The VPN industry consists of a few major players and a large number of smaller providers. The competition between the dominant providers is fierce, with each offering excellent features for consumers.
PureVPN and NordVPN are two such heavy-weights of the VPN industry. This PureVPN vs NordVPN comparison will evaluate the key features of each and determine the winner.
PureVPN vs NordVPN Head-to-Head Comparison
PureVPN and NordVPN both are top-notch VPN services that offer advanced features for strong security and high privacy.
So, in what way do these two giants differ from each other and what features do they have in common?
Let’s dive right down to it.
| Feature | NordVPN | PureVPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Hong Kong | Tie: Both jurisdictions are privacy-friendly |
| Best Deal | $2.99/mo (3-year plan) | $2.99/mo (1-year plan) | Tie: Both VPNs are currently offering equally cheap deals |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 | 5 | NordVPN: It offers better multi-login capability |
| Privacy Policy | Zero logs | Zero logs | Tie: Both providers carry no logs of identifiable information |
| Refund Policy | 30 days | 31 days | Tie: PureVPN offers 1 more day, but I would consider it a tie |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | Tie: Both offer round-the-clock support |
| Server Locations | 5147 servers in 62 countries | 2,000 servers in 140 countries | PureVPN: Covers a much larger number of countries |
| P2P Support | Supports torrents | Supports torrents | Tie: Both support torrenting |
| Streaming Services | Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer | Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer | Tie: Both are capable of unblocking popular streaming services |
| Security Features | Kill switch, Double VPN, DNS leak protection, IPV6 leak protection, Web RTC leak protection, Onion over VPN | Kill switch, DNS leak protection, IPV6 leak protection, Web RTC leak protection | NordVPN: Double VPN encryption gives it the edge over PureVPN |
| The Winner | NordVPN defeats PureVPN with its slightly better privacy and encryption features | ||
PureVPN Overview
PureVPN is one of the pioneering VPN brands in the industry. It is serving users from all over the world and its Hong Kong-based jurisdiction is the main USP of the VPN from the privacy point of view.
Some of the notable pros and cons of PureVPN are:
- Extensive geographical server coverage (140+ countries)
- 31-day refund policy
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- 256-bit encryption
- Kill switch, DNS leak protection
- Supports P2P
- Works with Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix
- Does not offer free trial
- Connection issues with certain servers at certain times
NordVPN Overview
NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN provider that emphasizes the protection of user privacy above all other considerations. It offers fast servers and it has the largest number of operational servers out of any other VPN in the industry.
The key strengths and weakness of NordVPN are:
- Excellent privacy policy
- Allows up to 6 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- More than 5,000 servers in 62 countries
- Great live chat support available 24/7
- Supports torrents
- Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu
- DNS leak protection, Double VPN encryption
- Strong encryption can slow down speeds
- Server reach limited to 62 countries
Pricing
My analysis of both prestigious providers suggests that both PureVPN and NordVPN has impressive pricing plans for its existing and potential users. You can select any pricing package of your choice like monthly, yearly and two yearly too.
This is how you can secure your online activities from ISPs and other data surveillance agencies hassle-free
- One month pricing plan:$10.95 /month
- Yearly pricing plan:$ 2.99 /month (73% discount)
- Two yearly pricing plan:$3.29/month (70% discount)
- Does not offer three-year plan
- One month pricing plan:$11.95%
- Yearly pricing plan:$6.99 (41% discount)
- Two yearly pricing plan: $3.99 /month (66% discount)
- Three yearly plan: $2.99/month (75% discount)
Both providers are offering good pricing plans, especially year-long deals. Similarly, both VPNs are quite expensive in their 1-month offerings. Picking out a winner, therefore, is not possible between PureVPN and NordVPN when it comes to pricing
Winner: Tied.
Accepted Payment Methods
My PureVPN vs NordVPN evaluation reveals that Hong Kong based service provides various payment options to its users. These different payment methods include Credit Card, BitCoin, AliPay, PayPal, PaymentWall and others.
NordVPN is also providing a decent list of online payment alternatives that consists of BitCoin, PayPal, Credit Card and other crypto currencies payment options.
