When people search for better online privacy and security, PureVPN frequently comes up. For a long time, it eluded me until the time came for the in-depth review. To see if this VPN app is up to par, I tested speed, privacy, functionality, and support. I also took into account a number of your frequently asked questions, such as:
- Can I easily connect and watch my shows from Netflix US?
- Can I use PureVPN for gaming?
- Is my browsing information secure?
PureVPN reviews abound, implying that we’re dealing with top-notch service, but I prefer to test everything out for myself before drawing any conclusions. So let’s not waste any time and get started.
What Is PureVPN?
PureVPN was created by GZ Systems, a Hong Kong-based software company, and it was first made public in 2006. Since then, the company has amassed some impressive numbers: over 2000 servers in over 180 locations, over 300000 IP addresses, and a user base that has surpassed 3 million people. Wow, talk about awe-inspiring!
The founders of the PureVPN app claim that the idea of complete internet freedom was the driving force behind their creation — a noble goal of creating a safer online environment where we can browse without fear of being tracked. GZ Systems has added 256-bit military-grade encryption to their software. Then they crammed it with tons of built-in and optional features to ensure that they achieved their goal.
The package plans support up to 5 connections and have no bandwidth restrictions. Business VPN packages with enhanced capabilities are available for larger teams. High-profile names like Trivago, Nvidia, Sheraton, and others are among the companies that use PureVPN’s services.
If you decide you like the service, there are several ways to make money while spreading the word. PureVPN has generous Refer-a-Friend, Affiliate, and Reseller programs, as well as a lucrative Big Bounty program that pays up to $1500 for finding and reporting bugs. All of this suggests that the company values and encourages community participation in efforts to improve service.
To run some speed and security tests, I went ahead and downloaded and installed PureVPN.
PureVPN Essentials – Speed, Security, and Privacy
Any VPN worth it’s salt should be lightning fast, have no DNS or IP leaks, and keep logs to a minimum.
PureVPN Speed
The presence of numerous servers around the world is always a positive indicator of consistent upload/download speeds. The server list for the company is available and updated on both their website and within the app, which is very convenient. I conducted some preliminary tests to determine my normal speeds and use them as a benchmark.
I then repeated the tests using a PureVPN-provided IP address in the Netherlands.
The speed drop is around 30%, which is worse than competitors like ExpressVPN but still acceptable. Then things started to get strange. Speed drops of 60-70 percent were observed in a couple of other nearby locations (Romania and Austria). To be fair, I didn’t notice any significant lags in my browsing speed, but large drops in speed are rarely a sign of trustworthiness.
Overall, despite the dubious tests, the firm produces satisfactory results. The PureVPN Windows app worked as expected; connections were established quickly, and browsing was fluid and free of lags. Maybe not as quick as they claim on their website, but it’s still pretty good.
PureVPN Security
PureVPN raises the bar on security. I’m not sure where to begin; there were so many options that I was initially overwhelmed. Secure Wi-Fi, split tunneling for better traffic distribution, an internet kill switch, and even a hotspot are all available through your VPN app. PureVPN’s Ozone-ready servers are all equipped with server-level antivirus, adblocker, and IDS/IPS, ensuring a secure online experience.
To top it off, you have access to a slew of extra security features, including port forwarding, dedicated IP addresses, and DDoS protection, to name a few.
I then performed some DNS and IP leak tests.
The tests went off without a hitch, and the results were fantastic — I tried several different locations and never had a leak.
Overall, PureVPN reviews suggest that the app’s developers are committed to providing the highest level of security, but you can never be too cautious. Now that I’ve seen it for myself, I can vouch for all of the company’s accolades.
PureVPN Privacy
One of the most common reasons people use a VPN service is to protect their privacy. It’s only natural for all VPN providers to tout this benefit, but only after you’ve used them for a while can you tell which ones actually deliver.
To begin, I was impressed by the amount of effort PureVPN Support put into their Privacy Policy. For these sections, most companies simply copy/paste or use a generic template, but PureVPN went above and beyond to provide concise and transparent information. The company begins with a big promise: they will not keep or share any information with third parties.
Sounds appealing… Except for a hazy explanation about logging ongoing traffic, which is a little alarming.
Overall, it’s a refreshing experience to come across a company that values transparency in its dealings with customers, but big words must be backed up by big actions, or the formula will fail.
PureVPN Pros
So, what are the competitive advantages that distinguish PureVPN from the competition?
Smooth Interface and Reliable App
The PureVPN Windows 10 app had a pleasant appearance. The download and installation went smoothly, and the software performed admirably. I was able to navigate the menus without getting lost.
Advanced Options
PureVPN’s primary goal is absolute security, which is reflected in the number of security features available.
By default, PureVPN Encryption and IPv6 Leak Protection are turned on, but there are a few more options available. The PureVPN Kill Switch is a feature that I always use, but the Multi-Port Selection is a gem that I rarely see other VPN providers offer.
