AirVPN
Italian privacy VPN run by activists with fully open-source client, advanced features, and commitment to internet freedom
Quick Overview
| Company | AirVPN (Paolo Brini & Staff) |
|---|---|
| Category | VPN Service |
| Headquarters | Italy |
| EU Presence | Yes - Italy (EU) |
| Data Centers | 21+ countries worldwide |
| Open Source | Yes - Eddie client (GPLv3) |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes |
| Main Features | Double-hop, port forwarding, DNS leak protection, kill switch, Tor over VPN, SSH/SSL tunneling |
| Pricing | From 3.79/month (3-year plan) |
| Best For | Technically-minded privacy enthusiasts who want advanced features and open-source tools |
| Replaces | NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access |
Detailed Review
AirVPN is an Italian VPN service that stands apart from the crowded VPN market through its activist roots, technical sophistication, and unwavering commitment to open source software. Founded by hackers and privacy activists who believe in internet freedom as a fundamental right, AirVPN has developed a loyal following among technically-minded users who appreciate its advanced features and transparent operations.
Activist Origins
AirVPN was born from the hacker and digital rights activist community. The founders believe that privacy and freedom of speech on the internet are fundamental human rights that must be protected through both technology and advocacy. This philosophy permeates every aspect of AirVPN's operations, from their technical decisions to their public communications.
The team is active in discussions about internet freedom, net neutrality, and digital rights. They have taken public stances against surveillance, censorship, and data retention laws. This activist approach means users can be confident that AirVPN's priorities align with privacy protection rather than maximizing profit.
Italian Jurisdiction
Italy is an EU member state with GDPR protections and a relatively favorable legal environment for VPN services. While Italy is part of the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance, AirVPN has structured its operations to minimize data collection, meaning there is little data that could be requested or shared. The company has been transparent about legal requests and their responses.
Being based in the EU means AirVPN must comply with GDPR, providing users with strong data protection rights. The company's privacy policy is clear about what limited data is collected and how it is handled.
Fully Open Source Client
AirVPN's custom client, called Eddie, is fully open source under the GPLv3 license. Unlike some VPN providers that only open-source parts of their applications, Eddie's entire codebase is available for inspection. This includes the GUI, connection logic, and all security features. Users can compile it themselves if they prefer.
Eddie is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It offers advanced features including network lock (kill switch), DNS leak protection, double-hop connections, and detailed connection logs. The client can also connect through SSH or SSL tunnels to bypass VPN blocking.
Advanced Technical Features
AirVPN offers features that appeal to power users. Double-hop allows routing traffic through two VPN servers for additional protection. Port forwarding enables up to 20 forwarded ports per account, useful for P2P, gaming, or running servers. The service supports connecting through SSH or SSL tunnels, which can bypass deep packet inspection and VPN blocking.
Tor over VPN routes traffic through the Tor network after it exits the VPN, combining the benefits of both. DNS is handled by AirVPN's own servers to prevent leaks. IPv6 is fully supported with native IPv6 addresses available on most servers.
Real-Time Server Statistics
AirVPN provides unusually detailed real-time statistics about their servers, including current load, bandwidth usage, number of connected users, and uptime. This transparency allows users to make informed decisions about which servers to use and demonstrates AirVPN's commitment to openness.
The server statistics are available on their website without requiring a login. Users can see exactly how busy each server is before connecting, helping to optimize performance.
OpenVPN Focus
Unlike many VPN providers that have moved primarily to WireGuard, AirVPN continues to focus on OpenVPN. They argue that OpenVPN's maturity, extensive auditing, and flexibility make it more suitable for privacy-focused users. However, WireGuard support has been added for users who prefer it.
AirVPN's OpenVPN implementation includes all the latest security improvements and can be configured with various encryption ciphers. The Eddie client handles configuration automatically, but manual configuration is also well-documented for users who prefer to use native OpenVPN clients.
Pricing and Plans
AirVPN offers competitive pricing, especially for longer subscription periods. Monthly plans are more expensive, but 3-year plans bring the cost down significantly. They accept various payment methods including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for anonymous payment. No email is required to create an account.
Limitations to Consider
AirVPN's server network is smaller than major commercial VPNs, with servers in around 21 countries. The interface may feel overwhelming for non-technical users due to the many advanced options. Mobile apps are less polished than competitors. There is no 24/7 live chat support, relying instead on forums and email. Speed can be variable depending on server load.
Who Should Use AirVPN
AirVPN is ideal for technically-minded users who want full control over their VPN, privacy enthusiasts who value open-source software and transparency, users who need advanced features like port forwarding and double-hop, Linux users who want first-class support, activists and journalists who share AirVPN's values, and anyone who appreciates a VPN run by people who genuinely care about privacy.
Alternatives to AirVPN
Looking for other European VPN providers? Here are some alternatives worth considering:
Mullvad VPN
Swedish privacy-first VPN with anonymous accounts
Proton VPN
Swiss VPN with free tier and Secure Core
IVPN
Gibraltar-based VPN with ethical practices
OVPN
Swedish VPN with diskless servers
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, AirVPN's client software (Eddie) is fully open source under the GPLv3 license. The entire codebase is available on GitLab for inspection, and users can compile it themselves if they prefer. This level of transparency is rare in the VPN industry.
No, AirVPN has a strict no-logs policy. They do not log your browsing activity, IP address, connection times, or bandwidth usage. The only data stored is account information needed for authentication and payment processing.
AirVPN is run by privacy activists and hackers who believe in internet freedom. It offers fully open-source software, advanced technical features (double-hop, port forwarding, SSH/SSL tunneling), real-time server statistics, and transparent operations. It is designed for technically-minded users.
Yes, AirVPN has added WireGuard support, though they continue to focus primarily on OpenVPN due to its maturity and extensive auditing. Users can choose which protocol to use based on their preferences and needs.
Yes, AirVPN offers port forwarding with up to 20 forwarded ports per account. This is useful for P2P applications, gaming, running servers, or any application that needs incoming connections. Ports can be managed through the client area.
Yes, AirVPN accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for anonymous payment. No email address is required to create an account. Combined with cryptocurrency payment, you can use AirVPN with complete anonymity.
AirVPN allows 5 simultaneous connections per account on different devices. This is sufficient for most users to protect their computer, phone, tablet, and other devices. There are no restrictions on which platforms you can use.
AirVPN is more suited for technically-minded users due to its many advanced options and less polished interface. Beginners might find services like Proton VPN or Mullvad easier to use. However, AirVPN's default settings work well for basic usage.