NordVPN vs Private Internet Access 2024: Plans, Benifits, Features, Pricing And More Datels

NordVPN vs Private Internet Access If you are someone who values online privacy, a virtual private network (VPN) can be the solution you’re seeking. It can also be beneficial for small businesses that want to protect their work documents or for frequent travelers who connect to public Wi-Fi networks. NordVPN and Private Internet Access are two very popular VPNs that offer users fast encrypted internet access and online security. In this comparison, we will evaluate these companies based on factors such as price, servers, device compatibility, and customer service.

Continue reading to discover which VPN is the most suitable option for you. NordVPN Vs. Private Internet Access NordVPN is more expensive compared to Private Internet Access. In terms of similarities, both companies provide round-the-clock customer service, utilize the same encryption method (AES with 256-bit keys), and are compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux. Additionally, NordVPN is also compatible with Android TV.

NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access

NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are both VPNs that offer advanced protection features and have large server networks. They also provide a variety of tunneling protocols and are compatible with numerous streaming sites. After conducting our tests, it is evident that NordVPN has a slight advantage over PIA.

Although Private Internet Access does offer more affordable subscription plans, NordVPN offers better value for money due to its strong security package, high-speed performance, and overall superior features. In this comparison between PIA and NordVPN, we will guide you through various aspects such as security, speed, streaming capabilities, torrenting support, and other categories in order to assist you in making the best choice for your needs.

NordVPN vs. PIA Reputable Providers

NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are both ranked among our top 10 VPNs. Although they are both reputable providers, they differ slightly in terms of pricing and features. PIA offers a lower annual price, while both companies offer monthly and yearly payment options. Additionally, PIA provides a significant discount for their three-year plan, while NordVPN offers a similar discount for their two-year plan.

PIA vs NordVPN Key Data

NordVPN is a far better choice than PIA due to its streaming capabilities and excellent performance. It offers an ultra-fast proprietary NordLynx protocol and unblocks virtually any platform we’ve tested. PIA, on the other hand, has a much bigger server fleet and more simultaneous connections (10 compared to NordVPN’s 6).

Both providers offer similar apps and are easy to use. PIA is priced at $2.11/month, making it cheaper than NordVPN, which starts at $2.99/month. This price difference may be appealing to individuals looking for a budget-friendly premium VPN option. On the other hand, NordVPN provides better value for money with its incredibly fast speeds, a range of helpful security features, and impressive ability to unblock restricted content and streaming platforms. Ultimately, due to its extensive list of features, NordVPN emerges as the winner.

PIA vs NordVPN Connections & Support

	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
⭐ Rating:	4.9★★★★★	3.9★★★★☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#1 out of #42	#14 out of #42
🖥️ Servers:	5,800+ servers in 60 countries	30,000+ servers in 84 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	No logs
💵 Pricing:	From $2.99/month	From $2.11/month
🔥 Coupons:	NordVPN coupon 69% OFF	PIA coupon 82% OFF
🔒 VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard (NordLynx)	Wireguard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, YouTube, Hulu
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, Opera
📥 Simultaneous connections:	6	Unlimited
💁🏻 Support:	Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat	Knowledge base, tickets, live chat

Streaming Performance On Netflix And More

When it comes to unlocking streaming services, NordVPN outperforms PIA. For example, NordVPN effortlessly accessed multiple libraries on Netflix, including the US and UK. On the other hand, PIA had a harder time accessing these libraries. While US Netflix worked on PIA, it was slow and had poor video quality. PIA did manage to unlock Hulu though. After downloading PIA, we were able to easily access the platform using any US server. Additionally, unlocking YouTube with PIA was more challenging but still possible. However, PIA’s luck ran out after that. We couldn’t access BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney Plus, or Amazon Prime Video with PIA. In contrast, NordVPN had few to no issues bypassing restrictions on any of these sites.