Winner: I am anticipating a win-win situation here. This is because both services offer a comprehensive payment options list to users.
Servers
NordVPN has won the race with excellence when it comes to comparing the number of servers. This is because NordVPN has increased its current servers’ network up to 5,000+. Still, it has not improved its existence internationally. This is because NordVPN has presence only in 60+ countries.
Interestingly, PureVPN is offering its services in 140+ countries worldwide. However, the server count of this VPN is 2,000, which is considerably smaller as compared to PureVPN.
Winner: NordVPN is a winner as the brand is continuously increasing its servers’ network at a rapid pace.
Unique Selling Proposition
My analysis indicates that both PureVPN and NordVPN are giving intense competition to each other by providing additional benefits. You can consider NordVPN’s USP in the form of double VPN feature and great privacy policy.
PureVPN on the other hand, is not much far behind as it is offering a bunch of compelling features to its users. You can assume PureVPN USP in shape of split tunneling feature that allows users to control which traffic they want to pass through the VPN servers and which traffic should be left on the regular internet.
Winner: NordVPN and PureVPN both have their respective USPs, so there is no clear winner in this regard.
Performance and Reliability
PureVPN is undoubtedly regarded as one of the most reliable VPN services. The service takes its users’ privacy seriously hence offers a detailed list of salient benefits to subscribers. In addition, the brand usually performs exceptionally well on its different servers.
Moreover, NordVPN is another VPN service you can consider to protect your privacy. The service has an amazing 5,100+ servers feature that allows you to select your preferred servers from anywhere.
Winner: There is no such winner because NordVPN and PureVPN both offer same kind of performance and user experience.
Compatibility
PureVPN is compatible with various operating systems and devices. Likewise, NordVPN has included user-friendly apps for different platforms and devices that enable you to use the service accordingly.
My evaluation highlights that PureVPN is currently offering compatibility on more than 50 devices. Likewise, you can use NordVPN download option to check about the NordVPN compatibility on various platforms and devices.
Winner: Tied.
Security & Privacy
Fortunately, both services offer outstanding security and privacy features to its users. However, PureVPN offers cheap pricing plans that offer tons of impressive benefits under one package. Likewise, NordVPN is also providing a comprehensive list of features that secure your privacy to new heights.
Still, you have to bear some extra cost to avail these features.
Winner: NordVPN is a winner, courtesy of its double VPN encryption.
Protocols
Our review reveals that both services offer a comprehensive list of tunneling protocols to its users. Thus, you can protect your crucial digital tasks from anywhere instantly.
Winner: PureVPN is a winner as it has a wider list of tunneling protocols.
Torrenting / P2P
PureVPN has an impressive list of highly optimized servers that support users P2P activities. The same applies on NordVPN as it endorses subscribers’ torrenting activities in true letter and spirit. Therefore, you can avail both services to accomplish your media streaming cravings.
Winner: PureVPN is a winner due to its greater geographical reach.
PureVPN vs NordVPN Speed Test
NordVPN and PureVPN are truly neck-to-neck rivals on almost every front. The speed test results of both VPNs are extremely close as evidenced in the table below:
- Provides remarkable speeds on US, UK, Germany, and Australia servers
- Download speed US: 24.83
- Download speed UK: 28.13
- Download speed Germany: 22.94
- Download speed Australia: 20.38
- Delivers extremely fast speeds on US, UK, Germany, and Australia servers
- Download speed US: 28.17
- Download speed UK: 26.27
- Download speed Germany: 25.55
- Download speed Australia: 26.58
Winner: NordVPN wins once again over PureVPN. The difference is most prominent between PureVPN vs NordVPN Australia. However, PureVPN still deserves massive appreciation because it delivers speeds better than most other VPN services.
For more information, check out my VPN speed test guide.
Customers Review
According to our exploration of both premium VPN services, you can find users of PureVPN and NordVPN in huge numbers. Still, different users prefer to use PureVPN due to its appealing pricing structure and other offerings.
NordVPN is also increasing its existing customer base at an appreciable speed. Hence, users are applauding the efforts of brand and subscribing to the service too. Similarly, PureVPN is improving its current users’ base to another level.
