NordVPN vs PIA (Private Internet Access) in 2023

Ethan Payne
Ethan Payne | Writer
Last updated: October 2, 2023
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Which VPN (Virtual Private Network) service is better, NordVPN or Private Internet Access? Both providers are top-rated, have many security features, and grant excellent connectivity. Regarding overall quality, though, NordVPN vs Private Internet Access has one clear winner. Read my PIA and NordVPN comparison to learn which one and why!

I will evaluate security, privacy, speed, price, and other critical criteria to determine which service is worth your money. Don’t have time to read the whole comparison? No problem; check out this side-by-side overview of NordVPN and Private Internet Access to see in which areas one has the edge over another.

NordVPN vs PIA comparison highlights

⭐Our rating9.6 ⭐8.1 ⭐
💸Current offerGet NordVPN 68% OFF!Get PIA 83% OFF!
💰Price starts from$3.49/month$2.03/month
💳Money-back guarantee30 days30 days
📖No-logs policyIndependently-auditedCourt-proven
🎮Simultaneous connections6Unlimited
🌐Servers5800+ servers in 60+ countriesServers in 84+ countries
🔒VPN protocolsNordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
🍿StreamingNetflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and moreNetflix, Hulu
🖥️PlatformsAll major OS, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Kodi, routers, firewall, NAS, RokuAll major OS, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, routers, Smart TV, browsers

As you can see, the only section where PIA wins over NordVPN is price, although that’s not surprising considering the difference in overall quality. NordVPN sits at the top in every essential category, though Private Internet Access is no slouch either. If you want the short answer, NordVPN is the more comprehensive VPN service.

Why choose NordVPN?

NordVPN has some exceptional features that make it a worthwhile investment.

  • Industry-leading performance. The service’s connection speeds are unbeatable, thanks to the proprietary NordLynx protocol. Go with NordVPN if unwavering download and upload speeds under all circumstances are a priority.
  • Reliable security and privacy features. NordVPN grants 360-degree digital protection via an audited zero-logs policy, malicious software blocking, and security-focused servers like Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
  • Excellent streaming capabilities. This provider goes the extra mile to ensure effortless access to geo-restricted content on popular streaming services like Netflix. You can expect stellar results on every compatible device.

Why choose Private Internet Access?

Consider PIA if these are the VPN boons you’re seeking.

  • Budget-friendly. Private Internet Access is an affordable VPN provider that appeals to frugal digital security enthusiasts.
  • Unlimited devices. One PIA account supports unlimited device connections, which is infinitely more than the 6 you get with NordVPN.
  • US-centered servers. The service operates from the US, and its server fleet reflects that. You’ll find connection options in all 50 American states.

NordVPN vs PIA – pricing

NordVPNPIA
Free trial7-day trial on the Google Play StoreN/A
One month$12.99/month$11.95/month
One year$4.59/month$3.33/month
Two years$3.49/monthN/A
Three yearsN/A$2.03/month
Money-back guarantee30 days30 days
Payment optionsCredit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, ACH Transfer, cryptocurrencies, UnionPay, cashCredit card, PayPal, cryptocurrencies

Many people consider price as the most important factor when choosing products. Comparing NordVPN vs Private Internet Access in this regard is straightforward because the latter is unequivocally more affordable. However, it’s not so clear cut when we dive deeper into the details.

Firstly, Private Internet Access has lower monthly costs when signing up for the lengthiest three-year plan. Meanwhile, the most extensive NordVPN option is only for two years with higher monthly pricing. However, we can’t overlook that NordVPN provides a 7-day free trial and greater payment option variety.

A common thing between these providers is the 30-day money-back guarantee. The services also have some optional features which cost extra, allowing users to get more than just VPN benefits. We’ll cover these in greater detail separately.

NordVPN pricing

NordVPN offers various subscription options to best fit customer needs. The Standard plan grants the essentials and comes in three pricing forms:

But that would mean missing out on other cybersecurity tools that Nord Security developed. Thankfully, you can acquire them by opting for any of the alternative subscriptions. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the prices and general benefits.

