A VPN (Virtual Private Network) keeps one’s online identity such as IP address hidden and the related data secure through data encryption. Here’s a comparative guide on the top VPN service providers: Pure VPN, Ivacy, & TunnelBear.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is defined as a solution to protect your information over the internet. It keeps one’s online identity, such as IP address, hidden and the related data secure through data encryption. When you browse through the internet by connecting to a VPN, it receives your request first and then redirects the internet traffic through the VPN server before sending it to your destination website/address.Â
How VPN (Virtual Private Network) Works
Source – FS communityOpens a new window
VPN masks a user’s activities over the internet for specific security purposes such as to protect against hackers, snoops, cyber threats/attacks, and others. Aside from hiding the IP address, it also hides browsing history and other online interactions.
VPNs are used extensively in various domains and for different purposes, such as providing security on public wi-fi, protecting data from apps and software you use, and providing data privacy and protection while working remotely, to name a few. Â
This article looks at three popular VPN services – Pure VPN, Ivacy, and TunnelBear, and compares their core strengths and weaknesses based on their features and ease of use.
Pure VPNOpens a new window
Pure VPN is a one-click software solution to protect your online data and hide your IP address over a shared network. Pure VPN provides a robust security solution for all your online activities by routing all your internet traffic through its secure VPN servers.Â
Its compact data encryption and wi-fi security service also comes with IP mapping, data tracking, and secure P2P file sharing. P2P file sharing refers to the sharing/distribution of digital media through peer-to-peer networking.Â
A Glance at Pure VPN
Learn more about Pure VPN hereOpens a new window .
IvacyOpens a new window
Ivacy, another well-known VPN service provider, offers a complimentary premium password manager as part of its offerings. Ivacy offers a range of solutions focused on different sectors/purposes, such as VPN servers, business VPNs, VPNs for extensions, consoles, and different VPN devices.
Ivacy’s feature-packed solutions include 256-bit encryption, smart purpose selection, and a no-logs policy, to name a few. Two of its exclusive perks are multi-login support and ultra-fast speed.
A Glance at Ivacy
Learn more about Ivacy hereOpens a new window .
TunnelBearOpens a new window
This VPN service provider offers a range of VPN apps for – Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, Android, browser extension, and blocker. Some of its top VPN solutions are online privacy protection, IP-based tracking prevention, local censorship bypassing, and password and data theft prevention.Â
TunnelBear lets the user browse from 49+ different countries and is equipped with strong encryption techniques. It also offers a range of subscriptions – Free, Unlimited, and Teams.
A Glance at TunnelBear
Learn more about TunnelBear hereOpens a new window .
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Comparative Overview of Features Offered by Pure VPN, Ivacy, and TunnelBear
| Feature/Solution | Pure VPN | Ivacy | TunnelBear |
| Supported OS and Systems | Windows
OS X Linux Android iOS Xbox Router Etc. |
Windows
OS X Linux Android iOS Xbox Etc. |
Mac
Windows iOS (iPhone & iPad) Android Browser Extensions Blocker Etc. |
| Customer Support | Good | Good | Good |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Server Locations | 96+ | 100+ | 49+ |
| Security & Privacy | AES 256-bit, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, SSTP, IKEv2 | 256-bit AES, OpenVPN, PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, and IKEv2 | AES 256-bit, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN |
| Starting Price (Per Month) | $1.99 | $1.19 | Free upto 500 MB Browsing then, $3.33 Per Month |
| Servers | 6500+ | 5,700+ | Around 3000 |
Features Review of Pure VPN, Ivacy, and TunnelBear
Based on our research, below are the features review of Pure VPN, Ivacy, and TunnelBear.
