⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: PureVPN starts at $2.15/month (Standard plan) while OpenVPN offers a free community edition or paid Access Server at $7/month.
- Best for: PureVPN for everyday users who want a quality vpn with apps for streaming and privacy, OpenVPN for tech-savvy users needing remote access and custom security protocol setups.
- Key difference: PureVPN is a consumer vpn service with 6,500+ vpn servers across 140 countries, while OpenVPN is an open source vpn protocol and self-hosted vpn provider.
- Our pick: PureVPN for most users — it offers ready-made mobile apps, kill switch, dns leak protection, and a 31-day money back guarantee.
This purevpn review pits Pure VPN against the openvpn protocol.
Both shield your internet connection but solve different problems for vpn users.
PureVPN is a finished streaming service product with desktop apps and android app installs.
OpenVPN is an open source openvpn protocol you set up yourself.
Most vpn services and vpn providers use OpenVPN inside their virtual private networks.
Both promise secure connections, encrypted internet traffic, and a private network for daily browsing.
This guide helps you pick the right one without wasted money.
Overview
This PureVPN vs OpenVPN comparison covers pricing, security features, and ease of use.
We compare PureVPN against the OpenVPN protocol and OpenVPN Access Server.
Sources include published specs, KPMG audits, and documentation from both vpn companies.
By the end, you’ll know which vpn service fits your needs.
What is PureVPN?
PureVPN is a virtual private network from one of the older vpn companies.
It started in 2007 and is based in the British Virgin Islands.
The vpn service runs 6,500+ purevpn servers in more than 140 countries.
It supports openvpn udp, openvpn tcp, IKEv2, and WireGuard tunneling protocols.
Users pick PureVPN for streaming, privacy, and a quality vpn with simple apps.
PureVPN
A consumer vpn provider with apps for every platform. PureVPN unblocks bbc iplayer, supports streaming sites, and allows 10 simultaneous connections. Plans start at $2.15 per month with a 31-day refund window.
PureVPN Pricing
Here’s the purevpn pricing breakdown for 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $2.15/month | Casual users who want core vpn features |
| Plus | $3.15/month | Bundled password manager and dark web alerts |
| Max | $3.55/month | Full security stack with extra add-ons |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: PureVPN offers a 7-day trial for $0.99 so you can test purevpn before you commit.
Money-back guarantee: A 31-day money back guarantee lets you request a full refund if PureVPN doesn’t work for you.
📌 Note: Long-term plans are cheap up front, but renewal rates jump. The annual purevpn subscription renews at $54.95 instead of $44.95. The two-year plan renews at $69.95. PureVPN accepts payments via credit card, Bitcoin, and PayPal.
⚠️ Warning: The Standard plan costs $10.95 monthly without the long-term discount, above the $10.11 average for most vpn providers. Add-ons like dedicated ips ($2.49/mo) and port forwarding ($1.49/mo) bump the bill higher.
Key Benefits of PureVPN
Here’s what makes PureVPN worth considering:
- Big Server List: The purevpn server list spans 6,500+ vpn servers across 140 countries. You get physical servers and virtual servers, plus virtual locations for hard-to-reach regions like Hong Kong.
- Audited No-Logs Claim: KPMG and Altius IT have audited the purevpn claims. The provider also uses an Always-On Audit feature that allows surprise KPMG checks.
- Security Features: AES-256 encryption, an internet kill switch, dns leak protection, and IP leak prevention are all built in. Quantum-resistant servers use encryption keys from a verifiable quantum process.
- Streaming Support: Reviewers report unblocking Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Some French and German Netflix libraries remain hit-or-miss.
- Cross-Platform Apps: Desktop apps run on Windows and Mac. Mobile apps cover iOS and android. There are also browser extensions and an Android TV app.
- Generous Connections: A single purevpn subscription allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. Add-ons include split tunneling, port forwarding, and a dedicated ip.
- Transparency Report: PureVPN publishes a transparency report listing government information requests. The British Virgin Islands base gives privacy-friendly data retention rules.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for PureVPN in March 2026 and used it for daily browsing, streaming, and torrenting. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
PureVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 6,500+ vpn servers across 140 server locations
- Audited no-logs policy by KPMG and Altius IT
- 10 simultaneous connections per purevpn subscription
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
- 31-day money back guarantee plus $0.99 seven-day trial
❌ Cons
- Internet speeds drop sharply on distant servers
- PureVPN’s Windows app is clunky and may crash
- Renewal pricing jumps after the first term
- Apps push frequent upsell ads for add-ons
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is an open source vpn protocol and software bundle.
