Is PureVPN Protected to Use?

PureVPN’s 6,000+ servers throughout greater than 65+ nations make it a pretty alternative for customers on the lookout for a digital non-public community with an intensive server community. It gives extra flexibility for unblocking content material and provides quicker speeds. PureVPN’s Home windows software additionally has an intuitive design, making for user-friendly navigation.

Sadly, PureVPN suffers from a controversial logging incident with the Federal Bureau of Investigation that forestalls it from being a high safety suggestion. Whereas it has made efforts to rebuild belief, its total bundle is probably not sufficient for extra privacy-focused customers.

How a lot does PureVPN price?

In 2024, PureVPN launched a brand new subscription tier known as Groups. That is on high of its unique subscription tiers: PureVPN Commonplace, Plus, and Max. Under are the principle characteristic variations amongst these choices:

• PureVPN Commonplace comes with the VPN service itself and a tracker blocker.
• PureVPN Plus contains all Commonplace options plus a password supervisor.
• PureVPN Max contains all Plus options plus Take away My Knowledge capabilities and Darkish Internet Monitoring.
• PureVPN Groups constructed for distant groups and features a centralized admin dashboard, 24/7 buyer assist, and assist for as much as 200 members.

Earlier than selecting a plan, I like to recommend making an attempt PureVPN’s seven-day free trial. Whereas there isn’t a devoted trial for desktop, a trial is accessible by way of PureVPN’s cellular apps on iOS or Android. When you join the free trial on a cellular gadget, you possibly can log into your account by way of desktop. The trial permits customers to decide on which subscription (Commonplace, Plus, Max) they wish to check drive. In my expertise, organising the free trial was straightforward and trouble-free.

For those who plan on utilizing a paid plan, PureVPN Plus for 2 years at $2.96 monthly is the best choice. That is pretty inexpensive in comparison with different VPNs with the identical length and affords you PureVPN’s further options like its password supervisor. It’s additionally a greater possibility in comparison with the month-to-month $12.45 Commonplace subscription that’s on the pricier finish for a month-to-month plan.

PureVPN additionally launched a brand new five-year plan in 2024 that wasn’t out there final 12 months. Whereas I recognize the price financial savings with the smaller month-to-month charge, I personally suppose it’s smarter to go for the shorter-term choices. This enables you the pliability of not renewing your contract inside a shorter interval, particularly contemplating how VPN companies can change over time, corresponding to with safety incidents or main characteristic modifications.

I might’ve most well-liked if both the extra password supervisor or darkish internet monitor have been included within the base VPN subscription itself; this may’ve given PureVPN extra distinctive options to set it aside from the competitors.

You should buy both the Plus or Max subscriptions to get these options, however having at the least one in all them included, with out an extra cost, would’ve given PureVPN extra bang-for-your-buck worth.

Is PureVPN protected and reliable?

I wouldn’t suggest PureVPN if security is a precedence. On paper, PureVPN seems to be like a safe VPN, with its high quality safety protocols and spectacular “always-on” audits. Nonetheless, its logging incident in 2017 and the shortage of in-depth info on the audits themselves go away a lot to be desired.

PureVPN comes with the three most essential safety protocols for a contemporary VPN: OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec/IKEv2. It additionally options AES 256-encryption, a kill change, and area identify system leak safety.

Sadly, a problem arises with its no-logs coverage. Like most VPNs, PureVPN claims to have a no-logs coverage the place they state that they don’t log searching actions, connection logs, unique IPs, and searching historical past.

Nonetheless, PureVPN was concerned in an incident again in 2017 the place the corporate allegedly handed off logs to the FBI. Particularly, the FBI used logs from PureVPN to trace down a suspected cyberstalker and harasser. Whereas catching such criminals is essential, the issue was in PureVPN’s privateness coverage on the time — which acknowledged that it stored no logs. It is a massive blow to the credibility of PureVPN’s no-logs coverage, particularly as a result of conserving anonymity is without doubt one of the fundamental causes to make use of a VPN.

