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PrivateVPN-Review-CA
According to our PrivateVPN review in Canada, it is one of the best VPNs for streaming. It is capable of unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and multiple other streaming sites in Canada with ease. It also allows P2P sharing so you can torrent files easily. However, PrivateVPN comes with certain limitations like congestion of servers and drop in speeds every now and then.

Based on our experience, PrivateVPN is not the fastest; however, it is fast enough for streaming in Canada, torrenting, in Canada, and encrypting unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Now, we understand you may have reservations about PrivateVPN and could be wondering, “Who owns PrivateVPN?” Luckily for you, we’ve done our research, and PrivateVPN can indeed be trusted because it offers an online privacy solution decorated with advanced security tools.

Still at an impasse? No worries. Read our detailed PrivateVPN review in Canada and make an educated decision for yourself. If not you can always browse through our VPN reviews in Canada to select the best VPN for Canada.

Our Verdict

Overall Rating :

8.1 / 10

Ranked #7 out of 56 VPNs

Overall, PrivateVPN is rated 3.5/5.0 as per our criteria. PrivateVPN has cost-effective deals, a good set of security features, high speeds, unblocks Netflix, and many other beneficial features. So unless you have more convenient options than PrivateVPN, you should definitely opt for this one!
PrivateVPN Category Ratings
  • 8.5 / 10

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  • 8.5 / 10

  • 8.5 / 10

  • 5.5 / 10

  • 9.0 / 10

  • 8.8 / 10

  • 8 / 10

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Why Should You Trust Us?

We have spent thousands of hours and days testing 160+ VPN services using our carefully curated testing process to recommend you the best VPN. Here are a few statistics:

  • tick_doneTotal Hours of Testing1000+
  • tick_doneWeekly Speed Tests110
  • tick_doneVPN Services Reviewed160+
  • tick_doneStreaming Platforms Tested Daily50+
  • tick_doneIP & DNS Leak Tests Performed100+
  • tick_doneHow Much we have spent on testing$30,000+


Key Findings: PrivateVPN Review in Canada

We have reviewed PrivateVPN in Canada based on the following factors. Here is the list:

  • Pricing – Fairly good pricing plans in Canada starting with US$2.00/mo
  • Server Network – 200+ server locations across 63 countries, 3 servers located in Canada
  • Security – IP & DNS leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and others
  • Speeds – Allows fast-speed connectivity; average download speed 86.5 Mbps
  • Streaming – Unblocks multiple streaming sites in Canada; Netflix, BBC iPlayer, others
  • Torrenting – Good option for torrenting in Canadaas it supports P2P sharing
  • Compatibility – Compatible with most OS and devices
  • Installation of Apps and Ease of Use – Easy-to-use and friendly apps
  • Bypass Censorship – Works well in China
  • Customer Support – Responsive customer support, available on live chat
Pros
  • Unblocks major streaming platforms in Canada; Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and others
  • Above average speeds
  • 256-bit military-grade encryption and security features
  • Works well in China
  • Enticing pricing plans
  • Customer support very helpful through live chat

Cons
  • A small network of servers
  • Does not support WireGuard protocol
  • Hasn’t been audited independently
  • Based in Sweden (Part of 14 Eyes Alliance)


Pricing Plans – How much does PrivateVPN cost in Canada?

PrivateVPN is priced at US$9.90/mo if you opt for its monthly plan. Whereas PrivateVPN’s 3-months and 36-months are priced much more reasonably. In fact, you’ll be able to avail of amazing discounts making PrivateVPN all the more affordable through its long-term plans. The VPN’s smart to keep such affordable rates and provide high-performing services, instead of exploring every specialty.

For instance, if you opt for its three months plan, it’ll cost you US$17.99 every three months or US$6.00 per month. You can also opt for PrivateVPN’s longest plan of 36 months, which will cost you US$72.00 annually and US$2.00 per month.

