Total VPN vs PrivateVPN – VPN comparison guide

PrivateVPN and Total VPN are both popular privacy services with subscribers globally. Both of these VPNs allow internet users to prevent online tracking, concealing the user’s internet traffic with encryption to stop local networks, ISPs, and government agencies from monitoring their activities. But which is better for you?

Well, each of these well-known VPNs includes unique attributes and features, making each VPN better for specific use cases. In our VPN comparison, we tested Total VPN vs PrivateVPN using 7 crucial categories. You can use our results to decide which of these VPNs is best suited for your needs.

Let’s dive in!

Total VPN vs PrivateVPN: Which service wins?

Our scientific review methodology revealed that both of these VPNs are excellent. That said, each service performed better in different tests. This means they are better suited for different things.

When it comes to privacy, PrivateVPN lives up to its name, thanks to its better jurisdiction, no-logs policy, and robust encryption. It has a wider set of advanced features, including port forwarding at no extra cost. This makes it a better option for advanced users who want to torrent. Total VPN is faster and more capable when it comes to accessing international streams – this makes it a reliable option for users interested in watching regional TV platforms.

In terms of price, both VPNs represent excellent value. However, Total VPN wins the race due to the bundle you can get for $1.58 per month. This nabs you the VPN alongside TotalAV and Total’s adblock – and makes it a fantastic option for users on a tight budget.

Total VPN and PrivateVPN: highlights

Methodology: How we tested Total VPN and PrivateVPN

Comparing VPNs can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. What makes a VPN “better” really depends on what you want from it. Some people care most about streaming, others about privacy, and for many, it’s all about speed (for activities such as gaming or torrenting). To provide the best results for our readers, we used a metric-based methodology to test Total VPN and PrivateVPN.

Here’s how we conducted the head-to-head:

• Speed: We tested both VPNs on a dedicated gigabit test server and a standard home broadband line to see how they perform under real-world conditions. We measured speeds across multiple regions at different times of day to arrive at averages, not just one-off peaks.
• Network size: Server numbers alone don’t tell the full story, so we looked at how wide each VPN’s network spreads and how easy it is to find nearby servers. A broader range of server locations means more IP address options and better access to local content, which makes the VPN more versatile when traveling and streaming.
• Security and privacy: We checked encryption standards, leak protection, and kill switch reliability, and compared each VPN’s logging policy to see how well user data is protected. The goal was to confirm that both providers keep your activity fully encrypted inside the tunnel — and that no data trail exists that might put you at risk if it is served a warrant.
• Streaming performance: Unblocking content is a major selling point for VPNs. We tested each of these competitors to watch leading services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+. We also looked at how many regional libraries these VPNS could access, and how much server hopping was needed to find a server that worked.
• Value for money: When it comes to VPNs, it isn’t always about the cheapest price – it’s about what you get for what you pay. We compared subscription tiers, connection limits, bundled extras, and refund policies to see which VPN delivers better overall value.
• Ease of use: Finally, we rated how simple each VPN is to set up and navigate. We checked whether the apps feel intuitive across platforms and how quickly you can get help when needed. Extra credit went to providers that offer responsive live chat and clear setup guides.

Want to know more about our testing process? Head to our detailed methodology article. Below, you’ll see exactly how Total VPN and PrivateVPN performed across each of our test criteria – helping you decide which VPN best fits your needs.

Total VPN vs PrivateVPN: Features

When it comes to VPN features and settings, PrivateVPN is much more versatile. However, users looking for a simple VPN that comes with an antivirus, Total VPN is well worth considering.

You can see how each service compares below:

Both VPNs offer obfuscation, but each VPN takes a different approach. PrivateVPN includes a “Stealth VPN” mode that disguises VPN traffic to help users connect in restrictive countries, while Total VPN’s custom Hydra protocol automatically builds obfuscation into its design – but is not suitable for bypassing blocks in countries like China.

Conclusion? Total VPN is better for users who need a simple VPN that comes bundled with other useful features. PrivateVPN is better for advanced VPN users who want more VPN features, specifically (such as split tunneling and port forwarding).

Verdict: PrivateVPN wins for its advanced VPN features.

Total VPN vs PrivateVPN: Price comparison

Value can be a tricky metric to pin down. Sure, you could just pick the cheapest plan, but if a VPN only costs a little more and gives you better tools or wider coverage, many users may decide it is worth it. To ensure fairness, we focus not just on the lowest monthly price – but also what you get for your cash.

In the table below, you can see how each VPN compares across eight transparent value factors: subscription options, lowest monthly cost, connection limits, discounts, refund policies, and any extras bundled into the plan. This gives a better idea of which VPN truly delivers better value long term.

