PureVPN review 2025: Can it compete with the leading VPNs?

PureVPN is a budget-friendly VPN that strikes a balance between affordability and security. It starts at just $2.14 per month, which is affordable for such a feature-rich VPN. KPMG has audited its no-logs policy to verify that your data remains private.

PureVPN is fast, perfect for streaming and gaming. It consistently works with Netflix in the US, UK, Japan, and other countries. Dedicated streaming servers optimize your performance, minimizing buffering while making it easier to find the right server.

PureVPN supports the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, both of which use 256-bit encryption. Dedicated IPs and residential IPs are available for improved accessibility. These servers are great for secure remote work, hosting, bypassing geo-blocks, and accessing stubborn services.

Device compatibility is outstanding. Pure has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and the PureVPN Linux app is one of the best. The VPN supports routers, protecting your entire household.

If you want a cheap, privacy-focused VPN, then PureVPN remains a solid choice. It’s fast, secure, even if the apps are a bit cluttered. Plus, it is the only VPN with an always-on audit, which puts it ahead of the game in terms of operational transparency. I cover all of this and below in this detailed PureVPN review.

PureVPN review key data

* Average speed over multiple global locations based across multiple speed tests per day.

PureVPN review pros and cons

Those looking for an affordable VPN with strong unblocking capabilities and a large server network will find PureVPN appealing. Below, I’ve summarized its pros and cons based on my in-depth testing. I’ll provide additional details about each VPN feature later in this review.

Do I recommend PureVPN?

Yes! PureVPN is one of the best value VPNs I’ve tested. It’s incredibly cheap, starting at just $2.14 per month, and delivers a massive feature set. Users will enjoy its fast speeds, reliability, and apps packed with security features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling.

Dedicated streaming servers ensure minimal buffering, and it’s optimized for torrenting. One caveat? The extra charge for port forwarding is annoying, meaning that heavy torrent users might prefer PIA or PrivateVPN. That said, speeds are fantastic, and the apps are OK for VPN beginners.

PureVPN is one of the few VPNs that work in China, thanks to domain fronting and obfuscation. It has both physical and virtual servers in 65+ countries. And its virtual servers are labeled in the app, so no confusion there. Dedicated IPs are available as an add-on, and you can rent a residential IP address if needed.

I was impressed by its apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux (one of the best Linux VPN GUI apps on the market). It also supports routers and offers 10 simultaneous connections, which is perfect for families. The only premium security feature it doesn’t offer is diskless servers, leaving some room for improvement.

Overall, PureVPN is an impressive, feature-rich VPN that outperforms its price point. If you want a fast, cheap VPN that is great for privacy, it is well worth taking for a spin using the 31-day money-back guarantee.

Features

PureVPN provides a comprehensive suite of security and privacy features. Its network extends to over 6,000 servers in 65 countries. This makes it useful for bypassing censorship and accessing geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix. It’s also ideal for accessing home services while you’re on vacation.

The VPN supports a variety of protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. This ensures optimal data security and grants faster speeds for data-intensive activities like streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

PureVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV. It makes browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave. Note that those extensions offer a standalone HTTPS proxy rather than a full VPN connection. Router compatibility is great. And it offers setup guides. Plus, you can quickly access the details to set up your router via live chat.

Each subscriber can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously: perfect for larger families or individuals who own multiple devices. It is well-suited for users who need a VPN at home, at work, and while connected to public wifi.

Core VPN features

Here are some of the core features included in a PureVPN subscription:

• Global server network: PureVPN offers 6,000+ servers in 65 countries, ensuring strong global coverage. These include servers in under-represented regions, such as Africa or the Middle East.
• Secure VPN protocols: Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, offering a balance between security and speed.
• Kill switch: Prevents accidental data leaks by disconnecting your internet if the VPN connection drops.
• Split tunneling: Available on Windows, Android, and macOS. Allows you to select which apps use the VPN connection.
• Streaming servers: Pure VPN has dedicated streaming servers labeled in its apps. It is optimized for Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, and France), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other platforms.
• Torrenting support: Many PureVPN servers support P2P traffic, making it a reliable option for torrenting.
• No-logs policy: Independently audited “always-on” no-logs policy is subject to random on-the-spot security checks by the third-party security company KPMG.
• Automation features: Automatically launches a website in your browser when you connect to a pre-set VPN server.
• 31-Day money-back guarantee: Allows users to test the service risk-free.

Advanced security & privacy features

There are some advanced features included:

• Obfuscation and Domain fronting: Helps to bypass censorship and firewalls, making PureVPN a viable choice for use in China and other restrictive regions.
• Perfect forward secrecy: Regularly changes encryption keys to prevent past communications from being compromised.
• DDoS protection: An optional add-on for additional security against targeted attacks.

Additional features

One place PureVPN stands out is its additional features, many of which come at an extra cost. The main ones are listed below.

