

⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: PureVPN starts at $2.15/month vs AuraVPN at $12/month (Individual plan).
- Best for: PureVPN for streaming, torrenting, and pure privacy. AuraVPN for full identity theft protection bundled with a basic VPN.
- Key difference: PureVPN is a dedicated VPN with 6,500+ servers in 140+ countries. AuraVPN is part of an identity protection suite with a built-in VPN.
- Our pick: PureVPN for most users — better value, more server locations, and full VPN protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP.

Choosing between PureVPN and AuraVPN comes down to one question.
Do you want a pure VPN service or a full identity protection suite?
PureVPN focuses on privacy, streaming, and global server access.
AuraVPN bundles a basic VPN with credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
This guide compares both tools so you can pick the right fit.
Overview
This PureVPN vs AuraVPN comparison covers pricing, VPN features, security, and ease of use.
We also break down which tool fits your needs better.
Our writer signed up for both services and tested them across daily use cases.
We also reviewed published specs, audit reports, and user feedback for both vpn services.
By the end, you’ll know which option is the better quality vpn for your situation.
What is PureVPN?
PureVPN is one of the oldest virtual private network providers in the industry.
It started in 2007 and is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.
Many readers also find this purevpn review useful when deciding to recommend purevpn or look for purevpn alternatives.
The service has over 6,500 purevpn servers in more than 140 countries.
It supports vpn protocols like OpenVPN UDP, IKEv2, and WireGuard, hiding ip addresses behind shared servers.
The android app and windows app protect your internet connection across windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and any major operating system.

PureVPN
A veteran vpn provider with 6,500+ servers, audited no-logs policy, and split tunneling. Plans start at $2.15/month with a 31-day money back guarantee.
PureVPN Pricing
Here’s what PureVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break down purevpn pricing tier by tier.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $2.15/per month | Basic vpn users wanting core privacy |
| Plus | $3.15/per month | Streaming and adding password manager |
| Max | $3.55/per month | Full bundle with dedicated ip and extras |
Pricing verified April 2026.

Free trial: PureVPN offers a 7-day trial for $0.99 instead of a free version.
Money back guarantee: A 31 day money back guarantee covers full refunds if you cancel within the first month.
📌 Note: The headline $2.15/month rate is the discounted long-term price. PureVPN’s two-year subscription costs $54.95 for the first two years and renews at $69.95 per year. The monthly plan costs $12.95.
⚠️ Warning: PureVPN accepts payments via credit card, Bitcoin, and PayPal. Some users have reported mixed experiences with refund requests, so save your purchase confirmation when you purchase PureVPN.
Key Benefits of PureVPN
Here’s what makes PureVPN worth considering:
- Massive Server Network: 6,500+ vpn servers across 140+ countries gives you broad server locations and access to global content.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Independent audits by KPMG and Altius IT verify the no-logs claim. The always-on audit feature lets KPMG run surprise checks.
- WireGuard Speed: Speed tests with the WireGuard protocol retained around 67% of initial connection speeds. Internet speeds stay strong on most nearby servers.
- Streaming Service Access: The vpn supports unblocking netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. There is also a dedicated apple tv app and android tv support.
- Privacy Tools: Built-in internet kill switch, dns leak protection, port forwarding, dedicated ip add-on, and split tunneling. Browser extensions are available for chrome and firefox.
- Quantum-Resistant Servers: PureVPN has quantum-resistant servers using encryption keys generated through a verifiable quantum process.
- 10 Simultaneous Connections: Connect up to 10 devices at once with one account, which covers a typical household.

What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for PureVPN and used it for streaming, torrenting, and daily browsing. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:

PureVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Cheap long-term plans starting at $2.15/month
- 6,500+ servers across 140+ countries with virtual servers in many regions
- Independently audited no-logs policy with always-on audit feature
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections per account
- Strong WireGuard speeds and stable Canadian server performance
❌ Cons
- Speeds drop sharply on distant international servers
- The Windows app of PureVPN (purevpn’s windows app) is sometimes clunky and may crash
- Interface includes upsell prompts for additional features
- Renewal pricing jumps significantly after the initial term
- Purevpn’s android app is the most feature-rich, but the desktop apps lag a bit behind
What is AuraVPN?
AuraVPN is the vpn component of Aura’s identity protection bundle.
The full Aura suite includes identity theft protection services, antivirus software, and a password manager.
It is one of the few vpn services that bundles a virtual private network with full identity protection in family plans.
Aura’s vpn protects your internet connection with military grade encryption.
The vpn service is available for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows.
It has over 100 virtual locations for accessing global content safely. Many users also test aura in trial mode before they commit, which can save money on overlapping subscriptions.

