4.7	3.5
Extensive server network Very fast speeds Unblocks all streaming services	Apps for most devices Built-in speed test Budget friendly
Visit ExpressVPN $6.66 / month(save 48%)(All Plans)	Visit PureVPN $2.29 / month(save 81%)(All Plans)

Key Takeaways: ExpressVPN vs PureVPN

• In security and privacy, the main difference between ExpressVPN and PureVPN is that ExpressVPN has never provided user data to law enforcement.
• ExpressVPN outclasses PureVPN in speed, features and streaming performance.
• PureVPN has more servers, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, and is more affordable than ExpressVPN.

Almost everyone who uses VPNs is familiar with ExpressVPN, which our team at Cloudwards considers the best VPN service. PureVPN may not be a top-tier VPN provider, but we appreciate how the company works hard to improve its services. We’ve updated our PureVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison to account for the latest changes.

You’ll have a clear picture of whether you should go with ExpressVPN or PureVPN by the end of this article. However, we still recommend trying the VPNs for yourself, as both have a money-back guarantee. 

How Did We Rate PureVPN vs ExpressVPN

The last time we rated these two providers, PureVPN suffered from slow speeds and even helped the FBI locate a cybercriminal by providing their personal information. While we don’t endorse crime, this act is a breach of privacy and cast doubt on PureVPN’s no-logs policy at the time.

Since then, PureVPN has improved its security, privacy and features to the point where it can go toe-to-toe with ExpressVPN. You can look at our PureVPN review and ExpressVPN review for deeper looks into both services. 

Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN

Even though it’s more expensive, the adage of “you get what you pay for” rings true, as ExpressVPN is the clear choice here. It’s better at unblocking streaming sites and is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. It also has a cleaner privacy record than PureVPN, a larger server spread and wider platform support.

PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: Comparison at a Glance

In this section, we’ll compare ExpressVPN and PureVPN across several categories, including pricing, features, performance and more. 

	Visit ExpressVPN	Visit PureVPN
	$6.66 / month(All Plans) 30-days money-back guarantee	$2.29 / month(All Plans) 31-days money-back guarantee
	Review	Review
General
Payment methods	PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, PaymentWall	PayPal, Credit card
Accepts cryptocurrency
Simultaneous connections		10
Supports split tunneling
Unlimited bandwidth
Free trial available	7 days (mobile only)
Refund period
Worldwide server amount	3,000+ servers in 105 countries	6,500 servers in 65 countries
Desktop OSes	Windows, MacOS, Linux	Windows, MacOS, Linux
Mobile OSes	Android, iOS	Android, iOS
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Can be installed on routers
Streaming
Can access Netflix US
Can access BBC iPlayer
Can access Hulu
Can access Amazon Prime Video
Security
Encryption types	256-AES, ChaCha20	256-AES
VPN protocols available	OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway	OpenVPN, IKEv2
Enabled at device startup
Allows torrenting
No-logging policy
Passed DNS leak test
Killswitch available
Malware/ad blocker included
Support
Live Chat	24/7	24/7
Email support	24/7	24/7
Phone support
User forum
Knowledgebase

Which Is Better: ExpressVPN vs PureVPN?

ExpressVPN remains the best VPN provider on the market. It has repeatedly proven its no-logs policy by undergoing multiple audits. Its features match or outclass PureVPN’s, especially its split tunneling, kill switch, fast speeds and universal torrenting availability. ExpressVPN is a great combination of privacy and security that we find hard to beat. 

PureVPN has more VPN servers, two more simultaneous connections and a longer extended subscription. However, its privacy record pales compared to ExpressVPN’s, and its streaming performance seems inconsistent. Though it’s cheaper, we don’t find its subscriptions as worthy of your money as those from Surfshark (read our Surfshark review) and NordVPN (read our NordVPN review).

PureVPN has much more work to do to become one of the best VPNs. Though ExpressVPN wins this comparison, we’re still impressed with PureVPN’s efforts to catch up. We’ll update the comparison as we receive new updates from either provider. 