• Port forwarding: Available as a paid add-on, allowing users to host servers and optimize torrenting connections. Starts at $1.49 per month extra.
• Dark web monitoring: Part of the PurePrivacy suite, providing alerts if personal data appears in breaches.
• Tracker blocking & ad blocking: Built into the PurePrivacy add-on to enhance privacy and reduce unwanted ads.
• Transparency reports: Pure VPN publishes biannual transparency reports that offer subscribers info regarding legal data requests and warrants.
• Dedicated IP: Static dedicated IPs that are reserved for a single user only. Available as an add-on that costs $2.49 per month. You can also rent a residential IP in the USA.
• Max plan: You can purchase PureVPN as part of a mega-bundle that comes with PureKeep (password manager), PureEncrypt (file encryption), and a data removal service that deletes your information from data brokers.

PureVPN price and plans

PureVPN offers several subscription plans. Those seeking a VPN on its own can get the Standard plan. This, like all its plans, is available on a monthly, yearly, two-year, or 5-year plan. The longer you commit, the bigger the discount you get.

Compared to similar services, PureVPN provides highly competitive pricing, especially on its 2-year plan. You can bundle PureVPN with extras such as a password manager, depending on your needs.

The only drawback is that PureVPN’s pricing structure can feel intimidating, especially for beginners. Users get a lot of choices, and while this is good news for people who know what they need, it can overwhelm users new to VPNs.

If that’s you, and all you need is a VPN, the two-year Standard plan is the best place to start (and it comes with an awesome discount when you follow our link – more on this later!)

Below, I’ve included an in-depth breakdown of PureVPN’s prices:

PureVPN Standard pricing

The standard plan offers unlimited access to the VPN, including all its core features. It also includes PurePrivacy, a native DNS-based tracker blocker that helps protect your online privacy.

• Monthly Plan (Standard): $12.95 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $3.99 per month ($47.95 total)
• 2-Year Plan (with 3 months extra free): $2.14 per month ($57.95 total)
• 5-Year Plan: $2.16 per month ($129.95 total)

PureVPN Plus pricing

The Plus Plan provides all the VPN features you get with the Standard plan and adds PureKeep to your subscription. PureKeep is a secure password manager that helps you generate, store, and autofill your passwords online.

• Monthly Plan (Plus): $15.95 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $5.82 per month ($69.95 total)
• 2-Year Plan (with 3 months extra free): $2.96 per month ($89.95 total)
• 5-Year Plan: $2.66 per month ($159.60 total)

PureVPN Max pricing

The Max Plan is perfect for users looking to get a VPN as part of a bundle that generates even better value for money. It packs everything from the Plus Plan with additional tools: Data Removal from data brokers and dark web monitoring.

These features provide greater control over your data while helping to secure you from online scams and hackers. It comes with PureEncrypt, an encryption solution that secures your files and folders for local or cloud storage.

• Monthly Plan (Max): $19.95 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $7.07 per month ($84.95 total)
• 2-Year Plan (with 3 months extra free): $3.66 per month ($109.95 total)
• 5-Year Plan: $3.33 per month ($199.80 total)

Multi-Use Plans

• Family Plan: $8.33 per month (2-year plan), allowing up to 5 separate accounts.
• Duo Plan: $3.12 per month (2-year plan), offering two Standard accounts.
• Teams: $5.83 per use per month for up to 1000 users.

Add-ons and prices

PureVPN offers several add-ons for users who need additional functionality:

• Dedicated IP address: $4.99 per month or $2.49 per month with a long-term plan.
• Port forwarding: $1.49 per month (some competitors offer this for free, but PureVPN keeps the base price low by making it an add-on).
• Dedicated IP + port forwarding bundle: $3.49 per month.
• Residential IP address: $20.24 per month (ideal for those needing a true ISP-assigned IP address).
• Dedicated server: Available starting at $15 per month. Perfect for users who need their own VPN server for hosting or other use cases.

PureVPN discounts

PureVPN offers significant discounts on its long-term plans. Better still, you can get an exclusive money-saving offer by following the link in this review. We have agreed on a discount for our readers that gives you 83% off the 2-year plan. That makes PureVPN Standard just $2.14 per month.

Payment methods and refunds

PureVPN accepts a wide variety of payment options, including:

• Credit Cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay)
• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, via Paymentwall)
• Paymentwall (for additional local payment methods)

If you want to try PureVPN firsthand, you can enjoy its 31-day money-back guarantee. That allows you to install the VPN on your devices and compare it to any other VPN that interests you.

Testing the money-back guarantee

The money-back guarantee is valid for all subscriptions, including the monthly plan. It also applies to any add-ons, including dedicated IP addresses and port forwarding. This is an excellent refund policy because many other VPNs exclude dedicated IPs from their guarantee.

Remember that the refund is only valid for new customers. You are not eligible to get your money back if your account auto-renews. Thus, remember to cancel your account before you receive a recurring charge. You can cancel your account in the members’ area of the website at any time to prevent recurring payments.

