PureVPN vs NordVPN

Winner: PureVPN
A Virtual Private Network is a tool that lets you connect to a remote, private network. This means that your traffic is routed through that remote network, offering several benefits such as connection encryption and geo-unblocking.
However, it can be difficult to know which VPN is the right one for you. Below is a comparison of PureVPN vs NordVPN, two of the most popular options on the market.
We all know that both PureVPN and NordVPN rule the VPN industry right now. But when it comes to a face off between these giants, who’s going to come out stronger? We ran tests on these competitors head to head and found out that PureVPN was slightly better than NordVPN.
PureVPN vs NordVPN: Face off!
PureVPN is the winner between NordVPN vs PureVPN due to the following reasons.
- Diverse Server Spread: 2,000+ servers in 140 countries
- Speed: PureVPN offers faster VPN speeds with an average of 26.01 Mbps on a 30 Mbps connection.
- Lower Price: $2.91/mo
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The summary of this comparison is as follows.
Factors | PureVPN | NordVPN |
Jurisdiction | Hong Kong | Panama |
Logging Policy | No logs | No logs |
Pricing | $2.91/mo | $3.49/mo |
Speed | 26.01 Mbps | 24.91 Mbps |
Server Network | 2,000+ servers 140 countries |
5,500+ servers 60+ countries |
Torrenting | Supported | Supported |
Netflix Unblocking | Supported | Supported |
Customer Support | Live Chat, Email/Ticketing | Live Chat, Email/Ticketing |
Website | PureVPN.com | NordVPN.com |
Security | Strong | Strong |
Now let’s look at the comparison in detail.
Pricing
Result: PureVPN
PureVPN | NordVPN | |
Price | $/mo | $/mo |
Monthly | 10.95 (0%) | 11.95(0%) |
Yearly | 5.81 (47%) | 6.99(42%) |
Best Plan | 1.32 (88%) | 3.49(71%) |
In terms of pricing, PureVPN is the clear winner. It is less expensive on both the monthly and yearly plans. Additionally, the lowest-rate option is less than half the cost of NordVPN’s best price. However, both plans are within a similar range and certainly affordable.
Features
Result: Draw
Features | PureVPN | NordVPN |
Multi-Login | 5 | 6 |
Apps | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Amazon Fire & iOS | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android & iOS |
Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
Encryption | 256-bit | 256-bit |
Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
Customer Support | Live Chat, Email/Ticketing | Live Chat, Email/Ticketing |
Added Features | Ad-Block, Browser Extensions, Kodi Addon and Malware Protection | Ad-Block, Browser Extensions, Malware Protection and Wi-Fi Protection |
For features, both services are quite similar. They have multi-login options, apps for all the most popular operating systems, 256-bit encryption and various popular add-on features.
NordVPN has a notably simpler installation process on Linux. It also has automatic Wi-Fi protection, which may be advantageous to people who travel. NordVPN also has one additional slot for multi-login.
PureVPN has an app for Amazon Fire. It also has a Kodi addon which is ideal for people who want to use systems like LibreELEC and OpenELEC. This can be great for extra privacy. Furthermore, PureVPN offers split-tunneling to dictate which applications can use the VPN without encryption.
Geo Unblocking Capabilities
Result: NordVPN
Geo Unblocking Capabilities | PureVPN | NordVPN |
Netflix | US & UK | US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan & Netherlands |
Hulu | US & Japan | US & Japan |
BBC iPlayer | No | Yes |
HBO | US | US |
SkyGo | Yes | Yes |
Amazon Prime | Yes | Yes |
ABC | No | No |
CBS | Yes | Yes |
NBC | Yes | Yes |
ITV | Yes | Yes |
Channel 4 | Yes | Yes |
Netflix Unblocking: PureVPN vs NordVPN
Many people use their VPNs to access streaming content that isn’t easily available in their countries. Both services offer quite a few options including Netflix, HBO, Amazon, SkyGo and others.
However, Both the providers offer a huge number of options for Netflix streaming and other streaming services. They are fully capable of unblocking a huge number of Netflix content libraries including the US content library.
