AirVPN Review – Is It an Overcomplicated VPN in 2024?

AirVPN isn’t just another face in the VPN crowd—it’s been around for over a decade. It was founded by a group of Italian hacktivists, which sets it apart from the usual corporate offerings. But is it worth your time and money? I decided to dive in and see for myself.

In this hands-on AirVPN review, I’ll break down its features, show you how it performs in real-life tests, and toss in plenty of screenshots so you know exactly what you’re getting into. Let’s see if AirVPN can still walk the talk.

Here's what you'll learn in this article:

• How well AirVPN performs in terms of speed and security
• If it can effectively bypass geo-restrictions and censorship
• How easy it is to install and use
• Whether it's going to slow down your internet connection
• If AirVPN is really as trustworthy as it claims to be

Let's examine what AirVPN has to offer in 2024!

In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary

If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of my findings after thoroughly testing AirVPN:

What You'll Like:

• Strong encryption and security protocols
• Open-source client for transparency
• Advanced features for tech-savvy users
• Consistent performance for streaming and torrenting
• Commitment to privacy with a strict no-logs policy

What You May Not Like:

• Smaller server network compared to some competitors
• User interface might be complex for VPN beginners
• Speeds can be inconsistent on distant servers
• No dedicated apps for iOS (manual setup required)
• Slightly higher pricing compared to some VPN services

What Makes This AirVPN Review Different?

Many VPN reviews you'll find online are just repeating information from the provider's website. They don't always reflect real-world usage or the genuine opinions of cybersecurity experts. Can you really trust a review that hasn't put the VPN through its paces?

For this AirVPN review, I took a different approach. I purchased a subscription, installed the software on multiple devices, and spent over two weeks thoroughly testing every aspect of the service. My primary testing device was a Dell XPS laptop, but I also used a MacBook Pro and attempted setup on a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.

Throughout this review, you'll find numerous screenshots I captured during my testing process. These provide visual proof of my hands-on experience with AirVPN and give you a clear idea of what to expect from the service.

My goal is to provide you with the most honest, comprehensive, and up-to-date review of AirVPN. So, let's get started and see how AirVPN performs in real-world scenarios.

Buying AirVPN

When it comes to purchasing AirVPN, you've got a range of subscription options to choose from. What's great is that all plans offer the same features – the only difference is the duration and, consequently, the price.

Here's a breakdown of the available plans:

• 3 days
• 1 month
• 3 months
• 6 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years

I was a bit surprised to see a 3-day plan – it's not something you often see with VPN providers. This short-term option could be perfect if you're just looking to test the waters or need temporary VPN coverage.

Now, you might be wondering about a free trial. Unfortunately, AirVPN doesn't offer one. However, they have an interesting alternative: you can purchase a 3-day subscription and request a refund if you're not satisfied. It's not quite the same as a free trial, but it does give you a low-risk way to try the service.

Regarding pricing, AirVPN follows the common VPN pricing model – the longer the subscription, the bigger the discount. There's no discount for the 3-day or 1-month plans, but you start seeing savings with the longer-term options.

If you're not sure about committing long-term, I'd recommend starting with the 3-day plan to get a feel for the service. However, if you're confident AirVPN is right for you, the 1-year or 2-year plans offer the best value for money.

One thing I really appreciated during the purchase process was the variety of payment options. AirVPN accepts standard methods like credit/debit cards and PayPal, but they also support Amazon Pay and various cryptocurrencies. This is great for users who prioritize privacy and want to keep their payment information separate from their VPN account.

The buying process itself was uncomplicated. I created my account, selected my plan (I went for the 1-year option), and chose my payment method. I opted for credit card payment via Stripe, which was quick and problem-free.

A nice touch is that AirVPN doesn't try to sell you additional services during the checkout process. What you see is what you get – no hidden fees or last-minute add-ons.

After completing my purchase, I received a welcome email with information about my VPN plan and links to installation instructions. The email also included a download link for the AirVPN client, which they call "Eddie".

Overall, the buying process for AirVPN was smooth and transparent. While the lack of a true free trial might be a drawback for some, the 3-day plan and 30-day money-back guarantee provide good options for trying the service with minimal risk.

