Quick Facts about PureVPNRating: 3.7 out of 5 stars
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With over 6,000 servers spread across 65+ countries, PureVPN emerges as an appealing option for individuals seeking a VPN service with a wide server network. This expands possibilities for accessing content freely and enjoying enhanced speeds. The Windows application of PureVPN boasts a user-friendly interface, ensuring easy navigation for users.
Regrettably, PureVPN encountered a contentious data logging incident involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a setback in its pursuit to be highly recommended for security purposes. Although efforts have been made to restore trust, it might not be sufficient to satisfy users with a greater focus on privacy.
What is the Pricing of PureVPN?
| Duration | Plans | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Enhanced | Ultimate | Groups | |
| One year | $3.99 per month | $5.82 per month | $7.07 per month | $5.45 per user, per month; minimum of 2 users |
| Two years | $2.14 per month | $2.96 per month | $4.07 per month | $4.75 per user, per month; minimum of 2 users |
| One month | $12.95 per month | $15.95 per month | $19.95 per month | $8.95 per user, per month; minimum of 2 users |
| Five years | $2.16 per month | $2.66 per month | $3.33 per month | N/A |
| Inclusive of | VPN provision |
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In the year 2024, PureVPN introduced a fresh subscription tier labeled Groups. This is in addition to its initial subscription tiers: PureVPN Basic, Enhanced, and Ultimate. Here is a breakdown of the primary feature distinctions amongst these choices:
- PureVPN Basic incorporates the VPN service and a tracker blocker.
- PureVPN Enhanced includes all Basic features along with a password manager.
- PureVPN Ultimate comprises all Enhanced features plus Remove My Data functionalities and Dark Web Monitoring.
- PureVPN Groups cater to remote teams, offering a centralized admin dashboard, round-the-clock customer support, and accommodation for up to 200 members.
Prior to opting for a plan, it is advisable to avail PureVPN’s seven-day free trial. While there isn’t a dedicated trial for desktop, the trial can be accessed through PureVPN’s mobile applications on iOS or Android. Upon signing up for the trial on a mobile device, users can log in to their account via desktop. This trial enables users to select the subscription (Basic, Enhanced, Ultimate) they wish to test. In my experience, setting up the free trial was straightforward and hassle-free.
If you intend to subscribe to a paid plan, PureVPN Enhanced for two years at $2.96 per month stands out as a favorable choice. This option is reasonably priced compared to other VPNs with the same duration and grants access to PureVPN’s extra features like its password manager. It also outweighs the $12.45 Standard monthly subscription, which leans towards the costlier end for a monthly plan.
In 2024, PureVPN also introduced a novel five-year package that was previously not available.year. Although I acknowledge the cost savings associated with the reduced monthly charge, I personally believe it is wiser to select the shorter-term alternatives. This provides you with the freedom of not having to renew your contract within a briefer timeframe, particularly considering how VPN services may evolve over time, such as in the occurrence of security incidents or significant feature modifications.
It would have been preferable if either the supplementary password manager or dark web monitor were encompassed in the core VPN subscription itself; this would have endowed PureVPN with more distinctive features to differentiate it from the competition.
You have the option to acquire either the Plus or Max memberships to access these features, yet having at least one of them integrated, without any extra charge, would have increased the value proposition of PureVPN.
Is PureVPN secure and reliable?
I would not suggest PureVPN if security is a top priority. On paper, PureVPN appears to be a secure VPN, with its high-quality security protocols and commendable “always-on” audits. However, the logging episode in 2017 and the absence of detailed information on the audits themselves leave much to be desired.
PureVPN is equipped with the three key security protocols essential for a contemporary VPN: OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec/IKEv2. It also boasts AES 256-encryption, a kill switch, and domain name system leak protection.
Regrettably, an issue emerges with its no-logs policy. Similar to most VPNs, PureVPN asserts to uphold a no-logs policy wherein they declare that no browsing activities, connection logs, original IPs, and browsing history are recorded.