It creates a secure tunnel between a vpn client and an openvpn server.
OpenVPN was built in 2001 and is part of the Secure Sockets Layer family.
The openvpn company maintains the openvpn community edition and a paid access server.
OpenVPN is one of the safest vpn protocols available for creating vpn tunnels.
OpenVPN
An open source vpn protocol and openvpn access server. OpenVPN supports secure remote access, site-to-site networking, and zero trust. The vpn provider lets you self-host openvpn servers or use openvpn cloud.
OpenVPN Pricing
Here’s the OpenVPN pricing for 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Hobbyists running openvpn free on a private network |
| Growth | $7/month | Small teams needing secure remote access |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Larger orgs with strict compliance needs |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: The openvpn community edition is fully free with no card needed. Paid plans include a tiered free connection allowance.
Money-back guarantee: OpenVPN does not publish a standard refund window. The free tier removes the need for one.
📌 Note: The openvpn company sells the openvpn access server with per-connection pricing. The free version covers two simultaneous vpn connections. Most teams scale up by adding more concurrent users.
⚠️ Warning: OpenVPN is not a consumer vpn service. There is no server list of curated locations, no streaming-ready apps, and no built-in unblocking for Netflix or bbc iplayer. You bring your own private networks.
Key Benefits of OpenVPN
Here’s what makes OpenVPN stand apart from most vpn providers:
- Open Source openvpn protocol: Anyone can inspect the openvpn software code. This community scrutiny catches flaws fast and keeps the open source vpn protocol trustworthy.
- Strong Encryption Stack: OpenVPN uses SSL/TLS through the OpenSSL library for authentication. It supports AES, Blowfish, and other encryption ciphers and encryption algorithms with adjustable key lengths.
- TCP and UDP Support: Pick openvpn tcp transmission control protocol for reliable data traffic. Pick openvpn udp user datagram protocol for speed. The udp protocol bypasses many firewalls.
- Wide Platform Coverage: Install openvpn on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also runs on lesser-known operating systems like Tomato and Solaris on mobile devices.
- Self-Hosted Access Server: The openvpn access server lets you run private vpn connections on your own hardware. This suits remote access for company networks and sensitive data.
- Custom Security Protocol Tuning: Edit .ovpn config files in any text editor. Combine an hmac firewall via tls auth with hash message authentication code for extra hardening.
- Public Key Infrastructure: OpenVPN uses public key infrastructure with digital certificates for authentication openvpn deployments. It supports Perfect Forward Secrecy so a single breach doesn’t expose past sessions.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer set up openvpn connect on a small server in April 2026. The goal was secure remote access to a home office. Here’s what stood out:
OpenVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Open source code with constant community audits
- Free community edition with no time limit
- Strong AES encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Highly configurable across operating systems and devices
- Bypasses firewalls and NAT gateways effectively
❌ Cons
- Manual configuration is complex for beginners
- Slower than newer protocols like WireGuard
- No curated streaming server list out of the box
- Mobile devices feel less polished than desktop
Feature Comparison
Now let’s compare PureVPN vs OpenVPN feature by feature. The summary table covers eight key categories that matter most to vpn users.
| Feature | PureVPN | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.15/month | Free or $7/month |
| Pre-Built Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ❌ (manual) |
| Server Locations | 140+ countries | You provide servers |
| Streaming (Netflix, BBC iPlayer) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | Manual setup |
| Audited No-Logs | ✅ (KPMG) | You set the policy |
| Best For | Everyday vpn users | Self-hosted private network |
1. Ease of Use
PureVPN: Download the windows app, mac app, or android app and click Connect. PureVPN’s android app is the most feature-rich app of the bunch, with a built-in troubleshooting tool. Desktop and mobile apps share a near-identical design so it’s easy to switch devices. The interface is friendly for new users though it shows frequent upsell ads for add-ons.
OpenVPN: You install openvpn client software and import .ovpn config files. The openvpn gui is plain and not designed for casual users. Manual configuration may include editing keys, setting cipher options, and matching openvpn servers. CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access bundle openvpn so you skip the setup, but raw openvpn works best for users comfortable with the command line.
