PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: head-to-head

Navigating the complex world of virtual private networks (VPNs) can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Every provider claims to be the top choice, but how can individuals decipher the marketing gloss to uncover the real information?

In the spirit of clarity and empowerment, Privacy Defend placed opposing giants of the VPN world under the microscope. Welcome to the definitive exploration of PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: head-to-head.

These are names likely to sound familiar to users who ever sought online privacy and security. Each has carved out a niche in the expanding digital landscape, boasting unique strengths and innovations. But, as with any service, they each have distinct nuances, intricate details that could mean everything when it comes to a user’s specific needs.

We will dissect and analyze their respective features, performance, privacy policies, and overall user experience, aiming to provide comprehensive insight, and enabling an informed decision grounded in facts — not fiction.

PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: Overview

PureVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the most popular services in the market. Here’s an overview of these VPNs, along with a comparison of their features, pricing, and performance.

PureVPN and ExpressVPN share similar functions — such as AES 256-bit encryption, support for multiple protocols, and a kill switch.

Two differences stand out: For one, PureVPN offers split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps work with the VPN and which ones won’t. Conversely, ExpressVPN conversely offers a wider range of server locations and supports more devices.

Pricing

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both offer different pricing plans that include discounts for longer subscriptions. PureVPN generally costs less, with standard yearly subscriptions starting at $2.99 per month (including three bonus months). ExpressVPN starts at $6.67 per month for a year and three bonus months. Both offer money-back guarantees lasting at least 30 days.

Performance

No matter what a user pays, VPN performance should not be overlooked. PureVPN and ExpressVPN both offer reliable performance. ExpressVPN has a slight edge when it comes to speed, with faster download and upload rates. Additionally, ExpressVPN is known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. This allows users to watch content available globally they otherwise might miss.

Performance comparison

Speed

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both are among the top VPN services on the market. But in our tests, ExpressVPN consistently outperformed PureVPN.

ExpressVPN’s servers are optimized for speed and its proprietary Lightway protocol is designed to provide fast and reliable connections.

PureVPN can be slower in some locations and on some devices.

Server Locations

While ExpressVPN and PureVPN both have a large number of server locations around the world, ExpressVPN has servers in more countries than PureVPN, which gives it an advantage in flexibility and access to geo-restricted content. ExpressVPN also has servers in 94 countries; PureVPN has servers in 78 countries.

Simultaneous Connections

PureVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN allows up to eight. PureVPN is a better choice if a user needs to connect multiple devices at the same time.

Reliability

While both PureVPN and ExpressVPN are reliable and offer high uptime, ExpressVPN has a slight edge in terms of reliability due to its high-speed servers and optimized protocols.

Customer Support

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both offer excellent customer support, including 24/7 live chat support, email support, and comprehensive knowledge bases.

Based on our testing, ExpressVPN’s customer support is slightly better than PureVPN’s, with faster response times and more helpful agents.

Overall, while both PureVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent VPN services, ExpressVPN has a slight edge in terms of performance, reliability, and service.

Particularly if users need to connect multiple devices at the same time, PureVPN is a better choice due to its higher number of simultaneous connections.

Security and Privacy

Security and privacy are the top concerns for most users when it comes to VPNs, so let’s compare the security and privacy features of PureVPN vs ExpressVPN.

Encryption

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both use military-grade encryption to protect user data, AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard. This encryption is virtually unbreakable, ensuring that user data is secure and protected from prying eyes.

Protocols

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both offer a range of protocols for users to choose from. These protocols determine how the VPN connection is established and how data is transmitted.

• ExpressVPN offers OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and IKEv2 protocols.

• PureVPN offers OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, SSTP, and IKEv2 protocols.

While both providers offer a good range of protocols, PureVPN gives more options.

Kill Switch

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both have a kill-switch feature that ensures a user’s internet connection is cut off if the VPN connection drops. This prevents a user’s IP address from being exposed and ensures that their data remains secure.

ExpressVPN’s kill switch is more advanced and offers more options than PureVPN’s.

Logging Policy

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both have a strict no-logging policy. This means that they do not collect any information about users’ online activity. This is important for users who want to keep their online activity private and secure.

Jurisdiction

PureVPN is based in Hong Kong, while ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. Both countries have strong privacy laws and fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. This means that both providers are not required to share user data with any government agencies.

