Private Tunnel VPN isn’t as popular as competitors like ExpressVPN or NordVPN (which are two of the top VPNs in the industry), so it’s no surprise if you haven’t heard of Private Tunnel VPN or you’re only hearing of it now by reading this review.
What’s interesting is that this seemingly unpopular VPN is actually powered by the same people that created the leading protocol today: OpenVPN.
For those of you who know what OpenVPN protocol is, your expectations should be very high. We don’t blame you.
The good news is, we can share that Private Tunnel VPN boasts a high-speed connection and great security.
So intrigued as we were, we went ahead and tried it out for ourselves. Here are our findings.
Private Tunnel VPN Specs & Offers
| VPN Name | Private Tunnel |
|---|---|
| Leak Test | No Leaks |
| Logging Policy | Some Logs |
| Speed | Average |
| Torrenting | Torrenting & P2P Forbidden |
| Netflix | No Netflix |
| Jurisdiction | Inside Five Eyes |
| Servers / Countries | 23 / 12 |
| Max Connections | 3 |
| Kill Switch | Does Not Have Kill Switch |
| Anonymous Payment Methods | Not Available |
| Free Trial | 7 Days |
| Refunds | Complicated Refunds |
| Customer Support | Live Chat, Email, Ticket |
| Price Starting From | $3.00 |
Private Tunnel VPN Pros
Sign-Up Process: Easy and straightforward
Signing up is a smooth process. It only takes a few steps and lasts only under a few minutes.
On the Private Tunnel VPN website you’ll see a “Sign Up Today,” “Get Private Tunnel,” and “Sign Up” tab. All of which will lead you to the same page.
The sign-up page only requires you to enter your email address and password.
Then fill that in and click “Create Account”. You’ll get an email with a link to activate your account.
You’ll be lead to the subscription page. Where you have to pick which plan you so you can start your free trial.
You won’t be asked for payment information. But you will be reminded to update your account. And enter your payment information before the seven-day trial ends in case you want to use their service beyond the trial.
In case you want to input your payment information simply go to your portal and click on “Subscription” which should look like this:
Click on the “Edit Subscription” button at the bottom.
Once you’re there just add the payment method you want: either credit card, PayPal, or even with Amazon (that’s a first).
Save it. And you’re good to go!
Customer Support: Everything you need
When it comes to customer service I think it’s safe to say that Private Tunnel VPN has practically everything you want.
The VPN features live chat. Impressively, customer support personnel will be with you in under a minute.
We tested the customer support by asking real questions like the refund policy or how the vague pricing structure works.
Veronica was extremely responsive, knowledgeable and professional about the interactions.
They also offer 24/7 email support in case their live chat isn’t working.
Plus, they have a ticket system you can use for more extensive issues.
IP and DNS Leak Test: Passed
So far there has not been any recorded IP and DNS leaks for Private Tunnel VPN.
And we’re happy to say that this proves to be true as we tested it out for ourselves.
Ensuring that the server you’re using isn’t leaking is pretty important. So be sure that your data and original IP address isn’t being tracked or seen by anyone online.
Private Tunnel VPN Neutral Points
Payment Methods: You can use Amazon
If you really want to push through with using the VPN then you can pay for the service through various means. Use your credit card, PayPal, or if you have Amazon you can use your Amazon information to pay.
Sadly, there’s no option to use anonymous methods like Bitcoin, cash, or gift card.
Encryption and Protocols: OpenVPN and 128-bit AES-GCM
As previously mentioned in this review Private Tunnel VPN is from the same people that pioneered the OpenVPN protocol, so they are of course running on OpenVPN protocol.
However, unlike other VPNs that run on the latest 256-bit encryption, Private Tunnel VPN only uses 128-bit AES-GCM encryption.
This method definitely makes speeds faster but it also feels like they’re trying to cut down on resource costs.
Device Compatibility: It’s basic
Private Tunnel VPN supports major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
It’s also available in the Amazon Appstore so you can protect your Kindle devices.
Linux users can also get Private Tunnel VPN running. But it does take some technical knowledge to configure. This really shouldn’t be a problem for Linux users since they’re already used to rolling up their sleeves.
You’re limited to 3 devices using this VPN simultaneously but you can upgrade and add up to 100 devices.
Private Tunnel VPN Cons
Servers and Locations: It’s a small world
Even with the tagline “connect with the world” that you can see on their website Private Tunnel VPN only has 23+ VPN servers across 23 regions in 12 countries.
And that’s a small number compared to other VPNs that offer thousands of servers in hundreds of locations.
VPN Speed and Performance: Slower than expected
Users claim they obtain incredibly fast speeds using Private Tunnel VPN. Some reviews have claimed to get great speeds.
Suffice to say, our expectations were high. So when we got the results we were really disappointed.
Our tests weren’t even close to being high speed although the company says that the speed varies depending on location. So it’s always best to check it yourself.
With a faster encryption method and having a well-established team had us going for a bit. We hope to check back for another speed test.
Netflix Test: Binge-watch elsewhere
If you’re only looking to use Private Tunnel VPN for accessing geo-restricted content on Netflix then we suggest looking at other VPNs. This one doesn’t let you get through to Netflix.
