PureVPN Review

On the surface, there’s loads to like about PureVPN.

Experts consistently rate it highly for its fast speeds, strong data encryption, and powerful features that make it ideal for streaming and media consumption. The company also dedicates a lot of space on their website telling you about its security credentials and how safe it is.

PureVPN has had a somewhat checkered reputation in the past…

However, some users have reported inconsistent speed results and the VPN has had a somewhat checkered reputation in the past. VPN customers are notorious for being paranoid and some of you may think that PureVPN will never be trustworthy again – but I want to try to change your mind. I’ve spent a long time analyzing PureVPN and its security policies, and things have changed for the better. PureVPN has gone to great lengths trying to repair the damage to their reputation, including becoming the first VPN with an Always-On Audit.

PureVPN: At a glance:

Like most VPN companies nowadays, PureVPN has a “No logs” policy, meaning it doesn’t keep any user activity logs, thus making it a good option for users who value their privacy.

PureVPN also boasts a fairly high number of servers in 78 countries and can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube TV with ease. The pricing for PureVPN starts from $2.08/month, which is reasonable for a VPN service – and there are often coupons available for PureVPN that offer 70 – 80% discount off regular prices – more on this later.

Positives & Negatives of PureVPN

Overall, PureVPN is a solid VPN option with some unique features and a larger server network than some of its competitors. However, its mixed reputation for privacy and inconsistent speed results may make it less appealing to some users who prioritize those factors.

⭐ VPN Hound User Rating:	4.4
📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	31 days
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV
💵 Cheapest price:	$2.08/month (24 month plan)
💥 Current deal:	Click here for 81% OFF at PureVPN

Visit PureVPN

Limited Offer: ⚠️ Click here for 81% OFF at PureVPN — today only!

Pricing

Regardless of the subscription plan you go for, PureVPN’s features remain the same, allowing you to simultaneously use the VPN’s connection on up to 10 devices. I really like this simple approach as you don’t need to spend ages researching what’s what.

However, note that the VPN’s Terms of Service prohibit account sharing, even among family members, so this is something to bear in mind.

Here’s a quick comparison of PureVPN vs competitor pricing:

PureVPN offers three pricing plans to choose from, including a 2-year plan, a 1-year plan, and a monthly plan. Generally, the latter will always be the most pricey.

1. The 2-year plan is the most affordable, costing only $2.08 per month.
2. The 1-year plan costs $3.24 per month,
3. And the monthly plan costs $10.95, which is about average.

Keep in mind that the longer the subscription plan you choose, the more money you will save in the long run. Additionally, PureVPN often offers coupons, discounts and special deals, so be sure to check their website for the latest promotions.

PureVPN accepts a range of payment methods, including PayPal, credit cards, and also various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. Nonetheless, certain landing pages of PureVPN may not display the option for crypto payments, creating confusion.

Who Owns PureVPN?

In the incestual world of VPNs, where most of the big VPN companies are actually owned by one or two billionaires, it’s refreshing to see PureVPN still going strong as a relatively small business.

PureVPN is owned by a Hong Kong-based company called GZ Systems Limited. It was founded in 2006 by Uzair Gadit and Umair Gadit, and is now run out of the British Virgin Islands, which is thankfully outside of the Five Eyes or any other global government snooping alliances.

If you’re the sort of person who wants to support smaller businesses, then PureVPN should be added to your shortlist.

PureVPN: Streaming Review

Although it is not usually regarded as the best VPN for streaming, PureVPN can bypass some regional restrictions on material by connecting you to a  server in a different country. PureVPN’s compatibility with Apple TV is a major selling point for the service.

PureVPN’s Proxy Control feature provides unencrypted access to geoblocked content for consumers that value streaming over security. This compromise between security and speed could lead to faster transfer rates at the expense of a lowered level of safety.

Several customers have experienced problems accessing the non-library content from Netflix but I’ve never had any problems. And in fact it’s one of my VPNs of choice when I want to watch region-locked Netflix content.

