With NordVPN in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, thanks to an unfortunate data breach, is it still the right VPN to choose? If you're considering an alternative, then PureVPN is one of the leading names to consider. We pit NordVPN against PureVPN to see which comes out top.
NordVPN recently came clean about a data breach that occurred on one of its servers back in March 2018. Dramatic as this sounds, Nord has emphasized that no user data was compromised, and that just a single one of its 3,000+ servers was affected, for a brief window only.
Even with incidents such as this, a VPN is still an excellent way to ensure that your surfing habits are private, and your data protected. NordVPN is still one of the best you can choose, but, if you're keen on an alternative, then it's PureVPN that just takes the lead in our comparison. There are also regular PureVPN deals and discounts that make it narrowly cheaper than NordVPN, too.
With over twenty VPNs tested to date, including free and paid-for software, we know a great VPN when we see one. NordVPN and PureVPN are packed with features, making them powerful, but they're also simple to use, meaning they aren't too daunting for new users.
Read on to find out which one is best for you.
- PureVPN vs NordVPN: Head-to-Head — Here's our more detailed comparison overview of the two VPNs
- PureVPN — A quick look at the highlights, pros and cons of PureVPN
- NordVPN — A quick look at the highlights, pros and cons of NordVPN
- NordVPN is Faster Than PureVPN — In our tests, we found that NordVPN is better over both short-range and long range connections
- NordVPN and PureVPN Draw for Features — Both options offer more features than you're likely to use, with plenty of overlap
- PureVPN is Better for Privacy Than NordVPN — PureVPN comes with more granular privacy features, including antivirus and alerts
- PureVPN and NordVPN Draw for Ease of Use — Both services offer straightforward interfaces and guides
- PureVPN is Priced Lower Than NordVPN — The two VPNs are priced at around the industry average, but PureVPN is a little more inexpensive overall
- Verdict — Depending on your needs and preferences, either option could be best for you
PureVPN vs NordVPN: Head-to-Head
Both PureVPN and NordVPN are great ways to protect your identity and your data. Still, PureVPN's suite of privacy features beats out NordVPN's. They're both feature-rich and offer fantastic value, but given the fact that VPNs are all about privacy, we have to hand the win over to PureVPN in the end.
PureVPN is just ahead of NordVPN in our testing – try it today with this great discount
| PureVPN | NordVPN | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Ease of Use | ||
| Speed | ||
| Features | ||
| Privacy | ||
| Help & Support | ||
| Value | ||
| Number of servers | 750 | 3605 |
| Torrent Support | Yes | Yes |
| Killswitch | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Speed test | Yes | No |
| Ad blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Data Logging | No | No |
| Number of Devices | 5 | 6 |
| Cheapest Monthly Plan | $2.80 (1-year plan) | $2.99 (3-year plan) |
| Discounts | Click for Deals | Click for Deals |
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PureVPN
Best for: Simplicity
PureVPN is refreshingly easy to use. Getting set up and using the package is straightforward, making it a great choice for new starters.
PureVPN can be used across five devices, meaning you can use it on your desktop PC, your phone (with the associated app), and still use it on three more compatible computers, phones or tablets.
PureVPN can also be used by those looking to access Netflix outside their country, opening up entire new libraries of video content that until now have been unavailable.
- Effective privacy and security features
- Smart Mode-based approach
- Clear notifications
- Excellent value
- Not quite as fast as billed
- Doesn’t unblock Netflix unless you use the browser extension
NordVPN
Best for: Security
NordVPN is one of the best VPN packages we’ve tested. It might be a little too feature-rich for the novice user, but for those who like full control, its versatility will be very appealing.
NordVPN is fast, and can maintain speeds at an impressive rate, beating many of its competitors. There is always some small loss of speed when using a VPN, but with NordVPN, it’s minimal.
A suite of extra security features mean that NordVPN is an excellent choice for those looking to protect their data.
- Fast and effective
- Packed with features
- Excellent value
- Not the most intuitive VPN for absolute beginners
- Couldn't unblock some streaming services when tested
- Assumes some technical knowledge
NordVPN is Faster Than PureVPN
Speed can be a tricky thing for a VPN to manage well. When it comes to using a VPN, you'll always be compromising your speed in some regard, as a VPN has to route your traffic through its own servers. You can mitigate this by choosing servers that are closer to you, and of course having decent speed broadband to begin with, but there will always be some concession to make.
PureVPN maintains good speeds when connecting to local servers (a 0.36% average download speed difference isn't bad, even if beaten by NordVPN's 0.04% difference), but we found it slowed down meaningfully when connecting overseas (PureVPN saw a 0.74% average international download speed difference, compared to NordVPN's 0.58%).
