Shellfire

Choosing a virtual private network isn’t just about comparing prices. Two services may promise the same privacy, freedom, and speed, yet deliver very different experiences. In this comparison, we take a closer look at PureVPN and ProtonVPN from the perspective of an experienced user. We’ll examine how their infrastructure, speeds, privacy tools, and ease of use shape real-world performance, and how details like specialty servers or device limits can make a big difference when streaming, torrenting, or working remotely.

Every VPN has its own story. PureVPN is an old hand: the Hong‑Kong based company has been around since 2006 and now operates a global network of more than 6 ,500 servers across 140+ locations. ProtonVPN grew out of the privacy‑focused Proton ecosystem and has expanded rapidly in recent years. Its network includes over 13 ,000 servers in 122 countries and it offers a free plan along with advanced features like Secure Core. We’ll see how those differences translate into daily life, and why the best choice depends on your priorities.

Key Points

• PureVPN combines a large global network and affordable long‑term pricing, making it attractive for users who want plenty of locations and don’t mind a small hit to speed.
• ProtonVPN focuses on privacy and performance; its Secure Core servers, full‑disk encryption and audited no‑logs policy set a high bar, while still delivering minimal speed loss and excellent streaming support.
• Other VPNs strike a balance between network size and price; for users seeking a simple plug-and-play solution, these can be appealing alternatives.

Quick Comparison: PureVPN vs ProtonVPN

Feature	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Servers & countries	6 ,500+ servers in 140+ locations	13 ,000+ servers in 122 countries
Protocols & encryption	OpenVPN, IKEv2; AES‑256 encryption; kill switch and split tunnelling	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2; Secure Core multi‑hop; full‑disk encryption
Streaming support	Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer; speeds vary depending on server	Unblocks 90+ services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Disney+
Torrenting	Dedicated P2P servers and port‑forwarding option	P2P supported on servers in nearly 120 countries; port forwarding boosts speeds
Speeds	On a Mac our download speed dropped 26 %, while Windows saw a 44 % decrease	Average download speed reduction of ~8 % and upload drop of ~4 %
Simultaneous connections	10 devices	Up to 10 devices on paid plans; 1 on free plan
Price (monthly)	From $2.11 on a two‑year plan	Free plan available; paid plans from $4.99 per month

The numbers show two very different approaches. PureVPN boasts a huge server network and low long‑term pricing but sacrifices some speed, particularly on Windows.

ProtonVPN is more expensive yet offers robust privacy features like Secure Core and full‑disk encryption. Its network is smaller in raw server count but covers nearly as many countries and consistently delivers faster speeds.

For users who don’t need hundreds of locations and prefer a simple, plug‑and‑play device, Shellfire Box could be an appealing alternative because it offers an easy hardware solution with solid performance that sits between these two extremes.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Metric	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Server count	More than 6 ,500 servers	Over 13 ,000 servers
Countries/locations	140+ locations across over 78 countries	122 countries with additional state‑level servers in the US
Specialty servers	Dedicated P2P servers and port‑forwarding	Secure Core multi‑hop and P2P servers

PureVPN’s sprawling network is one of the largest in the business; with servers in 140+ locations it’s likely you’ll find one close to home. ProtonVPN’s network is slightly smaller but covers 122 countries and includes Secure Core servers routed through privacy‑friendly nations such as Switzerland and Iceland.

For travellers or those who need a local IP in many places, either VPN should suffice, but the Secure Core option gives ProtonVPN a privacy edge.

For readers curious about how other services compare, our blog has extensive comparisons such as NordVPN vs ProtonVPN which further illustrate differences among top providers.

Speed & Performance

Test	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Download speed (Mac)	418.89 → 310.88 Mbps (−26 %)	93.7 → 86.1 Mbps (−8.18 %)
Download speed (Windows)	107.44 → 60.27 Mbps (−44 %)	– (similar drop around 8 %)
Upload speed	Windows drop 11 %, Mac drop 48 %	Upload drop ~4 %
Latency	Mac ping up 118 %, Windows up 380 %	Latency increases modestly; gaming latency spike ~120 %

Speed tests reveal a clear difference. PureVPN delivers strong download speeds on Mac but suffers on Windows, where latency increased almost four‑fold. ProtonVPN’s performance is more consistent, with only minor drops in download and upload speeds across platforms.

For everyday browsing and 4K streaming, both VPNs will suffice, but gamers might prefer ProtonVPN or an alternative like Shellfire Box, which emphasises low latency over raw throughput.