After crunching the numbers, the results were so tight that it was hard to pick a winner. Both of these VPNs come in at under US$2, which makes them insanely good value for money.

The inclusion of an antivirus with the Total VPN/TotalAV/Total Adblock bundle makes it extremely hard to beat. On the other hand, privacy and VPN purists will probably prefer the added features and versatility they get with PrivateVPN

Home internet users primarily looking to save a few bucks and bypass streaming blocks will gravitate to Total VPN. However, users looking to torrent will notice their ears prick up at the mention of port forwarding for just $2 per month.

A final note related to value: If you want a VPN that offers more simultaneous connections. PrivateVPN may suit you a touch better. Subscribers are allowed to connect up to 10 devices at a time, which is better value for money than Total VPN, with just 5.

Verdict: TotalVPN wins thanks to its TotalAV and Total VPN bundle for just $1.58

Total VPN vs PrivateVPN: Speed and reliability comparison

Speed is one of the first things you notice when using a VPN. If your connection slows down too much, streaming and even basic activities like using social media can become painful. Worse still, an unstable VPN may drop your connection entirely, which means you could potentially expose your activities to local networks or ISPs.

A slow VPN can make your internet plan feel like a waste of money – sometimes cutting speeds by as much as 90%. That’s why most users prefer VPNs that deliver fast, stable connections suitable for gaming, HD streaming, and video calls.

How we tested VPN speeds

To keep things fair, we tested both VPNs on a 250 Mbps wired setup, using the WireGuard protocol across multiple servers, including the US, UK, and Hong Kong, to arrive at a global average. This gives you a realistic look at both their top speeds and their everyday performance.

Our results showed a clear gap between the two. Total VPN averaged 146.52 Mbps globally, while PrivateVPN came in at just 66.84 Mbps. That’s a significant difference, because it means Total VPN was nearly three times faster in our tests.

The biggest drops for PrivateVPN appeared on long-distance servers, where speeds fell sharply during streaming and gaming tests. By comparison, Total VPN maintained decent performance across all regions (although we did experience a slower connection on the Brazilian server, which is worth bearing in mind).

In real-world tests, both VPNs performed exceptionally well. Despite being slower on paper, we were still able to stream Netflix in HD and load websites with no discernible difference when using PrivateVPN. This means that in practice, most people probably won’t notice a difference.

That said, users with slow internet to begin with (baseline speed) may notice their speeds being slowed down more by PrivateVPN than Total VPN. For this reason, we still recommend Total VPN if you want better speed and stability for streaming, gaming, and large downloads.

Verdict? Total VPN wins for speed.

Network and server locations

Both Total VPN and PrivateVPN make global IP access a core part of their offering. This makes them both handy options for accessing region-locked websites, streaming platforms, and other regional accounts while traveling.

Total VPN has servers in over 86 countries, offering a solid mix of regions for streaming, gaming, and general privacy. Its exact server count isn’t publicly listed, and there’s no confirmation of how many are physical (bare-metal servers located where advertised) versus virtual servers (routed via smart DNS from elsewhere). Still, for users mainly looking to change their IP and browse privately (and don’t have privacy needs that require jurisdictional transparency), Total VPN delivers excellent performance for its cost.

PrivateVPN, on the other hand, runs a smaller but highly optimized network of around 200+ servers in 63 countries. These servers are owned and operated by its parent company, MissGroup (an international hosting provider based in Stockholm), giving the VPN full control over server management and security. While its footprint is smaller than Total VPN’s, every server is bare metal and physically hosted in its stated location, which is generally preferable for privacy and reliability.

Both VPNs maintain stable connections and decent geographic coverage. Total VPN wins for its wider international reach, while PrivateVPN stands out for transparency and its self-owned infrastructure.

Total VPN offers servers in 24 US cities, compared to 12 with PrivateVPN. Both figures are solid and ahead of many smaller competitors. However, users who want the widest choice of US IP addresses will likely prefer Total VPN (which will be better for bypassing blackout games).

Verdict: Total VPN wins for server locations.

App interface and multi-platform support

PrivateVPN app support and ease of use:

PrivateVPN is relatively easy to use, despite having a wide feature set. The apps might not be the best looking, but they do have a clean interface that remains consistent across different platforms (it has custom apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV).

PrivateVPN focuses on giving users an easy experience. The app has a simple “On/Off” toggle and a location picker where you can sort servers by country or city. The home screen also displays your IP address and connection status, giving you connection information without unnecessary clutter.

Apps for all platforms

The Windows app has the most features. It allows you to pick between multiple protocols and includes a kill switch and port forwarding, which is great for torrenting. You can switch between “Simple View” and “Advanced View” to access these additional protocol connection options.

