PrivateVPN is a small Swedish VPN provider that has carved out a niche as a budget-friendly option with surprisingly strong streaming capabilities. With around 200 servers in 63 countries, it's far from the largest network, but PrivateVPN makes up for size with quality — particularly when it comes to unblocking streaming services that bigger VPNs sometimes struggle with.
For Australian users, PrivateVPN offers servers in Sydney with reasonable speeds for everyday use. The service supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections, putting it on par with many premium providers. The Stealth VPN mode is a notable inclusion, using obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic — useful if you're on restricted networks or travelling to countries with VPN blocking.
The privacy picture is decent but not outstanding. Sweden is a Fourteen Eyes country, which gives some privacy advocates pause. PrivateVPN claims a strict no-logs policy but hasn't undergone an independent audit to verify this. The company owns its own servers rather than renting, which reduces the risk of third-party interference, but the lack of external verification is a gap compared to audited competitors.
At approximately $2.00 per month on a three-year plan, PrivateVPN is one of the cheapest VPN options available. If your primary use case is streaming Australian and international content on a budget, it's a strong contender. For users who prioritise verified privacy above all else, providers like ProtonVPN or other audited VPNs may be more appropriate.
