PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: Head-to-Head Comparison
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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7 February 2025
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11 mins read
Table of Content
Table of Contents
Do you need a VPN for all your online needs?
With increasing concerns about online privacy, identity theft, and geo-restrictions, VPNs have become essential for security and entertainment. This guide will walk you through the key features to consider when selecting a VPN that meets your needs for online protection and unrestricted access to global content.
PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: Basic Features
| PureVPN | ExpressVPN |
| https://www.purevpn.com/ | https://expressvpn.com/ |
| British Virgin Islands | British Virgin Islands |
| 6000+ strategically placed servers | 3000 |
| 80+ | 105 |
| Strict No-log policy | No-log Policy |
| All devices | All devices |
| 31 days | 30 days |
| 24/7 | 24/7 |
PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: Detailed Comparison
For optimized performance, PureVPN and ExpressVPN offer strong privacy policies, responsible data management, and extensive global server networks. But which is the better choice? We'll examine key factors to help you decide.
1. Price
PureVPN provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing key features like a tracker blocker, a password manager, port forwarding add-on, dedicated IP, and dark web monitoring.
ExpressVPN offers similar functionality, but it comes at a higher price point.
| PureVPN | ExpressVPN | |
| Pricing (1-year plan) | $2.14/mo (Standard) $2.96/mo (Plus)$4.07/mo (Max) | $6.67/mo (1 year)$4.99/mo (2 year) |
| Discount | 69% off (Standard)62% off (Plus)65% off (Max) | 48% off (1 year)61% off (2 year) |
2. Security
ExpressVPN and PureVPN offer advanced security protocols, have a strong track record, and have millions of satisfied customers.
| Features | PureVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256-GCM |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP |
| No-Logs Policy | Claimed and independently audited | Claimed and independently audited |
| Kill Switch | System-wide & app level | Network Lock |
| DNS/IPv6 Leak Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Threat Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency & Trust | Strong track record, multiple independent audits | Strong track record, multiple independent audits |
3. Privacy
PureVPN has achieved ISO 27001 certification to meet international information security standards.
They also actively participate in the i2C VPN Trust Initiative, positioning it as a reliable VPN provider.
ExpressVPN handles your personal data directly, not its parent company, Kape Technologies PLC (UK), or any other related entities.
| PureVPN | ExpressVPN | |
| Logging | Does not track your activity or log your connection timestamps, IP addresses, or browsing history. | Does not track your data. |
| Location | Located in a country that doesn’t require data retention (British Virgin Islands). | No mandatory data retention laws were followed. |
| Third-Party Audit | No-logs policy has been audited by a third-party firm. | No-logs policy has been audited by a third-party firm. |
4. Servers
PureVPN includes a more extensive network of over 6,000 servers worldwide, a mix of physical and virtual, designed for optimal speed and connectivity.
ExpressVPN, while offering a smaller network of 3,000+ servers, uses physical servers with a few virtual servers.
While physical servers can sometimes raise eyebrows about government censorship and data monitoring, both providers offer comparable global access.
5. Speed
Initial speed tests gave PureVPN a slight edge, but ExpressVPN proved better in some regions with physically located servers.
PureVPN maintained consistent connections without any noticeable drops or interruptions during browsing.
While ExpressVPN provided a consistently stable connection, ensuring uninterrupted online activity, its speeds were slightly slower in testing.
PureVPN's stability and faster speeds make it a more dependable choice for everyday use.
6. Device Compatibility
Both ExpressVPN and PureVPN are compatible with major devices and operating systems.
However, PureVPN takes the lead by offering an app for Roku users, and ExpressVPN makes its place by providing Aircove routers.
PureVPN's compatibility with a broader range of routers makes it more adaptable for a more extensive customer base.
7. Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, PureVPN could be the best choice.
Its intuitive interface makes it simple for even beginners to access advanced features and stay protected.
While ExpressVPN has an adaptable design, some users might find its interface cluttered.
Use Cases
Choosing a premium service is hard when it comes to diverse uses. Your ideal VPN must seamlessly integrate with all your online activities, from gaming and streaming to everyday browsing and other services.
