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PureVPN vs Malwarebytes VPN: I Tested Both — Here’s the Truth (2026)

by | Last updated Mar 12, 2026

Winner
purevpn
4.0
  • 6,500+ Servers in 78+ Countries
  • KPMG-Audited No-Logs Policy
  • WireGuard + OpenVPN + IKEv2
  • Split Tunneling + Port Forward
  • Streams Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
  • Quantum-Resistant Servers
  • Plans from $2.15/month
Runner Up
malwarebytes
3.0
  • Built-in Antivirus Bundle
  • WireGuard Protocol for Speed
  • 470+ Servers in 45+ Countries
  • Browser Guard Extension
  • 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • No-Logs Policy + Kill Switch
  • Plans from $44.99/year

📊 Our Test Results:

  • 🌐 Server Network: PureVPN 6,500+ servers vs Malwarebytes 470+ servers — PureVPN wins
  • Speed Test: PureVPN dropped speeds 7.6% vs Malwarebytes dropped 34% nearby — PureVPN wins
  • 📺 Streaming: PureVPN unblocked Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer vs Malwarebytes failed on Hulu, Disney+ — PureVPN wins
  • 🔒 Privacy Audit: PureVPN has KPMG always-on audit vs Malwarebytes has no third-party audit — PureVPN wins
  • 🛡️ Malware Protection: Malwarebytes bundles antivirus software vs PureVPN has no antivirus — Malwarebytes wins
purevpn vs malwarebytes

Picking the right VPN feels overwhelming.

There are dozens of options and every one claims to be the best.

PureVPN and Malwarebytes VPN take very different paths to online privacy.

PureVPN is a veteran VPN provider with 6,500+ servers worldwide.

Malwarebytes VPN is a privacy add-on from a trusted antivirus brand.

I tested both PureVPN vs Malwarebytes side by side for four weeks to find the real winner.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested PureVPN and Malwarebytes VPN hands-on.

I spent weeks checking speeds, streaming access, security features, and privacy policies.

I also compared pricing, ease of use, and customer support quality.

Here’s my honest breakdown to help you choose the right VPN.

What is PureVPN?

PureVPN is a VPN service that has been around since 2007.

It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address.

The company moved from Hong Kong to the British Virgin Islands in 2021.

This gives it stronger privacy protections outside surveillance alliances.

PureVPN now offers more than just a VPN connection.

It bundles dark web monitoring, a password manager, and tracker blocking.

PureVPN Review 2026 | What Is PureVPN & Is PureVPN Worth It?

PureVPN

A veteran VPN with 6,500+ servers in 78+ countries. Get military-grade encryption, split tunneling, and streaming access to Netflix and more. Plans start at just $2.15/month with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

PureVPN Pricing

Here’s what PureVPN costs in 2026.

All plans come with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

PlanPriceBest For
Standard$2.15/per monthBasic VPN users who want privacy
Plus$3.15/per monthUsers who need a password manager
Max$3.55/per monthFull security suite with all extras
PureVPN Pricing

Free trial: PureVPN offers a 7-day trial for $0.99 on mobile apps.

Money-back guarantee: You get 31 days to try the service risk-free.

📌 Note: The Standard plan covers basic VPN features. The Plus plan adds a password manager. The Max plan includes dark web monitoring and data breach alerts.

⚠️ Warning: PureVPN’s price doubles after the first billing cycle. A two-year plan at $54.95 renews at $69.95 per year. Always check the renewal rate before signing up.

Key Benefits of PureVPN

Here’s why PureVPN stands out from other VPN providers:

  • Massive Server Network: Over 6,500 servers spread across 78+ countries. You can find a fast server close to you almost anywhere in the world.
  • Audited Privacy: KPMG runs surprise audits on PureVPN at any time. This always-on audit feature proves they don’t keep logs of your activity.
  • Quantum-Resistant Servers: PureVPN uses encryption keys from a quantum process. This future-proofs your data against next-gen hacking.
  • Great Streaming Access: PureVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It works across multiple countries without buffering.
  • Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This keeps your speeds fast for everyday browsing.
  • 10 Device Connections: Connect up to 10 devices at the same time. One subscription covers your whole household.
PureVPN homepage

PureVPN Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Huge server network with 6,500+ servers
  • KPMG-audited no-logs policy you can trust
  • Works with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
  • Affordable plans starting at $2.15/month
  • Split tunneling and port forwarding included
❌ Cons
  • Speeds drop on distant servers
  • Price doubles after first billing cycle
  • Port forwarding costs extra as an add-on
  • High ping makes it bad for gaming

What is Malwarebytes VPN?