Overall, both PureVPN and ExpressVPN offer strong security and privacy features. The biggest difference: PureVPN offers more protocol options, and ExpressVPN’s kill switch is more advanced.

Ease of Use

User’s seeking the right VPN probably want one that is easy to set up, navigate, and use. Let’s compare the ease of use of PureVPN vs ExpressVPN.

Installation and Setup

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both offer user-friendly apps for various devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Installing the apps is straightforward and can be done in a few clicks. Once installed, the setup process is also easy to follow, and the apps guide users through the process.

User Interface

Both of the VPNs have a clean and intuitive user interface that makes it easy to navigate and use the apps. The apps have a similar layout, with a large connect button in the center, along with options to select servers and settings on the side or bottom of the screen.

Features

PureVPN and ExpressVPN have similar features, such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. However, ExpressVPN distinguishes itself with additional features, such as a speed test and a trusted server feature that only connects users to servers that have been audited for security.

Customer Support

Both VPNs offer 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and ticketing systems. In our experience, both of the support teams were responsive and helpful, and I was able to get my issues resolved quickly.

Overall, while both PureVPN and ExpressVPN are easy to use and have user-friendly apps, ExpressVPN has a few extra features that make it stand out here.

Customer Support

In our experience, PureVPN and ExpressVPN both offer reliable and efficient customer support.

PureVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, email support, and a comprehensive knowledge base. Their live chat support is quick and helpful. PureVPN also has a ticketing system that can be used to report issues and track progress. Additionally, their knowledge base is quite extensive and covers a wide range of topics, including troubleshooting, setup guides, and FAQs.

ExpressVPN also offers 24/7 live chat support, email support, and a detailed knowledge base. Their live chat support is knowledgeable and responsive. They also have a ticketing system that can be used to report issues and track progress. Their knowledge base is well-organized and covers a variety of topics, including common issues, set-up guides, and troubleshooting.

While both VPNs offer excellent customer support, ExpressVPN’s live chat support to be slightly more helpful and responsive.

In terms of self-help resources, PureVPN’s knowledge base is more extensive and covers a wider range of topics. ExpressVPN’s knowledge base is well-organized and easy to navigate.

Overall, both VPNs offer reliable and efficient customer support. For users who need immediate assistance, both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat support. For users who prefer to troubleshoot issues on their own, both VPNs offer a comprehensive knowledge base.

Pricing and Plans

When it comes to choosing a VPN service, pricing is one of the most important factors to consider. Let’s compare the pricing and plans of PureVPN vs ExpressVPN.

PureVPN Pricing

[Pure_VPN] offers three pricing plans:

• 1-month plans starting at $12.45 each
• 1-year plans starting at $2.99 per month (billed annually at $44.95
• 2-year plans starting at $1.96 per month (billed every two years at $52.95)

PureVPN also offers a 7-day, money-back trial for $0.99 — a great way to test the service before committing to a longer subscription.

ExpressVPN Pricing

[ExpressVPN] is one of the more expensive VPN services on the market. They offer three pricing plans:

• one-month plans for $12.95
• six-month plans for $9.99 per month (billed every six months at $59.95)
• one-year plan for $8.32 per month (billed annually at $99.95)

ExpressVPN does not offer a free trial, but they do have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users can try the service risk-free for 30 days and get a full refund if they’re not satisfied.

Price Comparison

Going head to head, PureVPN is a more affordable option than ExpressVPN. However, it’s worth noting that ExpressVPN offers a higher level of security and privacy features, which ight justify the higher price tag for interested users.

Overall, for users looking for an affordable VPN service with a variety of features, PureVPN is a solid choice.

Users willing to pay a little extra for a more secure and reliable service might find ExpressVPN to be a better option.

Server Locations

The number of VPNs server locations determines how many options users have to connect to a server in a specific location, along with the speed of a user’s connection. Let’s compare the server locations of PureVPN vs ExpressVPN.

PureVPN Server Locations

PureVPN has an impressive network of servers, covering 78 countries with more than 6,500 servers. They have a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and North America, offering multiple servers in popular locations such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

PureVPN also has servers in Africa, the Middle East, and South America — although the coverage in these regions is not as extensive as in others. They also have servers in less common locations such as Albania, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.

PureVPN also has a dedicated IP feature that allows users to have a static IP address in the country of their choice.