VPN Modes
Stream, Internet Freedom, Security/Privacy, File Sharing, and Dedicated IP are the five modes you can choose from right after logging in. These modes are designed to adapt to the various reasons for using a VPN and come with various speed and security options enabled. Very thoughtful, especially for a new user.
Multiple Protocols Supported
All security protocols are available regardless of which server you connect to. Many companies only offer OpenVPN or L2TP/IPSec connections, but PureVPN also supports SSTP, PPTP, IKEv2, and other protocols.
Security Add-ons
The add-ons for extra control over your safe browsing are also mentioned in the Security section of this PureVPN review. You can connect to devices all over the world with port forwarding, which is especially useful for frequent travelers. The DDoS protection appears to be very promising, but I was unable to put it to the test due to a lack of time.
Compatible with Every Platform
Whatever device you want to connect to PureVPN with, it’s most likely on the list. Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOs, routers, Chromecast, Playstation, Xbox, Roku, Kodi – whatever device you want to connect to PureVPN with, it’s most likely on the list. A wide range of options always impresses me, and this is no exception. Sure, I’ll probably never use most of them, but knowing that they’re there in case I need them makes me feel safer.
Global Network
A large network opens up a lot of possibilities. PureVPN’s server list is constantly expanding, according to older PureVPN reviews, which is commendable. Even countries with strict restrictions, such as China, are viable options, and you’ll almost certainly be able to find a suitable location nearby. Managing over 3,000,000 customers is no easy task, but PureVPN appears to be up to the task.
Money-back Guarantee
Users have previously reported shady text in the fine print and other inconsistencies, raising concerns about the company’s policies. So, either PureVPN’s refund policy has improved or they’ve made it even more difficult to find. I looked over the policy and found nothing concerning. 31 days is more than enough time to get a feel for the software before deciding if it’s right for you.
Great Community
This is where things took a huge leap forward. A large number of users, particularly active users, can tell you whether a product is worthwhile. PureVPN is particularly strong in this area. There are great deals for affiliates and resellers, as well as cash bonuses for finding bugs and a fantastic Ideas Forum where users can suggest improvements. When possible, the app developers review and implement those suggestions.
Extensive Knowledge Base
Information is power, and you have all of it right now! For almost every topic, a PureVPN tutorial appears. The articles are well-written, well-explained, and accompanied by numerous screenshots. The time and effort put into this knowledge base is truly remarkable.
PureVPN Cons
PureVPN can make some improvements in addition to all of these lucrative benefits.
No Free Trial
Have you ever come across a Free Trial that isn’t really free? This is exactly the case with PureVPN! The “deal” isn’t visible on the website, but a quick Google search or a simple chat request will lead you to a link. Following that link will take you to the PureVPN Free Trial, which will cost you $2.95 for three days of use. That isn’t my interpretation of “free.”
During my trial, I was also inundated with low-key promotional e-mails from them, which felt more spammy than helpful.
Pop-ups. There are a lot of pop-ups!
If done correctly, pop-ups can be profitable, but beyond a certain point, even a good deal can become irritating. I received three to four different advertisements within the first 30 minutes of my visit to the website, and they continued to come even after I downloaded PureVPN. I even went out of my way to wait for one of those last-minute-super-deals timers to expire. What do you believe happened next? Yes, it has just started again! Marketing gimmicks are never well-received.
Average Level of Support
I was eager to put the support to the test and see if it lived up to the rest of the website’s resources. I contacted the Live Chat representative, Olivia, and asked her a few standard questions. Her responses were courteous and prompt, but they did not necessarily reflect her actual competence.
So I inquired as to whether the PureVPN Chrome extension supports the same number of locations as the PureVPN Windows app (which it didn’t). Olivia quickly responded with a How To Upgrade My Extension…wait, what? template. I decided to give her another chance, this time specifying a specific location that I knew would be unavailable. She requested some time and returned with a new “solution” – a link to their server locations – in less than 15 seconds.
I gave up trying to get anything other than robotic responses at this point and exited the chat.
Questionable Reviews
If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is. When it comes to PureVPN reviews, this old adage holds true. I read through a hundred reviews on their website, and even the ones that were less than five stars sounded overly complimentary. I decided to do a Google search as well, and the results were shockingly different. Now, I’m not one to blindly follow other people’s opinions, but the fact that the company brushes negative reviews under the rug isn’t exactly flattering.
PureVPN Price
PureVPN may be a little pricey if you only need it for a short period of time. The monthly rate is set at $10.95, but if you prepay for at least a year, you can get a good deal. Although a “hidden” 2-year offer keeps popping up, the $3.25 1-year rate remains unbeatable.
- Monthly Plan: $10.95
- 12-month Plan: $3.25/month or $38.95
- 24-month Plan: $1.99/month ($53.85 for a year with 3-months free)
Is PureVPN something I would recommend?
What’s the final word? I’d go for it without hesitation. Both the Windows app and the PureVPN Chrome extension run smoothly, have a lot of options, and are simple to use. Although there are some areas that could be improved, this is an impressive performance overall.
PureVPN Review Details
