NordVPN vs Private Internet Access 2024
NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are two of the most popular VPNs around, both offering a range of features to keep you safe and anonymous online. They’ve each been included in our roundup of the best VPN services, and for good reason.
NordVPN, a premium Panama-based VPN, delivers a powerful combination of robust security, lightning-fast speeds, and a user-friendly interface. Their strict no-logs policy ensures your online privacy remains uncompromised.
Known for its affordability, Private Internet Access (PIA) takes pride in its extensive server network that unlocks global content. Their watertight privacy policy, with a proven no-logs record, keeps your online activity truly private.
But in a matchup of NordVPN vs. PIA, which one is better for you? To make the decision easier, we conducted a thorough comparison to uncover the differences between the two VPNs. However, before we dive into the details, let’s take a look at how their prominent features compare.
In this in-depth Private Internet Access vs NordVPN comparison, we'll examine each VPN in detail and help you choose which one fits your budget, preferences, and specific needs.
We’ll talk about the VPNs’ backgrounds, ease of use, encryption, protocols, speeds, server locations, and more to give you a comprehensive understanding of what each has to offer.
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
The location and legal framework in which a VPN operates can significantly impact its ability to protect your data and privacy. Ideally, you’ll want to pick a VPN based outside the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance with no history of privacy incidents. Let’s see how NordVPN and PIA compare in that aspect.
NordVPN - (Score 8.5/10)
Headquartered in Panama, NordVPN (owned by Nord Security) benefits from the country's robust privacy laws. Unlike other VPN providers, Panama has no mandatory data retention requirements, giving NordVPN a significant edge in user data protection.
More importantly, NordVPN isn't a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, a group of countries with data-sharing agreements. Nord Security also owns other VPN services, such as Atlas VPN (now discontinued) and Surfshark, but all services operate independently with separate user bases and infrastructure.
To ensure transparency, NordVPN undergoes regular independent audits to verify its strict no-logs policy. This policy also goes beyond standard practices by utilizing RAM-only servers, which erase all data upon reboot, offering an extra layer of data protection.
However, we have to mention that NordVPN experienced a data center breach in 2018 by a malicious actor. Although no user data was compromised, this incident raised concerns. NordVPN responded by moving to colocated data centers to prevent future unauthorized access.
Private Internet Access - (Score 8/10)
PIA is based in the US, a founding member of the 5-Eyes Alliance. This means that it's subject to data retention laws and may be required to hand your data over to the government upon request.
However, PIA prioritizes user privacy with an audited no-logs policy, further strengthened by RAM-based servers that wipe data clean on every reboot. This commitment has been battle-tested, surviving legal challenges in federal court twice. On both occasions, PIA's "no-logging" claims were proven true.
Adding to its strong privacy track record, PIA has never experienced a major data leak or breach. Even when compelled by the FBI in 2018, PIA's no-logs policy held firm, as they had no user data to share.
It's also important to note that Kape Technologies (now owned by Unikmind Holdings) acquired Private Internet Access in 2019, joining forces with CyberGhost VPN, ZenMate VPN, and later, ExpressVPN. However, know that PIA operates independently despite sharing ownership with these other VPN services.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN!
When it comes to background, jurisdiction, and established reputation, NordVPN is the winner. While both NordVPN and PIA have strong privacy policies and security features, NordVPN’s location in Panama gives it an edge in terms of jurisdiction and regulatory scrutiny.
Despite its 2018 server breach, NordVPN has since taken significant steps to enhance its security measures, including upgrading its infrastructure. If you’re looking for a VPN with bulletproof security and unwavering privacy, we recommend you get NordVPN.
Supported Platforms & Devices
When choosing a VPN, it's important to make sure it works on all the devices you want to protect. Here, we'll take a look at the supported platforms for both NordVPN and PIA.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN offers native apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android. In addition to the apps, it also provides extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, allowing you to change locations without leaving your browser.
Moreover, NordVPN works well with dedicated streaming platforms like Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV. It also supports a wide range of routers, which is quite useful if you want to secure your entire home network.
You can connect up to 10 devices with a single NordVPN account, which is enough for most people. Furthermore, NordVPN offers detailed setup tutorials for all supported platforms, making it easy to install and use.
Private Internet Access - (Score 10/10)
PIA also supports a wide range of platforms and devices. You can use it on Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, and Android, so it’s accessible for nearly everyone. In terms of browser support, you get extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, so you can easily secure your browser traffic on the go.
Like NordVPN, PIA works on media streaming devices powered by Fire OS, Apple TV, and Android TVs. You also get support for a wide range of routers and setup tutorials.
