PureVPN review 2026: Is this $2 VPN worth the risk?

PureVPN is one of the cheapest options on the market, offering plans as low as $1.49 per month, but it carries significant “trust baggage” from a 2017 FBI logging incident. If you are looking for a dirt-cheap way to watch foreign TV, this service works surprisingly well.

However, if you need bulletproof privacy or high-speed gaming, our PureVPN review suggests you should look elsewhere due to technical inconsistencies and erratic speeds.

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Note: All information and data were recorded on January 7, 2026. Figures and details may vary depending on your location. These tests are for reference purposes only.

1. PureVPN review: Overview & specs

PureVPN is a veteran in the virtual private network industry, having been established in 2007. It is owned by GZ Systems and operates under the broader PureSquare brand. The company has built its reputation on offering an extremely aggressive pricing strategy, often undercutting major competitors to attract budget-conscious users.

Recently, the parent company PureSquare acquired Ivacy VPN, another budget-friendly provider. This move signals a significant consolidation of resources within the group, allowing them to share server infrastructure and development teams.

For the end user, this means PureVPN is backed by a larger corporate entity with substantial operational capacity. However, it also means that user data across these brands is centralized under one umbrella.

The service is a feature-rich budget option with over 6,500 servers. It supports a wide variety of platforms, including a rare graphical interface for Linux users.

VPN Score:

7.1

PureVPN - The budget streamer

Price

From $1.49/mo (5-Year Plan)

Servers

6,500+ in 70+ countries

Latest Tests

January 2026

Jurisdiction

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Privacy & Security

6.5/10

Speed & Performance

7.0/10

Streaming

9.0/10

Server Network

8.5/10

Pricing & Value

9.0/10

Apps & User Experience

6.5/10

Gaming

2.0/10

Torrenting

6.0/10

Customer Support

7.5/10

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Feature	Specification
No-logs policy	Audited (Always-on KPMG)
Streaming services	Netflix (US, UK, JP, Ca, Fr,…), Disney+, Hulu, Prime, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer
Gaming performance	Poor (High ping)
Torrenting/P2P	Supported
Dedicated IP	Available (Add-on)
Security features	Kill switch, Quantum-resistant keys
VPN protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Simultaneous connections	10 devices
Platforms & devices	Win, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), FireTV
Customer support	24/7 Live chat

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Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
* Unbeatable long-term pricing ($1.49/mo)	* Inconsistent speed performance across regions
* Excellent streaming unblocking capability	* Protocol stability issues in app
* Verified “Always-on” no-logs audit	* Confusing renewal pricing structure
* User-friendly graphical interface for Linux	* Historical trust concerns (2017 incident)
* Massive server network (6,500+)	* Aggressive upselling within the interface

Best for: Budget-conscious users seeking an audited, high-value VPN for Netflix and general privacy.

2. Can you trust PureVPN in 2026?

Trust is the most critical currency for a VPN, and this is where PureVPN faces its biggest challenge. To give you a clear picture, we need to address the historical context that defines the company’s current reputation.

2.1. The 2017 incident

In 2017, PureVPN was involved in a cyberstalking case where they handed over user logs to the FBI. This was controversial because, at the time, their marketing claimed they kept “zero logs.”

This incident proved that, back then, their systems were capable of tracking user activity, which shattered trust for many privacy advocates and led to widespread skepticism in the cybersecurity community.

2.2. The redemption arc

Since that incident, the company has worked aggressively to rebuild its reputation. They moved their headquarters from Hong Kong to the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with strong privacy laws that does not mandate data retention.

More importantly, they implemented an “Always-On” audit structure with KPMG. This means the auditors can check PureVPN’s servers at any time without prior notice. While this is a significant improvement that verifies their current practices, trust takes decades to rebuild, and some users remain cautious.

2.3. Gaditek & reputation

PureVPN operates under the PureSquare brand, associated with Gaditek. There have been allegations in the industry regarding review manipulation, including questions about the authenticity of some positive user feedback on review platforms.

Verdict: We rate the trust level as "Improved but Provisional." It is objectively safer today than it was in 2017, but for users demanding absolute privacy (such as journalists or activists), the historical baggage remains a valid point of consideration.

3. PureVPN speed test: Real-world benchmarks

We conducted our speed tests on January 7, 2026. During this session, we encountered a technical issue where the WireGuard protocol would not establish a connection, sticking on the “Connecting” phase. Consequently, we utilized the “Auto” protocol setting, which defaulted to IKEv2. The results below reflect the performance using this protocol.

