NordVPN vs Kaspersky VPN: Why is PureVPN a Better Alternative?

Prepare yourself for an insightful comparison of NordVPN vs Kaspersky VPN. However, wait – alongside these well-known contenders, PureVPN is a solid choice you might have not considered.

As we unravel the details of all three options, you will gain a holistic perspective to guide your selection of the ideal VPN service for your unique requirements.

Speed – NordVPN Wins

Baseline speed: 1 Gbps

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Average download speeds	342 Mbps	363 Mbps	318 Mbps
Average upload speeds	307 Mbps	321 Mbps	284 Mbps

During a comprehensive speed test that involved using the WireGuard protocol and connecting to servers in the US, UK, and Canada, NordVPN, PureVPN, and Kaspersky VPN were evaluated for their download and upload speeds.

NordVPN emerged as the clear winner in download speeds, impressively averaging at 363 Mbps. PureVPN followed closely behind, showcasing commendable performance with an average download speed of 342 Mbps. Kaspersky VPN held its ground, securing a notable average of 318 Mbps in download speed.

Once again, NordVPN demonstrated its dominance in upload speeds, recording an outstanding average of 321 Mbps. PureVPN displayed its strength with an average upload speed of 307 Mbps. Kaspersky VPN maintained a commendable presence with an average upload speed of 284 Mbps.

Who tops this category? NordVPN provides the fastest upload and download speeds, taking the first spot.

Server Locations – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Servers	6,000+	5,700+	2,000+
Total Countries	65	60	90

NordVPN’s powerful network encompasses 5,700+ servers scattered across 60 countries, ensuring a formidable shield for online activities and granting users seamless access to content worldwide.

Kaspersky VPN’s network is made up of 2,000+ servers in 90 countries, giving users access to a decent number of options whether they want to improve your privacy or gain access to blocked content.

PureVPN stands strong with a staggering network of 6000+ servers spread across 65 countries, offering users a vast selection of global virtual locations for unmatched access to content and superior browsing speeds.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is first, NordVPN second, and Kaspersky VPN third.

Security – Tie between PureVPN and NordVPN

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx	Catapult Hydra, WireGuard, OpenVPN
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	No
RAM-based servers	No	Yes	No
Quantum resistant	Yes	No	No

NordVPN provides strong security with its use of AES 256-bit encryption. Users can select from multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), allowing flexibility. NordVPN also routes your DNS queries through its private DNS and relies on RAM-based servers, enhancing data protection.

Kaspersky VPN ensures top-notch online protection using AES 256-bit, considered one of the most secure encryption standards today. When it comes to protocol selection, protocols like Hydra, OpenVPN, and WireGuard are available. Unlike NordVPN, Kaspersky VPN’s infrastructure is not RAM-only. 

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, offering AES 256-bit encryption. It gives you access to a diverse range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. While PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, it does not provide RAM-based servers. However, the VPN service is quantum-safe!

Who tops this category? NordVPN’s server infrastructure is RAM-only, whereas PureVPN is quantum-resistant. Both are tied for first.

Privacy – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Panama	Russia
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes	No
Always on-audit	Yes	No	No

NordVPN maintains a strong stance on privacy with its headquarters in Panama, a country not affiliated with the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It offers a PWC-audited no-logs policy, providing assurance that it does not store user activity logs. 

Kaspersky VPN has its roots in Russia and is associated with the Russian government and its stringent internet regulations. While the service claims to uphold a strict no-log policy, there is no independent audit available to verify this assertion.

PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a favorable privacy environment. It follows a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, affirming that it does not retain user activity logs. What distinguishes PureVPN is its implementation of an always-on audit mechanism, providing an additional layer of transparency and accountability.

Who tops this category? PureVPN’s always-on audit structure is a first in the VPN industry, helping it bag first position.

Unblocking – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Netflix	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	No	No
Max	Yes	Yes	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes	Yes

NordVPN offers excellent unblocking capabilities for popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. However, it failed to provide reliable access to Hulu during our tests.

Kaspersky VPN is effective in accessing Netflix and Disney+ making it a good choice for streaming enthusiasts looking to explore other libraries. However, it falls short when it comes to unblocking Max, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

PureVPN stands out with its impressive unblocking capabilities across the board. It successfully unlocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, giving users seamless access to a wide range of content.

Who tops this category? PureVPN offers an unparalleled unblocking experience, providing access to all major streaming services.