Installation

Installing AirVPN was an uncomplicated process. After logging into my account on the AirVPN website, I navigated to the download page. Here, you can choose your platform (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, or ChromeOS) or even download installers for routers or other technologies like Tor, SSH tunnel, or SSL tunnel.

I chose the Windows installer for my Dell XPS laptop. The download was quick, and the installation process was simple and fast – it took about a minute and a half from start to finish.

One thing to note is that while you can create an account during the installation process, you also have the option to sign in anonymously. This is a nice touch for those who are particularly privacy-conscious.

The installation didn't present any complicated choices or options – it was a simple, one-click process. This is great for less tech-savvy users who might feel overwhelmed by complex setup procedures.

After installation, I launched the Eddie client (AirVPN's name for their VPN application). The interface is clean and uncomplicated, although it might look a bit technical at first glance.

All in all, the installation process for AirVPN was quick, easy, and problem-free. Whether you're a VPN veteran or a first-time user, you shouldn't have any trouble getting AirVPN up and running on your device.

Interface

The AirVPN client, known as Eddie, has a clean and functional interface. At first glance, it might seem a bit technical, but it's actually quite uncomplicated once you get used to it.

The main interface of AirVPN's Eddie client

The main screen is divided into several sections:

1. Connection Status: At the top, you'll see your connection status, including your IP address and the server you're connected to.
2. Server Selection: The middle section allows you to choose your server. You can select by country or use the 'Recommended' option for the best connection.
3. Connection Details: At the bottom, there's a log showing connection details and any messages from the client.
4. Quick Connect Button: On the right, there's a large connect/disconnect button for easy access.

One thing I noticed is that the interface is only available in English. This might be a drawback for non-English speakers. Also, there are no themes or visuals available – what you see is what you get.

However, the interface is adjustable, which is a nice touch. You can make it as small as a compact window or maximize it for a full view of all details.

Interface settings in AirVPN's Eddie client

In the settings, you can customize a few interface options, such as the UI main font and whether to show the system tray icon. These are small touches, but they allow for some customization of your experience.

While the interface might not win any design awards, it's functional and provides all the information you need at a glance. For those who prefer a more technical, data-rich interface, AirVPN's Eddie client delivers.

VPN Servers

When it comes to server selection, AirVPN offers a network of over 200 servers spread across 23 countries. While this isn't the largest server network I've seen, it does cover most major locations.

AirVPN's server selection screen

The server list is easy to navigate, with countries clearly listed and the ability to favorite servers for quick access. You can see details like server load and ping time, which is helpful for choosing the best server for your needs.

List of countries where AirVPN servers are available

One thing to note is that AirVPN is based in Italy, which is part of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance. This extended intelligence-sharing agreement doesn't automatically mean your data will be compromised, but it's something to be aware of if you're particularly concerned about privacy.

AirVPN prides itself on using only physical servers, not virtual ones. You can find a full list of their servers on their website. While this approach ensures better security and performance, it does limit their ability to quickly add new server locations.

When I asked about why they don't add more server locations, AirVPN's response was interesting:

"A new server location must comply with every AirVPN requirement. Contrarily to some of our competitors, we don't add locations just to have 'one more country flag', in disrespect of service quality and customers' security. We take every care in order to provide high quality of service and high security."

This commitment to quality over quantity is admirable, but it does mean that AirVPN's server list isn't as diverse as some other VPNs like NordVPN or Private Internet Access. There are no specialized servers for gaming or streaming, which might disappoint some users.

Overall, while AirVPN's server network isn't the largest or most diverse, it's clear that they prioritize quality and security in their server selection. For many users, this focus on reliability over sheer numbers will be a plus.

Gaming

Using a VPN for gaming can have several advantages, such as protecting you from DDoS attacks, potentially reducing lag, and allowing you to access geo-restricted games or servers. But how does AirVPN perform in this area?

In my AirVPN review tests, I found AirVPN to be a decent option for gaming, although not specifically optimized for it. I connected to a server close to my location in Romania and played a few online games. The performance was satisfactory, with ping times around 50ms and no noticeable problems or disconnects.

However, it's worth noting that AirVPN doesn't offer any specialized gaming servers or features specifically designed for gamers. This means that while it can certainly be used for gaming, it may not provide the optimized experience that some dedicated gaming VPNs offer.

