PureVPN vs Tailscale: Fast & Reliable VPN in 2025

Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need a simple solution for accessing work files remotely or a powerful tool to protect your privacy while browsing online?

Two popular options often pop up: PureVPN vs Tailscale. But which one fits your needs?

This article compares their features, security, speed, and pricing to help you make the best decision for your online safety and convenience.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested both PureVPN and Tailscale.

We’ve evaluated their speed, security features, ease of use, and overall performance to help you understand their strengths and weaknesses.

What is PureVPN?

Have you ever heard of a VPN? It’s like a secret tunnel for your internet connection.

PureVPN is one of the big names in the VPN world.

They’ve been around for a while and are known for having many servers worldwide.

You can use PureVPN to appear as if browsing from a different country. Pretty cool.

You can use it to watch your favorite shows even when traveling or to access websites that might be blocked in your area.

Also, explore our favorite PureVPN alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Massive server network: Connect to over 10,000 servers in 140+ countries.
• Top-notch security: Keeps your data safe with AES 256-bit encryption.
• Blazing-fast speeds: Stream and download without buffering.
• Split tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN.
• User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on all your devices.

Pricing

• Standard: $2.16/month.
• Plus: $2.66/month.
• Max: $3.33/month.

What is Tailscale?

Imagine accessing your home computer files from your phone anywhere in the world—that’s what Tailscale does!

It creates a secure network between your devices, like a private internet just for you.

Think of it as a modern, super-easy way to set up a VPN. But instead of connecting to random servers, you’re connecting directly to your own devices.

This makes it perfect for accessing files, sharing printers, or playing games with friends.

Also, explore our favorite Tailscale alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Simple setup: Get started in minutes; no complex configurations needed.
• Strong security: Uses the WireGuard protocol for robust encryption.
• Mesh networking: Devices connect directly to each other for faster speeds.
• Access controls: Control who has access to what is on your network.
• Works everywhere: Connect devices across different networks and locations.

Pricing

• Personal: $0/month
• Personal Plus: $5/month
• Starter: $6/month

Feature Comparison

Let’s break down the key features of PureVPN and Tailscale side-by-side to see how they measure up.

1. Security

• PureVPN: Uses AES 256-bit encryption and offers protocols like OpenVPN. However, it logs some connection data.
• Tailscale: Employs the WireGuard protocol and establishes peer-to-peer connections for enhanced privacy. No central server means no single point of vulnerability.

2. Network and Routing

• PureVPN: Boasts a massive network of 10,000+ servers in 140+ countries, giving you extensive options for changing your IP address and accessing geo-restricted content. You can choose your server and route your traffic accordingly.
• Tailscale: Utilizes a mesh network where your devices connect directly, creating a decentralized network. This is efficient for accessing resources within your network but doesn’t offer the same routing flexibility as PureVPN.

3. Ease of Use

• PureVPN: Provides user-friendly apps for various devices with a simple setup process. Download, login, and connect!
• Tailscale: Focuses on simplicity with a minimal interface and often requires minimal configuration. Install the client, and your devices automatically connect to your Tailscale network.

4. Access Controls

• PureVPN: Offers basic access controls, allowing you to connect multiple devices with one account. Lacks granular control over individual devices or users.
• Tailscale Excels with robust access controls. It can manage user permissions, define subnets, and control device access to specific network resources. It is ideal for teams and businesses needing secure network access management.

5. NAT Traversal

• PureVPN effectively handles NAT traversal, establishing connections even when devices are behind NAT firewalls, which is typical in home and office networks.
• Tailscale: Also effectively handles NAT traversal for seamless connectivity.

6. DNS and IP Leaks

• PureVPN includes DNS leak protection to prevent DNS requests from being exposed outside the VPN tunnel, ensuring private browsing. It also offers IP leak protection to prevent your actual IP address from being revealed.
• Tailscale: Routes all DNS requests through your Tailscale network, adding another layer of privacy and security. It prevents potential DNS leaks and keeps browsing data under your control.

