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PIA is one of the most popular VPNs out there, but is it actually worth all the hype it's getting? Released in 2010, PIA has grown users through word of mouth and recommendations. And, while they are based in the USA (which we’re usually wary of), they have proven twice that they do not maintain user logs.
Read allLaunched in 2007, Hong Kong based PureVPN is one of the oldest providers on the VPN scene. It’s packed to the gills with features and quite an impressive mix of cybersecurity features at a relatively low cost. So, how does PureVPN stand out? What are the highs and lows of this VPN? Time to see what’s under the hood.
Read allPIA is one of the most popular VPNs out there, but is it actually worth all the hype it's getting? Released in 2010, PIA has grown users through word of mouth and recommendations. And, while they are based in the USA (which we’re usually wary of), they have proven twice that they do not maintain user logs.
Read allLaunched in 2007, Hong Kong based PureVPN is one of the oldest providers on the VPN scene. It’s packed to the gills with features and quite an impressive mix of cybersecurity features at a relatively low cost. So, how does PureVPN stand out? What are the highs and lows of this VPN? Time to see what’s under the hood.
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| Starting price |
| $2.91/ month |
| Money Back Guarantee (Days) |
| 7 |
| Devices per license |
| 5 |
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| $2.88/ month |
| Money Back Guarantee (Days) |
| 7 |
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| Starting price | $2.91/ month | $2.88/ month | 121332/ |
| Money Back Guarantee (Days) | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| Devices per license | 5 | 5 | Unlimited |
| See Plans & Pricing | See Plans | See Plans |
| Best VPNs Overall | |
Both Private Internet Access and PureVPN are considered top-tier VPN providers with a close balance of features and security standards. Even though both providers operate a large network of servers, PIA's network is more dispersed. Both providers offer important features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection. |
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Both Private Internet Access and PureVPN are considered top-tier VPN providers with a close balance of features and security standards. Even though both providers operate a large network of servers, PIA's network is more dispersed. Both providers offer important features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
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| Best VPNs for Torrents | |
Both PIA and PureVPN support torrenting, but only on a limited number of servers (for legal reasons). PureVPN has dedicated servers just for torrenting and with all its privacy features, it can make torrenting a smooth experience. PIA also has servers specially designed for this purpose, and automatically redirects all your traffic through these servers while you are torrenting. |
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Both PIA and PureVPN support torrenting, but only on a limited number of servers (for legal reasons). PureVPN has dedicated servers just for torrenting and with all its privacy features, it can make torrenting a smooth experience. PIA also has servers specially designed for this purpose, and automatically redirects all your traffic through these servers while you are torrenting.
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| Best VPNs for Windows | |
PIA and PureVPN both offer easy-to-install and easy-to-use Windows apps, packed with features and supporting all security protocols used by the providers. The only feature PIA lacks that you’ll find in PureVPN is split tunneling. |
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PIA and PureVPN both offer easy-to-install and easy-to-use Windows apps, packed with features and supporting all security protocols used by the providers. The only feature PIA lacks that you’ll find in PureVPN is split tunneling.
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| Best VPNs for Android | |
The Android apps provided by both PIA and PureVPN are not that different when it comes to the features included, as both offer public wi-fi protection and a kill switch. The PIA Android app supports a higher level of encryption than the PureVPN app - however, both support advanced security protocols. In addition, the PureVPN Android app offers split tunneling. |
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The Android apps provided by both PIA and PureVPN are not that different when it comes to the features included, as both offer public wi-fi protection and a kill switch. The PIA Android app supports a higher level of encryption than the PureVPN app - however, both support advanced security protocols. In addition, the PureVPN Android app offers split tunneling.
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| Best VPNs for Mac | |
It’s not very common to find VPN Mac apps that support as many features as PIA and PureVPN. Both apps support multiple protocols and are very easy to use. Both include advanced features such as a kill switch and auto-connect. PureVPN also supports Stealth protocol on its Mac app, as well as split tunneling. PIA allows you to customize your connection settings very easily or gives you the option to allow the app to automatically configure itself to suit your online needs. |
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It’s not very common to find VPN Mac apps that support as many features as PIA and PureVPN. Both apps support multiple protocols and are very easy to use. Both include advanced features such as a kill switch and auto-connect. PureVPN also supports Stealth protocol on its Mac app, as well as split tunneling. PIA allows you to customize your connection settings very easily or gives you the option to allow the app to automatically configure itself to suit your online needs.
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| Best VPNs for iOS | |
PIA offers a very comprehensive app for its iOS users, by efficiently fitting in it as many of its features as possible. Supporting security protocols directly within an app can be a challenge - especially OpenVPN. However, both PureVPN and PIA support the highly secure and reliable protocol within their iOS app, as well as many more useful features. |
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PIA offers a very comprehensive app for its iOS users, by efficiently fitting in it as many of its features as possible. Supporting security protocols directly within an app can be a challenge - especially OpenVPN. However, both PureVPN and PIA support the highly secure and reliable protocol within their iOS app, as well as many more useful features.
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| Best VPNs for USA | |
PIA is a US-based provider and operates 1000+ servers in 15 locations within the US, facilitating the access of services geoblocked to the US. On the other hand, PureVPN operates 450+ servers in 13 locations within the US. Even though its network within the US is a little smaller than PIA's, it’s more than enough to meet all the requirements you might need from servers in this region. |
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PIA is a US-based provider and operates 1000+ servers in 15 locations within the US, facilitating the access of services geoblocked to the US. On the other hand, PureVPN operates 450+ servers in 13 locations within the US. Even though its network within the US is a little smaller than PIA's, it’s more than enough to meet all the requirements you might need from servers in this region.