 

NordVPN And Private Internet Access Plateform Wise Available Streaming

Platform	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
Netflix	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Amazon Prime Video	✅ Yes	❌ No
YouTube	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Hulu	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
HBO Max	✅ Yes	❌ No
Disney+	✅ Yes	❌ No
BBC iPlayer	✅ Yes	❌ No

How NordVPN and Private Internet Access Compatibility Stack Up

NordVPN VS PIA Better Comparison

NordVPN outperforms PIA when it comes to accessing various Netflix libraries. Our tests revealed that although PIA was able to unblock Netflix US, there were several streaming issues such as laggy video quality and lack of full HD resolution, which were not present with NordVPN. Moreover, PIA failed to unblock BBC iPlayer, whereas NordVPN effortlessly achieved this.

NordVPN, being the top-rated VPN for Netflix, had no problems with accessing the streaming platform. It successfully unblocked not only the US library but also libraries in other countries such as the UK, Japan, and France. The streaming quality remained consistently high without any issues of lagging or buffering.

Plans and Pricing

Private Internet Access VPN is relatively cheaper than NordVPN. Of course, the longer you subscribe, the better the savings will be. So the final price difference isn’t that big.

It is clear that the monthly pricing plans offered by both providers are not cost-effective. If you are looking to use a VPN for just one month, it is advisable to opt for a long-term plan instead. By doing so, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee before the initial month comes to an end.

The pricing for yearly subscriptions is significantly more advantageous. NordVPN offers a 2-year subscription at a rate of $2.99 per month, and PIA also provides a 2-year subscription at a rate of $2.11 per month.

Both providers offer various payment options including credit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and several cryptocurrency options. However, NordVPN goes a step further by accepting Sofort, prepaid cards, Apple Pay, and Google Play as well. Despite this advantage, it is still not enough to surpass PIA in terms of affordability.

Subscriptions Duration Wise Price

Plan	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
Monthly	$12.99	$11.99
Six months	–	$7.50/month
One year	$4.49/month	–
Two years	$2.99/month	$2.11/month

NordVPN vs. PIA: which is more secure?

Both NordVPN and PIA are reputable VPN services that employ robust AES encryption. NordVPN utilizes the AES-256-CBC cipher in conjunction with the SHA-512 hash function. PIA offers a wider selection, allowing users to switch between the default AES-128-CBC with SHA-1 configuration and the stronger AES-256-CBC with SHA-256 option. It is advisable to avoid using PIA’s default setting. Although AES-128-CBC is still considered a secure cipher against attackers, the use of SHA-1 as a hash function is not optimal. SHA-1 has been around for 26 years and has been prohibited by federal agencies for use with classified documents since 2010. If you are utilizing Private Internet Access, it is recommended to stick with the stronger configuration that employs AES-256-CBC with SHA-256.

Configurations

	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
Encryption	AES-256 or ChaCha20Poly1305	AES-128 or AES-256
Hash	SHA-512	SHA1 and SHA2
RAM servers	Yes	Yes
Member of the Five Eyes Alliance?	No	Yes
No-logs policy	Audited	Audited and court-proven

Infrastructure

The cryptographic functions performed by the hardware components used for your connection are equally important. This is why it is crucial for the server network to have a strong foundation. Both Private Internet Access and NordVPN have made the necessary efforts to convert all of their servers to operate on RAM-only. These servers utilize virtual hard drives instead of physical ones to store user data. It is a requirement for the servers to generate logs as part of their design. However, these logs are erased with each reboot.

Privacy

Panama, where NordVPN is located, is considered a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and is not part of the global surveillance alliance. This is advantageous because it means that Panama cannot be influenced or pressured by external forces. In order to obtain someone’s data, a warrant issued by the Panamanian courts would always be required. In contrast, if the government wanted access to Private Internet Access (PIA), they would not face these same obstacles. PIA is based in the United States, placing the service provider within the Five Eyes network. Furthermore, there are domestic laws such as the reauthorized Patriot Act that are fully applicable and pose a threat to your privacy. However, PIA addresses these risks by utilizing RAM-only servers and having an audited no-logs policy.

