PureVPN review 2023 – Is this the Privacy-Friendly VPN?

Throughout our testing of the PureVPN app, this PureVPN review highlights the VPN’s top-notch performance. Its speeds were some of the fastest, the servers are across the globe, and the security is up to the mark! If you require a PureVPN subscription, we recommend its long-term plan.

Now, before we get to the main aspects of this review, you need to understand what VPN reviews are all about, and how they’re conducted. It’s to give you a clear idea of what you’re about to invest in PureVPN. This PureVPN review will cover everything the provider offers in terms of security, unblocking abilities, speeds, and server coverage.

VPN reviews often vary from person to person, so it’s great to keep your views open about the results. The end result also depends on how fast you’re connection speeds are, or your physical location in comparison to the VPN server you’re connected to.

We’ll be breaking up the PureVPN app into sections, reviewing, and testing each crucial part that highlights the reliability of the VPN.

PureVPN Review 2023 at a Glance

Don’t feel like going through the entire PureVPN review, maybe this table will help you understand what the VPN offers:

Base	Hong Kong
Price	$2.08/mo.
Servers	6500+ servers in 78+ countries
Logs	no
Multi-logins	10 devices
Refund	31-days
Recommended	Yes
Website	Purevpn.com

What do we know about PureVPN?

How we rated the PureVPN app

Cybersecurity measures are extremely crucial for online protection and privacy, and a VPN is a major part of it. This is why we conduct VPN reviews, to check if the provider works up to the mark.

To conduct this PureVPN review, we tested the VPN using a few guidelines, like in the list below. Through this, all results on the PureVPN app’s performance were gathered.

Pricing – How Expensive is PureVPN?

When looking for the best VPN service, you need to also check whether the provider is affordable or not. This will give you an idea of what features and performance to expect for the price you’re paying. It turns out that PureVPN is among some of the best cheap VPN services that offer a significant discount on its 2-year plan.

Need an idea of what PureVPN costs overall? Take a look at its packages below:

The PureVPN prices fall into 3 plans:

• $10.95 for the 1-month plan
• $2.99/mo. for the 1-year plan
• $1.99/mo. for the 2-year plan (82% off) (BEST PRICE)

I feel the monthly plan is a little overpriced, but it’s still cheaper than most providers. The yearly and biennial packages are quite feasible, with the 2-year plan being the most affordable.

Although, if you’re still looking for other top VPN services that offer more affordable plans, there are cheap VPN services you can look at.

If you’re wondering if there is a free trial available, there isn’t any. However, if you’re still looking for a free trial, you could always use the VPN during its refund period. Refer to the 31-day money-back guarantee below.

31-Day Money-Back Guarantee

As mentioned above, there is no free trial available on PureVPN, but, there is a reliable refund period that you can use as a free trial by hacking one. The PureVPN refund period is pretty great according to me. It offers a day extra to test the VPN compared to most VPN services. So, if you subscribe to any one of the PureVPN plans, you get a 31-day money-back guarantee over it. Always make sure you go through the entire refund policy to understand where the refund applies. Here’s a snippet from it:

 

Payment methods

Sometimes, you need to see the kind of payment methods a VPN provider offers. Certain payment methods allow a user to maintain their anonymity. Here is a list of all the PureVPN payment methods:

• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Credit cards
• AliPay
• Payment wall
• Skrill
• Bitcoin

Location – Is PureVPN part of a safe jurisdiction?

PureVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands, a safe region, free of heavy online surveillance.

The location of a VPN might not seem very important but it is. In most cases, a VPN is located in a country that is under high surveillance. Users need to be aware of this.

However, there are some situations where a VPN might be located in the eye’s vicinity, but at the same time offer a strict no-logs policy. So, you need to consider both of these facts when choosing a VPN.

The British Virgin Islands is a region controlled by Puerto Rico, it’s an offshore jurisdiction and there aren’t any data-retention laws. It means PureVPN is located in a safe jurisdiction. 