I tested PureVPN’s refund policy by subscribing to a 1-year plan and requesting a refund after three weeks, which was well within the 31-day window. The process was straightforward:

1. Contacting customer support: I reached out via email as instructed on the refund policy page. I explained that I wanted a refund because I realized a VPN isn’t for me, and I don’t need one.
2. Cancellation request: Next, I canceled my subscription through my account settings.
3. Confirmation: I received a confirmation email that said my refund request had been initiated.
4. Processing time: After that, I just had to wait. The refund took around 5 working days to be credited back to my account. However, PureVPN states it can take up to 30 days, so bear that in mind.

In the past, some users have complained about difficulties invoking the money-back guarantee due to conditions such as limitations on the number of connections or bandwidth usage. I checked its refund policy and found no such conditions. In addition, I was able to use the VPN as much as I wanted before getting a refund.

Note that payments made with cryptocurrencies are not eligible for refunds. Refunds for payments made on Google Play or Apple App should be handled through those app stores.

Does PureVPN offer value for money?

Yes, PureVPN is one of the cheapest VPNs available. The pricing can be confusing, which has led to criticisms from some users. To its credit, however, the pricing structure makes sense. PureVPN Standard is a fully-featured VPN that offers a balanced combination of features, performance, and price.

All other features are optional add-ons that most users don’t need. Including these features in the Standard plan would drive up costs for all users, which PureVPN has wisely decided against.

By offering niche extras separately, PureVPN makes additional features available to users who need them, while still providing a fully featured VPN at a competitive rate. Add-ons like dedicated IPs are priced lower than most competitors, making PureVPN competitive across the board.

I wish port forwarding were included in the basic plan, but that is a minor drawback. Still, torrenting enthusiasts may gravitate towards alternatives like PIA or PrivateVPN, which include port forwarding in their standard plans at a lower cost than PureVPN’s Standard plan with port forwarding.

Conclusion? PureVPN remains one of the best-value VPNs available in 2025.

Speed – Is PureVPN fast?

Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN. With PureVPN, you get good news: Despite being budget-friendly, the service is built on Tier-1 servers capable of providing consistently fast connections for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Offering a choice of OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, streaming optimized servers, and unlimited bandwidth, users get everything they need to enjoy fast VPN connections across 85+ international locations.

Below, I have included speed test results undertaken on a dedicated speed test server located in Manchester, UK. Our purpose-built server has been capped at 250 Mbps to provide a consistent benchmark to compare VPN providers. The server has independent Windows VMs for each VPN, and all tests use the Ookla Speed Test application (rather than the website) for greater accuracy.

I conducted speed tests using servers in North America, the UK, and Hong Kong. These results provide a clear picture of how the VPN performs across its entire network. I tested at AM, Noon, and PM to arrive at local and global averages.

Speed test results

The results were exceptional. PureVPN isn’t just one of the fastest budget VPNs: it’s one of the fastest VPNs period. The lunchtime results were a touch slower than the AM tests, but still quicker than most competitors.

As expected, long-distance server averages showed a slight speed drop due to the distances the traffic had to travel. However, the reduction was minimal. Pure VPN maintained remarkable consistency across its entire network.

If speed is your priority, PureVPN is well worth considering. The VPN is ideal for smooth browsing, HD and 4K streaming, gaming, torrenting, and other data-intensive activities. For the price, these speed results are practically unbeatable.

Device compatibility (VPN apps)

PureVPN offers dedicated apps for a broad range of operating systems and devices. It’s an extremely versatile VPN suitable for gaining privacy and accessibility on most gadgets.

It supports: Windows, Mac (macOS), Linux, Chromebook (ChromeOS), Android, iOS (iPhone/iPad), Amazon Fire TV (FireStick), Apple TV, Android TV, Huawei, Microsoft Surface, Kodi, Roku, Boxee, Now TV Box, Raspberry Pi, Chromecast (detailed setup guides provided), PlayStation (via a router or a VPN protected hotspot), and Xbox (via router or VPN protected hotspot).

As you can see, PureVPN is one of the most cross-compatible VPNs on the market, and it provides helpful setup guides to help you use the VPN on all the listed devices.

Platform-specific details

Below, we’ve outlined the features available and those not available for each platform, allowing you to see which functionalities are platform-specific.

Windows

macOS

Android

iOS

Linux

PureVPN is one of the few VPNs that offers a full graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux. It’s a superb choice for users who prefer a visual interface over a command-line setup.

Despite being streamlined compared to its Windows counterpart, the Linux app delivers decent core VPN functionality. Linux users get a kill switch, manual server selection, and protocol choices (including OpenVPN and WireGuard.

While it lacks some of the advanced features available on other platforms, you can still bolt on port forwarding, making it a frontline choice for Linux users who torrent.

While it may not match the feature set of competitors like Private Internet Access (PIA), PureVPN’s Linux app is still highly impressive for the price point.

Simultaneous connections

Subscribers can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it a great choice for families or power users who own many devices. This is an impressive number of connections for a VPN that costs $2.14 per month. You can upgrade to add extra connections if you need them, giving you plenty of flexibility.

PureVPN supports a variety of VPN-compatible routers, allowing you to protect all network-connected devices in your home with a single connection. Setup guides for many popular router models appear on its website.

