PureVPN is a multiplatform Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution for those concerned about security online, those that want to circumvent geo-restrictions, or those that simply want a private network for transferring data.
PureVPN is particularly suitable for anyone concerned about security when connecting to public WiFi hotspots on laptops or mobile devices, and those that want to watch sites such as Netflix and Hulu which are blocked in their region.
The PureVPN installation process is quite straightforward and once installed, the connection dialog is very clearly laid out. PureVPN is very easy to use once installed and you can use one account with up to five devices in both the free and paid versions but the free version is limited to 3 days use.
If you’re struggling on a particular platform, there are some useful tutorials for each one plus 24 hour online support if you get stuck. Setup is straightforward though, and PureVPN will automatically select the fastest server for your location, usually the nearest one to you. You can manually select a server and even the city you want to connect the proxy from in the dropdown list.
Your new IP address is clearly displayed along with bandwidth usage. You can also select specifically what you want to use PureVPN for i.e. watching video, anonymous browsing etc. and PureVPN will adjust the server settings and selection to speed things up. You can choose the level of encryption you want for private browsing and reset the VPN if your connection drops.
PureVPN has a huge network of over 450 servers in almost 90 countries which means you should always be able to find a reliable, fast connection which can be a problem sometimes with VPN providers. You can check the developer website for a full list of countries covered and there’s a useful status light which indicates whether the servers is working or not. There are no bandwidth throttling connections either, so if your ISP is restricting your usage, PureVPN can get round it.
PureVPN also supports Split Tunneling, allowing you to identify browsers or programs to encrypt. For example, if you want to apply encryption settings to one browser only for banking, you can do so while not affecting other browsers you’re using. As regards how secure it is, the developer claims that PureVPN uses “complex protocols” and specifically, 256-bit encryption.
There’s also support for open source VPN protocol OpenVPN if you want to use it. There should be no real need to use it though since PureVPN offers so many servers with a high level of encryption.
Unlike the Windows version, in the Mac version there are no add-ons available to extend the functionality of PureVPN. For example, there's no SmartDNS add-on feature which provides more stable and reliable video streaming. However, streaming video is generally very reliable and stable without the need for this. Surfing speeds using PureVPN are surprisingly fast. Usually there’s some lag or slow down with VPNs but PureVPN allows you to surf almost as fast as if you are using a direct connection. The Mac version of PureVPN also does not include the Kill Switch Add-on to instantly cut connections.
Like the Windows version though, it does include Auto Connect in case of dropped connections, a NAT Firewall to protect from malicious sites and a secure DNS feature.
PureVPN has been in the VPN business since 2007, which explains its vast network and highly competitive prices. The company has consistently expanded its features and improved its services over the years.
PureVPN allows users to share their 10 device slots with family members, making it a highly cost-effective solution for households. With dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, as well as extensions for Chrome and Firefox, the service offers extensive platform support, ensuring seamless integration across various devices.
Recent improvements to PureVPN include the addition of WireGuard support, which significantly boosts connection speeds. The service now offers competitive performance compared to other top VPN providers, providing a fast and reliable VPN experience.
The updated mobile app now features shortcuts, allowing users to save their favorite streaming services and locations directly within the app for quick access. This enhancement makes it even easier for users to unblock and stream content from various platforms.
PureVPN has also introduced obfuscation support, which helps conceal VPN usage and increases the likelihood of connecting in environments where VPNs may be blocked. Although this feature currently only works with OpenVPN, it is a welcome addition that enhances overall connection reliability.
PureVPN has passed multiple no-logging audits by KPMG, providing users with added assurance regarding the company's privacy policy. While the full reports are not publicly available, these audits demonstrate PureVPN's commitment to user privacy and security.
PureVPN excels at unblocking geo-restricted content on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and more. This capability places PureVPN among the top VPNs for unblocking content worldwide.
Overall, PureVPN offers a fast and convenient way to protect your identity online or unblock sites in your region.
Version
5.3.0
License
Free
Platform
Mac
OS
Mac OS X
Language
English
Downloads
94K
Developer
PureVPN
