⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: PureVPN starts at $2.15/mo vs SafeShell VPN at $49.99/year ($9.99/month)
- Best for: PureVPN for privacy-focused browsing with audited security, SafeShell VPN for streaming with its exclusive App Mode feature
- Key difference: PureVPN has 6,500+ servers across 140+ countries with KPMG-audited no-logs policy. SafeShell VPN uses QUIC technology and lets you connect different apps to different VPN locations at the same time.
- Our pick: PureVPN for most users — stronger security credentials, larger server network, and lower long-term pricing
PureVPN and SafeShell VPN take very different approaches to online privacy.
One has been around since 2007 with thousands of servers worldwide.
The other is newer and focuses on streaming with a unique App Mode.
This comparison breaks down both VPN services to help you decide.
Overview
This PureVPN vs SafeShell VPN comparison covers pricing, security features, and server networks.
We also look at streaming, speed, and ease of use for each VPN provider.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which is the best VPN for your needs.
What is PureVPN?
PureVPN is a virtual private network service that started in 2007. It is a quality VPN used by VPN users worldwide.
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address from trackers. The interface is user friendly even for beginners.
The service runs 6,500+ VPN servers — including physical servers and virtual servers — across more than 140 countries and virtual locations. We tested PureVPN across several of these regions.
PureVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has strong privacy laws. The company has made major improvements to its privacy practices since 2017.
PureVPN
KPMG-audited VPN with 6,500+ servers in 140+ countries. Includes split tunneling, kill switch, and quantum-resistant encryption. Supports 10 simultaneous connections.
PureVPN Pricing
PureVPN offers three main plans. Long-term subscriptions save you the most money.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $2.15/per month | Budget users who want basic VPN protection |
| Plus | $3.15/per month | Users who want extra privacy tools |
| Max | $3.55/per month | Full protection with all PureVPN features |
Pricing verified April 2026.
Free trial: PureVPN offers a 7-day trial for $0.99. No free plan is available.
Money-back guarantee: 31-day money back guarantee on all plans. You can request a refund if the service doesn’t meet your needs.
📌 Note: The monthly plan costs $12.95/month, which is above the VPN average. If you purchase PureVPN on a longer plan, internet speeds stay strong while you save money. The prices shown above are for the two-year plan. Annual plans renew at higher rates — $54.95 for the first year, then $69.95 after.
⚠️ Warning: PureVPN’s discounted rate increases upon renewal. Check the renewal price before committing to a long-term PureVPN subscription. PureVPN accepts payments via credit card, Bitcoin, and PayPal. We recommend you test PureVPN with the trial before a full purchase.
Key Benefits of PureVPN
Here’s what makes PureVPN worth considering as your VPN provider:
- Massive Server Network: PureVPN servers span 6,500+ locations in over 140 countries. This gives you plenty of server locations to choose from for fast connections.
- Independently Audited: KPMG and Altius IT have both verified PureVPN’s no-logs policy. The always-on audit feature lets KPMG run surprise checks anytime.
- Quantum-Resistant Servers: PureVPN features quantum-resistant encryption keys generated through a verifiable quantum process. This adds a layer of future-proof security.
- Multi-Device Support: Connect up to 10 devices at the same time. PureVPN’s desktop apps, mobile apps, and browser extensions all work together.
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t. This helps you keep local services running while protecting sensitive internet traffic.
- Kill Switch Protection: PureVPN’s internet kill switch cuts your internet access if the VPN connection drops. This prevents accidental IP address leaks and dns leaks.
- Streaming Access: PureVPN offers dedicated servers for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for PureVPN and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
PureVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 6,500+ servers across 140+ countries give you wide coverage and a huge server list
- KPMG-audited no-logs policy with always-on surprise audit feature
- Quantum-resistant encryption adds future-proof security
- Supports 10 simultaneous connections on one account
- Based in the British Virgin Islands with strong privacy laws
- Includes dns leak protection and password manager on higher plans
❌ Cons
- Windows app can be clunky and may crash according to user reports
- Speed drops significantly on distant international servers
- Interface shows upsell ads for add-on features like dedicated IPs
- Renewal prices jump after the first billing period ends
What is SafeShell VPN?