Malwarebytes is a company best known for its antivirus software.

In 2019, it partnered with Mullvad to build a VPN service.

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN encrypts your traffic using the fast WireGuard protocol.

It works best when bundled with Malwarebytes antivirus for complete device protection.

The VPN is simple and easy to use right out of the box.

However, it has a smaller server network and fewer features than dedicated VPN providers.

Malwarebytes review | Should you get it in 2026?

Malwarebytes VPN

A simple VPN from a trusted antivirus brand. Get WireGuard encryption, a kill switch, and 470+ servers in 45+ countries. Bundle with Malwarebytes antivirus for complete device security.

Malwarebytes VPN Pricing

Here’s what Malwarebytes VPN costs in 2026.

All plans are billed yearly with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

PlanPriceBest For
Standard$44.99/yrBasic VPN for 1 device
Plus$59.99/yrVPN plus antivirus protection
Total$159.99/yrFull security suite with identity protection
Malwarebytes pricing

Free trial: Malwarebytes offers a 7-day free trial for its VPN.

Money-back guarantee: You get a generous 60-day refund window.

📌 Note: The Standard plan is VPN only. The Plus plan bundles antivirus. The Total plan adds identity theft protection and personal data remover.

⚠️ Warning: Malwarebytes charges VAT in some countries. This can add up to 20% on top of the listed price. Check the final amount at checkout.

Key Benefits of Malwarebytes VPN

Here’s why Malwarebytes VPN could work for some users:

  • Antivirus Bundle: Bundle the VPN with award-winning Malwarebytes antivirus. You get malware, ransomware, and phishing protection in one package.
  • Simple Interface: The app is dead simple to use. Just tap a button and you’re connected. No confusing settings to deal with.
  • WireGuard Speed: Malwarebytes uses the fast WireGuard protocol. This keeps your speeds reasonable on nearby servers.
  • Browser Guard: A free browser extension blocks ads, trackers, and scams. This works even without the VPN turned on.
  • MultiHop Feature: Route your traffic through two servers for extra privacy. This makes it harder for anyone to trace your activity.
  • 60-Day Guarantee: You get twice the refund window compared to most VPN providers. That’s a lot of time to test the service.
Malwarebytes homepage

Malwarebytes VPN Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Bundles with excellent antivirus software
  • Very easy to use for beginners
  • WireGuard protocol for decent speeds
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
❌ Cons
  • Small server network with only 470+ servers
  • Based in the US (Five Eyes member)
  • No third-party privacy audits
  • Fails on many streaming platforms
  • Mobile apps lack key features like kill switch

Feature Comparison

Now let’s compare PureVPN and Malwarebytes VPN feature by feature.

I tested 9 key areas to find out which VPN delivers more value.

FeaturePureVPNMalwarebytes VPN
Starting Price$2.15/month$44.99/year (~$3.75/mo)
Servers6,500+ in 78+ countries470+ in 45+ countries
VPN ProtocolsWireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2WireGuard only
Kill Switch✅ (Desktop only)
Split Tunneling✅ (Desktop only)
Streaming Support✅ Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer⚠️ Limited
Privacy Audit✅ KPMG always-on audit❌ No audit
Antivirus Bundle
Best ForStreaming, privacy, featuresAntivirus bundle users

1. Server Network

PureVPN: PureVPN offers 6,500+ servers in 78+ countries. It has servers in Africa and the Middle East, which most VPNs skip. You also get P2P servers in 36 countries and port-forwarding servers in 15 countries.

PureVPN Review 2026 - Dark Web Monitoring & Password Safety

Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes has around 470+ servers in 45+ countries. The network is powered by Mullvad’s server infrastructure. This smaller network means fewer options and possible congestion during peak hours.