7. CGNAT and Exit Nodes

• PureVPN: It generally doesn’t use CGNAT, providing a dedicated IP address when you connect. This is beneficial for gaming or services requiring a unique IP. You can also choose your exit node.
• Tailscale doesn’t rely on traditional exit nodes, as traffic typically exits directly from the device accessing the Internet. It offers better performance for accessing local resources or devices within your network.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for. Will it be for streaming, gaming, remote work, or bypassing censorship? This will help you prioritize features like speed, server locations, and security protocols.
• Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.).
• Simultaneous Connections: Check how many devices you can connect with a single account.
• Logging Policy: If privacy is paramount, opt for a VPN with a strict no-logs policy.
• Customer Support: A responsive customer support team can be invaluable if you encounter issues.
• Free Trials and Refunds: Before committing to a long-term plan, you can test the VPN using free trials or money-back guarantees.
• Independent Audits: Look for VPNs that undergo independent security audits to verify their claims.

Final Verdict

So, who comes out on top? It boils down to what you need.

PureVPN is a solid choice if you want a traditional VPN to encrypt your internet traffic, keep you safe on public Wi-Fi, and bypass those pesky website blocks.

It’s easy to use and has tons of servers to choose from.

But if you’re more interested in creating a virtual private network for your devices, like a secure connection between your laptop and your phone.

If so, Tailscale is the way to go. It’s super simple to set up and offers a unique mesh VPN perfect for sharing files and accessing your home network from anywhere.

We’ve tested both VPNs, comparing their security features and speeds to their pricing and ease of use.

Trust our experience—we’ve done the homework so you can make the best decision for your needs!

More of PureVPN

We’ve explored alternatives to PureVPN, so let’s see how PureVPN measures up directly against them:

• PureVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN is generally faster and better for streaming, though PureVPN can be more budget-friendly. NordVPN also has a larger server network.
• PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is typically faster, more reliable for streaming, and has better apps. PureVPN boasts a larger server count, but ExpressVPN has a stronger privacy record.
• PureVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark often has better speeds and more features, including unlimited connections. PureVPN has a larger server network, but Surfshark has wider global coverage.
• PureVPN vs ProtonVPN: PureVPN tends to be faster and better for streaming, while ProtonVPN prioritizes stronger security and privacy features.
• PureVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN is often favored for its more consistent speeds and stronger privacy focus, while PureVPN has a larger server network.
• PureVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s key feature is its ad-blocking integration, while PureVPN is a more comprehensive VPN service.
• PureVPN vs Virtual Shield: PureVPN offers a wider range of features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
• PureVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for strong encryption, but PureVPN has a larger server network and more features.
• PureVPN vs FastestVPN: PureVPN is generally faster and has a larger server network than the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
• PureVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while PureVPN focuses on VPN features and a wider server selection.
• PureVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while PureVPN offers a larger server network.
• PureVPN vs McAfee VPN: PureVPN is a dedicated VPN service with more features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
• PureVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is often faster, while PureVPN can unblock more streaming services. PIA allows unlimited connections.
• PureVPN vs Mysterium: PureVPN uses a traditional server network, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different approach to anonymity.

More of Tailscale

We’ve explored alternatives to Tailscale, so how does Tailscale stack up directly against them?

• Tailscale vs NordVPN: NordVPN’s Meshnet offers a similar secure device-to-device connection within a private network, while Tailscale is primarily focused on this functionality.
• Tailscale vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer provides some device linking for content access, but Tailscale offers a more comprehensive private network solution.
• Tailscale vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark’s Nexus aims to enhance the network, but Tailscale is specifically designed to create a private network between devices easily.
• Tailscale vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN allows secure server connections, but Tailscale directly links your devices in a private network.
• Tailscale vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN secures connections, but Tailscale’s core function is to create a simple, private network between your devices.
• Tailscale vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN focuses on privacy and ad blocking, while Tailscale’s strength is in creating direct, secure device-to-device networks.
• Tailscale vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield offers secure VPN connections, but Tailscale is built to create a cohesive private network.
• Tailscale vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN provides secure connections, but Tailscale simplifies creating a private network between devices.
• Tailscale vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN secures connections, while Tailscale’s focus is on creating an easy-to-manage private network.
• Tailscale vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN offers a security suite including VPN, while Tailscale specializes in creating secure, private device networks.
• Tailscale vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost allows multiple secure connections to its servers, while Tailscale creates a direct private network between your devices.
• Tailscale vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN secures your devices’ internet connection, while Tailscale creates a private network for direct device linking.
• Tailscale vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers secure connections and port forwarding, while Tailscale provides a more streamlined approach to creating a private device network.
• Tailscale vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN that connects through other users, while Tailscale creates a private network directly between your trusted devices.

Frequently Asked Questions