As one of the oldest players in the VPN market, having been established in 2006, PureVPN has grown from a small-scale operation into a major contender within the rapidly evolving industry. Over the years, it has expanded its network to boast over 6,000 servers across more than 65 countries, making it a noteworthy choice for VPN users worldwide. However, this growth hasn’t come without its challenges. In 2017, PureVPN faced a significant reputational hit when it cooperated with the FBI during a criminal investigation, leading to a backlash from the privacy community. In response, PureVPN worked diligently to regain trust through independent audits and revisions to its no-logs policy. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate PureVPN’s pricing, features, speed, security, performance, and support to help users determine whether it’s a worthy choice for their needs.
A Brief History of PureVPN
PureVPN has significantly evolved since its inception in 2006. Starting as a modest operation with limited services, the company has expanded its capabilities over the years. Today, PureVPN operates an extensive network comprising over 6,000 servers located in more than 65 countries. This expansion not only offers greater coverage but also aims to improve connectivity and performance for users around the globe. The service initially faced a substantial reputational setback in 2017 due to its cooperation with the FBI in a criminal investigation. This incident led to significant public backlash within the privacy community, casting doubt on its commitment to user privacy.
To address these concerns and regain user trust, PureVPN undertook several measures. The company revised its no-logs policy, ensuring that no identifiable user information is stored. To further assure its user base, PureVPN underwent independent audits, which verified its claims of a strict no-logs policy. These efforts have been instrumental in restoring its reputation and rebuilding trust among its users.
Pricing Overview
PureVPN offers a variety of pricing plans designed to cater to both short-term and long-term users. The monthly plan is priced at $12.95, which might seem steep for users seeking ongoing VPN services. However, more cost-effective options are available for those willing to commit to longer terms. The one-year plan is priced at $3.99 per month, while the two-year plan costs $2.14 per month, providing significant savings for committed users. Each plan falls under one of three tiers: Standard, Plus, and Max, each offering a different set of features.
The Standard plan covers basic VPN services and is ideal for users who require fundamental online privacy and security. The Plus plan includes a password manager, enhancing login security with encrypted storage for passwords. The Max plan offers end-to-end encryption and advanced privacy management tools, providing the highest level of security. While renewal fees for these plans may be higher, PureVPN’s pricing remains competitive compared to industry leaders like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, making it a viable option for many users.
Add-ons & Customization Options
PureVPN offers several add-ons to enhance the user experience and provide additional features for those with specific needs. One of the most notable add-ons is the Dedicated IP option, priced at $2.49 per month. This feature provides unique IP addresses, making it ideal for secure access to sensitive accounts and gaming servers, where a consistent IP address is often necessary. Another valuable add-on is Port Forwarding, priced at $1.49 per month, which facilitates running servers and enables secure data sharing by allowing certain traffic to pass through specific ports.
For business users, PureVPN offers a comprehensive suite under the brand name PureDome. This package includes VPN licenses starting at $8.45 per user per month and VPN gateways priced at $50 per gateway. It is designed to cater to business environments, offering robust security measures and easy management of multiple user accounts. All plans, regardless of the tier, come with a 31-day money-back guarantee, providing users with a risk-free opportunity to evaluate the service. Payment options are flexible and include credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies, ensuring convenience for a wide range of users.
Security Features
Security is a critical aspect of any VPN service, and PureVPN employs a multi-layered approach to safeguard user data. At the core of its security features is AES-256 encryption, often referred to as military-grade encryption due to its robustness. This level of encryption ensures that data transmitted through PureVPN remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized parties. Another essential feature is the Kill Switch, which automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental exposure of your IP address.
PureVPN also offers Split Tunneling, allowing users to decide which traffic should go through the VPN and which should go directly to the internet. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to access local services while still maintaining their online anonymity. The service also provides DNS and IP Leak Protection, ensuring that a user’s real IP address and location remain hidden even if the VPN connection experiences issues.
Advanced security features include Quantum-Resistant Encryption Keys, designed to address potential future threats posed by quantum computers. PureVPN supports a variety of protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), IKEv2/IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP. These protocols offer users a balance between speed and security options. Additionally, features like DDoS Protection and Port Forwarding provide extra layers of network and data security, making PureVPN a reliable choice for users with diverse security needs.
Leak Tests and No-Logs Policy
Ensuring user privacy is crucial for any VPN service, and PureVPN has taken significant steps to address this aspect. The service has proven reliable in conducting leak tests, effectively protecting against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks across multiple servers and devices. These tests confirm that PureVPN can maintain user anonymity and prevent any inadvertent exposure of personal data. This capability is essential for users who prioritize online privacy and security.
In response to its reputational setback in 2017, PureVPN overhauled its no-logs policy in 2018. The revised policy commits the company to not store any identifiable user data, making it clear that user activities remain private and untraceable. To validate these claims, PureVPN has conducted independent audits by well-known firms such as Altius IT and KPMG. These audits have verified the company’s adherence to its no-logs policy, bolstering user trust and confidence in the service.
Performance and Speed
Performance and speed are critical factors when evaluating a VPN service, and PureVPN shows mixed results in this area. The service performs well on local connections, providing fast and stable speeds that are suitable for a range of activities, including streaming and online gaming. However, when it comes to long-distance connections, PureVPN exhibits noticeable slowdowns. This reduction in speed can impact user experience, especially for those relying on the VPN for high-bandwidth activities.