PureVPN for routers supports OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, WireGuard, IPSec, or IKEv2, depending on your needs and preferences. You can easily get the config files you need to manually set up the VPN on a router from the member’s area of the website:

Supported router models include:

• DD-WRT
• Tomato
• Fresh Tomato
• Asus
• Belkin
• D-Link
• NetGear (Netduma and Nighthawk)
• Linksys
• MikroTik
• TP-Link
• pfSense
• Open-WRT
• Synology NAS,
• Sabai
• OPNsense
• TRENDnet
• GL.inet

Setting up PureVPN on a router ensures that all devices in your home are protected as soon as they connect to the wifi. This provides privacy for all connected devices and family members. It also extends VPN protection to devices that don’t support direct VPN installation, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, and IoT devices.

Browser extensions

PureVPN offers lightweight browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave, providing quick access to servers with an easy-to-use interface. A browser extension can allow you to change your location on a device that doesn’t permit installing a full VPN app, such as a work computer with restricted installation permissions or a Chromebook. In such cases, users may find they can install a browser extension without the same restrictions, providing a way to bypass blocks at college or work.

PureVPN browser extensions act as HTTPS proxies, meaning they only encrypt browser traffic, not other internet activity on your device. They are helpful for quick location spoofing but not for full-device encryption. As a result, local network admins will still be able to detect the domains you visit via DNS queries. If this is a concern, then stick to using the full VPN app, which encrypts all web traffic.

The browser extensions lack advanced security features such as a kill switch, split tunneling, streaming-optimized servers, and port forwarding. If you need these features, then use the primary PureVPN apps instead.

Ease of use

During this PureVPN review, I tested the service for three weeks on Windows, Android, and iOS to see how reliable and easy it is to use. I found the VPN easy to navigate and useful for both beginners and advanced users. It’s simple to install on any device, and the feature set and layout remain pretty consistent across platforms. Moving from one device to the next is hassle-free.

The apps have a modern, sleek aesthetic with a dark gray background and PureVPN’s signature purple accents. A light theme is also available with a white background if the dark theme doesn’t appeal. I prefer sticking to dark mode as it’s easier on the eyes during late-night streaming sessions.

Overall, I found the app to be a great all-around workhorse. Keep reading to learn more about my experiences testing the Windows and Android versions.

PureVPN for Windows

Installing PureVPN on Windows is hassle-free. Installation is quick, and the app installs all the dependencies you need, meaning you don’t need to do anything technical.

Once logged in, I was greeted with a large Connect button that automatically selects the best server based on location and speed. The one-click feature is perfect for users who need privacy but aren’t concerned about changing their IP address to a specific location.

The server selection menu is well-organized, making it easy to locate the server you need. Users can pick between countries, cities, and servers optimized for specific streaming platforms.

One potential drawback is that you can’t choose to use the same IP address for each session. The feature is now available with competitors like IPVanish and Surfshark and can be extremely useful for users who need access to online poker sites, gaming platforms, or freelance work websites like Upwork, known to flag users for suspicious activity if their IP address regularly changes.

Streaming servers on Windows

To use its streaming-optimized servers for 69+ platforms (as well as servers labeled to access social media platforms, ChatGPT, Coinbase, and more), click on the tab that says Shortcuts:

Each server displays its ping in milliseconds, making it easier to choose a server with better performance.

You can sort servers by alphabet, popularity, or ping, depending on your needs:

On the left panel, you can access favorite servers, recently used locations, and recommended servers. These are all neatly arranged to provide quick access.

Under Locations, you can choose between All Servers, Torrenting Servers (P2P), Quantum Resistant (QR) Servers for added security, Port Forwarding (PF) Servers, and Virtual Servers (V).

The virtual server category lets you see which servers aren’t physically located in the location of the IP address they provide. My only issue with PureVPN’s virtual labeling is that most users want the inverse: to identify physical servers and avoid virtual ones. PureVPN makes that more complicated than it should be. I’d prefer to see a clear “V” label next to virtual servers in the All Servers list. This would make it easy to stick to physical servers for activities that require jurisdictional transparency.

Windows app settings

The Settings menu is easily accessible at the bottom of the menu, on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Here, users can manually select their preferred VPN protocol. It comes set to Automatic Protocol Selection by default, which makes it impossible to know which protocol is being used.

I recommend switching to WireGuard for the fastest speeds, or using OpenVPN UDP if you want to take advantage of Quantum-resistant servers for added protection. (WireGuard and IKEv2 do not currently offer access to the QR servers.)

If you prefer to retain full control over the protocol used to connect, I recommend deactivating the ‘Connect to Fallback’ switch. It ensures that the VPN uses your preferred tunneling protocol without automatically switching to another one.

Split tunneling on Windows

I tested the split tunneling feature by setting Firefox to use the VPN. Then, I connected to the VPN and ran IP address checks on Firefox and Chrome.

As expected, Chrome allowed me to browse the web using my home IP address, while Firefox routed me through the VPN. This is useful for users who want to torrent through the VPN while accessing other services, such as internet banking or local streaming platforms, using their regular IP address.

