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 has been a top pick for many years due to its security features, fast connection speeds, and user-friendly interface. Private Internet Access, on the other hand, has gained a reputation for its affordable pricing, extensive server network, and robust privacy policy. 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 will 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. Whether you’re looking to access geo-restricted content, keep your Web activity private, or simply browse the Web safely and securely, you’ll find all the information you need to make an educated decision.
Without further ado, let's dive into our NordVPN vs PIA comparison and find out which VPN comes out on top.
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 that is based outside the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance and has no history of privacy incidents. Let’s see how NordVPN and PIA compare in that aspect.
NordVPN (Score - 8.5/10)
NordVPN is based in Panama, a country known for its privacy laws. As a result, it is not subject to the same data retention regulations that apply in countries like the US and the UK.
NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy and has undergone independent audits to verify its commitment to your privacy. On top of that, NordVPN uses RAM-only servers, which erase your data on every reboot for further privacy.
It’s worth mentioning that NordVPN was hacked back in 2018 after a malicious actor compromised a third-party data center. However, this was an isolated incident that didn’t expose any personal data. While this raised concerns about NordVPN's security practices, the company moved towards colocated servers to prevent any future unauthorized access.
PIA (Score - 8/10)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is based in the US, a founding member of the 5-Eyes Alliance. This means that PIA is subject to data retention laws and may be required to hand your data over to the government upon request.
However, PIA has a strict no-logs policy, and it has a strong reputation for protecting users' privacy. Its no-logs policy has been put to the test twice in a federal court, but PIA’s “no-logging” claims were proven true on both occasions.
PIA has been in the VPN industry for over a decade and has earned a reputation for being a reliable and affordable VPN. While their US jurisdiction might understandably concern you, their commitment to privacy and security has never been called into question.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN!
When it comes to background, jurisdiction, and 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 that prioritizes security and 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, iOS, and Android. In addition to the apps, it also offers 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 Roku. 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 6 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.
PIA (Score - 10/10)
PIA supports a wide range of platforms and devices. You can use it on Windows, macOS, Linux, 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 and Android TVs. You also get support for a wide range of routers and useful 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? - PIA
In terms of supported devices, both NordVPN and PIA offer excellent coverage across all major platforms. However, PIA’s unlimited simultaneous connections give it an edge over NordVPN.
Therefore, you should get PIA if you want maximum 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 an account 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 the 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.
PIA (Score - 10/10)
Just like its competitor, 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, you simply follow the installation wizard to finish setting it up.
Like NordVPN, PIA offers user-friendly setup tutorials that make 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 installation process.
So, if you get NordVPN, you can install it on your device and instantly connect to a server to secure your connection. Similarly, you can complete your installation within minutes when you get PIA, 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 will take a closer look at these and see how the two VPN providers compare against each other.
NordVPN (Score - 9/10)
NordVPN offers all the basic and advanced features you expect from a top VPN. It comes with a kill switch (on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS), although you will have to turn it on manually. The Windows and macOS apps even let you specify which apps you want the kill switch to block.
It also provides top-notch data leak protection, ensuring your IP address and other sensitive information are never exposed. You get split tunneling (on Android and Windows), and NordVPN offers dedicated/static IP addresses, which can be accessed for an additional fee.
Plus, each NordVPN subscription comes with the Threat Protection feature (formerly known as CyberSec), which keeps you safe from Web trackers, malicious ads, and malware. Threat Protection is currently available on Windows and macOS.
Finally, like most premium providers, NordVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and no data caps. This is a great advantage if you need to transfer large files or stream high-quality videos.
PIA (Score - 9/10)
Private Internet Access offers many of the same features as NordVPN. It includes leak protection and an automatic kill switch that ensures your Internet traffic is always secure.
In response to NordVPN’s Threat Protection, PIA offers the MACE (Malware, Adware, Tracker, and Cookie Blocker) feature. This feature blocks ads, malware, and other threats before they can reach your device.
Like NordVPN, PIA also offers split tunneling that enables you to select which traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which does not. In addition to optimizing speed, this can also help you manage your bandwidth usage more efficiently.
PIA also has a dedicated/static IP feature. However, this dedicated IP feature isn’t as flexible as NordVPN’s, which offers static IPs in more countries. In terms of bandwidth, PIA does not cap data usage.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN
Both NordVPN and PIA offer great features if you’re looking for privacy, security, and unlimited bandwidth. However, NordVPN takes the lead here, thanks to its flexible, dedicated IP address options and more comprehensive protection against ads, malware, and trackers.