Some users report that using PureVPN can prevent Netflix from loading in some circumstances, too. But this isn’t surprising, as the server, tunnelling protocol, and web browser all play a role in whether or not Netflix can be unblocked. PureVPN recommend using OpenVPN first and seeing if that works. As I said above, I’ve never had any problems loading content from any streaming service.

What about Hulu, Disney+?

In addition to Netflix and Hulu, PureVPN also works well with Disney+ and other streaming services.

Unblocking Netflix usually requires a VPN that is highly robust (because, from a technical point of view, it’s actually harder to do than many think!). But PureVPN is one of the few that can do it. PureVPN allows you to watch Netflix from any country in the world, expanding the library of available shows and movies.

Like Netflix, one of the most widely used streaming services in the US, Hulu is well supported by PureVPN too, in fact it makes it all look so simple to unblock Hulu outside the US and enjoy its content from anywhere in the world (the truth is, conten unblocking is very difficult to do from a technical viewpoint).

In addition, PureVPN works with Disney+, the streaming service that provides access to a wide variety of Disney-produced content. In my testing, I found that it worked to unlock Disney+ in multiple countries including France, Germany, New Zealand and even India.

Lastly, while PureVPN is capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer, the connection may be slow and there was a lot of buffering. However, it has always been easy to unblock geo-restricted content on YouTube with PureVPN and I can report that, according to my recent testing that hasn’t changed.

Logging Policies

The fact that PureVPN has relocated from Hong Kong to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), both of which have privacy-friendly data retention policies, is good news for any would-be customers. Concerns that the VPN service would be vulnerable to Chinese pressure in Hong Kong have also been allayed by the move.

The track record of PureVPN, however, is not without its flaws – see the Security section below. (In short, the company assisted the FBI with a case involving a suspected cyberstalker in 2017, providing logs that ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest). Some consumers may still be skeptical about PureVPN despite the fact that it has changed its privacy policy and claims not to gather sensitive information now. Thankfully, BVI are outside of the Five Eyes, so this should go some way to assuaging any doubts about data integrity.

That said, PureVPN has a questionable policy on storing some user data such as Internet service provider (ISP) and bandwidth usage. However, it does not log the specific websites a customer accesses, which is a positive. The requirement for real names during signups, even with payment through Bitcoin or gift cards, is a concer for us but also others, such as this reviewer on Tom’s Guide.

Audit History of PureVPN

It’s also worth noting that not one but two independent firms – Deloitte and KPMG – have audited PureVPN in recent monhts, which should restore user’s faith in the service.

In 2019, PureVPN announced that it had undergone an independent audit conducted by the auditing firm Altius IT too – this audit was performed to assess PureVPN’s privacy policy and data retention practices. Altius IT concluded that PureVPN’s privacy policy was transparent, and that the company did not log any user data that could be used to identify individual users.

However, some folk weren’t entirely satisfied with this, as they felt that the auditing firm was not sufficiently independent and may have a conflict of interest. In response, PureVPN announced that it would undergo a second audit, this time conducted by the global auditing firm KPMG. And they’ve stuck with KPMG ever since.

If you’re concerned about your financial privacy, the company accepts cryptocurrency payments as well – one of the few to do so, though sadly there’s no cash payments.

Anyway, in summary, the BVI location and resulting privacy protections make it a decent alternative for privacy-conscious consumers, despite the fact that some detractors have pointed out its mixed security record.

Always-On Audit

In 2021, PureVPN became the first VPN on the market to commit to a so called “Always-On” audit by KPMG.

This agreement means that KPMG can conduct surprise audits at any time to ensure that PureVPN is adhering to its no-logs policy and privacy practices. KPMG has already conducted a couple of said audits and so far has found no evidence of user activity logs being kept. The audit results will be made public, ensuring transparency and accountability on PureVPN’s part.

