goes to PrivateVPN.
So who wins overall, PrivateVPN or NordVPN?
Unfortunately, for the first, NordVPN wins for me here.
It's a strong competitor that can do anything
a user needs reliably.
On the other hand, PrivateVPN is a cheaper option
that can satisfy its users
as long as the requirements are a bit lower,
and you are using Windows
since Mac and mobile apps are lacking.
Whether you decide to try NordVPN or PrivateVPN,
I have exclusive discounts for you guys.
Just head to the description of this video
and claim a NordVPN coupon, or a PrivateVPN discount.
And don't forget to leave a like
if you enjoyed this NordVPN versus PrivateVPN review,
subscribe and comment if you have your opinion
on those VPN providers.
Thanks for watching and I'll see you next time.
(upbeat electronic music)