Choosing a VPN can be like picking a lock—confusing and risky if you don’t know what you’re doing.
You want something secure and reliable but also easy to use, right?
Two of the biggest names in the VPN game are NordVPN Vs Private Internet Access (PIA).
Both promise to keep your online activity private and unlock geo-restricted content, but which one is the best?
In this head-to-head matchup, we’ll discuss the key features, compare speeds, and help you decide which VPN best suits your needs.
NordVPN Vs Private Internet Access Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both NordVPN and Private Internet Access.
We’ve evaluated their performance across various categories: speed, security, streaming capabilities, and overall user experience.
Ready for a faster, safer internet experience? NordVPN has over 5,700 servers in 60 countries and boasts an average download speed of 360 Mbps!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.99/month
Key Features:
- Military-grade encryption
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection risk-free with Private Internet Access
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $1.98/month
Key Features:
- MACE ad blocker
- Advanced split tunneling
- Multi-Hop
What is NordVPN?
Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s a big deal in the VPN world.
They’ve been around for a while, and they’re known for their strong security and fast speeds.
Plus, they have tons of servers all over the world.
This means you can easily access content from almost anywhere. NordVPN is super easy to use, even if you’re new to VPNs.
Experience the internet without limits! Join millions of users in 59 countries who trust NordVPN for blazing-fast speeds and bulletproof security. Try it out today!
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, so you can access content from anywhere.
- Double VPN encryption: Military-grade protection for your data. Nobody’s cracking that.
- Threat Protection: Say goodbye to malware, trackers, and annoying ads.
Pricing
- Basic: $4.89/month.
- Plus: $3.89/month.
- Complete: $2.99/month.
Pros
Cons
What is Private Internet Access?
Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? You should check out Private Internet Access (PIA).
They’re known for their strong commitment to protecting your data.
PIA has a strict no-logs policy, so it doesn’t track your online activity. It also has many servers.
We’re talking about a network of 35,912+ servers across 84 countries! This gives you plenty of options for finding a fast and reliable connection.
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection risk-free with Private Internet Access
Key Benefits
- Unwavering commitment to privacy: A strict no-logs policy you can trust.
- Advanced security features include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.
- Colossal server network: Offers 35,912+ servers in 84 countries.
- MACE ad blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices at once.
Pricing
- 1 Month: $11.95/month.
- 3 years+ 4 Months Free: $1.98/month.
- 1 year: $3.33/month.
Pros
Cons
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access Feature Comparison
Ready for a closer look? Let’s compare NordVPN and Private Internet Access across seven key features that can make or break your VPN experience.
Security
When it comes to security, both NordVPN and PIA are strong contenders.
NordVPN is based in Panama, outside the reach of the Five Eyes alliance, and utilizes AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy.
NordVPN also offers Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
PIA, while headquartered in the US, maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited and upheld in court.
PIA also uses AES-256 encryption and provides essential security features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and advanced split tunneling.
Privacy
Both VPN providers prioritize user privacy. NordVPN’s no-logs policy and Panama’s jurisdiction provide a strong foundation for confidentiality.
PIA also has a strict no-logs policy, but its US location might raise concerns for some users.
However, PIA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to privacy, successfully defending its no-logs policy in court.
Speed Test
Our speed tests revealed a clear winner in terms of download speed: NordVPN.
Its optimized server network and NordLynx protocol contribute consistently faster speeds than PIA.
However, I haven’t counted PIA out yet. It still delivers respectable speeds suitable for most online activities, including streaming and downloading.
Server Locations
Both VPN services offer a wide selection of server locations.
NordVPN has 5,700+ servers in 60 countries, providing ample options for bypassing geo-restrictions or optimizing connection speed.
PIA boasts an even more extensive network with 35,912+ servers in 84 countries, giving you a massive range of choices.
Streaming
Using a VPN to access streaming services, NordVPN and PIA can unblock popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
However, NordVPN demonstrated a slight advantage in our tests, consistently unblocking a wider range of streaming services.9
VPN App and User Experience
Both providers offer user-friendly VPN apps for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
NordVPN’s app has a more modern and intuitive design, while PIA’s app is more basic but functional.
The best choice depends on your personal preferences for aesthetics and functionality.
Customer Support
NordVPN and Private Internet Access VPN both provide excellent customer support.
You can reach their support teams through live chat or email.
In our experience, both providers offer prompt and helpful assistance for any questions or issues you may have.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Security protocols: Look for VPNs with strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec.
- Logging policies: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy to ensure your online activity isn’t tracked or stored.
- Server locations: Consider the number and location of servers a VPN provides. A broader selection gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and optimizing connection speeds.
- Simultaneous connections: Check how many devices you can connect to the VPN simultaneously. Choose a VPN that allows for enough connections if you have multiple devices.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.).
- Customer support: Look for a VPN provider with responsive and helpful customer support in case of any issues.
- Free trials and money-back guarantees: Take advantage of free trials or money-back guarantees to test a VPN before committing to a long-term subscription.
- Independent audits: Choose a VPN with independent security audits to verify its claims and practices.
- Additional features: Some VPNs offer extra features like ad blockers, split tunneling, and dedicated IP addresses. Consider whether these features are essential to you.
- Price: VPN pricing can vary significantly. Compare prices and features to find a VPN that offers good value for your money.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
So, which VPN comes out on top in this NordVPN vs Private Internet Access showdown?
It’s a close call, but NordVPN wins this comparison. Why? In our NordVPN vs PIA tests, NordVPN was consistently faster than PIA.
It also has a more intuitive app and offers a wider range of features.
But don’t discount Private Internet Access! PIA is still a great VPN service, especially if price is your primary concern.
It’s more affordable than NordVPN and offers a more extensive server network.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
We’ve provided all the facts in this NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access comparison; now it’s up to you to decide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than PIA?
NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a more user-friendly app, and better streaming capabilities. However, PIA is a strong contender because of its more extensive server network and affordable price.
Can I use PIA and NordVPN at the same time?
While technically possible, using two VPNs simultaneously is generally not recommended. It can lead to slower speeds and potential connection issues.
How do I choose the correct VPN server?
Choose a VPN server that’s geographically close to your location for optimal speed. If you’re trying to access geo-restricted content, select a server in the country where that content is available.
Does PIA offer a free trial?
PIA doesn’t offer a free trial, but it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to try the VPN service risk-free.
What did the NordVPN review reveal?
Our NordVPN review found that it excels in speed, security, and streaming capabilities. It has a user-friendly app and a wide range of features, making it an excellent all-around VPN service.