Therefore, you should get NordVPN if you want absolute protection and access to dedicated IPs in multiple locations.
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 - 9/10)
NordVPN boasts an extensive server network, which includes over 5,500 servers in 60 countries. Having so many servers means you don’t have to worry about overcrowding slowing down your Internet connection.
Additionally, NordVPN’s infrastructure includes specialty servers optimized for specific purposes, such as P2P file sharing, double VPN connections, and obfuscation. You can find these servers on the main screen of the app, where you select your desired location.
NordVPN's servers are owned and managed by the company itself, which ensures greater control over the network's security and performance. The VPN service also uses RAM-based servers that don't store any data on their hard drives, ensuring maximum security and privacy.
PIA (Score - 9/10)
Private Internet Access doesn’t mention the exact number of servers it operates, but it’s presumed to be in the thousands. Some sources estimate it maintains over 30,000 servers, making it one of the largest VPN providers in terms of server count. These servers are spread across 84 countries, offering greater geographic diversity than NordVPN.
Similar to NordVPN, PIA operates colocated servers that are entirely managed by their team of specialists. It also uses RAM-only servers, showing its commitment to online privacy and data protection.
Who's the Winner? - It's a Tie!
Regarding network size, PIA offers over four times as many servers as NordVPN. However, most of these servers are virtual, which are just software representations of the physical servers. In contrast, NordVPN mostly operates physical servers that are owned, maintained, and managed by its team.
That said, we recommend you get NordVPN if you are searching for a reliable service for a specific use case. Alternatively, you can get PIA if you want a higher number of servers and a greater geographic spread at an affordable price.
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 over 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 - 9/10)
NordVPN offers a clean and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for you to navigate the app. The main dashboard displays a world map with pins indicating the location of each server. You can easily select a server by clicking on the pin or choosing from the server list. The app also allows you to search for specific servers and save them as favorites for quick access in the future.
The main screen includes specialty servers for obfuscation, P2P, double VPN, Onion over VPN, and more. You can also access advanced features like Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitor from the main screen.
The settings menu is well-organized and provides various customization options, including protocol selection, a toggle for the kill switch, and split tunneling. You can connect manually each time you open the NordVPN app or use the auto-connect feature in the settings menu to connect automatically to the last used server upon launching the app.
PIA (Score - 9/10)
PIA's client is straightforward and easy to use, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. The main screen displays a big “connect” button, a list of available and favorite locations, as well as relevant information about the servers. You can search for servers by country or region using the search bar or list them by various criteria, such as latency or alphabetical order.
The PIA app 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, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize functionality over form.
Who's the Winner? - It's a Tie!
Choosing a winner in this category is a tough call since both NordVPN and PIA offer user-friendly clients with different design philosophies. NordVPN's modern and visually appealing client offers more customization options, whereas PIA's straightforward app offers simplicity and functionality.
Our recommendation is to get PIA if you want a simple interface with lots of customization options. Or, you can get NordVPN if you want a more advanced UI/UX design that lets you initialize a connection in more than one way.
Media Streaming, Torrenting & Gaming Support
Streaming, torrenting, and gaming are some of the most popular uses for VPNs. Ideally, VPNs need to have the capability to support high-speed, secure connections to avoid any buffering, lag, or geo-blocking issues. Let's take a closer look at how NordVPN and PIA perform in these areas.
NordVPN (Score - 9/10)
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, Amazon 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 and 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 latency and good speeds, 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.
PIA (Score - 8.5/10)
PIA is a solid option for accessing streaming services. During our tests, we were able to watch Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. However, it’s crucial to note that many PIA servers get blocked by these platforms. This can be very frustrating because you have to manually try several servers to find one that works.
In terms of torrenting, PIA offers great support thanks to its P2P-optimized servers. These are located worldwide and give you strong speeds and increased security while file sharing.
PIA also offers high-speed servers, port-forwarding, and advanced security features, making it a good option for gaming. The port-forwarding feature can help you get a low-latency connection, which reduces lag.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN
NordVPN and PIA are both strong contenders in this category, but NordVPN edges out PIA with its excellent streaming capabilities and overall superior gaming experience. It also lets you access all the major streaming services without any customization or fine-tuning on your end.
Therefore, 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 they are. Thankfully, both NordVPN and PIA offer plenty of features to keep your data safe.
NordVPN (Score - 9/10)
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.
