NordVPN vs PureVPN
No AI-generated content: this article is written and researched by humans
Table of contents

Both NordVPN and PureVPN are well-known names in the VPN industry that have been around for a long time. Since they are both reputable services, it might be challenging to determine which one is a better choice. To help you make a well-informed decision, I collaborated with the VPNOverview research team, who helped me perform extensive testing on both NordVPN and Pure VPN. I tested both services in terms of servers, speed, streaming, performance, security, and price. Once I was done with my tests, NordVPN stood out as the better option in 2025. Continue reading this NordVPN vs PureVPN comparison and find out why.

VPN provider:NordVPNPureVPN
Website:nordvpn.compurevpn.com
Rating:9.3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐6.5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Servers:9300 servers in 137 countries6000+ servers in 65 countries
Speed performance:Very fastFast
Simultaneous connections:1010
Encryption:AES-256AES-256
Streaming support:✅ Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more✅ Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more
Torrenting support:✅ Yes + P2P optimized servers✅ Yes + P2P optimized servers
Starting price:From $ 3.09/monthFrom $2.14/month 
Money-back guarantee:30-day money-back guarantee31-day money-back guarantee

Key differences between NordVPN and PureVPN

Both NordVPN and PureVPN are top VPN providers that offer reliable services, but they have some differences, especially when comparing their speed and overall performance. After my in-house tests, I found that NordVPN is better than PureVPN due to its faster speeds. However, PureVPN is still an excellent choice if you’re looking for a private VPN.

NordVPN pros and consPureVPN pros and cons
Regular audits. NordVPN was audited for the fifth time at the beginning of 2025 and undergoes these audits regularly. Cheap prices. You can get PureVPN for only $2.14/month, which is less than other top providers’ costs.
Fast NordLynx protocol. With the NordLynx protocol, the average download speed of NordVPN is 779Mbps, which guarantees a smooth experience.Bypasses geo-restrictions. PureVPN proved to successfully unblock popular services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
Excellent for gaming. Due to NordVPN’s fast speeds and geo-restrictions bypassing capabilities, it’s a suitable VPN for advanced gamers. Easy-to-use app. With PureVPN, you’ll have no issues using it on all personal devices as it has an intuitive installation process.
Wide selection of servers. NordVPN offers 9300 servers in 137 countries, which is more than enough for bypassing geo-restrictions.No completely free trial. PureVPN has a trial, which allows you to test the service first, but it costs $0.99.
Expensive pricing. NordVPN’s starting price is $ 3.09/month, which is not that much, but there are definitely cheaper options available.Too slow for professional gaming. While PureVPN is generally fast and can bypass geo-restrictions, you might experience some slowdowns when playing more advanced games.

Here are the main differences between NordVPN and PureVPN:

  • NordVPN has more servers than PureVPN. NordVPN has 9300 servers in 137 countries, compared to PureVPN’s 6000+ servers in 65 countries. 
  • NordVPN is faster than PureVPN. Due to the fast NordLynx protocol, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, with an average download speed of 779Mbps, compared to PureVPN’s 465Mbps.
  • Both NordVPN and PureVPN are great for streaming. During in-house tests, NordVPN and PureVPN unblocked various libraries of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
  • PureVPN is cheaper than NordVPN. The starting price of PureVPN is only $2.14, while NordVPN’s pricing starts at $ 3.09/month.
  • Both NordVPN and PureVPN allow up to 10 simultaneous connections. You’ll have no issues setting up NordVPN and PureVPN on all personal devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Our verdict:

Both NordVPN and PureVPN are trustworthy services that guarantee privacy and geo-restrictions bypassing, but NordVPN is the better option in 2025. NordVPN uses all necessary security measures, has a regularly audited no-logs policy, and offers additional security measures. It’s also one of the fastest VPNs, which makes NordVPN the best option for torrenting, gaming, and everyday browsing.

NordVPN vs PureVPN price comparison

As of September 2025, PureVPN is cheaper than NordVPN. PureVPN’s 2-year plan starts at just $2.14/month, while NordVPN’s equivalent costs $ 3.09/month. If you’re interested in a 1-year plan, NordVPN’s plan costs $4.99/month, and PureVPN’s plan costs $3.99/month. However, if you only need a monthly VPN, the price is very similar. PureVPN’s monthly plan costs $12.95, and NordVPN’s monthly plan costs $12.99.