A standout feature of PIA is that it supports unlimited simultaneous connections. You can connect as many devices as you like at once with a single subscription, which gives PIA a significant advantage over NordVPN.
Who's the Winner? - It's a Tie!
In terms of supported devices, both NordVPN and PIA offer excellent coverage across all major platforms. For browser protection on the go, you get extensions for Chrome, Firefox (both providers), Edge (NordVPN), or Opera (PIA). They even extend their reach to popular streaming devices and router configurations.
Therefore, you can get NordVPN if you prioritize versatility across different platforms. Or, get Private Internet Access if you prefer unlimited coverage and premium protection across all your devices.
Installation & Initial Configuration
Installing a new VPN and setting it up for the first time can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. In this section, we'll compare how NordVPN and PIA fare in terms of installation and initial configuration.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
Installing and configuring NordVPN is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. The first step is to sign up for NordVPN and choose a subscription plan. You can then download the NordVPN client for your chosen device.
Once the download is complete, follow the installation wizard to add the NordVPN client to your device. The wizard will guide you through the entire process and let you customize the app according to your preferences. Once installation is complete, launch the app, log in with your account credentials, and you're ready to use NordVPN.
NordVPN offers numerous step-by-step tutorials for all supported devices and routers, so you should have no issues setting it up.
Private Internet Access - (Score 10/10)
Just like NordVPN, installing and configuring PIA is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few minutes.
You can start by signing up for an account and selecting your desired subscription plan. Once you’ve made your payment, you can download the respective PIA app for your device. Then, simply follow the installation wizard to finish setting it up.
PIA even offers user-friendly setup tutorials to guide you through each step, making the installation process easy, even if it’s your first VPN.
Who's the Winner? - It's a Tie!
NordVPN and PIA each offer easy installation and configuration processes, so it’s hard to choose a winner. Both offer excellent device coverage and have helpful guides to simplify the process.
So, if you get NordVPN, you'll have effortless protection with a few clicks. Similarly, you can complete your installation within minutes when you get Private Internet Access, thanks to the helpful guides on its website.
Prominent Features
VPN features can make or break your experience of interacting with the Web. NordVPN and PIA offer a wide range of features to enhance your privacy and security. In this section, we'll take a closer look at these and see how the two VPN providers compare against each other.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN offers a variety of features, including support for different VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx. It comes with a kill switch for all supported apps (although you'll have to turn it on manually). You also get split tunneling and dedicated IP addresses, which you can access for an extra fee.
Additionally, it offers Threat Protection that keeps you safe from Web trackers, malicious ads, and malware. This is complemented by its Meshnet feature, a secure private network where you can play games or share files with other NordVPN users.
NordVPN also offers specialized servers to cater to different needs. Double VPN servers encrypt your data twice for ultimate security, while P2P servers are optimized for file sharing. You can even access the Tor network through designated servers.
Finally, like most premium providers, NordVPN offers unlimited server switching and unlimited bandwidth without data caps. This is a great advantage if you need to transfer large files or stream high-quality videos.
Private Internet Access - (Score 9.5/10)
Private Internet Access offers many of the same features as NordVPN. It includes advanced VPN encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, ensuring your Internet traffic is always secure.
In response to NordVPN’s Threat Protection, PIA offers the MACE feature, which blocks ads, malware, and other threats before they can reach your device. Like NordVPN, PIA also offers split tunneling, which enables you to select which traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which doesn't. In addition to optimizing speed, this can also help you manage your bandwidth usage more efficiently.
With PIA, you get dedicated IP addresses in 26 countries, which can be a plus, especially if you need a static IP address for specific purposes. It also offers unlimited data usage, server switching, and bandwidth, just like NordVPN.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN
NordVPN takes the lead here with its extensive feature set and unbeatable specializations. Private Internet Access offers a strong foundation of VPN functionality, but NordVPN steps it up with extras like Meshnet, double VPN servers for ultimate encryption, and P2P-optimized servers for safer file sharing.
So, if you prefer remote file sharing with maximum security on top of a feature-rich experience, get NordVPN.
Server Count & Infrastructure
One of the most essential features of a VPN is its server count and infrastructure. Both NordVPN and PIA offer large networks that include specialized servers in multiple locations. Here’s how the two VPNs compare.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN boasts an extensive server network, which includes over 6,300 servers in 111 countries. It's a VPN with most servers or countries, so you don’t have to worry about overcrowding slowing down your Internet connection.