On Android and iOS, PrivateVPN is also designed to be highly functional. You get the same core protocols, an automatic reconnect feature, and a system-level kill switch (on iOS). The Android app also supports Split Tunneling, which means you can set some apps to use the internet outside of the VPN tunnel

PrivateVPN also allows users to connect manually on Linux using the command line interface (CLI). You can download the OpenVPN configuration files from the members’ area of the website. And, PrivateVPN includes step-by-step guides for routers and set-top boxes, ensuring you can connect on just about any gadget.

PrivateVPN – an advanced VPN that is easy to use

Overall, PrivateVPN delivers a fast, intuitive experience that is great whether you are a total noob or an experienced VPN user. I found it easy to change my IP address, and all the servers work great for streaming, meaning I didn’t have to spend much time hunting around for the best servers.

Total VPN app support and ease of use:

Total VPN is perfect for beginners, largely because it lacks any features that might confuse you. The whole interface fits neatly into one window, which means you don’t have to worry about overcomplicated menus. Simply launch the app, pick a country (or city), hit “Connect,” and you’re done. If all you care about is privacy on public wifi or accessing streaming platforms without fiddling with extra settings, it’s perfect.

Apps for all popular devices

You can install Total VPN on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Apple TV (tvOS), and you’re allowed up to five connections at once. That’s a bit less than what you get with PrivateVPN – but still usually enough for most families.

Just bear in mind that you don’t get features like port forwarding, split tunneling, multi-hop, browser extensions, or a Linux app, and right now, router support isn’t available either. If you need VPN coverage on a smart TV or console, you will ned to connect via a laptop and share the VPN connection by making a hotspot.

Smaller feature set – better for beginners

In terms of features, Total VPN sticks to the essentials. You get AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a choice between WireGuard, Hydra, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. The Windows app includes an auto-connect toggle for untrusted wifi, which is great for anyone who works remotely or uses public hotspots. Hopefully, it will extend that feature to the mobile apps at some point.

The apps all look nearly identical, which makes it easy to use the VPN on different devices. And I had no trouble using the VPN to access my streaming services.

Total Security bundle

When using the Total Security bundle, you can access the VPN through the TotalAV antivirus app. This version gives you access to the kill switch, so keep that in mind if you need added privacy at work or when doing sensitive activities like torrenting. That said, I generally prefer the standalone VPN app, because it is less cluttered and offers a wider choice of servers.

All things considered, it seems fair to say that Total VPN is best for convenience. It’s quick to install, effortless to use, and performs smoothly on every supported device. An excellent option for users who only require the basics and prefer a VPN that comes with an antivirus.

Verdict: It’s a draw. Both VPNs are easy to set up and use.

Security and privacy

Total VPN and PrivateVPN are both suitable for protecting your browsing habits against snooping by local wifi networks, Internet Service Providers, and even hackers on public wifi (protection against Evil Twin hotspots, for example).

However, they are not on the same level when it comes to ensuring nobody can access your activities with a warrant.

Jurisdiction

Total VPN is based in the United Kingdom, which is part of the FIVE EYES. This means it could be compelled to share data if served a warrant under the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016. As a UK-based provider, Total VPN is also subject to mandatory data retention requirements. As a result, this VPN is unsuitable for users with a higher threat model.

PrivateVPN operates from Sweden, which (although a 14 Eyes country) does not impose mandatory data retention on VPN services. This allows PrivateVPN to maintain a strict no-logging policy. Even if Swedish authorities issued a warrant, PrivateVPN would have no user data to hand over.

PrivateVPN – robust privacy

We analyzed PrivateVPN’s privacy policy and were pleased to find that it doesn’t store browsing activity, IP addresses, timestamps, or DNS queries. Even if the Swedish authorities requested data about you, it would have nothing to hand over.

This makes it an excellent VPN for netizens living in countries with high levels of censorship and surveillance. It also means it is suitable for journalists, lawyers, political activists, and other users with strict privacy requirements.

The VPN offers a choice of protocols with robust encryption. OpenVPN implements AES-256-bit encryption with SHA-256 authentication and Perfect Forward Secrecy. This ensures that each session uses a unique key (so even if session traffic is intercepted, it cannot be decrypted at a later date).

PrivateVPN also offers stealth VPN (obfuscation) or OpenVPN. As a result, you can connect to PrivateVPN on networks that block ports associated with VPNs, and in restrictive regions like China or the UAE.

During our tests, PrivateVPN showed no DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks, confirming that it performs as advertised to secure both your traffic and DNS requests in transit. This prevents local networks and ISPs from tracking your online activity.