Subscription plansNordVPNPureVPN
1-month plan:$12.99/month$12.95/month
1-year plan:$4.99/month ($59.88/year)$3.99/month ($47.88/year)
2-year plan:$ 3.09/month ($83.43 for 27 months)$2.14/month ($57.78 for 27 months)
Free trial:✅ Yes, 3-day free trial (mobile, Android)✅ Yes, 7-day trial for $0.99
Money-back guarantee:✅ Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee✅ Yes, 31-day money-back guarantee
Current deal:76% off82%

If you’re not sure which provider to choose, you can try NordVPN and PureVPN risk-free first. NordVPN offers a 3-day free trial, which is available on Android devices via the Google Play Store. PureVPN allows you to test the service for 7 days, but it is not completely free, as the trial costs $0.99. If you want to test these VPNs for longer, NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, while PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Price category winner: PureVPN

PureVPN is cheaper than NordVPN if you’re looking for a long-term plan. The starting price of PureVPN is only $2.14/month, compared to NordVPN’s $ 3.09/month. However, if you want a monthly plan, the price is similar for both NordVPN and PureVPN.

Which has more global servers: PureVPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN clearly wins over PureVPN when it comes to the server network. Currently, NordVPN has 9300 servers across 126 countries, while PureVPN offers 6000+ servers in 65 countries. This means that NordVPN not only gives you more servers, but also a broader global coverage than PureVPN.

FeatureNordVPNPureVPN
Total servers93006000+
Countries covered13765
Server typesRAM-only, P2P, obfuscatedP2P, obfuscated
Specialized serversDouble VPN, Onion over VPN, Dedicated IPDedicated IP, quantum-resistant servers
Server ownershipFully ownedFully owned

Having more servers is important for a smoother performance as you’re less likely to connect to overcrowded servers. Connecting to servers that many other users are currently connected as well might lead to slowdowns. Additionally, servers in more countries are especially useful for streaming, gaming, and accessing other geo-restricted services. While Pure VPN provides solid coverage, NordVPN is a stronger VPN in terms of servers.

Both providers also offer specialized servers. You can add an extra layer of protection with NordVPN by using obfuscated, Double VPN, or Onion over VPN (for Tor users) servers. PureVPN also has obfuscated, Dedicated IP, and quantum-resistant servers that will provide enhanced security. However, it’s important to note that PureVPN’s Dedicated IP does cost extra.

Servers category winner: NordVPN

NordVPN is better than PureVPN if you need servers in more locations. With NordVPN’s 9300 servers in 137 countries, you’ll have no issues accessing various geo-restricted services from anywhere. Additionally, having a larger number of servers guarantees better speeds and less-loaded servers.

Which is more secure: PureVPN or NordVPN

Both NordVPN and PureVPN are secure VPNs that provide the essential security measures to keep you protected online. With both providers, you’ll get a reliable kill switch feature, IP and DNS leak protection, strict no-logs policies, and military-grade AES-256 encryption. Despite that, I found NordVPN to be more secure than PureVPN, due to its Meshent feature and strong in-house protocols.

Security aspectNordVPNPureVPN
JurisdictionPanamaBritish Virgin Islands
EncryptionAES-256AES-256
Protocols supportedOpenVPN, NordLynx, NordWhisperWireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
No-logs policy✅Yes, audited✅Yes, audited
Kill Switch✅Yes (network-wide & app-specific) ✅Yes (network-wide) 
Leak protectionDNS, IP, WebRTC leak protectionDNS, IP, WebRTC leak protection

During my testing, I found that both VPNs provide a variety of additional features. With PureVPN and NordVPN, you can add an extra layer of protection with features like split tunneling, Dark Web Monitor, and an ad blocker. While both providers are secure VPNs with additional features, NordVPN has an advanced Meshnet feature, which lets you create a secure private network across your devices. Additionally, I liked NordVPN’s in-house NordLynx and NordWhisper protocols. Due to this, I believe that NordVPN is a better option than PureVPN in terms of security.

Security category winner: NordVPN

Both NordVPN and PureVPN are secure VPNs that offer additional features, but NordVPN is a better option. NordVPN wins over PureVPN as it has an advanced Meshnet feature and robust protocols like NordLynx and NordWhisper. Due to NordVPN’s security measures and additional features, you will stay private at all times.

Kill Switch

PureVPN and NordVPN include reliable kill switches. A kill switch is a feature that will cut your internet connection if your VPN accidentally drops. This is a necessary security tool that can prevent data leaks. I would also recommend using this feature while on public Wi-Fi, as they are usually unreliable. It’s also beneficial to enable a kill switch if you’re torrenting, using banking sites, or engaging in similar data-sensitive activities. While NordVPN’s and PureVPN’s kill switch features are reliable, during my tests, I discovered that you can also apply NordVPN’s kill switch to specific apps, while PureVPN’s kill switch is system-wide. 

