Best for Streaming

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On NordVPN's website

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• Provides plenty of features like ad and tracker blocking
• Offers consistent streaming performance

• Only allows you to connect six devices at once

Best Budget Choice

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On PureVPN's website

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• Offers a better value two-year plan
• Boasts 6,500 servers in 70-plus countries

• Had slower download, upload, and latency speeds compared to Nord

As you consider whether to purchase NordVPN or PureVPN for your online privacy and security needs, it's essential to weigh the unique aspects of each service. NordVPN boasts a variety of features, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize advanced security, seamless streaming, and a vast selection of global server locations. On the other hand, PureVPN's budget-friendly pricing and intuitive interface make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use virtual private network (VPN).

In this head-to-head comparison, we'll explore the critical areas where these two VPNs differ: pricing, features, speed, compatibility, and customer service. After examining these factors, you can make a more informed decision on whether NordVPN or PureVPN is the best choice for you.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN at a glance

NordVPN and PureVPN are both leading VPN services, but they cater to different types of users. NordVPN excels in providing seamless streaming and advanced security features, making it an ideal choice for users who demand top-notch performance and robust protection while accessing geo-restricted content on various streaming platforms.

On the other hand, PureVPN stands out for its cost-effective pricing and extensive server coverage, appealing to users who prioritize affordability and a wide selection of server locations for reliable and secure global connections.

• NordVPN: Best for streaming
• PureVPN: Best budget choice

The fundamental differences between these two VPNs will help determine which service best aligns with your needs.

How do NordVPN and PureVPN compare?

	NordVPN Our Pick	PureVPN
Price	Starts at $3.99/mo	Starts at $2.29/mo
Max # of connected devices	6	10
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, smart TVs, routers	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, smart TVs, routers
# of servers	5,600+ in 60 countries	6,500+ servers in 70+ countries
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get PureVPN Read PureVPN Review

When comparing NordVPN and PureVPN, several factors can help you determine which VPN better suits your needs. Pricing is a crucial aspect, and while both VPNs offer affordable options, PureVPN edges out NordVPN with a slightly lower starting price of $2.29/mo, compared to NordVPN's starting price of $3.99/mo.

The number of servers and server locations is another vital consideration. NordVPN offers over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, while PureVPN boasts more than 6,500 servers in 70-plus countries, giving it a slight advantage in terms of server coverage. Both VPNs have a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user data is not stored or shared.

In terms of compatibility, both VPNs support various devices and operating systems such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, smart TVs, and more. But NordVPN allows only up to six connected devices simultaneously. PureVPN offers up to 10, making it a better choice for users who need more connections.

When it comes to unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, both NordVPN and PureVPN perform well, allowing users to access geo-restricted content seamlessly. Additionally, both services provide multiple VPN protocols, with NordVPN supporting OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx, while PureVPN offers OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN: prices

NordVPN and PureVPN offer competitive pricing plans, but there are some differences in their cost structures. NordVPN's monthly prices range from $3.99–$15.69/mo, with the best value plan being its Standard two-year plan at $3.99/mo. However, Nord does offer nine plans in total: a Standard package, Plus package, and a Complete package, all available in either monthly, yearly, or bi-yearly payment structures. The price decreases with the greater length of your plan.

On the other hand, PureVPN's prices range from $2.29 to $19.95/mo, with its most cost-effective option being the two-year plan at $2.29/mo, which would you save money on VPN.

Both VPN providers offer money-back guarantees, allowing users to test the services risk-free and request a refund if not satisfied. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, while PureVPN goes a step further with a 31-day money-back guarantee. These guarantees are an excellent opportunity for you to try out each service and decide which one best meets your needs.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN: features

Reviewed by Ryan L. Clancy

“The number of servers and server locations is another vital consideration. NordVPN offers over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, while PureVPN boasts more than 6,500 servers in 70-plus countries, giving it a slight advantage in terms of server coverage.”

NordVPN and PureVPN both offer a range of features designed to enhance your online privacy and security, including a kill switch and split tunneling. While both VPNs boast a no-logs policy, NordVPN's headquarters in Panama and PureVPN's in the British Virgin Islands, provide different jurisdictional advantages, with Panama being a more privacy-friendly location.

It is important to note that NordVPN had its no-logs policy audited by Cure53, which adds an extra layer of trust to its claims. On the other hand, PureVPN's no-logs policy was audited by KPMG. Both VPNs also passed our DNS leak and WebRTC leak tests, so you get leak protection with either option.

