PureVPN has been providing services since 2007 and currently has a network of over 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries servers. Their cheapest plan starts at $2.15/mo. Based on longterm testing, our rating for PureVPN is 9.
Choosing a VPN for students is never easy, especially when you are a beginner who is about to purchase their very first plan. There are so many providers to choose from!
Based on longterm testing, average download speed when using PureVPN is 480 Mbit/s. Currently, the size of their network is around 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries servers.
The size of the server network is an important factor as it determines a global availability of the VPN. The bigger the network is, the more reliable the service can be.
The download speed is very important too, especially in today's fast-paced world. If your VPN speed is too slow, many websites or streaming services may not work or the experience will definitely be less comfortable.
Verdict: PureVPN is a fast, very affordable VPN that fits most students who stream, torrent and use public Wi-Fi.
Yes, PureVPN is a very good fit for students who want a fast VPN without paying much.
The 2-year Standard plan costs about the same as a coffee per month, and our tests showed an average of 480 Mbit/s. That is enough for 4K streaming, gaming and large downloads on most connections.
The apps are simple, cover all major devices, and include a kill switch. If something goes wrong, you can reach 24/7 live chat support.
Keep in mind that the cheap price only applies to long plans. The monthly plan costs about $12.95, so paying for one or two years up front is the best value for a student budget. The 31-day refund window gives you time to make sure it works on your campus network first.
PureVPN has a student page on Student Beans. At the time of writing (Oct 2026), it lists up to 89% off for verified students over 16 in full-time education. The deal has no stated end date, so check it at checkout.
PureVPN sells three tiers: Standard, Plus and Max. Standard is the VPN alone, while Plus and Max add extra tools and cost more. Prices below are for Standard.
| Plan | Price per month | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month (Standard) | about $12.95 | $12.95 for the first month |
| 1 year + 4 months (Standard) | about $2.55 | $40.80 for 16 months |
| 2 years + 3 months (Standard) | about $2.15 | $58.20 for 27 months |
There is no free plan. All plans come with a 31-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it during your first month risk-free.
PureVPN encrypts your traffic with AES-256, so people on the same dorm, library or cafe network cannot see what you do. The kill switch cuts your internet if the VPN drops, so nothing leaks.
Studying abroad? PureVPN has dedicated Netflix servers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, India, Italy and Japan. Recent tests also show it works with Hulu, Disney+, Max, Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
One account covers up to 10 devices at the same time. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and routers.
PureVPN uses obfuscation on OpenVPN by default, which helps hide VPN traffic on strict networks. Results can vary, and you should always follow your school’s rules.
Split tunneling lets you choose which apps go through the VPN. It works on Windows, macOS and Android, though on Android it does not work with WireGuard.
If the app will not connect on your campus network or a streaming site stops working, you can open live chat at any hour. Support can suggest the right server or protocol, which is handy for beginners.
PureVPN averaged 480 Mbit/s in our tests, which is fast. You can stream in 4K, join video calls and download large files without slowdowns. For the best results, use WireGuard and a nearby server.
| Use | Works? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix / other streaming | Yes | Dedicated Netflix servers in 9 countries. Hulu, Disney+, Max and BBC iPlayer also worked in 2026 tests. |
| Torrenting (P2P) | Yes | P2P runs on dedicated servers in many countries. Port forwarding is a paid add-on. |
| Gaming | Yes | 480 Mbit/s average is plenty. Pick a close server to keep ping low. |
| Video calls (Zoom/Teams) | Yes | Smooth HD calls at our measured speeds. |
| Restrictive networks | Sometimes | OpenVPN obfuscation is on by default. Follow your school’s rules. |
PureVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, which is outside the Five, Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. It has been run by GZ Systems, part of the Gaditek group.
Its no-logs policy has been checked several times, including by Altius IT (2019) and KPMG. PureVPN also ran an independent assessment of its servers in February 2023 and says it is an “always-on audit” VPN, meaning auditors can check it at any time without notice.
Video: “PureVPN Review 2026: Is the Cheapest Big VPN Worth It Long Term?” by Tutorials With Terry on YouTube.
| Feature | PureVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2.15/mo | $2.99/mo |
| Servers | 6,000+ in 65+ countries | 20,677 in 148 countries |
| Our avg speed | 480 Mbit/s | 1,475 Mbit/s |
| Free plan | No | Yes (unlimited data) |
| Student discount | Up to 89% off via Student Beans | 70% off Plus via Student Beans (US/UK/FR/DE) |
| Our score | 9/10 | 9.9/10 |
Pick PureVPN if you want the lowest long-term price and strong streaming support. Pick ProtonVPN if you want a free plan, top speeds and a Swiss privacy base.
Still comparing cheap options? Read our Private Internet Access and Ivacy VPN reviews.
PureVPN mixes a very low price with fast speeds in our tests. Add Netflix support, P2P servers, 10 devices and audited no-logs, and it covers almost everything a student needs.
It has no free plan, and some locations are virtual. Still, with a student deal and a 31-day refund window, it is an easy VPN to try.
Yes. Student Beans lists a PureVPN student deal of up to 89% off for verified students at time of writing (Oct 2026).
Yes. It uses AES-256 encryption, WireGuard and a kill switch, and its no-logs policy has been audited by firms including KPMG.
There is no free plan, but every plan has a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Yes. It has dedicated Netflix servers in 9 countries, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
Yes. P2P is supported on dedicated servers in many countries. Port forwarding costs extra.
You can connect up to 10 devices at the same time on one account.