PureVPN’s split tunneling works in reverse compared to competitors. Rather than excluding apps from the VPN tunnel, you choose which apps to include. I prefer the other way around because it ensures that my entire computer is protected by default, until I decide to exclude something.

For those wondering, PureVPN’s split tunneling only applies to apps. It can’t be used to exclude specific domains from the VPN tunnel.

Cluttered apps

The biggest problem with PureVPN is the cluttered apps. PureVPN is full of reminders, ads, and menus for its many extra features. Out of the nine menu sections in the left-hand panel, six are for marketing additional PureVPN products that you may never use.

It feels intrusive and makes it harder to find the features you need. I would prefer the app to focus on the VPN and have a single tab that leads to all those extras. That would create a cleaner experience during day-to-day VPN use.

Did PureVPN for Windows work as advertised?

Yes. During my tests, PureVPN successfully concealed my public IP address and did not suffer from any DNS leaks. The VPN worked as expected and gave me online privacy.

Some users previously reported getting DNS leaks when using OpenVPN. However, I tested the VPN thoroughly and couldn’t replicate the problem.

PureVPN for Android

Installing PureVPN on Android was fast and easy. I downloaded it directly from the Google Play Store and had it up and running in less than a minute. The layout of the app is close to that of the Windows version. Although it’s still cluttered with ads for PureVPN’s extra services, I generally found it easier to navigate than the desktop version.

Clicking the hamburger menu in the top left provides access to the Settings and Locations tabs, which are the only ones you need for VPN use. The other tabs are necessary only to access extras, such as the password manager or data removal services.

Unlike the Windows version, split tunneling for Android lets you include or exclude apps from the VPN tunnel.

The main dashboard offers a large one-tap connect button that automatically links you to the best server based on your location. To access the full server list, open the menu. As with Windows, you can click shortcuts to find streaming and service-specific servers. Torrenting servers, virtual servers, and quantum-resistant servers are also clearly labeled.

Dedicated streaming and social media servers (including WhatsApp, Wikipedia, and X) are helpful if you need to access social media from abroad or on restricted networks. The app lets me favorite servers to find them more easily next time.

One major caveat: When I selected a streaming-optimized server on Android, it didn’t connect me directly to the best server. Instead, it prompted me to choose a location from a list.

This is confusing because on Windows, the shortcut automatically connects you to a server optimized for streaming. On Android, that doesn’t happen. Instead, you’re asked to select a country, after which the app offers to open the streaming platform in your browser.

The app doesn’t show any connection info until after you’re connected. This makes it impossible for Android users to choose the best server beforehand. The inclusion of this feature on Windows, but not Android or iOS, feels like an oversight.

Protocols on Android

Protocol switching is supported. You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP or UDP), IKEv2, or Proxy.

Proxy provides a non-encrypted connection, useful for bypassing region blocks to stream at faster speeds. Just bear in mind that this proxy offers no privacy. So it should only be used when you need accessibility without security or privacy.

Note that split tunneling doesn’t work with WireGuard, so if you want to multitask, you’ll need to stick with OpenVPN instead. This is an Android issue only. Split tunneling works fine with WireGuard on Windows.

There is no auto-connect for public wifi. If you want a VPN that connects automatically every time you use public Wi-Fi – to protect against tracking and hackers using Evil Twins – then you’ll need to shop elsewhere.

Did PureVPN for Android work as advertised?

Yes. PureVPN’s mobile app is well-designed and works as expected during testing. The VPN is DNS leak-free and provides speedy, secure connections that prevent ISPs, local networks, and public wifi hotspots from tracking me.

PureVPN for Android is fast and works great for streaming, despite not being able to access the streaming-optimized servers. I found it to be one of the best Android VPNs for streaming Netflix on my tablet.

Server network

PureVPN has servers in 66 countries. I tested the network carefully for accessibility, consistency, and reliability. Overall, the results were good. Most home users will find that PureVPN offers exactly what they need. The streaming servers, for example, make it simple to access regional streaming platforms.

Virtual servers

PureVPN uses virtual servers (servers located in a different physical location from where you receive an IP address) to run most of its network. Specifically, 42 out of 66 countries use virtual routing.

In addition, it’s not easy to tell which servers are physical. The VPN labels virtual servers, but not in a way that lets you instantly identify physical ones. Instead, you must cross-check locations in the All Servers and Virtual Servers lists. If a server isn’t marked as virtual, it’s safe to assume it’s physical. The extra step is a pain.

To make things worse, PureVPN doesn’t publish a list that explains where each virtual server is physically hosted. It’s impossible for users to track jurisdiction for privacy reasons. If jurisdictional transparency is important to you, you must either avoid virtual servers (which limits you to 24 countries) or consider shopping elsewhere.

Location issues

PureVPN’s virtual server system results in some bugs. I noticed that some users on Reddit were complaining that they sometimes received an IP address in a different location from the one they had chosen. I tested this myself and found the complaint to be valid.