We Recommend ExpressVPN If You Want…

• Access to All Popular Streaming Services: ExpressVPN can easily unblock streaming services, rotating its IP addresses fast enough to keep up with the latest geoblocks.
• A Beginner-Friendly Experience: ExpressVPN’s ease of use helps newcomers get used to a VPN within minutes.
• VPN Tools for Any Platform: ExpressVPN users have access to apps for various operating systems and devices, ensuring they can enjoy internet privacy anywhere.

We Recommend PureVPN If You Want…

• More Simultaneous Connections: PureVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections on every subscription, two more than ExpressVPN.
• A Cheaper Service: Compared to ExpressVPN, PureVPN is cheaper and has a longer extended plan.
• African and Middle Eastern Server Locations: PureVPN has more servers and locations in Africa and the Middle East than ExpressVPN.

If You Want to Consider Other Services, Check Out…

PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: Similarities

ExpressVPN and PureVPN share many features. Check out what they have in common here.

Based in British Virgin Islands

PureVPN used to be based in Hong Kong, but its headquarters are currently in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a U.K.-based company, but is also based in the BVI. The BVI are a privacy-friendly country with no mandatory data retention laws. Thus, VPN providers in the BVI can legally avoid keeping logs on their customers. 

In addition, the BVI protects data with “dual criminality.” Unless the evidence is needed for a legal matter that’s a crime in both countries, no one can access it. Therefore, it’s highly inconvenient for countries to ask for data from VPN providers based in the BVI. Our article on whether ExpressVPN keeps logs explains this in further detail.

Built-In Obfuscation

Obfuscation refers to how VPN services disguise their traffic to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Both PureVPN and ExpressVPN have built-in obfuscation on all their servers that kicks in when you connect. The main difference is that with PureVPN, obfuscation only activates on the OpenVPN protocol, while ExpressVPN has obfuscation no matter the protocol you choose.

Obfuscation allows users to tunnel their traffic past internet restrictions like the Great Firewall of China. It also prevents internet service providers (ISPs) from throttling connections for VPN users. 

Fast Speeds

Our past experiences with PureVPN’s speeds weren’t positive, but its upgrade to 20 Gbps servers has improved connection speeds. ExpressVPN has always been a speedy service and often ranks in the top three fastest VPNs. At this point, you can use either VPN to change your IP address and not notice any significant speed drops or lags. 

PureVPN’s network offers consistent upload and download speeds, but ExpressVPN is faster. It impressed us that distance didn’t introduce as much latency as we expected and that connecting to U.K. servers from the U.S. barely affected the download speeds. 

Strong Security Features

Regarding VPN protocols and encryption ciphers, ExpressVPN and PureVPN are evenly matched. Both offer OpenVPN (TCP and UDP) and IKEv2, which are excellent protocols on which you can rely. IKEv2 is best for mobile devices and is faster at the cost of being slightly less flexible.

For OpenVPN and IKEv2, PureVPN and ExpressVPN use the AES-256 encryption protocol, the current industry standard. AES 256-bit is safe from attacks and has yet to be broken, as shown in our AES 256-bit guide. 

However, there are also protocols these VPNs don’t share. ExpressVPN has a proprietary one called Lightway (both TCP and UDP), which uses both AES 256-bit and ChaCha20. 

PureVPN doesn’t have Lightway but does offer WireGuard, which uses ChaCha20 as its encryption cipher. Therefore, in terms of VPN security, PureVPN can match ExpressVPN’s offerings.

To prevent any data leaks, PureVPN and ExpressVPN have a kill switch that activates when the VPN connection is interrupted. The kill switch cuts your internet connection immediately and preserves your privacy. Our article on kill switches explains more about what they do.

Money-Back Guarantee

ExpressVPN and PureVPN offer money-back guarantees to let users try them and only continue if they’re satisfied. ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and PureVPN has one that lasts for 31 days. Both offer access to their complete feature set.

If you want to try out a VPN for even longer, we recommend CyberGhost, which boasts a 45-day refund period (only on the extended plans). Learn more about it by reading our CyberGhost review.

Free Trials

Both PureVPN and ExpressVPN offer a free trial if you download the Android or iOS app and register on either operating system. You don’t have to pay anything for the seven-day trial, but you must still enter a credit card number or another preferred payment method. If you don’t cancel the trial in time, you’ll be charged for a premium subscription. 