CompletePlusStandard
Monthly plan$15.69/month$14.19/month$12.99/month
1-year plan$7.29/month$5.79/month$4.59/month
2-year plan$5.99/month$4.49/month$3.49/month
BenefitsPlus perks + 1 TB cloud storage, file encryption serviceStandard perks + password manager, data breach scannerVPN service, malware protection, tracker and ad blocker

To be precise, the Plus plan includes the NordPass password manager and all of its features, such as Data Breach Scanner. Meanwhile, the Complete package is topped off with NordLocker, an encrypted cloud storage and file encryption tool. You can also purchase these products separately, but these bundles are much more cost-effective.

Other optional inclusions in your shopping cart include a dedicated IP address that starts at $3.89/month. Country options are the USA, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Canada, Japan, Italy, Sweden, and Australia.

Potential customers can forgo default subscription prices using NordVPN coupon codes. They can yield discounts up to 68%. And if all of this seems like a lot to take in, consider using the 7-day NordVPN trial to get hands-on experience with the provider before committing.

Once you’ve decided, viable payment methods include Credit and debit cards, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, ACH Transfer, cryptocurrencies, UnionPay, and even cash at certain retail stores.

PIA pricing

Private Internet Access offers three subscription options:

The lengthiest deal provides three bonus months of subscription time and an 83% discount. You could try looking for alternative bargains using a PIA coupon code.

Just like NordVPN, Private Internet Access can be packaged with extra tools for digital security. For example, the PIA Antivirus adds $1.49/month to your total subscription price. And if you need a dedicated IP in Australia, Canada, Germany, UK, Singapore, or USA, PIA can fulfill that need for an extra $5.00/month.

NordVPN vs PIA speed and performance

Connection speeds are arguably the most critical aspect of a VPN service. After all, it affects all other use-cases while the virtual private network is enabled.

We developed an in-house tool for tracking the speeds of the most well-known VPN services. It allows us to see the latest performance information in various countries over the past weeks and compare that data. Let’s have a look at NordVPN vs PIA in the last 14 days.

NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: 14-Day Speed Average

More live data from our VPN Speed Test tool
NordVPN Private Internet Access
USA server
Download Speed254 Mbps131 Mbps
Upload Speed236 Mbps195 Mbps
UK server
Download Speed563 Mbps127 Mbps
Upload Speed474 Mbps271 Mbps
Germany server
Download Speed702 Mbps262 Mbps
Upload Speed653 Mbps483 Mbps

Both NordVPN and Private Internet Access are among the fastest VPN services, thanks to the utilization of WireGuard. However, it’s crucial to note that NordVPN uses a proprietary and improved version of the protocol named NordLynx. This is the edge the Panama-based provider uses to consistently take the #1 spot on our VPN speed test and other comparisons.

NordVPN vs PIA: which is more secure?

NordVPNPIA
EncryptionAES-256AES-256
HashSHA-512SHA1 and SHA2
JurisdictionPanamaUSA
LoggingIndependently-audited no-logs policyCourt-proven and independently-audited
Kill switch2 kill switchesYes
Leak protectionDNS, IPv6, WebRTCDNS, IPv6, WebRTC
RAM serversAllAll

Both NordVPN and PIA are well-known for their abundance of security features. As mentioned before, the two utilize the latest tunneling protocols, which are fast and more secure than older alternatives.

Let’s have a look at some common features of the two.

  • AES-256 encryption. This is the encryption gold standard in the VPN industry. It’s virtually uncrackable by modern computers and provides the best balance in terms of security and performance. Ironically, the default PIA setting with the OpenVPN protocol is only 128-bit encryption, a weaker version.
  • VPN kill switch. Both providers grant the essential feature for preventing IP leakage during unexpected VPN connection loss.
  • Split tunneling. Users can customize which apps should go through the VPN tunnel or vice versa. Available on a limited number of platforms.
  • Ad-blocking. NordVPN provides this benefit via Threat Protection, while PIA uses MACE.
  • Double VPN. Some situations require greater encryption than usual. Thankfully, both services have the option to reroute your connection through multiple servers.