When I connected to Hong Kong, for example, IP tests revealed that my location was actually in Singapore:

Such an error can cause some significant accessibility issues. So, if you have issues accessing a specific service while using a virtual server, I advise running a quick IP address check to see whether that’s the culprit.

Server metrics

• Server count: PureVPN has over 6,000 servers in 66 countries.
• Geographic distribution: Servers are located on every continent, with over 2,900 in Europe and more than 1,800 in the Americas. Asia, Africa, and Oceania are also well-covered.
• Speed indicators: The Windows app displays latency (ping) before connecting and both upload/download speeds after connecting. However, you won’t see the server load until after you connect.
• Streaming and P2P: PureVPN has streaming-optimized servers (labeled shortcuts in the apps) and P2P-optimized servers for torrenting.
• Quantum-resistant servers: PureVPN uses quantum-resistant encryption keys on some of its servers. It’s one of the first VPNs to offer protection against quantum attacks. It’s currently available in select countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, and Canada, and only when the protocol is set to automatic (which appears to default to OpenVPN UDP).
• Dedicated and residential IPs: Users can opt to pay extra for static, dedicated, and residential IPs (the latter provides a US IP from a real ISP but comes with a 12GB monthly data cap).

Comparison with Competitors

PureVPN’s server count is decent, but its servers are physically located in just 24 countries. Many market-leading VPNs use some virtual routing to implement their network, but PureVPN relies on it more heavily than most.

PureVPN does not own its servers; they are leased.  Unlike the very best VPNs, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, the VPN does not employ diskless servers.

PureVPN claims to have 6,000 servers in total, which is quite impressive. It might not match the numbers offered by competitors like Private Internet Access (35,000 servers) or CyberGhost (11,690+ servers), but it compares favorably with many leading VPN brands. In addition, the VPN’s speed results speak for themselves, with a global average of 163.65 Mbps.

Below, you can see how PureVPN’s network compares to its closest rivals:

Unique or rare locations

PureVPN offers access to servers on all continents. These include some servers in underrepresented countries that you may not always find with competitors.  Some examples include Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Cayman Islands, Nigeria, Czechia, China, Bolivia, and Aruba.

Does PureVPN Work in China?

Yes, PureVPN supports users in China. The VPN recommends using the OpenVPN UDP protocol or automatic protocol selection to connect. However, some users also report success using IKEv2 and connecting to specific servers, such as those in Hong Kong, the UK, or the US.

The reason for selecting OpenVPN UDP is that PureVPN’s implementation of the OpenVPN protocol uses obfuscation by default. Obfuscation makes it more difficult for network administrators to identify and block VPN connections.

PureVPN in China can be hit or miss. It can also be hard to subscribe while in China because Chinese ISPs are ordered to block VPN provider websites. For this reason, users traveling to China should take out a subscription and download the app before arriving in the country.

Domain fronting

PureVPN supports Domain Fronting. The technique disguises VPN traffic to help users bypass VPN blocks in countries with heavy censorship. It is enabled by default, which means you don’t need to do anything to enable it.

Domain fronting works in the background by exploiting how HTTPS connections are established. During the initial TLS handshake, a non-censored domain is revealed, and following that, the blocked site is requested in the encrypted HTTP header.

PureVPN presumably leverages domain fronting by first connecting to a permitted domain, then covertly routing your data to the actual destination. However, it is hard to verify any of this, so you have to take the VPN provider at its word.

Streaming and unblocking

PureVPN is a reliable option for accessing streaming services, both free and paid. With its network of streaming-optimized servers, the VPN makes it easy to bypass regional blocks and enjoy your favorite content from anywhere. These labeled servers are available directly in the app, removing the guesswork when trying to unblock a specific platform.

During my tests, I tested PureVPN to access popular international streaming platforms, as well as free regional services from around the world. Below is a breakdown of what I found.

Streaming overview

PureVPN worked with most of the platforms I tested, including major US services and global public broadcasters. Speeds were fast enough for HD and 4K playback, and I didn’t experience any buffering or lag. Unlike some VPNs that require trial and error, PureVPN’s streaming shortcuts connected me to the right server for each service on the first try. However, on Android, the dedicated streaming servers seem to be missing.

Split tunneling (available on Android, Windows, and macOS) means you can opt to route individual apps, such as a streaming app, through the VPN. This helps maintain higher VPN speeds by limiting which data travels over the VPN. You can stream foreign content while browsing local news or using other apps outside the VPN tunnel.

Streaming Service Compatibility

I tested the VPN extensively, and it worked flawlessly with the following platforms:

• Netflix
• Hulu
• Disney+
• Max
• Peacock
• Paramount+
• Amazon Prime
• Tubi
• BBC iPlayer
• ITVX
• Channel 4

Playback was smooth, with no errors or buffering. On occasion, you may be blocked from streaming due to your ad blocker rather than the VPN. It is easy to assume the service isn’t loading because of the VPN. However, disabling your ad blocker may make it work.

Netflix

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms, and PureVPN offers decent access to it. It has dedicated Netflix servers in the following countries: USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, India, Italy, and Japan.

