PureVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better in 2024?

If you are in search of the perfect VPN service and can’t decide between PureVPN and Surfshark, we have got you covered. In this head-to-head comparison, we have delved into every aspect that matters – from features and speed to pricing and customer support. By the end, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the right VPN for your needs. 

Speed – It’s a Tie

Baseline speed: 2 Gbps

	PureVPN	Surfshark
OpenVPN	91.96 Mbps (Download), 95.04 Mbps (Upload)	64.56 Mbps (Download), 68.25 Mbps (Upload)
IKEv2	193.72 (Download), 211.52 (Upload)	203.67 (Download), 223.00 (Upload)

We connected to a VPN server in the United States from our client location in Canada using OpenVPN UDP. Surshark delivered download speeds of 64.56 Mbps and upload speeds of 68.25 Mbps. PureVPN, on the other hand, offered even faster speeds, with download speeds measuring at 91.96 Mbps and upload speeds at 95.04 Mbps.

Next, we connected to a VPN server in Canada from our client location in Australia using IKEv2. Surfshark achieved download speeds of 203.67 Mbps and upload speeds of 223.00 Mbps. In comparison, PureVPN provided slightly slower speeds with download speeds of 193.72 Mbps and upload speeds of 211.52 Mbps.

According to these results, both PureVPN and Surfshark are capable of offering fast speeds for your streaming and gaming needs. However, speed performance can differ depending on various factors. 

Who tops this category? It’s a tie

Server Locations – It’s a Tie

	PureVPN	Surfshark
Servers	6,000+	3,200+
Countries	65	100

When it comes to server locations, PureVPN boasts an impressive network of over 6,000 servers in 65 countries, giving users a broad array of options for connecting and accessing content from across the globe.

On the other hand, Surfshark offers access to over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. While the server count is much lower than PureVPN, they offer a significantly higher number of countries, providing impressive global coverage. 

Who tops this category? It’s a tie

Security – It’s a Tie

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

Both PureVPN and Surfshark offer robust security features. They use AES 256-bit encryption, which is a highly secure encryption standard, to protect user data from hackers and other prying eyes.

As far as protocol selection goes, both VPN providers support reliable options such as OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), IKEv2, and WireGuard. However, PureVPN also offers IPSec as a standalone protocol. 

When it comes to private DNS, both PureVPN and Surfshark send your DNS queries through their own DNS servers. Furthermore, there are slight differences between the two in terms of server infrastructure. 

While PureVPN does not utilize RAM-based servers, Surfshark does, which adds an extra layer of security. That said, PureVPN uses quantum-resistant encryption keys that offer protection against potential future cryptographic threats.

Who tops this category? It’s a tie

Privacy – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	Surfshark
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Netherlands
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	Yes	No

PureVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction known for its privacy-friendly laws. They have a verified no-logs policy that has been audited by reputable firms like Altius IT and Well known audit firm. PureVPN also employs an always-on audit structure to maintain transparency and accountability.

Read more: The Best No-Log VPN – Keep Yourself Anonymous with a Trusted VPN

On the other hand, Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes alliance, a multinational surveillance network. However, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte. It is worth noting that Surfshark does not have an always-on audit structure

Who tops this category? PureVPN

Unblocking – PureVPN Wins

When it comes to unblocking content, PureVPN stands out as an excellent choice. With its vast server network, PureVPN offers reliable access to geo-restricted streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Max, Foxtel, and more.

While Surfshark is also great at unblocking geo-restricted content, it is a hit-and-miss when it comes to certain streaming services, which could be due to the fact that it offers a smaller server network than PureVPN.

Who tops this category? PureVPN

Pricing – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	Surfshark
Monthly	Standard ($12.95), Plus ($15.95), Max ($19.95)	Starter ($12.95), One ($17.95), One+ ($22.95)
1-year	Standard ($3.99/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($7.07/month)	Starter ($3.99/month), One ($4.49/month), One+ ($8.29/month)
2-year	Standard ($2.14/month), Plus ($3.33), Max ($4.07/month)	Starter ($2.49/month), One ($3.49/month), One+ ($6.49/month)

PureVPN and Surfshark offer multiple tier-based subscription plans to choose from. Both have monthly, 1-year, and 2-year options available, with attractive discounts for longer-term plans. PureVPN is slightly more affordable than Surfshark, making it a more affordable option among the two. 

When it comes to payment options, both PureVPN and Surfshark let you pay with cryptocurrency, PayPal, Google Pay, credit cards, and more. While Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service, PureVPN takes it one step further with 31 days. 

Who tops this category? PureVPN

Features – It’s a Tie

	PureVPN	Surfshark
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	No

Those who value advanced features and customization options will find both PureVPN and Surfshark appealing. These VPN providers offer a range of unique features that cater to the needs of users.

PureVPN offers features like split tunneling, obfuscation via OpenVPN, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, 20 Gbps servers, and a kill switch. The VPN service also comes bundled with other products like a password manager, file encrypter, and privacy auditor if you pay for them.

Read more: PureVPN Features – Get Premium Anonymity, Security, & Privacy All In One!

In comparison, Surfshark provides a kill switch, split tunneling, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection, but does not support IPv6 leak protection. However, it has additional features like an antivirus, ad and pop-up blocker (CleanWeb 2.0), data breach detector, and a private search engine for an extra price.

Who tops this category? Tie

Compatibility – SurfShark

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

Both are highly compatible VPN services. PureVPN offers apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick, with browser extensions available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With one PureVPN subscription, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Read more: Download VPN for your devices

Surfshark provides apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, along with browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. What sets Surfshark apart from PureVPN is the unlimited multi-logins feature, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want under a single subscription.

Who tops this category? Surfshark

Customer Support – PureVPN Wins

	PureVPN	Surfshark
Live chat	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	No

Both PureVPN and Surfshark offer live chat support, enabling users to receive real-time assistance and troubleshooting from customer representatives. Additionally, both VPN services provide email support as an alternative communication channel for users to seek help or address any concerns they may have.

Furthermore, both VPN providers have knowledge bases available, offering users a comprehensive collection of articles, guides, and FAQs to assist with common queries and troubleshooting. This self-help resource can be valuable for users who prefer to find solutions independently.

While PureVPN offers in-app support, Surfshark currently does not provide this feature. In-app support can enhance user convenience by providing access to support resources without the need to leave the VPN app interface.

Who tops this category? PureVPN

PureVPN vs Surfshark – Which is the best?

	PureVPN	Surfshark
Pricing	1st	2nd
Speed	Tie	Tie
Server locations	Tie	Tie
Security	Tie	Tie
Privacy	1st	2nd
Unblocking	1st	2nd
Features	Tie	Tie
Compatibility	2nd	1st
Customer support	1st	2nd

After a closely fought battle, PureVPN emerges on top as it offers better pricing, privacy, unblocking capabilities, and customer support. However, Surfshark is still a worthy competitor in the VPN market, as proven by its strong showing in all our categories.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Surfshark better than PureVPN?

Determining whether Surfshark or PureVPN is the better choice depends on individual preferences and specific needs. That said, PureVPN did perform better than Surfshark in our comparison, bagging the win in various categories.

Is PureVPN good for Netflix?

Yes, PureVPN is one of the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix and successfully unblocks many regional libraries, including the popular ones, at the click of a button.