These features alone cover a lot of ground in terms of digital protection. But as you’ll notice further, NordVPN provides much more security bang for your buck than PIA.

Privacy

NordVPN and Private Internet Access guarantee privacy on a fundamental level, thanks to the complete utilization of RAM-only servers. In short, this hardware is incapable of storing any information long-term because it forgoes hard drives in favor of RAM modules, which are wiped clean once rebooted or unplugged.

Another worthwhile consideration when picking VPN services is their jurisdiction, i.e. country of origin. This aspect influences what laws the provider must adhere to. For example, NordVPN picked Panama as its legal home base because the region doesn’t have any data retention laws.

On the flip side, PIA hails from America, a founding member of the Five Eyes alliance. This is far from ideal because the country is known for its government collaborating with corporations to collect data about citizens. However, there’s no need to sound the alarm while there’s no substantial evidence of any wrongdoing. Plus, PIA boasts open-source software, meaning anyone can check under the hood for suspicious practices.

Finally, both VPNs support cryptocurrency payments for enhanced privacy. But keep in mind that this option usually doesn’t support refunds.

Logging

“Logging” refers to a VPNs supposed practice of collecting customer activity logs. As you can imagine, many claim to not store anything, but that’s just lip service without third-party verification.

For starters, NordVPN conducted multiple (three at the time of writing) independent audits of its zero-logs policy, the latest being in 2023 by Deloitte. Meanwhile, the previous two were conducted by PwC.

Conversely, PIA’s no-logs claims were tested via conventional audits and real life. Firstly, the independent audit was done by Deloitte in 2022. But before that, the provider was tapped by authorities on two occasions to hand over data about suspects in criminal investigations. Thankfully, PIA had no relevant information to provide, thus proving it doesn’t store activity logs.

Server locations

NordVPNPIA
Servers5800+Unclear
Countries60+84+
All physical serversYesNo
Owns all serversNoNo
RAM-only serversAllYes

Besides tunneling protocols, connection points also play a role in determining upload and download speed. More country variety allows picking an optimal location, while more servers can support a more significant number of simultaneous user connections without risk of overcrowding.

NordVPN operates a fleet of 5800+ servers across 60+ countries. The numbers are impressive, but the underlying technology is even more outstanding. For example, all hardware is physically located in its respective countries. Furthermore, the entire network uses RAM-only mode to prevent excess data storage on hard drives.

While PIA has greater region diversity (84+ country options), the server number is unclear. We contacted customer support, and they told us this information is currently unavailable. Their excuse is that new servers are constantly added while old ones are removed. Additionally, they don’t own all hardware and rely on virtual servers to provide otherwise-unavailable country locations.

Feature comparison

FeaturesNordVPNPIA
Smart DNS✅SmartPlay✅Smart DNS
Ad & malware blocker✅Threat Protection✅PIA MACE
Split tunneling
✅Yes✅Bypass VPN
Specialized servers✅Yes❌No

At first glance, NordVPN and Private Internet Access are on equal ground. Both offer the essentials for convenient video streaming, secure online browsing, and bypassing online censorship. However, the two include loads of other goodies that can swing the pendulum in either direction. Naturally, we’ll only overview the features that come packaged with the basic VPN subscription plan and none of the bonus perks.

Smart DNS

Unfortunately, some devices that would greatly benefit from VPN software don’t support it. Examples include smart TVs and gaming consoles. Luckily, there’s a workaround in the form of Smart DNS. It allows you to bypass geographical restrictions by changing your DNS settings. However, the downside is that you miss out on encryption and IP masking.

Both VPN services grant this feature to please the immense number of content enthusiasts. Furthermore, NordVPN implemented smart DNS capabilities into its applications using SmartPlay. That means the apps alter your IP and DNS addresses in the background to change your Netflix region easily.