These plans are listed below:

Deal Cost
1-month plan US$9.90/mo
3-month plan US$6.00/mo
36-month plan US$2.00/mo

Have a look at the detailed pricing plans of PrivateVPN:

privatevpn-prices

As you can see, the 36-month plan offers the best value and discount.

PrivateVPN Free Trial in Canada

PrivateVPN offers a free trial in Canada for 7 days. To test its services, you can also opt for any of PrivateVPN’s pricing plans and avail of the 30-day money-back guarantee. If PrivateVPN doesn’t deliver as expected, you can cancel PrivateVPN and get a refund. PrivateVPN takes 5 business days to process your claim.

Payment Methods

PrivateVPN accepts various payment methods:

  • Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, UnionPay)
  • PayPal
  • Bitcoin (Best option for complete anonymity!)

privatevpn-payment-options

Underneath the 3 payment options, it also offers a trial code/promotional code option that could get PrivateVPN users a small discount.


Server Network – How many servers do PrivateVPN offer?

PrivateVPN has 200+ server locations in 63 countries, including 3 servers located in Canada, the US, the UK, Europe, the Asia Pacific, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. Thus, you can easily enjoy the privacy and protection offered by PrivateVPN, whether traveling the world or lounging at home.

PrivateVPN-Servers

It has servers in many different countries, but the overall server count is pretty low. Despite the low server count, the VPN does well in covering important geographical locations. You can use PrivateVPN servers to access a variety of geo-locked content. Here’s the PrivateVPN server list and a few of its US servers:

privatevpn-servers

Have a look at the US servers of PrivateVPN.

If you experience any connectivity issues, see this detailed troubleshooting guide on PrivateVPN not working in Canada.


Speed and Performance – Is PrivateVPN fast in Canada?

Yes, PrivateVPN claims to be one of the fastest VPN providers in Canada. PrivateVPN servers have been designed in such a way that their global servers provide the fastest VPN speeds possible. Regardless of where you’re located, PrivateVPN will provide ultra-high-speed server connections with low latency and higher speeds so that you can make the most of your internet connection.

Based on our PrivateVPN speed tests in Canada, the servers provide an average download speed of 86.5 Mbps. We tested its speeds using 9 different server locations and were quite impressed. PrivateVPN proved to be quite the VPN for providing exceptional downloading, streaming, and uploading speeds.

For instance, on one of PrivateVPN’s Canada servers, we received a download speed of 72.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 67.36 Mbps on our 100 Mbps internet connection.

privatevpn-speed-test-us-server-1

PrivateVPN speeds on its Canadian server.

We also tested one of PrivateVPN’s UK servers. We received a download speed of 86.84 Mbps and an upload speed of 94.86 Mbps on our 100 Mbps internet connection.

privatevpn-speeds

We found PrivateVPN’s UK server speeds quite satisfactory.

Here’s a brief table of the test results:

Server location Download speed Upload speed Pings
Canada 72.38 Mbps 67.36 Mbps 261 ms
Australia 92.92 Mbps 78.64 Mbps 282 ms
Denmark 87.75 Mbps 70.65 Mbps 137 ms
France 92.17 Mbps 71.54 Mbps 128 ms
Greece 76.59 Mbps 65.48 Mbps 294 ms
Italy 93.25 Mbps 84.58 Mbps 127 ms
Netherlands 86.84 Mbps 80.69 Mbps 128 ms
UK 88.42 Mbps 79.57 Mbps 134 ms
USA 89.59 Mbps 74.59 Mbps 212 ms

Based on our tests, on the US server, PrivateVPN’s download speeds only dropped by 12%, whereas the maximum speed drop using the furthest server to our location was just 24%. Overall, we found the speeds were quite reliable, so you can download PrivateVPN without any reservations.


Security – Encryption & Features – Is PrivateVPN Safe in Canada?

Yes, PrivateVPN is safe in Canada as it provides the finest encryption and tunneling protocols. It offers the highest encryption level, i.e., 2048-bit with AES-256. It causes no IP or IPv6 leaks. It also provides access to 5 protocols, including OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2.