To extend its global reach even further, NordVPN complements its massive network of physical servers with 50 virtual server locations. Approximately 20% of NordVPN's servers also boast 10 Gbps connections, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience.
Additionally, NordVPN’s infrastructure includes both standard and specialized servers. Standard servers are perfect for everyday tasks like unblocking websites, streaming media, or online gaming. For more advanced users, specialized servers offer optimized functionalities, like secure torrenting through P2P servers or anonymous access to the Tor network.
Private Internet Access - (Score 9/10)
Private Internet Access doesn’t mention the exact number of servers it operates, but it’s spread across 91 countries and presumed to be in the thousands. PIA also offers virtual locations, offering them as "geo-located servers."
Uniquely, PIA is the only VPN provider with servers in all 50 US states. This makes PIA the ideal choice if you need an IP address associated with a specific state to bypass regional restrictions or access geo-locked services while traveling abroad.
Furthermore, PIA boasts 10 Gbps servers for blazing-fast speeds and RAM-only servers, ensuring no data remnants are left behind. It also has streaming-optimized servers but doesn't have dedicated servers for P2P and gaming. However, PIA still functions decently for these activities.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN takes the crown in the server category, offering a massive network of over 6,300 servers compared to PIA's undisclosed server number. This translates to a significantly lower chance of encountering overcrowded servers and potential slowdowns.
Given this, we recommend you get NordVPN if you're seeking a vast array of server options and global reach.
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
The interface and user experience are critical factors in any software, including VPNs. Both NordVPN and PIA come with user-friendly UIs that are consistent across a range of devices. Let’s see how they fare against each other in terms of UI/UX design and ease of use.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN is a great choice for first-time VPN users. Its applications, available for all major platforms, boast a clean and intuitive design. Even technical terms are presented with clear explanations when you access settings.
NordVPN eliminates the guesswork with a well-organized home screen. The "Quick Connect" button automatically connects you to the recommended server, ensuring a smooth and secure connection with just a click. For more control, you can choose from a variety of server options categorized by type (P2P, Double VPN), location (countries, regions), and more.
NordVPN's mobile apps mirror the user-friendly design of its desktop application. Connecting to a server is as simple as tapping on a specific location on the interactive map. Accessing advanced features like Meshnet and specialty servers is also easy - they're conveniently located at the bottom of the app's home screen.
Private Internet Access - (Score 9/10)
PIA's client is straightforward and easy to use, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. The main screen of both desktop and mobile apps displays a big “connect” button, making it easy to establish a secure connection with a single click.
From the same screen, you can conveniently access a list of available and favorite server locations, along with relevant information about each server – all within your immediate view.
The PIA app also offers several customization options in the settings menu, such as choosing your preferred protocol and encryption level. This makes it a good option for advanced users who want to play with the VPN features and tailor it to their individual needs.
While PIA's app may lack the bells and whistles of NordVPN, it’s reliable and easy to use. Overall, it's an excellent choice if you prioritize functionality over form.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN wins this round again. Its interface offers a wider range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your VPN experience easily. Even though PIA remains functional and user-friendly, its focus on simplicity means it lacks the visual polish of NordVPN.
Ultimately, if a more advanced UI/UX design with various connection options is what you're after, get NordVPN.
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support
Bypassing geo-restrictions and enjoying seamless online experiences are some of the key reasons users turn to VPNs. Let's take a closer look at how NordVPN and PIA perform in these areas.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN works well with all the most popular media streaming platforms. Although it doesn’t offer any dedicated streaming servers, we were able to access a range of services, including Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature makes the VPN harder to detect, which makes it better at unblocking. The feature is activated automatically, so all you have to do is connect to the correct server.
NordVPN is also an excellent choice for P2P file sharing, as it offers dedicated servers optimized for torrenting. These servers are spread worldwide, so you won’t have issues with P2P traffic.
In terms of gaming, NordVPN has low ping and latency, and effectively bypasses geo-blocks, ensuring a smooth gameplay experience. It offers plenty of freedom in terms of protocols and other features that you can fine-tune to keep your gaming sessions lag-free.
Private Internet Access - (Score 8/10)
PIA is also a solid option for accessing streaming services. During our tests, we were able to watch Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. But keep in mind that not all servers work with Netflix. Thankfully, PIA offers dedicated streaming servers – these are your best bet for accessing geo-restricted content.
PIA also gives you the green light for torrenting on all their servers - no special designation needed. They don't have servers specifically labeled for P2P, but they offer a handy port forwarding feature. This lets you open specific ports on your connection, significantly improving torrenting speeds.