PureVPN also offers a seven-day paid trial on PC for 99 cents. You can register on mobile and use the account on PC and vice versa. We have a guide on the PureVPN free trial if you’re interested.

Simultaneous Connections

ExpressVPN accounts support eight simultaneous connections. Eight connections at once is usually enough for a single family, but if you need more, purchasing a new subscription is the only way.

PureVPN is more generous. Each subscription comes with 10 simultaneous connections, so you can share the VPN with friends and family without spending extra. Note that with both providers, you can also install the apps on as many devices as you want; only connections are limited, not installations. 

Ease of Use

PureVPN has given its apps a graphic overhaul. The menus are now streamlined for easy navigation and have marked options. If you aren’t sure what something does, each option has a short explanation. We like how everything is kept within the same window on desktop.

ExpressVPN has been easy to use for years, with everything sorted into neatly organized sections. While the options menu and server list open new windows, everything is still easy to locate. 

PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: Differences

Now that we’ve covered how PureVPN and ExpressVPN are similar, let’s check out the differences between the two VPN providers. 

Split Tunneling

With PureVPN, you can select which apps go through the VPN tunnel and which remain unprotected. However, it only supports this feature on Android and Windows. ExpressVPN offers universal split tunneling on Windows, macOS, routers, Android and iOS, but you won’t be able to use split tunneling on macOS 11 and above. 

Split tunneling is helpful for users who don’t want every app to go through a VPN connection. For example, if you have a slower connection, lags and stuttering might make it hard to play video games unless you send them outside the tunnel. It can also help you access wireless devices on your network.

Pricing Plans & Subscription Lengths

ExpressVPN and PureVPN each have a one-month and one-year plan. ExpressVPN has a six-month plan as well, while PureVPN has a two-year plan that’s a lot cheaper per month than anything ExpressVPN offers. 

ExpressVPN’s monthly plan costs $12.95, which isn’t worth your money. We recommend the six-month subscription or 15-month plan, going for $9.99 and $6.66 a month, respectively. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN Plans

• Unlimited GB
• 8
• Yes

30-days money-back guarantee

1-month plan, 6-months plan

1-month plan

$12.95/month

6-months plan

$9.99/month

$59.94 billed every 6 month

Save 22%

15-months plan

$6.66/month

$99.95 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter

Save 48%

PureVPN’s monthly plan is $12.45. The next subscription is the annual one, costing $3.75 a month for the first year. You’ll pay $2.29 monthly for the two-year plan with three free months. 

31-days money-back guarantee

Standard

• Only VPN. Two extra months free on 2-year plan.
• Unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$12.45/month

1-year plan

$3.75/month

$44.95 billed every year

Save 69%

2-year plan

$2.29/month

$54.95 billed every 2 years

Save 81%

Plus

• Adds password manager and file encryption software. Two extra months free on 2-year plan.
• Unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$16.95/month

1-year plan

$5.83/month

$69.95 billed every year

Save 65%

2-year plan

$3.75/month

$89.95 billed every 2 years

Save 77%

Max

• Adds a personal privacy manager. Three extra months free on 2-year plan.
• Unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$20.95/month

1-year plan

$6.20/month

$74.45 billed every year

Save 70%

2-year plan

$4.50/month

$107.95 billed every 2 years

Save 78%

Though ExpressVPN’s monthly plan is expensive, its extended subscriptions are worth your money. We recommend getting the two-year plans with either VPN as doing so will save you money.

Server Locations

ExpressVPN has a larger server spread, but PureVPN’s server network is also extensive. It includes at least 166 locations across 105 countries. For comparison, Private Internet Access (read our PIA review) has over 35,000 servers in 91 countries.

ExpressVPN’s network provides 65 European locations to PureVPN’s 33, making it better for users who want European IP addresses. However, PureVPN has a larger presence in Africa and the Middle East. If you want to connect to a server in those areas, PureVPN has your back. 

As with many reputable VPNs, you can contact customer support if you don’t see a country on the server list. Locations with higher demand may get added to the network later.

