PureVPN Review: Reliable VPN Service That Comes with a Data Logging Caveat

Introduction

In this review of PureVPN, we’ll delve into their encryption protocols, log policy, customer support, supported platforms, and more. Additionally, we’ll explore their server locations across the world and the number of countries in which they operate, to give you a comprehensive understanding of PureVPN’s features and capabilities, and whether it’s the top VPN for your needs.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

About PureVPN

PureVPN offers a fast and secure connection with a large server network, and strong encryption and leak protection. It also allows torrenting and streaming on popular platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video.

What really sets this VPN apart is its incredible value for money. With low prices for long-term plans, you can save big while enjoying up to 10 simultaneous connections, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

PureVPN has received positive reviews from users and experts who praise its features, performance, and affordability. However, it does have some critics. It’s an intriguing option that offers a lot of value for money, but let’s find out if it’s the best VPN for you.

PureVPN was launched in 2006 and they now have 300,000 IP addresses, 6,500 servers, and their jurisdiction is now in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). They were formerly based in Hong Kong, and the company’s roots are in Pakistan. The BVI are outside the jurisdiction of the Five/Nine/Fourteen eyes alliances, which are countries that monitor, record, and share mass surveillance data and collaborate to gather information about their citizens.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Inexpensive yearly or two-year plan
• 10 simultaneous connections
• Additional features like file encryption for a nominal fee
• 31-day money back guarantee

Cons

• • Not as many features as other VPN providers
  • Limited customer service options

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

PureVPN Overview

Server Locations	78
Server Numbers	6,500+
Customer Support	Email / Live Chat / Contact Form
Log Policy	No Logs Policy
Encryption Protocols	OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, WireGuard, L2TP (Manual setup) IKEv2
Supported Platforms	Windows, Mac, iOS Based, Android, Kindle, Linux Based, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Kodi, Android TV IKEv2
Routers Supported	DD-WRT Router in App/Others Manual
Simultaneous Connections	Up to 10
Split Tunneling	Yes
Kill Switch	Yes
Torrenting	Yes
Country of Registration	British Virgin Islands
Dedicated IP	Yes
Smart DNS	Yes, as an add-on
Multihop	Yes
Price	$2.29 – $10.95
Free trial/money-back guarantee	31-day Money-back Guarantee

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

Streaming Movies and TV Shows With PureVPN

Pure VPN works with many popular streaming services including, but not limited to the following:

• Netflix
• BBC iPlayer
• Amazon Prime Video
• Hulu + Live TV
• FuboTV
• Sling TV
• Disney+
• Apple TV
• HBO Max
• ESPN+
• Kodi
• Smart TVs

PureVPN is compatible with most streaming platforms, and offers buffer free streaming with no bandwidth cap. The company has 6,000 servers meaning you can use a nearby server to lower the risk of buffering when you’re trying to watch your favorite shows.

PureVPN supports iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and it’s possible to use the VPN on most devices (including Roku) using manual setup or through PureVPN’s router support.
The company also has more than 2,000 streaming optimized servers for a smooth streaming experience. They offer a number of streaming add-ons including an ad blocker which is designed to restrict ads in the background from consuming extra bandwidth while you are streaming online.

Content Filter

Another feature is their web filter that can stop pop-up ads and the risk of malware or viruses that can come with them. The content filter feature can also be used to stop children from streaming content that isn’t appropriate for their age group, to filter out gambling sites, or social media. It can also be used to block or whitelist specific websites.

Devices Supported

• PureVPN supports the following devices:
• Amazon Fire TV devices (Fire TVs, Fire Stick, etc…)
• Android TV
• Apple TV
• Samsung TV
• NVIDIA Shield
• Roku
• Chromecast
• And others!

They also support a number of gaming consoles (which can also be used for streaming) including Playstation and Xbox.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

PureVPN Features

Pure VPN has many features that set it apart from other competitors in the VPN marketplace. Here we will look at some of the company’s features up close.

