PureVPN Review 2024: An Average VPN or Something More?

PureVPN has been around for 15 years, making it a veteran in the industry. Despite its long history, it never reached the top ranks of elite VPN services. It has a huge network for streaming and torrenting and offers great security.

So, why isn’t PureVPN more popular? The company’s “almost” zero login policy and poor support have hurt its reputation. Has PureVPN improved enough to be worth joining in 2022? In this detailed review, we’ll check out every feature and aspect of their service.

TL; DR – Table Overview of Main ExpressVPN Pros and Cons

How Fast is PureVPN? – A Thorough Test of Its Speed

Speed is key for every VPN service. PureVPN may not claim to be the fastest, but we always check it first. This is because speed is a top priority when reviewing VPNs.

It’s important to remember that the Internet can be unpredictable. Speed tests can vary a lot. To get accurate results, we tested PureVPN on a dedicated network for 1-2 users.

First, we ran baseline tests without a VPN. This helped us find our regular network’s median speed. Here are the numbers from our baseline test:

First, we set a baseline value for our network. Then, we chose a nearby server from their list and connected. Here are the results for the PureVPN manually-selected local server connection:

After the speed test, we looked at PureVPN’s “Recommended Server” auto-connect feature. We compared it to picking locations manually. Here’s how PureVPN’s auto-connect feature performed:

Lastly, we looked at how our network performs with PureVPN over 7,400 miles (12,000 kilometers) away. Here are the results of PureVPN’s remote server speed:

Our tests show PureVPN’s download speed drops when connected to its servers. It’s not as fast as the top VPNs. Even on local servers, you’ll see a 20 percent speed drop.

But, PureVPN’s “Recommended Server” connections are easy to use. You can connect quickly with one click. This makes it convenient for users.

When using a remote server, PureVPN’s performance is good. The ping increase is normal. So, while it’s not the fastest, it offers solid speeds.

PureVPN focuses on ease of use for casual users. It has a simple interface and few options. You can save servers for later use. This makes it perfect for those who want a straightforward VPN.

PureVPN Servers – Locations and Availability

PureVPN has a vast server network across the globe. It offers over 6,500 servers in 180+ locations in more than 140 countries. This is impressive compared to many VPNs.

Most servers are in Europe (2700+) and North America (1700+). But, there are plenty of options worldwide. You can find suitable servers no matter where you are.

Their website provides info on virtual servers. The apps also show P2P-suitable servers. It would be better if all this info was in one place, like the apps.

Is PureVPN Safe? – A Detailed Overview of Its Security Features

Yes, PureVPN is safe and secure. Let’s look at its security features:

• Kill Switch – This feature keeps your network safe by cutting off your connection if the VPN drops. It’s always on by default in PureVPN apps.
• Split Tunneling – This feature lets you route some of your connection through a VPN while others go directly to the internet. It’s available on Android.
• Port Forwarding (Add-on) – This feature lets you access remote devices or services. It’s useful for gaming and torrenting. PureVPN’s port forwarding costs extra.
• Dedicated IP (Add-on) – You can get a dedicated IP for more security. PureVPN offers dedicated IPs in several countries. It also costs extra.
• DDoS Protection (Add-on) – This feature protects your IP from malicious attacks. But, it’s only available for an extra fee.

PureVPN offers a lot of features for safety and privacy. But, a lot of important features cost extra. Without these, you get a basic VPN that doesn’t let you customize much.

Does PureVPN Log User Data?

No, PureVPN doesn’t log any data that can identify you. They don’t know your IP address or what you do online when using their service.

PureVPN is audited often, by Altius IT and KPMG. These audits show PureVPN doesn’t log data that could identify users.

But, PureVPN does keep some logs. Their techs know when you connected, how long, and how many times. This info is without specific details that could identify you. It’s something to remember, even if it’s not all data.

Does PureVPN Use Virtual Servers?

Yes, PureVPN uses many virtual servers. They don’t say how many, but you can tell by the “V” next to each virtual server on their site. It’s best to avoid these servers.

Most of PureVPN’s virtual servers are in Asia and South America. But, there are also many in Europe. Virtual servers are not as safe as real ones because they can attract unwanted attention.

