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At first glance you would be forgiven for believing that there was little to choose between these three VPN providers. After all, they all provide excellent security features and work across multiple operating systems, including mobile and public hotspots among them. However it doesn’t take much of a deeper look to realize that while there is a clear winner, there is an even clearer loser. While NordVPN offers the highest possible levels of security and they all offer access to geographically blocked content, AirVPN provides a perfectly good service, and what it lacks in bells and whistles it makes up for in transparency and reliability. Our third provider however falls down on service, transparency and reliability. A once respected provider, Ivacy, is now not considered worth the cost of its fairly priced package. Its lack of transparency when it comes to customer services and privacy, and concerns over it being situated in Hong Kong put it way behind both AirVPN, which is based in Italy, and NordVPN that has encryption that the NSA would have trouble breaking. While all three offer a service that supports Netflix, P2P and Torrents, users need to be aware again of the China connection with Ivacy, and what this might mean for their privacy.
Features
7.4
Pricing
8.7
Ease of Use
7.8
Reliability & Support
7.8
Features
7.8
Pricing
9.8
Ease of Use
8.4
Reliability & Support
8.0
Features
10.0
Pricing
9.6
Ease of Use
10.0
Reliability & Support
10.0
Rating
Features
7.4
7.8
10.0
Pricing
8.7
9.8
9.6
Ease of Use
7.8
8.4
10.0
Reliability & Support
7.8
8.0
10.0
Reviews
Review by our expert
Kate Veale
Cybersecurity Researcher
8.0
AirVPN is a reliable, budget-friendly VPN with high-end security features. It offers unlimited bandwidth on 200+ servers across 20 countries.
Let’s take an in-depth look at its features and policies to find out if this is the best VPN for you.
AirVPN does work with Netflix, but it's not quite the seamless streaming experience we'd hoped for, with slow speeds and ads. If you want speedy, uni...
Reliable and secure global VPNJust signed up for 2 more years with AirVPN. Yes, there are other higher-rated services, but AirVPN always works perfectly and is reasonably priced. I run it on Windows, Linux, and OSX, which does limit the contenders. The main usage is secure browsing when traveling and file transfer.
I like that it uses OpenVPN and also that it is NOT at the top of the list. OpenVPN is very secure and with a lower rating is unlikely to be a hacking / DOS/government target.
I could go on about great AirVPN is, but really, it would be like telling you how much I like my water or electricity utility. It just works and I don't think about it more than once every two years when I need to renew my subscription.
Latest negative user review
Desse
2.0
Very badDon't complain about slow speeds, even if you can prove it you will get banned and blocked and they remove your comment from the page.
Btw for not keeping logs there is much user data available on their web.
My 3rd vpn and it's the worst from all.
Is it bad to say " i think servers are overloaded, i have to change continuously from server and lose gaming points on cs4 for this"....i was banned for this text.
Ariel Hochstadt
Ex-Google, International tech speaker
8.4
Ivacy VPN Features — Updated in June 2021
Although it’s based in Singapore, which sometimes faces censorship issues of their own, Ivacy has proven itself as an exceptional VPN.
The VPN has standard encryption and security with 256-bit military-grade encryption and several protocols including IPSEC, IKeV, L2TP, OpenVPN, TCP and UD.
On top of that, Ivacy has a kill-switch, which wil...
VPN paling bagusThis VPN is so good that my IP is private, And the speed is also amazing the speed is up to 8/10, and it really helps to speed up the internet, and it's pretty good when playing games, streaming, and it's very satisfying.
Latest negative user review
Bryan
2.0
Refund refused after 7 hours of usageI have just tried to get a refund after 7 hours of use.
During those 7 hours, I suffered slow internet speeds and connection problems to the fasted server (automatic connection) on 3 Android devices
My refund is being refused.
Stay away from Ivacy VPN
It’s not often that a VPN has cheap prices coupled with an excellent set of features. Yet, when my team and I looked at what NordVPN has to offer, this is exactly what we found. It offers a huge global network of servers, unblocks hundreds of streaming platforms, and has iron-clad security and privacy features — and you can get it all for just $3.71/month. I had to wonder what the catch was.
...
For NordVPN-Android – NordVPN cannotThere is no Caveat Emptor here, nothing like that at all. Nothing to worry about because NordVPN has a top-notch of KillSwitch. It has never faltered in my case. Some instances that NordVPN connection is lost for like 10 seconds while I'm "incognito" in a streaming site, I immediately check with the site with regards to my interrupted connection and my real location did not register ;-) This happened a handful of times in fact. NordVPN will not leave you out in the cold so to speak ;-)
Just that since this is a review, it must be noted since features are being enumerated that Split Tunneling and KillSwitch cannot be enabled at the same time. It's either you use one or the other.