Since then, PureVPN has come out with third-party audits that confirm their no-logs coverage. First was with Altius IT in 2019 and the second with KPMG in 2021 — each discovering no proof of the corporate conserving any logs. The KPMG audit is noteworthy as a result of it was an “always-on” audit that allowed KPMG to audit PureVPN’s community with out prior discover.

As I revisited PureVPN in 2024, I noticed that it had undergone a fourth audit on its no-logs coverage. Nonetheless, I discovered it troublesome to get extra in-depth info on the audit itself.

While you have a look at the net web page, there’s no clear knowledge on which agency audited PureVPN. It additionally lacks outgoing hyperlinks redirecting readers to the audit report. The web page simply says, “Well-known audit agency was not too long ago engaged in an train to evaluate the compliance of our VPN infrastructure with our privateness coverage.”

After that, it states that the audit had reaffirmed how PureVPN doesn’t log a consumer’s origin IP tackle and doesn’t log a consumer’s assigned VPN IP tackle, amongst different issues. To me, the higher strategy could be to have a transparent exterior hyperlink to the third-party audit or have extra detailed data on the findings itself. This may construct extra credibility for each the audit and PureVPN’s no-logs coverage.

I discovered one other PureVPN weblog submit, dated June 2024, that stated that the VPN’s privateness coverage was “no-logs licensed.” This one had a bit extra info, saying that PureVPN had once more engaged with Altius IT and located that PureVPN had no methods in place, which might “result in figuring out a selected particular person and/or the particular person’s exercise when utilizing the PureVPN service.” Sadly, there was as soon as once more no exterior hyperlink to a full report and shared very minimal element in regards to the audit correct itself (corresponding to when the audit was performed or what facets of PureVPN have been particularly reviewed).

On this regard, I feel PureVPN can do a significantly better job of constructing their third-party audits extra accessible and extra substantive. This may assist strengthen their safety claims and construct belief amongst shoppers.

Key options of PureVPN

For those who’re contemplating PureVPN, it’s essential to know the options that set it aside from different VPNs. Let’s check out a few of PureVPN’s key options.

Massive server suite

PureVPN comes with round 6,000+ servers worldwide, giving it a reasonably substantial server fleet for the abnormal consumer. That is particularly helpful if you happen to’re trying to unblock geo-restricted content material, because it permits you extra flexibility and selection within the servers you need to use.

The PureVPN community additionally contains servers from 80+ places and greater than 65+ nations — a plus if you wish to use a various set of servers from totally different areas. I do wish to observe that in 2024, the typical nation rely for VPNs is frequently growing. High VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Non-public Web Entry VPN now have server fleets with location choices starting from 90-105 nations, whereas the typical was round 60-70 in years previous. As PureVPN continues to develop its service, I’m hopeful that growing their nation choices is one in all their high priorities.

Break up tunneling

PureVPN provides a break up tunneling characteristic that permits you to management which on-line exercise is routed by means of the VPN and which is routed by means of your common web service supplier.

It is a handy characteristic that may permit you to reduce the bottleneck in your VPN server’s velocity as a result of not all functions, corresponding to music streaming, want VPN safety.

In my testing, PureVPN’s break up tunneling labored as marketed and was in a position to reliably filter my chosen apps by means of the VPN correctly. I wish to point out, although, that break up tunneling didn’t work for me whereas utilizing PureVPN’s WireGuard protocol. This can be a bug both on my app or on PureVPN, however this has occurred in my app for each 2023 and 2024. Hopefully, PureVPN permits break up tunneling with the quicker WireGuard in a future replace.

As much as 10 gadget connections

PureVPN permits for 10 simultaneous gadget connections or logins. With some VPNs providing solely 5–8 simultaneous connections, PureVPN’s 10 allowable logins is a big value-add for customers with a number of units.

This may be an essential price range consideration for potential VPN customers, particularly in the event that they’re apprehensive about paying for one more subscription solely to accommodate extra of their units.

Velocity and efficiency: How briskly is PureVPN?

PureVPN provides quick speeds and an total dependable connection. In my testing, I skilled comparatively snappy speeds whereas utilizing Google Workspace apps corresponding to Docs, Drive, and Maintain, streaming 1080p YouTube movies, internet searching for analysis, and attending on-line video conferences. Web sites loaded quick, and I didn’t have any noticeable drops in velocity or connectivity.