Supported OS & Systems
Pure VPN supports a wide range of OS (Operating Systems) and systems making it easier to use for diverse end-users. The systems, devices, and OS supported by Pure VPN are –
- Windows
- Mac
- Android
- iOS (iPhone, iPad)
- Linux
- Chrome
- Firefox
The service also supports the following devices:
- Routers
- Android TV
- Amazon FireStick
- Microsoft Surface
- Kodi
- Roku
- Boxee box
- Now TV Box
- Raspberry Pi
- ChromeCast
- Playstation
- XboxÂ
Ivacy also supports a range of smart devices, extensions, OS, and others as listed below –
- iOS
- Android
- Huawei
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- Kodi
- Amazon Firestick
- Android TV
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Edge
- Xbox
- PS3 & PS4
TunnelBear supports a list of OS, systems, and apps as shown below –
- Mac
- Windows
- iOS (iPhone & iPad)
- Android
- Browser Extensions
- Blocker
However, the exact list of browser extensions and Android devices are not that clearly mentioned on the TunnelBear website.
Based on the above analysis, it is evident that Pure VPN is the winner as it supports the broadest range of OS and systems among these three.
Speed & Performance
For Pure VPN, the connection speed ranges from three to five seconds based on the protocol. Its exact download and upload speed shows mixed performance based on the country, server location, connection, and other factors. For instance, on a 1 Gbps U.S. connection, its overall speed is around 200 Mbps, on average. In the U.K., it is about 270 Mbps. Unless it’s an ultra-fast connection, usually, its download speed varies from 51 Mbps to 90 Mbps, while the upload speed ranges from 60 Mbps to 97 Mbps. But in regions like Spain, the download speed can be as low as 9.93 Mbps.Â
For Ivacy, the speed is average. For instance, for a baseline connection of 300 Mbps, the download speed ranges from 36 Mbps to 40 Mbps. Its download speed can be as high as 271 Mbps in locations like Germany, while the maximum upload speed can peak at 299 Mbps for the same area. Based on the country, server location, and internet connection, the speed can vary for Ivacy users. The download speed can be as low as 38 Mbps in Singapore, while the upload speed for the exact location is 7 Mbps.
TunnelBear is quite efficient when it comes to speed. It offers an average download speed of 50.6 Mbps, and based on the location and internet speed, the maximum download speed can be as high as 385 Mbps. However, as per end-users feedback, the download and upload speed can slow down by around 7% on average compared to the rate without using any VPN.
Based on the above analysis, TunnelBear is the winner in terms of speed & performance.
Split Tunneling
Pure VPN offers a complete split tunneling solution to its users. Split tunneling is splitting your internet traffic between the VPN network and your local ISP (Internet Service Provider). Split tunneling is a must-have feature for any VPN service provider to protect your internet traffic routed through the VPN network while letting you access the local network and connected devices simultaneously. Pure VPN’s split tunneling feature ensures these all. Furthermore, you can easily enable it on any device and OS through a few button clicks.
Ivacy also comes with split tunneling that enables you to access both foreign and local content simultaneously in a secure way. Based on the device and OS you are using, you can enable this feature by following simple steps.
TunnelBear, on the other hand, offers a limited split tunneling solution for only Android users. However, it is not that competitive in terms of this feature and does mention it on its website.
As discussed above, Pure VPN and Ivacy both win in terms of providing the split tunneling solution.
Security
Pure VPN provides a robust security solution that includes IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection, and secure wi-fi browsing. IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is an unlimited set of internet-connected addresses that allows more users to connect their devices to the internet. To ensure complete security, Pure VPN offers a security solution to safeguard your online traffic from cyber threats by providing IPv6 leak protection. It offers optimum security protection for both IPv4 as well as IPv6. Furthermore, Pure VPN also comes with a dedicated security solution for journalists and lawyers where additional layers of protection are provided. Pure VPN ensures that you can access websites from around the globe and yet can keep the online activities and related data secure and confidential through DNS leak protection. Overall, Pure VPN offers a compact security solution, including anonymous browsing, secure website access, and public wi-fi access.
Ivacy also comes with a broad range of security solutions such as IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection, multiple security protocols, and DDoS protection, to name a few. Its extensive security protocols, such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), L2TP (Layer Two Tunneling Protocol), and IKEV (Internet Key Exchange Version), provide an impenetrable security layer to your connection. One of its most effective security solutions is DDoS protection. A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack refers to a malicious cyber-attack that sends multiple requests to the target web resource to exceed its capacity and disrupt its normal traffic. Ivacy offers fool-proof protection from such attacks. Also, Ivacy’s unique ten multi logins feature lets one activate its protection on up to ten devices at the same time through a single subscription.