If you're a casual gamer looking for added security and privacy while playing, AirVPN should serve you well. But if you're a competitive gamer where every millisecond counts, you might want to look for a VPN with more gaming-focused features.

Torrenting

When it comes to torrenting, AirVPN is quite accommodating. They allow P2P traffic on all their servers, which is a big plus compared to some VPNs that restrict torrenting to specific servers.

Here's what AirVPN has to say about their P2P policy:

"P2P is allowed, as well as any other protocol. Currently p2p is a set of the most efficient protocols to share and access information on the Internet. We do not discriminate against any protocol."

This open approach to P2P is great for users who frequently use torrents. Additionally, AirVPN offers a port forwarding feature, which can be particularly useful for improving torrent speeds.

During my tests for this AirVPN review, I used AirVPN to download some Linux distributions and other open-source software. The speeds were impressive, reaching about 300 MB/s. This is more than sufficient for most torrenting needs.

However, it's important to note that while AirVPN supports torrenting, they emphasize the importance of only downloading legal content. Always make sure you're not infringing on any copyrights when using torrents.

If you're looking for a VPN that's torrent-friendly and offers good speeds for P2P, AirVPN is a solid choice. The combination of allowing P2P on all servers and offering port forwarding makes it a great option for torrent users.

Streaming

One of the popular uses for VPNs is accessing geo-restricted streaming content. So, how does AirVPN perform in this area?

In my AirVPN review tests, AirVPN was able to unblock several popular streaming platforms:

• Netflix US - worked
• Netflix UK - worked
• Netflix Germany - worked
• Netflix Spain - didn't work

Unfortunately, there was no French server available to test Netflix France.

While AirVPN doesn't explicitly market itself as a streaming VPN, it performed surprisingly well. Being able to access US, UK, and German Netflix catalogs is better than many other VPNs I've tested.

However, it's worth noting that AirVPN doesn't offer specialized streaming servers. This means that while it can unblock some streaming services, it may not be as reliable or offer as many options as VPNs that focus heavily on streaming capabilities.

Also, the lack of dedicated apps for mobile devices might make it less convenient for streaming on smartphones or tablets. You'll need to set up the VPN manually on these devices, which could be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users.

In conclusion, while AirVPN isn't marketed as a streaming-focused VPN, it does a decent job at unblocking some major streaming platforms. If occasional streaming is your goal alongside other VPN uses, AirVPN should serve you well. However, if streaming is your primary use for a VPN, you might want to consider services that specialize in this area.

VPN Speed and Performance

For my speed tests, I used a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30G Hz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network configuration is Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 MBps.

To test the speed of AirVPN's servers, I used Ookla's Speedtest. Here are the results:

• No VPN (Romania): 437 Mbps download, 241 Mbps upload, and 15 ms latency
• New York: 87 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload, and 131 ms latency
• Phoenix, AZ: 185 Mbps download, 141 Mbps upload, and 199 ms latency
• San Jose, CA: 190 Mbps download, 157 Mbps upload, and 207 ms latency
• Germany: 248 Mbps download, 113 Mbps upload, and 64 ms latency
• Spain: 211 Mbps download, X Mbps upload, and 87 ms latency
• UK: 262 Mbps download, 253 Mbps upload, and 49 ms latency
• Brazil: 119 Mbps download, 117 Mbps upload, and 235 ms latency

Real-time speed graph for various AirVPN servers

My general observations on speed and performance across different servers and during different times of day is that the VPN is stable and pretty consistent regarding speed. However, as expected, speeds do decrease when connecting to more distant servers.

The speeds I experienced were suitable for most online activities, including streaming and torrenting. However, they're not the fastest I've seen from a VPN service. Users with very high-speed internet connections might notice a more significant slowdown.

It's worth noting that AirVPN provides a detailed speed graph in their client, which can be helpful for monitoring your connection performance over time.

In conclusion, while AirVPN's speeds are not the fastest I've tested, they are consistent and should be more than adequate for most users' needs. The detailed speed information provided in the client is a nice touch for those who like to keep a close eye on their connection performance.

