PureVPN vs Private Internet Access: Why is PureVPN a Better Alternative?

Get ready for an electrifying VPN showdown: PureVPN vs Private Internet Access. These two heavyweights bring their unique strengths to the ring, vying for the spotlight in the world of digital privacy and online security. 

With user needs evolving, it is time to dissect the distinct offerings of PureVPN and Private Internet Access. This head-to-head comparison aims to guide you toward the VPN service that aligns with your requirements.

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Speed

Baseline speed: 1 Gbps

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Average download speed	251 Mbps	269 Mbps
Average upload speed	224 Mbps	242 Mbps

We conducted our speed test using the state-of-the-art WireGuard protocol by connecting to servers in the US, UK, and Canada and measuring the download and upload speeds of both VPN providers. 

Related Read: How to Boost VPN Speed

In terms of download speeds, Private Internet Access demonstrated an average of 269 Mbps, whereas PureVPN held steady with an average of 251 Mbps. As for upload speeds, Private Internet Access recorded an average of 242 Mbps, while PureVPN delivered an average of 224 Mbps.

Who tops this category? Private Internet Access 

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Server Locations

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Servers	6,000+	Undisclosed
Countries	65	84

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

Private Internet Access offers servers in an impressive 84 countries. While the exact number remains undisclosed, their commitment to delivering a vast network ensures users can enjoy reliable and secure connections.

Who tops this category? PureVPN

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Security

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec
Private DNS	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	No	Yes
Quantum-resistant	Yes	No

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, employing AES 256-bit encryption on users’ data. It lets you choose from 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!

Private Internet Access offers AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard user data from potential threats. Users can pick from OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec as their desired protocol option. With a private DNS network and the use of RAM-based servers, it minimizes the risk of data exposure. 

Who tops this category? It’s a tie

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Privacy

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	United States
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	Yes	No

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.

Private Internet Access operates from the USA, a part of the Five Eyes alliance, which raises privacy concerns for some users. However, PIA maintains an Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, assuring users that their online activities are not monitored or stored.

Who tops this category? PureVPN

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Unblocking

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Netflix	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	No
Max	Yes	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes

PureVPN boasts impressive unblocking capabilities, ensuring seamless access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. With a wide range of supported platforms, PureVPN lets users enjoy their favorite content without any geo-restrictions.

Private Internet Access shines in unlocking Netflix and Disney+, granting users access to a diverse range of shows and movies. While PIA doesn’t unblock Hulu or BBC iPlayer, its compatibility with Max offers an excellent option for streaming enthusiasts.

Who tops this category? PureVPN

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Pricing

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	$11.95
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	$3.33/month
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	–

PureVPN 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.

The pricing structure of Private Internet Access is quite straightforward, offering monthly and 1-year plans to choose from. While there is no 2-year plan, it does provide a 3-year plan as an alternative.

Who tops this category? PureVPN

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PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Features

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	Yes
Dedicated IP	Yes	Yes
Port Forwarding	Yes	No

PureVPN offers impressive features like 20 Gbps servers, Compatibility with Tor over VPN, 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.

Private Internet Access provides features like multi-hop to add an extra layer of encryption and MACE, which is an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. It also gives you access to an antivirus that scans, removes and destroys viruses from your system for an extra price.

Who tops this category? PureVPN

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Compatibility

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi-logins	10	Unlimited

PureVPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, 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.

Private internet Access supports macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick. If you are interested in browser extensions, PIA covers Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Unlike PureVPN, it offers unlimited logins with a single account. 

Who tops this category? Private Internet Access

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Customer Support

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Live chat	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	No

PureVPN offers robust customer support 24/7 through live chat, email, and a knowledgebase. Users can conveniently seek assistance from within the app, making it easier to resolve any queries or concerns they may have.

Private Internet Access offers great customer support through channels like live chat, email, and a knowledgebase. However, it lacks in-app support, which gives users an additional means of seeking help and resolving issues quickly.

Who tops this category? PureVPN

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access – Which VPN is Better?

	PureVPN	Private Internet Access
Pricing	1st	2nd
Speed	2nd	1st
Server locations	1st	2nd
Security	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)
Privacy	1st	2nd
Unblocking	1st	2nd
Features	1st	2nd
Compatibility	2nd	1st
Customer support	1st	2nd

PureVPN outshines Private Internet Access in most of the categories, securing first place in the battle. On the other hand, PIA takes second place after a decent performance, excelling in areas like compatibility, speed, and security in particular.

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