I’ve used a few VPNs over the years, and PureVPN caught my attention as an affordable option with solid features. But is it truly worth it?
With so many VPNs out there, it’s hard to know which one delivers on speed, security, and ease of use. In this review, I’ll dive into what PureVPN offers, from its performance to privacy features, to help you decide if it’s the right pick for you.
Whether you need it for streaming, browsing, or staying secure online, let’s see if PureVPN lives up to the hype.
PureVPN Overview
PureVPN is a widely-used virtual private network (VPN) service known for its robust security, extensive server network, and user-friendly features. Based in the British Virgin Islands, it offers strong privacy protections with a no-logs policy audited independently.
PureVPN provides access to over 6,500 servers across 78+ countries, enabling fast and reliable connections for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
It supports various devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and routers. Key features include AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, kill switch, and multi-login support.
With competitive pricing and 24/7 customer support, PureVPN is a dependable choice for enhancing online privacy and bypassing geo-restrictions.
Key Features: PureVPN
1. Global Server Network
- Coverage: Over 6,500 servers in 78+ countries, ensuring a vast network for seamless connectivity.
- Specialized Servers: Optimized for streaming, P2P file sharing, and online gaming, offering enhanced speed and reliability.
- Dedicated IP: Optional add-on for users who need a consistent and exclusive IP address.
2. Strong Security & Privacy
- Encryption: Implements AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for safeguarding data.
- No-Logs Policy: Independently audited, ensuring your online activity is not tracked or stored.
- Jurisdiction: Operates from the British Virgin Islands, outside the 14 Eyes Alliance, providing additional privacy protection.
3. Advanced VPN Features
- Split Tunneling: Allows users to route specific traffic through the VPN while accessing other services directly.
- Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
- Port Forwarding: Facilitates secure access to devices or servers, useful for gamers and remote workers.
4. Multi-Platform Compatibility
- Supported Devices: Works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and smart TVs.
- Simultaneous Connections: Allows up to 10 devices to connect under a single subscription.
- Browser Extensions: Available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox for quick, secure browsing.
5. Streaming and Unblocking
- Geo-Restriction Bypass: Grants access to region-locked content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
- High-Speed Servers: Optimized for streaming in HD and 4K without buffering.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: No data caps for uninterrupted streaming or downloading.
6. Additional Tools
- DDoS Protection: Shields against Distributed Denial of Service attacks.
- Split Tunneling: Enables fine-grained control over VPN usage for specific applications.
- Secure Voice Chat: Protects VoIP communication from interception.
7. Customer Support
- 24/7 Support: Live chat and email support available round the clock.
- Comprehensive Knowledge Base: Guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips for self-service.
8. Affordable Pricing
Offers competitive pricing plans with frequent discounts, making it accessible for individuals and businesses alike. A 31-day money-back guarantee ensures a risk-free trial.
PureVPN’s blend of privacy, performance, and accessibility makes it a reliable choice for users seeking a secure and versatile VPN service.
How we tested PureVPN
To provide a thorough and accurate assessment of PureVPN, I relied on a trusted VPN testing method developed with the help of the Cybernews research team. This method is consistently applied to every VPN review, ensuring reliable and fair results.
For this review, PureVPN was tested on a Windows Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 2, powered by a Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U processor and 16 GB of RAM. During this evaluation, I, with the help of the Cybernews research team, performed the following tests:
- DNS and IP leak tests to verify if PureVPN successfully protects your identity and prevents leaks, ensuring your real IP address remains hidden.
- Kill switch functionality to assess how well PureVPN safeguards user privacy in the event of a sudden connection drop.
- Privacy policy and independent audits review to confirm PureVPN’s transparency and commitment to best practices in data handling.
- Speed tests to measure PureVPN’s performance and compare it against previous benchmarks, focusing on download and upload speeds during various activities like streaming and torrenting.
- Usability testing to evaluate how easy it is to switch servers, stream content, game, and download torrents using PureVPN.
- Feature functionality checks to ensure that all of PureVPN’s advertised features are working correctly and providing the benefits they claim.
- Cross-platform compatibility by assessing PureVPN’s performance on different devices and platforms to confirm seamless operation.
- Customer support responsiveness by contacting PureVPN’s support team to gauge their effectiveness in resolving issues and providing assistance.
- Connection consistency across various servers to determine the reliability of PureVPN’s network and to ensure minimal interruptions during use.
Your Privacy With PureVPN
PureVPN is clearly trying to be more transparent with its privacy policy than in the past, which we appreciate. The policy says that the company does not share or rent any personal information customers supply.
A company representative for PureVPN told us that the company only gathers revenue from subscription sales. The company is also unequivocal that it has no insight into customer browsing activity. This is all excellent.
PureVPN is incorporated under the British Virgin Islands and operates under that country’s legal jurisdiction. The company says it has team members working in Hong Kong, Karachi, and Toronto.
Some VPNs have started commissioning third-party audits to establish their privacy bona fides.
TunnelBear VPN, for instance, has committed to releasing the results of annual audits. Admittedly, audits are imperfect tools, but we consider them a valuable demonstration of a company’s commitment to protecting its customers.
PureVPN says that it has been audited by KPMG, and it has provided us with information on the results and hosts a page for it.
PureVPN Pricing
PureVPN offers a range of subscription plans tailored to different user needs, each available with various billing cycles:
1. Standard Plan:
- Monthly: Approximately $12.95 per month.
- 1-Year: Around $3.99 per month, billed annually.
- 2-Year: Approximately $2.14 per month, billed biennially.
- 5-Year: Around $1.69 per month, billed every five years.
2. Plus Plan:
- Monthly: Approximately $15.95 per month.
- 1-Year: Around $5.82 per month, billed annually.
- 2-Year: Approximately $3.83 per month, billed biennially.
- 5-Year: Around $2.99 per month, billed every five years.
3. Max Plan:
- Monthly: Approximately $19.95 per month.
- 1-Year: Around $7.07 per month, billed annually.
- 2-Year: Approximately $4.07 per month, billed biennially.
- 5-Year: Around $3.29 per month, billed every five years.
All plans include a 31-day money-back guarantee and support up to 10 simultaneous device connections.
The Plus and Max plans offer additional features such as a password manager, file encryption tool, and personal privacy manager.
The Final Verdict
PureVPN delivers reliable security features, including robust encryption and a no-logs policy. With a wide server network, it ensures decent speeds for streaming and torrenting.
However, occasional connection issues and varying speeds might deter some users. Its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing make it an attractive choice for beginners.
While not flawless, PureVPN remains a solid option for casual users seeking privacy and access to geo-restricted content.
FAQ’s
Is PureVPN safe to use?
Yes, PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption and follows a no-logs policy audited by third parties.
Can PureVPN unblock streaming services?
Yes, it reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.
How many devices can connect simultaneously?
PureVPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Does PureVPN have a free trial?
No free trial, but it offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Where is PureVPN based?
PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