Nevertheless, PureVPN was embroiled in an incident back in 2017 where it reportedly handed over logs to the FBI. Specifically, the FBI utilized logs from PureVPN to trace a suspected cyberstalker and harasser. While apprehending such offenders is crucial, the predicament lay in PureVPN’s privacy policy at that time — which declared that no logs were retained. This significantly undermines the credibility of PureVPN’s no-logs policy, particularly since preserving anonymity is one of the primary motivations for utilizing a VPN.
Subsequently, PureVPN has undergone third-party audits to validate their no-logs policy. The initial audit was conducted by Altius IT in 2019, followed by the second audit by KPMG in 2021 — both of which found no indication of the company retaining any logs. The KPMG audit is noteworthy as it was an “always-on” audit that granted KPMG the authority to audit PureVPN’s network without advance notice.
Upon revisiting PureVPN in 2024, I observed that a fourth audit had been conducted on its no-logs policy. However, obtaining comprehensive details on the audit itself proved challenging.
Upon examining the webpage, there is a lack of transparent information on which firm audited PureVPN. Additionally, it falls short in providing outbound links that direct readers to the audit report. The page merely indicates, “Well known audit firm was recently engaged in an exercise to assess the compliance of our VPN infrastructure with our privacy policy.”
Subsequently, it states that the audit had confirmed that PureVPN does not log a user’s original IP address or their assigned VPN IP address, among other things. In my opinion, providing a clear external link to the third-party audit or furnishing more detailed information on the findings themselves would enhance the credibility of both the audit and PureVPN’s no-logs policy.
I stumbled upon another PureVPN blog post, dated June 2024, mentioning that the VPN’s privacy policy had been “no-logs certified.” This post contained some additional details, stating that PureVPN had once again engaged with Altius IT and found that there were no systems in place that could “lead to identifying a specific person and/or the person’s activity when using the PureVPN service.” Unfortunately, there was, yet again, no external link to a comprehensive report and minimal information was shared regarding the specifics of the audit itself (such as the date of the audit or the specific aspects of PureVPN that were reviewed).
I believe PureVPN has the opportunity to enhance the accessibility and depth of their third-party evaluations. By doing so, they can reinforce their security assertions and cultivate confidence among users.
Additional information about Cloud Security
Salient characteristics of PureVPN
If you’re contemplating PureVPN, it’s crucial to understand the aspects that differentiate it from other VPN services. Let’s explore some of the notable features of PureVPN.
Extensive server array
PureVPN boasts approximately 6,000+ servers globally, presenting a sizable server network for the typical user. This is particularly advantageous if you aim to bypass geographical restrictions, as it grants you greater versatility and options in choosing servers.
Moreover, PureVPN’s network encompasses servers from over 80 locations and more than 65 countries—a benefit for those seeking a diverse array of servers from various regions. It’s worth mentioning that in 2024, the number of countries offered by VPN services is progressively increasing. Leading VPN providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access VPN now provide servers with location choices ranging from 90 to 105 countries, compared to the earlier range of 60 to 70 countries. As PureVPN evolves its offerings, I am optimistic that broadening their country selections is a key focus.
Segmented tunneling
PureVPN offers a segmented tunneling option that empowers you to manage which online activities are channeled through the VPN and which utilize your standard internet service provider.
This feature is convenient as it allows you to reduce strain on your VPN server’s speed since not all applications, such as music streaming, necessitate VPN protection.
In my assessments, PureVPN’s segmented tunneling performed as intended.had the capability to effectively screen my desired applications through the VPN with consistency. I would like to point out, however, that the split tunneling feature did not function for me when utilizing PureVPN’s WireGuard protocol. This issue could potentially be a glitch within either my application or within PureVPN’s system, yet this occurrence has been observed in my application throughout both 2023 and 2024. It is hoped that PureVPN will enable split tunneling with the more rapid WireGuard protocol in an upcoming update.
Support for up to 10 device connections
PureVPN permits up to 10 concurrent device connections or logins. Given that certain VPN services only offer between 5 to 8 simultaneous connections, the allowance for 10 logins with PureVPN presents a substantial added benefit for users possessing multiple devices.
This aspect can hold importance as a financial consideration for potential VPN users, especially if they harbor concerns regarding acquiring an additional subscription solely to cater to more of their devices.
Velocity and efficiency: How rapid is PureVPN?