AuraVPN
An all-in-one identity protection service with a built-in vpn, antivirus, and credit monitoring. Plans start at $12/month with $1M identity theft insurance.
AuraVPN Pricing
Here’s what AuraVPN costs in 2026 across each plan tier.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kids | $10/month | Parental controls and child monitoring |
| Individual | $12/month | One adult member needing identity protection |
| Couple | $22/month | Two adults sharing identity protection |
| Family | $32/month | Up to 5 adults plus unlimited kids’ SSNs |
Pricing verified April 2026.

Free trial: Aura provides a 14-day free trial across all plans, allowing you to cancel without charge if not satisfied.
Money back guarantee: Aura offers a 60 day money back guarantee on all paid plans, which is longer than most identity protection services.
📌 Note: All Aura plans include the same core features. There is no tiered service. The price difference reflects the number of adults and children covered, not feature limits. The Family plan covers up to 10 devices per user.
⚠️ Warning: Aura’s pricing is premium compared to standalone vpn companies. If you only need a vpn server connection, you are paying for identity theft protection you may not use. Look for a private internet access plan or another dedicated vpn provider for cheaper pure vpn coverage. Some users also evaluate Identity Guard before settling on Aura, since both share similar coverage.
Key Benefits of AuraVPN
Here’s what makes AuraVPN worth considering:
- Identity Theft Insurance: Aura offers $1 million in insurance to cover eligible losses and legal fees due to identity theft. This is rare among vpn services.
- Credit Monitoring: Aura monitored credit data covers personal information across billions of data points and alerts users to credit fraud up to 250 times faster than competitors. It covers bank accounts, credit reports, and most credit inquiries. Users can also lock their experian credit file (credit lock) instantly to block identity thieves from opening new accounts.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Aura’s identity theft protection includes monitoring of dark web sources for personal information, with alerts when your details surface.
- Antivirus & Malware Protection: Aura antivirus has malware detection rates between 98% and 100% in tests, blocking the vast majority of most malware threats. The real time scanner blocks viruses, spyware, and ransomware. AuraVPN blocks known malicious websites and dangerous sites at the network level, supporting safer safe browsing across the family. The same score holds across Windows, Mac, and Android scans in independent labs.
- Password Manager & Vault: Aura’s password manager creates secure passwords for online accounts. It alerts users if their passwords appear in data breaches. A digital vault protects sensitive information with encryption.
- Parental Controls: Aura’s family plan includes safe gaming, screen time limits, and tools to filter dangerous sites for kids.
- Spam List Removal: Aura helps remove your information from data broker sites and reduces spam calls and messages. It works directly with data brokers to clear your details, providing added protection against financial fraud and unwanted contact.

What Our Team Noticed
Our writer installed Aura on their Mac and tested AuraVPN on public Wi-Fi at airports and cafes. Here’s what stood out:
AuraVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Bundles vpn, antivirus, credit monitoring, and password manager in one app
- $1M identity theft insurance covers eligible losses and legal fees
- Strong antivirus software with 98-100% malware detection
- Family plan covers up to 5 adults and unlimited kids’ SSNs
- 60-day money back guarantee, longer than most rivals
❌ Cons
- The vpn lacks a kill switch and does not let users choose server location
- Not recommended for torrenting due to missing kill switch
- Pricing is high if you only need a vpn provider
- Limited streaming optimization compared to dedicated vpn providers
- Reactive identity protection model — alerts come after potential identity theft is detected, not before
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of PureVPN vs AuraVPN?
We’ll explore the most important purevpn features and Aura’s bundled tools side by side. This helps you decide which platform fits your needs.
| Feature | PureVPN | AuraVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.15/month | $12/month |
| Free Trial | $0.99 for 7 days | 14-day free trial |
| Server Locations | 6,500+ servers, 140+ countries | 100+ virtual locations |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ❌ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dedicated IP | ✅ (add-on) | ❌ |
| Identity Theft Insurance | ❌ | ✅ ($1M) |
| Antivirus | ❌ | ✅ |
| Password Manager | ✅ (Plus & Max) | ✅ |
| Money Back Guarantee | 31 days | 60 days |
| Best For | VPN-first users, streaming, torrenting | Identity protection with bundled vpn |
1. Server Network and Server Locations
PureVPN: The purevpn server network covers 6,500+ vpn servers across 140+ countries. This includes physical servers and virtual servers in regions like Hong Kong and the Middle East. You can choose your server location from a full server list, including specialty p2p-friendly options. When we tested purevpn, the same ip address can be reused across simultaneous connections, which is helpful for shared accounts.
AuraVPN: Aura’s vpn has over 100 virtual locations. However, Aura’s vpn does not allow users to choose their server location. The platform handles routing automatically, which keeps things simple but limits control for advanced users.
2. Speed and Internet Speeds
PureVPN: Reported speed tests for PureVPN are mixed. Some tests show download speeds dropping by just 7.61% on nearby servers, while distant international servers can drop by far more. WireGuard helps maintain around 67% of base internet speeds. Canadian server speeds appear to be the most stable.

