PureVPN Review

When evaluating VPN options, PureVPN presents itself with a broad network and a variety of advanced features. It supports multiple protocols and allows simultaneous connections on multiple devices.

However, some users may have reservations due to past controversies related to privacy practices. The 31-day money-back guarantee is an option for those uncertain about their commitment.

When considering PureVPN, it’s essential to analyze its performance in areas such as streaming, torrenting, and customer support. Comparing it to its competitors can provide further insight into its advantages and disadvantages.

Key Takeaways

PureVPN offers plans with prices slightly above market average, and includes flexible add-ons like dedicated IP and DDoS protection.
Supports 10 simultaneous connections with over 6,500 servers in 139 countries, more than some competitors.
Employs AES-256 encryption with a no-logs policy, despite past incidents of sharing data with authorities.
Effectively unblocks major streaming platforms but is not recommended for gaming due to potential latency issues.
Offers 24/7 live chat support, comprehensive guides, and a straightforward app interface for ease of use.

Pricing and Plans

PureVPN offers a variety of pricing plans, aiming for transparency in its structure. The monthly plan costs $10.95, which is slightly above the market average of $10.11. For users seeking to save, the annual plan is available at $44.95, with a renewal rate of $54.95.

Additionally, a two-year plan is offered at an initial rate of $54.95, which increases to $69.95 upon renewal. This tiered pricing model provides options depending on one’s budget and desired level of commitment.

In addition to its standard plans, PureVPN offers several add-ons. A dedicated IP address is available for $2.49 per month, beneficial for accessing certain networks securely. Port Forwarding can be added for an extra $1.49 monthly, and DDoS protection, which provides additional security against online attacks, is priced at $3.99 per month.

All these offerings are supported by a 31-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service with the option of a refund if unsatisfied.

Although PureVPN doesn’t provide a free version like some competitors, the refund policy helps reduce the risk of commitment.

Features

PureVPN offers a range of features aimed at improving online security and the overall browsing experience. It supports multiple protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, which are known for providing strong encryption and reliable performance on various platforms. This ensures users can maintain a secure internet connection across different devices and locations.

The service allows for up to 10 simultaneous device connections, which can be beneficial for households with multiple users or individuals managing several devices. The split tunneling feature enables users to direct certain application traffic through the VPN, while other traffic remains on the standard internet connection. This can be advantageous for accessing local services while keeping other activities secure.

A notable feature is the kill switch, which halts internet traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, thereby safeguarding user data.

PureVPN’s server network includes over 6,500 servers in 139 countries, providing numerous options for accessing global content.

For users requiring additional control, PureVPN offers dedicated IPs and port forwarding as optional extras. These features, together with the extensive server network, contribute to PureVPN being a versatile option for a wide range of internet users.

Privacy and Security

In the realm of online privacy and security, PureVPN offers a range of protections designed to safeguard user data. It employs AES-256 bit encryption, providing a high level of security akin to military standards, to help ensure that internet activities remain private. The service supports various protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN, which work to enhance the overall security of the VPN connection.

A notable aspect of PureVPN’s service is its no-logs policy. This policy has been independently audited by KPMG, which suggests a commitment to user privacy. However, past incidents have raised some concerns about its privacy practices.

PureVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a location known for favorable privacy laws that don’t require stringent data retention, which can be advantageous for maintaining user privacy. Among its security features, the kill switch is particularly significant. This feature automatically stops internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, thereby preventing potential data exposure.

Nonetheless, despite its strong security framework, there are lingering concerns due to a past incident where user data was provided to the FBI. This has influenced perceptions of its privacy claims. While PureVPN offers strong security features, it’s important for users to consider its history when evaluating the service.

Streaming and Torrenting

In the realm of streaming and torrenting, PureVPN effectively unblocks widely-used platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It offers satisfactory playback quality with minimal buffering.

The VPN provides access to geo-restricted content, utilizing dedicated streaming servers that are engineered to perform better than standard ones. These servers are configured to deliver reliable performance, reducing the likelihood of interruptions while using streaming services.

Regarding torrenting, PureVPN supports this activity and allows for secure file downloads. It includes a kill switch feature, which automatically stops internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost, thereby enhancing security during sensitive activities like streaming or torrenting.

However, it’s important to note the privacy concerns stemming from previous logging incidents, which suggests exercising caution.

Although PureVPN is a viable option for streaming and torrenting, it may not be optimal for online gaming. Some users have experienced high ping and delays, potentially disrupting gameplay.

Despite this limitation, PureVPN remains a competent choice for individuals primarily interested in accessing streaming services and geo-restricted content securely.

User Experience and Apps

The user interface of PureVPN is designed to be straightforward, featuring a prominent Connect button and an organized server selection categorized by country and city, which facilitates navigation.

The installation process on Windows 10 is uncomplicated, and the app is compatible with multiple operating systems, including macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, allowing for convenient sharing across different platforms.

PureVPN’s Windows application includes a kill switch feature that blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, enhancing user safety. The app has successfully passed DNS leak tests, providing assurance regarding data protection.

The mobile applications offer a split tunneling feature; however, this is only available on Windows and Android devices. The macOS and Linux versions may lack certain advanced features, which could affect the user experience on these platforms.

While the app’s design is clean, some users have reported performance issues with the Windows application, such as occasional lag and crashes.

These issues could potentially impact user satisfaction with PureVPN. Overall, the apps deliver a solid user experience, though there’s room for improvement in terms of performance and extending functionality to non-Windows platforms.

Customer Support

PureVPN’s customer support framework is structured to offer assistance through various channels, ensuring users have access to help when needed. A key feature is their 24/7 live chat support, enabling users to connect with a representative in under five minutes. This service is critical for resolving urgent issues promptly and for obtaining setup guidance.

For inquiries that require more detailed responses, PureVPN provides an email support system, though it’s generally slower than the live chat option.

For users who prefer to address issues independently, the support site includes an extensive knowledge base and comprehensive FAQs. These resources cover a wide range of common topics, facilitating straightforward problem-solving.

Moreover, PureVPN offers downloadable PDF guides and tutorials that cover setup and troubleshooting across 16 platforms. This ensures that users have access to necessary information for a seamless experience.

PureVPN also maintains a presence on social media, offering an additional channel for user support and engagement. Through these various methods, PureVPN’s customer support is designed to accommodate different user preferences and needs effectively.

Comparison with Competitors

PureVPN is notable within the VPN market for its extensive server network, featuring over 6,500 servers across 139 countries. This network size exceeds that of competitors such as NordVPN, which offers approximately 5,500 servers.

PureVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections, which compares favorably with ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, which permit 5 and 7 connections, respectively. This feature may appeal to users managing multiple devices.

However, PureVPN’s annual plan, priced at $44.95, may not be the most economical choice for long-term users when compared to NordVPN’s two-year plan at $59. Despite its competitive pricing, PureVPN lacks advanced privacy features, such as multi-hop connections, which are available with Surfshark and NordVPN. This might be a consideration for users prioritizing privacy.

Performance-wise, PureVPN provides average speeds of 468.2 Mbps based on speed tests, closely aligning with NordVPN’s 471.2 Mbps. Some competitors might offer marginally better streaming performance.

Conclusion

When considering PureVPN, you’ll appreciate its extensive server network and excellent streaming and torrenting capabilities. The service supports multiple protocols and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it versatile for your needs. However, you might hesitate due to its past privacy concerns, despite strong security features. While its pricing is on the higher side, the 31-day money-back guarantee offers some reassurance. Ultimately, weighing these factors will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.