Table of Contents
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.
PureVPN | NordVPN | VPN Unlimited | |
Rating (Trustpilot) | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
Quantum-Resistant Encryption | Yes | No | No |
Servers | 6000+ | 5000+ | 3000+ |
No logs policy | Yes | Yes | No |
Pricing | 3.85 $/M | 5.19 $/M | 5.00 $/M |
Coupons | Yes | Yes | Yes |
VPN protocols | OpenVPN, IPSec/IKEv2, WireGuard, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard (NordLynx) | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, KeepSolid Wise, L2TP/IPSec |
Streaming services | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer |
Platform | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire Stick | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire Stick | macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Fire Stick, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera |
Simultaneous connections | 10 | 6 | 5 |
Support | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, email |
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.
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), andprivacy 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 |
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.
Hunain Muhammad
January 16, 2024
8 months ago
Hunain Muhammad is a cybersecurity and technology influencer who loves to provide a unique perspective on the latest trends and their impact on the digital age.