PIA offers faster speeds and lower pricing ($2.03/month) with excellent privacy, while NordVPN provides superior server coverage (6,000+ servers in 111 countries) and stronger brand recognition. PIA is ideal for budget-conscious users, while NordVPN suits those prioritizing extensive global connectivity.
PIA vs NordVPN — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Budget-friendly VPN with extensive server network, transparent privacy, and multiple independent security audits.
Premium VPN service with strong encryption, fast speeds, and advanced security features across 5,900+ servers.
Monthly Subscription Cost. Total Server Count. Countries Covered. Average Download Speed (Mbps). Simultaneous Connections. Kill Switch Feature. User Trust Score (Trustpilot)
Choose PIA if you prioritize affordability, speed, and want to connect 10 devices simultaneously—it delivers excellent privacy at the lowest price point. Choose NordVPN if you need extensive server coverage across 111 countries, travel frequently to remote regions, or prefer a more established brand with stronger market presence and additional features like Threat Protection Pro.
Private Internet Access (PIA): $2.03 | NordVPN: $3.99/month
Private Internet Access (PIA): 35,000+ | NordVPN: 6,400+
Private Internet Access (PIA): 91 | NordVPN: 60 countries
Private Internet Access (PIA): 71% | NordVPN: N/A
Private Internet Access (PIA): $2.03/month | NordVPN: $3.99/month
Private Internet Access (PIA): 720 Mbps | NordVPN: 840 Mbps
Private Internet Access (PIA): 10 devices | NordVPN: 6 devices
Private Internet Access (PIA): 29,650 servers | NordVPN: 5,900+
Private Internet Access (PIA): 91 countries | NordVPN: 111 countries
Private Internet Access (PIA): AES-256-GCM | NordVPN: AES-256 (standard)
Private Internet Access (PIA): 30 days | NordVPN: 30 days
Private Internet Access (PIA): 100% open-source | NordVPN: Partial (selected components)
Private Internet Access (PIA): $11.99/month | NordVPN: N/A
Private Internet Access (PIA): 84 countries | NordVPN: 60 countries
Private Internet Access (PIA): 8-10% | NordVPN: N/A
Private Internet Access (PIA): No-logs policy verified by audit 2024 | NordVPN: N/A
Private Internet Access (PIA): $2.03/month | NordVPN: N/A
Private Internet Access (PIA): 84 countries | NordVPN: N/A
Private Internet Access (PIA): AES-256-GCM | NordVPN: N/A
Private Internet Access (PIA): Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified | NordVPN: N/A
Private Internet Access (PIA): Yes (all platforms) | NordVPN: All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)
Private Internet Access (PIA): 3,400+ | NordVPN: 6,500+
Private Internet Access (PIA): 84 countries | NordVPN: 111 countries
Private Internet Access (PIA): 10 | NordVPN: 6
Private Internet Access (PIA): Annual (Deloitte) | NordVPN: Annual (PwC)
Private Internet Access (PIA): 18% slower (OpenVPN) | NordVPN: 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard)
Private Internet Access (PIA): 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | NordVPN: 89% success rate (tested 13 regions)
Private Internet Access (PIA): 3,355 | NordVPN: 6,000+
Private Internet Access (PIA): 84 | NordVPN: 111
Private Internet Access (PIA): 4.6 | NordVPN: 4.4
Private Internet Access (PIA): Yes | NordVPN: Yes
Private Internet Access (PIA): 29,650+ | NordVPN: 5,900+
Private Internet Access (PIA): Cure53 (2023), Deloitte (2022) | NordVPN: PwC (2024)
Private Internet Access (PIA): Yes (GitHub available) | NordVPN: No (proprietary)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 950+ Mbps
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 111 countries
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 92%
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 10+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Limited
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: $3.99
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Fastest
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Strict no-logs
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Included
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Yes (app-level)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 5.20% decrease
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: None - 30-day money back only
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Panama (5/9/14 Eyes)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: AES-256 (NordLynx)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 950 Mbps
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 30+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Yes, All Platforms
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 6,500+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 110+ countries
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: None available
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: AES-256
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: From $69/year
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Yes, regular audits
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Yes, on all platforms
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: $3.09
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 7,200+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 110+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Faster globally
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Yes - Threat Protection Pro
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: $36+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Excellent - Panama
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: $83.43
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 7200+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Full support for major platforms
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Fast (20-50 Mbps typical)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Verified no-logs
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Crypto, card, PayPal
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: $69.99/year (2-year plan)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 60 countries
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Not applicable
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 0 (Premium only)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 6 simultaneous connections
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: No
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 7 major browser extensions
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 2024 (PwC)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 111
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Proprietary/Closed-source
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 2022 (PwC)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 6,000+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: $3.99/month
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Partial (proprietary components)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Yes, all platforms
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: No free tier
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 580 Mbps
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 5,400+
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: $47.88
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 6,500+ servers
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: 12+ (major platforms only)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: WireGuard with ChaCha20
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Yes (Threat Protection included)
Private Internet Access (PIA): N/A | NordVPN: Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes)
Private Internet Access (PIA) — Wikipedia
How to choose between Private Internet Access (PIA) and NordVPN
Compare Private Internet Access (PIA) vs NordVPN
PIA vs NordVPN — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for PIA vs NordVPN. Contains 115 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
PIA vs NordVPN — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for PIA vs NordVPN.
PIA is faster with average download speeds of 87 Mbps compared to NordVPN's 72 Mbps. This 15 Mbps advantage makes PIA better for streaming, downloading, and gaming. However, both are sufficient for standard browsing and video consumption.
Why is PIA so much cheaper than NordVPN?
PIA's lower $2.03/month price reflects its smaller server network (3,355 vs 6,000+) and fewer premium features like Threat Protection Pro. NordVPN charges more for extensive global coverage and advanced security tools. Both offer strong encryption; you're paying for scale and features, not security quality.
Can I use PIA or NordVPN to unblock streaming services?
Both VPNs can unblock geo-restricted content, but success varies by service and region. NordVPN's larger server network (6,000+ servers) typically offers more reliable unblocking options across different countries. PIA works for many services but may struggle with newer streaming platforms that actively block VPNs.
How many devices can I connect simultaneously?
PIA allows 10 simultaneous connections, while NordVPN permits 6. For households with multiple users or people managing many devices, PIA provides significantly better value. Both support major platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and routers.
Which VPN has better privacy and security?
Both use military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and have proven no-logs policies verified by independent audits. PIA is slightly ahead in user trust (4.6 vs 4.4 Trustpilot rating) and has passed multiple security audits since 2017. NordVPN offers additional features like Double VPN and Threat Protection Pro if you want enhanced privacy layers, but both are genuinely secure options.
How to Choose Between Private Internet Access (PIA) and NordVPN
Monthly Subscription Cost: Private Internet Access (PIA) has $2.03, while NordVPN has $3.99.
Total Server Count: Private Internet Access (PIA) has 3,355 servers, while NordVPN has 6,000+ servers.
Countries Covered: Private Internet Access (PIA) has 84 countries, while NordVPN has 111 countries.
Average Download Speed (Mbps): Private Internet Access (PIA) has 87 Mbps, while NordVPN has 72 Mbps.
Simultaneous Connections: Private Internet Access (PIA) has 10 devices, while NordVPN has 6 devices.
Kill Switch Feature: Private Internet Access (PIA) has Yes, while NordVPN has Yes.
User Trust Score (Trustpilot): Private Internet Access (PIA) has 4.6/5.0, while NordVPN has 4.4/5.0.