Does PrivateVPN have a Kill Switch in Canada?

Yes, PrivateVPN offers a kill switch in Canada. It protects your real IP from being leaked by disconnecting you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. Cybercriminals count on your neglect to achieve their nefarious goals. As it happens, the VPN connection often drops, and Netizens continue to browse without realizing something is wrong.

This is where the Kill Switch comes in. It kills your internet whenever the VPN fails to remain connected. And with PrivateVPN, this feature is enabled by default.

During our testing in Canada, we checked out this feature by connecting to a website while switching servers, and the page didn’t load until we were successfully connected to the VPN. That’s how we knew the kill switch was working well.

privatevpn-protocols

Application Guard

Because a simple kill switch is not enough, the application Guard allows you to configure which application should be terminated when a VPN connection drops. It is a useful tool that can be customized according to your preference.

Security Tools in Canada

These are some of the security tools offered by PrivateVPN in Canada:

  • Kill switch
  • Proxy
  • IPv6/IPv4 leak protection
  • DNS/WebRTC leak protection
  • Obfuscation (StealthVPN)

Does PrivateVPN Keep Logs in Canada?

No, PrivateVPN doesn’t keep logs in Canada. Although it is based in Sweden, a part of the 14-Eyes Alliance jurisdiction, the VPN makes it very clear through its privacy policy that it does not collect or log any traffic. In fact, it is wholly committed to keeping anonymity and protecting the privacy of its clients.

This means that it does not collect information on your browsing history. It is clearly stated in PrivateVPN’s privacy policy that it does not collect information such as activity logs, browsing history, traffic destination, DNS queries, and more.

privatevpn-privacy-policy

Leaks – Does it leak IP, DNS & WebRTC?

No PrivateVPN didn’t leak any IP, DNS & WebRTC information. Despite connecting to PrivateVPN’s Canada server, we did not find any leaks. Have a look right below:

IP and DNS Test

We ran IP and DNS leak tests by connecting to its Canada server, and PrivateVPN did not leak our actual IP address. It showed us the IP address assigned by the VPN service. You can observe the results in the screenshot below:

privatevpn-ip-leak-test

WebRTC Test

We also conducted a webRTC leak test by connecting to an Argentinian server of PrivateVPN. As you can see in the screenshot below, the results showed that we were using an Argentinian IP address instead of our actual IP address:

PrivateVPN-WebRTC-Test

PrivateVPN didn’t leak our webRTC info.

Virus Test

We also checked if there were any viruses on its Windows client with the VirusTotal website’s help. We found only 1 error, but that was not the virus we found. Here is the screenshot:

PrivateVPN-virus-test

The PrivateVPN setup file had a bug but it was a harmless one.


Streaming – Does it work with Netflix in Canada?

Yes, PrivateVPN works well with Netflix. It is one of the best VPNs for streaming in Canada. You can unblock major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and many more.

PrivateVPN’s New York server performed particularly well. Other servers worked just as well for unblocking libraries from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, & more. All in all, PrivateVPN easily managed to unblock 13 Netflix libraries.

privatevpn-unblock-netflix-us

Within a minute, we could watch hour-long shows without any issues. Although some servers may get overcrowded due to high demand, you might have a hard time streaming titles in HD.


PrivateVPN Torrent in Canada

PrivateVPN is good for torrenting as it supports P2P sharing. It performed quite well on all our P2P performance and security tests. Furthermore, PrivateVPN offers AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, port forwarding, and DNS leak protection, making it easier for you to torrent various files in Canada.

According to our experience, PrivateVPN rerouted our data packets where torrenting is safe to be carried out. For instance, countries like Netherlands and Switzerland. It also reroutes data packages through multiple other locations, ensuring it’s impossible to be tracked. We could easily download a 1.5 GB file within 6 minutes through PrivateVPN while using uTorrent in Canada.