Logging

PIA, despite facing numerous challenges, emphasizes in its privacy policy that it does not collect any activity logs. This assertion has been substantiated in court on multiple occasions when authorities have requested data from PIA. Furthermore, Deloitte auditing firm has conducted an audit of the service’s no-logging policy to validate its claims.

Service Improving With Data Collection

In comparison, NordVPN’s privacy policy is more transparent. They assert that they do not log any user data and even offer the option to opt out of data collection for improving their services. Therefore, should the government request information, NordVPN would have no data to provide. This is particularly reassuring as it aligns with their RAM-only hardware claims. Moreover, an independent audit conducted by PwC has confirmed this stance.

NordVPN vs PIA: Speed & Blazing Fast Performance

The speed of your VPN will depend on the speed of your original internet connection. Therefore, if your initial internet connection is slow, you should not expect the VPN to provide blazing-fast performance. This is because your data is encrypted and takes a detour through a VPN server before reaching your device. As a result, your device may experience a slight slowdown, although it should not be noticeable. Both NordVPN and PIA utilize WireGuard, which is currently considered one of the fastest tunneling protocols available. However, Nord Security’s product uses a modified version called NordLynx, which offers even better performance. To obtain some concrete numbers, we conducted speed tests comparing PIA and NordVPN and calculated the average results from various locations. Baseline speed test results show a download speed of 452Mbps and an upload speed of 461Mbps.

Upload & Download Speeds

NordVPN (NordLynx)	Private Internet Access (WireGuard)
Arg. Download speed	315 Mbps	293.5 Mbps
Arg. Upload speed	278.6 Mbps	266 Mbps

Protocol Demonstrate

NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol demonstrated higher average download and upload speeds compared to PIA’s WireGuard protocol. NordVPN’s custom protocol maintained 70% of the initial download speed and 65% of the upload speed. In contrast, PIA’s WireGuard protocol retained 65% and 59% of the download and upload speeds respectively. Although both providers offer stable and fast connections, NordVPN remains the faster choice.

Hotspot Shield VPN

Helpful Features

	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
Split tunneling	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Smart DNS	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
RAM-only servers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Meshnet	✅ Yes	❌ No
Traffic obfuscation	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Specialty servers	✅ Yes	❌ No
Web filters	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Split tunneling

Both services offer the split tunneling feature, and it is implemented in a similar manner. You have the option to use the VPN with specific apps or exclude those that require a direct connection. As a result, you have complete flexibility to personalize your connection according to your preferences.

Bypass VPN Function

In our testing, we discovered that in the case of PIA, the Bypass VPN option did not consistently function as intended. Conversely, NordVPN had no difficulties with this feature when it came to websites and applications. PIA’s split tunneling feature on mobile is a more streamlined version of its desktop counterpart. This means that you can utilize split tunneling for particular applications but not for websites. Similarly, NordVPN also adopts this approach by allowing users to exclude specific apps.

Server locations

	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
Servers	5,800+	30,000+
Countries (total)	60	84
Virtual locations	Yes	Yes
Specialty servers	Yes	No

Clearly, Private Internet Access has a significantly higher number of servers compared to NordVPN, with 30,000+ and 5,800+ respectively. Furthermore, both providers have made substantial efforts to enhance the security of their infrastructure. By utilizing RAM-only servers, all user data is wiped clean after each reboot, ensuring that no unauthorized access can occur. Additionally, it should be mentioned that NordVPN offers a range of specialized servers such as Tor over VPN for enhanced security and P2P servers specifically designed for torrenting.

Torrenting

Both NordVPN and PIA support peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, which means you can download torrent files using either provider. However, there is a distinction between the two when it comes to their servers. PIA does not have separate servers for P2P and non-P2P activities, so it doesn’t matter which server you connect to. On the other hand, NordVPN does offer specialized servers specifically for torrenting. While technically you can use any server for this purpose, if P2P traffic is detected while connected to NordVPN, you will be automatically redirected to a P2P server.

