Since 2007, PureVPN has established itself as a prominent player in the VPN market. However, does it really live up to its reputation? Instead of relying on the hype, I took it upon myself to test PureVPN firsthand.

In this in-depth PureVPN review, I explore its features in detail and include several screenshots to help you get a better sense of what this VPN brings to the table.

Here's what you'll learn:

  • How well PureVPN performs in terms of speed and security
  • If it can effectively bypass geo-restrictions and censorship
  • How easy it is to install and use
  • Whether it's going to slow down your internet connection
  • If PureVPN is really as trustworthy as everyone says

Let's examine and see what PureVPN is all about!

In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary

PureVPN is a solid VPN service with a mix of strengths and weaknesses. After spending two weeks testing PureVPN thoroughly and comparing it with top competitors, I've formed a clear picture of its performance.

PureVPN stands out for its wide server network, strong security features, and ability to unblock streaming services. However, it falls short in areas like user interface design and connection stability.

Here's a quick overview of what I found for this PureVPN review:

What You'll Like:

  • Extensive Server Network: Over 6,500 servers across 71 countries
  • Strong Security Features: AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and various VPN protocols
  • No-Logs Policy: Independently audited for privacy assurance
  • Streaming Capability: Effectively unblocks major streaming platforms
  • P2P Support: All servers allow torrenting

What You May Not Like:

  • Untidy Interface: The app's design feels disordered and not very user-friendly
  • Inconsistent Connections: Some servers were unstable or unavailable during testing
  • Limited Advanced Features: The tracker blocker and other advanced tools could be improved
  • No Cryptocurrency Payments: Lack of anonymous payment options

What Makes This PureVPN Review Different?

Many PureVPN reviews you'll find online are just recycling information from the product's website. They don't reflect real-world usage or expert opinions. Can you really trust them?

I'm committed to providing the most objective VPN reviews possible. To achieve this, I purchased PureVPN with my own money, installed it on multiple devices, and thoroughly tested every feature over a two-week period.

My primary testing device was a Dell XPS laptop, but I also used PureVPN on a MacBook Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE to ensure a thorough review. Throughout this process, I captured numerous screenshots to give you a genuine look at the PureVPN experience.

Keep reading for an in-depth look at PureVPN's features, performance, and real-world usability.

Buying PureVPN

When I decided to try out PureVPN, I found they offer three different subscription plans: MAX, PLUS, and STANDARD. Each of these comes with options for 1 month, 1 year, or 2 years.

I went for the MAX plan because I wanted to get the full PureVPN experience. This plan includes not just the VPN service, but also extras like a password manager, file encryption tool, and personal privacy manager.

PureVPN has some pretty attractive discounts, especially on longer plans. The 2-year plan comes with an extra 4 months and over 80% off, while the 1-year plans offer over 60% discounts. They also have a 31-day money-back guarantee, which is nice if you're not sure about committing long-term.

The buying process was simple. Here's how it went:

  1. I created my account with an email address and password.
  2. Next, I had to choose a payment method. They offer credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Payment Wall.
  3. I initially tried to pay with my debit card, but ran into an error. No problem though, I switched to PayPal and the payment went through smoothly.

One thing to note - PureVPN doesn't accept cryptocurrency payments. This might disappoint users looking for more anonymous payment options.

During checkout, PureVPN offers some add-ons. I decided to go for the Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding features, but skipped the Multi-login (no limits on account logins) and dedicated server options.

After purchasing, I received two emails - one confirming my account creation and another from PayPal with the payment details.

Installation

Getting PureVPN up and running was a breeze. After logging into my account dashboard online, I easily found the download link for the installer. The whole process was quick and painless - it took exactly one minute from start to finish.

Installation ScreenThe PureVPN installation progress shows various details.

During installation, the only choice I had to make was selecting the installation folder. Everything else was automatic. Once it was done, I just logged into the app and was ready to go. Really, it couldn't have been much easier.

Interface

Now, let's talk about PureVPN's interface. I have to say, it's not the most user-friendly I've seen. The design feels a bit messy, with features scattered across different sections without a clear organization. This can make it tricky to find what you're looking for quickly.

