NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited: Is There a Third Better Alternative?

Get ready for an unprecedented VPN showdown: NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited. But the plot thickens with the introduction of PureVPN. As we embark on this in-depth comparison, you will uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the three VPN services, empowering you to make an informed decision about which VPN suits your needs best.

NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Speed

Baseline speed: 1 Gbps

	PureVPN	NordVPN	VPN Unlimited
Average download speeds	264 Mbps	289 Mbps	241 Mbps
Average upload speeds	237 Mbps	256 Mbps	223 Mbps

In our recent speed test, we employed the advanced WireGuard protocol and established connections with servers across the US, UK, and Canada. Our objective was to meticulously assess the upload and download speeds of the three VPNs.

Related Read: 9 Ways to Make Your VPN Faster

In terms of downloading, NordVPN demonstrated remarkable performance, achieving an impressive average speed of 289 Mbps. Equally noteworthy, PureVPN maintained its strength with a consistent average speed of 264 Mbps, while VPN Unlimited secured an average speed of 241 Mbps.

Shifting our focus to uploading, NordVPN sustained its commendable performance, averaging a speed of 256 Mbps. PureVPN remained competitive with an average of 237 Mbps, and VPN Unlimited maintained its position with an average of 214 Mbps.

Who tops this category? NordVPN outshined PureVPN and VPN Unlimited in our tests, bagging the first spot.

NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Server Locations

	PureVPN	NordVPN	VPN Unlimited
Servers	6,000+	5,700+	3,000+
Total Countries	65	60	56

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.

VPN Unlimited’s network consists of 3,000+ servers in 56 countries, which is a huge jump considering it only provided 400 or so servers earlier. You have a decent number of options to choose from when it comes to changing your virtual location. 

PureVPN stands strong with a staggering network of 6000+ servers spread throughout 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 VPN Unlimited third.

NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Security

	PureVPN	NordVPN	VPN Unlimited
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, KeepSolid Wise, L2TP/IPSec
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	Yes
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 routes your DNS queries through its private DNS and relies on RAM-based servers, enhancing data protection.

VPN Unlimited ensures unbreakable security by applying AES 256-bit encryption on users’ data. You have plenty of protocol options for establishing a VPN connection, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, KeepSolid Wise, and L2TP/IPsec. VPN Unlimited also resolves your DNS requests via its own DNS network.

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. Furthermore, PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, and is one of the few quantum-safe VPN services on the market.

Who tops this category? PureVPN and NordVPN are tied for first.

NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Privacy

	PureVPN	NordVPN	VPN Unlimited
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Panama	United States
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. 

VPN Unlimited operates out of the United States, which is a part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. Moreover, it has not undergone an independent audit of its no-log policy, meaning there is no way to ascertain whether its privacy claims are true. 

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, so it takes first position. 

NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Unblocking

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

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.

VPN Unlimited effectively unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, it falls short when it comes to accessing Max and Disney+, so you will need to explore other options if you want to enjoy these platforms.

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 is the best option for streaming geo-restriction content no matter where you are. 

NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Pricing

	PureVPN	NordVPN	VPN Unlimited
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	Standard ($12.99), Plus ($13.99), Complete ($14.99)	Standard ($9.99), Secure Duo ($10.99), MonoDefense ($11.99)
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)	Standard ($5.00/month), Secure Duo ($5.83/month), MonoDefense ($6.67/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. 

VPN Unlimited plans are available in three tiers, namely Standard, Secure Duo, and MonoDefense on a monthly and yearly basis. There is no 2-year subscription, but it does offer a lifetime VPN. 

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, offering flexible plans and budget-friendly rates, takes first. NordVPN is second. 

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NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Features

	PureVPN	NordVPN	VPN Unlimited
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	No
Dedicated IP	Yes	Yes	Yes
Port Forwarding	Yes	No	No

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.

VPN Unlimited comes with great features, such as SmartDNS, a SOCKS5 proxy, and password manager and generator. If you opt for their advanced plans, you also get access to tools like data leak and dark web monitoring, malicious internet traffic filtering, and protection from dubious sites. 

PureVPN offers impressive features like 20 Gbps servers, VPN over Tor support, and WebRTC Leak Protection (only on browser extensions). Additionally, PureVPN also provides 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 secures first due to its extensive list of useful features.

NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Compatibility

	PureVPN	NordVPN	VPN Unlimited
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
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.

VPN Unlimited is available on macOS, iOS, Android, Windows (including phones), Linux, and Fire Stick. The VPN service works on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. Up to 5 multi-logins are supported, but you can also increase the number for a fee.

PureVPN offers broad compatibility with user-friendly and sleek 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 at the same time.

Who tops this category? PureVPN provides more multi-logins and apps.

NordVPN vs VPN Unlimited vs PureVPN – Customer Support

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

NordVPN offers excellent customer support through a knowledgebase, email, as well as live chat. Users also have the option of quickly getting assistance within the app for a hassle-free support experience.

VPN Unlimited’s customer support can be reached out through email, but there is no live chat option, which is a huge downside. While a knowledgebase is available for those who are looking to help themselves, you will not find any in-app support.

PureVPN’s robust customer support can be availed through live chat, email, and a knowledgebase. Plus, you can conveniently seek assistance from within the app, making it easier to resolve any queries or concerns.

Who tops this category? PureVPN and NordVPN are tied for first.

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

	PureVPN	NordVPN	VPN Unlimited
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

PureVPN emerges as the ultimate victor across multiple categories, solidifying its position as the top VPN service in this face-off. NordVPN follows closely behind, showcasing strengths in speed, security, and features. While VPN Unlimited holds its ground as a decent option, there are notable areas for improvement.

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