However, you’ll need to connect to specifically dedicated servers for the torrenting to be successful.  After coming under fire from copyright agencies, many VPN services have abandoned their support for Torrents. In this bleak scenario, PrivateVPN stands head and shoulders above the rest of the providers.


Compatibility – Apps and Supported Devices

PrivateVPN is compatible with most operating systems and devices. It offers dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Kodi, and even Routers. It supports 6 simultaneous connections with a single subscription.

privatevpn-compatibility

Furthermore, the PrivateVPN app is quite familiar all across the platforms. The only difference is PrivateVPN offers an automatic kill switch with only its Windows app. Other apps don’t offer a kill switch, which is disappointing.

For setting up PrivateVPN in Canada on your Linux, you’ll need to follow manual setup tutorials. Since you can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously the VPN is a good choice for your entire family.

The best part about PrivateVPN is that it offers exclusive apps for many devices. Unfortunately, despite being a streaming VPN in Canada it doesn’t come with a Smart DNS feature. As a result, PrivateVPN is not compatible with gaming devices like PS4 and Xbox.

So you’ll have to install PrivateVPN in Canada on a router manually and then connect it to your gaming console. You can also go through PrivateVPN’s router setup tutorial to avoid running into any possible errors. Speaking of routers, the following are the router devices that work with PrivateVPN in Canada:

  • ASUS RT models
  • DD-WRT
  • Synology
  • Linksys
  • Tomato
  • pfSense
  • QNAP

Although some VPNs may struggle due to FireStick’s VPN-detection techniques it is not an issue for FireStick. Because of this flexibility, you can install PrivateVPN on FireStick in Canada in just a matter of minutes. We tested multiple servers; in the US, UK, and Canada, and they all worked fine for us to stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Optus Sport.

You can also learn about configuring PrivateVPN on Kodi and Roku through our detailed guides.


Installation of Apps and Ease of Use

For testing purposes, we installed PrivateVPN on our Windows system in Canada. The setup hardly took a minute to download. We installed the app and customized the setup as per our needs. Log in to PrivateVPN with our credentials and viola! It took us a total of 5 minutes to set it up on Windows. Please note we were using the latest version of Windows which we think helped speed up the process.

The user interface may have looked a little bit outdated at first however once you familiarise yourself with it, you get used to it. We found the app fairly easy to use even if it was lacking a certain sleekness in the UI. One of the interesting factors about the UI included how it offered a “Simple View” and an “Advanced View.” Something you only find in premium VPNs.

Once you click on the three dashes (≡), you can explore the settings menu. You’ll see various features like protocol, encryption, kill switch, Stealth VPN, and more.

privatevpn-ui

We could easily navigate through PrivateVPN’s app on Windows.

Also, we found out that PrivateVPN’s iOS app doesn’t have a kill switch. So if you intend on using PrivateVPN for your iPhone in Canada, you might need to explore other VPNs.

All in all, we liked our experience of using this VPN as most of the apps were easy to use and navigate. So, PrivateVPN’s a good option for amateur VPN users.


Bypass Censorship

In this PrivateVPN review in Canada, we also analyzed whether PrivateVPN is capable of bypassing censorship in countries with restrictive laws or not.

Does PrivateVPN work in China?

Yes, PrivateVPN works in China. In fact, it is among the safest options that work in China because of PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN mode. PrivateVPN offers a server in Hong Kong – China route which will help you bypass the geo-restrictions easily.

Although we haven’t tested the VPN in China, the provider claims that its L2TP protocol tends to work more effectively in China since OpenVPN is heavily monitored and restricted by authorities on the mainland. Moreover, obfuscation features such as StealthVPN are usually designed to fool China’s Great Firewall (GFW) by disguising VPN traffic as normal HTTPS traffic.

While no VPN can guarantee functionality within China, PrivateVPN is one of the best candidates for bypassing the GFW.