Ad & malware blocker

The web is filled with various frustrations like annoying ads, nosy trackers, and debilitating malware. Luckily, a secure VPN with the right tools can block these nuisances and keep your online escapades safe.

NordVPN grants customers the well-equipped Threat Protection tool. It stands out from the competition because it will scan your downloaded files for malware while blocking ads and trackers in real time. Another excellent security perk is the Dark Web Monitor, which scours the net for leaks with your data.

Private Internet Access doesn’t offer such comprehensive protection (unless you purchase the PIA Antivirus add-on). Luckily, you gain the PIA MACE tool, which blocks malicious domains and ads without the need for browser extensions.

Split tunneling

As the name suggests, split tunneling allows you to segment your VPN connection on a per-app or per-website basis. Implementation varies greatly between providers. For example, NordVPN grants this ability to Windows, Android, and Android TV devices. You pick whether you’d like the VPN to be enabled or disabled for your specified apps.

On the flip side, PIA supports split tunneling on desktop and Android devices. It has marginally better customization options and permits adding IP addresses into the mix. Plus, Linux users can enjoy a more advanced version that can include or exclude docker and VM packets from the VPN tunnel.

Specialized servers

The inclusion of specialized servers makes it easier for users to achieve certain goals, such as bypass censorship or unlock foreign content. Here’s a rundown of the options NordVPN customers can pick from.

  • Double VPN. You can get comfy in multiple VPN layers to gain twice the encryption with different exit and entry locations. But be aware that performance may take a severe hit.
  • Obfuscated servers. These servers are optimized specifically for circumventing online censorship in restrictive networks.
  • Onion over VPN. Use these if you want to reap the benefits of a VPN connection and the multiple layers of security of the Tor Network.
  • P2P. Enable these for peak performance while downloading peer-to-peer files.
  • Dedicated IP. This option is available if you purchased the dedicated IP option. It connects to your exclusive IP address in your selected region.

Meanwhile, PIA doesn’t split its server network into specialized categories. Instead, you must enable MultiHop, obfuscation, or other perks in the settings menu. However, a handful of countries include servers specifically for streaming. Furthermore, there’s a distinction between virtual and physical servers.

Other features

Finally, each provider includes a few bonus features that deserve an honorary mention. For example, NordVPN has Meshnet, a SOCKS5 proxy, invisibility on LAN. Private Internet Access also adds a SOCKS5 proxy, plus Shadowsocks and port forwarding.

Netflix and other streaming platforms

Streaming platformsNordVPNPIA
Netflix US
✅Yes✅Yes
Other Netflix libraries
✅Yes❌No
Amazon Prime Video✅Yes❌No
Hulu✅Yes✅Yes
HBO Max✅Yes❌No
Disney+✅Yes❌No
BBC iPlayer✅Yes❌No
YouTube TV✅Yes✅Yes

Which is better for streaming – NordVPN or PIA? Not much to talk about here – NordVPN is the best VPN for Netflix. It unblocks multiple foreign libraries, including those in the US, Canada, and the UK. What’s more, NordVPN is excellent for other streaming platforms, such as HBO, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, to name but a few.

Naruto content on Netlix with NordVPN

NordVPN also has apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, which will prove beneficial when you turn from your laptop to the big screen. And if you have a different device, Smart DNS is available for content unblocking as an alternative to dedicated apps.

PIA is also great for Netflix. This VPN unblocks the US library and also that of the Netherlands. Both contain enough movies and TV shows to keep you entertained for the upcoming future. The service also performed well on our tests with Hulu and YouTube TV. Unfortunately, other streaming services like BBC iPlayer weren’t so favorable.

PIA with BBC iPlayer

The US-based service also lacks the dedicated Android TV and FireTV apps that NordVPN has, making it less convenient on those devices. However, it fills that gap with Smart DNS.

Top-notch connection quality and lag-free streaming is a guarantee with both VPNs, thanks to the inclusion of WireGuard. But overall, NordVPN is the superior option of the two.

