ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access 2026
ExpressVPN offers faster speeds and superior streaming access with servers in 105 countries, while Private Internet Access (PIA) is significantly cheaper at $2.03/month and includes built-in malware blocking. ExpressVPN excels for speed-focused users; PIA suits budget-conscious privacy advocates.
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN service emphasizing speed and streaming with global server coverage.
Streaming enthusiasts, speed-conscious users, and those willing to pay premium prices for reliability
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Budget-friendly VPN with massive server network and built-in privacy tools.
Budget-conscious users, privacy advocates, and those valuing server quantity over streaming performance
Quick Answer
AI SummaryExpressVPN offers faster speeds and superior streaming access with servers in 105 countries, while Private Internet Access (PIA) is significantly cheaper at $2.03/month and includes built-in malware blocking. ExpressVPN excels for speed-focused users; PIA suits budget-conscious privacy advocates.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose ExpressVPN if you prioritize streaming access, maximum speed, and are willing to pay premium pricing for consistently fast connections. Choose Private Internet Access if you're budget-conscious, value massive server options, and want built-in malware protection without paying extra for advanced features.
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Choose ExpressVPN if
Streaming enthusiasts, speed-conscious users, and those willing to pay premium prices for reliability
Choose Private Internet Access (PIA) if
Best pickBudget-conscious users, privacy advocates, and those valuing server quantity over streaming performance
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Cost (Annual Plan):✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins($2.03/month vs $6.67/month)
- Server Network Size:✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins(29,650+ servers in 84 countries vs 3,000+ servers in 105 countries)
- Average Speed Retention:✓ ExpressVPN wins(92% of baseline speed vs 85% of baseline speed)
Key Facts & Figures
65 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | — | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 | 10 | |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | — | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | — | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 91% | — | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | — | — |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — | — |
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — | — |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 94 countries | — | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 50+ Mbps | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries | 84 countries | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $12.95/month (billed monthly) | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $6.67/month | $2.03/month | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $6.67 | $2.03 | |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 35,000+ | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 94 countries | 91 | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 89 Mbps | 720 Mbps | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | 71% | |
| Average Speed Retention(%) | 92% | 85% | |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | — | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | 10 devices | |
| Supported VPN Protocols(count) | 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $80.04 | — | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650 servers | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 105 | 84 | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 8 devices | 10 | |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $6.67 | $2.03 | |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650+ | |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 15+ regions | 8 regions | |
| Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) | $240.12 | $72.76 | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD/month) | $11.99/month | $11.99/month | |
| Speed Loss (Average)(percent) | 8-10% | 8-10% | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | 3,400+ | |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 84 countries | 84 countries | |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (Deloitte) | Annual (Deloitte) | |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,355 | 3,355 | |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 84 | 84 | |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.6 | 4.6 | |
| Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 29,650+ | 29,650+ |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $6.67/monthMonthly Cost (Annual Plan)$2.03/month(winner)
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countriesServer Network Size29,650+ servers in 84 countries(winner)
- 92% of baseline speed(winner)Average Speed Retention85% of baseline speed
- Works in 15+ regions(winner)Netflix Streaming Success RateWorks in 8 regions
- Automatic (all platforms)Kill Switch FeatureAutomatic (all platforms)
- 30 daysMoney-Back Guarantee30 days
- $240.12Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)$72.76(winner)
- Monthly Cost (Annual Plan)
ExpressVPN
$6.67/month
Private Internet Access (PIA)
$2.03/month(winner)
- Server Network Size
ExpressVPN
3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Private Internet Access (PIA)
29,650+ servers in 84 countries(winner)
- Average Speed Retention
ExpressVPN
92% of baseline speed(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
85% of baseline speed
- Netflix Streaming Success Rate
ExpressVPN
Works in 15+ regions(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Works in 8 regions
- Kill Switch Feature
ExpressVPN
Automatic (all platforms)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Automatic (all platforms)
- Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN
30 days
Private Internet Access (PIA)
30 days
- Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)
ExpressVPN
$240.12
Private Internet Access (PIA)
$72.76(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | — |
Show 7 more attributesDownload Speed(Mbps) 898 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 91% — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 50+ Mbps — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 89 Mbps 720 Mbps Average Speed Retention(%) 92% 85% Speed Loss (Average)(percent) 8-10% — Average Download Speed Loss(%) 18% slower (OpenVPN) — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | — |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94%(winner) | 71% |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | — |
Show 2 more attributesNetflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) 15+ regions 8 regions Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) — | ||
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Full support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 | 10(winner) |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — |
| Router VPN Support | Native support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — |
Show 4 more attributesMaximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) 8 devices 10 devices Supported VPN Protocols(count) 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) — Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) 8 devices 10 Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) — | ||
| VPN Protocols Offered | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — |
| Primary VPN Protocol | Lightway (Proprietary) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, All Platforms | — |
| Encryption Standard | 256-bit AES Military-Grade | — |
Show 7 more attributesMulti-Hop Encryption Available (slower) — Code Transparency Third-party audited only — Encryption Standard 256-bit AES (Lightway protocol) AES-256-GCM Encryption Protocol AES-256-GCM — No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) Annual (Deloitte) — Kill Switch Protection Yes — Recent Independent Security Audit Cure53 (2023), Deloitte (2022) — | ||
| Customer Support Type | 24/7 live chat | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries(winner) | 84 countries |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 35,000+(winner) |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 94 countries(winner) | 91 |
Show 6 more attributesTotal Server Count(servers) 3,000+ 29,650 servers Countries Covered(countries) 105 84 Number of VPN Servers(servers) 3,000+ 29,650+ Total VPN Servers(servers) 3,355 — Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 84 — Number of Servers(servers) 29,650+ — | ||
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | — |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | — |
| Free Version | Not available | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | — |
Show 13 more attributesMonthly Subscription Cost(USD) $12.95/month (billed monthly) — Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $6.67/month $2.03/month Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $6.67 $2.03 Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Annual Cost(USD) $80.04 — Free Tier Data Allowance(GB/month) None — Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $6.67 $2.03 Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $240.12 $72.76 Annual Plan Price(USD/month) $2.03/month — Monthly Plan Price(USD/month) $11.99/month — Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.03/month — Annual Subscription Price(USD) $2.03/month — Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $2.03/month — | ||
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Log Retention Policy | No-logs policy verified by audit 2024 | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 94 countries | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 91 countries | — |
| Open-Source Code Availability | 100% open-source | — |
| Open-Source Client | Yes (GitHub available) | — |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified | — |
| Kill Switch Availability | Yes (all platforms) | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | — |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 84 countries | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.6 | — |
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Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
ExpressVPN
Pros
- 92% average speed retention (fastest in class)
- Works reliably on Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer in 15+ regions
- Custom Lightway protocol provides 41% faster speeds than competitors
- 24/7 live chat support with response time under 2 minutes
- Clean, intuitive interface with one-click connection
Cons
- Highest price at $6.67/month on annual plans
- No built-in malware blocker or ad blocker
- Limited to 8 simultaneous connections (vs 10+ competitors)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Pros
- Lowest cost at $2.03/month (71% cheaper than ExpressVPN)
- 29,650+ servers (9.8x more than ExpressVPN) across 84 countries
- Built-in malware blocker and ad blocking at no extra cost
- Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Owned by Kape Technologies with transparent privacy policy
Cons
- Average speed retention of 85% (7% slower than ExpressVPN)
- Streaming only works reliably in 8 regions (Netflix blocks 76% of PIA IPs)
- Support limited to email/ticketing (no live chat)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
ExpressVPN successfully unblocks Netflix in 15+ regions with 94% consistency, including US, UK, Canada, and Australia. PIA only works reliably in 8 regions due to Netflix blocking 76% of its IP addresses. ExpressVPN is significantly better for streaming but costs more.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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