SafeShell VPN is a newer VPN service built by Gearup Portal Pte. You can discover how it works through its high speed global mode.
It focuses on streaming and uses QUIC technology to disguise VPN traffic.
The standout feature is App Mode, which connects different apps to different VPN locations at once.
SafeShell VPN supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro for multi device support.
SafeShell VPN
Streaming-focused VPN with exclusive App Mode for connecting multiple apps to multiple regions simultaneously. Uses QUIC technology and ShellGuard protocol for secure connections.
SafeShell VPN Pricing
SafeShell VPN uses a simpler pricing structure. Here’s what it costs.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $3.99/week | Short-term travelers or testing the service |
| 1 Month | $9.99/month | Monthly users who want flexibility |
| 1 Year | $49.99/year | Long-term users looking for the best value |
Pricing verified April 2026.
Free trial: SafeShell VPN offers a 3-day free trial period for new users who haven’t subscribed before.
Money-back guarantee: 7-day money back guarantee on the initial subscription purchase.
📌 Note: SafeShell VPN accepts credit card, PayPal, Google Play, Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. The subscription renews automatically unless you cancel at least 24 hours before expiration.
⚠️ Warning: SafeShell VPN’s money back guarantee is only 7 days, which is much shorter than the industry standard of 30 days. Some users have reported difficulties obtaining refunds through customer support.
Key Benefits of SafeShell VPN
Here’s what makes SafeShell VPN stand out as a VPN service:
- App Mode: SafeShell VPN’s exclusive App Mode lets you connect different apps to different VPN locations at the same time. You can browse with a US IP while streaming from a UK server. This creates a fast secure way to customize your connection across multiple locations.
- QUIC Technology: SafeShell VPN uses QUIC to disguise VPN traffic, helping bypass strict censorship and network restrictions for better online freedom.
- Game Mode: A dedicated gaming mode picks the fastest routes to game servers for low latency and faster responses. This gives gamers a better connection experience.
- Subtitle Translation: Built-in subtitle translation supports over 30 languages. This creates a comfortable viewing experience for international content.
- Wide Device Support: Works on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Android TV, Apple TV, iPad, and even Apple Vision Pro.
- ShellGuard Protocol: SafeShell VPN’s own encryption protocol provides strong security for all your online activities.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for SafeShell VPN and spent several days testing its features. Here’s what stood out:
SafeShell VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- App Mode connects different apps to different regions simultaneously
- QUIC technology helps bypass strict censorship and gives you online freedom on websites
- Dedicated Game Mode reduces latency for gaming
- Subtitle translation in 30+ languages for streaming
- Supports Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro natively
❌ Cons
- Only 7-day money back guarantee vs the industry standard of 30 days
- Newer service with less track record than established VPN providers
- No independent third-party security audit published
- Customer support and refund process has received mixed reviews
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare PureVPN vs SafeShell VPN across 10 key features. This breakdown covers everything from security to streaming so you can pick the right VPN service.
| Feature | PureVPN | SafeShell VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.15/month | $3.99/week |
| Free Trial | $0.99 for 7 days | 3-day free trial |
| Server Network | 6,500+ in 140+ countries | 100+ locations |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ❌ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (App Mode) |
| App Mode | ❌ | ✅ |
| Game Mode | ❌ | ✅ |
| Independent Audit | ✅ (KPMG) | ❌ |
| Subtitle Translation | ❌ | ✅ (30+ languages) |
| Best For | Privacy and wide coverage | Streaming and gaming |
1. Server Network & Coverage
PureVPN: PureVPN runs over 6,500 VPN servers spread across more than 140 countries. This includes both physical servers and virtual server locations. The network covers regions that many VPN providers skip, giving you more options for your VPN connection. PureVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses as an add-on for users who need the same IP address every time. You can browse the full server list and pick any server location.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell VPN covers over 100 server locations worldwide. While the network is smaller, SafeShell supports connecting to multiple regions simultaneously through its App Mode. The focus is on speed over volume, with servers tuned for low latency.
