PureVPN Review

Overall, PureVPN’s performance is somewhat below average, and it has room for improvement before it can be recommended for its speed capabilities.

Server Locations

One of the Largest and Most Comprehensive Server Networks

Server Locations Rating: 9.8/10

PureVPN’s server network is exceptional, featuring a secure, high-quality, and diverse infrastructure. With 6,000 servers spanning 68 countries, it extends well beyond the typical North American and European focus of many VPN providers. Notably, nearly all these servers are physically located.

Ranked #6 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations

• 68 Countries
• 96 Cities
• 300,000 IP Addresses

For a full list of server locations, please see the details below.

PureVPN’s servers are distributed across the following continents:

Continent	Number of Countries
Europe	31
Asia	13
South America	5
North America	5
Africa	3
Oceania	1

A network of 6,000 individual servers is substantial and advantageous. This extensive number reduces the likelihood of server congestion and minimizes the chance of encountering CAPTCHAs while browsing.

PureVPN distinguishes itself with servers in 68 countries, including regions often less represented, such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. This is particularly valuable in areas where internet access is frequently restricted, as having nearby VPN servers is crucial.

However, PureVPN has decreased its overall server count over time and still falls short when compared to VPN providers like PIA, which boasts a vast network of 18,651 servers.

Additionally, PureVPN has scaled back some of its city-level options. Previously, users could select from multiple cities in countries such as Czechia, France, Germany, Malaysia, and South Africa. Currently, multiple city selections are limited to Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US.

Physical Servers & 20Gbps Infrastructure

PureVPN’s server network has significantly reduced in size from its previous capacity, focusing on enhancing quality rather than quantity. Currently, 98.7% of PureVPN’s servers are physically located within the listed countries, which is crucial for ensuring stable and faster connections.

In addition to its physical servers, PureVPN maintains 69 virtual servers to provide continued access to locations where physical servers are challenging to deploy. These virtual servers include countries such as Afghanistan, Bahrain, and Egypt, as listed on the website.

Furthermore, PureVPN has recently upgraded its infrastructure by investing in 20Gbps servers located in London, Manchester, and Washington DC.

Streaming Performance

Streaming Rating: 5.0/10

Our evaluation reveals that PureVPN is capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hotstar India, and DAZN. However, users may need to experiment with several servers to find one that effectively bypasses geo-restrictions. Unfortunately, PureVPN struggles to access the US Netflix library and fails to circumvent Hulu blocks. Additionally, it is no longer compatible with US Amazon Prime Video.

Ranked #28 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming

At present, PureVPN supports access to the following popular streaming platforms:

Streaming Platform	Works with PureVPN
Amazon Prime Video	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes
Channel 4	No
Disney+	No
Hotstar India	Yes
Hulu	No
ITVX	Yes
Max	Yes
Netflix US	No

PureVPN’s performance in streaming shows a mixed outcome.

On the positive side, the VPN successfully supports access to BBC iPlayer and DAZN Canada. Additionally, it remains one of the VPNs capable of unblocking Hotstar.

PureVPN provides access to Netflix libraries in Japan, Canada, Italy, and France. However, this is far less comprehensive compared to Windscribe, which unblocks 32 Netflix libraries.

The VPN faces challenges with popular US streaming platforms. It fails to unblock US Netflix and is unable to bypass Hulu’s VPN restrictions.

Unlike some competitors such as CyberGhost, PureVPN does not offer optimized streaming servers. Consequently, users must experiment with different servers to find ones that work effectively. For instance, during our testing, the UK London server did not successfully unblock BBC iPlayer, whereas the Manchester server did. Similarly, access to HBO Max was only achieved after testing multiple US server locations.

Torrenting

Torrenting Rating: 7.0/10

PureVPN is not the ideal option for torrenting. While it offers a range of P2P servers, it is limited by its data logging practices and a less reliable kill switch. Although torrenting speeds are satisfactory, they do not match those of the fastest VPNs. Additionally, the absence of port forwarding in the standard subscription further diminishes its performance.

Ranked #23 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting

Torrenting Attribute	Result
Average Download Bitrate	8.1MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers	6,000
Logging Policy	Some User Logs
Kill Switch	Faulty
Port Forwarding	Premium subscription only

PureVPN offers several P2P servers optimized for file sharing, though these constitute only about half of its network. Consequently, some regions lack local torrenting connections. For instance, users in southern Africa may find their nearest torrenting server located in Angola, which could be thousands of miles away.

PureVPN offers an average torrenting speed of 8.1 MiB/s. In comparison, top-rated VPNs for torrenting, such as IPVanish, achieve an average bitrate of 9.9 MiB/s. While PureVPN’s torrenting speeds are commendable, there is room for improvement.