Device compatibility

NordVPNPIA
Major dedicated appsWindows, Mac, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
Other dedicated appsAmazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, Android TV, Kodi add-onN/A
Browser extensionsChrome (and other Chromium-based browsers), FirefoxChrome (and other Chromium-based browsers), Firefox
Manual setupRouters, firewalls, NAS, Roku, Chromebook, gaming consolesRouters, consoles, smart TVs
Simultaneous devices6Unlimited

Customers of either VPN service will have no trouble setting up their preferred device with the power of a virtual private network. Both providers have impressive selections of apps, browser extensions, and manual configuration options.

The key difference is that one NordVPN account permits 6 simultaneous connections, while Private Internet Access doesn’t impose such limitations and gains a slight edge. However, the scale is brought back to equilibrium because PIA lacks apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Desktop applications

The NordVPN desktop app was updated multiple times over the years, yet the underlying idea remains the same. To be precise, the main focus is the world map in the center, which you can use to pick your desired connection spot. Alternatively, you can use the search bar on the left to search for specific regions. You’ll also need to interact with it to pick specialty servers.

NordVPN desktop app

On the far left of the app you’ll find tabs for customizing all other options. For example, there are separate tabs for Threat Protection, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, general settings, and more. Ultimately, the software is easy to use for newcomers and provides solid customization options for power users.

PIA desktop app

The PIA desktop app takes a mildly different approach and prioritizes minimalism. You start with a small window with a bare-bones UI where the ON button takes up most of the space. It’s expandable if you want to see more server options and information about the connection. Finally, the settings menu is opened in a separate window for further customization. It includes different tabs for controlling various details, such as protocols, split tunneling, privacy, etc.

Mobile applications

NordVPN continues its map-loving trend on mobile devices and allows it to take up the majority of the screen. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can expand a conventional menu with all countries listed in alphabetical order. The same menu is needed for accessing specialty servers and searching for servers via text. Meanwhile, other features like Meshnet, split tunneling, and Threat Protection Lite, are tucked away in their own tabs below.

NordVPN Android and iOS versions

PIA also tries to imitate its desktop look on mobile with adequate results. The ON button occupies half of the main screen, while connection information and a handful of quick options are below it. Meanwhile, various settings are hidden behind the hamburger menu in the top left corner.

PIA mobile application

Torrenting

NordVPNPIA
Allowed on✅All servers✅All servers
Free SOCKS5 proxy✅Yes✅Yes
Split tunneling✅Yes (Windows, Android, Android TV)✅Yes (Windows, macOS)
Port forwarding❌No✅Yes

Peer-to-peer (P2P) enthusiasts frequently have to use torrenting VPNs because the file-sharing technology is usually restricted in some ways. For example, a few countries have outlawed torrenting outright. Therefore, some VPN providers limit P2P traffic on specific servers.

Luckily, neither NordVPN nor PIA restrict torrenting on their servers in any capacity. In fact, NordVPN even has specialized P2P servers for improved download and upload speeds. Meanwhile, Private Internet Access users can enable port forwarding to maximize performance.

The two providers also have some non-essential but good-to-have features for torrenting. Specifically, these are split tunneling and SOCKS5 proxies. The first allows users to limit VPN traffic to the torrent client and use the web as if nothing is out of the ordinary. Meanwhile, the proxy can be an alternative to a VPN connection or a bonus fail-safe.

Ultimately, NordVPN and Private Internet Access have some mild differences but are on par regarding torrenting.

China and other restricted countries

NordVPNPIA
Works in China✅Yes✅Yes
Stealth VPN✅Obfuscated servers✅Shadowsocks
Tor over VPN✅Onion over VPN❌No

This round of PIA vs NordVPN battle is easily won by the latter, which is the best VPN for China. In contrast, Private Internet Access is not even mentioned among the top services that bypass the Great Firewall, though you may still be able to use it. However, if you want a reliable service that works constantly, NordVPN for China would be a good pick.