KillSwitch is not possible if you need to exclude an app from using VPN which means to Split Tunneling. Crypto wallet apps and apps that refuse to use VPN tunnel are such examples.
"Block Connections Without VPN" being 1 of 2 conditions that must be met to be able to utilize KillSwitch, and KillSwitch will not work if Split Tunneling is enabled. Ergo,
- It's either All apps are Blocked without VPN or No Apps are Blocked at all.
I thought pausing the VPN from its Notification will take care of this but in all my Android devices that have NordVPN the pausing from the notification does not work which makes me wonder if pausing/disconnecting from notification is a feature that works in Android.
Latest negative user review
Michail
2.0
Great choice!Lenny, completely agree with you! Everything works great with Nord VPN! The download speed is really good and doesn't have any hiccups. It's very easy to use. It's nice to feel protected and safe from prying eyes. I will be a lifelong customer!
AirVPN is a reliable, budget-friendly VPN with high-end security features. It offers unlimited bandwidth on 200+ servers across 20 countries.
Let’s take an in-depth look at its features and policies to find out if this is the best VPN for you.
AirVPN does work with Netflix, but it's not quite the seamless streaming experience we'd hoped for, with slow speeds and ads. If you want speedy, uni...
Ivacy VPN Features — Updated in June 2021
Although it’s based in Singapore, which sometimes faces censorship issues of their own, Ivacy has proven itself as an exceptional VPN.
The VPN has standard encryption and security with 256-bit military-grade encryption and several protocols including IPSEC, IKeV, L2TP, OpenVPN, TCP and UD.
On top of that, Ivacy has a kill-switch, which wil...
It’s not often that a VPN has cheap prices coupled with an excellent set of features. Yet, when my team and I looked at what NordVPN has to offer, this is exactly what we found. It offers a huge global network of servers, unblocks hundreds of streaming platforms, and has iron-clad security and privacy features — and you can get it all for just $3.71/month. I had to wonder what the catch was.
...
Reliable and secure global VPNJust signed up for 2 more years with AirVPN. Yes, there are other higher-rated services, but AirVPN always works perfectly and is reasonably priced. I run it on Windows, Linux, and OSX, which does limit the contenders. The main usage is secure browsing when traveling and file transfer.
I like that it uses OpenVPN and also that it is NOT at the top of the list. OpenVPN is very secure and with a lower rating is unlikely to be a hacking / DOS/government target.
I could go on about great AirVPN is, but really, it would be like telling you how much I like my water or electricity utility. It just works and I don't think about it more than once every two years when I need to renew my subscription.
Gamesplayer88
10.0
VPN paling bagusThis VPN is so good that my IP is private, And the speed is also amazing the speed is up to 8/10, and it really helps to speed up the internet, and it's pretty good when playing games, streaming, and it's very satisfying.
Marc
10.0
For NordVPN-Android – NordVPN cannotThere is no Caveat Emptor here, nothing like that at all. Nothing to worry about because NordVPN has a top-notch of KillSwitch. It has never faltered in my case. Some instances that NordVPN connection is lost for like 10 seconds while I'm "incognito" in a streaming site, I immediately check with the site with regards to my interrupted connection and my real location did not register ;-) This happened a handful of times in fact. NordVPN will not leave you out in the cold so to speak ;-)
Just that since this is a review, it must be noted since features are being enumerated that Split Tunneling and KillSwitch cannot be enabled at the same time. It's either you use one or the other.
KillSwitch is not possible if you need to exclude an app from using VPN which means to Split Tunneling. Crypto wallet apps and apps that refuse to use VPN tunnel are such examples.
"Block Connections Without VPN" being 1 of 2 conditions that must be met to be able to utilize KillSwitch, and KillSwitch will not work if Split Tunneling is enabled. Ergo,
- It's either All apps are Blocked without VPN or No Apps are Blocked at all.
I thought pausing the VPN from its Notification will take care of this but in all my Android devices that have NordVPN the pausing from the notification does not work which makes me wonder if pausing/disconnecting from notification is a feature that works in Android.
Latest negative user review
Desse
2.0
Very badDon't complain about slow speeds, even if you can prove it you will get banned and blocked and they remove your comment from the page.
Btw for not keeping logs there is much user data available on their web.
My 3rd vpn and it's the worst from all.
Is it bad to say " i think servers are overloaded, i have to change continuously from server and lose gaming points on cs4 for this"....i was banned for this text.
Bryan
2.0
Refund refused after 7 hours of usageI have just tried to get a refund after 7 hours of use.
During those 7 hours, I suffered slow internet speeds and connection problems to the fasted server (automatic connection) on 3 Android devices
My refund is being refused.
Stay away from Ivacy VPN
Michail
2.0
Great choice!Lenny, completely agree with you! Everything works great with Nord VPN! The download speed is really good and doesn't have any hiccups. It's very easy to use. It's nice to feel protected and safe from prying eyes. I will be a lifelong customer!