Main InterfacePureVPN's main dashboard shows your VPN IP, data uploaded and downloaded, and more.

Here's a breakdown of the interface:

  • Left Sidebar: Contains icons for accessing server locations, settings, and additional features like the Password Manager.
  • Main Dashboard: Shows your connection status, IP address, protocol, and connection time. There are also sections for tools like "Reclaim Your Data" and a progress bar for "Your Security Progress".
  • Top Section: Displays your public IP address and settings for trackers and protocols.
  • Bottom Section: Houses tools like the Password Manager and additional resources.

While PureVPN offers a thorough set of features, the disordered layout can be a bit overwhelming. It took me some time to get used to where everything was.

One handy feature is the ability to click on Connection Details for more information about your server:

Connection DetailsExpanded view of connection details - here you can see the protocol if the Kill Switch is on, and other details.

This shows you specifics like the Protocol, Tracker Blocker status, and IP Type.

On a positive note, PureVPN supports 12 different languages, which you can change in the general settings. There's also a choice between light and dark themes, or you can set it to follow your system default.

General SettingsLanguage and theme options in general settings

One limitation I noticed is that the UI isn't adjustable. It has a fixed size, although you can move it anywhere on your screen.

VPN Servers

PureVPN boasts an impressive network of over 6,500 servers spread across 71 countries. This wide distribution is great for finding a nearby server no matter where you are, which can help with getting better speeds. Competitors like NordVPN and Private Internet Access have a similar server count.

Server Access

Accessing PureVPN's servers is pretty simple. In the locations/servers tab, you'll find all available servers organized alphabetically by country.

Server ListPureVPN's server selection interface includes the locations and types of servers.

The server list includes some handy features:

  • Dedicated IPs: If you've purchased this add-on, you'll see your dedicated servers here.
  • Recommended Locations: PureVPN suggests optimal servers based on your location and network conditions.
  • Recently Connected: Quick access to servers you've used recently.

There's also a 'Recommended Server' option, which is great if you're not sure which server to choose. This feature uses an algorithm to select the best location based on download speed, latency, and distance.

One thing I appreciate about PureVPN is their transparency about virtual servers. They clearly indicate which servers are virtual in their server list. These virtual servers can help provide better performance in regions with limited infrastructure.

PureVPN offers several types of servers:

  • P2P servers for file sharing
  • Quantum-resistant servers for enhanced security
  • Servers with port forwarding capabilities
  • Virtual servers for improved performance in certain regions

However, I did run into some issues during my PureVPN review testing. I received messages about unstable connections several times and had to switch servers. Also, I noticed that many servers were often down or unavailable, which was a bit frustrating.

Dedicated IPs

As part of my MAX plan, I got a dedicated IP address. This is a static IP that's assigned only to you, which can be useful for accessing sensitive information or getting your IP whitelisted for certain services.

I chose a USA dedicated IP, and I have to say, it worked very well. The connection was stable and quite fast. You can connect to your dedicated IP directly from the main screen, where you'll see the country flag, IP, and input lag in milliseconds.

Gaming

While PureVPN doesn't have specific gaming servers, they recommend using their WireGuard protocol for the best gaming experience. WireGuard is designed to offer the fastest VPN speeds while maintaining robust security.

In my PureVPN review testing, gaming performance was okay. Playing World of Warcraft, I managed to keep my ping under 50ms, which is acceptable for most online games. However, your experience may vary depending on your location and chosen server.

Torrenting / P2P

PureVPN supports P2P file sharing on dedicated servers. To access these, you can go to the main screen, browse the list of servers, and click on the P2P filter to see only P2P-optimized servers.

In my experience, downloading Linux installers via torrent went smoothly. The speeds were good, and I didn't encounter any issues. However, remember to always ensure you're only downloading legal content.

Streaming

Streaming with PureVPN is generally smooth and fast. They offer special servers for various streaming services, which you can find in the Shortcuts tab of the server list window.

Streaming ShortcutsStreaming service shortcuts in PureVPN - here you can access servers to unlock various streaming platforms.