Server location	Download (Mbps)	Upload (Mbps)	Ping (ms)
Baseline (no VPN)	507.69	523.85	3
Singapore	6.15	34.53	191
Japan	9.38	4.42	241
US (Seattle)	187.28	26.07	215
US (New York)	65.63	7.00	252
UK (London)	13.14	7.56	291
Germany (Berlin)	277.76	32.87	229
Australia	259.12	32.74	236

The speed test results present a picture of high variability. Performance heavily depends on the geographic distance and the specific server route.

Strong performance in select regions: 

The connection to Germany (Berlin) was robust, retaining a significant portion of the baseline speed at 277.76 Mbps. Similarly, the Australian server performed unexpectedly well, delivering 259.12 Mbps. This indicates that the server infrastructure in these specific locations is capable of handling high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming.

Significant drop in Asia: 

In contrast, the performance on Asian servers was notably lower. Downloads on the Singapore server dropped to 6.15 Mbps, and Japan fared similarly at 9.38 Mbps. This represents a substantial reduction from the baseline speed.

Mixed US results: 

The US servers showed a clear divide; the Seattle server maintained a usable 187.28 Mbps, while the New York server struggled, dropping to 65.63 Mbps.

This inconsistency suggests that while PureVPN can be fast, finding a high-performing server may require some trial and error depending on your location.

4. Streaming capabilities: Unblocking Netflix & Disney+

This is where PureVPN shines. Despite the inconsistent speeds mentioned above, its ability to bypass geo-blocks is top-tier. It operates like a specialized “Streaming Stick.”

Platform	PureVPN status
Netflix	Yes (US, UK, JP, CA, FR tested)
Hulu	Yes
Disney+	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes
Amazon Prime Video	Yes
HBO Max	Yes

We successfully unblocked Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and France. Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer loaded immediately without the dreaded “Proxy Detected” error.

Netflix: 

HBO Max, Disney+/Hulu, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer:

However, a note of caution: while the access is there, the quality depends heavily on the server speed. Because our speed dropped to 9 Mbps in Japan, watching Japanese Netflix in 4K was impossible.

For faster servers like Germany or Australia, the experience was seamless.

5. Gaming review: High ping & latency issues

If you are a competitive gamer, you should skip this section and check out our guide to the Best VPNs for gaming instead. PureVPN’s latency performance in our 2026 tests was generally unsuitable for fast-paced gaming.

Feature	Details
Local ping impact	N/A (Minimum 191ms+ on test servers)
International ping	191ms – 291ms
Packet loss	Likely high due to IKEv2 instability
Router support	App / Config file
DDoS protection	Built-in

In online gaming, “Ping” is the time it takes for your action to register on the server. Anything under 50ms is desirable.

Our tests recorded high latency across the board, with the lowest ping being 191ms (Singapore) and reaching as high as 291ms (UK). Even the faster download speeds in Australia came with a 236ms ping.

This level of latency results in significant lag, making shooters or racing games unplayable. This is strictly a browsing and streaming VPN based on current test performance.

6. Torrenting with PureVPN: P2P support

PureVPN allows file sharing, but it comes with caveats regarding speed and hidden costs.

Feature	Status
P2P servers	Yes (Most servers supported)
Port forwarding	Yes (Paid add-on – $1.49/mo)
SOCKS5 proxy	No
Kill switch	Yes
Logging policy	Audited No-logs
DMCA policy	Ignore

While you can download torrents on most servers, the slow download speeds on certain connections can make downloading large files a slow process. You will need to manually hunt for a faster server, such as Germany or Australia, to get acceptable torrenting rates.

Hidden cost warning:

Serious torrenters often need “Port forwarding” to connect to more peers and increase download health. Unlike some other providers who include this feature in their base subscription, PureVPN charges an extra $1.49/mo for this feature. This additional cost significantly reduces the value proposition for P2P users.

7. Privacy and security: Is PureVPN safe in 2026?

We rate PureVPN as “Safe but Flawed“. It has the right policies on paper, but the technical execution leaves room for improvement.

Feature	PureVPN Status
Logging Policy	Audited (Proven)
Server Infrastructure	Hybrid Physical/Virtual (RAM-based focus)
Jurisdiction	British Virgin Islands (Privacy Haven)
Encryption Standard	AES-256-GCM / Quantum-Resistant
Kill Switch	Yes (System-wide)
Advanced Features	Split Tunneling, Obfuscation, Trust Center
Leak Test Results	Pass (No IP/DNS leaks)

7.1. Encryption & protocols

PureVPN utilizes AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard used by banks and governments to secure data. They also market the use of “Quantum-resistant” keys, which is a forward-looking feature designed to protect data against future decryption methods.

However, the security of a VPN also relies heavily on the tunneling protocol. In our testing, the inability to connect via WireGuard (a modern, high-speed, and secure protocol) was a drawback. Relying on IKEv2 provides decent security, especially for mobile users, but it lacks the efficiency and auditability of WireGuard.