NordVPN's kill switch feature
NordVPN’s kill switch feature

Split Tunneling

Both NordVPN and PureVPN have split tunneling features. This feature lets you decide which apps or websites should use the VPN and which ones should bypass it. I find this especially handy if you want to stream local content without a VPN, while still keeping other apps protected. During my tests, split tunneling worked smoothly with both providers. I also liked that the feature was supported on Android TVs with both providers, which gives you even more flexibility.

PureVPN's split tunneling feature
PureVPN’s split tunneling feature

Obfuscation

Obfuscation disguises VPN traffic so it looks like normal internet activity, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to detect that you’re using a VPN. Both NordVPN and PureVPN provide obfuscation through specialized servers, and during my tests, I had no issues with either of them. This feature is a necessary security tool if you’re in a region with strict censorship, want to avoid ISP monitoring, or want to bypass government restrictions. By enabling obfuscation, your VPN usage will stay hidden, but you will still get unrestricted access to various services online.

Specialty servers

NordVPN and PureVPN provide specialty servers, but they focus on different users’ needs, and NordVPN has more of them. PureVPN has quantum-resistant servers, designed to safeguard your data against future quantum computing threats. It also includes P2P servers, allowing you to share and download files privately. NordVPN, on the other hand, offers Double VPN for an extra layer of protection, Onion over VPN for Tor users specifically, and P2P servers for torrenting. Additionally, both providers have Dedicated IP, though it comes at an additional cost.

PureVPN's and NordVPN's specialty servers
PureVPN’s and NordVPN’s specialty servers

Ad & Malware Blocker

Both NordVPN and PureVPN help protect your privacy online and ensure a smooth browsing experience by blocking ads and trackers, but I found NordVPN’s ad blocker to be more advanced. NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature stops malicious ads and trackers, prevents access to harmful websites, and even scans your downloads for malware, adding an extra layer of security. PureVPN has a Tracker Blocker, which is more straightforward yet still useful. With PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker, you’ll be able to block trackers and targeted ads, which will help you reduce interruptions while browsing. 

Which vpn has stronger privacy policies: NordVPN or PureVPN

Both NordVPN and PureVPN can be trusted as reliable no-logs VPNs. While NordVPN has completed more independent audits, PureVPN stands out from most providers as it has an “always on” audit policy. After investigating both providers’ policies, it seems that they are both transparent and reliable services, yet I believe that PureVPN wins over NordVPN. Neither of them logs your browsing activity or any connection details. It’s also worth noting that both VPNs operate in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, which means that they value users’ privacy.

NordVPN's leak test results
NordVPN’s leak test results


In addition, I performed a leak test to verify if they are indeed reliable VPN services that will keep your data private. I connected to multiple servers from each provider and visited sites like dnsleaktest.com and ipleak.net to test this out. Neither VPN leaked my real IP nor DNS addresses.

Privacy category winner: PureVPN

NordVPN and PureVPN both guarantee online privacy, but I found PureVPN to win in terms of privacy. Both providers have strict no-logs policies, operate in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, and are regularly audited. However, I found that PureVPN has an “always on” audit policy.

No-Logs Policy

NordVPN and PureVPN follow a strict and independently audited no-logs policy. Both providers’ privacy policies state that no information about your browsing history or connection is monitored or collected. This means that your digital footprint stays private at all times when using NordVPN or PureVPN.

NordVPN's privacy policy
NordVPN’s privacy policy

Additionally, both NordVPN and PureVPN are based in locations that have strict privacy laws. PureVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, while NordVPN is based in Panama. These countries are known for being privacy-friendly, which is very important if you’re looking for a secure and private VPN. Additionally, neither of these countries is part of the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances, which adds another layer of reassurance for users who are concerned about their privacy.

Independent Audits & Transparency Reports

NordVPN undergoes regular audits to back up its no-logs policy. Its fifth independent audit took place at the beginning of 2025 and was conducted by Deloitte Audit Lithuania, which confirmed that the VPN does not keep any logs of users’ activity or connection. Additionally, NordVPN shares reports of the audits, so you can find full details about the audit results there.

PureVPN has completed four independent audits so far, with the most recent carried out in 2023 by KPMG, which is one of the “Big Four” accounting companies. The VPN also follows an “always on” audit policy, which basically means that the audits can be performed at any time without prior notice. On top of that, PureVPN shares a quarterly Transparency report, with the latest released in Q1 2025.

