We tested PrivadoVPN (2.7/5) and ProtonVPN (4.2/5) across speed, privacy, streaming, and price. ProtonVPN leads on overall score. Here is what drives the gap.
| Criteria | PrivadoVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 2.7/5 | 4.2/5 ★ |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | No | No |
| No-logs policy | Not audited 2/5 | Audited 5/5 ★ |
| Speed score | 3/5 | 5/5 ★ |
| Protocols score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Streaming score | 3.5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Leak protection | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 0/5 | 5/5 ★ |
| Encryption score | 3/5 | 4/5 ★ |
| Security subtotal | 3.0/5 | 4.8/5 ★ |
| Trust subtotal | 1.7/5 | 3.7/5 ★ |
| Price (monthly) | $10.99/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $15.96/yr | $47.88/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $30.00/yr | $71.76/yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Pricing score | 3.5/5 | 5.0/5 ★ |
Where PrivadoVPN wins
Where PrivadoVPN pulls ahead: streaming (3.5/5 vs 3/5). If those criteria matter most to you, PrivadoVPN is the stronger pick.
Where ProtonVPN wins
ProtonVPN’s strongest argument is speed (5/5 vs 3/5). It also leads on privacy and security (4.8/5 vs 3.0/5) and value for money (5.0/5 vs 3.5/5).
Who should pick what
Both VPNs cover the basics well. PrivadoVPN is the stronger pick for streaming, while ProtonVPN makes more sense if you need speed. When in doubt, check our VPN quiz for a personalised recommendation.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
Pick ProtonVPN. It scores 4.2/5 vs 2.7/5 for PrivadoVPN, with a clear edge on transparency. PrivadoVPN is not a bad VPN, but ProtonVPN wins this matchup. See ProtonVPN's current deal.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best cheap VPN guide. Read our full PrivadoVPN review for a complete breakdown. See our ProtonVPN review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
PrivadoVPN is the better streaming option, with a 3.5/5 streaming score. Both VPNs support Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
ProtonVPN scores higher on security (4.8/5). PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland (Not audited), ProtonVPN in Switzerland (Audited).
Our pricing score gives PrivadoVPN 3.5/5 and ProtonVPN 5.0/5. PrivadoVPN is $10.99/mo monthly or $15.96/yr per year. ProtonVPN is $9.99/mo monthly or $47.88/yr per year. Both include a money-back guarantee.