- Users appreciated the service on Reddit
- Subscribers liked the service on Twitter
- Users appreciated the brand on Trust Pilot a lot
- Subscribers liked the provider on Reddit
- Users cherished the brand on Twitter
- Users have mixed reviews about the service on Trust Pilot
Winner: PureVPN is a winner in terms of users’ reviews.
Logging Policy
One of the best things about PureVPN and NordVPN is that both brands offer clear-cut logging policy for their users. Therefore, you can use their VPN apps on your favorite operating systems and devices without anticipating spying fears.
However, NordVPN has a better overall record in terms of protecting user privacy.
Winner: NordVPN is the winner because it has never been found involved in data-logging scandal.
Refund Policy/ Money Back Guarantee
PureVPN offers an impressive 31 days money back guarantee as compared to NordVPN 30-day guarantee. Therefore, both VPNs offer almost the same refund periods.
Winner: As both VPNs have almost the same refund periods, so there is no winner here.
Customer Support
Customer support is an area where both PureVPN and NordVPN have excelled remarkably. You can avail their efficient live chat feature that help you to solve all your streaming and installation related queries in a timely manner.
Likewise, you can use their tutorials pages to download and install your desired VPN apps without any fuss.
- Live Chat Support
- Tutorials provided
- Software in Different Languages
- Provides user-friendly apps
- FAQs
- Streaming services unblocking assistance
- Live Chat Support
- Tutorials provided
- FAQs
- Provides user-friendly
- FAQs
- Streaming services unblocking support
Winner: PureVPN is a victor because of its efficient customer support feature.
Tools and Features
Modern VPN services have innovated a lot of features to ensure better protection of users on the increasingly vulnerable cyberspace in today’s world.
Let’s see how PureVPN vs NordVPN compare when it comes to features.
| Features | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Tunneling protocols | PureVPN | PureVPN offer OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP, SSTP, and IKEv2 protocols. NordVPN offers all the above except SSTP, which gives PureVPN an edge. |
| Server Network | PureVPN | In spite of the fact that NordVPN has offer 5,000 servers to offer, these are limited to 62 countries only. Whereas, PureVPN’’s 2,000 servers cover over 140 countries. |
| Split tunneling | PureVPN | This is one of the unique features of PureVPN that allows users to control which data they want to pass through the VPN and which data should go through the regular Internet. NordVPN does not offer this feature as of yet. |
| DDoS Protection | Tie | Both VPNs offer DDoS protection |
| Double VPN | NordVPN | NordVPN uses double VPN technology to route user data through two different servers for added security. |
| Encryption | Tie | Both VPNs use RSA-2048 encryption which is extremely strong
|
| Dedicated IPs | PureVPN | NordVPN offers dedicated IPs in Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and the US. PureVPN offers dedicated IPs in Canada, Australia, Singapore, the US, the UK, Hong Kong, Malta, and Germany
|
Winner: Both VPNs are tied when it comes to features. Although PureVPN has more variety of tunneling protocols, NordVPN offers features like double VPN which the former lacks. In this way, both VPNs are equally good when it comes to features.
Discounts and Deals
NordVPN is currently offering its 3-year deal for only $2.99 at a 75% discount. This is one of the cheapest offers you can find in the market, especially coming from a leading VPN brand.
PureVPN is not lagging behind in the cheap price contest either. Currently, it is offering a discount of 73% on its 1-year deal which is available for only $2.99.
Winner: Once again, the two VPNs are tied as they both offer excellent value for money through discounts for every occasion.
Setup and Interface
- Provides setup guides for all compatible platforms
- Easy to install
- Good user interface
- Decent customer support
- Offers detailed setup guides
- Simple installation process
- Excellent user interface
- Competent customer support
NordVPN is quite simple to install. The windows app of NordVPN is quite appealing and looks more modern and sleek than PureVPN’s windows app. Selecting servers, for instance, is easier and more intuitive in NordVPN’s apps as compared to PureVPN.
Winner: NordVPN has better overall design of apps and usability than PureVPN.
