After it came to light that the Hong Kong-based VPN provided an IP address to the FBI, the company conducted an independent security audit and updated its privacy practices. But you might wonder whether those changes went far enough to prevent future security breaches. You can read more about this audit, and its findings, below. First off, it’s worth noting that many users continue to be happy with PureVPN, and we’ve seen many VPN providers greatly improve their service after early mistakes. Still, it’s hard to ignore the fact that a company with a publicly stated no-logs policy both retained and shared user data. To help you make informed choices, we regularly test hundreds of VPNs. In addition to looking into PureVPN’s current practices, we have researched a number of reliable alternative VPNs with outstanding track records of keeping users safely anonymous. Many providers claim to have sound privacy policies, and the differences between one VPN and another can be hard to spot. Here is the information that our team of experts gathered to help you find a service you can use with total confidence.
Quick List - Best Alternative VPNs to PureVPN
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PureVPN’s Independent No-Logs Audit
After this leak, PureVPN commissioned Altius IT, an American security firm, to audit its security systems and servers. The goal was to identify if it kept any personally-identifiable logs. The report is available to publishers upon request, and to subscribers, but it isn’t available to the general public. According to the report, PureVPN did not ask Altius IT to audit its security safeguards for efficiency and effectiveness, or privacy and security controls at third party servers provider organizations. In the report, Altius IT states that it “on the dates of our review, Altius IT did not find any evidence of system configurations and/or system/service log files that independently, or collectively, could lead to identifying a specific person and/or the person’s activity when using the PureVPN service.” We can’t verify the situation today as it’s nearly impossible to know if a VPN keeps logs or not. PureVPN is a good product when it comes to speeds and compatibility. If you aren’t worried about the potential of logs being kept, it may be the right product for you. But it is still very hard for us to recommend it.
Why You Need an Alternative to PureVPN
PureVPN’s incident with the FBI was not the only time that US authorities pressured a VPN provider to turn over user data. Saying no to the most powerful government in the world is not easy, but many VPNs have passed the test repeatedly. PureVPN’s compliance with the FBI’s request troubled all of us who value privacy. PureVPN users have also reported DNS leaks, although it’s important to note that no one has been able to verify those claims. Some of the rumors may be false, and we consider it promising that there has been no news of a second instance of the VPN sharing data. Yet we wouldn’t blame you for having lingering doubts about PureVPN’s privacy measures. As an overall service, PureVPN has its strong points, including split tunneling, responsive customer service, affordable plans, and easy-to-use, customizable apps. On the other hand, some user reviews have complained about slow speeds and the VPN’s inability to access the BBC iPlayer. In the end, you may not need another choice – PureVPN might suit your needs just fine. If you want to explore other options, however, here are some guidelines that can help you find a provider with not just first-rate privacy protection, but other advantages as well.
What to Look For in an Alternative VPN
We are big fans of VPNs that maintain strict and verified no-logs policies. If you use any of our highest-rated VPNs, you can rest assured that they will never store session data and will not comply with government information requests. When deciding on the best alternative to PureVPN for you, make sure to consider the following in addition to privacy policies:
Server security measures Connection speeds Reliability of network Device compatibility Ease of use Customer service quality
No matter which of these qualities matter most to you, you can’t go wrong with any of the options below.