Number of Servers / Server Locations

PureVPN has over 6,500 servers in 78 countries so whether you’re in Australia, Europe, Canada or anywhere else and want to use (for instance) a US server then you can count on the Pure VPN server network. The company uses a mixture of virtual and physical servers spread across:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia
• Central America
• South America
• South Pacific
• Middle East
• Other regions

Smart DNS

You can use Smart DNS to watch your favorite streaming services no matter where you are. Smart DNS is designed to make it seem like your connection is based elsewhere instead of where you actually are.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling allows you to decide which applications you use your VPN with and which ones you don’t. For example, you might want to use the VPN for your browser but not for Spotify or another streaming app. PureVPN provides this function for all subscribers.

Automatic Kill Switch

The automatic kill switch is a function you can choose to enable, that blocks internet traffic if your VPN connection suddenly fails. This means that if your VPN drops and your connection is suddenly unencrypted then the VPN will block all traffic so that your data isn’t exposed. This works to prevent unencrypted data leaks, and keeps your data safer when you’re using the internet.

Secure Core Multi-hop

Multi-hop is a feature that isn’t offered by every VPN company. It is designed to offer an extra level of security by using multiple servers to reach the destination rather than just one. This works to hide your true identity even more so than a regular single hop VPN would. PureVPN calls their multihop feature “Secure Core” and it sends your internet traffic through multiple servers in different countries for extra security.

No-Logs Policy

PureVPN is a certified no-log VPN. This means they don’t store any information about the websites visited, files downloaded, or any other online activity that can be linked to the user’s identity. This ensures that your usage is not tracked.

A no-log certified VPN service is usually audited and verified by a third-party auditor to ensure that it complies with its no-log policy. This is to provide assurance to users that their online privacy and anonymity are protected. PureVPN had their no-logs policy certified independently by Altius IT and KPMG.

KPMG is a world leader in forensic inspection of network architecture, and PureVPN allows KPMG to audit them at any time without prior notification – something most VPN companies don’t do.

Dedicated IP

A dedicated IP address can help you avoid IP address bans (for example, if another person using the same IP address triggers a ban on a website), and you are less likely to be given CAPTCHA tests when accessing websites. PureVPN provides dedicated IP addresses from many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and Singapore.

A dedicated IP costs $1.99 per month if added during checkout when purchasing any regular PureVPN subscription. Here’s how to set it up:

1. If you haven’t already, subscribe to PureVPN and select the dedicated IP add-on under the heading “Addons for VPN” beneath your order summary.
2. Launch the PureVPN app on your device.
3. Locate and click on the globe icon situated in the left panel of the app.
4. Select the “Dedicated IP” option to establish a connection.
5. That’s it! You have now successfully connected with your dedicated IP address.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

PureVPN Pricing & Plans

PureVPN includes a wide range of prices and plans to suit all budgets.
Below is a list of the currently available plans:

Max Plan: Includes a full featured VPN, secure password manager, end-to-end file encryption, and social media privacy. This plan has a monthly option at $16.90 per month, or can be billed for two years at a 70% discount, at $109.95 total for the first two years, then $94.00 yearly after that. This is the only plan that includes social media privacy.

Plus Plan: This includes everything in the Max Plan besides social media privacy. This plan is either also $12.95 per month, or can be billed for two years at $69.95 total, then $64.95 for each following year.
Standard Plan: This includes the fully functional VPN, and is either $10.95 if billed as a monthly plan, or $54.95 total for the first two years, then $54.95 for each year thereafter.

What is PureVPN’s refund policy?

PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee on all subscriptions, allowing users to request a refund if they are not satisfied with the service. The company is dedicated to processing valid refund requests within 24 hours.

There is also the option to choose a 7-day trial for $0.99.

Payment Options:

• Credit card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Union Pay
• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Etherium, or Litecoin
• Google Pay
• PayPal
• Payment Wall

Add-Ons

PureVPN offers a number of paid-for add-ons:

Port Forwarding

$.99 when added to your VPN purchase, this feature enables incoming internet traffic to be directed to a specific device or service on your local network.

Dedicated IP

$1.99 when added to your VPN purchase, a dedicated IP assigns an exclusive numerical address to a specific device, allowing it to have a consistent and independent identity on the internet.

Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding

$2.99 for both.

PureKeep Password Manager

$0.99 per month PureKeep is a password manager that lets you store your passwords and retrieve them anytime.

PurePrivacy Safeguards Your Digital Footprint

$2.49 per month, PurePrivacy is a security tool that blocks trackers and scans for data breaches.