Other Netflix regions may work, but you’ll need to try the regular VPN servers.

During my tests, I could access regional exclusives on the UK, USA, France, and Japan servers. Streaming was smooth, with no buffering, and speeds across PureVPN’s network are reliable enough for HD streaming.

Does PureVPN work with international streaming platforms?

To see how the VPN performs in accessing international platforms, I decided to test PureVPN with region-locked freeview streaming services worldwide. This gives you an idea of how the VPN performs to bypass region blocks on vacation.

Below, you can see the results of my tests:

• Germany: PureVPN does not have a dedicated server for ARD Mediathek. However, I was still able to stream live TV on Das Erste without issues using the regular Frankfurt, Germany, server.
• France: PureVPN did not have a dedicated server for France.tv. However, it worked perfectly to stream live TV on France.tv (France 2) using the regular Paris server.
• Brazil: I accessed GloboPlay on the Brazilian server and was able to stream local TV channels live.
• Canada: I connected to a Canadian server and streamed CBC Gem’s free on-demand content.
• Australia: I connected to the dedicated 10Play server listed in the shortcuts section. Unfortunately, it did not work for me. The service detected the VPN and blocked me.

Does PureVPN allow torrenting?

Yes, PureVPN is a solid choice for torrenting. It offers dedicated torrenting servers in many countries and allows peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing on all servers. You also get a system-level kill switch, split tunneling, and the option to add port forwarding, which is especially useful for seeding torrents.

Speeds are excellent, so you’re unlikely to notice any significant drop in download performance. Overall, I found PureVPN to be an excellent option for users who want to torrent with added privacy and protection against hackers lurking in torrent swarms.

Is PureVPN safe?

PureVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. The jurisdiction is free from mandatory data retention laws. It is also outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, meaning it cannot be forced to hand over data to foreign intelligence agencies such as the NSA in the US or GCHQ in the UK.

PureVPN has vastly improved its service and policies to improve security for its users. These include completely revamping its policies to ensure that it keeps no records of VPN use or connection data, including the user’s IP address or the servers used during a session.

It has also undergone multiple independent audits to help restore user trust. Notably, it’s the only VPN with an always-on audit agreement, meaning an independent security firm, such as KPMG, can conduct surprise checks at any time.

This type of audit addresses a common criticism I have about one-time audits: That a VPN provider could configure its network to keep no logs on the day of the audit, only to revert to logging immediately afterward.

Logging policy

PureVPN has a rock-solid no-logging policy that no longer stores any connection information. The subscribers’ actions while using the VPN cannot be traced back to them using a correlation attack like the one carried out by the FBI in 2017.

The updated logging policy explicitly states that PureVPN does not store logs of user activity, browsing history, VPN IP addresses, source IP addresses, DNS queries, or timestamps. To ensure transparency and improve trust in the service, the policy has been audited four times by independent firms, including KPMG and Altius IT.

The VPN commissioned KPMG to maintain an always-on audit. It allows for surprise inspections, meaning the VPN has to strictly adhere to the promises in its policy at all times by maintaining its network in accordance with the no-logs policy. Pure is one of the most trustworthy VPNs in terms of operational transparency.

Privacy policy analysis

For this PureVPN review, I analyzed the privacy policy carefully and can confirm that it collects only minimal data: name, email, payment method, app diagnostics, and anonymized usage statistics. The latter includes overall bandwidth usage, the number of connections made, and the day (but not the time) you connect.

The company aggregates collected data, meaning it cannot be tied to any individual, and uses it to monitor service capacity and ensure smooth performance for all users. While it’s true that researchers have shown it’s technically possible to re-attribute aggregate data, the information in question doesn’t reveal anything about a user’s specific activities. Thus, I consider it non-invasive.

One important thing to keep in mind: PureVPN retains a record of your VPN IP address when you rent a dedicated IP. As the sole user of that server, a dedicated IP is never as good for privacy as shared VPN IPs. PureVPN retains dedicated IP information for 25 days after your subscription expires.

Controversies

In 2017, PureVPN made headlines due to a warrant that forced it to cooperate with the FBI. The VPN was asked to provide connection logs relating to a suspect in a cyberstalking case. At the time, PureVPN’s policy stated that the VPN stored IP addresses and connection timestamps. As a result of this data, the FBI was able to mount a correlation attack that used VPN logs to attach the suspect’s IP address to VPN servers that had been used to obfuscate cyberstalking crimes.

Although the FBI’s case was highly focused, justified, and targeted only at one individual, the case still earned PureVPN a black mark against its name. Many privacy advocates complained that the VPN was not adequately protecting users’ privacy. The VPN decided to change its policy to stop keeping connection log time stamps and IP address logs that could be used to target users in the future.

The VPN has also implemented the following safeguards:

• Moved its official base to the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
• Eliminated connection and IP logs from its policy
• Introduced regular third-party audits
• Started releasing bi-annual transparency reports

Although the 2017 incident still raises eyebrows for some privacy advocates, the changes PureVPN has implemented since then reveal a genuine commitment to user privacy. Under its current no-logs policy, even if law enforcement approached PureVPN, it would have no historical VPN connection data to supply.