As always, the devil is in the details. In short, censorship-heavy countries use DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) technology to detect and limit virtual private networks. To combat this, you need exceptional features for bypassing VPN blocks, commonly referred to as Stealth VPN. NordVPN has two such features – obfuscated and Onion over VPN servers.

On the other hand, Private Internet Access grants a Shadowsocks proxy, which is adequate but not as reliable as what NordVPN brings to the table. Therefore, we recommend NordVPN as the go-to service for dealing with censorship and surveillance.

Customer support

NordVPNPIA
24/7 live chat✅Yes✅Yes
Phone Line❌No❌No
Email ✅Yes✅Yes
Knowledgebase✅Yes✅Yes

With so many VPN use cases available, users are bound to run into issues they can’t resolve themselves. That’s why a good provider should offer multiple assistance options to fit customers’ needs.

Thankfully, both Private Internet Access and NordVPN have many customer support options. You can pick from 24/7 live chat, email communication, or browsing through written self-help guides.

NordVPN vs PIA: video review

Video content is more up your alley? Then visit our YouTube channel and watch the NordVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison there!

NordVPN vs PIA comparison | Which is Actually Better? 🤔
2023-05-31

NordVPN vs PIA: Reddit users’ opinion

Reddit is a great place to get the latest scoop about VPNs directly from customers. As such, it’s frequently visited by potential customers to get some unbiased feedback before purchase. And so we paid Reddit a visit to see what they would pick between NordVPN vs PIA.

Positive Reddit comment about PIA

Unsurprisingly, you’re bound to find fans of either service on the website. However, it seems most users don’t compare NordVPN vs Private Internet Access and consider them to be in relatively different categories. Plus, PIA doesn’t seem as popular as other VPNs recommended by Reddit.

Torrenting Reddit NordVPN

Best VPN by category

NordVPN🥇PIA🥈
Pricing
Loses❌Wins✔️
Speed
Wins✔️Loses❌
Security
Tie🤝Tie🤝
Servers
Wins✔️Loses❌
Features
Wins✔️Loses❌
Streaming
Wins✔️Loses❌
Device compatibilityTie🤝Tie🤝
Torrenting
Tie🤝Tie🤝
China
Wins✔️Loses❌
Customer support
Tie🤝Tie🤝
Total wins
5 out of 101 out of 10

NordVPN vs PIA – which is better?

Our NordVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison has concluded with NordVPN emerging victorious. Although pricier, the service goes above and beyond regarding digital security, content unblocking, and connection performance.

PIA is on-par with NordVPN in certain categories but couldn’t surpass it anywhere else except in affordability. But overall, the two services are the cream of the VPN industry crop and definitely worth trying out.

Get the best deal today


You may also like to read:
NordVPN vs Mullvad
NordVPN vs Windscribe
NordVPN vs OpenVPN
PIA vs CyberGhost
PIA vs ExpressVPN
NordVPN vs Kaspersky VPN


FAQ

Is NordVPN better than Private Internet Access?

Yes, NordVPN is ultimately better than PIA. The two providers are on-par in many regards like security and torrenting, but NordVPN comes out on top in terms of connection speeds, feature abundance, and streaming performance. However, PIA might win you over if you prioritize affordability.

Which is faster: NordVPN or PIA?

NordVPN is faster than PIA, thanks to its proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol. But Private Internet Access is not far behind because it’s equipped with WireGuard. Naturally, mileage may vary based on numerous factors, such as location, network load, and more. You can find up-to-date performance information on our VPN speed test.

Is NordVPN safe in 2023?

Yes, NordVPN is perfectly safe in 2023. Its no-logs policy has been audited multiple times to ensure that unnecessary user data isn’t stored or shared with anyone. Additionally, the VPN has plenty of security features against ads, viruses, and online surveillance.

Does NordVPN work with Netflix?

Yes, NordVPN is the best VPN for Netflix and can unblock numerous foreign libraries, including US, UK, CA, JP, and more. Plus, the wide variety of apps and fast connection speeds make your viewing experience convenient and lag-free.