AuraVPN: Aura’s vpn is fast, with minimal impact on connection speed during everyday use. Because Aura focuses on identity protection rather than peak download speeds, it does not publish detailed speed test data. It works well for basic browsing and email.
⚠️ Warning: PureVPN’s ping increased significantly in some tests, making it less suitable for competitive gaming. Try the trial before you commit if you play competitively.
3. Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
PureVPN: Includes a built-in internet kill switch and dns leak protection across desktop apps and mobile apps. Purevpn’s kill switch disables internet access if the vpn connection drops, blocking dns queries from leaking. This protects against IP leaks and dns leaks during sudden drops. Speed tests and dns tests confirm purevpn claims about leak prevention hold up in normal use.

AuraVPN: Aura’s vpn lacks a kill switch feature. If the vpn connection drops, your real ip address can be exposed momentarily. This makes Aura less suitable for handling sensitive information over public Wi-Fi without additional precautions.
4. Streaming and Unblocking Netflix
PureVPN: Reports indicate purevpn can stream content from netflix without major issues across multiple countries. It also unblocks bbc iplayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Some users have noted issues unblocking specific Netflix libraries like the French and German catalogs. PureVPN has a dedicated apple tv app and android tv support.
AuraVPN: Aura’s vpn is described as a decent all-rounder rather than an optimized streaming tool. It is not built for high-end streaming or torrenting and lacks dedicated streaming servers. If streaming sites are your priority, Aura is the weaker pick.
5. Identity Theft Protection Services
PureVPN: Offers limited identity protection through dark web monitoring on the Max plan. This is helpful but not the level of an identity theft protection service. It does not include identity theft insurance, credit monitoring, or assistance with credit fraud.
AuraVPN: Identity theft protection is Aura’s core strength. The platform monitors against billions of data points across credit scoring systems, financial accounts, and the dark web. It alerts to credit fraud, monitors annual credit reports, watches credit inquiries, and tracks financial transactions. Aura’s identity theft protections include $1M insurance, address monitoring, home title monitoring, and investment account monitoring.

6. Antivirus and Malware Protection
PureVPN: Does not bundle antivirus software. It blocks malicious sites at the network level on some plans, but for full malware protection you need a separate antivirus tool. PureVPN focuses on vpn traffic and connection security.
AuraVPN: The aura antivirus uses a large database of known malware to identify threats. Real time malware protection scans for viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Aura installed scores between 98% and 100% in malware detection tests, beating many standalone tools. The antivirus is available for Windows, Mac, and Android.