💡 Test Result: PureVPN has 13x more servers than Malwarebytes VPN. A bigger network means faster speeds and more location choices for you.

2. Speed Performance

PureVPN: PureVPN reduced download speeds by about 7.6% and upload speeds by 3.5% in testing. Latency went up by 18.2%. These numbers are better than most VPNs on the market today.

Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes dropped speeds by 34% on nearby servers and 62% on distant ones. Most top VPNs only lose 10-20% on nearby servers. These speed drops make Malwarebytes a weaker choice for heavy use.

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN

3. Security Features

PureVPN: PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption with a kill switch and DNS leak protection. It also has IPv6 and WebRTC leak protection. Advanced features include RAM-only servers and quantum-resistant encryption.

PureVPN Internet Kill Switch

Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes also uses AES-256 encryption with a kill switch. It offers a MultiHop feature that routes traffic through two servers. However, the kill switch and split tunneling only work on desktop apps.

⚠️ Warning: Malwarebytes VPN’s mobile apps lack a kill switch. If the VPN drops on your phone, your real IP address gets exposed. PureVPN includes a kill switch on all platforms.

4. Privacy & Jurisdiction

PureVPN: PureVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. This is outside all surveillance alliances. Its no-logs policy has been audited by KPMG multiple times. The always-on audit means KPMG can check at any time.

Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes is based in the United States. The US is a founding member of the Five Eyes alliance. The VPN has no third-party audits to verify its privacy claims. Its privacy policy is considered unclear.

PureVPN DNS Leak Protection

5. Streaming Support

PureVPN: PureVPN unblocks Netflix across multiple countries, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It has dedicated streaming shortcuts that connect you to the best server for each platform.

Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes can access Netflix in some countries like the US, UK, and Japan. But it fails to connect to Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. There are no dedicated streaming servers to help.

PureVPN Data Brokers

6. Device Support

PureVPN: PureVPN works on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, Apple TV, and routers. It supports up to 10 devices at the same time. Browser extensions are also available for Chrome and Firefox.

How To Access ITV via PureVPN Chrome Extension

Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It does not support Linux, routers, or gaming consoles. Plans cover between 1 and 20 devices depending on your subscription.

7. Ease of Use

PureVPN: PureVPN has clean apps that show upload and download speeds in real time. The interface looks the same on desktop and mobile. Setting it up on a router is also straightforward.

Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes is dead simple. One button connects you. The VPN lives inside the Malwarebytes dashboard. But the mobile apps feel bare-bones. There’s no quick-connect or server favorites.

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

8. Customer Support

PureVPN: PureVPN has 24/7 live chat with fast response times. Support tickets get answers within three hours. Agents know the product well and give helpful answers.

Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes recently added live chat support. Responses are quick for basic questions. But for complex VPN issues, the help can feel limited compared to dedicated VPN providers.

9. Pricing & Cost

Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.

PlanPureVPNMalwarebytes VPN
VPN Only$2.15/month$44.99/year (~$3.75/mo)
VPN + Extras$3.15/month (Plus)$59.99/year (~$5.00/mo)
Full Suite$3.55/month (Max)$159.99/year (~$13.33/mo)
Money-Back Guarantee31 days60 days
Free Trial$0.99 for 7 days7 days free

PureVPN: PureVPN is cheaper per month at $2.15 for the Standard plan. You get a feature-packed VPN at a budget-friendly price. The Max plan at $3.55/month includes dark web monitoring and a password manager.

Malwarebytes VPN: The Standard plan costs $44.99/year, which comes to about $3.75/month. The real value is in the Plus plan that bundles antivirus. But the Total plan at $159.99/year is expensive for what you get.

Different Scenarios

If You Need…ChooseWhy
Best overall VPNPureVPNMore servers, features, and streaming
Antivirus + VPN bundleMalwarebytes VPNAward-winning malware protection
Streaming Netflix worldwidePureVPNUnblocks 10+ Netflix libraries
Tightest budgetPureVPNStarts at $2.15/month
Simple one-click VPNMalwarebytes VPNDead-simple interface
Best privacy guaranteesPureVPNKPMG-audited, BVI jurisdiction

💰 Your Budget

PureVPN starts at $2.15/month, which is cheaper than Malwarebytes at ~$3.75/month. If you already pay for Malwarebytes antivirus, adding the VPN costs less as a bundle.