Concerns arise from PureVPN’s less-than-ideal privacy policy, historical logging issues, and unreliable kill switch. These factors may pose risks to anonymity and could potentially expose your real IP address.

Additionally, the standard PureVPN subscription does not include port forwarding, which could result in slower torrenting speeds for users.

Overall, there are more reliable and trustworthy VPNs available for torrenting.

Security & Technical Features

Security & Technical Features Rating: 8.3/10

PureVPN provides a solid security foundation with industry-standard AES-256 encryption and top protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN. It includes essential features like a kill switch and split tunneling across its applications. However, it falls short of the advanced capabilities found in some leading VPNs, with notable issues such as an unreliable kill switch.

Ranked #22 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features

Protocols

Protocols	Available in PureVPN
IKEv2/IPSec	Yes
L2TP/IPSec	Yes
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)	Yes
WireGuard	Yes

Encryption

Encryption	Available in PureVPN
AES-128	No
AES-192	No
AES-256	Yes
Blowfish	No
ChaCha20	No

Security

Security	Available in PureVPN
Diskless Servers	No
DNS Leak Blocking	Yes
First-party DNS	No
IPv6 Leak Blocking	Yes
Supports TCP Port 443	No
VPN Kill Switch	Yes
WebRTC Leak Blocking	Yes

Advanced Features

Advanced Features	Available in PureVPN
Ad Blocker	No
Dedicated IP	No
Double VPN	No
SOCKS	No
Split Tunneling	Yes
Static IP	No
Tor over VPN Server	No
Tracker Blocker	No

Protocols and Connectivity

PureVPN supports four security protocols: IKEv2, IPSec (available on macOS and iOS), OpenVPN (TCP or UDP), and WireGuard. We commend PureVPN for eliminating outdated protocols such as L2TP and PPTP, ensuring a more secure and modern selection. However, users may still experience occasional connection issues.

While PureVPN offers limited customization through its settings, it does provide some toggle options, such as “Connect to Fallback.” This feature automatically switches to an alternative protocol if PureVPN encounters difficulties establishing a stable connection.

Unfortunately, this fallback mechanism is activated more frequently than desired, particularly when not using the automatic protocol. Although WireGuard is preferred for its balance of performance and security, we experienced connection issues with it, and PureVPN frequently suggested switching to less preferred protocols, such as IKEv2 and IPSec.

When testing PureVPN’s iOS app, we encountered an issue where a VPN connection could not be established (Error Code 408) without using the automatic protocol, rendering all other protocol options ineffective.

On macOS, the automatic protocol is IPSec, while on Windows, it is IKEv2. This distinction is confusing since IKEv2 typically provides authentication while IPSec handles encryption. PureVPN employs IPSec as a standalone protocol, which is considered outdated and has even been suggested to be compromised.

We would prefer to see OpenVPN or WireGuard as the default protocols. This would ensure that users, particularly those unfamiliar with VPN protocols, are using the most secure and efficient options available.

Does PureVPN Actually Encrypt Your Traffic?

To verify whether PureVPN protects your data transfers, we used a tool called Wireshark to analyze data packets. The results, as shown in the screenshot below, indicate that when connected to PureVPN, our data was encrypted into a random assortment of characters, with no plain text visible.

This indicates that PureVPN successfully encrypts your traffic, rendering it indecipherable to unauthorized observers. This is expected, given its use of AES-256 encryption, which is renowned for its strength.

Additionally, PureVPN employs “Quantum Resistant Encryption Keys” (QR Servers) on select servers, which the company claims enhances security and resistance to hacking. This feature is available only with the UDP protocol and on the following server locations:

• Australia – Brisbane
• Australia – Melbourne
• Australia – Perth
• Australia – Sydney
• Canada – Toronto
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Singapore
• UK – London
• US – New Jersey
• US – California

Failed Kill Switch Tests

While PureVPN includes a kill switch feature, our testing revealed that it does not reliably protect your IP address in the event of a connection failure. Our tests indicate that PureVPN fails to conceal your IP address when switching server locations and exposes it after reconnecting to the internet following an unexpected disconnect.

An effective VPN kill switch guarantees that your IP address remains protected and is never accidentally exposed, even when switching servers. VPNs such as Mullvad, Mozilla VPN, and PIA provide this level of security.

While PureVPN does provide a warning when you change servers, which is a step beyond many other VPNs, this issue remains a significant flaw.

While PureVPN’s kill switch effectively disconnects your internet in the event of a sudden VPN drop, it is important to be aware of our findings when using this feature.