Both providers use military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and support multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. However, NordVPN also offers the proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard and delivers faster speeds and enhanced security.

Some bonus features set NordVPN apart from PureVPN. Nord comes with a built-in tracker and ad blocker to help protect you from malware and intrusive ads. It also provides dark web monitoring to keep an eye on your personal information if it appears on the dark web. NordVPN also provides specialty servers, including a dedicated IP, obfuscated servers, and more.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN: streaming support

NordVPN and PureVPN are both known for their ability to unblock regional content on popular streaming services. However, NordVPN has a slight edge over PureVPN in this area. Nord is consistently praised for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and provide access to a wide range of Netflix libraries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and more. Additionally, NordVPN users have reported success in unblocking Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services.

While PureVPN also unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, some users have reported occasional difficulties in accessing specific regional libraries or they have encountered proxy errors.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN: internet speeds

Fast and stable internet speeds are crucial for a seamless online experience, whether it's for streaming, gaming, or simply browsing. To evaluate the internet speeds of NordVPN and PureVPN, we conducted tests on different server locations using a variety of devices. The original speed test results can be found in the testing notes.

Without a VPN connection, we started the speed testing by measuring download, upload, and download latency (ping). Then, we connected to VPN servers in the following areas using NordVPN and PureVPN:

• U.S. (to determine whether the VPN causes a delay even while connecting to a nearby server)
• U.K.
• Australia
  

We recorded the download speed, upload speed, and download latency for each server location (ping). The precise nation, city, and state for each check were stated. This technique allowed us to compare the effects of NordVPN and PureVPN on internet speeds in various regions and under different conditions.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN speed test results 

The time it takes for data to travel from your device to the VPN server and back is referred to as latency. It is critical for activities such as gaming, where minimal latency is required for a seamless experience.

In our speed test results, PureVPN’s download speed, upload speed, and latency speed demonstrated more variation depending on the server location, while NordVPN provided more consistent download and upload speeds with varying latency.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN latency comparison

NordVPN vs. PureVPN: compatibility and ease of use

Reviewed by Ryan L. Clancy

“In terms of compatibility, both VPNs support various devices and operating systems such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, smart TVs, and more. But NordVPN allows only up to six connected devices simultaneously. PureVPN offers up to 10, making it a better choice for users who need more connections.”

Both NordVPN and PureVPN have intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces for their applications across various platforms. Their respective services work seamlessly as desktop apps, mobile apps, and even as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and more. The settings within each VPN are straightforward and easy to find, with no significant difficulties experienced during use.

NordVPN is known for its clean, minimalist design, which highlights important features and server options, while PureVPN's interface is user-friendly and visually appealing, making it simple for users to navigate through its features and settings.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN: customer service

Both NordVPN and PureVPN provide reliable customer support, with 24/7 live chat and email options available for users seeking assistance. Their websites also feature extensive online guides to help users troubleshoot issues or learn more about each VPN’s features.

NordVPN vs. PureVPN: payment options

NordVPN and PureVPN both offer a variety of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies. Accepting cryptocurrencies as a payment method provides an additional layer of privacy for users who prefer to keep their transactions anonymous.

NordVPN payment options

• Credit/debit cards
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, ether, and more)
• Amazon Pay
• Google Pay
• UnionPay
• ACH Transfer

PureVPN payment options

• Credit/Debit Cards
• PayPal
• Paymentwall
• Coingate (bitcoin and other electronic wallets)

PureVPN vs. NordVPN FAQs

NordVPN vs. PureVPN: which is better?

NordVPN offers advanced security features, seamless streaming capabilities, and a strong no-logs policy. It is known for its ease of use and compatibility across multiple devices, making it a popular choice if you are looking for a secure and reliable VPN. However, NordVPN's pricing is slightly higher than PureVPN’s, especially for the shorter-length subscription plans.

PureVPN offers a more cost-effective pricing structure with a larger server range, offering over 6,500 servers in over 71 countries. Although this VPN has solid security and privacy features, it lacks some of the advanced options that NordVPN offers, such as dark web monitoring. PureVPN works well with streaming services, but its performance is likely not as fast or consistent as NordVPN’s.

Therefore, NordVPN is our overall winner, thanks to its consistent streaming capabilities and advanced security features. While PureVPN is a budget-friendly option, NordVPN’s superior performance and features make it a more comprehensive and reliable VPN service.

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On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for more connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix

• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.