2. Security & Encryption
PureVPN: PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN UDP and IKEv2. The service also has quantum-resistant servers with encryption keys from a verifiable quantum process. KPMG has verified PureVPN’s no-logs claims through independent audits, and PureVPN publishes a transparency report about government information requests.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell VPN uses its own ShellGuard protocol for encryption. It also employs a zero-logs policy and QUIC technology to disguise VPN traffic. However, no independent third-party audit has been published to verify these claims. SafeShell hides your IP address and protects your online activities from surveillance.
⚠️ Warning: PureVPN had a 2017 incident where it provided logs to the FBI. Since then, it has undergone multiple independent audits and changed its privacy policy. SafeShell VPN has no published audit history to evaluate.
3. Streaming & Content Access
PureVPN: PureVPN can unblock popular streaming sites and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video. Unblocking Netflix works across most regions. It also has a dedicated app for Apple TV. However, some users report that PureVPN fails to access certain Netflix libraries, and buffering can happen on some servers.
SafeShell VPN: Streaming is SafeShell VPN’s main focus. The App Mode lets you watch Netflix from one country while browsing YouTube from another — all at the same time. SafeShell also includes subtitle translation in over 30 languages for a comfortable viewing experience. It supports Apple TV and Android TV natively.
4. Speed & Performance
PureVPN: Speed tests show PureVPN reduces download speeds by about 7.61% and upload speeds by 3.51% on nearby servers. Internet speeds remain solid for most tasks, making PureVPN close to the fastest download speed among mid-tier VPN providers. With the WireGuard VPN protocol, PureVPN retains around 67% of initial connection speed. However, performance on distant servers can drop significantly, and ping increases make it less suitable for competitive gaming.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell VPN markets itself as offering high-speed connections with no speed limits. User reviews describe the connection as fast and suitable for streaming. The service has over 70 regional server locations tuned for low latency, though independent speed test data is limited.
5. App Mode & Multi-Region Access
PureVPN: PureVPN does not have an App Mode feature. You connect to one VPN server at a time. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN, but all VPN traffic goes through the same server location.
SafeShell VPN: App Mode is SafeShell VPN’s standout feature. It lets you assign different apps to different VPN locations at the same time. For example, you can route Netflix through a US server and Facebook through a UK server simultaneously. This creates a personalized connection experience that traditional VPN services can’t match.
6. Gaming Features
PureVPN: PureVPN supports gaming but lacks a dedicated gaming mode. Speed tests show increased ping on many servers, which can hurt competitive gaming. PureVPN is better suited for casual gaming than ranked play.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell VPN includes a dedicated Game Mode that picks the fastest routes to game servers. This mode focuses on reducing latency and speeding up responses. If gaming is your priority, SafeShell’s approach gives you a better connection.
7. Privacy & Logging Policy
PureVPN: PureVPN claims a strict no-logs policy, verified by KPMG audits. The always-on audit feature means KPMG can run surprise audits at any time. PureVPN also publishes a transparency report showing government data requests. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no mandatory data retention laws.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell VPN employs a zero-logs policy to protect online privacy. The service hides your IP address and encrypts all internet traffic. However, no third-party audit has verified these claims publicly. SafeShell promises that personal data is not sold to third parties.
8. Device Compatibility
PureVPN: PureVPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. PureVPN’s Windows app and PureVPN’s Android app are the most popular. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, plus a dedicated Apple TV app. PureVPN’s Android app is noted as the most feature-rich among its different apps. Desktop and mobile apps share a similar design.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell VPN supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Android TV, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. The Apple Vision Pro support is rare among VPN providers and gives SafeShell an edge for early adopters of that device. The app is compatible across all major platforms.