Is PIA the best VPN?

No, we do not consider Private Internet Access the best VPN service. Instead, the #1 option is NordVPN. It’s wicked-fast, packed with security features, and compatible with a wide variety of devices. Best of all, it’s quite affordable and even has a 7-day free trial.

Is Private Internet Access fast?

Yes, Private Internet Access is fast. It has the WireGuard tunneling protocol and a huge number of servers globally to ensure optimal connections. Many other lightning-fast VPN providers have these attributes, which contribute to reliable connection quality worldwide.

Who owns Private Internet Access?

Kape Technologies, formerly Crossrider, owns Private Internet Access. The same company also owns CyberGhost VPN, ExpressVPN, and Zenmate. Many users don’t trust this conglomerate for such monopolistic ownership of so many VPN services.

20 comments
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  1. WhatMe

    Pricing info used has been wrong for 30 days. PIA does not even offer the 6 month subscription anymore.

    Unless you consider the $2.19/mo for 3 years — which is much too long a commitment.

    Why buy PIA for 3 years when for the same price you can limit your commitment to 2 years of NordVPN ?
    Answer: Pure Speed and a bit more reliability.

    Truthfully the key thing which won every category – including price – in the author’s eyes is that PIA is much slower and its occasionally a bit clumsy. And he is right if you game over VPN or have a very active torrent/dark web site.

    But maybe PIA is acceptable if you only need one video stream and let torrent run over night. And maybe you should consider splitting out legitimate web traffic to Netflix and other paid services on a separate VLAN/subnet that does not enter your VPN — since otherwise it carries user info that identifies who is currently using that VPN endpoint IP.


  2. T29

    Price wise, NordVPN will win right now because of their 3 year plan. Either way, NordVPN is one of the best in the world while PIA, well, they aren’t so good. Used them in the past and it wasn’t anything to write home about.


  3. Donna

    In my eyes, PIA shouldn’t even be placed on the same level with Nord. I mean, the differences are huge and if you get the 3 year Nordvpn deal you’ll cut down the cost considerably so price is not an issue either.


  4. Mariano

    How would the speed of Nord VPN compare to a free VPN like windscribe? Glad this article went over the Nord VPN’s torrenting capabilities. wasn’t aware that the US is one of the worst locations for a VPN! I stream Kodi regularly on my laptop, but the free options don’t cover enough data. Nord VPN sounds like the ideal VPN to move forward with. Thank!


    1. Kevin Marlowe

      Hi Mariano,

      Windscribe has a limited free version as well as a paid version – so it’s not exactly a free VPN. Windscribe speeds are generally similar to NordVPN speeds, but the same can’t be said for most other free versions or free VPNs.


  5. Christine Boss

    The principal reason for a VPN is to bypass geographical restrictions, overcoming locks enforced upon select websites, accessing different Netflix libraries, bypassing blocked YouTube videos etc. All this is what Nord VPN gives you effortlessly. The part I love most is the smooth browsing and streaming on my Xbox One and the huge discount you get when you subscribe for a greater number of years.
    Nord is just fantastic! Just WOW and cannot be compared to Private Internet Access in whatever form. Its large set of extra features, like double VPN, P2P-dedicated servers, a DNS leak resolver, and a dedicated single IP address are not supported by PIA to some extent. I have been using it for over a year now and see no reason to cancel my subscription or request for a refund. Yes, they won this comparison/debate


  6. Emilia Hartman

    When you compare VPN like Nord and Private Internet Access, be sure that Nord will win in all aspect but as a user, it’s not usually the same. I decided to try PIA for some time after reading some great reddit reviews. I have been using it for four months now. Speed is very good on my home Wi-Fi. I tried connecting to some public Wi-Fi networks and some speeds were better than others although still very great. I see no extra battery usage while the app runs in the background. PIA customer support is always helpful, polite and will try to fix your issue for as long as it takes. Most of all, they have patience. Great app, great service