By way of velocity testing, PureVPN offered combined outcomes. For downloads, it was wonderful, solely dropping 14.44% in velocity in comparison with my web service supplier. That’s quick when you think about how VPNs are anticipated to decelerate speeds with the additional steps added to your site visitors. Nonetheless, PureVPN acquired extra modest outcomes for uploads, being 54.98% slower than my ISP. This was in line with my velocity exams from final 12 months, the place PureVPNs obtain and add proportion lower have been at 5.98% and 79.92% respectively.

On this case, my findings present that customers with upload-heavy workflows could get inconsistent efficiency whereas utilizing PureVPN. If that is you, it’s possible you’ll be higher off taking a look at different choices like ExpressVPN or Non-public Web Entry.

SEE: PureVPN vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Ought to You Select? (TechRepublic)

To check for DNS leaks, I ran PureVPN a number of instances utilizing a public DNS leak instrument. After a number of exams utilizing totally different servers and places, I recorded zero leaks.

PureVPN servers and places

PureVPN grants customers entry to round 6,000+ servers in additional than 80+ places, unfold throughout 65+ nations. In 2024, I praised PureVPN’s server community for being one of many bigger server networks out there. Whereas its server rely continues to be significantly massive in comparison with the competitors, I really feel it now has some catching as much as do by way of nation rely.

Competing suppliers like NordVPN have elevated their nation unfold from 60+ nations in 2023 to 111 nations in 2024. In the meantime, Surfshark additionally provides an intensive 100-country server fleet with 3,200 servers. I’m optimistic that PureVPN follows swimsuit on this regard, particularly since its server community was one in all its strongest options final 12 months.

I nonetheless suppose PureVPN is an effective possibility for people who primarily plan to make use of a VPN to bypass geo-blocked content material. You simply must needless to say different VPN companies have continued to develop their server fleets as nicely.

PureVPN additionally gives a wholesome unfold of servers worldwide.

Whereas the majority of PureVPN’s servers are in Europe and North America, it’s nonetheless good to see that the community is ready to present choices throughout all seven continents. In 2024, PureVPN has notably elevated servers for Asia (now at 800 in comparison with 560 final 12 months) and Central America (now at 10 servers from simply 4 servers in 2023). For those who’re eyeing IP places from these areas particularly, that is excellent news.

I additionally recognize how PureVPN routinely segments which of their servers are greatest for peer-to-peer file-sharing.

It lessens the steps it’s a must to take if you wish to use the VPN for torrenting. I want PureVPN had extra privacy-focused options out of the field, as its extra distinctive security measures (i.e., encrypted file-sharing and password supervisor) require further cost. In any other case, their server community is a particular sturdy level.

PureVPN customer support

With regards to customer support, PureVPN provides an internet information base with guides and FAQs, an AI chatbot and stay chat assist, and a ticketing system. In my opinion, PureVPN’s assist web page provides a good quantity of knowledge and useful tutorial articles.

After testing out PureVPN’s stay chat characteristic, I wish to commend their assist crew, as I used to be linked to a stay agent inside two minutes of my request. By way of answering questions, nonetheless, I discovered PureVPN’s assist agent to be good however not nice.

For essentially the most half, it was in a position to tackle my principally primary questions in regards to the VPN. Nonetheless, I did discover that it defaulted to giving me hyperlinks from their assist weblog quite than answering immediately. Whereas the articles have been helpful, I might have most well-liked if the agent addressed my queries with out having to go away our chat field.

Sadly, I did discover a couple of consumer testimonials sharing how they didn’t have essentially the most optimistic expertise with PureVPN. One consumer within the PureVPN Reddit group stated, “Bought caught in a very pointless dialog with the assist chat immediately… 60 minutes of chatting – no downside acquired solved – and I’m even unsure that the assist understood my situation (I can’t join with my devoted IP to the web)… actually ridiculous.”

A few customers additionally lamented how PureVPN modified options too usually, corresponding to including or eradicating servers. On this regard, whereas I had a good expertise with PureVPN’s buyer assist, your mileage could range relying on what you utilize it for.