PureVPN Server Network

The VPN you choose needs to offer a wide platform of servers spread in countries all over the globe. Secondly, the number of servers is a plus point. This gives users a comprehensive option to choose from in case the one they require works too slow.

PureVPN, luckily, is a premium provider that offers a wide server network of around 6500+ servers in 71+ countries, and 89+ locations! That’s plenty of coverage to go around! You’ll find most of the servers based in Europe, with the second-largest coverage in North America.

When you connect to these servers, PureVPN will allow you to create a virtual shield where your ISP won’t be able to track your physical location or your IP address. It can, however, detect the connection to these virtual servers.

PureVPN QR Servers

PureVPN offers Quantum Resistance servers that other VPNs don’t provide. Having QR servers is crucial as they enhance privacy, security, and anonymity on all devices. Connecting to the QR servers of PureVPN allows you to access and enjoy safer online banking and crypto transactions. Also, they provide cutting-edge privacy and future-proof users against potential cyber vulnerabilities. That said, it also protects online blueprints from illegal surveillance.

Does PureVPN work in China?

Yes, it does.

There are only a few VPN services that work in China, and that too with great difficulty. This is because China, among other countries practices online surveillance, blocks access to VPN services.

Luckily, PureVPN works in China! However, the functionality might vary from user to user, which is quite common, considering that not many providers work there.

To access the local content or websites within this sovereign state, you can connect to one of the neighboring China servers, and to access international services, you can connect to the US or UK servers. This depends on what you’re trying to unblock.

However, I did contact the support chat asking for the best server to use in China, and one agent did mention that a VPN client wasn’t required. This is because they offer optimized servers for access in China that can be manually configured on your device.

Here’s a full list of the optimized PureVPN servers that you can use in China, without actually downloading the VPN app! This is extremely useful considering that downloading the app in China might be a little difficult, as it is in most countries.

Need an idea of what they look like? Take a look at the image below:

Does PureVPN offer dedicated IP addresses?

Yes, it does.

There are cases where VPN users require a dedicated IP address. This is for private and secure access to the internet. Sometimes, certain shared IP addresses are often blacklisted, depending on the kind of activities certain users carry out. The user connected to the same shared IP address after that could be in hot water because of it. This is why users require a personal IP address that only they can use.

PureVPN offers dedicated IP addresses in 7 locations (the US, UK, Singapore, Malta, Germany, Australia, and Canada).

The dedicated IP, of course, can be bought for a price of $2.99/mo., on top of any subscription package.

Security – The PureVPN encryption and protocol review

The security features of a VPN are highly crucial to stay safe and anonymous online. You might need a VPN to access geo-blocked services but what’s the point if they’re not done undetected?

So, keeping that in mind, let’s review what PureVPN has to offer in terms of security protection, starting with its:

Encryption

The best kind of encryption is the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, and PureVPN offers it. You’ll even find all of its protocols utilizing the same encryption standards, except for PPTP that uses 128-bit encryption.

Protocols

The best protocols are required for better security and faster speeds, and right now, the industry’s best is either OpenVPN or WireGuard. PureVPN on the other hand offers a standard but great selection of protocols to choose from. They include:

• WireGuard
• OpenVPN ( Available on Windows, Android and macOS apps)
• IKEv2
• IPsec
• L2TP
• SSTP
• Proxy

Added to the list of protocols is Wireguard for better speeds and streaming!

The best protocol to use would be OpenVPN since it comes with the best encryption and speeds. However, OpenVPN isn’t available on the iOS app that you can replace with IKEv2 or IPsec.

When you connect to the PureVPN server, you should check your connection details, like in the image below. It’ll show you which protocol you’re connected to. There’s also the option of manually switching it as well.

Kill Switch

A Kill Switch is one of the more advanced features that a VPN should offer. It secures a user’s data and anonymity, even after the VPN connection accidentally or voluntarily stops midway. PureVPN does offer a Kill Switch feature for Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. 

