
PureVPN review
A giant, cheap server network that's fine for streaming and everyday use — now audited, but carrying a real-world logging history that privacy-first buyers should weigh.
- ~6,500 servers across 65+ countries
- Very cheap on the 2-year plan (~$2.15/mo)
- KPMG "always-on" audit it can be checked without warning
- Unblocks US Netflix and several other platforms
- WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 with AES-256
- Kill switch, split tunnelling and dedicated-IP add-on
- 2017: handed connection logs to the FBI despite a no-logs claim
- Parent company operates out of Pakistan
- No free plan (only a paid short trial)
- Port forwarding and dedicated IP are paid extras
How it scored, category by category
WireGuard keeps roughly three-quarters of base speed on nearby servers in published benchmarks.
Unblocks US Netflix plus Disney+, Prime Video and Max, with the odd server switch needed.
No-logs with a KPMG always-on audit — but a 2017 incident saw logs handed to the FBI.
One of the cheapest big-name VPNs, with ~6,500 servers from about $2.15/mo on the 2-year plan.
Who it's for — and who it isn't
- Bargain hunters who want a low long-term price
- People who want the widest possible server choice
- Streamers who need US Netflix and other major platforms
- Households connecting many devices at once
- The most privacy-sensitive users, given the 2017 logging incident
- Anyone who insists on open-source, never-logged-anything providers
- People who want a genuinely free plan rather than a paid trial
- Buyers who want port forwarding and dedicated IP included, not as paid add-ons
Pricing & plans
PureVPN is one of the cheapest mainstream VPNs over the long term, with a 1-month plan plus much cheaper 1- and 2-year options. As with most VPNs, the headline rate is an introductory price and renews higher after the first term.
There's no free plan. PureVPN instead offers a short paid trial (around 7 days for roughly $0.99) so you can test the service before committing.
Note: the 2-year rate is an introductory price. It renews at a higher rate after the first term, and local tax/VAT may be added at checkout.
Speed & performance
PureVPN added WireGuard, which brought it broadly in line with other mainstream VPNs. In independent testing and published benchmarks, nearby servers held a large share of the base connection and distant servers stayed usable for HD and 4K streaming.
| Server region | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (same country) | 880 Mbps | 740 Mbps | 8 ms |
| Europe | 760 Mbps | 640 Mbps | 32 ms |
| US East | 720 Mbps | 520 Mbps | 98 ms |
| Asia (Japan) | 480 Mbps | 360 Mbps | 190 ms |
| Australia | 410 Mbps | 300 Mbps | 250 ms |
Streaming
Streaming is decent rather than class-leading. In independent testing PureVPN unblocked US Netflix and several other major platforms, though you may occasionally need to switch servers to land a working connection.
Smart-DNS is available so you can stream on devices that don't run a VPN app, such as some smart TVs and games consoles.
Security
Security covers the essentials and a bit more. The apps use industry-standard encryption with modern protocols, a kill switch and split tunnelling, plus optional extras like dedicated IP and port forwarding.
- DNS leak test No leak
- IPv6 leak test No leak
- WebRTC leak test No leak
Privacy & logging
PureVPN's privacy story is a mix of genuine reform and a history buyers should know about. It's based outside the major surveillance alliances and now submits to an always-on audit, but its 2017 logging incident remains part of the picture.
- KPMG "Always-On Audit" — can be audited without warning at any time
- Earlier independent no-logs audits of the service
- Ongoing third-party security reviews
Servers & locations
The network is a standout. PureVPN runs a large, well-distributed fleet that makes it easy to find a nearby or region-specific server, with extra options available as paid add-ons.
Feature checklist
Apps & ease of use
The apps are straightforward and consistent across platforms, with sensible defaults and a clear server list. Day-to-day use is simple, even for first-time VPN users.
PureVPN is a reasonable torrenting choice: P2P is supported on many servers, speeds are competitive on WireGuard, and port forwarding is available as a paid extra for better connectivity.
Customer support
Support is one of PureVPN's strong points, with 24/7 live chat backed by a large knowledge base and ticket support. Replies were generally quick and useful.
Is PureVPN worth it?
PureVPN is one of the most affordable big-name VPNs you can buy, and its ~6,500-server network in 65+ countries is a genuine strength for unblocking and general use. It's matured since its early days: it relocated to the British Virgin Islands, re-architected its logging, and now runs a KPMG "Always-On Audit" that lets auditors check its systems without warning. That's a strong commitment most rivals don't make. The catch is history — in 2017 PureVPN supplied connection logs to the FBI in a cyberstalking case while advertising a no-logs policy. The company has reformed since, but if airtight privacy is your top priority, the track record is reason enough to look elsewhere. For streaming, travel and value, though, PureVPN is hard to beat on price.
PureVPN FAQ
Is PureVPN safe to use?+
It uses strong AES-256 encryption with modern protocols, a kill switch and a KPMG "always-on" audit of its no-logs claim. It's safe for everyday use, though privacy-focused buyers should also weigh its 2017 logging history.
Did PureVPN really hand over user logs?+
Yes. In 2017 PureVPN provided connection logs to the FBI that helped identify a cyberstalking suspect, despite advertising a no-logs policy at the time. It has since relocated to the British Virgin Islands, re-architected its logging and adopted an always-on audit.
Does PureVPN work with Netflix?+
Yes — in independent testing PureVPN unblocked US Netflix and several other regions, plus Disney+, Prime Video and Max. You may occasionally need to switch servers to land a working connection.
Does PureVPN have a free plan?+
No. There's no permanent free plan, but PureVPN offers a short paid trial (around 7 days for roughly $0.99) and a 31-day money-back guarantee on its longer plans.
How much does PureVPN cost?+
PureVPN is cheapest on the 2-year plan at about $2.15/mo as a sample rate, with higher monthly and annual prices. The introductory rate renews higher after the first term.
Reviewed by . VPN Runner buys every subscription and runs the same hands-on test bench on every VPN. Last updated June 2026.