PureEncrypt File Encryption

$1.29 per month, this feature is an encryption tool that encrypts your files for local and cloud storage.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

PureVPN’s Privacy and Security Features

Encryption

Encryption ensures that your information is unreadable to anyone who tries to intercept it. If you were to use a VPN without encryption, it would be like sending a letter in the mail without an envelope – anyone who handled it would be able to read the message.

Advanced Encryption Standard 256 (or AES-256 bit encryption) is the industry encryption standard, and is what PureVPN uses.

Protocols

Protocols are like the address and stamp on a letter. They are the guidelines that dictate how data is transmitted between the VPN client and server.

PureVPN supports multiple protocols, including:

• Open VPN (TCP & UDP)
• IPSec
• IKeV2

These protocols provide flexibility and compatibility for different devices and network configurations, and are widely used protocols in the VPN industry.

OpenVPN has strong security features, is open-source, and has cross-platform compatibility, making it popular among VPN providers and users alike because it runs on almost all platforms, has good firewall compatibility and an easy-to-use interface. It supports both TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), which is used for things like web browsing, email, and file transfers where precision of data is important, and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) which is useful for things like video streaming or online gaming where speed is of utmost importance.

IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) is widely used, and it offers robust encryption and authentication, making it great for ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.

IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is known for its efficiency, speed, and ability to quickly reestablish connections in case of network interruptions. It is commonly used on mobile devices due to its seamless switching between networks, so it is useful for users who frequently switch between Wi-Fi and cellular connections.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

Technical Details

Easy to Install?

The installation process varies depending on the device you are installing it on.

For Windows, you can download the app from the PureVPN website. Once the download is completed, locate the installation file on your device and double-click the PureVPN setup.exe file. The computer will ask if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click yes and follow the installation instructions.

PureVPN Speed Test

We wanted to find out a bit more about the performance of PureVPN and its effects on download speeds and upload speeds. So we decided to check out the PureVPN speed using speedtest.com and here are the results between our WiFi internet connection and the PureVPN servers:

 

Country	DL (Mbps)	UL (Mbps)	Ping Idle (ms)	Ping DL (ms)	Ping UL (ms)
USA	3.4	1.38	719	758	731
UK	8.97	12.23	359	333	449
Germany	15.33	15.05	237	300	302

 

 

How much does PureVPN cost?

The monthly cost is 10.95 if purchased separately. The yearly plan is $3.32 per month, and the two-year plan is $2.29 monthly. There is also a 7-day trial for $0.99.

PureVPN Compatibility

The PureVPN app is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Kindle, Linux, Android TV, and routers. With ten simultaneous connections, you can secure multiple devices at once. Furthermore, PureVPN has browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge.
In terms of mobile apps, they have an iOS app and an Android app on top of their standard Windows app and software compatible with MacOS and Huawei devices.

Server Locations

PureVPN has virtual servers, and physical servers in the following locations.

Continents	Server Counts
North America	2232 Servers
Europe	3052 Servers
Asia	560 Servers
Central America	4 Servers
South America	115 Servers
Africa	89 Servers
Oceania	483 Servers

Does PureVPN work in China?

Many people visiting China struggle to access the internet properly due to restrictions put in place, which block access to websites not seen as favorable by the Chinese government. Unfortunately, the government has taken to blocking the websites of many VPN companies. To connect from a country with strong internet censorship laws, do the following:

1. Ensure you have a working internet connection and a Premium PureVPN account.
2. Log in to the PureVPN member area.
3. Go to the Account & Billing section.
4. Click on the drop-down icon and select “Show/Update VPN password.”
5. Note down your PureVPN username and make your password visible.
6. Use your VPN credentials for manual configuration.
7. Follow the specific instructions for connecting PureVPN on your desired platform (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).

According to our tests PureVPN is not an ideal choice for users wanting to use a VPN in China.

Does PureVPN work in India?

They are one of a few VPN websites blocked in India. PureVPN removed their servers from India after the government passed directives for all VPNs to log users data. PureVPN refused to comply and now has only virtual servers in India.

PureVPN Customer Service

PureVPN offers 24/7 customer support through their live chat support function. This option can only be accessed with an account. You can also raise a support ticket through email or via a contact form on the PureVPN website. They also have guides and articles on their site to help with troubleshooting.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

How does PureVPN compare with other VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN or CyberGhost?