8. Gaming
A stable, high-speed connection is crucial for smooth, lag-free gaming, whether strategizing in an MMORPG or coordinating a raid.
Both PureVPN and ExpressVPN deliver on this front, offering high-speed and stable connections.
PureVPN, when connected to a nearby server, delivers ping rates as low as 0-20ms, ensuring a seamless experience. ExpressVPN's Lightway Protocol offers comparable performance.
9. Streaming
Both PureVPN and ExpressVPN offer optimum speed, stability, and low latency (around 78ms) needed for smooth streaming.
However, for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing blocked content, PureVPN might be the better choice, especially for home devices.
Its extensive network of virtual servers includes obfuscated servers, making tracking more difficult.
While ExpressVPN offers a large number of physical server locations, they are susceptible to IP address tracking.
10. Add-Ons
With port forwarding, dedicated IP, residential IP, and obfuscated servers, you get the maximum value for your money with PureVPN.
Multiple plans for individuals, families, businesses, and PureVPN for Teams target a large audience.
ExpressVPN provides convenient add-ons, such as a dedicated IP address, though it doesn't offer port forwarding.
ExpressVPN supports P2P downloads, but PureVPN does not due to privacy concerns related to copyright infringement.
11. User Reviews
PureVPN is best known for its strong privacy policies and ongoing commitment to enhance user security. The VPN is also committed to making technological changes to prove its worth.
$ZIG nearing ATH! Let's break it tonight!
— quinto.npc (@godinnesss) November 13, 2024
Elon Musk backed PureVPN becomes ZIGChain's FIRST OFFICIAL VALIDATOR...
📷 pic.twitter.com/qQZaP2xqfh
Reddit users appreciate PureVPN's advanced protocols, which provide consistent and transparent access.
PureVPN is also independently audited by KPMG and Altius, which complies with privacy laws and has also earned its recommendations for use in highly restricted countries.
One Reddit user reports satisfaction with their custom VPN setup using a free Oracle VPS and WireGuard, noting its speed advantage over OpenVPN.
Their setup provides a static public IP address and uses iptables for port forwarding.
Let's take a look at what people have to say about ExpressVPN!
Some Reddit users think ExpressVPN has never delivered what they promised.
Users have also expressed dissatisfaction with the pricing plans and renewal process, raising concerns about unfair billing practices. Some even feel that their customer service is pathetic too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is PureVPN trustworthy?
Yes! PureVPN is a reliable VPN service trusted by millions of VPN users. With features like 256-bit AES encryption, an internet kill switch, OpenVPN, WireGuard, a no-logs policy, and an extensive server network, PureVPN has maintained a competitive edge.
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Can I be tracked if I use PureVPN?
PureVPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making third-party monitoring difficult for your online activity. Features like DNS leak protection, obfuscated servers, and split tunneling further minimize the risk of being tracked and detected.
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Does PureVPN sell user data?
No. PureVPN works on a strict no-log policy audited by KPMG, which means that it will never collect your data, time stamps, and online activities. The VPN provider will never sell customer data to any third-party platform, including subsidiaries, partners, or advertisers, unless there's a subpoena from the court.
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Does PureVPN protect my privacy?
Yes. PureVPN uses ChaCha20 encryption for WireGuard and 256-bit AES encryption for OpenVPN and IKE protocols. It also has features like dark web monitoring, tracker blocker, and dedicated IP.
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Is PureVPN suitable for streaming?
Yes. PureVPN is the best way to go if you want to stream 4K and HD videos. With 20 Gbps connection speed and a stable connection, you can stream all global content from Netflix, Hulu, BBC, and more! Download and install the Chrome extension to access the VPN proxy without buffering and throttling headaches.
Final Verdict: Which VPN to Use?
PureVPN is the clear winner. For seamless streaming, lag-free gaming, and uninterrupted browsing, PureVPN delivers rock-solid server connections that won't disappoint you. But it's not just about speed; PureVPN keeps you private & secure!
PureVPN's virtual server technology provides powerful obfuscation. Plus, the port forwarding add-on, a feature ExpressVPN lacks, gives you unparalleled flexibility. In 2025, if you demand speed, security, and cutting-edge features, PureVPN is the best bet!