PureVPN ease of use

For ease of use, I assumed PureVPN had a comparatively intuitive consumer interface. I primarily used PureVPN’s Home windows software and located it to be minimalistic, well-organized, and user-friendly.

By way of design, I preferred the trendy really feel it had and the way it didn’t really feel too cluttered regardless of the additional options it had alongside the principle VPN service. For context, I availed of the PureVPN Max seven-day free trial for this assessment.

One factor I did discover was a little bit of clunkiness when it got here to PureVPN’s app efficiency. I sometimes skilled a little bit of lag when navigating by means of PureVPN’s menus, the place it wanted a second earlier than attending to the place I wished to go. This additionally occurred at any time when I activated a few of its further options.

Whereas this isn’t a dealbreaker by any means, I feel it makes the entire app expertise really feel much less polished than it may very well be. After all, PureVPN can very a lot launch a patch or replace to make their desktop app really feel quicker. I’m conserving my fingers crossed on this, particularly since they have already got a well-designed UI of their arms.

SEE: IPVanish vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Is Higher? (TechRepublic)

PureVPN professionals

• Massive community with 6,000+ servers.
• 7-day free trial by way of cellular.
• As much as 10 simultaneous gadget connections.
• Intuitive software.
• Comparatively good speeds.
• Consists of break up tunneling characteristic.

PureVPN cons

• Prior incident handing off logs to FBI.
• Activating options feels a bit clunky.
• Distinctive security measures are paid add-ons.

Who’s PureVPN greatest for?

PureVPN is greatest for customers who worth having a big server community as one in all their fundamental concerns in a VPN service. Its 6,000+ servers throughout 65+ nations is a significant worth proposition to unblock geo-restricted content material or entry servers in particular places. PureVPN additionally provides typically good speeds inside a minimal and intuitive consumer interface.

Nonetheless, its logging incident with the FBI in 2017 prevents it from being a great decide if privateness and safety are your fundamental considerations. Whereas it has made strides to rebuild buyer belief, customers on the lookout for a VPN with a great monitor document in conserving their privateness and no logs insurance policies ought to look elsewhere.

PureVPN alternate options

Whereas PureVPN is a good VPN answer, it might not have the right combination of options on your wants. We’ve listed under comparable alternate options that might function higher choices.

SEE: The right way to Create an Efficient Cybersecurity Consciousness Program (TechRepublic Premium)

Mozilla VPN

For those who’re a longtime consumer of the Firefox browser, Mozilla VPN could also be a great possibility. Coming from the maker of Firefox, Mozilla VPN provides advert blocking, zero bandwidth restrictions, and multihop routing. It presently provides round 500+ servers in 30+ nations.

To be taught extra, learn our full Mozilla VPN assessment.

ExpressVPN

For extra safety, ExpressVPN provides TrustedServer safety that offers customers further privateness safety by means of independently audited, RAM-only servers. ExpressVPN additionally provides a alternative of 17 different languages in each its app and browser extensions.

To be taught extra, learn our full ExpressVPN assessment.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhostVPN is without doubt one of the greatest VPN picks for its nation unfold. It has servers in over 100 nations worldwide, making it a best choice for unblocking content material in different areas. It additionally permits for seven simultaneous gadget connections and gives 24/7 stay buyer assist.

To be taught extra, learn our full CyberGhost VPN assessment. 

How we evaluated PureVPN

My assessment of PureVPN concerned an in depth evaluation of its security measures, price, and real-world efficiency. I had hands-on time with PureVPN by means of its free trial by way of their cellular software. Particularly, I examined the model of PureVPN supplied with the Max subscription on my Home windows pc.

For add and obtain speeds, I examined PureVPN utilizing Ookla’s public Speedtest. To examine for DNS leak safety, I ran PureVPN a number of instances by means of DNSLeakTest.

Lastly, I scored PureVPN on every thing from its safety protocols to its worth based mostly on an inside algorithm to get a score of three.7 out of 5 stars. I checked out PureVPN each by itself and in relation to different VPN companies.