Here at VPN Hound we think the Always-On Audit idea is a welcome new development and wish more VPNs would offer themselves up to this level of scrutiny.

Torrenting

In terms of torrenting, PureVPN is a decent option, but not all of its servers support P2P / Torrents, though thankfully many do.

Be aware that PureVPN has blocked P2P on servers located in countries that prohibit file sharing such as the US, UK, Canada, and others. This is a real shame, but it’s just one of the warning signs I’m going to cover.

Note that you can check which servers support P2P on the list under the Locations tab. While I did not experience any issues torrenting with PureVPN, the download speeds were not great and took much longer compared to torrenting without a VPN. Which kind of defeats the object.

Is there a free PureVPN version?

Sadly, no.

There is no free version of PureVPN available, but for less than a dollar ($0.99), you can test out the complete service for a week. This might be helpful in evaluating the VPN’s performance and features, such as the ability to access geo-restricted content on your chosen streaming services and devices. While it’s a shame it’s not 100% free, a dollar isn’t much of an ask, frankly, in this day and age.

Is there a free trial?

Kind of, but you will need to sign up first and enter your payment details to get it.

The price? A paltry $0.99 for 7 days, which I know isn’t strictly free, but it’s not far off. 😉

This allows you to try PureVPN risk-free for 31 days with their no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, cancel it and get the $0.99 refunded back to you. They promie not to even ask why you want a refund.

However, keep in mind that crypto payments for example may not be eligible for refunds, so it’s best to check with PureVPN’s support team before going ahead with the trial purchase.

Number of Servers & Locations

PureVPN has both physical and virtual server options. While virtual servers can give the impression that they are situated in a different country, physical servers always are, so are generally better. A server labelled as being in Bulgaria could actually be in Greece, but its users would still see themselves as being in Bulgaria due to their IP address.

Compared to physical servers, virtual ones may also have diminished performance (i.e. be slower) This is because data transferred to virtual servers may need to be routed through many locations, increasing both speed and latency, although appearing to originate from the country in which they are physically situated.

If in doubt, choose a physical server – the VPN Hound general tip.  🙂

PureVPN’s Android app offers you the option to filter servers according to your needs with four modes: Stream, Internet Freedom, Security/Privacy, and File Sharing.

If you cannot find a server in the country you’re looking for ,the best thing to do is contact support to request it and they should add it eventually.

⭐ VPN Hound User Rating:	4.4
📝 No logs policy:	No logs
💯 Money-back guarantee:	31 days
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV
💵 Cheapest price:	$2.08/month (24 month plan)
💥 Current deal:	Click here for 81% OFF at PureVPN

Visit PureVPN

Limited Offer: ⚠️ Click here for 81% OFF at PureVPN — today only!

What’s this about Quantum-Resistant servers?

PureVPN’s website boasts that it offers “Quantum-Resistant servers” in several countries including the US, UK and Germany.

In short, these servers use encryption keys that are generated using a verifiable quantum process, which provides an enhanced level of security – but how, exactly?

Quantum-Resistant VPNs are designed to provide better security against quantum computing attacks in the future. Think of it as a kind of future-proofing. These types of attacks use quantum computers that can easily break the encryption used by traditional VPNs, and there’s increasing evidence that shady governments around the world are using them, though they’re not widely used right now as an attack vector.

To counter this, PureVPN has implemented quantum-resistant encryption keys, which are generated using a verifiable quantum process. This process makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for quantum computers to crack the encryption keys.

tl;dr Quantum-resistant VPNs uses tricky mathematical algorithms that are designed to resist attacks from quantum computers (hence the name), which are exponentially faster than traditional computers, making them more or less 100% impenetrable.

Does PureVPN work in China?

Yes, in my testing I was able to see that it does work in China.

Despite the Chinese government’s efforts to prohibit VPN use and the possibility that some PureVPN servers could be be blocked by the Great Firewall, it is likely that PureVPN will function in China for most people.

