AirVPN
Open-source, customisable VPN for privacy-focused and advanced users
AirVPN is an Italian VPN service launched by activists and hacktivists in 2010, prioritising encryption, privacy, and control over mainstream convenience. It emphasises open-source transparency, advanced customisation, and no-logs policies, making it particularly suited to technically skilled users seeking unrestricted internet access and strong security rather than streaming performance.
How we scored it
Six-factor weighted score. Each dimension scored 0–10 by our editorial team across testing periods of 3–18 months. No vendor influence.
What it actually costs
Intro pricing shown — see the renewal note for what you'll pay after the introductory term. We don't hide the second-act price.
The real cost
What you'll actually pay across 4 years, including the renewal cliff. We blend the math so you see the true monthly cost.
When the bill actually arrives
Most hosts advertise intro pricing prominently and renewal pricing in the fine print. Here\'s the trajectory drawn to scale.
AirVPN against the field
The highest-scoring alternatives in the same category, compared on the figures we hold for all of them.
| AirVPNThis page | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReviewCost score | 6.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Cheapest plan | 3-Year Plan | — | — |
| From | $3.13/mo | $3.49/mo | — |
| Renews at | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Biggest strength | Industry-leading encryption (AES-256-GCM) and strong kill switch for security-conscious users | Proprietary Lightway protocol delivers consistently fast speeds, particularly with Lightway Turbo on Windows | Audited no-logs policy and full open-source codebase provide exceptional transparency |
| Biggest drawback | Steep learning curve; desktop client (Eddie) buries features across 12+ tabs, unsuitable for beginners | Device limits (10/12/14) lag behind competitors like Surfshark and PIA that offer unlimited simultaneous connections | No 24/7 live chat support—email-only, with 1-3 day response times reported |
Prices are the published figures at the time of writing and change often. Renewal pricing is shown where the vendor publishes it. See how we review.
What people ask about AirVPN
Straight answers to what buyers actually ask, drawn from the documentation and published user reports.