Hi, I’ve used AirVPN occasionally since 2016, and here is my review.
TLDR:
AirVPN is a good vpn because of its vast server network, diskless servers, and freedom focus, however frequent server disconnects (may be my network, or AirVPNs app or servers) have made me decide to switch to another VPN.
AirVPN Pros:
+ Lots of servers
+ a “privacy centric” VPN
+ Diskless servers
+ Wireguard
+ ad-block lists
+ Forum
AirVPN Cons:
- Semi-frequent disconnects (I remember this happening for years, though I’m not sure if it’s due to my network or the AirVPN app or servers, but I don’t seem to disconnect as much with other VPNs).
Overall, AirVPN is in my pocket/short list of good VPNs to use, but the frequent disconnects I experienced (which may not be AirVPNs fault) have caused me to swap to another VPN, in hopes of experiencing less disconnects. However, I still reccomend AirVPN with a score of 90/100 if the disconencts get fixed.
I’ve never noticed a disconnect, but I don’t run a monitor either.
I use and love AirVPN because it consistently bypasses Fortiguard without a sweat. Can’t say the same about many different popular VPN providers I have tried.
My connections to Air VPN servers are rock solid in my case but the type of instability you have reported is commonly ascribable to MTU size, either with WireGuard or OpenVPN. It is very hard or impossible for OpenVPN and WireGuard to dynamically determine the optimal link MTU size.
Try to lower the MTU size to 1320 bytes (“mssfix 1320” in OpenVPN and “MTU = 1320” in WireGuard), or switch to OpenVPN TCP, and you might have your problem sorted out.
Do you get the same disconnects from all the servers you’ve tried? FWIW, my connection only resets when I reboot the Ubuntu VM that does the VPN. My latest uptime is about 20 days from the last time I did some system maintenance.
What’s in your pocket list?
I too am constantly aware of potential drops that require manually reconnections. The communication path is so complex (choice of device, modem&antenna, cell/WiFi, congestion, priority data, connection quality, isp, 4G/5G, throttling?, transition from router to router…) that it’s difficult to even get a sense of the reason a problem occurred. I tend to think most—not all—of the problems lay with the routers/isp’s.
I’ve used OpenVPN and then Passepartout—which I really like. Passepartout has a log of diagnostics which helps at times, but most issues are probably more complex to route out. I usually find the AirVPN servers not taxed.
Of the three iPhones I maintain, the two that pretty much stay in the same location almost have no connection issues. For mine I’ll usually be playing around with the type of connection since I’m moving around in a school setting (router to router) most of the day. Their firewall is usually the problem as I have to use TCP to connect and it can be a problem at times for whatever reason.
I wouldn’t recommend AirVPN to non-techies. I do like using them because they seem to always be at the forefront of the technology implementing what everyone wants—except a mobile app. They also have a really good community area to get information.
Check the servers tab, if the server went offline it was on Airvpn. If it didn’t the issue wasn’t because of their service