Sadly, there’s no Kill Switch option for the iOS app, which is quite common.

Split-Tunneling

PureVPN offers a Split-tunneling feature, which is great for those who’d like to re-route only certain traffic through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel. It works both ways, you either choose which app, streaming service or website to include or exclude through the VPN’s tunnel.

Leak protection

PureVPN offers IPV6, DNS and WebRTC leak protection. This will make sure that when you’re connected to the VPN and access geo-blocked websites or any platform for that matter, your data, anonymity, and activities stay anonymous. It holds tight and secures your physical location or IP.

VPN modes

The VPN comes with certain modes according to what you require the VPN for, allowing you to optimize your speeds accordingly. It offers a streaming mode, internet freedom mode, security/privacy mode, file-sharing, and dedicated IP.

Obfuscation in all Apps

PureVPN has updated all of its apps with obfuscation. These servers are highly customized to shield VPN client. By connecting to an obfuscated server, you can get around geo-limitations and access the internet at the highly-restricted networks. That said, you can effortlessly dodge network blocks regardless of your location. Thus, obfuscated servers are more usable in countries with strict surveillance, such as China, Egypt, and Iran. 

Domain Fronting

Every other feature delivers the best privacy practices when tested. The newly introduced Domain fronting is one among them. PureVPN is focused on delivering complete digital liberty.  It is designed to connect you with a VPN server with an alternate domain address that your ISP cannot block. It helps circumvent content censorship. With Domain Fronting, you can change the website’s domain name and access an exciting world of content. 

PureKeep

PureVPN has introduced a privacy-friendly new feature of PureKeep. It is dedicated to securing your passwords within impenetrable privacy protection. It helps create hard-to-crack passwords that protect your sensitive data from nefarious cybercriminals to access. PureKeep allows you to keep all of your passwords in one place. There is no limit to secure passwords in these assigned vaults. Also, it permits you to share these vaults with the people you trust. You can use this feature on any device. 

Multiport on Android

Multiport is one of the modern features, and not many VPNs offer it. PureVPN has a Multiport feature for Android devices. Once you connect to the Multiport feature, it allows you to connect to several servers simultaneously. It helped me during streaming Disney Plus and doing some remote work, and it saved a lot of my time, which can be wasted having to close and restart the VPN client. Also, it enhances my internet connection throughout my binge-streaming of The Villians of Valley View. 

Additional security features (paid)

Dedicated Streaming Servers

PureVPN has a shortcut for dedicated streaming apps. It arrives with ease for media lovers like me. I tested all of these streaming-oriented servers and witnessed lower latency, decent connections, and uninterrupted bandwidth while binge-watching The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu and Mayflies on BBC.

Also, I connected to Netflix US, HBO Go, Amazon Prime US, Netflix CA, Fox Sports Go, and other streaming services. The speeds were on 40Mbps, and there wasn’t any connectivity drop.

Invisibility – The PureVPN leak test

A major part of the PureVPN security is whether or not the VPN leaks DNS, IP, and WebRTC. There’s no point in you trying to invest in a VPN for streaming or fast speeds when the software leaks your data. So, to make sure PureVPN is up to mark, I put it through a series of tests.

Luckily, PureVPN passed all three tests. You’ll find the results below:

I first connected to a US server on the PureVPN app, replacing my physical location with a virtual server provided to me through the app.

For the IP leak test, I conducted the test on ipleak.org. The results I got were completely leak-free!

For the DNS leak test, I conducted the test on dnsleak.com. The results I got were completely leak-free!

For the webRTC leak test, I conducted the test on browserleaks.com. The results I got were completely leak-free!

Does PureVPN Unblock Netflix and Other Streaming Services?

Yes! It does!

As mentioned above, most users invest in the best VPN services to unblock geo-restricted streaming services. This is usually within heavily restricted or surveillanced countries. Among these services, including popular options like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime.