Pricing – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	Standard ($12.99), Plus ($13.99), Complete ($14.99)	–
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	Standard ($4.99/month), Plus ($5.99/month), Complete ($6.99/month)	Kaspersky Plus ($2.99/month), Kaspersky Premium ($3.16/month)
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	Standard ($3.49/month), Plus ($4.49/month), Complete ($5.49)	–

NordVPN offers three tiers: Standard, Plus, and Complete. These tiers are available in monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans, each of which give you access to unique features. The pricing varies based on the tier and duration chosen. 

Kaspersky VPN is no longer offered as a standalone product or subscription. If you wish to use the VPN service, you will have to purchase one of their security packages that includes it, which may not be ideal for everyone.

PureVPN also follows a tier-based pricing structure. The tiers are categorized as Standard, Plus, and Max, having different features and pricing levels. Users can choose from monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans within each tier.

Who tops this category? PureVPN because it offers flexible plans and affordable pricing for its solid service. NordVPN comes second.

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Features – NordVPN Wins

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	No
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes

NordVPN stands out with its diverse feature set, like SmartDNS for seamless streaming, Double VPN servers for added encryption layers, Onion over VPN for improved anonymity, and Threat Protection for safety against online threats. NordVPN also provides additional features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, and file encrypter, which can be added for an additional price.

Kaspersky VPN comes with different features like Smart Home Protection, which automatically connects you to the VPN when you join a public Wi-Fi network, and modes like For streaming and For torrenting. Since the only way to get Kaspersky VPN is by purchasing one of their security suites, a variety of other tools like anti-virus, two-way firewall, and more are also available.

PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, providing fast and reliable connections, and VPN over Tor enhancing online anonymity. Additionally, PureVPN offers a range of bundled products like a password manager (PureKeep), file encrypter (PureEncrypt), and privacy auditor (PurePrivacy), which can be purchased alongside the VPN service.

Who tops this category? NordVPN is a featured-packed VPN service, coming with all the options you need. PureVPN is second.

Compatibility – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Windows, Android
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox
Multi logins	10	6	5

NordVPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, covering a wide range of devices. It has one-click browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With support for up to 6 multi-logins, users can secure multiple devices with a single NordVPN account.

Kaspersky VPN is widely compatible with various operating systems including macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. Also, Kaspersky VPN is supported on popular web browsers like Chrome and Firefox, allowing secure browsing regardless of the preferred browser. With the added benefit of supporting up to five multi-logins.

PureVPN offers broad compatibility with easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Supporting up to 10 simultaneous multi-logins, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and offers more simultaneous connections. 

Customer Support – Tie between PureVPN and NordVPN

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Live chat	Yes	Yes	No
Email	Yes	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes	No

All three VPNs provide email support, along with a knowledgebase. However, both PureVPN and NordVPN offer the convenience of 24/7 live chat and in-app support, while Kaspersky VPN  lacks both these features.

Who tops this category? NordVPN and PureVPN leave no stone unturned to give you professional and prompt customer support, so they are tied for first.

NordVPN vs Kaspersky VPN vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	NordVPN	Kaspersky VPN
Pricing	1st	2nd	3rd
Speed	2nd	1st	3rd
Server Locations	1st	2nd	3rd
Security	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd
Privacy	1st	2nd	3rd
Unblocking	1st	2nd	3rd
Features	2nd	1st	3rd
Compatibility	1st	2nd	3rd
Customer Support	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd

Bagging the first spot in categories like pricing, server locations, privacy, unblocking, and compatibility, PureVPN is a VPN service worth trying. NordVPN is another great option, doing exceptionally well in most of the categories. Kaspersky VPN, though decent, needs to work on many areas to compete with the big fish.

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FAQ

Is Kaspersky VPN good?

While Kaspersky VPN offers great connection speeds, it has limited unblocking capabilities and customer support options. The security provided by Kaspersky VPN is decent, but the VPN provider does not have the best reputation when it comes to privacy. 

Is NordVPN better than Kaspersky VPN?

Absolutely! NordVPN outperforms Kaspersky in almost every aspect like unblocking, security features, and server locations. It may cost more than Kaspersky VPN, but you get what you pay for.

Is Kaspersky VPN trustworthy?

Kaspersky VPN is one of the less trustworthy VPN services due to its connections with the Russian government. Moreover, it claims to follow a no-logs policy, but has not undergone any independent audits to verify this promise.