Which is better for streaming: NordVPN or PureVPN

During my tests, NordVPN proved to be the better option for streaming than PureVPN due to its fast speeds, which is very important for smooth streaming. NordVPN’s average download speed is 779Mbps compared to PureVPN’s 465Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPNs that I have ever used. This ensures that you’ll be able to watch your favorite content without any lag. 

Netflix US unlocked with NordVPN
Netflix US unlocked with NordVPN

For my testing, I tried bypassing geo-restrictions by connecting to various servers of NordVPN and PureVPN and checked if they could unblock services that are not available in my country. Both providers had no issues unlocking Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX

Streaming serviceNordVPNPureVPN
Netflix✅Yes✅Yes
BBC iPlayer✅Yes✅Yes
Hulu✅Yes✅Yes
Disney+✅Yes✅Yes
ITVX✅Yes✅Yes
Amazon Prime Video✅Yes✅Yes

I also tested both services to see if they can bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions and allow me to access different libraries. To my surprise, the process was extremely easy as all I had to do was switch between servers and reload the Netflix website. This way, I was able to watch different content on Netflix US, UK, Japan, Australia, India, and Thailand.

Streaming category winner: NordVPN

NordVPN and PureVPN can unlock all popular streaming sites, but NordVPN is faster. Due to its average download speed of 779Mbps, I found NordVPN to be a better choice for streaming, as this guarantees a smooth and lag-free experience, which is very important for streaming.

Should I choose PureVPN or NordVPN for torrenting

A VPN is essential for torrenting because it hides your real IP address and encrypts your traffic. This prevents your ISP from monitoring your activity, throttling your speeds, or exposing your identity. It also keeps you anonymous while downloading files.

NordVPN's DNS leak test
NordVPN’s DNS leak test
PureVPN's DNS leak test
PureVPN’s DNS leak test

When I tested NordVPN and PureVPN, they both delivered solid performance for torrenting. Both providers use robust encryption, provide specialized P2P servers, and have additional features, which will keep you secure when torrenting. To compare their performance, I downloaded an Ubuntu 25.04 (5.84 GiB) file using qBittorrent. With NordVPN, the download finished in 4 minutes and 13 seconds with an average speed of 23.8Mbps. Using PureVPN, I downloaded the same file in 4 minutes and 17 seconds at 23.6Mbps. The results were nearly identical, with NordVPN being ahead by only a few seconds.

Torrenting category winner: NordVPN

During my testing, I found that NordVPN was a bit faster than PureVPN when torrenting. While both providers will protect you from ISP monitoring and other threats when torrenting, NordVPN delivers faster speeds. This is very important for torrenting, as you’ll be able to download files in no time without major issues.

Should I choose PureVPN or NordVPN for gaming

I highly recommend using a VPN for gamers as it can not only bypass geo-restrictions but also secure you from various threats online. By changing your IP address to one from a different country, you can access games that are otherwise unavailable in your region. Additionally, since your internet traffic will be encrypted with a VPN, you will be protected from threats like DDoS attacks, which are very common in competitive gaming. I also found that using a VPN is beneficial for gambling, as it will help you access sites that might be restricted in your area.

NordVPN's speeds results
NordVPN’s speeds results
PureVPN's speed test results
PureVPN’s speed test results

Both NordVPN and PureVPN seem to be good options for gaming as they guarantee security, but I found NordVPN to be a better option. While PureVPN ensures privacy and successfully bypasses geo-blocks, it can be a bit slow for competitive gaming, especially if you connect to servers further away from your real location. On the other hand, NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol delivers consistently faster speeds and smoother sessions.

Gaming category winner: NordVPN

While both VPNs will bypass geo-restrictions and add an extra layer of protection, NordVPN is better for advanced gamers. Due to the fast NordLynx protocol and overall excellent performance, you will have no issues gaming with NordVPN, no matter which server you connect to.

Which VPN is easier to use: NordVPN or PureVPN

Getting started with either NordVPN or PureVPN is quick and straightforward. I simply downloaded the apps from their official websites and followed the on-screen instructions to set them up. For mobile users, both providers also have apps available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. One thing that stood out with NordVPN was its map-based server selection, which makes it very simple to connect to your preferred VPN server.
In terms of compatibility, both VPNs can be used on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. This means that you will be able to use NordVPN and PureVPN on different computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, consoles, and routers. Plus, NordVPN and PureVPN let you connect up to 10 devices at once, which is more than enough to protect all your personal devices.

Interface category winner: Tie

Both NordVPN and PureVPN are advanced yet straightforward VPN providers that you’ll have no issues setting up. They both are compatible with major operating systems and allow up to 10 simultaneous connections.