7.2. Logs & jurisdiction

The company’s relocation to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a critical factor for privacy. The BVI is a self-governing territory with no mandatory data retention laws and is outside the “14 Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance.

To support their claims of privacy, PureVPN maintains an “Always-On” audit policy with KPMG. This allows the auditing firm to inspect the VPN’s infrastructure at any time without prior warning to verify that no user logs are being stored. This continuous verification is intended to provide a higher level of assurance than a one-time audit.

7.3. Leak tests & kill switch

In our direct leak tests, PureVPN successfully passed checks for IP leaks, DNS leaks, and WebRTC leaks. This confirms that our true location and identity remained effectively hidden from the websites we visited.

Regarding the Kill switch (labeled as IKS in the app), our testing found it to work quite well. It is designed to cut your internet connection immediately if the VPN drops to prevent accidental data exposure, and it performed reliably during our assessment.

8. Server network: Locations, virtual servers & transparency

PureVPN boasts a massive network, which is great for finding a server near you, but transparency is mixed.

Feature	Stats
Total countries	70+
Total servers	6,500+
Infrastructure ownership	Rented / Mixed
Virtual locations	Yes (High usage)
Static/dedicated IP	Yes (Paid add-on)

With over 6,500 servers, you will rarely struggle to find a connection. This extensive count is one of PureVPN’s strongest features, theoretically reducing server load and ensuring you can always find an available slot.

However, PureVPN relies heavily on Virtual locations. This means the app might say you are connecting to “France,” but the server is physically located elsewhere to optimize routing.

While this helps them offer obscure locations, it can affect ping times and means your data might be traveling through a different jurisdiction than you expect.

9. App experience: Interface & usability

The app features a modern and intuitive design, though the experience is slightly impacted by minor loading delays.

Feature	Details
Supported OS	Win, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI)
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Interface design	Modern
Setup difficulty	One-click
Consistent features	Yes

The Linux advantage:

One rare bright spot is that PureVPN offers a full Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Linux. Most competitors force Linux users to use a text-based Command Line Interface. PureVPN makes it much easier for Linux users to switch servers and protocols visually.

Ease of use:

In terms of general navigation, the app is relatively intuitive. The main dashboard features a large “Connect” button and a clearly accessible server list.

However, navigation is not entirely fluid. We noticed slight latency when switching locations. The server list does not appear instantly; there is often a brief loading pause before the available locations are populated and ready for selection.

10. Customer support: Live chat & refund reality

PureVPN offers accessible support channels, but the process involves some initial friction. When you initiate a live chat, you are first greeted by an AI chatbot designed to answer common queries. To reach a real person, you must request a human agent if the bot cannot resolve your issue.

Support channel	Availability
Live chat	AI bot first, then human agent
Response time	Fast
Email support	24-hour turnaround
Knowledge base	High (Guides and videos)

Refund complexity:

While PureVPN offers a standard 31-day money-back guarantee, many users report that actually obtaining a refund is not a simple “one-click” process.

You must navigate multiple questions about why you are leaving. Expect agents to offer free months in an attempt to retain you.

11. PureVPN pricing & plans: Is the $1.49 deal real?

This is PureVPN’s strongest selling point. It is incredibly cheap if you commit long-term.

Plans	Standard	Plus	Max
Monthly	$12.95	$17.95	$19.95
1-Year	$2.55/mo	$4.64/mo	$5.29/mo
2-Year	$2.15/mo	$3.15/mo	$3.55/mo
5-Year	$1.49/mo	$2.19/mo	$2.49/mo

Value & Payment

Feature	Details
Money-Back Guarantee	31 days
Free Trial	7-day trial available (0.99$)
Free version	No
Payment methods	Credit/Debit, PayPal, Crypto, Google Pay
Simultaneous Connections	10 Devices

Note: We recorded these prices on January 7, 2026. Keep in mind that costs can shift depending on the day, the season, or where you are located.

11.1. Breaking down the sticker price

PureVPN’s pricing structure is divided into three tiers: Standard, Plus, and Max. The Standard plan covers the essential VPN service and is the choice for most users. The Plus and Max plans bundle additional tools like file encryption and password managers.

The most attractive offer is the 5-year Standard plan at $1.49 per month, which is significantly lower than almost any major competitor. This makes it an enticing option for users looking to lock in a low rate.

The service supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Crypto, and all plans come with a 31-day money-back guarantee. However, it is important to note that the 7-day trial is not free; it costs $0.99 to activate.

11.2. The hidden cost of renewal

While the introductory prices are low, users must be aware of the “Renewal price” policy. PureVPN states that plans renew automatically at the “full price” unless cancelled, and introductory deals only apply to the first term.