🔌 Your Tech Stack

PureVPN works on more platforms including Linux, routers, and smart TVs. Malwarebytes is limited to Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

📺 Your Streaming Needs

PureVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Malwarebytes works with some Netflix libraries but fails on most other platforms.

🎓 Your Experience Level

Malwarebytes is the easier VPN for true beginners. PureVPN has more settings but still has a clean, friendly interface.

🆓 Free Trials and Demos

Malwarebytes offers a free 7-day trial. PureVPN charges $0.99 for a 7-day trial. Both give you enough time to test the basics.

🛟 Support Options

PureVPN has 24/7 live chat with knowledgeable agents. Malwarebytes recently added live chat but it’s better for simple questions only.

Switching Guide

Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.

🔄 Switching from PureVPN to Malwarebytes VPN?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Built-in antivirus and malware protection
  • Simpler one-click interface
  • 60-day money-back guarantee instead of 31 days

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • 6,000+ fewer server options worldwide
  • Streaming access to Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+
  • Third-party audited privacy policy

📋 How to switch:

  1. Cancel your PureVPN subscription before it renews
  2. Download Malwarebytes and start the 7-day free trial
  3. Enable Privacy VPN from the Malwarebytes dashboard
🔄 Switching from Malwarebytes VPN to PureVPN?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • 6,500+ servers in 78+ countries for faster speeds
  • Full streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, and more
  • KPMG-audited privacy in a BVI jurisdiction

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Bundled antivirus and malware protection
  • The simple one-click Malwarebytes dashboard
  • Browser Guard ad-blocking extension

📋 How to switch:

  1. Cancel your Malwarebytes VPN subscription
  2. Sign up for PureVPN at $0.99 for the 7-day trial
  3. Install the PureVPN app on all your devices

Final Verdict

CategoryWinner
🌐 Server NetworkPureVPN
⚡ Speed PerformancePureVPN
🔒 Security FeaturesPureVPN
🛡️ Privacy & JurisdictionPureVPN
📺 Streaming SupportPureVPN
📱 Device SupportPureVPN
👶 Ease of UseMalwarebytes VPN
🛟 Customer SupportPureVPN
💰 PricingPureVPN
🏆 Overall WinnerPureVPN

🏆 WINNER: PureVPN

PureVPN wins 8 out of 9 categories.

Best for: Streaming fans, privacy-focused users, and anyone who wants a full-featured VPN at a low price.

PureVPN and Malwarebytes VPN serve different types of users.

PureVPN is a full-featured VPN built for streaming, privacy, and speed.

Malwarebytes VPN is a basic VPN add-on for people who already use its antivirus.

Malwarebytes is great if you want antivirus and VPN in one package.

But if you need a standalone VPN with real power, PureVPN is the clear winner.

Now go protect your online privacy!

More of PureVPN Compared

Here’s how PureVPN stacks up against other competitors:

PureVPN vs NordVPN

PureVPN wins on: Lower price, more total servers

NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, better streaming support

PureVPN vs ExpressVPN

PureVPN wins on: Much cheaper pricing, more servers

ExpressVPN wins on: Faster speeds, wider platform support

PureVPN vs SurfsharkVPN

PureVPN wins on: Larger server count, port forwarding

SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, better streaming

PureVPN vs ProtonVPN

PureVPN wins on: More servers, lower price

ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, open-source apps

PureVPN vs PrivadoVPN

PureVPN wins on: Bigger server network, streaming access

PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan available, simpler interface