The service also offers specialty servers that can reliably bypass VPN blocks, firewalls, and censorship. Plus, NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy means that it doesn’t track or store your identifiable data. On top of that, it’s headquartered in Panama, which is not a part of any intelligence-sharing alliance and has no data retention regulations.
We conducted several leak tests with NordVPN but couldn’t detect any IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. These tests confirmed that NordVPN’s tunnels are strong, and you don’t have to worry about data leaks.
Additionally, NordVPN has introduced RAM-only servers, further ensuring its data privacy and security. The service has also undergone several independent security audits, which have confirmed it sticks to its privacy claims and high-security standards.
PIA (Score - 9/10)
Private Internet Access offers a robust set of security and privacy features that are on par with NordVPN’s. It uses the industry standard AES 256-bit encryption level 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 independent security audits to verify its zero-logging claims. Like NordVPN, it also uses RAM-only server architecture, which never stores any permanent data.
You also get the usual kill switch, which blocks all internet traffic in case the VPN connection drops. PIA also includes advanced privacy features like an ad-blocker, malware blocker, and tracker blocker, providing extra protection against online threats.
Who's the Winner? - It's a Tie!
Both NordVPN and PIA offer a wide range of security and privacy features, so it’s hard to pick one over the other. Each one offers leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and utilizes RAM-only servers to maximize data privacy and security. Therefore, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
However, if you want your VPN based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, you should get NordVPN, as it is headquartered in Panama. But, if you want many of the same security features at a more affordable price, our recommendation is to get PIA.
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 - 10/10)
Based on our hands-on tests, NordVPN slowed us down by 12% 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 too 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.
PIA (Score - 9/10)
In our tests, PIA provided fast speeds and reliable connections, but it was less consistent than NordVPN. It made our internet connection slower by 19% on average.
These speeds are still more than enough for most activities, though, including streaming and torrenting.
While you won’t have any problem streaming HD or 4K content, you’ll occasionally face performance issues if you have slow base speeds.
Who's the Winner? - NordVPN
In terms of speed and performance, our recommendation is to get NordVPN. It 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.
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 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and a comprehensive knowledge base. The 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.
PIA (Score - 10/10)
PIA offers much of the same resources as NordVPN in terms of customer support. You 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. Like NordVPN, PIA also has an active blog that covers a wide range of topics, including online security, privacy, and industry news. We recommend checking it out from time to time.
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, you’ll have no shortage of support options. Similarly, you get plenty of resources, including installation guides, FAQs, and more, if you decide to get PIA.
Pricing
Both NordVPN and PIA offer affordable pricing plans with discounts available for longer commitments. Let’s see how the two VPNs compare in terms of their price and value.
NordVPN (Score - 9/10)
NordVPN offers three different pricing plans, which all give you the same basic features, along with the option to upgrade for premium add-ons.
The monthly plan goes up to $14.49 if you want 1 TB of cloud storage and file encryption (additional, non-VPN services). The standard one-year plan is $68.85 for the first year but increases to $99.00 during additional years.
The 2-year is the most popular and the most cost-effective plan. All NordVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can easily try the service risk-free.
NordVPN also allows anonymous payments via cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as traditional methods like credit cards and PayPal. Crypto payments add an extra layer of anonymity and privacy because you don’t have to enter your payment information.
PIA (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 is more affordable than NordVPN’s. This plan costs $2.19 per month and even includes 2 free months.
Like NordVPN, all PIA plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out hassle-free. This VPN also supports multiple payment options, including credit cards, third-party gift cards, PayPal, and various cryptocurrencies.
PIA also offers antivirus software as a premium add-on for extra security.
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, you can choose additional add-ons like cloud storage if you get NordVPN. Alternatively, if you get PIA, you’ll gain access to all its features, along with a free email breach monitor.
PIA vs NordVPN - Which One Is Better?
While both offer reliable service and good security features, NordVPN edges out PIA in several key areas. To see why, let’s compare their individual scores across different areas based on our reviews of NordVPN and PIA.
NordVPN combines a sleek user interface with top-notch features that make it one of the safest and most privacy-friendly VPNs available. It also gives you several unique options, including double VPN, obfuscated servers, and Onion over VPN. And even though PIA’s long-term plans are more affordable, it doesn’t offer the same level of consistently fast speeds, powerful media streaming, and unblocking capabilities.
Whether you are a VPN beginner or an advanced user, NordVPN offers plenty of features to meet your needs. Hence, we recommend NordVPN.
That concludes our NordVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison. Please share any questions or thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!