PIA's high-speed 10 Gbps servers and advanced security features also make it a good option for gaming. The same port forwarding feature that boosts torrenting can help you get an excellent connection, which reduces ping and latency. PIA can even help you unblock geo-restrictions, opening up a wider world of gaming possibilities.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN
NordVPN and PIA are both strong contenders in this category, but NordVPN edges out PIA with its excellent streaming and torrenting capabilities. With low ping and excellent speeds, NordVPN lets you enjoy lag-free gaming sessions. PIA can also be a good option, but NordVPN might offer a smoother experience.
In other words, if you want to enjoy a hassle-free streaming and gaming experience along with excellent support for P2P, our recommendation is to get NordVPN.
Security & Privacy
Besides a VPN’s unblocking capabilities, you most likely care about how secure and private it is. Thankfully, both NordVPN and PIA offer plenty of features to keep your data safe.
NordVPN - (Score 9.5/10)
NordVPN offers a range of security and privacy features to keep you safe online. It uses AES-256-bit encryption, which is the most secure encryption level available today. It also supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and its proprietary NordLynx, which is based on the WireGuard protocol.
Plus, NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers mean that it doesn’t track or store your identifiable data. On top of that, the service has also undergone several independent security audits, which have confirmed it sticks to its privacy claims and high-security standards.
To ensure your privacy, we ran NordVPN through rigorous leak tests. We're happy to report that there were no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks detected. This confirms NordVPN's strong tunnels keep your data safe.
Private Internet Access - (Score 9/10)
Private Internet Access offers a robust set of security and privacy features that are on par with NordVPN’s. It uses high-end encryption levels and lets you choose between the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols (and IKEv2 on iOS).
Although PIA is based in the US – a member state of the 5-Eyes Alliance – it offers several features to minimize concerns about its jurisdiction. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy and has undergone third-party security audits to verify its zero-logging claims. Like NordVPN, it also uses a RAM-only server architecture, which never stores any permanent data.
PIA aced our leak tests as well, ensuring your IP, DNS, WebRTC, and geolocation remain hidden. This validation confirms the tunnel's strength in protecting your privacy.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN!
NordVPN wins this round of security and privacy. Both services have top-notch security features, RAM-only servers, and independent audits that verify their logless policies. However, NordVPN has the advantage of being outside the Five Eyes Alliance, adding an extra layer of confidence for the truly privacy-conscious user.
If you want your VPN based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and online secrecy is your top concern, you should get NordVPN, as it's headquartered in Panama.
Speed & Performance
No one wants a VPN that slows down their Internet connection or causes buffering during streaming. NordVPN and PIA both promise fast and reliable connections, but how do they stack up against each other? Let’s find out in this section.
NordVPN - (Score 9/10)
Based on our hands-on tests, NordVPN slowed us down by 15% on average, making it one of the fastest VPNs available today. We got excellent download speeds, both on nearby and remote servers. However, the upload speeds were sometimes slow and unstable for our liking.
With NordVPN, you can easily stream in HD and even in 4K if you have a fast base connection. You can further improve your VPN performance with its proprietary NordLynx protocol, optimized for fast speeds and better security.
Additionally, it only takes a few seconds to establish a connection with its servers. Overall, NordVPN offers consistently fast speeds that cater to various use cases, including streaming, gaming, torrenting, and normal browsing.
Private Internet Access - (Score 8/10)
PIA advertises its servers with 10 Gbps connections, promising fast and unrestricted speeds. And yes, our tests confirmed decent speeds and reliable connections, but they were less consistent compared to NordVPN's results. On average, PIA slowed down our Internet connection by around 30%.
This 30% decrease is unlikely to significantly impact everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, or torrenting. But if your Internet connection is already slow to begin with, the additional overhead from PIA might cause occasional lag or buffering.
It's worth noting that connecting to distant servers can introduce additional latency, affecting performance. Ideally, choose a server closer to your physical location for the best balance of speed and stability.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN
NordVPN offers consistently fast and stable speeds, both on nearby and distant servers. You also get the proprietary NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard and optimized for speed. However, PIA isn’t a bad choice either. You can still get decent speeds with PIA, but you’ll have to spend more time optimizing.
In terms of speed and performance, our recommendation is to get NordVPN. It's a frontrunner among the fastest VPNs on the market.
Customer Support
Good customer support is vital for a VPN service. In this section, we'll examine the quality of support NordVPN and PIA offer. From live chat and email support to installation guides and FAQs, we'll analyze the resources these VPNs provide to ensure you get the help you need.