2. Protocols and Encryption
PureVPN: The vpn provider supports several vpn protocols. You can switch between openvpn udp, openvpn tcp, IKEv2, and WireGuard inside the app. AES-256 encryption secures vpn traffic. PureVPN’s WireGuard option gives the best download speeds in published speed tests. PureVPN safe browsing add-ons block ads and trackers as well.
OpenVPN: The openvpn protocol uses SSL/TLS over the secure sockets layer to build a vpn tunnel. It supports both tcp transmission control protocol and udp user datagram protocol for data transmission. Most vpn providers ship openvpn because it is one of the safest vpn protocols available. It offers better security than most vpn protocols, handles firewalls better than other vpn protocols, and includes hash message authentication code to verify each packet.
⚠️ Warning: OpenVPN is slower than WireGuard, while PureVPN can use both. If raw speed matters, the WireGuard option on PureVPN servers usually wins. Speed depends on physical servers, server location, and your internet service provider.
3. Speed and Performance
PureVPN: Reviewers who tested purevpn saw download speed drop by 7.61% and upload by 3.51% on close servers. With WireGuard, PureVPN retained around 67% of base internet speeds on average. The catch is consistency. On a distant purevpn server, speeds can fall by as much as 99%. Upload dropped 11% on Windows and 48% on Mac in some tests. Ping rose 18.2%, so the vpn connection is less ideal for competitive gaming.
OpenVPN: Speed depends on which openvpn compatible service you pair it with. The openvpn protocol adds overhead because of strong encryption and packet wrapping. UDP is faster than TCP since the udp protocol does not guarantee packet delivery. TCP is more reliable but slower. ExpressVPN is often recommended for OpenVPN because of its pre-configured high-speed openvpn servers.
4. Security and Privacy
PureVPN: PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy. The provider has independent audits by KPMG and Altius IT to verify the no-logs claim. PureVPN’s kill switch stops all internet access if the vpn connection drops, preventing leaks of your ip address. The dns leak protection also keeps dns queries inside the encrypted vpn tunnel and blocks dns leaks at the system level. PureVPN had a 2017 incident where it shared logs with the FBI, then rebuilt its privacy policy and added the Always-On Audit feature.
OpenVPN: Security depends on the openvpn server admin. The protocol uses authentication via certificates and supports encryption protocols at multiple strengths. Open source code means anyone can read the openvpn software for flaws. OpenVPN technologies operate at the Transport Layer of the network model. With Perfect Forward Secrecy, exposing one key does not unlock past sessions. There’s no central log policy because you control the openvpn servers.
5. Servers and Locations
PureVPN: The purevpn server count tops 6,500 across 140 countries. Some entries are virtual locations rather than physical servers in the listed region. A dedicated ip add-on gives you the same ip address every session. Dedicated ips help with bank logins and remote work without flagging. PureVPN’s server location coverage includes hard-to-reach places like Hong Kong.
OpenVPN: No public server list exists for raw OpenVPN. You bring your own private networks, cloud machines, or use openvpn cloud. The strength is full control. The drawback is no curated streaming-ready ip addresses. Tools like CyberGhost and Private Internet Access pre-configure openvpn so you don’t manage your own openvpn server.
6. Streaming and Unblocking
PureVPN: PureVPN works well for unblocking Netflix in most countries. Reviewers also report unblocking BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Some streaming sites still block specific Netflix libraries like French and German. Buffering depends on the tunneling protocol and server selected. The dedicated Apple TV app extends streaming to the living room as well as the android tv app.
OpenVPN: Streaming is not a target use case for OpenVPN. There’s no curated unblocking list and no streaming-ready apps. If you self-host openvpn connections from a residential ip, you may pass some checks. For most users who want streaming, OpenVPN through a consumer vpn service is the better path.
7. Platforms and Apps
PureVPN: Native apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and android. PureVPN also ships browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. There’s a router config and a dedicated android tv app. Mobile apps are clean. PureVPN’s windows app is sometimes criticized for being clunky and may crash, while the macOS app feels smoother. The Linux client uses a command-line interface.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN Connect runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The same client software supports Tomato firmware and Solaris. OpenVPN client apps are functional, not flashy. You import .ovpn files and connect. Mobile devices work but feel less polished than openvpn on desktop. OpenVPN access server provides a web admin panel that simplifies user management.