There are predefined shortcuts for services like Amazon Prime US and BBC iPlayer. You can also add your own custom shortcuts, which is a nice touch. Just click "Add Shortcut", select the streaming service and server/country, and give it a name.

In my tests PureVPN review, the results were mixed. Some servers, like the one for Amazon Prime US, didn't work for me. However, others, like the Hulu server, worked fine. Your experience might vary depending on your location and the specific service you're trying to access.

Quantum Resistant Servers

PureVPN offers quantum-resistant servers, which is a forward-thinking feature. These servers are designed to protect against potential future attacks from quantum computers. While this might seem like overkill now, it's nice to see PureVPN planning for future security challenges.

To access these servers, you can go to the server list window and click the QR filter. There aren't any specific configuration options for these servers - you just connect to them like any other server.

Servers with Port Forwarding

Port forwarding can be useful for various applications, like making VoIP calls, setting up game servers, or accessing home devices remotely. PureVPN offers servers with port forwarding capabilities, which is a feature not all VPNs provide.

In my testing, these servers worked as expected, although I did experience several disconnects. To use these servers, go to the server list window and click the PF filter to see only port forwarding-enabled servers.

VPN Speed and Performance

For my speed tests, I used a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30GHz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network setup used Wi-Fi 5 with a theoretical speed of 866 Mbps.

Overall, I found PureVPN's performance to be stable and fairly consistent in terms of speed. Here are some of my speed test results using Ookla's Speedtest:

  • No VPN: 462 Mbps download, 485 Mbps upload, 14 ms latency
  • Miami, USA: 306 Mbps download, 436 Mbps upload, 128 ms latency
  • New York, USA: 289 Mbps download, 449 Mbps upload, 125 ms latency
  • Seattle, USA: 308 Mbps download, 445 Mbps upload, 196 ms latency
  • Germany: 168 Mbps download, 457 Mbps upload, 72 ms latency
  • France: 269 Mbps download, 96 Mbps upload, 62 ms latency
  • Spain: 286 Mbps download, 446 Mbps upload, 63 ms latency
  • Italy: 309 Mbps download, 424 Mbps upload, 58 ms latency
Speed Test Results for ItalySpeed test results when connected to an Italian server
Speed Test Results for UKSpeed test results when connected to a UK server

As you can see, the speeds were generally good, with some variation depending on server location. The impact on download speeds was noticeable but not severe in most cases. Upload speeds remained strong across most servers.

Latency increased with distance, as expected, but remained reasonable for most online activities. The European servers performed particularly well in my tests for this PureVPN review.

VPN Privacy Features

This part of the VPN review takes a deep dive into its privacy features, from encryption to protocols and no-logs policies, exploring how it safeguards your identity. Let's begin!

VPN Protocols

PureVPN offers a variety of VPN protocols to balance speed and security. These include:

  • OpenVPN
  • IPSec/IKEv2
  • WireGuard
  • SSTP
  • L2TP/IPSec
  • PPTP
PureVPN Protocol SelectionYou can change the protocol from the Settings.

Each protocol has its strengths. For example, WireGuard is known for its speed, while OpenVPN is praised for its security and reliability. Having this range of protocols is a strong point for PureVPN, as it allows users to choose the best option for their specific needs.

To change protocols, you can go to Settings > Protocol. There's also an option for Automatic Protocol Selection, which chooses the most suitable protocol based on your network conditions.

Strong Encryption

PureVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is the industry standard for top-tier VPNs. This level of encryption is virtually unbreakable with current technology, ensuring that your data remains secure as it travels through the VPN tunnel.

No-Logs Policy and Transparency

PureVPN claims to maintain a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don't store any personally identifiable information about your online activities. This is crucial for maintaining user privacy.

To back up their claims, PureVPN has undergone independent audits. In 2019, they engaged Altius IT, a certified information systems auditor, to verify their no-logs policy. The inspection confirmed that PureVPN doesn't keep records of browsing activities, connection logs, assigned VPN IPs, original IPs, connection times, browsing history, or DNS queries.

This commitment to transparency is praiseworthy and helps build trust with users who are concerned about their privacy.