VPN Privacy Features

Here, our attention turns to the VPN’s privacy measures. We’ll explore its encryption techniques, verify the security of its protocols, and investigate whether its no-logs policy truly holds up. 

VPN Protocols and Encryption

AirVPN offers a range of VPN protocols to balance security and speed. You can configure these in the Settings > Protocol section of the Eddie client.

Protocol settings in AirVPN's Eddie client

AirVPN primarily uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Here's what they say about their protocol offerings:

"We use OpenVPN and WireGuard to establish the connection between your computer and our servers. OpenVPN is the most reliable and secure solution for encrypted tunnels. Forget PPTP or other insecure protocols."

They offer OpenVPN on ports 80 TCP / UDP, 443 TCP / UDP and 53 TCP / UDP. Additionally, every AirVPN server supports OpenVPN over SSH, OpenVPN over SSL, and OpenVPN over Tor. This variety of options is great for evading strict firewalls or VPN blocks.

In terms of encryption, AirVPN uses strong 4096 bit DH and RSA keys, with AES-256-GCM or CHACHA20-POLY1305 encryption ciphers. This level of encryption is considered extremely secure and is the industry standard for top-tier VPNs.

One standout feature is the ability to use OpenVPN over Tor, which adds an extra layer of privacy to your connection. While this will significantly slow down your connection, it's a great option for users who prioritize privacy above all else.

Overall, AirVPN's protocol and encryption options are robust and flexible, catering to both security-conscious users and those who need to bypass strict network restrictions. For additional security measures, I recommend also using a dedicated antimalware suite, such as Norton and Bitdefender.

No-Logs Policy and Transparency

AirVPN emphasizes its commitment to user privacy with a strict no-logs policy. They state that they are:

"Fully compliant with the European Union legal framework protecting your privacy: Directive on Data Protection (95/46/EC), Directive concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy (2002/58/EC) and General Data Protection Regulation (EU Regulation 2016/579)"

This commitment to EU privacy regulations is reassuring, as these are some of the strictest privacy laws in the world. However, it's worth noting that AirVPN hasn't undergone any independent audits of their no-logs policy, which some competitors have done to verify their privacy claims.

On the transparency front, AirVPN scores points for having an open-source client. This allows security experts to review the code and verify that it's doing what it claims to do.

While AirVPN's privacy policy and open-source client are strong points in their favor, an independent audit would further strengthen their claims and bring them in line with some of the most transparent VPN providers in the industry.

DNS and IP Leak Protection

AirVPN includes built-in DNS and IP leak protection to ensure your real location and browsing activity remain hidden. To test these features, I used several online leak testing tools. Here are the results:

• ipleak.net - AirVPN passed this test
• perfect-privacy.com - AirVPN passed this test
• dnsleaktest.com - AirVPN passed this test

In all my AirVPN review tests, AirVPN successfully prevented both IP and DNS leaks. This is crucial for maintaining your privacy while using a VPN.

AirVPN also offers some additional features to prevent leaks. For example, they provide instructions for setting up firewall rules to prevent leaks in case of unexpected VPN disconnection. While this isn't as user-friendly as the automatic kill switch feature some VPNs offer, it can be very effective if set up correctly.

To conclude, AirVPN's leak protection seems robust and effective. However, the lack of an automatic kill switch might be a drawback for less technically inclined users.

Wi-Fi Protection

While AirVPN doesn't have a specific feature called "Wi-Fi Protection", their VPN service inherently provides protection when connected to Wi-Fi networks, including public hotspots.

When you're connected to AirVPN, all your internet traffic is encrypted, which prevents hackers on the same network from intercepting your data. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi in places like cafes, airports, or hotels.

However, AirVPN lacks some of the automatic Wi-Fi protection features that some other VPNs offer, such as automatically connecting to the VPN when you join an unsecured Wi-Fi network. You'll need to remember to connect to the VPN manually when you're using public Wi-Fi.

Advanced Settings

AirVPN offers a range of advanced settings that allow tech-savvy users to fine-tune their VPN experience.

DNS settings in the Eddie client

One notable feature is the ability to customize your DNS settings. You can choose to use AirVPN's DNS servers, your ISP's servers, or specify custom DNS servers. This level of control is great for users who want to optimize their browsing speed or add an extra layer of privacy.