Torrenting: PureVPN vs NordVPN
Both providers offer excellent support for torrenting due to their highly optimized P2P servers and no logs policies. You can use either of the providers and enjoy high speed and secure torrenting from anywhere in the world without compromising your online privacy or identity leaks.
App Interface and Usability
Result: Draw (NordVPN Victor for New Users; PureVPN Victor for Advanced Users)
App Interface & Usability | PureVPN | NordVPN |
User-Friendly Apps | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Amazon Fire & iOS | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android & iOS |
Server Selection | List | Map or List |
Automatic Setup Wizard | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Amazon Fire & iOS | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Auto Updates Available | Yes | Yes |
Both services understand the importance of a simple user interface. They offer user-friendly apps on popular operating systems, all of which can be set up easily.
NordVPN offers a map-based server selection which is easier to use than a list. This is the only option on the mobile apps; however, on Windows, MacOS and Linux, users may choose to use a list view. There are large buttons on mobile for connecting and accessing specializes servers.
The PureVPN desktop app is a little more complex and only features a list view for server selection. There are a lot of options. For novices, this may seem like too much. However, for advanced users, this is likely an advantage. The mobile app is very simple to use.
Servers
Result: PureVPN
Servers | PureVPN | NordVPN |
Number of Servers | 2,000+ | 5,000+ |
Number of Countries | 140+ | 60+ |
Obfuscation | Yes | Yes |
Number of Virtual Servers | 82 | None |
Speed | 26.01 Mbps | 24.91 Mbps |
These two services take very different approaches to their networks. NordVPN offers more than twice as many total servers. However, PureVPN has servers in more than twice as many countries.
It is important to note that 82 of PureVPN’s locations are served via a virtual server. This means that the physical server hardware may not actually be in those countries.
Overall, PureVPN offers a better experience for most users. It is faster and struggles less during peak times. For most users, the greater number of benefits of NordVPN are not a huge benefit.
Security and Privacy
Result: NordVPN
Security and Privacy | PureVPN | NordVPN |
Jurisdiction | Hong Kong | Panama |
Logging Policy (Connection, Usage Logs) | IP Address, DNS Request, Timestamps, Bandwidth | None |
Encryption | 256-bit | 256-bit |
Tunneling Protocols | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, PPTP and IKEv2 | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, PPTP and IKEv2 |
IP Leak | No | No |
WebRTC Leak | No | No |
DNS Leak | No | No |
Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
Secure Payment Method | Cryptocurrencies and gift cards | Cryptocurrencies |
In terms of security and privacy, NordVPN is the definite winner. Both services offer similar encryption, as kill switch and secure payments. Neither service has had any leaks. However, PureVPN has a policy to keep logs on certain activity. This is significant to many users.
Payment Methods
Result: PureVPN
Payment Methods | PureVPN | NordVPN |
Cards | Yes | Yes |
Paypal | Yes | No |
Money wall | No | No |
Bitcoin | Yes | Yes |
Both services offer very similar payment options. PureVPN offers PayPal payments. However, beyond that, they are more or less the same.
Customer Service
Result: Draw
Customer Service | PureVPN | NordVPN |
Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
Email/Ticketing | Yes | Yes |
Phone support | No | No |
Searchable Knowledgebase | Yes | Yes |
Video Guides | Yes | Yes |
PureVPN and NordVPN offer similar customer service options. You can contact either with live chat, ticketing, a knowledge base and YouTube video guides. In either case, live chat is likely your best option.
Conclusion
Overall, when evaluating PureVPN vs NordVPN, both have a lot to offer. However, for most users, NordVPN is the victor. It is faster, has more geo-unblocking options and has servers in more US cities. PureVPN only beat NordVPN on pricing and the number of countries with servers.
Unless you are looking for a slightly more budget-friendly option or need a server in one of those countries, NordVPN is the better choice between NordVPN vs PureVPN.
Top VPN Comparison helps you find the right VPN for your needs. Check out our full comparison table of VPNs around the world to learn more.