ExpressVPN Server Locations

ExpressVPN has a smaller network of servers when compared to PureVPN, but it still covers a wide range of countries. They have no fewer than 3,000 servers across 94 countries. ExpressVPN has a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, with servers in popular locations such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. They offer multiple servers in some locations, such as the US and the UK, to ensure a faster and more stable connection.

ExpressVPN also has servers in less common locations such as Kenya, Kazakhstan, and Myanmar.

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both have a good network of servers, but PureVPN has a wider coverage with more servers.

Features

PureVPN offers a range of features that make it a popular choice for VPN users. Some of the key features include:

• Servers: PureVPN has an impressive network of servers, with more than 6,500 servers in 78 countries. This means that users can connect to a server in almost any location around the world.
• Simultaneous Connections: PureVPN allows users to connect up to 10 devices at the same time, which is more than most other VPN services.
• Security: PureVPN offers a range of security features, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also offers split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection.
• Streaming: PureVPN is a great choice for streaming because it offers dedicated servers for popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

ExpressVPN is another popular VPN service that offers a range of features, including:

• Servers: ExpressVPN has a network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. While it has fewer servers than PureVPN, it has a wider global coverage.
• Simultaneous Connections: ExpressVPN allows users to connect up to eight devices at the same time, two fewer than PureVPN.
• Security: ExpressVPN offers a range of security features, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also offers split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection.
• Streaming: ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming, as it offers dedicated servers for popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

When it comes to features, both PureVPN and ExpressVPN offer a range of options that make them a good choice for VPN users. PureVPN offers more simultaneous connections and has a larger server network, but ExpressVPN has a wider global coverage.

Compatibility

PureVPN and ExpressVPN both offer apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers. Additionally, they both have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

PureVPN also offers apps for Firestick, Android TV, and Kodi, a plus for users who want to stream content on their TV. However, ExpressVPN has a wider range of router compatibility, including support for Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers.

Both VPNs also offer manual configuration options for users who want to set up the VPN on devices that are not officially supported. However, ExpressVPN has a more extensive knowledge base, with step-by-step guides for various devices and platforms.

In terms of simultaneous connections, PureVPN allows up to 10 devices to connect at the same time, while ExpressVPN allows up to eight devices. This could be important for users who want to use the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously.

ExpressVPN has a slight edge in router compatibility and knowledge base resources, while PureVPN has more options for streaming on TV devices.

Streaming and Torrenting

When it comes to streaming and torrenting, both PureVPN and ExpressVPN are solid choices. Both VPNs offer fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and support for P2P file sharing.

PureVPN has dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, which makes it easy to find the right server for user needs. PureVPN also offers a built-in ad blocker and malware protection, which is great for keeping devices safe while streaming or downloading.

ExpressVPN also has a large server network that is optimized for streaming and torrenting. The VPN offers split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps use the VPN and which ones don’t. This is great for streaming content that is only available in certain regions, while still being able to use local apps.

In terms of unblocking streaming services, both PureVPN and ExpressVPN are reliable. However, ExpressVPN has a slight advantage as it consistently works with Netflix and other popular streaming services.

Overall, both PureVPN and ExpressVPN are great choices for streaming and torrenting. It ultimately comes down to users’ personal preference and which VPN better fits their needs.

Feature	PureVPN	ExpressVPN
Dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting	Yes	No
Built-in ad blocker and malware protection	Yes	No
Optimized server network for streaming and torrenting	Yes	Yes
Split tunneling	No	Yes
Works with Netflix	Yes	Yes

Final Thoughts

Users who are looking for a VPN service that offers a balance of speed, security, and affordability should turn to PureVPN. It is one of the most affordable VPN services on the market, and it offers a wide range of features that make it easy to use and customize to users’ needs.

Users who are looking for a VPN service that prioritizes speed and performance above all else should look to ExpressVPN. It is slightly more expensive than PureVPN, but it offers faster connection speeds, better reliability, and more server locations to choose from.

Ultimately, the choice between PureVPN and ExpressVPN comes down to individual user needs and priorities. Users who value affordability and a wide range of features will prefer PureVPN. Users who prioritize speed and performance above all else should look to ExpressVPN.

Regardless of which VPN service a user chooses, it is important to remember that both PureVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent options for protecting users’ online privacy and security. Both services use strong encryption and have a strict no-logging policy, which means that users’ online activity will remain private and secure.

PureVPN vs ExpressVPN FAQs