AirVPN is an overall solid provider, with superb encryption and a selection of impressive features. However, the VPN's high prices, lack of support for protocols other than OpenVPN, and relatively small server network make it less popular than the other two competitors. Ivacy VPN is an excellent service that can access popular geoblocked content. However, NordVPN impressively surpasses both VPNs by offering topnotch encryption, solid privacy, simplified access to restricted sites, a wide range of features, and attractive apps for all major platforms, all at a low cost.
AirVPN is an overall solid provider, with superb encryption and a selection of impressive features. However, the VPN's high prices, lack of support for protocols other than OpenVPN, and relatively small server network make it less popular than the other two competitors. Ivacy VPN is an excellent service that can access popular geoblocked content. However, NordVPN impressively surpasses both VPNs by offering topnotch encryption, solid privacy, simplified access to restricted sites, a wide range of features, and attractive apps for all major platforms, all at a low cost.
NordVPN has a very slick and intuitive dedicated client for Windows. It’s equipped with a number of security features, including a kill switch and Double VPN encryption. NordVPN for Windows also has preset modes for various online activities. It is therefore much easier to use than AirVPN, which is more aimed at tech-savvy users. Ivacy also provides a good Windows app, but the money-back guarantee has significant restrictions, and the provider's location in Singapore raises privacy concerns.
NordVPN has a very slick and intuitive dedicated client for Windows. It’s equipped with a number of security features, including a kill switch and Double VPN encryption. NordVPN for Windows also has preset modes for various online activities. It is therefore much easier to use than AirVPN, which is more aimed at tech-savvy users. Ivacy also provides a good Windows app, but the money-back guarantee has significant restrictions, and the provider's location in Singapore raises privacy concerns.
NordVPN has a more user-friendly app for Android than Ivacy and AirVPN. With a kill switch, obfuscated servers, Double VPN and access to the Tor network, NordVPN offers a complete VPN service for Android. AirVPN focuses primarily on technical matters that aren't that important to most VPN users.
NordVPN has a more user-friendly app for Android than Ivacy and AirVPN. With a kill switch, obfuscated servers, Double VPN and access to the Tor network, NordVPN offers a complete VPN service for Android. AirVPN focuses primarily on technical matters that aren't that important to most VPN users.
Mac users will appreciate the simplicity of NordVPN’s client. AirVPN for Mac requires a technical background to navigate through the app, while Ivacy doesn’t give you much room for customization. NordVPN makes it much easier, faster, and cheaper to secure your Mac internet connection.
Mac users will appreciate the simplicity of NordVPN’s client. AirVPN for Mac requires a technical background to navigate through the app, while Ivacy doesn’t give you much room for customization. NordVPN makes it much easier, faster, and cheaper to secure your Mac internet connection.
NordVPN offers a dedicated app that can be used on 6 different iOS devices at the same time. The app gives you stable connections for streaming geoblocked content around the world. Ivacy provides a decent app for iOS devices as well. AirVPN doesn't have a native iOS app and so must be manually configured, which could be difficult for VPN beginners.
NordVPN offers a dedicated app that can be used on 6 different iOS devices at the same time. The app gives you stable connections for streaming geoblocked content around the world. Ivacy provides a decent app for iOS devices as well. AirVPN doesn't have a native iOS app and so must be manually configured, which could be difficult for VPN beginners.
NordVPN boasts a far larger network of US servers (almost 2,000 as of writing) than Ivacy and AirVPN. Both NordVPN and Ivacy can overcome geo-restrictions on US streaming services. However, NordVPN offers better connection speeds, a stronger privacy policy, and 6 connections per account, one more than you get with Ivacy and AirVPN.
NordVPN boasts a far larger network of US servers (almost 2,000 as of writing) than Ivacy and AirVPN. Both NordVPN and Ivacy can overcome geo-restrictions on US streaming services. However, NordVPN offers better connection speeds, a stronger privacy policy, and 6 connections per account, one more than you get with Ivacy and AirVPN.
NordVPN is a clear winner in terms of number of servers, server locations and IP addresses it has for users to avail themselves of, not to mention its 30-day money back guarantee. This is much longer than the 3 days offered by AirVPN, and actually pays out unlike that of the 7-day guarantee of Ivacy, which prefers to tie its users up in red tape. It is Ivacy’s customer service approach that really brings it down and takes away from its feature list, which actually rivals that of NordVPN. All three providers offer various payment options, but in terms of value for money, top rate security and round the clock support, you just cannot beat NordVPN.
Interestingly, if you compare NordVPN with ExpressVPN, which is our top ranked vpn, you'll see that NordVPN can learn a lot from ExpressVPN. Compare NordVPN with ExpressVPN
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