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services. However, as popular as it is, it’s also equally difficult to unblock. And, with that being said only a few VPN services work with Netflix. Luckily, PureVPN does work with Netflix and a couple of other platforms.

Upon testing, I managed to gain access to:

• Netflix
• BBC iPlayer
• Hulu
• Disney Plus
• Amazon Prime
• HBO GO

Again, the results may vary from user to user, depending on your physical location, your internet speeds, and other factors.

Does PureVPN Support Torrenting?

Yes, it does. PureVPN supports torrenting and even offers dedicated servers for it.

When trying to review the PureVPN app, you need to keep many factors under consideration. Besides the unblocking abilities and access to streaming services, torrenting allowance is something to look into. You’ll find some of the best torrent sites often blocked in most countries – either they’re geo-restricted or they are a violation against copyright laws.

Users need to be extremely careful while trying to access them. A VPN is one of the safest ways to access P2P platforms, and luckily, PureVPN works well with them. You’ll even find a few servers labeled with P2P allowance against them. Here’s a sample:

However, if your main focus lies in P2P activities, there are other and more reliable torrenting VPN services to consider.

Now, progressing ahead in this review, I’ll be highlighting the PureVPN speed tests. What’s a VPN for streaming and torrenting without great speeds?

Speed – Does PureVPN Offers Blazing Speeds?

Yes, PureVPN delivered pretty fast and steady speeds.

A VPN is not supposed to increase the speed drastically. That’s one of the most common VPN myths or misconceptions. They’re in turn are supposed to stabilize the connection speeds that you’re already working with.

In general, an ISP is commonly known to throttle the speeds of its users, slowing it down, and limiting the bandwidth usage. When you connect to a VPN, you’re able to bypass ISP throttling, making your speeds steadier and faster than before.

There are some circumstances when the server you connect to slows down your speeds further. This is because of your physical location in comparison to the server you’re connected to.

When I put PureVPN through a series of speed tests, there are a few popular servers I connected to, to test them out. I ran this test over a 215Mbps connection. Here are the results:

Speed test without connection to PureVPN was 215Mbps:

PureVPN speed test US server was 80.75Mbps:

The speed test of the UK server was 80.22Mbps:

PureVPN speed test CA server was 86.66Mbps:

The speed test AUS server was 98.71Mbps:

PureVPN speed test German server was 98.85Mbps:

The PureVPN server speeds are some of the fastest ever received! In fact, if I compare them to ExpressVPN, they’re almost on the same level! 

In general, the minimum requirement for 4K/HD streams according to various streaming services is 15Mbps/18/Mbps. However, all the servers tested in this PureVPN review and further, are definitely the best for streaming and torrenting without buffering issues.

Device Compatibility – Does PureVPN Support Major Devices and Operating Systems?

Most users require VPN services that support many platforms and offer multi-device connections for maximum support. Luckily, PureVPN allows simultaneous connections on up to 10 devices. Besides, it has options for manual VPN configuration through supported Wifi routers for devices that don’t support native VPN apps. When testing the PureVPN app, I manually configured the VPN on my WiFi router and extended a connection to Roku, Kodi, PlayStation, and Xbox. That said, it worked perfectly on all the devices, and I didn’t encounter any VPN hiccups. 

PureVPN for PC/Windows

As for device compatibility, PureVPN has apps for numerous platforms that are best for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. PureVPN offers 4 apps for your computers, including:

1. Windows
2. MacOS 
3. Linux 
4. Chromebook

PureVPN Apps for Mobile Devices

It has compatible devices for 4 mobile devices, including

1. iPhone
2. iPad
3. Android
4. Huawei

PureVPN for Browser Extensions

You can easily download the PureVPN browser extension for following of the web browsers:

1. Chrome browser
2. Firefox browser
3. Microsoft Edge browser
4. Brave browser

PureVPN for Streaming Devices

PureVPN has supportive apps for major streaming devices. All of the apps have a sophisticated and easy-to-use UI. Along with user-friendly features. You can effortlessly install PureVPN on these streaming devices: 