Server Types

PureVPN offers dedicated servers for torrenting, port forwarding and quantum resistance. Port forwarding lets users connect to a particular IP address on local networks when they’re connected to a VPN. It’s useful for tasks like accessing private video game servers. PureVPN also claims some of its servers are resistant to quantum computer attacks, but we haven’t seen solid proof.

You can also connect to PureVPN’s virtual servers. Virtual servers are located outside the countries for which they’re labeled. Learn more about them by reading our physical vs virtual servers guide. 

Unlike PureVPN, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer any dedicated servers for specific functions. You’re free to torrent files without restrictions on any of its servers, while PureVPN only allows torrenting on specific servers. There’s also no dedicated IP address add-on option like PureVPN has. 

Streaming Performance

When we last took a look at PureVPN’s streaming performance, we weren’t able to access some of Netflix’s regions. Certain U.S. servers also couldn’t unblock Netflix, and no servers unblocked Amazon Prime Video or Hulu.

However, our more recent testing found that we were able to access Netflix without issues.

ExpressVPN has always been successful at accessing remote streaming libraries. In addition, ExpressVPN’s fast speeds make it better than PureVPN at reducing slowdowns and lags. It also sits on the top of our list of the best VPNs for streaming. 

Customer Support

Both ExpressVPN and PureVPN have in-depth knowledgebases that contain accurate tutorials. In both cases, you can email customer support if you don’t mind waiting longer for a response.

However, there’s a noticeable difference in live chat support. PureVPN uses chatbots to help users before they can reach an agent, while ExpressVPN’s live support is composed purely of human assistance. 

PureVPN’s agents are helpful once you can get to them, but we didn’t like the slower response times and lack of detail. While its support has improved, it still has a long way to go. ExpressVPN’s live agents handled everything efficiently, getting us in and out of support in no time. 

Publicly Available Third-Party Audits

A reputable auditor can test a VPN’s no-logs policy and security infrastructure. ExpressVPN and PureVPN have ordered audits from trustworthy companies to prove their reliability and safety.

As of 2023, ExpressVPN has passed 16 audits, completing 12 in 2022 alone. KPMG tested the provider’s no-logs policy, while Cure53 has audited ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, apps and browser extensions. These audits prove ExpressVPN doesn’t keep connection logs and has reliable security features to keep you safe. You can even read the audit contents online.

PureVPN doesn’t have ExpressVPN’s incredible record of ordering audits, but it did order one from KPMG in 2021. The company also opted to undergo an “always-on” audit, which lets KPMG perform audits unannounced to prevent PureVPN from tampering with the results. It’s reassuring to see these actions, but we aren’t happy with how the audit’s contents aren’t publicly available.

Built-In Ad Blocker

Just recently, ExpressVPN announced that it was finally implementing a built-in ad blocker feature, something it’s been lacking for a long time. PureVPN doesn’t have a similar feature, though you can get PurePrivacy — a separate app — on mobile devices to block trackers.

The Verdict: Why We Think ExpressVPN Wins Overall

The ExpressVPN vs PureVPN feature comparisons above show that ExpressVPN outclasses PureVPN in almost every area. Though ExpressVPN is the best VPN service around, there are still reasons to go with PureVPN (such as price), and we’re happy to see PureVPN working hard to compete with the best.

What did you think of our comparison? Have you used these VPNs before? Do you agree that ExpressVPN is the clear winner, or did we miss something about PureVPN that you think makes it pull ahead? Let us know in the comments below. Thank you for reading.

FAQ: ExpressVPN vs PureVPN Compared

• Is PureVPN Better Than ExpressVPN?

  PureVPN has improved its services lately, but it hasn’t reached ExpressVPN’s level yet.

• Is PureVPN the Best VPN?

  No, PureVPN has limited features and mediocre speeds that prevent it from being the best VPN.

• Which VPN Is Better Than ExpressVPN?

  ExpressVPN is the best VPN right now, but NordVPN is a little faster and Surfshark has unlimited simultaneous connections. These two are the closest competitors ExpressVPN has.

• Is PureVPN a Chinese Company?

  No, PureVPN isn’t a Chinese company, nor is it owned by one.