PureVPN supplies swift speeds and a consistently reliable connection. During my evaluation, I encountered fairly prompt speeds while engaged with Google Workspace applications such as Docs, Drive, and Keep, streaming 1080p YouTube videos, engaging in web research, and participating in virtual video conferences. Websites loaded swiftly, and I did not detect any noticeable dips in speed or connectivity.
As for speed assessments, PureVPN yielded varied outcomes. It excelled in download speeds, experiencing only a 14.44% reduction compared to my internet service provider. This is commendable given that VPNs are anticipated to impede speeds with the added traffic redirection. Nevertheless, PureVPN exhibited more moderate results in uploads, registering a 54.98% decrease in speed compared to my ISP. This aligns with my speed evaluations from the prior year, where PureVPN showcased percentage declines in download and upload speeds at 5.98% and 79.92%, respectively.
In this scenario, my evaluation indicates that users engaging in upload-intensive workflows may encounter inconsistent performance with PureVPN. If this pertains to your situation, exploring alternative options like ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access may be more favorable.
SEE: PureVPN vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Should You Choose? (TechRepublic)
To assess for DNS leakages, I conducted multiple runs of PureVPN utilizing a public DNS leak detection tool. After conducting several tests across various servers and locations, I detected zero leakages.
PureVPN servers and locations
PureVPN grants users entry to approximately 6,000+ servers encompassing over 80+ locations across 65+ countries. In 2024, I lauded PureVPN’s server network for representing one of the more extensive server networks available. Despite its sizable server count, there seems to be a need for enhancement in terms of country coverage.
Rival providers such as NordVPN have broadened their global presence from 60+ countries in 2023 to 111 countries in 2024. Likewise, Surfshark also boasts an expansive server fleet spanning 100 countries with 3,200 servers. I hold optimism that PureVPN will follow suit in this aspect, particularly since its server network stood out as a key feature the previous year.
Although I believe PureVPN remains a viable option for individuals primarily seeking to leverage a VPN for circumventing geo-restricted content, it is essential to acknowledge that other VPN providers have progressed in expanding their server fleets as well.
Additionally, PureVPN offers a well-distributed selection of servers worldwide.
| Continent | Servers |
|---|---|
| Europe | 2,992 servers |
| North America | 1,746 servers |
| Asia | 800 servers |
| Oceania | 350 servers |
| South America | 91 servers |
| Africa | 86 servers |
| Central America | 10 servers |
While a majority of PureVPN’s servers are stationed in Europe and North America, it is reassuring to note that the network extends options across all seven continents. Notably in 2024, PureVPN has raised the number of servers in Asia (now at 800 compared to 560 last year) and Central America (now at 10 servers from just four servers in 2023). If you are considering IP locations from these regions specifically, this development is encouraging.
Furthermore, I appreciate how PureVPN automatically categorizes their servers to indicate the most suitable ones for peer-to-peer file-sharing.
This streamlined approach reduces the required steps for individuals aiming to utilize the VPN for peer-to-peer file-sharing. I do wish that PureVPN would incorporate more privacy-focused functionalities as part of its services.container, given that its more distinctive security elements (e.g., encrypted file-sharing and password manager) necessitate an additional fee. Conversely, their network of servers stands out as a definite advantage.
PureVPN client support
Regarding customer service, PureVPN provides an online repository with instructional materials and FAQs, an AI chatbot and live chat assistance, and a ticketing system. In my opinion, PureVPN’s help center offers a satisfactory amount of resources and informative tutorial posts.
Upon testing PureVPN’s live chat function, I wish to applaud their support team, as I was connected to a live representative within two minutes of my request. However, when it comes to addressing queries, I found PureVPN’s support staff to be competent but not exceptional.
By and large, it managed to address my predominantly basic VPN inquiries. Nevertheless, I observed that it tended to direct me to links from their support blog rather than providing direct responses. While the articles were informative, I would have preferred if the agent dealt with my questions without necessitating me to leave our conversation space.