1. Amazon Fire TV
2. Android TV
3. Apple TV 
4. Samsung TV
5. Nvidia
6. Chromecast

PureVPN for Gaming Consoles

You deserve a VPN that comes with supportive apps for gaming consoles so you enjoy restriction-free streaming with unlimited bandwidth on your favorite console. Also, you can download and play your much-anticipated games staying anonymous with the best privacy features of PureVPN. When tested, I easily installed the PureVPN app on the following consoles:

1. Xbox
2. PlayStation

PureVPN for Routers

PureVPN has supportive apps for following of the WiFi routers: 

1. DD-WRT Applet 
2. Other WiFi Routers 

The PureVPN Windows and Android Apps

All of my PureVPN tests were conducted on the Windows and Android app. However, I found the Android app slightly better in terms of settings and the Windows app in terms of speeds and unblocking abilities.

The Windows app was quick and easy to install, simple to sign in and navigate through. Here’s what it looks like:

Upon signing in, you’ll directly see this as a default with a connecting sign. When you hit the connect button, you’ll automatically be connected to the best server depending on your proximity to the location. 

When I headed to the settings, I found a lack of security features as compared to the Android app. The windows app only had a Kill Switch and a protocol manual switcher. But I guess this varies from user to user depending on what device you’re using and its version.

The Android app, however, had more options to choose from, like a profile setting mode, depending on what activities you’re doing. The settings offer a Kill Switch, protocol switching, Split-Tunneling, and a Multi-Port option. Here’s what the Android app and its settings look like:

Does PureVPN allow multi-device connections?

Yes, it does.

PureVPN allows people to make up to 10 simultaneous device connections with one subscription. This means that along with your Windows and Android, you’ll be able to connect to eight other devices.

But, since PureVPN is compatible with routers, you’ll be able to extend the connection to more devices or for those that PureVPN doesn’t offer a native app.

Reliability – Is PureVPN safe?

Yes, PureVPN is safe and operates using AES 256-bit encryption to secure your connection. Furthermore, it did not leak any DNS and the Kill Switch feature worked great!

However, there are still other factors to look into, like the no-logs policy. So, let’s get into that:

PureVPN no-logs policy (After the Audit)

There was a slip back in 2016 where this provider logged and shared a significant amount of user data with the FBI during a criminal investigation. This went against their no-logs policy, driving users away.

However, they’ve revamped their entire software, building up a new and improved no-logs policy. PureVPN then put itself through an Audit, conducted by Altius IT, one of the leading auditors in the US.

Here’s a glimpse of the new no-logs policy:

This provider does, however, collect a very minimalistic amount of data, which includes:

• User name
• Email
• Payment method

Even though you can pretty much create any random name and email, PureVPN in short does not log user data, making it one of the safest. Plus, PureVPN has been audited twice!

24/7 Active chat support

Coming toward the end of this PureVPN review, let’s talk about the support chat.

A part of the reliability of a provider revolves around the chat support or support team. There are many reviews regarding the incompetence of the staff. However, personal experience is always required. The support chat assisted me around the clock attended to every query to the best of their ability.

PureVPN according to Reddit

Besides my own review and personal experience with this great provider, it’s important to look into other PureVPN reviews, and Reddit is a great platform to go with. Below I’ll be highlighting a couple of PureVPN reviews, both positive and negative shared by Reddit users.

However, keep in mind that these reviews are a little outdated since the app has had many fixes and upgrades since this year.

Verdict – Should I Trust PureVPN?

Yes, I trust PureVPN for many reasons. When I tested and reviewed the PureVPN app, it ticks all the boxes of privacy, security, bandwidth, reliability, and the best unblocking capabilities. I found PureVPN the best VPN for use if you are concerned about your virtual privacy or want to explore a restriction-free internet. Above all, it promises a no-logs policy that declares my web browsing activities are safe from any kind of data surveillance.