This is because of SSTP, a tunnelling protocol supported by PureVPN, that can often get beyond China’s Great Firewall with relative success. If you want to see how to access VPNs in China (or viceversa) then read the VPN Hound guide here.

Speeds & Performance

For this test, I used a Superfast or 1000Mb/s connection. The figures about show the average download speeds using this connection, from multiple locations where PureVPN has physical (not virtual) servers.

As you can see, it’s fast. Very fast. 

Looking at the data in the table, the average retention for download speed is approximately 17%, and the average retention for upload speed is approximately 24%. Or to put it another way, this means that, on average, the download/upload speeds are reduced to around 17% and 24% of the original speeds when using PureVPN.

That may sound like a huge drop, but it’s actually not – most VPNs I’ve tested have dropped speeds by a lot more.

Speed, versus other VPNs

Several factors, like your physical location, server load, and internet connection speed, make it difficult to do an apples-to-apples comparison of PureVPN’s speed and performance with those of NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Yet, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have earned a reputation for consistently fast speeds and excellent performance in a variety of different regions.

In a recent speed test done by PCMag, for instance, NordVPN’s median download speed was the highest among the VPNs tested, while ExpressVPN’s median upload speed was the highest. In other words, everyone has different test results.

Back to PureVPN, its speed/performance has been a point of both praise and criticism. While some users have reported inconsistent speed results, particularly with the OpenVPN protocol, the WireGuard protocol has shown impressive speed results. In fact, the average download speed with WireGuard was reported to be 200 Mbps, with an average upload speed of 210 Mbps, based on baseline speeds of 300 Mbps.

However, it’s important to note that when using the WireGuard protocol, certain features like split tunneling or the dedicated IP option may not be available.

Other protocols: Performance

PureVPN’s functionality with a variety of other protocols formed a large part of my testing.

• Download speeds with OpenVPN UDP were consistently high and varied across locations just a little. In contrast to the more consistent speeds provided by Australian servers, connections to US and UK servers experienced significant speed fluctuations.
• The OpenVPN tunnel from PureVPN also features an additional security layer called multiport. In a nutshell, this eliminates the requirement for you to manually connect to one of the designated ports. Plus you also don’t have to log out of the VPN service whenever you want to switch servers because you’ll be able to connect to multiple servers at once. Great!
• IKEv2 was noticeably quicker than OpenVPN TCP, but less reliable. OpenVPN TCP, on the other hand, has a major effect on speeds, making it one of the least efficient choices for more remote locations.

Overall, then, while PureVPN’s protocol speeds may not be as high as other top VPN providers like NordVPN or Surfshark, they are generally fast and reliable. To maximize speed, I’d recommended you choose a server location closest to your actual location if at all possible.

If you’re looking for the fastest VPN around, and want to prioritize download speeds over other factors, then generally NordVPN is the best for that. For more details, read my fastest VPNs guide here.

Will PureVPN work well for Gaming?

PureVPN’s fast tunnelling methods, such as WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP, make it a viable option for online gaming. This is because these protocols generally offer high speeds with low latency. Also, PureVPN’s global server spread means less waiting and better performance in multiplayer online games.

Pure have clearly spent a lot of time focussing on attracting gamers: they’ve recently launched specialized or dedicated gaming servers designed to provide gamers with the optimum experience while also ensuring privacy. They call it New World VPN, a somewhat OTT name. But in a nutshell, this feature reduces latency and ping, which should result in a smoother gaming experience. Like many other VPNs, it accomplishes this by routing your internet traffic through optimized “gaming” servers, which are strategically placed to reduce the distance between you and the actual game server (eg Steam).

So the good news is that this dedicated gaming mode is available on all of PureVPN’s applications, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can turn on this feature with just one click. Once it’s enabled, the mode will optimize your connection for gaming traffic by routing it through the fastest server available.

This feature also protects you from DDoS attacks and protects your IP address from being exposed to other players. By masking your IP address, you can play anonymously and avoid getting targeted by hackers or other players.