8. Customer Support
PureVPN: Customer support includes 24/7 live chat, email, and a support ticket form inside the app. Help docs and video guides are deep. Mixed reports exist about refund handling, with some users saying agents push to keep the purevpn subscription active. Setup help is fast for new vpn users.
OpenVPN: Free users rely on the community forum and docs. Paid Access Server customers get email support from the openvpn company. Response time is usually 1-2 business days. Docs are technical and assume comfort with networking. There’s no live chat for the openvpn free tier.
9. Pricing and Cost
Let’s compare the plans side by side.
| Plan | PureVPN | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ ($0.99 trial for 7 days) | ✅ Community edition |
| Entry | $2.15/month (Standard) | $7/month (Growth) |
| Mid | $3.15/month (Plus) | — |
| Top | $3.55/month (Max) | Custom (Enterprise) |
PureVPN: The Standard plan at $2.15/month is one of the cheaper consumer vpn options. Monthly without a long-term deal costs $10.95, above the $10.11 average for most vpn providers. Add-ons include dedicated ips at $2.49/month and port forwarding at $1.49/month. PureVPN accepts payments via credit card, Bitcoin, and PayPal. Some landing pages do not display the cryptocurrency option clearly. The business plan for teams runs about $8.45 per user per month.
OpenVPN: The openvpn free community edition has no money cost. Self-hosting still costs server time and admin work. Paid plans start at $7/month and scale with concurrent connections. Enterprise pricing is custom.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget with simple apps | PureVPN | $2.15/month with full app suite |
| Free vpn service for self-hosting | OpenVPN | Community edition costs $0 |
| Streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer | PureVPN | Ready-made unblocking |
| Custom encryption keys and ciphers | OpenVPN | Full config control |
| Remote access to a company network | OpenVPN | Built for site-to-site setups |
| 10 simultaneous devices on one plan | PureVPN | 10 connections per account |
| Beginner-friendly setup | PureVPN | Click-to-connect mobile apps |
💰 Your Budget
PureVPN’s two-year plan drops the cost to $2.15/month. OpenVPN’s free edition wins if you already have a private network and don’t mind server costs.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
If you live in Windows, macOS, iOS, and android, the purevpn features and apps slot in fast. If you run Linux servers or routers, the openvpn community edition fits better.
📝 Your Use Case
For streaming and casual privacy, recommend PureVPN. For remote access, site-to-site networking, and IoT, OpenVPN’s openvpn access server suits creating vpn tunnels at scale.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners pick PureVPN for click-to-connect simplicity. Power users pick OpenVPN to tune encryption algorithms, key sizes, and routing rules at the config level.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
PureVPN offers a 7-day trial for $0.99 and a 31-day money back guarantee on regular plans. OpenVPN’s free community edition lets you test openvpn safe deployments without payment.
🛟 Support Options
PureVPN offers 24/7 live chat and an in-app support ticket form. OpenVPN’s openvpn free edition relies on community forums, while paid customers get email-based help from the openvpn company.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from PureVPN to OpenVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Full control over your openvpn server and openvpn connections
- No recurring subscription if you stick with openvpn free
- Open source openvpn protocol that anyone can audit
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Streaming-ready server locations for bbc iplayer and Netflix
- Ready-made desktop apps and mobile apps with kill switch
- 10 simultaneous connections per single vpn subscription
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your purevpn subscription before the next renewal
- Install openvpn community edition on a server or VPS
- Install openvpn connect on your devices and import .ovpn files
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to PureVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 6,500+ vpn servers and curated server locations
- One-click apps with internet kill switch and dns leak protection
- Streaming unblocking for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Custom security protocol settings at the config-file level
- Self-hosted openvpn access server for remote work
- The freedom of a vpn provider you fully control
📋 How to switch:
- Shut down your openvpn server and revoke client keys
- Purchase PureVPN and pick a plan that fits your needs
- Install the windows app, android app, or mac app and log in
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t test enterprise SSO integrations or large fleet rollouts of the openvpn access server. We also didn’t run our own controlled speed tests on every region. Numbers shown come from public reviews and published openvpn technologies documentation. If you manage 100+ vpn clients with strict compliance needs, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | OpenVPN (free tier) |
| 🚀 Ease of Use | PureVPN |
| ⚡ Speed and Performance | PureVPN |
| 🎯 Streaming and Unblocking | PureVPN |
| 👶 Beginner Friendliness | PureVPN |
| 🔌 Custom Configuration | OpenVPN |
| 🛡️ Out-of-the-Box Security | PureVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | PureVPN |
🏆 WINNER: PUREVPN
PureVPN wins 5 of 7 categories.
