NordVPN vs. PureVPN 2024: Nord Offers Smoother Streaming and Better Security
Discover the key differences between NordVPN and PureVPN to determine the best VPN for your specific needs and preferences.
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Last updated Jun 28, 2024
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Best for Streaming
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Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
NordVPN
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
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Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
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3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Best Budget Choice
/images/2023/02/24/purevpn-logo.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On PureVPN's website
PureVPN
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Offers a better value two-year plan
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Boasts 6,500 servers in 70+ countries
- Had slower download, upload, and latency speeds compared to Nord
The budget-friendly pricing and intuitive interface of PureVPN make it an attractive option if you're looking for a reliable and easy-to-use virtual private network.
NordVPN boasts a variety of features, making it ideal if you prioritize advanced security and seamless streaming. Plus, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market.
In this head-to-head comparison, we'll explore the pricing, features, speed, compatibility, and customer service of NordVPN vs. PureVPN.
In this article
NordVPN vs. PureVPN at a glancePrices
Which VPN is faster?
Which VPN is more secure?
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Is NordVPN or PureVPN better?
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 good selection of server locations for reliable and secure global VPN connections.
How do NordVPN and PureVPN compare?
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 |
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| Price | Starts at $3.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $14.95/mo |
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | 10 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | 6,300+ in 111 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? | ||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Get PureVPN Read PureVPN Review |
How we test and rate VPNs
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
NordVPN pros and cons
NordVPN offers over 6,300 servers in 111 countries, including specialty servers and advanced features like double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P, obfuscated servers, and dedicated IP. Nord VPN supports various devices and operating systems, such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, smart TVs, and more. It caps at 10 simultaneous connections, but you can connect up to 60 devices with Meshnet.
NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It supports OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and its proprietary NordLynx.
Pros
- Loads of servers and server countries for more connection options
- Cheaper than ExpressVPN, another super secure VPN
- Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
- Headquartered in Panama for true no-logs policy
Cons
- CyberGhost and Surfshark are cheaper
- Too many confusing plans
PureVPN pros and cons
While both VPNs offer affordable options, PureVPN edges out NordVPN with a slightly lower starting price of $2.03/mo (billed biannually) for the first 27 months, compared to NordVPN's starting price of $3.99/mo (billed every two years). PureVPN boasts more than 6,500 servers in 70+ countries, which is comparable to NordVPN, though the latter has a wider global reach.
PureVPN also offers up to 10 simultaneous connections and broad device compatibility. It's also a secure VPN with OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard protocols.
Pros
Cons
Prices
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Our Pick |
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| Price range | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $2.03-$19.95/mo |
| Best value plan | Standard 2-year plan for $3.99/mo (billed every two years) | Standard 2-year plan for $2.03/mo (billed biannually) for the first 27 months |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 31 days |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Get PureVPN Read PureVPN Review |
NordVPN and PureVPN offer competitive pricing plans, but there are some differences in their cost structures. NordVPN's monthly prices range from $3.39–$15.99/mo, with the best value plan being its Standard two-year plan at $3.99/mo (billed every two years). 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 $2.03-$19.95/mo, with its most cost-effective option being the two-year plan at $2.03/mo (billed biannually) for the first 27 months, which would you save money on VPN.
Both VPN providers offer money-back guarantees, allowing you to test the services risk-free and request a refund if you are not satisfied. NordVPN offers a 30-day guarantee, while PureVPN goes a step further with a 31-day guarantee.
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
- Cryptocurrency (bitcoin, ether, and more)
- AmazonPay
- Google Pay
- ACH transfer
- Cash (in-store)
PureVPN payment options
- Credit/debit cards
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Payment Wall
- Coingate (bitcoin, litecoin and other electronic wallets)
Winner: PureVPN takes the win in terms of pricing, offering a lower starting price of $2.03/mo (billed biannually) for the first 27 months with its two-year plan along with a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Which VPN is faster?
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.