NordVPN - (Score 10/10)
NordVPN offers customer support via 24/7 live chat, email, and a comprehensive knowledge base. Its live chat support is fast and helpful, with knowledgeable representatives available to answer your questions, even during peak hours. The email support is equally impressive, with prompt and detailed responses to queries.
NordVPN’s knowledge base includes detailed installation guides for all major platforms, FAQs, troubleshooting articles, and more. Additionally, NordVPN’s blog is updated regularly, providing useful articles and guides on online security, privacy, and the VPN itself.
Private Internet Access - (Score 10/10)
PIA offers much of the same resources as NordVPN in terms of customer support. You also get 24/7 live chat and email support, but their knowledge base isn't as extensive as NordVPN’s. However, its live chat support connects you with knowledgeable representatives a touch faster than NordVPN can.
PIA's installation guides and FAQs are also comprehensive and provide extensive information about the VPN. And just like NordVPN, PIA also has an active blog that covers a wide range of topics, including online security, privacy, and industry news.
You can also follow their social media channels (including Facebook and X) along with their YouTube channel and Subreddit community, to stay up-to-date on the latest news and announcements.
Who's the Winner? - It's a Tie!
Both NordVPN and PIA offer reliable and responsive support. You get 24/7 live chat and email support, as well as in-depth guides, FAQs, and more. Both of these VPNs maintain active blogs where they share online security and privacy news, tips, and updates about their tech.
So, if you get NordVPN, there's no shortage of support options. Similarly, you get plenty of helpful resources if you decide to get Private Internet Access.
Pricing
Both NordVPN and PIA offer affordable pricing plans with steeper discounts for longer subscriptions. Let’s see how the two VPNs compare in terms of their price and value.
NordVPN - (Score 9/10)
NordVPN offers three tiers to fit your needs, with the Basic plan being the most popular choice. At only $3.09 per month (billed every two years), it's the most cost-effective option, giving you comprehensive VPN protection and the ability to connect up to 10 devices at once. Plus, you get an extra 3 months of service for free.
If you want more features and add-ons, consider the Plus and Ultimate plans, starting at $3.99 and $5.99 per month, respectively. These plans include everything in the Basic plan, along with malware protection, anti-tracking, ad-blocking, and perks like 1 TB cloud storage and cyber protection.
Although NordVPN doesn't offer a free tier, you have two ways to try it risk-free. First, all subscriptions come with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This lets you test the full service for a month, with the option for a full refund if you're not satisfied.
Even better, if you're an Android user, you can take advantage of the 7-day NordVPN free trial. Simply download the NordVPN app from the Google Play Store and sign up. Just remember to cancel the trial before the 7 days are up to avoid being charged.
Private Internet Access - (Score 9/10)
PIA offers three pricing plans, and they each come with the same features. The monthly plan costs $11.99, while the 6-month plan is priced at $7.50 per month. You can’t get an annual plan right now, but PIA does offer a 2-year term that's more affordable than NordVPN’s. This plan costs $2.09 per month and even includes 4 free months.
Like NordVPN, PIA doesn't offer a free version, but all its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out hassle-free. Additionally, you'll be happy to know that PIA also offers a free trial for 7 days on Android and iOS apps.
Who's the Winner? - It's a Tie!
In terms of their pricing, both NordVPN and PIA offer diverse plans, with discounts available for longer commitments. However, PIA’s 2-year plan is significantly cheaper than NordVPN’s.
That said, get NordVPN on a long-term plan to unlock perks like cloud storage and cyber protection benefits. Alternatively, get Private Internet Access to extend the service for 4 months with the long-term option.
PIA vs NordVPN - Which One Is Better?
Both NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are strong contenders, offering reliable service and robust security features. However, NordVPN takes the lead in several crucial areas, making it the winner in this matchup.
To understand why, let's dive into a side-by-side comparison of their performance across key categories based on our individual reviews.
NordVPN stands out with its sleek user interface and top-notch features, including blazing-fast speeds. It also goes beyond the basics, offering unique options like Threat Protection, Meshnet, and Onion over VPN for the ultimate security enthusiast.
While Private Internet Access might have a slight edge in affordability with long-term plans, NordVPN pulls ahead in certain aspects. It consistently provides unmatched speed, powerful media streaming capabilities, and exceptional unblocking power.
No matter your technical background, NordVPN empowers you with comprehensive security solutions. So, take control of your online experience and sign up for NordVPN today!
This concludes our NordVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison. We hope this information helps you choose the best VPN for your needs. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions! Thanks for reading!