PureVPN Extra Features

PureVPN’s security suite is less comprehensive compared to VPNs like Surfshark or Windscribe. It lacks features such as an ad blocker and Double VPN, but its simplicity may be appealing to some users.

Key features of PureVPN include:

• Split Tunneling (Windows, Android, iOS): Available on all devices except macOS, this feature allows you to choose which applications or websites use the VPN and which do not. Most quality VPNs offer this capability.
• VPN on Demand (iOS) / Always On (Android): This feature ensures that you are connected to the VPN before accessing any websites, providing an additional layer of security.
• Reconnect on Disconnect (Windows & iOS): This feature automatically reconnects you to a server if your internet connection drops. It is recommended to enable this to prevent accidental exposure of your IP address.

Port Forwarding Costs Extra

Port forwarding is not included in PureVPN’s standard subscription plan. This feature, which is valuable for torrenting and can significantly enhance download speeds, is available at an additional cost. While it is common for VPNs to charge extra for dedicated IPs, it is less typical for port forwarding. Some VPNs, such as PIA, include this feature without additional fees.

A Streamlined Approach to Security

Beyond the features mentioned, PureVPN’s security package is relatively minimalistic. The recent updates to its apps have reduced customization options, favoring a more automatic approach. PureVPN now defaults to 256-bit encryption and IPv6 leak protection, simplifying the user experience for those less familiar with VPNs. However, advanced users may prefer more technical VPNs, such as Astrill or Windscribe, for greater control and customization.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Censorship Rating: 3.0/10

PureVPN falls short when it comes to bypassing internet censorship, particularly in restrictive environments such as China. Our tests on a Shanghai server showed that PureVPN was quickly blocked by the Great Firewall, and access to the service was not possible without using an additional VPN. This renders PureVPN ineffective for users in China and similarly censored regions such as Russia or Turkey.

Ranked #44 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship

Although PureVPN’s server network may be useful in countries with less stringent censorship, its obfuscation efforts are limited to the OpenVPN protocol. It is unclear if PureVPN employs advanced techniques such as Shadowsocks, Obfsproxy, or SoftEther. Consequently, there are more effective VPN options available for circumventing censorship.

Device & OS Compatibility

Device Compatibility

PureVPN supports installation on a wide range of popular and less common devices, including dedicated apps for Fire TV Stick, Android TV, and Kodi. It offers a generous allowance of 10 simultaneous connections, enabling you to use PureVPN across 10 devices at once. Additionally, it can be installed on routers and used with gaming consoles.

PureVPN Apps

You can easily install and use PureVPN on various devices, including:

• Windows
• Mac
• iOS
• Android
• Linux
• Router

PureVPN provides a notable feature with its DD-WRT router applet, a rarity among VPNs. This allows you to install PureVPN directly on your router, thereby covering all devices connected to your home WiFi. The router applet includes a graphical user interface (GUI) accessible from your router’s login page, where you can select servers and activate additional features. Installation guides are available for numerous other router models as well.

We encountered challenges while attempting to configure PureVPN on our test Linksys router. The provided guide included outdated screenshots, and support was insufficient in resolving our issues.

PureVPN offers a generous allowance of up to 10 devices per subscription, allowing simultaneous connections on multiple devices. While this is a substantial benefit, it does not match the unlimited device options provided by some VPNs, such as IPVanish.

Game Consoles & Streaming Devices

PureVPN supports installation on a variety of devices, including:

• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV
• Android TV
• Chromecast
• Nintendo
• PlayStation
• Roku
• Smart TV
• Xbox

While the PureVPN app for the Amazon Fire TV Stick is functional, it is not the most outstanding option available. However, it effectively unblocks geo-restricted content and offers a user-friendly interface for quick server connections.

PureVPN also provides a Kodi add-on, which is relatively uncommon among VPN services. Despite this, the add-on’s performance may be compromised by PureVPN’s less-than-ideal logging policy.

Unfortunately, PureVPN does not offer Smart DNS functionality. Unlike competitors such as NordVPN, which excels in providing Smart DNS tools for streaming US content, PureVPN currently falls short in this area.

Installing PureVPN on a router is advantageous for gaming, as it allows for stable connections with minimal lag. Our speed tests indicated consistently low ping times (6ms on IKEv2 and OpenVPN), reducing the likelihood of delays.

Browser Extensions

PureVPN offers browser extensions for several platforms, including:

• Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Firefox

These extensions are equipped with useful features, such as WebRTC Leak protection, enhancing your browsing security.

One of the standout features of PureVPN is its GPS spoofer, available through its browser extensions. This functionality is uncommon and typically found only on Android devices, as seen with VPNs like Windscribe and Surfshark. It is commendable to see that PureVPN offers this capability for browser use as well.