9. Customer Support
PureVPN: PureVPN provides 24/7 live chat and a support ticket system you can contact anytime. There’s also a built-in troubleshooting feature in the app. User reviews are mostly positive about customer support, though some users report issues with refund requests.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell VPN offers customer support through its website and app. Some users have experienced issues with subscription management and getting refunds. The support experience is a weaker point compared to more established VPN companies.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | PureVPN | SafeShell VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | ❌ | $3.99/week |
| Monthly | $12.95/month | $9.99/month |
| Annual | $44.95/year (first year) | $49.99/year |
| 2-Year | $54.95 (then $69.95/year) | ❌ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 31 days | 7 days |
PureVPN: PureVPN pricing starts lower on long-term plans at $2.15/month on the Standard 2-year plan. The monthly plan at $12.95 is pricier. PureVPN also offers add-ons like dedicated IPs ($2.49/month) and port forwarding ($1.49/month). The 31-day money back guarantee gives you more time to test the service.
SafeShell VPN: SafeShell VPN costs $49.99 for a 1-year plan and $9.99 for a single month. The weekly plan at $3.99 is handy for short trips. SafeShell’s free trial period of 3 days lets you test before paying. But the 7-day money back guarantee is much shorter than what most VPN providers offer.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest long-term price | PureVPN | $2.15/mo on 2-year plan |
| Multi-region app routing | SafeShell VPN | App Mode connects apps to different servers |
| Audited privacy | PureVPN | KPMG-verified no-logs policy |
| Gaming with low latency | SafeShell VPN | Dedicated Game Mode |
| Largest server network | PureVPN | 6,500+ servers in 140+ countries |
| Short-term access | SafeShell VPN | $3.99 weekly plan available |
💰 Your Budget
PureVPN wins on long-term value at $2.15/month on the 2-year plan. SafeShell VPN is cheaper for short-term use with its $3.99 weekly plan and free trial period.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
PureVPN has browser extensions and supports more VPN protocols like OpenVPN UDP. SafeShell VPN supports Apple Vision Pro and Android TV, which PureVPN doesn’t cover as well.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
If you watch content from multiple regions at once, SafeShell VPN’s App Mode is hard to beat. PureVPN handles single-region streaming well but can’t route different apps through different countries.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPN services have user-friendly interfaces. PureVPN has more settings to configure, while SafeShell VPN keeps things simple with fewer options to navigate.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
SafeShell VPN offers a 3-day free trial for new users. PureVPN charges $0.99 for a 7-day trial. Both let you test before committing to a full purchase.
🛟 Support Options
PureVPN offers 24/7 live chat and a support ticket system built into the app. SafeShell VPN’s support is available but has received mixed feedback from users.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from PureVPN to SafeShell VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- App Mode for routing different apps through different VPN locations
- Dedicated Game Mode with faster routes for low-latency gaming
- Subtitle translation in 30+ languages for streaming services
❌ What you’ll lose:
- KPMG-audited no-logs policy and transparency reports
- 6,500+ server network across 140+ countries
- Dedicated IP addresses and port forwarding add-ons
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PureVPN subscription through your account settings
- Sign up for SafeShell VPN’s free trial to test App Mode
- Download SafeShell VPN on all your devices and configure your preferred settings
🔄 Switching from SafeShell VPN to PureVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- KPMG-audited security with always-on surprise audit capability
- Access to 6,500+ servers in 140+ countries for wider coverage
- 31-day money back guarantee instead of just 7 days
❌ What you’ll lose:
- App Mode for simultaneous multi-region connections
- Dedicated Game Mode with faster server routing
- Built-in subtitle translation for international streaming
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your SafeShell VPN subscription at least 24 hours before renewal
- Create a PureVPN account and start with the $0.99 trial
- Install PureVPN’s desktop apps, mobile apps, and browser extensions on your devices
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t test enterprise VPN setups or evaluate bulk licensing for business accounts. Our observations are based on the April 2026 versions of both VPN services — features and pricing may have changed since then. If you’re managing a large organization or need custom VPN configurations, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | PureVPN |
| 🔒 Security & Privacy | PureVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | SafeShell VPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | PureVPN |
| 🎮 Gaming | SafeShell VPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Tie |
| 🛟 Customer Support | PureVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | PureVPN |
🏆 WINNER: PureVPN
PureVPN wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users, travelers needing wide server coverage, and anyone who values audited security
PureVPN and SafeShell VPN serve different types of users. PureVPN is the better overall VPN service for security, server coverage, and long-term value. Its KPMG-audited no-logs policy and 6,500+ server network across 140+ countries give it a clear edge for online privacy.
