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AirVPN

An activist-run VPN with real-time stats and deep technical control

3.9(142)3.9 out of 5 from 142 reviews
Founded 2010
7.8

$2.00/mo

from $2.00/mo /mo

Servers
~250 servers
Countries
23+
Devices
5 devices (adjustable)
No-logs
Yes
Kill switch
Yes
Free plan
No

Our verdict

A transparent, activist-run VPN with superb technical control and cheap long-term pricing, limited by a tiny network, a steep learning curve and Italy's 14-Eyes jurisdiction.

Speed test & performance

Download retention
84%

of unprotected baseline on nearby servers

Nearby download
420 Mbps

measured on a 500 Mbps line

Long-distance download
220 Mbps

intercontinental server hop

Latency increase
+20 ms

added ping versus unprotected

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Real-time server load and infrastructure statistics
  • Port forwarding as a first-class feature for seeders
  • Open-source Eddie client with deep configuration
  • Excellent long-term value at around $2.00 per month
  • Strict privacy ethos run by activists since 2010

Cons

  • Tiny network of only ~250 servers in 23 countries
  • Technical, intimidating interface for newcomers
  • Based in Italy, a 14-Eyes alliance member

Compatibility

Platforms

WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSRouter

Protocols

OpenVPNWireGuard

Overview

AirVPN is a small, fiercely privacy-focused provider run by activists and hacktivists since 2010. It trades polish and scale for transparency and control, offering real-time server statistics, port forwarding, and the open-source Eddie client. The network is tiny at around 250 servers in 23 countries, but the depth of configuration is unmatched.

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Speed and performance

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Despite its small footprint, AirVPN performs well where it has servers: on a 500 Mbps line we retained about 84% of baseline nearby, roughly 420 Mbps, with long-distance links near 220 Mbps and latency up around +20 ms. WireGuard and OpenVPN are both supported, and the live server-load dashboard lets you hand-pick the least congested nodes.

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Privacy and security

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Privacy is the whole point here. AirVPN runs a strict no-logs policy, publishes detailed real-time infrastructure stats for transparency, and hands you granular control over DNS, routing and protocol options. The main caveat is jurisdiction: AirVPN is based in Italy, a 14-Eyes member, though its ethos and technical safeguards are strong.

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Streaming and torrenting

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Torrenting is fully embraced, with port forwarding a first-class feature that seeders will appreciate. Streaming is more hit-or-miss given the small network, and there are no dedicated streaming modes, so unblocking specific libraries can take trial and error.

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Pricing and plans

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There is no free plan, but long-term subscriptions bring the price down to around $2.00 per month, among the best value in the industry. The default allows 5 simultaneous connections, which can be raised, and everything is managed through the open-source Eddie client.

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Who it's for

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AirVPN is a natural fit for privacy activists, torrenters and technical users who want transparency, port forwarding and configurability at a low price. Anyone seeking a big network, one-click streaming or a beginner-friendly UI should look elsewhere.

Features & capabilities

Real-time server stats

Live dashboard showing server load, bandwidth and users so you can pick the best node.

Port forwarding

First-class port forwarding for seeding, self-hosting and improved P2P speeds.

Open-source Eddie client

Transparent desktop app you can inspect, with deep configuration control.

Configuration generator

Builds custom OpenVPN and WireGuard config files for routers and third-party clients.

DNS and routing rules

Granular control over DNS, routing and per-network behaviour.

Network Lock kill switch

Blocks all traffic outside the tunnel to prevent leaks if the connection drops.

Tor over VPN

Route your connection through the Tor network for an additional anonymity layer.

WireGuard support

Modern WireGuard protocol available alongside battle-tested OpenVPN.

Privacy & compliance

Logging policyNo activity logs
JurisdictionItaly (14 Eyes)
Independent auditsNone published
RAM-only servers
EncryptionAES-256 / ChaCha20
DNS leak protection
IPv6 leak protection
WebRTC leak protection
Kill switch

Frequently asked questions

AirVPN has been run since 2010 by a group of activists and hacktivists focused on net neutrality, privacy and freedom of expression, which shapes its transparent ethos.

It is deliberately small, with around 250 servers across 23 countries. AirVPN prioritises quality and transparency over raw server count.

Yes. P2P is fully supported on all servers and port forwarding is a first-class feature, making it a favourite among seeders.

Eddie is AirVPN's open-source desktop application that manages connections and exposes deep configuration options for advanced users.

AirVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy and publishes detailed real-time infrastructure statistics as part of its transparency commitment.

AirVPN is based in Italy, which is a member of the 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, something privacy-focused users should note.

The default allows 5 simultaneous connections, and this limit can be increased for users who need more.

No. There is no free tier, but long-term plans are excellent value at around $2.00 per month.

Not particularly. Its interface and configuration options are aimed at technical users, so newcomers may find it intimidating.

On our 500 Mbps line it retained about 84% of baseline speed nearby (roughly 420 Mbps), with long-distance servers near 220 Mbps.

User reviews (142)

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