Kill Switch

PureVPN includes a kill switch feature, which they call Internet Kill Switch (IKS). This feature is designed to protect your privacy by cutting off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops suddenly.

To set up the kill switch, go to Settings > General and move down to Enable IKS. You can choose between automatic and manual kill switch options.

In my PureVPN review testing, the kill switch worked as expected most of the time. However, there was one instance where it didn't stop my internet connection when I disabled the VPN. While this was likely an isolated incident, it's worth noting.

DNS and IP Leak Protection

DNS and IP leak protection are crucial for maintaining your privacy while using a VPN. PureVPN claims to offer both these protections, so I put them to the test.

I used multiple online tools to check for leaks, including:

I'm happy to report that PureVPN passed all these tests. My real IP address and DNS requests were not leaked, which is great news for privacy-conscious users.

PureVPN also offers WebRTC protection, which prevents potential leaks through Web Real-Time Communication features in browsers.

Wi-Fi Protection

PureVPN's Wi-Fi protection feature is designed to keep you safe when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. It uses strong encryption to secure your connection, protecting you from potential threats like man-in-the-middle attacks.

While I didn't encounter any issues while using public Wi-Fi with PureVPN, it's always good to have this extra layer of security when you're out and about. I also recommend using a dedicated antimwalware program like Bitdefender or Norton for extra security.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which use your regular internet connection. This can be useful for improving your bandwidth usage or accessing local network resources while still using the VPN for other tasks.

Split Tunneling SettingsSplit tunneling settings allow you to change the list of apps that you want to use the VPN tunnel.

To set up split tunneling, go to Settings > Split Tunneling. From here, you can add specific applications to include or exclude from the VPN tunnel.

In my tests, split tunneling worked as expected. I added Chrome and Firefox to use the VPN, while other apps used my regular connection. This feature performed well and could be particularly useful for users who need to balance local and VPN-routed traffic.

Tracker Blocker

PureVPN includes a tracker blocker feature, which aims to enhance your privacy by preventing online trackers from monitoring your activity.

Tracker Blocker SettingsThe tracker blocker settings in PureVPN

The tracker blocker is designed to:

  • Improve privacy by stopping advertisers and analytics services from collecting your data
  • Potentially speed up browsing by reducing unnecessary data loads
  • Reduce targeted advertising by preventing profile building based on your browsing history

While this feature is a nice addition, I found it to be somewhat basic compared to dedicated tracker blocking tools. It worked okay for general browsing, but more privacy-conscious users might want to augment it with a more robust solution.

Device Compatibility

PureVPN offers good device compatibility, supporting a wide range of platforms including:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • Chrome
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Playstation

They also provide browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These extensions can be handy for quickly connecting to your favorite server directly from your browser bar.

Conclusion and Recommendations

After thoroughly testing PureVPN, I can say it's a reliable VPN service with a good selection of features, but it's not without its flaws.

Pros:

  • Wide server network with over 6,500 servers in 71 countries
  • Strong security features including AES-256 encryption and various protocols
  • Supports streaming and P2P activities
  • No-logs policy verified by independent audit
  • Useful features like split tunneling and dedicated IPs

Cons:

  • The user interface feels disorganized and could be more intuitive
  • Some servers were unstable or unavailable during testing
  • Advanced features like the tracker blocker could be more robust
  • No cryptocurrency payment options

Recommendations:

  1. For streaming and P2P: PureVPN performs well in these areas, so it's a good choice if these are your primary needs.
  2. For privacy-conscious users: While PureVPN offers good security features and a no-logs policy, you might want to augment it with additional privacy tools for maximum protection.
  3. For beginners: The disorganized interface might be a bit overwhelming at first. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the app's layout.
  4. For advanced users: Examine the various protocols and features like split tunneling to improve your VPN usage.

Overall, PureVPN is a solid VPN service that covers most bases well. It's not perfect, but it offers a good balance of features, performance, and security that will satisfy many users' needs. Just be prepared for a slight learning curve with the interface, and don't hesitate to try different servers if you encounter connection issues.

Looking for other options beyond PureVPN? CyberGhost and ExpressVPN offer excellent features. Discover our top VPN picks for 2024.

Editor image

Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)

Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.

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