For the Standard Plan, the jump is significant:

• The 1-Year Plan, which costs roughly $30 upfront, renews at $57.95 per year.
• The 2-Year Plan is even trickier. After your initial two years are up, it does not renew for another two years. Instead, it renews into a 1-Year term at $47.95. This means your effective monthly cost jumps from $2.15 to roughly $4.00 upon renewal.
• The Monthly Plan simply renews at the flat rate of $12.95.

12. PureVPN add-ons & hidden costs: Are they worth it?

While the $1.49 price tag is attractive, PureVPN has a strategy of stripping features out of the base plan and selling them back to you.

• Port forwarding ($1.49/mo): As mentioned, this is essential for torrenting seeders and some gamers. Adding this doubles your monthly cost compared to the base plan.
• Dedicated IP ($2.99/mo): This gives you a unique IP address, useful for banking without triggering fraud alerts. However, it is expensive compared to the base subscription fee.
• PureKeep & PurePrivacy: You can buy the “Max” plan to get a password manager and privacy manager. In our experience, standalone managers like 1Password are usually superior to these bundled add-ons.

Verdict: A "fully loaded" PureVPN subscription with port forwarding and a dedicated IP can easily cost $6-8/mo, making it more expensive than premium competitors despite the low advertised price.

13. Cancellation guide: How to get your refund

Many users report that the refund process can be tedious. Here is how to navigate it:

• Do not look for a “Cancel” button: It usually does not exist in the account dashboard for immediate refunds.
• Contact Support: You must contact 24/7 Live Chat or email enquiry@purevpn.com.
• Prepare for scripts: The agent will ask why you are leaving and offer free months to stay.
• Stay firm: Simply repeat “I want a refund” to trigger the 31-day money-back guarantee.

Important note: Cryptocurrency payments are often non-refundable. Check the fine print before paying with Bitcoin if you think you might cancel.

14. How do other people rate PureVPN?

To provide a balanced view, we analyzed user feedback from major community platforms.

Trustpilot: 

PureVPN holds an impressive 4.4-star rating here. Users heavily praise the customer service for being fast and helpful, often resolving technical issues via live chat. The ease of use and simple setup process are also frequently highlighted as major positives.

Reddit: 

The sentiment is significantly more mixed. While some appreciate the low cost, many threads warn about auto-renewal glitches where users are charged unexpectedly. Others frequently complain about connection stability, citing random drops and slow speeds compared to premium alternatives.

Common complaint: 

The refund process is a major pain point reported across various forums. Users often find themselves stuck in loops when trying to get their money back, with auto-renewal policies being a frequent source of frustration.

15. Testing methodology: How we reviewed PureVPN

We believe in transparency and rigorous testing standards. For this review, we conducted our tests from Vietnam to evaluate performance over long distances (trans-Pacific and cross-continental connections). This is a critical stress test that reveals more about a VPN’s quality than simple local connections.

Our test environment:

• We used a Windows 11 PC as our primary device.
• The internet connection was a Fiber Optic baseline (507.69 Mbps Download / 523.85 Mbps Upload).
• We utilized the IKEv2 protocol for this review.

For testing tools, we utilized:

• Speedtest.net: Used for measuring raw download/upload speeds and ping latency.
• ipleak.net, dnsleaktest.com: Used to verify DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection.

Category	Weight	Description
Privacy & security	30%	Logging policies, encryption, jurisdiction.
Speed & performance	20%	Local/International speed retention.
Server network	10%	Global coverage & ownership.
Streaming	10%	Unblocking Netflix, Disney+.
Pricing & value	10%	Cost analysis & refund policy.
Apps & UX	5%	Ease of use & device support.
Gaming	5%	Latency & stability.
Torrenting	5%	P2P support & safety.
Customer support	5%	Response time & quality.

For a deeper dive into our process, check out our guide on How we test and review VPNs.

16. FAQs about PureVPN

17. Conclusion

In this PureVPN review, we have found the service to be essentially a specialized “Streaming Stick” tool. It is perfect for installing on a FireStick to watch foreign Netflix libraries because it is incredibly cheap and unblocks almost everything.

However, for technical users, it falls short. The technical bugs and inconsistent speeds in certain regions make it hard to recommend as a general-purpose privacy tool.

You should choose PureVPN if:

• You want the absolute cheapest 5-year deal ($1.49/mo).
• Your main goal is unblocking streaming catalogs.
• You are a Linux user who needs a GUI.

You should avoid PureVPN if:

• You are a competitive gamer: The ping is too high.
• You need high-speed Asian connectivity: Speeds were poor in our tests.
• You are a privacy activist: The 2017 trust baggage is still a factor.
• You are a power user: The lack of protocol stability is a drawback.

If you are looking for a reliable VPN review that balances price and performance better, check out our other guides on Safelyo.