In fact, Private Tunnel VPN won’t let you access any geo-restricted services or streaming sites like Hulu and BBC iPlayer.
To stream to your heart’s content, you can use the best VPNs that can unblock Netflix.
Torrenting Policy: No access
We know that they won’t let us stream so would they let us download instead?
The answer? No.
Unfortunately, torrenting or peer-to-peer traffic is not allowed on the Private Tunnel VPN servers.
Plus, downloading copyrighted content without authorization is against the terms of service. Even if they allowed P2P traffic you would still have a hard time torrenting.
That’s very much in contrast to these torrent-friendly VPNs that offer plenty of P2P support.
Sorry folks!
Pricing & Plans: Monthly or Yearly
Now, if you still want to try out Private Tunnel VPN for yourself they offer a free seven-day trial. All you have to do is create an account.
Although you’re signing up for a trial you will have to choose between two offered plans. But don’t worry! They won’t ask for your payment information yet.
The two plans they offer are quite simple to understand. You either pay a monthly subscription or pay the year in full. There is no difference between the two. Both give you unlimited data access and the same features. The one difference is that you pay $36 for the year so the monthly average cost comes out to $3—a 50% discount from the monthly subscription.
Despite what it says on the pricing page, no, you cannot have 100 using the VPN for $3 per month. In fact, you have to pay either $6 more per month for every 1 (one) device or $36 for the year.
If you wanted to use Private Tunnel VPN on 5 devices at the same time, you’d have to pay $6 (base 3 devices) + $6 (1 extra device) + $6 (1 extra device) = $18 per month for 5 devices. This pricing method is laughable.
Refund policy: Forget about it
What if you’re dissatisfied with their service? Or you get a terrible connection all the time and you want to cancel and get your money back. Will they give you a refund?
Sadly, the answer is no.
Private Tunnel VPN does not give any refund whatsoever. So you can forget getting your money back as this VPN doesn’t have the “money-back guarantee” that most VPNs offer.
Product Interface: Too basic
Once you’ve signed up you can go ahead and download the software on your device.
Private Tunnel VPN’s interface is fairly simple. There’s not much to configure. And it doesn’t feature much flexibility besides letting you connect to a server.
When you’ve installed the app and run it on your device it should look like this:
Just enter your credentials and log in.
Once logged in you’ll be given a list of regions to choose from. Simply pick which server you want to connect to.
After choosing you will connect to the server. If you’ve successfully connected your application should look like this:
Private Tunnel VPN has a settings button. But it only lets you change your protocol, connection timeout, and whether you want to auto-start the application when you turn on your PC.
Product Documentation: Lacking
Not only do they have great customer support but Private Tunnel VPN also has a knowledge base page:
And a Frequently Asked Questions page:
Both pages are easy to navigate although the content seems to be lacking. You can also easily search for whatever question you may have.
Logging Policy: Nowhere to hide
One of the most important questions for every VPN user, especially those who are security freaks, is “Does this VPN log?”
We went ahead and checked their privacy policy to find out.
Private Tunnel VPN does collect some information. That includes the information you type in when placing an order, respond to a survey, or fill out a form.
The team does explain that the information they collect is used to improve their website, customer support, to process transactions, and to send out emails to your account.
One caveat is the jurisdiction in which they’re operating under, but more on that below (hint: it’s worrying for people who want to be 100% anonymous and secure online).
Kill Switch: Not available
Since we’re talking about privacy and security it’s also time to mention that this VPN, unfortunately, doesn’t have any kill switch.
Using Private Tunnel VPN means you’re at risk of exposing your data and yourself. If you lose your connection while using their service.
Private Tunnel VPN as a Business
Private Tunnel VPN has its headquarters at Silicon Valley in Pleasanton, California.
The CTO, James Yonan, is credited as the creator of OpenVPN – the top protocol being used worldwide. It’s been downloaded over 50 million times!
The company has an estimated annual revenue of $4.5M. As for the employee count, the rough estimate is 76.
Jurisdiction
Since the company is located in California it means they are under the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes and that makes them subject to disclose any and all information if the government submits a request.
Private Tunnel VPN Conclusion: Look elsewhere
Do we recommend using Private Tunnel VPN?
It’s a company that pioneered the best protocol being used today. But Private Tunnel VPN lacks a lot when it comes to their VPN service.
The inability to access Netflix, or any geo-restricted sites, and the torrenting prohibition will make anyone think twice immediately. Plus the fact that they’re under the Five Eyes jurisdiction should scare away people concerned about security. Then, top it off with their choice to use 128-bit AES; which was supposedly chosen for a faster connection though it failed to deliver during our research.
There are many other VPNs that offer all of the above and more.
We do have to praise Private Tunnel VPN for their great customer support. And the fact that their flexible offering lets you connect up 100 devices!
But, all in all, it’s no surprise that Private Tunnel VPN isn’t more popular. There are plenty of VPNs to spend your money on that will fulfill your needs.
Your best bet is to start by checking out our top 10 VPNs.
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