PureVPN Available Protocols

Looking at their Windows client, PureVPN only offers three protocols. Let’s dive into each one:

• IKEv2 – This protocol is the fastest, great for streaming and P2P file sharing. But, it’s not compatible with all devices and OS.
• TCP – PureVPN also supports OpenVPN TCP for safer browsing. It’s fast but not the best for streaming. It’s good for network encryption and stability, making it PureVPN’s default.
• UDP – OpenVPN UDP is faster but less stable than TCP. It’s good for general use and available in all PureVPN apps.

Be careful, as PureVPN doesn’t support PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP anymore. This info is outdated.

These protocols were only for PureVPN Windows app versions 7.1.2 and below. If you’re using 7.1.4 or above, you’ll only have the three listed protocols.

PureVPN Streaming Capabilities – Can it Unblock Netflix?

PureVPN’s site claims to work with all major streaming platforms. We manually checked the top sites. PureVPN excels at unblocking these sites:

• Netflix (Tested on the UK, the US, and Japan versions)
• BBC iPlayer
• Amazon Prime Video
• Disney+
• ESPN
• Hulu
• HBO GO
• ITV HUB
• CBS

PureVPN is great at unblocking streaming sites. It’s also good at bypassing the Great Wall of China. PureVPN has over 2000 servers for smooth streaming.

We wish they had a special server list for streaming. Without it, finding the right server can be a guessing game.

Is PureVPN Good for Torrenting?

For torrenting, a VPN is key to avoid legal issues. Look for a VPN with privacy, network security, and fast download speeds.

PureVPN is good for privacy and security. We tested its download speed for torrenting. First, we downloaded a file to check our network’s base performance:

Next, we downloaded the same file from the same torrenting platform. This time, we were connected to one of PureVPN’s P2P-supported local servers. Here’s how PureVPN performed for torrenting:

The VPN service managed to maintain fairly equal performances as we had on our base test download. It showed slightly lower average speeds but the same peak maximum download speed. This makes it an excellent choice for torrenting.

Remember, this was with a basic PureVPN plan that doesn’t include port forwarding. Adding this feature to your subscription can lead to even better P2P results.

How Much Does PureVPN Cost? – Overview of their Price Plans

PureVPN offers three subscription plans – a one-month, one-year, and two-years plan. They also have a 7-day trial for just $0.99, available with the one-year plan. You can cancel your subscription before the trial ends to avoid the yearly fee. Here’s a closer look at how much each PureVPN subscription plan costs:

PureVPN’s monthly plan is under $11, making it more affordable than many VPNs. The one-year plan saves you 47 percent, costing $69.95 upfront. This works out to about $5.8 per month.

For a two-year plan, you pay $80 upfront. This makes the monthly fee $3.33 when spread over 24 months.

PureVPN accepts only Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal. This is less than what top VPNs offer. The lack of cryptocurrency payment options might scare off privacy-conscious users.

You can add features to your PureVPN service for extra cost. Port forwarding costs $0.99 per month, a dedicated IP address $2.99 monthly, and DDoS protection $3.99 per month.

Adding all three features costs an extra $8 per month. This makes the total cost $19 per month for a one-month subscription. For a VPN, this is too much.

While these features are not expensive, they can be found for free with other VPNs. Charges for port forwarding and DDoS protection are a big letdown. PureVPN seems more focused on making money than protecting users.

Does PureVPN Offer a Free Trial?

No, PureVPN doesn’t offer a free trial. But, they have a 31-day money-back guarantee. They emphasize it’s not just a “one month guarantee”, but 31 days from purchase.

The guarantee applies to all plans and auto-recurring payments. Even their $0.99 trial account is refundable. If you’re not happy, you’ll get 99 cents back within 24 hours.

PureVPN Apps and Extensions

PureVPN offers a wide range of apps and extensions, matching the best in the business. We’ve tested all of them to give you the important details. Here’s a detailed look at PureVPN’s apps and extensions:

PureVPN for Windows

We tested the 7.1.4 version of the PureVPN Windows app. It’s much more streamlined than earlier versions. The app doesn’t offer much customization or personalization options. You can only make a few connectivity changes and manage the kill switch.

Despite its popularity, the Windows app lacks split tunneling. This is a big disappointment for users who need it most.

PureVPN for macOS

The PureVPN macOS app has similar features to the Windows version. It has an internet kill switch but no split tunneling.

The 3.0.17 and above versions are simpler than the 7.2.2 and below versions. The main difference is slightly better connection speeds, thanks to macOS desktop computers.

PureVPN for Android

PureVPN’s Android app is easy to use. It’s clean and simple, with everything you need just a few taps away. It has all the features of its desktop versions, plus a special split tunneling feature.