Regrettably, I stumbled upon a few user remarks where they expressed less than positive encounters with PureVPN. An individual from the PureVPN Reddit community mentioned, “Engaged in a particularly futile dialogue with the support chat today… 60 minutes of chatting – no resolution – and I’m not even sure the support grasped my issue (I can’t connect with my dedicated IP to the internet)… quite absurd.”
Several users also lamented the frequent changes in PureVPN’s features, such as the addition or removal of servers. In this aspect, while I had a satisfactory encounter with PureVPN’s client assistance, your experience may vary based on your specific needs.
PureVPN user-friendliness
Regarding ease of use, I found PureVPN to feature a fairly user-friendly interface. I primarily utilized PureVPN’s Windows application and noted it to be streamlined, well-arranged, and intuitive.
In terms of aesthetics, I appreciated its contemporary vibe and how it maintained a tidy appearance despite the additional features accompanying the primary VPN service. For reference, I opted for the PureVPN Max seven-day trial for this assessment.
One aspect I observed was some sluggishness in PureVPN’s application performance. Occasionally, I encountered delays when navigating through PureVPN’s menus, requiring a moment to reach my intended destination. This also occurred whenever I activated certain supplementary features.
In my opinion, although it’s not a dealbreaker, I believe it slightly diminishes the overall app experience, making it less refined than it has the potential to be. Naturally, PureVPN has the ability to issue a patch or update to enhance the speed of their desktop app. I’m optimistic about this prospect, especially considering they already possess a well-crafted user interface.
VIEW: IPVanish vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Reigns Supreme? (TechRepublic)
PureVPN advantages
- Robust network with over 6,000 servers.
- Free 7-day trial on mobile.
- Capability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- User-friendly interface.
- Reasonable speeds.
- Incorporates split tunneling functionality.
PureVPN drawbacks
- Previous incident involving sharing logs with the FBI.
- Activation of features can be somewhat clunky.
- Exclusive security features are paid add-ons.
Who might find PureVPN most suitable?
PureVPN caters well to users who prioritize having an expansive server network as a key factor in selecting a VPN service. Its network of 6,000+ servers across 65+ countries offers significant value in bypassing geo-blocked content and accessing servers in specific regions. Additionally, PureVPN delivers decent speeds within an uncomplicated and intuitive interface.
Nevertheless, the 2017 logging incident with the FBI hinders its appeal for users focused on privacy and security. While efforts have been made to rebuild trust, individuals seeking a VPN with a strong track record in upholding privacy and a strict no-logs policy may want to explore other options.
Alternatives to PureVPN
While PureVPN offers a satisfactory VPN solution, it may not align perfectly with your requirements. Below are some analogous alternatives that could potentially better suit your needs.
VIEW: Creating an Effective Cybersecurity Awareness Program (TechRepublic Premium)
Mozilla VPN
If you have been a loyal user of the Firefox browser, you might find Mozilla VPN to be a suitable choice. Developed by the creators of Firefox, Mozilla VPN provides ad blocking, no bandwidth limitations, and multihop routing. It currently boasts around 500+ servers spread across 30+ countries.
For more details, read our comprehensive review of Mozilla VPN.
ExpressVPN
For heightened security, ExpressVPN offers TrustedServer security, enhancing user privacy through independently audited, RAM-only servers. ExpressVPN also provides language options in 17 other languages across its app and browser extensions.
For more details, read our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN stands out as a premier VPN choice due to its extensive global presence. With servers in over 100 countries worldwide, CyberGhost VPN excels in unblocking content from various regions. It also grants users the ability to connect up to seven devices simultaneously and offers round-the-clock customer support.
For more details, read our detailed review of CyberGhost VPN.
Our Assessment of PureVPN
Our evaluation of PureVPN consisted of a thorough examination of its security attributes, pricing, and real-world performance. I engaged with PureVPN extensively through their mobile application during our complimentary trial offer. Specifically, I tested the version of PureVPN included with the Max subscription on my Windows device.
For testing upload and download speeds, I utilized Ookla’s public Speedtest. To verify DNS leak protection, I conducted multiple tests using DNSLeakTest.
Subsequently, I assessed PureVPN in various aspects, from its security protocols to its cost, applying an internal algorithm to assign a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. Our evaluation considered PureVPN both independently and in comparison to other VPN services.
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