7. Password Manager and Online Accounts
PureVPN: Includes a password manager on the Plus and Max plans. This helps secure online accounts with strong passwords. It is not as deeply integrated as Aura’s password vault but covers basic password storage.
AuraVPN: Aura’s password manager creates secure passwords for every account and lets users access them across apps. It alerts users if their passwords appear in breach databases. The vault is integrated with Aura’s identity protection features, so a leaked password triggers identity monitoring alerts automatically.
8. Split Tunneling and Port Forwarding
PureVPN: Offers split tunneling so you can choose which apps use the vpn and which use your direct internet connection. Port forwarding is available as a $1.49/month add-on. A dedicated ip add-on costs $2.49/month. These options give power users more control.
AuraVPN: Split tunneling lets users select which applications or sites use the vpn and which do not. There is no port forwarding or dedicated ip option. The setup keeps things simple but skips advanced features.
9. Customer Support
PureVPN: Customer support for PureVPN includes 24/7 live chat. Users can also submit a support ticket through the app. The Android app of PureVPN includes built-in troubleshooting tools. Reports are mostly positive on usability, though refund handling has been mixed.
AuraVPN: Aura provides access to U.S. fraud specialists for help with identity theft issues. This is more specialized than typical vpn providers. Support is generally praised for quality, especially around fraud and identity recovery.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Tier | PureVPN | AuraVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Standard: $2.15/per month | Kids: $10/month |
| Mid | Plus: $3.15/per month | Individual: $12/month |
| Premium | Max: $3.55/per month | Couple: $22/month |
| Top | — | Family: $32/month |
PureVPN: PureVPN pricing is far cheaper if you only want a vpn. The Standard plan at $2.15/month covers all core privacy features. Plus adds password manager and dark web monitoring. Max bundles dedicated ip and extras. Note that prices reflect the long-term subscription rate and renew higher.
AuraVPN: AuraVPN’s pricing structure reflects what is included. You are paying for full identity theft protection, antivirus, credit monitoring, and a password manager. If you would otherwise buy these tools separately, the cost is reasonable. If you only need a vpn provider, PureVPN saves money.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | PureVPN | $2.15/mo vs $12/mo |
| Streaming and torrenting | PureVPN | P2P-friendly servers, streaming-ready |
| Identity theft protection | AuraVPN | $1M insurance, credit monitoring |
| Antivirus included | AuraVPN | 98-100% malware detection |
| Family coverage | AuraVPN | Family plan covers 5 adults plus kids |
| Most server locations | PureVPN | 6,500+ servers in 140+ countries |
| Beginner-friendly | AuraVPN | Simpler interface, fewer settings to learn |
💰 Your Budget
PureVPN is the clear cost winner at $2.15/month on a long-term plan. AuraVPN starts at $12/month, but you are paying for identity protection, antivirus, and credit monitoring on top of the vpn.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
PureVPN integrates with windows, Mac, Linux, mobile, browser extensions, and even smart TVs. AuraVPN runs on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS but skips Linux and router setups.
📝 Your Use Case
If you mainly want a vpn for streaming, P2P, gaming, or work travel, PureVPN’s tools fit better. If your priority is full digital identity protection, Aura wraps a vpn into a wider safety net.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners may find Aura easier because there are fewer settings and no server picking. Power users will prefer PureVPN’s protocol choices, kill switch, and split tunneling controls.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Aura offers a 14-day free trial across all plans. PureVPN offers a 7-day trial for $0.99 instead of a free version. Aura’s longer trial is friendlier if you want to test risk-free.
🛟 Support Options
PureVPN has 24/7 live chat plus support tickets within the app. AuraVPN includes access to U.S. fraud specialists, which is unique among vpn services and very helpful if your identity is compromised.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from PureVPN to AuraVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- $1M identity theft insurance and active credit monitoring
- Antivirus software with strong malware detection
- Family plan that covers up to 5 adults plus unlimited kids’ SSNs
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Choice of server location and 6,500+ vpn servers
- Kill switch, dedicated ip, and port forwarding
- Strong streaming unblocking on netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel PureVPN within the 31-day money back guarantee window if eligible
- Sign up for Aura with the 14-day free trial
- Install Aura on your devices and enable the vpn, antivirus, and identity protection modules
🔄 Switching from AuraVPN to PureVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Far lower price at $2.15/month vs $12/month
- Real vpn features like kill switch, dedicated ips, and split tunneling
- 6,500+ servers in 140+ countries with full server choice
❌ What you’ll lose:
- $1M identity theft insurance and credit fraud alerts
- Antivirus software with real time protection
- Parental controls and family-wide identity coverage
📋 How to switch:
- Use Aura’s 60 day money back guarantee to cancel if you are inside the window