  7. Jolly Joker

    NordVPN vs PIA is a very interesting topic like most comparisons are because you tend to learn a lot of new things you haven’t even thought about previously. What I don’t like about Nord is that you need to get a 3 year service to real pay less. Otherwise you won’t get much of a benefit when it comes to money. Their service is top notch, that’s for sure, but sometimes you don’t want to get tied up on a 3-year plan, do you? I mean, I did a speed test and you can see they have great speeds no matter where you’re using it from, but it’s a 3-year plan nonetheless. Both are easy to install and easy to use and the Linux app for PIA is a great touch – it’s likely that many of their users are using Linux. Nord looks like the better VPN out there with a huge number of servers, better security, bigger speeds, etc.


    1. Kevin Marlowe

      Hi Jolly Joker,

      It’s a fair point – Private Internet Access does have a lower price in the short term. With that said, test after test has shown the superiority of NordVPN in many areas. Yet it’s not even that – it’s about the business trajectory. Based on data, I’d be inclined to believe that Private Internet Access will be worse off than NordVPN, which in turn translates to the speed, server list, and other things.

      In the end, neither is a bad shout.


    2. JaydenDe

      A 3-year plan is a bummer but then again you save so much money in the process. And Nord is definitely worth the 3-year commitment because they are among the best if not the best. I’ve tested them for 2 months – even if you have to pay more, it’s always a good idea to test a VPN for a few months and see how they go – and saw how good they are and knowing this the decision to go for a longer period was easy. Their server numbers are great, never experienced slow internet speeds, sites that used to block me (because of my country) now work fine, etc. It’s all worth every penny to stay private and not worry about who knows what companies knowing your every move online.


  8. Jega12

    I heard that port forwarding is no longer available with NordVPN. Is this true? The test carried out by numerous parties revealed that the port forwarding from Nord is one of the most reliable ones. The reviews too say the same but I am unsure if it is still available.


    1. Kevin Marlowe

      Yes, it’s true – NordVPN doesn’t offer port forwarding. Still, the speeds, server variety (including torrenting optimized servers), and security features make NordVPN the better offer for P2P. With that said, if you are using closed torrenting trackers where maintaining a download/upload ratio is a must, PIA may fit you better.


  9. Lorrenzo56

    NordVPN is the best, not just for its price point but also how widespread the server is, and it had been proven to work well for Netflix based on the test conducted by many other VPN enthusiasts.


  10. Nessha_Ram

    I think there is no basis to compare these two VPN providers because clearly, these two have their own competitive advantages. NordVPN is better for anyone who has the budget and looking for long-term usage.


  11. Erdinç Breugem

    When it comes to VPN, there’s NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and everyone else. As far as I’m concerned, you have several alternatives, but most don’t even come close. There are a few that are comparable in certain situations (for example one might do Netflix well but not work in China). For me, I’ll always take NordVPN or ExpressVPN.


  12. Jonah Hayden

    Though winner by a very thin margin, NordVPN will win this battle.

    Both VPNs are very similar, but it’s NordVPN’s world class 24/7 live support and additional cybersecurity features that makes it the clear winner. It also offers far more server locations and allows users connect up to 6 simultaneous connections per subscription. Furthermore, NordVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee which is far more than what PIA offers.


  13. Yo-Yo Man

    I totally agree with Eldon! NordVPN is clearly better. It’s totally worth the cost. I wouldn’t recommend PIA at all if you care about online security. But that’s just my opinion.


    1. Kevin Marlowe

      While we would also agree that NordVPN is better, PIA is not bad in terms of security either. Depends on the level you require, of course.


  14. Eldon

    Everyone has their own opinion about VPN services. From my point of view, the best VPN provider is NordVPN, because they are based in Panama and have no logs policy. It is significant if you care about online privacy. That’s why I decided to use NordVPN. 🙂


    1. Grigori

      NordVPN is certainly one of the best providers, but I personally use ExpressVPN since I live in Belarus and that VPN works much better here. The government keeps a very close eye on online activity.

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