NordVPN vs PureVPN Reddit comparison

To get a better understanding of real user experiences, I checked recent Reddit reviews of NordVPN and PureVPN. Many users praised PureVPN for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms and for offering port forwarding, which not all VPN providers have. NordVPN, on the other hand, received a lot of positive comments for its fast NordLynx protocol and reliable streaming performance. My own tests confirmed this as I had no speed or streaming issues with both VPNs.

PureVPN review on Reddit
PureVPN review on Reddit

However, not all comments were positive, and PureVPN had more negative reviews. Most of PureVPN’s negative comments were about its past logging practices, and some concerns about the auto-renewal. While these concerns are understandable, I believe PureVPN to be a reliable service with an audited no-logs policy and strong features for extra privacy. It also has a money-back guarantee and customer support available for those who are experiencing issues with the renewal.

NordVPN review on Reddit
NordVPN review on Reddit

With NordVPN, I found quite a few users who were unsatisfied that Meshnet would be discontinued. Many users chose NordVPN due to its advanced Meshnet feature, but, unfortunately, it will indeed be discontinued on December 1, 2025. I found Meshnet to be a useful feature for private device-to-device connections, so it’s definitely an interesting decision.

Final verdict: is NordVPN better than PureVPN in 2025?

NordVPN and PureVPN are top providers that guarantee total security online. While both VPNs are excellent choices, I found that NordVPN wins over PureVPN in 2025. However, PureVPN is still a great VPN, especially for those who want to save money.

When to choose NordVPN?When to choose PureVPN?
✅When you want a secure VPN with many additional features✅When you want to unblock popular streaming services
✅If you need a fast VPN for streaming, gaming, or torrenting✅When you want to use advanced security features
✅When you need an extensive list of servers worldwide✅When you want a trustworthy VPN with an audited no-logs policy
When you’re looking for a cheap VPNWhen you’re looking for a fast gaming VPN

Where NordVPN performs better than PureVPN:

  • Servers. NordVPN offers 9300 servers in 137 countries, while PureVPN has only 6000+ servers in 65 countries.
  • Security. NordVPN has many additional security features and more advanced protocols, such as NordLynx and NordWhisper, than PureVPN.
  • Streaming. Both services unlock all popular streaming services, but NordVPN is a bit faster than PureVPN, which means that you will not experience any slowdowns.
  • Torrenting. Due to the fast NordLynx protocol, NordVPN is a better choice for torrenting than PureVPN.
  • Gaming. Since NordVPN’s average download speed is 779Mbps, compared to PureVPN’s 465Mbps, it’s the better choice for professional gamers.

Where PureVPN performs better than NordVPN:

  • Pricing. You can get PureVPN for only $2.14/month, while NordVPN’s starting price is $ 3.09/month.
  • Privacy. While both providers have audited no-logs policies and operate in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, PureVPN has an “always on” audit policy, which makes it better than NordVPN.

After extensive in-house testing, I found NordVPN to be better than PureVPN in 2025. PureVPN is cheaper than NordVPN, but NordVPN performs better for everyday use. NordVPN guarantees total security online with advanced features and a reliable no-logs policy. With its fast speeds and successful geo-restrictions bypassing, you’ll have no issues accessing your favorite services from anywhere.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between NordVPN and PureVPN?

The main difference between NordVPN and PureVPN is that NordVPN performs better in terms of speed. While PureVPN is considered to be a fast VPN, NordVPN’s average download speed is 779Mbps, which makes it the fastest VPN on the market. Having fast speeds guarantees excellent streaming, gaming, and torrenting performance.

Is NordVPN better than PureVPN?

Yes, NordVPN is better than PureVPN due to its fast speeds and servers network. NordVPN has 9300 servers in 137 countries, while PureVPN offers 6000+ servers in 65 countries. Additionally, NordVPN proved to be faster than PureVPN, which is very important for a VPN if you want to avoid slowdowns.

Is PureVPN faster than NordVPN?

No, PureVPN is not faster than NordVPN. NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs with an average download speed of 779Mbps. While PureVPN is also a fast VPN, which is suitable for streaming and everyday browsing, the average download speed is 465Mbps, which is way less compared to NordVPN.

Which one is more reliable for bypassing sports blackouts, NordVPN or PureVPN?

Both NordVPN and PureVPN are reliable for bypassing sports blackouts. Both providers can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Since they have no difficulties bypassing geo-restrictions, you should be able to avoid sports blackouts with both NordVPN and PureVPN.

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