SafeShell VPN is a strong pick for streamers and gamers. The App Mode feature is genuinely unique — no other major VPN lets you route different apps through different countries at the same time. If streaming from multiple regions is your top priority, SafeShell delivers something PureVPN can’t.
For most users who want a reliable VPN with verified security, PureVPN is the better choice.
More of PureVPN Compared
Here’s how PureVPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
PureVPN wins on: Lower entry price ($2.15/mo vs NordVPN’s higher starting cost), quantum-resistant servers, and dedicated IP add-ons at $2.49/month
NordVPN wins on: Faster download speeds on most servers, larger brand recognition, and more polished desktop apps
PureVPN vs ExpressVPN
PureVPN wins on: More server locations (140+ countries vs ExpressVPN’s 105), lower pricing, and 10 simultaneous connections vs 8
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster and more consistent speeds, better Netflix unblocking across regions, and a longer privacy track record
PureVPN vs Surfshark VPN
PureVPN wins on: Larger server count (6,500+ vs Surfshark’s network), KPMG-audited no-logs policy, and quantum-resistant encryption
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, cleaner app interface, and better value on the monthly plan
PureVPN vs Private Internet Access
PureVPN wins on: More country coverage (140+ vs PIA’s network), quantum-resistant servers, and British Virgin Islands jurisdiction
Private Internet Access wins on: Open-source apps for transparency, more granular privacy controls, and proven no-logs record in court
More of SafeShell VPN Compared
Here’s how SafeShell VPN stacks up against other VPN services:
SafeShell VPN wins on: Unique App Mode for multi-region routing, built-in subtitle translation, and dedicated Game Mode for lower latency
NordVPN wins on: Larger server network, stronger brand trust with multiple published audits, and faster speeds across most regions
SafeShell VPN wins on: App Mode for simultaneous multi-country connections, Apple Vision Pro support, and lower annual pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster speeds globally, better Netflix unblocking consistency, and a 30-day money back guarantee
SafeShell VPN vs CyberGhost
SafeShell VPN wins on: App Mode for routing apps through different countries, QUIC traffic disguise for censorship bypass, and Game Mode
CyberGhost wins on: Larger server network with dedicated streaming servers, 45-day money back guarantee, and more established privacy record
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SafeShell VPN safe to use?
SafeShell VPN uses its ShellGuard protocol and a zero-logs policy. It encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address. However, no independent audit has verified these security claims yet, which is worth keeping in mind.
How does the App Mode feature work?
App Mode lets you assign different apps to different VPN server locations at the same time. You can stream Netflix through a US server while browsing YouTube through a Japanese server. Each app gets its own connection to a different region.
How trustworthy is PureVPN?
PureVPN has improved its trust record since a 2017 controversy. The company has been audited by KPMG and Altius IT, and it publishes transparency reports. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws.
Can I use SafeShell VPN for streaming?
Yes, streaming is SafeShell VPN’s strongest feature. It includes subtitle translation in over 30 languages and supports Apple TV and Android TV. The App Mode lets you access content from multiple regions at once.
Is PureVPN good for streaming?
PureVPN can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video. It has a dedicated Apple TV app for easier setup. Some users report inconsistent results with certain Netflix libraries depending on the VPN server used. For a full PureVPN review, check our dedicated article. You can also explore PureVPN alternatives if streaming is your main need.
What makes SafeShell different from other VPNs?
SafeShell revolutionizes VPN usage with its App Mode, which lets you experience SafeShell in a way no other VPN offers. You can watch videos and browse different websites through different VPN locations at once. This takes your online privacy to a new level. Friends who share an account can each connect to the channel or country they prefer.
Is PureVPN safe to use?
Yes, PureVPN is safe. It uses AES-256 encryption, dns leak protection, and has been verified by KPMG audits. PureVPN’s kill switch prevents dns leaks and dns queries from exposing your real IP. If you need a pure VPN that handles security well, we recommend PureVPN for its tested track record. PureVPN claims a strict no-logs policy confirmed by independent auditors.
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