- Sign up for PureVPN’s 7-day $0.99 trial or a long-term plan with the 31 day money back guarantee
- Install PureVPN on your devices and configure kill switch, split tunneling, and your preferred vpn protocol
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small families. We did not test PureVPN’s business plan at $8.45 per person per month or AuraVPN’s enterprise use cases. Our writer did not run extended speed benchmarks across every server location or test obfuscation in restricted regions. If you are an it admin or live in a region with heavy internet restrictions, your experience may differ from what we found.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | PureVPN |
| 🌍 Server Network | PureVPN |
| ⚡ Speed (WireGuard) | PureVPN |
| 🎬 Streaming | PureVPN |
| 🛡️ Identity Protection | AuraVPN |
| 🦠 Antivirus | AuraVPN |
| 🔐 Kill Switch & Privacy Tools | PureVPN |
| 👨👩👧 Family Coverage | AuraVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | PureVPN |
🏆 WINNER: PUREVPN
PureVPN wins 5 out of 8 categories.
Best for: Streaming, torrenting, global server access, and budget-conscious vpn users.
PureVPN and AuraVPN are very different products under similar names.
PureVPN is a dedicated vpn provider with deep server coverage and full privacy controls.
AuraVPN is one piece of a wider identity theft protection service.
If you want a quality vpn with kill switch, server choice, and streaming power, PureVPN is the better pick.
If your top concern is identity theft and you want bundled antivirus plus credit monitoring, AuraVPN earns its higher price.
For most readers comparing pure vpn options, PureVPN is the better value.
More of PureVPN Compared
Here’s how PureVPN stacks up against other vpn companies people often consider.
PureVPN vs NordVPN
PureVPN wins on: Lower starting price, more virtual servers in unusual regions, simpler plan structure
NordVPN wins on: Faster average internet speeds, stronger streaming unblocking track record, double-VPN feature
PureVPN vs ExpressVPN
PureVPN wins on: Lower long-term pricing, larger server count, port forwarding add-on availability
ExpressVPN wins on: More consistent speeds across distant servers, polished apps with fewer upsells, longer privacy track record
PureVPN wins on: More physical server locations, dedicated apple tv app, longer industry history
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, cleaner app design, included CleanWeb ad blocker
PureVPN vs ProtonVPN
PureVPN wins on: Larger server network, more streaming-friendly defaults, cheaper paid plans on long terms
ProtonVPN wins on: Genuine free version with no time limit, Swiss privacy jurisdiction, open-source apps
PureVPN vs CyberGhost
PureVPN wins on: Cheaper Standard plan, broader country coverage, more frequent product updates
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming-optimized server lists, longer 45-day money back guarantee, simpler app for new users
More of AuraVPN Compared
Here’s how AuraVPN stacks up against other identity protection and vpn services.
AuraVPN vs NordVPN
AuraVPN wins on: Bundled identity theft insurance, included antivirus, dark web and credit monitoring
NordVPN wins on: Far cheaper for vpn-only users, faster speeds, kill switch and full server choice
AuraVPN vs ExpressVPN
AuraVPN wins on: All-in-one identity, antivirus, password vault, and vpn in one subscription
ExpressVPN wins on: Stronger streaming unblocking, server-level location choice, dedicated kill switch
AuraVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
AuraVPN wins on: Dedicated U.S. fraud specialists, $1M insurance coverage, family identity protection
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited connections, lower vpn-only pricing, full kill switch and split tunneling
AuraVPN vs ProtonVPN
AuraVPN wins on: Bundled credit monitoring and antivirus, parental controls in family plan, identity recovery support
ProtonVPN wins on: Free vpn tier, Swiss privacy laws, open-source transparency
AuraVPN vs CyberGhost
AuraVPN wins on: Identity theft protections, antivirus, password manager bundled in
CyberGhost wins on: Cheaper standalone vpn pricing, larger server count, streaming-optimized servers
Frequently Asked Questions
How trustworthy is PureVPN?
PureVPN’s trust level has improved a lot since its early days. The provider is based in the British Virgin Islands and has been audited by KPMG and Altius IT to verify its no-logs policy. The always-on audit feature lets KPMG run surprise audits, which is rare among vpn providers.
How much does PureVPN cost?
Plans start at $2.15 per month for the Standard tier on a long-term subscription. Plus is $3.15 per month and Max is $3.55 per month. The monthly plan costs $12.95, and renewal rates are higher than introductory rates.
Is PureVPN good for streaming?
Yes, the service can stream content from netflix without major issues across multiple countries. It also unblocks bbc iplayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Some specific Netflix libraries can be hit or miss, so try the trial to test your priorities.
What does Aura VPN do?
AuraVPN protects your internet connection with military grade encryption and routes your vpn traffic through over 100 virtual locations. It is bundled with identity theft protection, antivirus, credit monitoring, and a password manager as part of the wider Aura suite.
Is Aura a good VPN?
Aura’s vpn is a decent all-rounder for casual use on public Wi-Fi but lacks key features like a kill switch and server choice. If you only need a vpn server for privacy and streaming, a dedicated tool like PureVPN is a stronger fit. If you want vpn protection plus identity defense, Aura is worth considering.