That said, PureVPN could theoretically be legally compelled to start logging a specific user’s data. In such a case, authorities might issue a warrant that forces the VPN to start monitoring a particular user as part of an active investigation.

This would only occur in connection with a serious criminal matter and would not impact other users. That’s true of all VPNs, and is unlikely to happen to PureVPN due to having moved its headquarters to the jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands.

Customer support

PureVPN offers a decent range of customer support options, including 24/7 live chat and website resources such as FAQs, setup guides, and troubleshooting articles. While the support channels are easy to access and generally responsive, they don’t match competitors like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Specifically, agents disappear pretty frequently between questions.

My experience with customer support

I tested PureVPN’s live chat support on multiple occasions to gauge its responsiveness and reliability. The AI-powered chatbot that initiates the conversation is pretty good. It could answer several basic questions correctly and provide specific details quickly (such as router setup info), which made the initial interaction less frustrating than with many competitors.

When I needed help that the bot couldn’t handle, I typed “agent,” and it directed me to a human support agent. Most of the time, the chat windows connected me to a human agent in under a minute. Occasionally, I waited up to 5 minutes – not ideal, but not a deal breaker, either.

The agents were polite and generally knew the answers to my questions. However, I noticed that after asking a follow-up question, the agent would often disappear for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Although they eventually returned, the stop-and-start pattern was a common occurrence. It seems likely that agents are juggling multiple conversations at once, which impacts the overall quality of support.

For more complex queries, agents couldn’t always provide immediate answers. In one case, the agent told me they would follow up by email, and to their credit, they sent the correct answer the next day.

What customer support channels does PureVPN offer?

• 24/7 live chat: The easiest way to get help. You’ll start with a chatbot but can request a human agent at any time. The wait time was usually under a minute, but occasionally stretched to five.
• Email support: For more technical or complex questions, you can submit a ticket and get a reply via email. I received a detailed answer within 14 hours.
• FAQs and knowledge base: The website has a fairly comprehensive knowledge base, organized by platform. The support team writes articles that are clear and include screenshots, although some lack depth on more advanced issues.
• Setup guides: Covers a wide range of devices, including routers, NAS devices, Kodi, and smart TVs. Guides are generally easy to follow, though the depth varies.
• Blog: Offers streaming tips, VPN feature explainers, and privacy advice. Arguably the best-written and most complete section of the site.
• Social media: PureVPN is active on Reddit, X, Facebook, Discord, YouTube, and LinkedIn—but they still recommend using live chat for the fastest help.

How could PureVPN improve its support?

• Agent availability: Live chat agents tend to disappear between responses, which slows down the troubleshooting process. Reducing the number of simultaneous chats per agent could help.
• Technical training: Some agents provided vague information when asked technical questions. Better training with deeper product knowledge would improve responses.
• Centralized searchable FAQ: The FAQ section could benefit from better structure and a more powerful search function.
• Branding in ticketing: Submitting a ticket from the app takes you to a third-party page that doesn’t feel connected to PureVPN. Integrated branding for support channels would feel more reassuring.
• Content updates: Some of the guides are surface-level and not suited for troubleshooting complex VPN problems. In addition, some of the guides feel a bit dated and should be updated with the newer apps in mind.

PureVPN review conclusion

PureVPN is one of the best-value VPNs I’ve tested in 2025, making it a fantastic choice for many home internet users. It’s extremely affordable and is packed with features usually found in much pricier services.

It is a solid streaming VPN that works with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and more. Security is strong thanks to AES-256 encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and support for modern VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.

Torrenting enthusiasts will likely find it annoying that port forwarding incurs an extra cost. And while customer support responds quickly, the experience can be frustrating – agents often disappear for several minutes during a conversation.

The biggest issue is that PureVPN clutters its apps with ads for other services and features, which hurts ease of use and overall user experience. It also fails to provide crucial information about virtual server locations and provides incorrect IP addresses in some locations, which could cause accessibility issues.

On the plus side, PureVPN is compatible with all popular devices and many routers, and it allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. It’s suitable for families, despite not being as good as competitors like Surfshark and IPVanish, which offer unlimited connections.

For streaming, privacy, and secure public Wi-Fi access, PureVPN is a budget-friendly VPN that punches above its weight. Still, in a crowded market where consumers are spoiled for choice, many users will find the cumbersome apps a turn-off.

PureVPN alternatives

Looking for alternatives to PureVPN?

NordVPN offers impressive value for money and is the best overall VPN for the average home internet user. It’s fast, works with all the streaming services we tested it with, and offers a wide range of features. However, it doesn’t have port forwarding.

We recommend Surfshark for users who want the best budget VPN with unlimited connections, and ProtonVPN for advanced users seeking port forwarding. Users who want a wide choice of servers in the US might want to consider IPVanish.

Read some of our PureVPN comparisons:

• PureVPN vs NordVPN
• PureVPN vs PrivateVPN
• PureVPN vs CyberGhost
• PureVPN vs IPVanish