Customer Support

PrivateVPN in Canada, according to Reddit, has decent customer support. You can contact their staff using 24/7 Live Chat support, Email, FAQs, and Tickets. Its ‘Getting Started’ section has all the tutorials you will find for your preferred devices and platforms. Although it doesn’t have a direct phone line, you can call for help.

The response time is good, and the staff is willing to solve users’ problems. Even going as far as to address your ‘PrivateVPN not connecting’ issues.

privatevpn-customer-support

PrivateVPN’s customer support was ready to help.

Although we didn’t appreciate receiving solutions to our queries in inbox when we were asking on live chat. However, PrivateVPN gets the benefit of the doubt in this section.


Alternatives to PrivateVPN in Canada

If you did not like this VPN’s offerings for any reason, then there are plenty of other fish in the sea. We recommend the following VPNs:


PrivateVPN Review in Canada: Do We Recommend PrivateVPN?

Yes, we do recommend PrivateVPN in Canada.

PrivateVPN’s performance is exceptional with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. However, some servers are often overloaded, and you can’t stream titles in HD. It is also an excellent choice for P2P file-sharing.

PrivateVPN also has a strict ‘No-Log‘ policy. In addition, this PrivateVPN review in Canada unveils that the service quickly unblocks US Netflix and works perfectly with Torrent and Kodi in Canada.

The VPN provides a 7-day free trial to try out their service. However, it has a small server network and doesn’t offer the same features as its competitors. Overall, the PrivateVPN review has earned a 3.5/5.0.


FAQs: PrivateVPN Review in Canada

Yes, PrivateVPN is a good VPN in Canada. Through our PrivateVPN review in Canada, you should be able to weigh the pros and cons of this VPN. All in all, there’s more good than bad so you should be good to go. It can unblock a variety of streaming sites, customization of encryption levels, fast speeds, and much more.

Yes, PrivateVPN is a secure VPN in Canada because of its tunneling protocols and encryption. It ensures there are no IP and DNS leaks and keeps you safe online. It also offers 256-bit military-grade encryption. You can turn on the PrivateVPN’s kill switch to safeguard your identity in case of a drop in the VPN connection.

Yes, PrivateVPN works well with Netflix and also has amazing torrenting capabilities in Canada. In our PrivateVPN review in Canada, we tested the services on multiple downloads and didn’t face any issues whatsoever. Since it is compatible with most operating systems, you can use PrivateVPN’s native apps on any device.

Yes, PrivateVPN is a safe option for Torrenting in Canada. It supports torrenting and offers fast downloads. All your traffic will be secure thanks to AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. Simply log in with PrivateVPN credentials and start torrenting!
Despite that, we believe ExpressVPN is a much safer option than PrivateVPN in terms of torrenting in Canada.

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden and offers the best security and privacy among many VPNs. You can establish a stable connection from anywhere in the world through PrivateVPN and receive uninterrupted services 24/7, guaranteed.

No, PrivateVPN doesn’t have a free version in Canada. Rather you can opt for PrivateVPN’s free trial in Canada to learn more about the VPN’s features and whether it’s worth the investment or not. PrivateVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as well so you can do a comparison of a free VPN vs a premium VPN.

You can easily get a refund from PrivateVPN in Canada by following the steps given below:

  • Log in to your PrivateVPN account on its website.
  • Visit the “Support Tab.”
  • Fill in the form to request a refund.
  • Confirm your cancellation by email.
  • You’ll soon receive a confirmation email and eventually a refund!


Final Verdict

That’s all, folks! Our PrivateVPN review in Canada 2023 has come to an end. Hopefully, our guide has been helpful for you in making a calculated decision regarding this VPN. Overall, we believe PrivateVPN is a trustworthy VPN in Canada that unlocks most streaming sites, supports torrenting, provides fast-speed internet connectivity, follows a strict no-logs policy, and offers great packages.

However, if you’re unsatisfied with this VPN in Canada, you can always opt for a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, which may be a bit heavier on your pocket but performs exceptionally well. So, it’s definitely worth an investment in the long run.

Until next time, adios!