Versus CyberGhost:

Both PureVPN and CyberGhost are affordable VPNs that offer a lot of impressive features.

CyberGhost has servers in over 91 countries compared to 78 with PureVPN. PureVPNs money-back guarantee period is also shorter at 31 days, compared to 45 with CyberGhost.

PureVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections, while CyberGhost limits you to 7.

Versus ExpressVPN:

PureVPN doesn’t have the visibility of other VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN but it still manages to perform well in terms of server numbers, pricing and features. They have many servers in different parts of the world.

PureVPN also offers 10 simultaneous connections while ExpressVPN offers 5, so if you have a large group of people who all need the single subscription at once, PureVPN would be a great option.

Versus NordVPN:

PureVPN is slightly cheaper than NordVPN, but NordVPN offers a lot of value for the money. NordVPN has great speeds and security features, as well as NordLynx, a custom modification of WireGuard that provides a combination of speed and security.

PureVPN has over 6,500 servers in over 70 countries. The PureVPN servers are located in Asia, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa and North America. On the other hand, NordVPN has 5,000+ servers in over 50 countries worldwide. PureVPN has more servers in more countries than NordVPN.

When a VPN service has a lot of servers, it means that each server is accommodating fewer users. And when there are fewer users on a server, it can result in faster speeds and less server overload. That means you’ll have a smoother, more seamless online experience.

But that’s not the only thing! The number of server locations is also important. Having more server locations gives you more options when it comes to choosing an IP address from a specific country. And if you’re trying to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region, having servers in multiple locations can be a real game changer.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

Summary

Benefits of using PureVPN:

Their VPN service offers several advantages over other VPN services:

• PureVPN operates a vast network of servers, providing extensive coverage.
• It boasts advanced security and privacy features, including encryption, dedicated IP, port forwarding, and a zero-log policy.
• PureVPN utilizes the WireGuard protocol, which ensures reliable and speedy VPN connections.
• It allows users to access geo-restricted content and platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
• PureVPN’s customer service is available 24/7, and it offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

A PureVPN subscription means you’re getting a reliable and affordable VPN provider with excellent features and capabilities, including unblocking restricted content, leak protection, and port forwarding. It supports various platforms, has 10 simultaneous connections, and offers a Smart DNS add-on for streaming movies. Its no-log policy is audited and verified by a third-party auditor, and it provides customer support via live chat, email, and FAQs. PureVPN is a solid choice for people who want an affordable VPN to use on multiple devices.

Sign Up Now for PureVPN

PureVPN FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does PureVPN prevent IP address leaking (DNS leaks or IPv6 leaks)?

PureVPN offers DNS leak protection and is designed to keep you secure online at all times. DNS leaks allow others to see your real IP address online. PureVPN routes all traffic through a secure tunnel instead of through your regular ISP. The company offers IPv6 leak test and other tools to ensure that users’ actual IP addresses are hidden and not revealed publicly.

Can PureVPN be trusted?

In 2017, PureVPN provided data logs to the FBI to assist in the capture of a suspected cyber-criminal, which led to a decrease in users’ confidence in the product. However, in 2021, the company regained some of that trust by implementing an always-on auditing process, making it the first VPN to do so. This means that the provider can be subject to unexpected audits to verify that no user logs are being stored.

Is PureVPN a Chinese company?

No, PureVPN’s jurisdiction is in the British Virgin Islands. It is owned by GZ Systems Limited, a software company that creates cybersecurity apps and is headquartered in the BVI. PureVPN was launched in 2006 by Uzair Gadit and two others.

Is PureVPN worth the money versus a free VPN?

PureVPN has several features that free VPNs don’t. For example, dedicated IP, port forwarding, encryption, and a zero-log policy. With PureVPN, you can circumvent geo-restrictions on various content and platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. PureVPN also offers unlimited bandwidth and data, speedy connectivity, advanced security protocols, and 24/7 chat assistance.

If these are the types of features you’re looking for, then PureVPN will be a better choice over a free VPN.

PureVPN’s lowest price plan is $2.29 if you sign up for two years, and they offer an extended refund window of 31 days, so you can get a good idea of whether it works for you within that time.