Networking settings can also be adjusted in the UI

The networking settings allow you to configure things like the VPN interface and specify which network adapters to use. This can be helpful for users with complex network setups.

AirVPN also offers a feature called "Remote Port Forwarding". They explain it as follows:

"Remote port forwarding" forwards traffic coming from the Internet to our VPN server ports to a specified local port. This can be useful for running servers behind the VPN or improving performance for certain P2P applications.

While these advanced features are powerful, they might be overwhelming for VPN beginners. However, for tech-savvy users who want detailed control over their VPN connection, these options are a significant advantage.

Device Compatibility

AirVPN offers support for a wide range of devices and platforms. Here's a breakdown of their compatibility:

• Windows: Full support with a dedicated app (Eddie client)
• macOS: Full support with a dedicated app
• Linux: Full support with a dedicated app
• Android: Dedicated app 
• iOS: No dedicated app
• Routers: Supports various router firmware including DD-WRT, Tomato, and pfSense

Each AirVPN account allows up to 5 simultaneous connections to different VPN servers. This is a decent number, allowing you to protect multiple devices at once.

For devices that don't support VPN connections directly, AirVPN suggests:

"If all the devices are on the same network, you can use a Tomato / DD-WRT / pfSense / Fritz!Box router or a computer configured to act as a "gateway/host" through connection sharing to access a VPN server from all of your devices with a single account."

This solution can be particularly useful for protecting devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles that don't typically support VPN connections.

The main drawback in terms of device compatibility is the lack of dedicated mobile apps. While it's possible to set up AirVPN manually on iOS devices, this process is more complicated than simply downloading an app from the app store. This could be a significant hurdle for less tech-savvy users or those who primarily use VPNs on mobile devices.

All in all, while AirVPN offers good compatibility across desktop platforms and routers, the lack of dedicated mobile apps is a notable limitation compared to many of its competitors.

AirVPN Review: Conclusion and Recommendations

After spending considerable time testing and using AirVPN, I can say it's a solid VPN service with some standout features, but also a few limitations.

Here are my main conclusions about this AirVPN review:

• AirVPN is an advanced VPN service with many settings, making it great for power users who want privacy and control.
• The open-source Eddie client is a big plus for transparency and security.
• It's good at unblocking region-locked streaming content, although it's not specifically optimized for this.
• The server network, while not extensive, prioritizes quality over quantity.
• Speeds are decent, averaging about 200Mbps for US servers, which is below average but still sufficient for most uses.
• The lack of a dedicated iOS app is a significant drawback.
• Pricing is on the higher side compared to some competitors.

Based on my experience, here are some recommendations for using AirVPN:

1. Take advantage of the advanced features like split tunneling and port forwarding if you're a tech-savvy user.
2. Use the OpenVPN protocol for the best balance of security and speed.
3. If you're concerned about privacy, consider using the OpenVPN over Tor feature for maximum privacy.
4. For the best performance, connect to servers closer to your physical location when possible.

AirVPN is best suited for users who prioritize privacy and want granular control over their VPN settings. It's particularly good for those who use VPNs on desktop computers and are comfortable with technology.

However, if you're a VPN novice or primarily use VPNs on mobile devices, you might find AirVPN a bit complicated to use. In that case, you might want to consider more user-friendly options with dedicated mobile apps.

Looking for other solutions beyond this antivirus? CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are trusted VPN options. Explore our best VPN picks for 2024.

FAQs

1. Is AirVPN safe to use? Yes, AirVPN is safe to use. It employs strong encryption, offers secure protocols, and has a strict no-logs policy. The open-source client adds an extra layer of transparency.
2. Can AirVPN unblock Netflix? Yes, in my tests, AirVPN was able to unblock Netflix US, UK, and Germany. However, results may vary as streaming services constantly update their VPN detection methods.
3. Does AirVPN work in China? AirVPN can work in China, but it requires some additional setup. You'll need to use their OpenVPN over SSL or SSH feature to bypass the Great Firewall.
4. How many devices can I use with AirVPN? AirVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account.
5. Is AirVPN good for torrenting? Yes, AirVPN is good for torrenting. They allow P2P traffic on all servers and offer port forwarding, which can improve torrent performance.

Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)

Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.