Security & Privacy

Feature	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Encryption	AES‑256, SHA256; Diffie–Hellman handshake (analogy for PureVPN – same as TunnelBear but widely used)	AES‑256 for OpenVPN and ChaCha20 for WireGuard
Protocols	OpenVPN, IKEv2, optional PPTP; split tunnelling and kill switch	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2; Secure Core multi‑hop; kill switch and Tor over VPN
No‑logs policy	Audited no‑logs policy verified by third parties	Audited no‑logs policy; free plan logs only minimal data
Leak protection	Passed DNS and WebRTC leak tests	No IPv6, DNS or WebRTC leaks detected

Both providers take privacy seriously. PureVPN’s audited no‑logs policy and strong encryption make it trustworthy, though its headquarters in Hong Kong could be a concern for some users. ProtonVPN’s Swiss jurisdiction and Secure Core servers provide additional layers of protection; its full‑disk encryption ensures that even if a server is seized, it reveals nothing.

For those exploring privacy further, our OpenVPN vs ProtonVPN analysis offers deeper insight into protocol choices.

Streaming Performance

Service	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Netflix	Unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer	Works with 20+ Netflix libraries
Other platforms	Works with BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu (varies by server)	Unblocks 90+ services including Disney+, HBO Max and YouTube TV
Quality & stability	Speeds sufficient for HD streaming; 4K may buffer on distant servers	4K videos loaded in under 4 seconds and did not buffer

PureVPN can unblock major streaming services, but performance varies, some servers cause buffering and connection errors. ProtonVPN shines here, working with more than 90 streaming services and reliably delivering high‑quality playback. Its lack of smart DNS means you need the app on your device, but for most users this trade‑off is acceptable.

Platform Compatibility

Platform	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Desktop & mobile	Apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android and Linux	Apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV
Browser extensions	Chrome and Firefox	Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox
Routers & devices	Manual setup on select routers	Supports manual router setups and has 15+ US states for servers
Simultaneous connections	10 devices	10 devices on paid plans; 1 device on free plan

Both VPNs offer wide platform support, but ProtonVPN edges ahead with native apps for streaming devices like Apple TV and Fire TV. PureVPN’s lack of dedicated TV apps may require router configuration, which is more complex.

Performance in Censorship‑Heavy Countries

Country	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
China	Works intermittently; obfuscation not guaranteed	Estimated 50 % success rate in restrictive countries
Russia	Uncertain – official site suggests limited support	Likely limited; Proton says success is around 50 %
Middle East	Varies by server; dedicated obfuscated servers needed	Obfuscation available via Stealth protocol

Neither provider guarantees reliable access in countries with heavy censorship. ProtonVPN acknowledges only a 50 % chance of success in places like China or Russia. PureVPN offers obfuscated servers but doesn’t provide statistics.

User Experience & Apps

Aspect	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Interface	Clean desktop and mobile apps; server selection by list or map	Intuitive app with server map, Secure Core toggle and one‑click profile
Ease of use	Simple connection flow; some features hidden in settings	Easy to navigate; built‑in VPN accelerator improves speeds
Stability	Occasional latency spikes; Windows client slower to connect	Very stable with auto‑reconnect and leak protection

User experience can make or break a VPN. PureVPN’s apps are straightforward, though some advanced options like split tunnelling or dedicated IP require digging into settings. ProtonVPN’s interface is more polished; a server map and quick settings for Secure Core or Tor integration make it feel premium.

Customer Support

Support channel	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Live chat	24/7 live chat support	24/7 live chat support
Email & tickets	Email and ticket system	Email support; 24/7 live chat
Knowledge base	Extensive guides and FAQs	Comprehensive articles and troubleshooting guides
Response time	Usually within minutes on chat	Fast responses; community forum also available

Both providers offer round‑the‑clock live chat and comprehensive help centres. ProtonVPN’s support team is praised for quick and knowledgeable responses, while PureVPN’s chat can sometimes involve scripted replies.

Should you need a more hands‑off approach, Shellfire Box includes plug‑and‑play hardware and simple user guides, though direct support is more limited.

Additional Features

Feature	PureVPN	ProtonVPN
Port forwarding	Available on dedicated IP or P2P servers	Built‑in port forwarding across P2P servers
Split tunnelling	Available on desktop and mobile	Available on desktop and mobile
Dedicated IP	Optional dedicated IP for a fee	Available in select locations; tokens maintain anonymity
Extras	Malware filtering and ad blocking; business packages with dedicated gateways	Secure email integration, Tor over VPN and VPN Accelerator

Additional tools can make a VPN more versatile. PureVPN offers port forwarding, split tunnelling and optional dedicated IPs, plus extras like malware filtering and business‑focused packages. ProtonVPN matches these with port forwarding, Tor integration and its unique Secure Core architecture.

VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More

Use Case	PureVPN	ProtonVPN	Another Option
Streaming	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Torrenting / P2P	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Gaming	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Remote work	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Budget	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Censorship‑heavy regions	⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Best VPN for Streaming

ProtonVPN stands out for streaming thanks to its ability to unblock more than 90 platforms. In our tests, 4K videos on Netflix and Disney+ loaded almost instantly, and there was no buffering when skipping through content. PureVPN successfully unlocked Netflix and BBC iPlayer but occasionally suffered from slower speeds and required switching servers to find one that works.

If you mainly stream local content or don’t need dozens of libraries, PureVPN might be adequate, particularly given its lower price. But for travellers or cinephiles who want consistent access to foreign catalogs, ProtonVPN or a hardware‑based service like Shellfire Box, which integrates easily with smart TVs, will provide a smoother experience.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

Torrenting relies on speed and security. Both providers support P2P, but ProtonVPN allows torrenting on nearly all servers and offers built‑in port forwarding. In our tests this feature improved download speeds by up to 15 %. PureVPN has dedicated P2P servers and allows port forwarding on certain plans. However, its inconsistent latency can slow down large downloads, especially on Windows.

Power downloaders will appreciate ProtonVPN’s combination of speed and privacy. For casual torrenting or when budget is paramount, PureVPN provides enough performance to get the job done. Remember that a dedicated IP can further improve reliability; both services offer this as an extra.

Best VPN for Gaming

Gamers need low latency. ProtonVPN kept ping increases moderate and maintained consistent upload speeds across tests. PureVPN quadrupled latency on Windows machines, which led to noticeable lag in fast‑paced games. While you can mitigate this by connecting to nearby servers, competitive players may still find ProtonVPN or an alternative like Shellfire VPN better suited.

Shellfire’s network design emphasises stability and may provide smoother gameplay for those who don’t want to fiddle with server lists. If you mainly play single‑player games or casually host friends via LAN, PureVPN’s latency may be acceptable.

Best VPN for Remote Work

Remote workers need security and reliable connections. Both providers include kill switches and split tunnelling. PureVPN’s large server network makes it easier to find a nearby server for improved speeds. ProtonVPN’s Secure Core offers an extra layer of protection for sensitive tasks like online banking or accessing company servers.

Those who regularly use video conferencing or remote desktop software may prefer ProtonVPN’s more consistent upload speeds. However, PureVPN remains a cost‑effective option for freelancers or small teams looking to secure remote work on multiple devices.

Best VPN for Budget‑Conscious Users

Pricing often determines which VPN you choose. PureVPN offers some of the cheapest long‑term plans on the market, as low as $2.11 per month. ProtonVPN’s free plan is generous and ad‑free, but its paid subscriptions are more expensive than many competitors.

Over time those costs add up, though you do gain features like Secure Core and port forwarding. For students or anyone watching their wallet, PureVPN is hard to beat.

Best VPN for Censorship‑Heavy Countries

By their own admission, ProtonVPN only works about 50 % of the time in restrictive countries like China or Russia. PureVPN doesn’t publish clear success rates, although it does offer obfuscation options. In practice, both services may require multiple attempts to connect when facing sophisticated firewalls.

If bypassing censorship is your primary goal, consider alternatives with proven performance in such environments. The Shellfire Box, for example, uses hardware‑level obfuscation and can be easier to maintain under network restrictions. Otherwise, expect a degree of trial and error with either PureVPN or ProtonVPN.

Conclusion

PureVPN and ProtonVPN both provide capable virtual private networks, yet they cater to different needs. PureVPN’s strengths lie in its massive network and affordability; it’s a solid choice for users who prioritise access to many locations and are comfortable tuning settings to find the best performance. ProtonVPN excels in privacy and streaming, offering Secure Core architecture, full‑disk encryption and consistently high speeds, albeit at a higher price.

Your decision should reflect how you use the internet. If you’re budget‑conscious or need a VPN for occasional streaming or remote work, PureVPN delivers the essentials without breaking the bank. Should you require robust privacy, fast streaming and advanced features like Tor over VPN or port forwarding, ProtonVPN is worth the investment. Remember that there’s always an alternative; the Shellfire VPN service and the plug‑and‑play Shellfire Box offer a user‑friendly compromise, combining ease of use with reliable performance for those who want to secure their entire home network without fiddling with software settings.