The bad news is that all virtual private networks (VPNs) will always add some overheads to your internet connection and may slow it down to an extent. The extra delay is due to the fact that your data is being encrypted and sent through a remote server. It’s basically unavoidable.

All this aside, the best VPN for gaming is in my opinion only ever going to be ExpressVPN as they usually have the best latency and speeds, wherever you are located.

PureVPN: Security

PureVPN have gone to great lengths to advertise their VPN as one of the most-secure. I noticed that on their website they have a Trust Center now, which gives general guidance and help on what security features they’ve added.

There’s a lot of tech buzzwords so I’m going to try to simplify the main points from the Trust Center:

• PureVPN’s dedication to user security is, in recent times anyway, quite outstanding and the security features they’ve implemented are proof of that. During the Epic/Grooming phase right up until release, various teams perform code reviews and a security scanning technology performs static code evaluation as part of their engineering process. PureVPN also uses independent security audits that put cutting-edge testing approaches to the test.
• PureVPN has developed open-source technologies in-house, that can also found for download on their website. These were designed to stop traffic leakage from the VPN connection. Client-side apps running in privilege mode are also protected by these measures, which include memory protection, strong authentication, and the restriction of access to only those actions that are allowed. These safeguards show that PureVPN values its consumers’ safety and privacy.
• PureVPN has excellent authentication procedures in place across their whole infrastructure, demonstrating a laudable dedication to security.

Why all the fuss?

To fully explain why PureVPN has ratched up the security hyperbole, you need to understand its past. Here’s a quick history lesson.

In case you hadn’t heard, there was a prominent cyberstalking case involving PureVPN back in 2017. A man called Ryan Lin was charged with stalking / harassing his ex-roommate; Lin was also accused of breaking into the victim’s social media accounts, posting threats, and installing spyware on her computer in order to monitor her online activity. In general, not particularly nice.

The FBI found evidence that Lin had been hiding his location/IP address by utilizing a VPN service called… PureVPN. The FBI then reached out to the firm for help in tracing Lin’s actual, genuine IP address. Because of their no-logs policy and their “dedication to customer privacy”, PureVPN refused to cooperate with the FBI’s request at first. They did, however, eventually give in and gave the FBI enough information to track down Lin’s actual IP address and physical location. 🙁

This event sent shockwaves throughout the VPN world as it cast doubt on PureVPN’s integrity; overnight their “no-logs policy” was proven to be basically nonsense. Many PureVPN users were left wondering if their privacy was genuinely secured by PureVPN despite the company’s assurances that they would only provide the minimum amount of information required to comply with the law.

PureVPN then revised its privacy policy and added extra security measures after the incident to prevent a recurrence. Nonetheless, the case emphasizes the significance of researching VPN providers properly before settling on one, and selecting one that places a premium on your right to anonymity.

How to get started with PureVPN

PureVPN’s setup wizard makes it easy to get up and running on your computer. To begin, go to PureVPN’s website and look around for a plan that suits your needs. After deciding on a subscription plan, proceed to checkout and enter your payment details… and then voila…

Once you’ve paid for PureVPN, you can install it on as many devices as you like. You can get it on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, or even your router. Simply enter your email address and password to access your account and install the software.

After logging into PureVPN, you can immediately begin using it to securely access the internet, watch your favorite shows and movies online, play games, and even download torrents. Don’t forget it’s possible to try it via the free trial too.

Does PureVPN have a kill switch?

Yes, but sadly it’s not that good.

In short, a Kill Switch acts as a way to prevent your real IP address leaking to the clear net. If for example the VPN goes down, it can mean that your real IP address/connection is used. A kill switch prevents this.

In the case of PureVPN, their Kill Switch is poor – specifically, in my testing, I found that it was not always 100% reliable. 