NordVPN, however, does an excellent job of keeping your downloads and streaming ticking along at a satisfactory pace.
NordVPN and PureVPN Draw for Features
Unlike some other VPNs, both NordVPN and PureVPN are fully realized VPN packages that jam in a host of options and features – probably more than you'll ever conceivably use. Whether you're a novice or a VPN expert, you'll be satisfied with what either offers.
PureVPN has some neat tricks up its sleeve, including the ability to use your device as a hotspot for other devices to connect to. It also has a kill switch, which will stop your connection dead if it fails to connect to the VPN server (rather than transferring your traffic back to your own ISP).
NordVPN also offers a kill switch which can be aligned with certain apps or sites, so you can say whether or not it will kick in. NordVPN has a heavy emphasis on security, and offers its users military grade levels of encryption – comforting to know when you're using a potentially skeevy connection at your local coffee shop.
Both suites are jam-packed with features, and there's plenty of overlap between the two, so it's difficult to pull out a winner. We'll say that if you pick either of them, the overall winner will be you.
PureVPN is Better for Privacy Than NordVPN
Is there such a thing as a safe vpn? There are two big privacy concerns when using a VPN – is my data being protected, and can I be sure my activity isn't being logged? The best services answer both questions with a resounding yes, and PureVPN and NordVPN both have your back there.
In our testing, we found that PureVPN had a more comprehensive suite of privacy options compared to NordVPN. Two that stand out are Ozone and Gravity. Ozone is an antivirus, content filtering tools which can block offensive material or named websites, and also boasts an intrusion tool that alerts you when someone is trying to hack your PC.
Gravity is essentially an ad-blocker that stop ads appearing during browsing, and also has the ability to hide results.
PureVPN and NordVPN Draw for Ease of Use
Good news: If you're new to VPNs, you've picked a good starting point with PureVPN and NordVPN. Both are extremely powerful tools, but don't confuse their users with reams of options and complicated tools.
PureVPN makes life easier by introducing different modes depending on what you want to use the service for. These are broken down into Internet Freedom, designed to work in countries where sites are censored; Security, which gives extra protection; File Sharing, which is designed for, well, file sharing; Stream, for streaming services such as Netflix; and others. What this means is that casual users can tell PureVPN what they want to do, and it will automatically select the best settings for the job.
NordVPN has excellent beginner guides for its multitude of features, and is happy to hold new starters by the hand. Its apps are also refreshing straightforward to use. VPNs should always be easy to set up, but that's not always the case. VPN newbies can rest safe knowing that both of these options offer an easy setup process.
PureVPN is Priced Lower Than NordVPN
The best VPNs typically cost less than $13 a month, with significantly more savings for those willing to commit to their subscription for a full year or two. PureVPN and NordVPN are both priced along these lines, but PureVPN drops rapidly as soon as you commit to one or five years.
Granted, you'll need to use it for half a decade to earn your money's worth, but PureVPN's five-year plan of $1.32 a month is eye-poppingly low. Opt for NordVPN's three-year plan, though, and you'll still be paying pocket change, at $2.99 a month.
NordVPN does offer a free three-day trial, and PureVPN does not. Both paid plans support up to five devices.
While cost shouldn't be a determining factor when picking out the safest or most useful VPN for your needs, it's certainly a factor worth considering. Here's a look at the exact pricing plans to expect from both PureVPN and NordVPN.
| PureVPN (per month) | NordVPN (per month) | |
| 1 Month | $10.95 | $11.95 |
| 12 Months | $2.99 | $6.99 |
| 2 Years | N/A | $3.99 |
| 3 Years | N/A | $2.99 |
| 5 Years | $1.32 | N/A |
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Vedict: PureVPN or NordVPN – Which is Best?
If you're after a VPN, you won't go wrong with either PureVPN or NordVPN. In our testing, PureVPN came out on top – what's more, it's a little cheaper on a monthly basis, if you take advantage of the special offer.
If you're a speed buff and need your internet data as quickly as possible – important if you're a big torrenter for example – then NordVPN has the edge here, thanks to its ability to not slow down too much despite being routed through various servers. It's also incredibly secure thanks to that military grade encryption.
There are lots of VPNs vying for your business, and some are better than others. PureVPN and NordVPN set the standard for what to expect from a VPN, and for a few bucks a month, either would be an invaluable addition to your online tool bag.
Sign up for PureVPN today for a 77% discount on the standard price
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