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PureVPN wins by offering 3 price plans, with the lowest really a bargain, while PIA offers 8 price plans, which is more flexible, but most of the time more expensive. PIA also has an economical option of a yearly plan, which comes out cheap in the long run. Both of these global VPN providers are tough contenders that support major devices. PIA takes the lead with their good, old-fashioned customer service over PureVPN’s poor support record. In the end, PureVPN is the only contender that works within China, taking it to the top.
Interestingly, if you compare PureVPN with NordVPN, which is our top ranked vpn, you'll see that PureVPN can learn a lot from NordVPN. Compare PureVPN with NordVPN
Technical writer, ex-robot manual creator gone privacy enthusiast/VPN expert
Which VPN is better?
Ratings
Features |
4.7
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3.7
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0.0
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Pricing |
4.6
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4.5
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0.0
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Ease of Use |
4.7
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4.0
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0.0
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Reliability & Support |
4.7
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4.0
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0.0
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Reviews
Review by our expert
Internet Security Writer
Ex-Hacker, left the dark side and teaches young padawans to use the force
Latest positive user review
Beautiful service
This VPN service is the one of best and strongly secure. PIA give you new experience in network because you can do more without any controle from your ISP and others users in your network. I recommend this service because their policy is strictly no logs and when i use this service for five years i never been compromised during browsing .
BBC no problem
Having used PIA, Express, and Air, I had to give up on them all as I wanted to reliably watch the BBC, only Pure hasn't let me down in this regard. I have always had good support. Speed can sometimes be a problem, but I ALWAYS get onto the BBC iplayer to download.
Latest negative user review
PIA robs computers of their speed while the VPN is turned on.
I found out too late!! Here are my issues. Private Internet Access is "popular" because people are unaware and don't know until they've bought and it's too late. After purchasing this VPN (don't purchase this one) I installed on two computers and was told how to increase speed. Afterwards Charter raised their speed to 200 MB. Below are the results of my speed after the increase. I gave Private Internet Access my results and they are refusing to answer my questions and concerns (no response to 2 emails). Needless to say I will not renew. Charter raised internet speed to 200 and I get 200+ while not connected to this VPN. 1st Computer (windows 8.1). The following are my speeds (with adjustments) while connected to VPN and used the 2nd test which was usually a point or two lower or higher upd - auto 86.7 - 7.6 upd - 1194 87.6 - 7.5 upd - 8080 86.8 - 7.7 upd - 9201 85.1 - 7.7 upd - 53 76.0 - 7.2 tcp - 443 38.0 - 5.1 tcp - 110 48.0 - 5.6 tcp - 80 48.3 - 5.8 Why should it take 112.4 from my highest, which I will use, 87.6? I badly need help with this. 2nd Computer (windows 7 professional) Charter raised internet speed to 200 and I get 193.7+ while not connected to VPN. The following are my speeds (with adjustments) while connected to VPN and used the 2nd test which was usually a point or two lower or higher: upd - auto 39.8 - 4.9 upd - 1194 38.0 - 4.7 upd - 8080 37.2 - 4.7 upd - 9201 46.8 - 6.1 upd - 53 37.7- 4.8 tcp - 443 42.8 - 1.6 tcp - 110 44.0 - 1.7 tcp - 80 42.9 - 1.7
Does not work for Netflix. They won't refund
Horrible service. Avoid at all costs. It doesn't even work for Netflix. I asked for a refund. They initially said OK then they changed their mind due to "merchant limitations". You should use a different VPN provider - don't sign up to pureVPN
Pricing
Starting price
$2.91 / month
$2.88 / month
121332 /
Money Back Guarantee (Days)
7
7
0
Devices per license
5
5
0
Best VPNs by category
Both Private Internet Access and PureVPN are considered top-tier VPN providers with a close balance of features and security standards. Even though both providers operate a large network of servers, PIA's network is more dispersed. Both providers offer important features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Both PIA and PureVPN support torrenting, but only on a limited number of servers (for legal reasons). PureVPN has dedicated servers just for torrenting and with all its privacy features, it can make torrenting a smooth experience. PIA also has servers specially designed for this purpose, and automatically redirects all your traffic through these servers while you are torrenting.
PIA and PureVPN both offer easy-to-install and easy-to-use Windows apps, packed with features and supporting all security protocols used by the providers. The only feature PIA lacks that you’ll find in PureVPN is split tunneling.
The Android apps provided by both PIA and PureVPN are not that different when it comes to the features included, as both offer public wi-fi protection and a kill switch. The PIA Android app supports a higher level of encryption than the PureVPN app - however, both support advanced security protocols. In addition, the PureVPN Android app offers split tunneling.
It’s not very common to find VPN Mac apps that support as many features as PIA and PureVPN. Both apps support multiple protocols and are very easy to use. Both include advanced features such as a kill switch and auto-connect. PureVPN also supports Stealth protocol on its Mac app, as well as split tunneling. PIA allows you to customize your connection settings very easily or gives you the option to allow the app to automatically configure itself to suit your online needs.
PIA offers a very comprehensive app for its iOS users, by efficiently fitting in it as many of its features as possible. Supporting security protocols directly within an app can be a challenge - especially OpenVPN. However, both PureVPN and PIA support the highly secure and reliable protocol within their iOS app, as well as many more useful features.
PIA is a US-based provider and operates 1000+ servers in 15 locations within the US, facilitating the access of services geoblocked to the US. On the other hand, PureVPN operates 450+ servers in 13 locations within the US. Even though its network within the US is a little smaller than PIA's, it’s more than enough to meet all the requirements you might need from servers in this region.
The Bottom Line
Daniel Krohn
Technical writer, ex-robot manual creator gone privacy enthusiast/VPN expert
Time to decide which one is best for you
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Sarit Newman
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