Complimentary SOCKS5 Proxies

In addition, both providers offer complimentary SOCKS5 proxies. While this is a less secure choice, it significantly improves speed when necessary. It can be customized on torrent clients to direct your downloads through an intermediate server. However, unlike the VPN app, it does not encrypt your connection. Furthermore, as previously stated, PIA provides port forwarding, which is beneficial if you are behind a firewall. This frequently leads to problems with seeding torrents, which is crucial if you need to maintain a specific download/upload ratio.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Other software and devices	Kodi, Android TVs, Fire devices	Android TVs, Fire devices
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera
Simultaneous connections	6	Unlimited
Usability level	Easy to use	Easy to use

Easy Experience

No matter which device you depend on to complete your daily tasks, NordVPN and PIA are likely to offer applications for all of them. Both providers are compatible with different operating systems (OS), browsers, and other software. Additionally, NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections, while PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can connect all of your devices to just one account. When it comes to applications, both providers guarantee a seamless and easy experience, catering even to individuals who have never used a VPN before.

Customer support

Both NordVPN and Private Internet Access provide excellent customer support options. If you require human assistance, you can reach out to either provider via email or a 24/7 live chat. Additionally, both services offer tutorials and FAQs for those who prefer to troubleshoot issues on their own. However, our experience with NordVPN’s customer support was more pleasant. We contacted their team for assistance with unblocking the geo-restricted Netflix UK library after installing NordVPN. The agents were courteous and efficiently resolved any minor issues that arose while using the app. On the other hand, when we asked PIA’s customer support how to fix the WireGuard connection issue, their agent suggested reinstalling the app in Safe Mode with Networking. Unfortunately, this solution caused problems with my network card and did not resolve the issue.

Supporting Options

	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
24/7 live chat	✅	✅
Email	✅	✅
Phone line	❌	❌
Guides or articles	✅	✅
FAQs	✅	✅

What is the difference between NordVPN vs Private Internet Access?

Private Internet Access and NordVPN both offer extensive server fleets, policies that are friendly towards torrenting, and user-friendly interfaces. However, when it comes to the value provided by their features, NordVPN stands out. The primary distinction between NordVPN and Private Internet Access is that NordVPN offers better value for money, faster speeds than PIA, and a wider range of security features. Additionally, NordVPN surpasses Private Internet Access in its ability to unblock restricted content on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Max, and more.

Another differentiation lies in their base countries. NordVPN is based in Panama, which is known for its privacy-friendly jurisdiction. On the other hand, Private Internet Access is based in the USA, which belongs to intelligence alliances such as 5-Eye, 9-Eye, and 14-Eyes. This raises concerns regarding the privacy of PIA’s users. Overall, the main difference between PIA and NordVPN is that NordVPN emerges as the superior choice due to its excellent value for money, blazing-fast speeds, and top-notch privacy and security measures.

NordVPN Review

Which is better: NordVPN or Private Internet Access?

While both VPN services, NordVPN and Private Internet Access, are secure, NordVPN surpasses Private Internet Access in several aspects such as speeds, features, protection, and streaming capabilities. NordVPN delivers significantly faster speeds, especially with its NordLynx feature, and has the ability to unblock a wider range of streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and Disney+. Additionally, NordVPN utilizes specialized servers and is based in a more privacy-friendly location (Panama) compared to Private Internet Access which is based in the United States. On the other hand, Private Internet Access boasts a larger server fleet with over 30,000 servers compared to NordVPN’s 5,800 servers. It also offers features like port forwarding. However, even with its overall lower price point, Private Internet Access fails to match the price-to-value ratio offered by NordVPN.