TunnelBear’s security features include public wi-fi and other untrusted network protection, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 256-bit protection, and up to 5 device protection to secure the related device network. TunnelBear also offers GhostBear solutions that make your encrypted VPN data highly protected from being detected by governments, businesses and ISPs.
As shown in the above analysis, Ivacy is the winner here for having the most extensive and robust security features.
Server Distribution
Server distribution plays a vital role in determining how fast and effective a VPN service is for global customers. Pure VPN is equipped with 6,500+ online VPN servers distributed across 96+ international locations and 78+ countries. Its high-speed, secure servers include dedicated streaming servers, P2P-enabled servers, and VoIP-enabled servers that are distributed across the global regions as shown belowÂ
| Region | Number of Pure VPN Servers |
| North America | 2232 |
| Central America | 4 |
| South America | 115 |
| Europe | 3052 |
| Asia | 560 |
| Africa | 89 |
| Oceania | 483 |
Ivacy, on the other hand, has 5700+ VPN servers (streaming, P2P enabled, encrypted etc.) spread across 100+ locations such as the U.S, the U.K, India, Ireland, Norway, Mexico, Serbia, UAE, and others.
TunnelBear has its VPN services across 49+ countries such as Argentina, Belgium, Spain, the USA, India, Italy, Norway, Poland, etc. It has around 3000 servers distributed across the continents.
From the above discussion, it is evident that Pure VPN is the winner for having the most widespread and the highest number of servers.
Pricing
It is crucial to check the pricing before opting for a VPN server. And here are our findings. Pure VPN offers multiple pricing plans, and the lowest pricing plan starts at $1.99 per month for a 24 + 3 months subscription. Here the additional three months subscription comes completely free. Its other plan is monthly and priced at $10.95 per month. Pure VPN also offers an annual plan priced at $3.24 per month for 12 months.
Ivacy provides both long and short-term pricing plans. Its one-month plan costs $9.95, while the one-year plan is priced at $3.99 per month. It also offers a five-year plan that costs $1.19 per month.
TunnelBear offers a free plan for its customers where they can browse up to 500 MB for free, along with testing and some limited usage. Both of its other two plans are monthly – the Unlimited plan costs $3.33 a month, and Teams plan costs $5.75 per month. The Teams plan is a good fit for professional requirements as it comes with a dedicated account manager and centralized billing & management solution.
As per our analysis, Ivacy and Pure VPN both offer flexible and competitive pricing, and hence both are winners here.
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Which VPN To Choose for Your Use Case?
While each VPN service provider mentioned above has its own sets of pros, cons, strengths, and weaknesses, it mainly depends on your use case, sector, and requirements for which one will be a good fit for you. Here is a list of the primary use cases for the VPN service providers.
| Use Cases of Pure VPN | Use Cases of Ivacy | Use Cases of TunnelBear |
| Traffic Shaping | Streaming | Downloading |
| Anonymity | Downloading | Uploading |
| Secure Browsing | Unblocking | Private Browsing |
These VPNs can be used in different sectors/areas such as online shopping protection for ecommerce, online business data and browsing protection in B2B, internet safety for kids, and many more. You can simply list out the required features/solutions and go through the above features comparison to make the right choice.
Takeaways
VPN services are highly sought-after across diverse domains to ensure optimum security and keep your identity and actions over the internet hidden and secure. But with the availability of a myriad of VPN service providers, choosing the right one becomes quite tricky and hectic. It is recommended to decide your budget beforehand, have a well-defined idea about the purpose of using a VPN and exactly what features/solutions you are looking for. Based on your requirement, you can go through the features overview and pricing to decide. However, always focus more on the types of security solutions and how effective they are and analyze the additional competitive solutions they are giving to make the most out of your VPN service provider.
Edited by Jayant ChakravartiOpens a new window
Which of these VPN services would you consider? Let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We’d love to hear from you!