Best for: Everyday privacy, streaming Netflix and bbc iplayer, and beginners who want a quality vpn that simply works.
PureVPN and OpenVPN solve different problems. PureVPN is a finished vpn service for everyday vpn users.
OpenVPN is an open source vpn protocol and self-hosted openvpn access server for tech teams. OpenVPN is excellent for custom remote access, IoT security, and SaaS protection. PureVPN is the better choice for most users who want one app, a working kill switch, and unblocked streaming sites without manual configuration.
If you need a quality vpn with curated server locations and apps for every device, recommend PureVPN. If you want to install openvpn yourself and run private vpn tunnels through your own network, OpenVPN wins.
More of PureVPN Compared
Here’s how PureVPN stacks up against other vpn providers and purevpn alternatives:
PureVPN vs NordVPN
PureVPN wins on: Lower entry price at $2.15/month, more server locations across 140 countries, 10 simultaneous connections versus 6 on NordVPN.
NordVPN wins on: Faster speed tests on distant servers, more polished windows app, better track record on consistent streaming unblocking.
PureVPN vs ExpressVPN
PureVPN wins on: Cheaper pricing, more server locations, broader add-on stack including password manager, dedicated ips, and port forwarding.
ExpressVPN wins on: More consistent download speeds, simpler app interface without upsell ads, longer track record without privacy incidents.
PureVPN vs Surfshark
PureVPN wins on: KPMG-audited no-logs policy with Always-On Audit, more total server count, dedicated quantum-resistant servers.
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections per account, faster WireGuard speeds in independent tests, cleaner app design.
PureVPN vs Private Internet Access
PureVPN wins on: Broader streaming support for BBC iPlayer and Hulu, friendlier mobile apps, lower introductory pricing.
Private Internet Access wins on: Per-user choice of encryption keys, longer track record in privacy circles, deeper Linux client tooling.
More of OpenVPN Compared
Here’s how the openvpn protocol stacks up against other vpn protocols and tools:
OpenVPN vs WireGuard
OpenVPN wins on: Wider client software support across operating systems, deeper feature set for creating vpn tunnels, longer audit history with public key infrastructure.
WireGuard wins on: Much faster speeds, smaller and simpler codebase to audit, lower battery use on mobile devices.
OpenVPN vs NordVPN
OpenVPN wins on: Self-hosted openvpn servers under your control, free community edition for unlimited use, full custom security protocol tuning.
NordVPN wins on: Polished apps with kill switch and dns leak protection, 5,500+ ready-to-use vpn servers, streaming-ready unblocking.
OpenVPN vs IKEv2
OpenVPN wins on: Open source code anyone can audit, better firewall traversal, supports more encryption ciphers and tunneling protocols.
IKEv2 wins on: Faster reconnects when switching networks on mobile devices, lower CPU use, built-in support on iOS and Windows.
OpenVPN vs Tailscale
OpenVPN wins on: Site-to-site vpn connections with no third-party coordination, stricter control over data traffic, mature openssl library integration.
Tailscale wins on: Much simpler setup with no manual configuration, automatic device discovery, friendlier UI for non-admin users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PureVPN safe to use?
PureVPN is safe. The vpn provider uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and dns leak protection. KPMG audits verify the no-logs claim and surprise checks under the Always-On Audit feature.
How much does PureVPN cost?
Standard costs $2.15 per month on a two-year deal. Plus is $3.15 and Max is $3.55. Monthly without a deal costs $10.95. A 7-day trial costs $0.99.
Is OpenVPN free?
Yes. The openvpn community edition is openvpn free with no time limit. The paid openvpn access server starts at $7 per month for small teams with extra connections.
Is OpenVPN better than a paid VPN service?
Not for streaming or beginners. OpenVPN is one of the safest vpn protocols but requires manual configuration. Most users prefer a paid vpn service that bundles openvpn into ready-made apps.
Which is better, NordVPN or PureVPN?
NordVPN edges out on raw speed and streaming reliability. PureVPN wins on price, more server locations, and 10 simultaneous connections per account. Both run KPMG-audited no-logs policies.
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