PureVPN and NordVPN Ratings
When I reviewed PureVPN and NordVPN both providers in detail, I was able to rate them based on different factors. I considered factors like performance, anonymity, compatibility, features and so on.
- Anonymity 9/10
- Reliability 8.5/10
- Features 9/10
- Performance 7.5/10
- Support 8.5/10
- Value for money 9/10
- Anonymity 9.5/10
- Reliability 9.5/10
- Features 9.5/10
- Performance 8/10
- Support 9.5/10
- Value for money 9.5/10
Winner: NordVPN has outdone PureVPN on almost all aspects, but only by a small margin. Thus, I declare NordVPN as the winner.
Netflix Streaming
As per my research, NordVPN offers different servers in US that allow you to unblock and access US Netflix media content. The service provides servers for Netflix Canada, Netflix France, and Netflix Netherlands.
On the other hand, PureVPN does not offer specific servers for unblocking Netflix. But, they provide Chrome or Firefox extension that enables you to unblock Netflix online restrictions.
I personally liked NordVPN unblocking feature, as you can do it much more easily with this VPN than PureVPN.
- Unblocks US Netflix with the help of Chrome or Firefox extensions
- Bypasses ISPs throttling issues and offers better speeds for Netflix streaming
- Allows users to access US Netflix from anywhere
- Provides servers in US, Canada, and France for Netflix streaming
- Enables users to watch Netflix content on different devices
- Offers dedicated apps for Android, iOS and Smart TVs
Winner: NordVPN is the winner owing to its better speed and Netflix unblocking capability.
Support for BitTorrent
- Offers dedicated servers in 80+ countries for P2P activities
- Secures users’ IP addresses from ISPs, and copyright holders
- Provides servers in 40+ countries for torrenting tasks
- Masks users’ original IP addresses from ISPs and copyright holders
Winner: PureVPN is a winner in terms of BitTorrent support as it has beaten NordVPN by some distance.
PureVPN has better Reviews than NordVPN
I have analyzed both PureVPN and NordVPN in detail. I was literally surprised to know that users have preferred the former than the latter. They opted PureVPN due to its budget-friendly pricing feature. Likewise, they appreciated the PureVPN servers list benefit that allowed them to connect to their preferred servers from anywhere.
- Users have praised different features of the service
- Users are satisfied with the performance of provider
- Subscribers have mixed reviews about the brand
- They are partially satisfied with the service’s performance
Winner: based on above comparison, PureVPN turns out to be a victor
Which has performed better?
Based on the above analysis, I assume PureVPN has outdone NordVPN in different areas. These areas could be pricing, existence in different countries, online support and money back guarantee. PureVPN holds a clear edge over NordVPN, as it looks more compact in these areas.
NordVPN vs PureVPN Alternatives
Still, if you do not like these services for any reason, have a look at other services those are listed as follows:
- Comparison of ExpressVPN and IPVanish for 2019
- PureVPN vs ExpressVPN
- PureVPN vs IPVanish
- PureVPN vs Surfshark
- PureVPN vs HideMyAss
- PureVPN vs PIA
- NordVPN vs PIA
- NordVPN vs SurfShark
- Comparison Between NordVPN and ExpressVPN in 2019
- NordVPN vs Tunnelbear
- NordVPN vs IPVanish – Latest Comparison for 2019
Final Verdict
This PureVPN vs NordVPN review explores both VPN services and reveals that both are heading in the right direction in terms of performance and reliability. Likewise, NordVPN offers an exclusive 7-day free trial benefit to its subscribers. PureVPN has to add the said feature in its armory to grab the attention of potential users.
Overall, both providers have some amazing features that enable you to protect your privacy from online censorship and other issues. But NordVPN offers slightly better features as far as security, privacy, and speed are concerned.
Feel free to share your thoughts in comments section below
Thanks for a great article, helping me choose a VPN Provider. They seem equal but ‘m going with PureVPN since their price for Dedicated IP is better.
Dear Erik,
Thanks for your valuable feedback,
I am glad you liked my post and opted PureVPN to secure your privacy.
Cheers!!!