PureVPN vs AdGuard VPN

PureVPN wins on: More servers, better streaming

AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, simpler pricing

PureVPN vs Virtual Shield

PureVPN wins on: Much larger server network, more features

Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, simple setup

PureVPN vs StrongVPN

PureVPN wins on: More servers, cheaper pricing

StrongVPN wins on: Reliable connections, router support

PureVPN vs FastestVPN

PureVPN wins on: Larger network, audited privacy

FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, lower one-time cost

PureVPN vs AuraVPN

PureVPN wins on: More servers, better streaming

AuraVPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, family plans

PureVPN vs CyberGhost

PureVPN wins on: Better pricing, port forwarding

CyberGhost wins on: Streaming servers, bigger network

PureVPN vs McAfee VPN

PureVPN wins on: More VPN features, better speed

McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, device security

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access

PureVPN wins on: BVI jurisdiction, quantum encryption

PIA wins on: Open-source apps, Linux support

PureVPN vs Mysterium

PureVPN wins on: Server count, streaming access

Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use

PureVPN vs SafeShell VPN

PureVPN wins on: Larger network, audited privacy

SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche censorship bypassing

PureVPN vs Oyster VPN

PureVPN wins on: More servers, more features

Oyster VPN wins on: Beginner-friendly, easy setup

More of Malwarebytes VPN Compared

Here’s how Malwarebytes VPN stacks up against other competitors:

Malwarebytes VPN vs NordVPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Antivirus bundle, simpler interface

NordVPN wins on: Servers, speed, streaming, privacy

Malwarebytes VPN vs ExpressVPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Lower price, antivirus bundle

ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, device support

Malwarebytes VPN vs SurfsharkVPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Antivirus protection

SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, more features

Malwarebytes VPN vs ProtonVPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Malware protection bundle

ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, audits, free plan

Malwarebytes VPN vs PrivadoVPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Antivirus bundle, brand trust

PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, better speeds

Malwarebytes VPN vs AdGuard VPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Malware protection

AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, more servers

Malwarebytes VPN vs Virtual Shield

Malwarebytes wins on: Stronger brand, antivirus

Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused servers

Malwarebytes VPN vs StrongVPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Antivirus bundle

StrongVPN wins on: Better speeds, more reliable

Malwarebytes VPN vs FastestVPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Brand reputation, malware protection

FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, more servers

Malwarebytes VPN vs AuraVPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Better antivirus engine

AuraVPN wins on: Identity protection, family features

Malwarebytes VPN vs CyberGhost

Malwarebytes wins on: Malware protection bundle

CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming, speed

Malwarebytes VPN vs McAfee VPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Better malware detection rates

McAfee VPN wins on: More VPN servers, broader features

Malwarebytes VPN vs Private Internet Access

Malwarebytes wins on: Antivirus software

PIA wins on: Open-source, more servers, Linux support

Malwarebytes VPN vs Mysterium

Malwarebytes wins on: Easier to use, antivirus

Mysterium wins on: Decentralized, pay-per-use pricing

Malwarebytes VPN vs SafeShell VPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Brand trust, malware protection

SafeShell VPN wins on: Censorship bypassing

Malwarebytes VPN vs Oyster VPN

Malwarebytes wins on: Antivirus, brand recognition

Oyster VPN wins on: Beginner-friendly, easy setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PureVPN better than Malwarebytes VPN?

Yes. PureVPN wins in almost every category. It has more servers, faster speeds, better streaming support, and an audited no-logs policy. Malwarebytes only wins if you need an antivirus bundle.

Is Malwarebytes VPN safe to use?

Malwarebytes VPN uses AES-256 encryption and the WireGuard protocol. It has a no-logs policy. However, it’s based in the US (Five Eyes) and has no third-party audits to verify its privacy claims.

Does Malwarebytes VPN work with Netflix?

Malwarebytes can access Netflix in some countries like the US and UK. But it struggles with other streaming platforms like Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. PureVPN is better for streaming.

How trustworthy is PureVPN?

PureVPN has improved its trust since moving to the British Virgin Islands. KPMG runs surprise audits to verify its no-logs policy. The always-on audit structure is one of the best in the VPN industry.

Do I need Malwarebytes if I have a VPN?

A VPN and antivirus do different jobs. A VPN hides your IP and encrypts traffic. Antivirus protects against malware. If you want both, Malwarebytes bundles them. Otherwise, pair a dedicated VPN with any antivirus.

Fahim Joharder, Founder

Fahim Joharder, Founder

Tested 900+ AI tools. 250K+ monthly readers.

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