NordVPN vs. PureVPN speed test results
Best Speeds |
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| Speed % difference with U.S. server | Download: +44.72% Upload: -9.42% |
Download: -63.43% Upload: -4.05% |
| Speed % difference with U.K. server | Download: +31.47% Upload: +96.10% |
Download: -84.86% Upload: -86.13% |
| Speed % difference with AU server | Download: +12.21% Upload: -25.55% |
Download: -84.17% Upload: -12.17% |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Get PureVPN Read PureVPN Review |
In our speed test results, PureVPN’s download and upload speeds drastically slowed down from server to server, even while connected to a U.S. server. On the other hand, NordVPN provided more consistent download and upload speeds that only slowed slightly depending on the server location. It's normal for VPN servers to experience slower speeds because they're routing your internet traffic, and it's expected that the further away the server, the more the speed drops.
However, NordVPN blew our speed tests out of the water by actually increasing our download and upload speeds when connected to different domestic and international VPN servers.
Winner: NordVPN wins as it provides significantly faster download speeds in comparison to PureVPN. We worry that PureVPN users will struggle to watch popular streaming services, which typically require a speed of around 100 Mbps, and PureVPN’s download speeds are too low.
Which VPN is more secure?
| Feature | Our Pick |
|
| Number of servers | 6,300+ in 111 countries | 6,500+ in 70+ countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Panama | British Virgin Islands |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Get PureVPN Read PureVPN Review |
NordVPN and PureVPN both offer a range of features designed to enhance your online privacy and security, including a kill switch and split tunneling. 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.
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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. Panama is a more privacy-friendly location with no data retention laws. NordVPN had its no-logs policy audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, 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.
Some bonus features set NordVPN apart from PureVPN. Nord comes with Threat Protection, a built-in ad, tracker, and malware 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.
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Winner: NordVPN offers the best set of features overall, providing advanced security features, such as an ad blocker and dark web monitoring. Nord also consistently unblocks popular streaming services with ease. Although PureVPN is generally effective at bypassing geo-restrictions, NordVPN's more consistent performance makes it the better choice for those who prioritize seamless streaming and access to a broader range of content on various platforms.
Compatibility and customer support
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Get PureVPN Read PureVPN Review |
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, browser extensions, and smart TV apps. The settings within each VPN are straightforward and easy to find, and no significant difficulties are 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.
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As far as customer support both NordVPN and PureVPN provide 24/7 live chat and email support. Their websites also feature extensive online guides to help users troubleshoot issues or learn more about each VPN’s features.
Winner: It’s a draw. Both services provide comprehensive compatibility and customer support.
FAQs
+
Is PureVPN reliable?
Yes, PureVPN is a reliable VPN service with a strong commitment to privacy, a wide range of server locations, and robust security features. It is suitable for various online activities, including streaming and browsing.
+
Can NordVPN access DAZN?
Yes, NordVPN can unblock DAZN and provide access to its content library by connecting to a server in a country where DAZN is available.
+
Is PureVPN good for Netflix?
Yes, PureVPN is capable of unblocking Netflix libraries from various countries, providing users with access to geo-restricted content.
+
Is NordVPN selling my data?
NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and does not store or sell user data. Its policy has been independently audited by PwC, adding credibility to its claims.
Is NordVPN or PureVPN 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 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 network, offering over 6,500 servers in over 70 countries. Although this VPN has solid security and privacy features, it lacks some of the advanced features that NordVPN offers. PureVPN works well with streaming services, but its performance is not as fast or consistent as NordVPN’s.
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.
NordVPN and PureVPN alternatives
|
|
|
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| Price | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo | $6.67–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 7 | 8 |
| # of servers | 3,200 in 100 countries | Servers in 100 countries | Servers in 105 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | The Netherlands | Romania | British Virgin Islands |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN |
/images/2022/09/02/logo-surfshark-vpn.png){kind=logo}
Surfshark
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
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Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
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One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Author Details
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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.
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Kate is an Editor at All About Cookies. She has 8+ years of digital publishing experience as a content manager, developmental editor, and curriculum writer. She leverages specializations in EdTech and educational publishing to create impactful, well-researched content that aids learners of all ages.
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