NordVPN offers faster speeds (average 920 Mbps) and broader server coverage (6,400+ servers in 111 countries), while Private Internet Access provides stronger privacy through RAM-only servers and lower pricing at $2.03/month. NordVPN excels for streaming and general browsing, whereas PIA suits privacy-focused users on tight budgets.
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose NordVPN if you prioritize streaming quality, global server diversity, and consistent fast speeds—it's best for accessing international content and general daily use. Choose Private Internet Access if maximum privacy is your concern, you need 10+ simultaneous connections, or you're budget-conscious and willing to trade some streaming capability for stronger no-logs architecture and RAM-only infrastructure.
Compare NordVPN vs Private Internet Access (PIA)
Premium VPN provider with strongest encryption, largest server network, and fastest average speeds.
High-speed VPN with extensive server network and robust privacy compliance
Private Internet Access (PIA) — Wikipedia
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for NordVPN vs Private Internet Access with 172 attributes.
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)
Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)
Independent Security Audits (Last 3 Years)
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for NordVPN vs Private Internet Access.
Which VPN is better for streaming Netflix globally?
NordVPN significantly outperforms Private Internet Access for streaming, with a 98% Netflix unblocking success rate compared to PIA's 72%. NordVPN maintains consistent access to international Netflix libraries across its 111-country network, while PIA frequently encounters geographic blocks and detection issues.
NordVPN averages 920 Mbps download speed versus PIA's 780 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection—approximately 18% faster. This difference becomes noticeable during 4K streaming, large file downloads, or gaming sessions. NordVPN's faster speed advantage is due to its optimized server infrastructure and NordLynx protocol efficiency.
Is Private Internet Access really more private than NordVPN?
Both are zero-logs services audited by third parties, but PIA has a structural privacy advantage: its RAM-only servers cannot retain data after shutdown, whereas NordVPN uses SSD servers. However, NordVPN's double VPN feature and stricter data policies provide comparable practical privacy for most users. PIA's advantage is primarily theoretical unless server seizure occurs.
How much money can I save with PIA over NordVPN annually?
On a 3-year commitment, Private Internet Access costs $73.08 total ($2.03/month) while NordVPN costs $143.64 on a 2-year plan ($3.99/month). PIA saves approximately $70 over similar commitment periods—roughly 49% cheaper. For month-to-month pricing, the savings are smaller but PIA remains more affordable.
Can I use 10 devices simultaneously with both VPNs?
Only Private Internet Access allows 10 simultaneous connections per account. NordVPN limits you to 6 devices at once. If you need to protect a large household or multiple devices (phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs), PIA is the better choice. You can purchase additional NordVPN subscriptions for more connections, but this increases cost.