The implementation of the WireGuard protocol has been a significant improvement for PureVPN, enhancing performance across different regions, including Asia and Australia. WireGuard is known for its efficiency and speed, and its inclusion in PureVPN’s protocol options helps mitigate some of the performance issues experienced with long-distance connections. Despite these advancements, users may still experience varying speeds depending on the server location and network load.
Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities
PureVPN is recognized for its ability to unblock various streaming services, making it a popular choice for users looking to access geo-restricted content. The service can effectively access popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, allowing users to watch content from different regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. However, the VPN does face challenges with some regional platforms that have stringent restrictions, limiting its overall streaming capabilities.
When it comes to torrenting, PureVPN offers solid performance with P2P-optimized servers. These servers are specifically designed for peer-to-peer file sharing, providing reliable speeds and stable connections. Features like Split Tunneling and a NAT firewall further enhance the torrenting experience by allowing users to allocate specific traffic through the VPN and protecting against potential cyber threats. However, it’s worth noting that PureVPN limits P2P traffic in certain regions, such as the US, UK, and Australia. Users in these regions may need to switch to alternative servers to maintain optimal performance for torrenting activities.
Server Network
An extensive server network is a key asset for any VPN service, and PureVPN excels in this regard. The service maintains over 6,500 servers in more than 65 countries, spanning over 80 locations worldwide. This broad global coverage ensures that users have access to a wide range of server options, improving connectivity and reducing the likelihood of network congestion. The inclusion of virtual servers, which are clearly marked for user transparency, further enhances the network’s versatility.
Dedicated IP options are available for users with specific needs, offering a consistent IP address that can be particularly useful for secure access to sensitive accounts or servers. These dedicated IPs also cater to gamers who require a stable and unique IP for multiplayer gaming experiences. The comprehensive server network, combined with dedicated IP options, ensures that PureVPN can accommodate a diverse array of user requirements, making it a robust choice for a wide range of applications.
Bypassing Censorship
For users in regions with heavy internet censorship, the ability to bypass restrictions is a crucial feature of any VPN service. PureVPN is equipped with various tools to circumvent censorship, making it suitable for use in countries with stringent internet regulations, such as China. The inclusion of obfuscated servers and stealth protocols allows PureVPN to mask VPN traffic, making it appear as regular internet traffic and thereby avoiding detection by censorship mechanisms.
These capabilities enable users to access unrestricted internet, ensuring freedom of information and communication. By bypassing government-imposed restrictions, PureVPN provides users with the ability to browse the web, access social media platforms, and utilize messaging services without limitations. This feature is particularly valuable for users in countries with severe censorship, where access to a free and open internet is often restricted.
Ease of Use & Compatibility
PureVPN offers seamless compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms, enhancing its appeal to diverse users. User-friendly applications are available for desktops, mobile devices, streaming devices, and even routers, ensuring a versatile and convenient user experience. The desktop applications, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, offer full functionality and easy navigation. Notably, the Linux app includes a graphical user interface (GUI), providing a visually intuitive experience.
Mobile apps for Android and iOS deliver a similar user experience, with the Android app closely mirroring the desktop version. However, it’s worth noting that the iOS app lacks the Split Tunneling feature, which may be a drawback for some users. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, encrypting browser traffic exclusively and providing an additional layer of convenience. With native apps for streaming devices like FireStick, Apple TV, and Android TV, PureVPN ensures that users can access VPN services across multiple platforms, making it a comprehensive solution for online security.
Customer Support
Customer support is a vital aspect of any VPN service, and PureVPN offers several channels to assist its users. While the company advertises 24/7 live chat support, users often encounter inconsistent service quality in this area. The live chat feature can be hit or miss, with some users reporting prompt and helpful responses, while others experience delays and unhelpful interactions.
For more reliable assistance, users can turn to email support, which tends to deliver more consistent and thorough responses, albeit at a slower pace. Additionally, the PureVPN website provides a comprehensive FAQ section and detailed guides that address common issues and offer step-by-step troubleshooting assistance. Despite these resources, customer support quality remains an area that needs improvement to ensure a consistently positive user experience.
Final Verdict
PureVPN presents several notable strengths, including a broad server network, strong privacy protections, and compatibility with a wide range of devices. It provides dependable support for streaming and torrenting, making it an appealing option for those looking for an affordable VPN service. However, the service does have some drawbacks. Users may experience speed inconsistencies, especially on long-distance connections, and the quality of customer support can vary. For users focused on basic VPN features and cost-effectiveness, PureVPN is a commendable option.
Despite its advantages, those looking for top-tier performance and superior customer support may find better options elsewhere. Competitors like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access often deliver more consistent speeds and more reliable customer service. While PureVPN excels in providing a budget-friendly solution with essential VPN functionalities, those with higher expectations and a need for premium performance may prefer exploring these alternatives.
In conclusion, PureVPN serves as a solid and economical choice for average users seeking fundamental VPN services. Its extensive server network, robust privacy features, and device compatibility make it a practical option. Yet, for those desiring optimal performance and exceptional customer support, looking into other top-tier VPN providers could be a better decision.