While it IS activated by default, there is no guarantee that it will completely disable internet access in the event of a disaster. I noticed  that, in testing, when I tried to switch to a different VPN service when PureVPN was already active, the service didn’t properly disconnect…! Not good. And I’m not the only one to report these issues; in fact, there have been many other examples of IP addresses being exposed in this way, which can be a serious problem, especially in countries with strict censorship regulations.

It’s concerning that the kill switch didn’t work properly to me, given that using two VPNs simultaneously is not something most users should do. NordVPN does offer the ability to “double VPN” if you’re hyper-paranoid. So in summary, concerns have been raised about the reliability of PureVPN’s kill switch and its ability to deal with various edge cases. You should exercise caution and not put all your trust in the kill switch feature to keep your data private.

Compatibility: Does PureVPN work with my device?

PureVPN offers a user-friendly interface across various platforms, with some variations in features and functionality. The apps provide various customization options and support multiple tunneling protocols, making it accessible to a wide range of users and use-cases.

Windows (work with 10/11)

The Windows client for PureVPN features both a search bar and a list of suggested server locations for quick connection. You can choose which apps or websites to access without going via the VPN by using the app’s split-tunneling option. The Windows app also has an options menu where you can change things like the language the programme is displayed in, how it launches, and how often it checks for updates.

macOS

The macOS version of PureVPN has a similar interface to the Windows app, making it easy to navigate for those who are familiar with it. It offers the same tunneling protocols as the Windows app and includes a kill switch and auto-connection feature. However, the macOS app lacks a search bar to quickly find specific server locations, and the recommended servers section is not as detailed as the Windows app.

Linux

The Linux version of PureVPN requires some technical knowledge to install, as it uses the Command Line Interface (CLI) for setup. However, PureVPN also offers a GUI for Linux users, making it more user-friendly. The Linux app supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and PPTP tunneling protocols, and includes a kill switch and auto-connection feature.

Android

PureVPN’s Android app is the most feature-rich, with a user-friendly interface and many customization options. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), and IKEv2 tunneling protocols, and includes a kill switch, split-tunneling feature, and auto-connection feature. The app also offers a favorites section where you can save your preferred server locations for quick access.

iOS

Those comfortable with PureVPN’s Windows or macOS apps will feel right at home with the iOS version. It has a kill switch and auto-connection like the other programmes, and it supports the same tunnelling protocols. The iOS app isn’t as comprehensive as the Windows version in terms of recommended servers, and there isn’t a search box to help users locate specific server locations quickly.

What is PureKeep?

With PureVPN, you can increase your online security by using the password manager add-on – they call this “PureKeep”. All stored items are safeguarded by cutting-edge encryption and a secret password that only the owner (i.e. you!) knows. Your passwords and other private data, such as financial and personal records, are protected from prying eyes, in short.

PureKeep can also assist in making strong passwords for new accounts. Gone are the days of thinking up and remembering obscure passwords. Long passwords combining lowercase and capital letters, digits, and special characters can be generated via the PureKeep password generator. By doing this, all your online accounts will be protected with robust and difficult-to-guess passwords.

What’s more, you can use PureKeep to transmit encrypted attachments to loved ones or coworkers, in addition to sharing passwords with them. This is accomplished through the use of collaborative vaults and other organisations that guarantee the security of your shared information.

But there’s a catch. This isn’t free/included; you have to purchase PureKeep separately, through the app or in the member’s area but it’s only $1 per month. In general, it’s a useful tool and one that I recommend here at VPN Hound.

There are also other privacy-centric products by the same company such as PureEncrypt and PureWL, but I’m not going to discuss these here.

If however you’re looking for a business VPN, then PureVPN operate that separately – it’s called PureDome.

Technology evolved, as did your needs for security and privacy. We’re expanding beyond VPNs into new layers of digital realities.

We bring to you PureSquare, a parent company to PureVPN and its subsidiaries, as we inch closer to a future promised by rapidly advancing technology. https://t.co/crG12lcGRl

— PureVPN (@PureVPNcom) February 7, 2023

Split-Tunneling, does it work?

