In 2017, PureVPN provided user data to the FBI despite claiming a no-logs policy. The company has since been audited by KPMG and reformed its practices.
PureVPN Review 2026
By ChrisFounder & Lead AnalystLarge network, reformed after 2017 FBI incident
PureVPN runs one of the largest server networks outside the top 10. The BVI jurisdiction is favorable. But the 2017 incident where PureVPN provided user data to the FBI despite no-logs claims is impossible to ignore. KPMG audits since then represent genuine reform.
- Users who trust PureVPN's post-2017 reforms
- Budget users wanting a large server network
- Users needing dedicated IP or port forwarding
Performance Scores
Privacy & Security
Security and Protocols
PureVPN's apps support WireGuard as the default protocol, with OpenVPN and IKEv2 also available. OpenVPN remains the most compatible choice for routers and older devices, and IKEv2 reconnects quickly when a phone moves between networks.
The apps include a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, split tunneling and a tracker blocker. Port forwarding and a dedicated IP are sold as add-ons rather than bundled into the base plan, which is worth knowing before you compare headline prices against providers that include them.
The security question that actually matters for PureVPN is not its feature list. In 2017 the company supplied user data to the FBI while advertising a no-logs policy. Nothing removes that from the record. What followed is a genuine attempt at repair: independent no-logs audits by KPMG and by Altius IT, and an always-on audit arrangement under which KPMG can inspect PureVPN's infrastructure unannounced. Removing the preparation window that scheduled audits allow is a meaningfully stronger commitment than an annual snapshot, and few providers have agreed to it. Whether that outweighs the 2017 incident is a judgement each reader has to make. See our scoring methodology for how audit evidence feeds our privacy score.
Speed and Performance
WireGuard is PureVPN's default and is the right choice on desktop and mobile for throughput and connection time. OpenVPN is slower but more compatible, and legacy protocols remain available for older setups.
We do not run our own speed benchmarks. Our speed score reflects published independent benchmarks and provider-reported figures, applied consistently across every provider in our full VPN rankings.
Streaming and Unblocking
Streaming is one of PureVPN's stronger areas relative to the rest of its scorecard. The service markets access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, though reports of occasional trouble with some regional libraries are common, as they are for most providers.
Streaming support changes constantly as platforms adjust their VPN detection, so treat any provider's list as a snapshot rather than a guarantee. Our best VPN for streaming guide ranks the providers that invest most consistently in this.
Server Network
PureVPN's own site describes a network of 6,000 or more servers across 80 or more locations in 65 or more countries. The scale is the main draw at this price point and is larger than most providers ranked outside the top 10.
Note that server counts and country counts are marketing figures that providers revise without notice, and third-party sources frequently quote different numbers for PureVPN. Check the provider's current location list if a specific country matters to you.
Who PureVPN Is For
PureVPN suits someone who wants a large network and a low long-term price, who values the always-on audit arrangement, and who has read the 2017 history and decided the reforms since are credible.
It is the wrong choice for anyone who treats a clean privacy record as non-negotiable. If that describes you, the higher-ranked providers in our full VPN rankings have no comparable incident, and our best VPNs for privacy guide narrows the field further.
Pricing & Plans
Pricing and specs verified 2026-08-20. Check the provider for current pricing.
Pros & Cons
- 6,000+ servers across 65+ countries
- BVI jurisdiction
- KPMG-audited after reform
- Port forwarding
- Dedicated IP option
- 10 connections
- Cheap
- 2017 FBI data disclosure despite no-logs claims
- Trust requires faith in reforms
- Middling speeds
- Basic feature set vs top 10
Bottom Line
If you're comfortable with the 2017 history and trust the KPMG-audited reforms, the large network and low price offer solid value.
PureVPN FAQ
Where is PureVPN based?
PureVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no mandatory data retention laws and is outside the Five, Nine and Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. The company was founded in 2007.
Does PureVPN keep logs?
PureVPN advertises a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by KPMG and by Altius IT. The important context is that in 2017 PureVPN provided user data to the FBI while advertising a no-logs policy, and the audits since then are the company's response to that.
What is PureVPN's always-on audit?
It is an arrangement under which KPMG can inspect PureVPN's infrastructure unannounced at any time, rather than on a scheduled date. That removes the preparation window a scheduled audit allows, which makes it a stronger commitment than a periodic snapshot.
Can I still trust PureVPN after the 2017 FBI incident?
That is a judgement call rather than a fact we can settle for you. The incident is real and is not erased by later audits. The reforms are also real and go further than most providers have gone. If a spotless record is a requirement for you, choose a provider that has never had one.
How much does PureVPN cost?
PureVPN sells three tiers. On the two-year term Standard works out at $2.15 per month billed $57.95, Plus at $2.73 billed $89.95, and Max at $3.55 billed $109.95. One-year terms run $2.55, $4.55 and $5.55 per month, and month-to-month runs $12.95, $15.95 and $19.95. Port forwarding and a dedicated IP cost extra. These figures were verified on 2026-08-20; check PureVPN for current pricing before you buy.
How many devices can I use with PureVPN?
Up to 10 simultaneous connections on one account, with an add-on available for further concurrent sessions.
Is PureVPN good for streaming?
It is one of PureVPN's better areas. The service markets access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, though some regional libraries can be inconsistent. Streaming support shifts constantly across the whole industry.
Does PureVPN have a money-back guarantee?
Yes, PureVPN advertises a 31-day money-back guarantee across its plans.
Where to Go Next
Builder, tinkerer, privacy advocate. I believe privacy is a right, not a product feature.