These Are the Best Alternatives to PureVPN – Here’s Why
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN provides you with the attention to privacy that you should expect from a top VPN. This VPN’s stringent no-logs data policy and high-end security measures (256-bit AES encryption, split tunneling, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection) would make it an excellent choice even if it had nothing else to offer. However, ExpressVPN receives its most enthusiastic praise from users for unparalleled connection speeds. This VPN will deliver high-quality video without any breaks or interruptions, and it has the unblocking power to get you quick access to content from all over the world. So you won’t have to worry about privacy or speed, but if any issues do pop up, a stellar support team is always available for you. Mobile users can witness the streaming quality and overall performance of this VPN for themselves with a free 7-day trial. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee protects you from instant commitment. View ExpressVPN Deals
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is continuously praised for its privacy measures. Having headquarters in privacy-minded Romania ensures that this VPN can uphold its no-logging promise because it isn’t subject to any data retention rules. With impressive security including DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit AES encryption, this VPN is a great choice if you’re worried about erasing your digital footprints. Plus, CyberGhost has gained fame for its straightforward user interface, ensuring that you’ll have no trouble quickly launching the app and accessing any content you want to reach. CyberGhost offers a worldwide server array as well as low-priced subscriptions (particularly for long-term plans). Overall, there are no flaws to speak of with this VPN. Together with a 45-day money-back guarantee, the free week-long trial for iOS and Android users (as well as Windows users by arrangement) allows you to give CyberGhost a test run without risk. View CyberGhost Deals
3. Proton VPN
Privacy-focused in both its data policy and its location, Proton VPN assures you of complete online anonymity. The provider’s Switzerland headquarters means that your session information cannot be stored by national law. Even the minimal login information recorded for diagnostic purposes (which is nowhere near enough for spies to find you) is subject to Swiss privacy regulations, some of the toughest in the world. Security features are also impressive, including AES 256-bit encryption and support for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. In addition, user reviews praise Proton VPN’s ability to unblock heavily guarded sites. That said, this VPN might fall a little short of the previous three when it comes to streaming speed, support assistance, and value for the price. However, you can see its capabilities for yourself by taking advantage of a 7-day free trial for Plus subscribers and a 30-day money-back guarantee. View Proton VPN Deals
4. PrivateVPN
A strict no-logging policy isn’t all PrivateVPN offers in terms of privacy; this provider actually retains full control of all its servers to prevent any possibility of third-party meddling. And besides keeping your activity anonymous, PrivateVPN uses the high-end data encryption we expect from top VPNs. This service may be less well known because of its limited number of servers (100, compared to thousands for our top three providers), but don’t let that turn you away. Based both on our tests and on hundreds of user reviews, PrivateVPN works nearly as well as the big VPN names for streaming speeds and connection quality. Its only major shortcoming is less responsive customer support. Combine all that with a simple installation process and remarkably low prices, and PrivateVPN is a great choice. Try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee. View PrivateVPN Deals
How do I cancel PureVPN?
As noted above, PureVPN will still work perfectly fine for some people and it has taken steps to prevent further issues. That said, if you’re set on cancelling you can read our handy tutorial and learn how to close your PureVPN account. It also includes information on how to get a refund if applicable.
? What is a VPN log audit? Why does it matter if a VPN performs one?
A VPN log audit, otherwise known as a privacy audit, checks the validity of a VPN providers logging and privacy policies. Log audits matter because they keep VPN providers honest about what they do, or don’t do, with user information. An independent auditor finding a few flaws in a VPN doesn’t mean you should avoid the VPN for life. It’s important to take a look at how fast the VPN fixes the issues, and the quality of its solution, before black-listing it permanently. If anything, a willingness to own an issue and fix it makes a VPN provider more trustworthy.
? Why should I care if a VPN shares my information, if I’m not doing anything illegal?
You don’t have to be doing something illegal for a VPN to want to share your data. Some VPNs share your browsing history and device information with third-parties for a profit. These third-parties then turn around and use it to target marketing practices based on your internet activity and geographical location. At which point, you’ll likely be spammed with annoying ads and marketing emails you never signed up for.
Summary
These alternatives to PureVPN offer industry-leading privacy measures, lots of useful features, and great overall functionality. But you may still be debating which one is best for you, or you might just want to learn more about VPNs before moving forward. Our thorough guide will show you exactly how VPNs function and how they differ from one another. We not only discuss the importance of a strict privacy policy, but also help you identify the VPN features that best match your internet use. When you find a VPN service you know you’ll be happy with, our list of promo codes will help your wallet stay happy, too. You’ll have access to all the content you want, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your privacy will never be compromised. Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Now! The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
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