Split tunneling is helpful for anyone who wishes to save on bandwidth costs by sending only specific programs through their VPN connection. Split tunneling is a useful feature of PureVPN, however for the time being it is (sadly) only available on the Windows & Android apps. There’s no PC or Desktop support.

Split tunneling allows you to send only specific traffic, such as that to (or from) a specific website or set of apps, through the encrypted VPN connection. This is especially useful for customers who need to use services that can only function over a regular, non-VPN network, such as your bank’s website. A lot of VPN connections have been blocked from using banking services, for security reasons.

I’m pleased to say that PureVPN’s split tunneling feature is easy to set up, too. You can tailor your VPN experience quite a lot, but it’s important to note that split tunneling isn’t supported by or preconfigured for every website, so you may find that you’ll need to delve into the advanced settings first before your desired website works.

PureVPN Domain Fronting & Obfuscation

Obfuscation is an important feature that PureVPN recently added to its service, much to the praise of us here at VPN Hound.

This feature is particularly useful for those who live in countries with high levels of censorship, where the use of VPNs is – sadly – often restricted. Obfuscation allows users to hide ther VPN traffic, making it appear as though they are not using a VPN at all. Of course, this therefore means that users can enjoy all the benefits of a VPN, such as accessing geo-restricted content, avoiding ISP throttling, and staying protected, without the risk of detection or blocking.

While obfuscation is a great feature for staying under the radar in highly-censured countries, it may not be the best option for those who are seeking the fastest connection speeds. Obfuscation can slow down your connection (by quite a lot), so it’s important to weigh the benefits up against the potential drawbacks.

In addition to obfuscation, PureVPN has also added a domain fronting feature, which uses different domain names from other parts of the website to make it look like you’re accessing a different domain. For a more technical discussion on this, view this page. But in short, domain fronting can make it more difficult for sites to be blocked, increasing your chances of accessing blocked content. However, setting up domain fronting can be tricky, and it may slow down your connection and/or even weaken your online safety, as each domain has to be resolved before the website loads.

Customer Support: Is It Any Good?

Generally, I’ve always found it to be one of the better VPNs when it comes to contacting their support teams.

PureVPN offers several options for getting in touch, including a support page with setup and troubleshooting guides, an FAQ section, and the ability to fill out a support ticket. Users must log into their PureVPN account to access this feature though, which is a slight pain.

Additionally, PureVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, where users can connect with a customer support agent in under a minute. The support agents are usually friendly and helpful, providing assistance with any issues that may arise. There’s also a chatbot if you’re stuck in a queue, i.e. not a real person but an AI.

Verdict: Is PureVPN worth it?

So that just about wraps up my PureVPN review.

In short , PureVPN has excellent unblocking capabilities and reliable encryption, making it a strong choice for users who want to access geo-restricted content or are looking to protect their privacy. The service should also work in China due to its SSTP tunneling protocol, which can bypass the Great Firewall.

While its speed results with WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP are not as impressive as some other VPN providers, they are still respectable. PureVPN also offers advanced security features such as Quantum-Resistant servers and a password manager add-on for added protection.

Overall, PureVPN is a solid VPN provider with a good balance of features, privacy, and security. However, users should be aware of the 2017 incident and the mixed reviews on its consistency in speed and security reputation before making a decision.

In summary:

• PureVPN offers a wide range of features and benefits, including strong encryption, dedicated gaming mode, and a password manager add-on.
• However, the service has been criticized for inconsistent speeds, unreliable Netflix support, and privacy concerns due to its previous cooperation with authorities.
• In comparison to its competitors, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN, PureVPN falls short in terms of overall performance and user experience. But it *is* cheaper than both.
• While PureVPN may be a decent option for those on a budget, power users should be cautious. If you are looking for a cheap VPN, then there are better alternatives.
• If you are particularly concerned or paranoid about privacy, then it’s probably better to use another VPN provider. Check out CyberGhost or Windscribe instead.