The only real drawback, compared to some leading VPNs, is that PrivateVPN has not yet undergone an independent third-party audit. However, it has an unblemished reputation – with no known breaches, leaks, or controversies.

The ability to pay anonymously using Bitcoin is another plus. It means users can sign up without providing personal details or payment information. (Just be sure to sign up from a public IP address and use a burner email for maximum anonymity.)

Total VPN – good for general privacy

Total VPN takes a less comprehensive approach to user privacy. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple secure protocols, including WireGuard, Hydra, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. What’s more, the Hydra protocol includes built-in obfuscation, which routes traffic through port 443 to make it appear like regular HTTPS.

This setup prevents local networks, ISPs, hackers, and even government agencies from intercepting your internet traffic. It also works effectively to stop websites from tracking your real IP address.

However, it’s important to note that Total VPN’s logging policy is vague about what data is retained. It doesn’t clearly state that it keeps no connection or usage logs, which rules it out for users who require a strict no-logs VPN.

If you plan to use a VPN for sensitive purposes (such as journalism, activism, whistleblowing, etc), we recommend opting for a verified no-logs VPN instead.

Those caveats aside, Total VPN remains an excellent option for regular home internet users wanting to secure public wifi, hide their IP address, and stream privately.

It even includes anti-phishing, antivirus, and ad-blocking tools as part of the TotalAV bundle, which all help to add an extra layer of security when surfing the web.

Verdict: PrivateVPN wins for privacy

Total VPN vs PrivateVPN: Streaming and unblocking

Anyone looking for a streaming VPN will not go far wrong with either Total VPN or PrivateVPN. Both providers offer servers in a wide geographical footprint, and during our tests, they were able to access many popular international streaming services.

That said, PrivateVPN offers a bit more flexibility for streaming enthusiasts who like to download torrents. It’s obfuscation and port forwarding modes not only help you pass tougher geo-blocks, but also ensure that you can seed more easily to stay in good standing with your community.

In our tests, both VPNs successfully accessed multiple Netflix regions, as well as popular platforms like Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Both offer a choice of US servers, which makes it possible to bypass NFL, NBA, and MLB blackout games.

That said, users looking for the easiest of the two will probably find Total VPN a little more appealing. It really is point and click easy, which is why it is popular with budget and beginner users.

Total VPN was quicker and easier to use out of the box. PrivateVPN, meanwhile, worked with more regional Netflix libraries overall and offered excellent performance when using dedicated IPs.

Below you can see which platforms each VPN accessed in our tests:

The main advantage of Total VPN over Private is that it offers both WireGuard and Hydra inside its apps. Private VPN allows you to connect via WireGuard only using the official third-party client, which makes it a little trickier to set up. As a result, Total VPN delivers faster speeds for streaming.

Verdict: Total VPN wins for streaming thanks to its simplicity, reliability, and speed.

Which is easier to use, IPVanish or Total VPN?

The good news is that both of these VPNs are built around apps designed with ease of use in mind. Even PrivateVPN, which packs in more advanced features and therefore comes with a slightly steeper learning curve, is still simple enough for beginners to navigate comfortably.

That said, users looking for the most straightforward experience will likely prefer Total VPN. Its layout is cleaner, and the overall interface feels a little more intuitive. The only small drawback is that you’ll need to juggle two apps – the VPN and the included antivirus. Since the kill switch currently lives in the TotalAV client (not the standalone VPN), you may need to open both apps to manage the connection from time to time.

Overall, though, both services deliver a smooth, beginner-friendly experience, and it’s hard to fault either when it comes to usability.

Verdict: It’s a draw.

Which is better overall: Total VPN or PrivateVPN?

This race was close, and it’s important to acknowledge that both VPNs serve slightly different needs, but our overall winner was:

Total VPN

Mar 2026

TotalVPN is faster, performs better for streaming, and is easier for beginners to get to grips with. It also provides strong encryption and reliable protocols that stop local networks, ISPs, and hackers from snooping on your traffic.

That said, its privacy policy and UK jurisdiction are notable drawbacks for anyone who needs maximum privacy protection.

If you live in a country with heavy censorship or surveillance (or you need a VPN for sensitive work such as activism, journalism, or whistleblowing), then PrivateVPN is the better choice.

PrivateVPN upholds a strict no-logs policy, operates from a safer jurisdiction, and includes advanced tools like port forwarding and split tunneling, making it better suited for experienced users and high-privacy use cases.

Want to know more about your chosen VPN? Check out our detailed reviews of Total VPN and PrivateVPN.

Want to test them out? You can try both of these VPNs risk-free thanks to their 30-day money-back guarantee. That means you can test either VPN on your devices to access your accounts.

Total VPN vs PrivateVPN: FAQs