Expert Rating

88

Not only is PureVPN one of the most diverse VPN services, but it also offers 81 virtual server locations to make your activity even harder to track. Combine this with their split tunneling feature and you won’t be asking for your money back after your 7-day money-back guarantee has expired. This extra security is why PureVPN is known as the best VPN. Speaking of security, learn how to keep your passwords protected by reading our 1Password vs Dashlane the best family password manager review. If you want a way to make sure your searches on the web are safe, you should also read our review of the SpyOff; one of the best VPN services you can find.

Why We Like It – PureVPN

PureVPN offers one, if not, the most geographically diverse VPN providers around. They offer VPN services across 140 countries. This server list includes locations in all continents and many countries in Africa. PureVPN also offers many additional perks, as add-ons, to their traditional VPN service. Also, if you are security conscious you will want to know about this malware, in our review of what are rootkits and why they are dangerous.

Pros
  • Download Speeds reduced only 5.1% domestically
  • Split Tunneling feature
  • Robust statement on logging policy
Cons
  • No support for BBC iPlayer
  • Confusing sign-up experience
  • Disappointing internet kill switch

Performance

PureVPN’s connection speeds range from 3-8 seconds, and download speeds were reduced by only 5.1% on US servers according to speed tests. That makes this a fine VPN for torrenting, which is great news. However, even though download speeds were good overall, they were just average on Android clients. ExpressVPN is a great alternative for Android users. Although, you might want to compare a VPN against a seedbox to see which works best for you.

PureVPN supports several VPN protocols like IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP, OpenVPN, SSTP, and DNS leak protection. By using PureVPN you will also have access to 81 virtual servers. It’s difficult to know where they are located which can be great if you don’t want your online activities to be tracked but bad if you want to know where your data is being handled. Even though this VPN doesn’t work with every service, like the BBC iPlayer for example, the PureVPN servers still get the general job done by providing you private Internet freedom under a new IP address from a US server, European server, etc. Use PureVPN servers to finally achieve security, privacy, and peace of mind over your online privacy and user data when browsing through the Internet, streaming services, and other online activities.

Design

When launched, PureVPN allows you to select one of five options: Internet Freedom, Security/Privacy, File Sharing, and Dedicated IP. Select one of these options, depending on why you’re logging on, for the best possible VPN experience. PureVPN uses Split tunneling to let you select any specific traffic you want to allow through the VPN. However, on Android, via the PureVPN app, there is no obvious way to get an internet connection. Try VyprVPN, then, if this is your first time setting one up. PureVPN also has a confusing sign-up experience where you enter your email address and are then sent a username and password. For the novice, this may be confusing with the email address part. Why would my username not be my email address if they’re having me provide it?

Value

PureVPN has a vigorous online policy on connection logs, a no-logging policy expanded to include not logging your DNS requests, so DNS leaks won’t happen. With the DNS Leak Protection feature, Pure VPN includes its own DNS servers to handle your DNS queries instead of your ISP. In any event, PureVPN works with these servers so that your user data won’t be compromised. PureVPN also offers add-ons like DDoS protection and an option for a dedicated IP address. They also offer their software for routers and streaming devices and are part of the battle against streaming services like Netflix. Those who’ve used PureVPN could stream Internet sites and services wherever and whenever they want. Live chat customer support chat is there, but it’s very basic, and the kill switch is disappointing. Private Internet Access offers a great kill switch if that is the most important feature in a VPN for you. For an affordable VPN service that offers multiple privacy features, check out our Spotflux review.

PureVPN Wrap Up

It should be noted that PureVPN is based in Hong Kong, and China is known to have repressive internet freedom. So how does PureVPN protect user data? According to them, they are an autonomous territory within China, and can thus operate with its own sets of laws and regulations. Still, if this is something that concerns you, customer service is always there to explain it more in-depth and reassure you that your information will be safe. If you feel like addressing your concerns to customer support regarding operating in Hong Kong, China, or any other VPN issue but don’t feel like hopping on the phone, PureVPN offers its live chat support online, though it’s not perfect. Despite these drawbacks including the Internet kill switch, PureVPN works to give you private Internet access at tolerable Internet connection speeds and download speeds, so weigh the pros and cons to see if this VPN service would be right for you. Speaking of customer service and support PureVPN offers a 31-day refund policy. Due to that money-back guarantee policy, PureVPN will refund the amount you paid within 31 days of purchase, “no questions asked, risk-free, stress-free”. If you found this PureVPN review helpful, please go check out our product reviews as well. One of them is our best free cloud music storage services review.

Michael Iaboni Avatar