We evaluated the GPS spoofer to verify if our detected location aligned with our selected server using a GPS coordinator. We were satisfied with the results, as demonstrated in the following data.

PureVPN might consider expanding its services by developing extensions for Safari and Opera browsers. It is important to note that these extensions function as proxies rather than full VPNs. While they can alter your IP address, they do not provide encryption for your device’s traffic.

Differences Between PureVPN Applications

Although PureVPN applications are designed with a streamlined interface, they are not entirely identical. Below is a comprehensive list of PureVPN features and the devices on which they are available for clarity:

PureVPN Feature	Windows	macOS	Android	iOS
IPSec	✗	✓	✗	✓
IKEv2	✓	✓	✓	✓
WireGuard	✓	✓	✓	✓
OpenVPN UDP	✓	✓	✓	✓
OpenVPN TCP	✓	✗	✓	✓
Proxy Network	✗	✗	✓	✗
Connect to Fallback	✓	✓	✓	✓
Kill Switch	✓	✓	✓	✗
Split Tunneling	✓	✗	✓	✓
VPN On Demand	✗	✗	✗	✓
Reconnect on Disconnect	✓	✗	✗	✓
Personalize Server Selection	✓	✓	✓	✓
Show Ping Values	✓	✓	✗	✗
Launch System on Start	✓	✓	✗	✗
Auto-Connect After Launch	✓	✓	✗	✗
Auto-Connect After Wake	✗	✓	✗	✗
Auto-Update	✓	✓	✗	✗
Prevent Auto Sleep	✗	✓	✗	✗
Language Options	✓	✓	✓	✗

Ease of Use

Enhanced Usability Across Applications

Ease of Use Rating: 7.8/10

The recent redesign of PureVPN has notably improved its usability and visual appeal across all platforms. The interface is user-friendly with minimal differences between the apps, contributing to a more cohesive user experience. However, some technical issues and error codes were encountered, such as login difficulties on various devices and connection failures.

Ranked #25 Out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use

We thoroughly tested PureVPN on every supported platform to evaluate its performance. The latest redesign has made PureVPN more visually appealing and user-friendly, aligning it with other consumer-oriented VPNs through its intuitive interface and streamlined options.

PureVPN on macOS and Windows

The PureVPN app for macOS is the most simplified version among PureVPN’s clients. While this simplicity is beneficial for users seeking ease of use, it does lack certain features, including split tunneling, VPN On Demand/Always On, and reconnect/disconnect options.

The app includes several features designed to enhance the user experience, such as system start-up launch, automatic VPN connection upon device start-up and wake-up, and automatic app updates. While these are standard features, they significantly contribute to a smoother and more controlled VPN experience.

Windows users benefit from the most comprehensive PureVPN experience. As is common with many VPN providers, Windows applications offer the fullest range of features and are prioritized for new updates. PureVPN’s Windows app includes split tunneling, a feature that is not available on the macOS version.

Despite these differences, the Windows app maintains a similar interface to the macOS app, providing a consistent and streamlined user experience. Both versions are designed to be clean and user-friendly.

However, unlike the macOS app, the Windows version does not support auto-connect after waking or prevent auto-sleep options. These are minor differences in functionality.

PureVPN on Mobile: iOS & Android

The PureVPN app for iOS is straightforward and easy to navigate. While it lacks some of the advanced features and settings found in the desktop versions, it includes essential options such as protocol selection.

Similarly, the PureVPN app for Android is also simple and aesthetically pleasing.

Both mobile apps do not offer the same level of customization and ease-of-use settings as the desktop versions, which is largely due to the inherent limitations of mobile platforms.

Both mobile applications offer features such as split tunneling, fallback connections, and customizable VPN server selection. However, it is important to note that the kill switch feature is not available on iOS devices.

Additionally, we encountered frequent connection issues while using PureVPN on iOS, including Error Code 408, which significantly impacted the mobile experience.

We also faced difficulties logging into various devices using the same credentials, despite their accuracy. To resolve this, we had to reset our password to access both Android devices and the Fire TV Stick.

PureVPN’s Fire TV Stick App

PureVPN offers a dedicated app for the Fire TV Stick, designed for seamless installation and user-friendly operation.

The app automatically connects you to a proxy protocol optimized for streaming, though you have the option to manually choose a more private protocol if desired.

The app features a server list, a settings menu that includes protocol options and split tunneling, and a primary connect button. Users can filter for P2P servers, mark their favorite servers, and view information on ping times.

Multiple Language Options Across Most Devices

PureVPN has enhanced accessibility by offering support for 12 languages on Windows, macOS, and Android. Unfortunately, language options are not available on iOS.

The supported languages are:

• Chinese
• Dutch
• English
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Turkish