When testing their Android app, we used the latest 7.2.5 version, which is arguably their best Android app to date. It supports many languages and has great support features.

You can customize the app’s look and many settings. This shows PureVPN’s focus on mobile apps. But, it’s odd they didn’t keep the same features in their desktop versions.

PureVPN for iOS

The PureVPN app for iOS is similar to the Android one, but it lacks a split tunneling feature. It recently got a big update, making versions 8.12 or above much better than older ones.

PureVPN for Routers

Setting up PureVPN on your router secures your whole home network. You can connect unlimited devices and get automatic Wi-Fi protection. PureVPN supports over 30 router brands, with easy setup guides for most.

PureVPN is one of the many VPN providers that have partnered with FlashRouters. You can buy pre-configured routers on their site if you don’t want to set it up yourself.

PureVPN on Other Devices

PureVPN works on many devices, including PlayStation, Xbox, Android TV, Firestick TV, and Kodi. It’s a versatile option for streaming and browsing.

PureVPN Browser Extensions

PureVPN has add-ons for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. These add-ons protect against WebRTC leaks and don’t slow down your internet.

The Firefox add-on connects to over 180 locations worldwide. The Chrome add-on connects to 30 countries. Both extensions offer strong encryption for secure browsing.

How to Install PureVPN Apps

Installing PureVPN is easy, no matter your device or OS. PureVPN provides detailed guides and tutorials. Here’s how to install PureVPN apps:

1. Pick a premium account and register
2. Download the right app for your device/OS
3. Install the app and accept permissions
4. Open the app and log in
5. Click “Recommended Server” to connect to a VPN server

PureVPN Customer Support – How Reliable Is It?

PureVPN has had issues with customer support in the past. But, our experience with their support service was enjoyable during our research. We reached out several times and always got quick and helpful answers.

The best way to talk to their support team is through the live chat on their site. Just enter your details, ask your question, and get a reply in minutes. The live chat is open 24/7.

You can also email them, but it takes longer. Or, try Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, or Google+ for faster help.

PureVPN has a great Help Center with eight sections. It has a detailed FAQ, troubleshooting, and setup guides. You’ll likely find the answer to your question here.

PureVPN Google Play Reviews

PureVPN has over 28,000 reviews on Google Play. It’s a very popular VPN. But, it only has a 3.7 rating. Most reviews are either five-star or one-star, showing strong opinions.

PureVPN is committed to top-quality customer service, even on Google Play reviews. The comment thread shows that the PureVPN support team is very attentive. They answer every question, complaint, or praise users leave on Google Play.

Their replies are not generic. The staff manually goes through each review to help. Most complaints are about app instability, crashes, and server connection issues.

Reddit’s Take on PureVPN

The Reddit community is known for its tech-savviness. They often have a better understanding of VPN performance than general reviews.

Reddit users, being more tech-savvy, have a mostly negative view of PureVPN. We looked at several subreddits and threads about PureVPN. The common advice is for new users to avoid this VPN. Here’s a quote from one thread:

Bottom Line – Can PureVPN Compete with the Top VPNs?

PureVPN works well on all platforms for any task. You can use it to bypass geo-blocks, stream, or torrent without limits. It also has a reliable support team and top privacy features.

If you don’t need DDos protection, port forwarding, or a dedicated IP, PureVPN is a good choice. It’s affordable and offers great value. But, if you need these features, PureVPN isn’t for you.

PureVPN is an average VPN that provides a solid service but doesn’t stand out. For casual users, it’s a good deal with long-term plans. It offers a basic but effective service. But, advanced users will find it lacking in features.

PureVPN FAQs

Where is PureVPN Based?

PureVPN is in Hong Kong, outside of major surveillance groups. This means they can’t be forced to share user data, which is key for privacy.

How Many Simultaneous Devices Does PureVPN Allow?

PureVPN lets you connect up to ten devices at once. You can use any device you want, without limits. This makes it easy to keep all your devices secure.

Can I Trust PureVPN?

PureVPN is a trustworthy VPN for those who value privacy. It’s not the fastest or most complete VPN. But, it doesn’t log your activity, is in a safe location, and has 24/7 support.

What To Do If I Can’t Connect to Netflix with PureVPN?

If PureVPN can’t unblock Netflix, contact their support. They’ll suggest a server to try. You can also get a dedicated IP for guaranteed Netflix access.