ExpressVPN VS PureVPN

Use of Virtual Private Networks also known as VPNs^[1] is increasing rapidly. A VPN service is a must-have tool for those who want to increase their privacy online as it securely encrypts all the data between the device and the Internet. As a result, it cannot be seen or tracked by hackers or even by the Internet Service Provider (ISP).

However, it can be difficult to choose the right VPN provider, this is why our researchers at Reviewed by Pro constantly test and review VPN services in order to provide users with the most accurate and up-to-date information.

If you have finally decided to get a VPN, check out Privacy section for more information!

ExpressVPN or PureVPN?

If you are choosing between industry leaders ExpressVPN and Pure VPN you are in the right place!

If you do not have time to read the entire article, check out the table below. We reviewed the main features such as pricing, protection, features, performance and user interface of and pointed out the winner. 

As you can see both VPN services have its own pros and cons, so lets' dig a bit deeper and choose the service, which would be more suitable for you. 

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN^[2] is one of the leaders in the VPN industry. This VPN is suitable for both beginners and professionals alike as it is quite easy to use but also has a lot of extra features.

Test results

We tested ExpressVPN to uncover its main features. The download and installation were quick and did not take long.

ExpressVPN does not limit bandwidth or server switches. They have no hidden and no additional fees.

The size of ExpressVPN installer is 15MB. Once you download and install it, enter the activation code and create the account.

PureVPN Overview

PureVPN^[3] is a commercial virtual private network on VPN service users based in Hong Kong. Pure VPN was first released in 2006 and today is used by more than three million Internet users all around the world.

PureVPN has more than 2000 highly optimized servers in more than 140 countries and 300000 IP addresses.

The table below provides users with PureVPN’s main pros and cons.

Pricing

Pricing is an important part of users' choice.

ExpressVPN offers users various payment plans, including monthly, 6-month, and yearly plans. All of the plans include full-featured ExpressVPN package and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It is worth mentioning that the provider offers the full-featured free trial of the service for 30 days. ExpressVPN covers three devices with a single subscription.^[4]

Users can pay using credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, AliPay, IDeal, WebMoney, GiroPay and other payment methods.

PureVPN also offers a variety of plans users can choose starting at as low as $1.32 if purchased 5-year subscription. This includes up to 5 simultaneous connections.^[5] All plans include 31-day money-back guarantee. Users can pay using various payment methods, including Credit Card, PayPal, Alipay, CoinPayments, PaymentWall, BlueSnap and Gift Cards. All the payments are secured by McAfee.

As you can see, PureVPN offers lower prices. 

Privacy

When it comes to privacy and jurisdiction, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and is out of 14 eyes – the UKUSA Agreement network which was expanded into 14 countries. 

PureVPN is also based outside 14 eyes and other infamous surveillance governments, as it is registered in Hong Kong.

However, PureVPN does not provide zero logging policy and could log some user connection time and bandwidth used. The service does not keep logs of visited websites, downloaded files or software users.

In this case, ExpressVPN is a winner. 

Features

ExpressVPN includes Basic VPN features, as well as special security features, such as Split Tunneling that allows users to choose which data to send through a VPN and which through the original IP. Other features include Zero-knowledge DNS, built-in speed test feature, IP Adress Masking, Kill Switch and others. 

When it comes to PureVPN, the service released a new exclusive feature set for maximum security, privacy, and anonymity.

The new features include Virtual Router feature that enables users to turn the Windows desktop or laptop into a router that allows simultaneous connection up to 10 devices. PureVPN also allows proprietary software with their own code for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux. In addition, various consoled, Smart TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire and other devices are also compatible with PureVPN.

• NAT Firewall
• DDoS protection,
• Ozone Layer Protection,
• SOCKS5 Proxy available
• Kill Switch.
• IP address Masking
• Anonymous Browsing
• DNS Leak Protection
• IPV6 Leak Protection
• Web RTC Leak Protection
• The built-in Ad Blocking

As you can see the feature set is very comprehensive and PureVPN is a winner here. 

Protections

The encryption of ExpressVPN is very strong. You can definitely feel safe when using the services. It does not require users’ real name, so you can stay anonymous using the VPN service. ExpressVPN supports multiple protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, SSTP. Finally, it includes 148 server locations in 94 countries

PureVPN also uses a military-grade encryption AES-256 protocol. The VPN service also supports all the major protocols including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, SSTP, and IKEv2. Users’ privacy is also protected by PureVPN’s connection which includes the switch from one IP to another.

It is worth mentioning that PureVPN owns and manages its own DNS servers. PureVPN also offers dedicated IPs for an extra $1.99 per month and dedicated IP with DDoS protection for an additional $2.25 per month. The service offers 2000 servers in more than 140 countries.

Both providers offer military-grade encryption and strong protection. No winners here. 

Performance

ExpressVPN is easy to connect and disconnect and it offers one of the fastest connection times in the market which is just up to 5 seconds. However, we noticed some connection drops and needed to reconnect to the service every couple of hours.

When it comes to PureVPN, it is worth mentioning that the service has one of the best VPN infrastructures. PureVPN demonstrated an average of 12% speed loss. When it comes to connection, the VPN service has a steady and reliable connection, however, sometimes users also can experience some connection drops. 

Even though users can experience some inconvenience reconnecting the server, ExpressVPN offers better speed rates. 

User interface

ExpressVPN has a light and open interface. The interface itself is small and cannot be resized. The main window displays On and Off button to connect or disconnect VPN servers. It has a menu bar which includes options such as VPN Locations, Speed Test, Help, Options, Diagnosis, Get 30 Days Free and Quit Express VPN.

In comparison, the mobile version of the service is more rudimentary. It allows to set the VPN service at a startup and allows users to choose from various servers.

PureVPN has a simple and easy to use interface. The desktop version looks colorful and bright, while the mobile version is darker and offers more options.

The main window displays at both, mobile and desktop versions include the main options to ‘select mode’ from Stream, Internet Freedom, Security / Privacy, File Sharing, and Remote / Dedi Ip.

However, we found ExpressVPN's user interface more intuitive and pleasant. 

The final verdict

Being among the market leaders, ExpressVPN is a good choice if you value the quality of services the most. The VPN ensures a high level of protection when you surf the Web. There is also a wide variety of choices regarding the servers.

• Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Kindle Fire, Nook, BlackBerry, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.
• Allows 3rd-party connections: Yes, for Above, and ChromeOS, Windows Phone, NAS drivers, and routers.
• Simultaneous connections: Up to 3 devices
• User data required: valid email address
• Supported protocols: IKEv2/IPsec, Open VPN, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP.

PureVPN is a full-featured VPN service that provides users with quality self-managed and owned servers and locations around the world. It is also not expensive and offers exclusive features such as split tunneling.

• Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, plus Chrome & Firefox extensions.
• Allows 3rd-party connections: Yes, for Above, plus Linux, BlackBerry, open-source routers.
• Simultaneous connections: Up to 5 devices.
• User data required: a real name.
• Supported protocols:L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, SSTP, IKEv2. 

To conclude

ExpressVPN and PureVPN provide users with military-grade encryption and excellent protection rates. 

However, according to the tests, ExpressVPN provides faster speeds, better privacy policies, and better jurisdiction. What is more, ExpressVPN allows users to unblock Netflix. 

PureVPN is also a very decent choice as it provides users with unlimited bandwidth and server switching, as well as various security and privacy features, and excellent customer services.