Category Wise Benifits

Category	NordVPN	PIA
Speed	✅	❌
Features	✅	❌
Protection	✅	❌
Streaming	✅	❌
Torrenting	✅	✅
Server locations	✅	✅
Price	❌	✅
Ease of use	✅	✅
Customer support	✅	❌

Frequently Asked Questions

How secure are VPNs?

NordVPN and Private Internet Access both offer top-notch AES 256-bit encryption, which is widely used by governments and armed forces globally to safeguard confidential data. Additionally, both VPNs come with a kill switch feature that automatically severs your internet connection when your device isn’t connected to the VPN. While Private Internet Access boasts an integrated ad-blocker known as PIA MACE, which prevents malicious ads, scripts, and trackers from loading, NordVPN provides NordLayer, a service dedicated to preserving online privacy for companies and businesses.

Are there any VPNs that are less expensive than NordVPN and Private Internet Access?

While Hotspot Shield is one example of a free VPN, we suggest opting for a paid solution due to the lower security and abundance of advertisements that come with free VPNs. However, if budget constraints are a concern, there are numerous affordable VPN options available.

How do I connect to a VPN?

The method of connecting to a VPN differs based on the device and operating system you are using. In general, you will be required to download the app or software provided by the VPN, input your username and password, and choose a server. For more in-depth guidance, please refer to the VPN’s website or get in touch with their customer service team.

Is Private Internet Access better than NordVPN?

NordVPN wins in speed tests with an average download speed of 235 and an average upload speed of 186. In comparison, Private Internet Access had an average download speed of 124 and an average upload speed of 154. In either case, you’ll be able to perform multiple online activities simultaneously.

Is NordVPN faster than PIA?

Indeed, NordVPN provides superior download speeds when utilizing NordLynx and OpenVPN UDP protocols. Particularly, the speeds achieved with NordLynx are highly impressive, allowing users to retain approximately 80% of their original speed on average.

Is PIA still a good VPN?

Is PIA secure? PIA is a secure VPN provider, however, it wouldn’t top our most secure VPNs list. This VPN has customizable encryption levels and works on RAM-only servers, but is based in a privacy-unfriendly jurisdiction.

Based on Reddit, who wins NordVPN vs PIA comparison?

NordVPN: Uses a modified version of WireGuard called NordLynx, which showed faster download and upload speed averages than PIA’s WireGuard protocol. PIA: Uses WireGuard protocol, which is fast but slightly slower than NordVPN’s NordLynx. Winner: NordVPN, for its superior speed performance.

Is NordVPN better than PIA?

Yes, according to our internal testing, NordVPN is superior to PIA as a VPN. NordVPN provides significantly faster connection speeds, resulting in an enhanced browsing experience and the ability to effortlessly access various streaming websites. Furthermore, NordVPN offers a comprehensive and robust security features package that guarantees the safeguarding of your data and device.

How do PIA and NordVPN compare with ExpressVPN?

All three of these providers are top-tier VPNs; however, NordVPN stands out as the superior choice. PIA, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN all provide exceptional security features, reliable torrenting options, and the ability to unblock various streaming sites. When comparing NordVPN and ExpressVPN in terms of value for money, they have similar speed results and streaming capabilities. Nevertheless, NordVPN remains the best choice overall.

NordVPN is the only VPN more secure than ExpressVPN, due to its comprehensive cybersecurity suite. The most secure settings aren’t selected by default in PIA, though, so we recommend changing them to OpenVPN UDP, AES-256-GCM, and RSA-2048 in the encryption settings menu. The PIA encryption settings menu.

Bottom Line

If you are searching for a fast-speed VPN for everyday use, Private Internet Access is an excellent option. It has been ranked as the top virtual private network on our list of the 10 best VPNs in 2024. In contrast, NordVPN’s NordLayer service is ideal for ensuring the privacy of large teams. Considering that PIA does not go through third-party reviews, it would be wise to choose NordVPN instead if privacy is your primary concern when selecting a VPN.