Review Overview
Privacy
Server Network
Performance
Torrenting & P2P
Video Streaming
Offshore Incorporation
Pricing
User Support
EXCELLENT
Summary : Generally great but can improve on their logging policy.
Being one of those VPN providers, which promises a lot with respect to its service offerings, PureVPN does very well to live up to the mark. Some of the notable stuff that you’d be looking at are fascinating speeds, great software and also an all round support for users. Therefore, if you are ready to shell out the bucks, then PureVPN has much to offer while you take a backseat. Our in-depth PureVPN review will take you through everything that is necessary to know before you make a pick.
Reviewer’s Pick
- Great clients for all platforms
- Amazing speeds
- Responsive support
- Large number of payment options
- Exotic server locations
- Some great additional features
- They maintain logs, which is something we didn’t like
Infrastructure
Talking of PureVPN’s infrastructural prowess, we see that they do have a very fine setup of networks around the globe. As such, it boasts of a very vast network of nearly 450 servers across 89 countries and 6 continents. Such a vast network also offers a lot of flexibility to users, considering it offers as many as 77,000+ IP addresses. Besides, what caught our eye was the presence of some exotic server locations, mainly, a few in the Caribbean (Aruba, Bahamas), Seychelles, Malta, Brunei and Armenia, to name some.
PureVPN extends its services across the most commonly used protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. On the other hand, SSTP/SSL is the primary protocol that is used for implementing encryption over the network.
Performance
Performance aspects of PureVPN largely stand out among its peers. There was basically no noticeable lag in the speed tests that we put it through. Also, the presence of dedicated streaming services turned out to be a good feature. Below are the results (without VPN, with OpenVPN, with L2TP) that will give you a fair idea of what you can expect in terms of speeds, in PureVPN.
PureVPN supports up to 5 concurrent connections at a go. Also, the IP and DNS leak tests that we performed, did not show any cause for concern. IP addresses in PureVPN are allocated in a static fashion, although shared. Dedicated IPs is also made available for those who require it.
Privacy Quotient
The privacy factor, quite certainly, defines the most important aspect of any VPN service in its entirety, and PureVPN, does fairly well in this scheme of things. The encryption standards that are used in PureVPN are totally good, that being 128-bit SSTP/SSL and also 256-bit SSL and AES encryption. Additional privacy features like Smart DNS, NAT firewalls, and Stealth VPN browser also help in this regard.
The logging policy maintained by PureVPN, is generally something that is a cause for concern. Their policy clearly states that the service provider will not release any kind of information unless as per demands made by law enforcement agencies. Therefore, if anything, it clearly points out to the fact that it surely does not maintain a ‘zero logging’ policy.
Platforms Supported
PureVPN is largely accessible on all major platforms as well as devices. There is support for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and the clients fare well. They are also largely rich in features and come with NAT firewall, Internet Kill Switch, Smart DNS, malware protection and split tunneling. As for mobile devices, there are dedicated applications for iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile, and they perform just about great.
Support for routers (both DDWRT and Tomato) is also made available.
User Support
PureVPN fares very well in terms of the user support that it provides. Boasting of a 24/7/365 support via live chat, email ticketing and an FAQ section, the service provider lives up to its promises and offers fast response. They are also largely active on social media pages and provide support there too. The presence of a forum also serves as an additional option for any help one might seek.
Pricing
Like most other market players, PureVPN offers its services in three major packages, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year ones. All features generally apply to the three packages, with the exception of the Smart DNS feature, which is only made available to year-long subscribers.
Payment options are large and customers are spoilt for choices. They definitely support the most common payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, American Express, Skrill, Discover, CashU, and Bank Transfers. The full list can be obtained here, and we were glad that they also accepted Bitcoin.
A three-day money back policy, that they offer, will also likely go down well with most users who seek trials.
Public Perception
Going through major public forums, VPN Squad did not come across anything ugly that was directed at PureVPN’s services. Besides, many of the users also pointed out, how PureVPN is indeed very reliable for its fast speeds and feature-rich offerings, and were happy to recommend them to prospective VPN seekers.
Final Verdict
PureVPN, surely, is among the very best VPN services at present, despite the absence of a ‘zero logging’ policy. A very large network of servers, easy to use software, great support, fantastic speeds coupled with great streaming services, and a host of other rich features make PureVPN a very reliable service to fall on.
Review Overview
Privacy
Server Network
Performance
Torrenting & P2P
Video Streaming
Offshore Incorporation
Pricing
User Support
EXCELLENT
Summary : Generally great but can improve on their logging policy.