ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access 2026
ExpressVPN offers faster speeds and better streaming performance with 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, while Private Internet Access is significantly cheaper at $2.03/month and includes ad-blocking features built-in. ExpressVPN prioritizes speed; PIA prioritizes affordability and privacy customization.
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN service known for high speeds and excellent streaming performance.
Streaming enthusiasts, torrenting users, and professionals who need reliable performance and don't mind paying premium prices.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Budget-friendly VPN with advanced privacy features and RAM-only server infrastructure.
Budget-conscious privacy advocates, torrent users focused on privacy over streaming, and technical users who want full control over VPN settings.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryExpressVPN offers faster speeds and better streaming performance with 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, while Private Internet Access is significantly cheaper at $2.03/month and includes ad-blocking features built-in. ExpressVPN prioritizes speed; PIA prioritizes affordability and privacy customization.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose ExpressVPN if you prioritize streaming performance, fastest speeds, and reliability—worth the premium for unblocking Netflix, Disney+, and similar services consistently. Choose Private Internet Access if budget is your primary concern and you want maximum customization, built-in ad-blocking, and don't mind slightly slower speeds.
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Choose ExpressVPN if
Streaming enthusiasts, torrenting users, and professionals who need reliable performance and don't mind paying premium prices.
Choose Private Internet Access (PIA) if
Best pickBudget-conscious privacy advocates, torrent users focused on privacy over streaming, and technical users who want full control over VPN settings.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan):✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins($2.03/month vs $6.67/month)
- Server Network Size:✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins(35,000+ servers vs 3,000+ servers)
- Country Coverage:✓ ExpressVPN wins(94 countries vs 84 countries)
Key Facts & Figures
74 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | 91 countries | |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | 10 devices | |
| 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+ | 29,650+ | |
| 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(percent) | 98% | 72% | |
| 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 | $39.95/year | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $6.67 | $2.03 | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 94 countries | 84 countries | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 92 Mbps | 780 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) | $99.95 | — | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650 servers | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 105 | 84 | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 8 devices | 10 | |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 35,000+ | |
| 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 | |
| Monthly Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month) | $6.67/month | $2.03/month | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | $2.03 | |
| Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) | <100ms | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Number of VPN Protocols(protocols) | 1 (Lightway proprietary) | — | — |
| Customer Support Response Time(hours) | 2 minutes (live chat 24/7) | — | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $6.67/month | $2.03/month | |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD) | $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) | 10,000+ | 10,000+ | |
| 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+ | |
| Average Download Speed (256-bit AES)(Mbps) | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | |
| Independent Security Audits (Last 3 Years)(audits) | 2 (Cure53, VerSprite, 2020-2023) | 2 (Cure53, VerSprite, 2020-2023) | |
| Simultaneous Connections Per Account(devices) | 10 devices | 10 devices | |
| Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)(USD) | $2.03 | $2.03 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $6.67/monthMonthly Price (Annual Plan)$2.03/month(winner)
- 3,000+ serversServer Network Size35,000+ servers(winner)
- 94 countries(winner)Country Coverage84 countries
- 92 Mbps (on 500 Mbps connection)(winner)Average Download Speed85 Mbps (on 500 Mbps connection)
- 98% (most regions)(winner)Netflix Unblocking Success Rate89% (inconsistent)
- Yes, automaticKill Switch ProtectionYes, automatic
- No (paid add-on)Ad & Malware BlockerYes (included MACE feature)(winner)
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan)
ExpressVPN
$6.67/month
Private Internet Access (PIA)
$2.03/month(winner)
- Server Network Size
ExpressVPN
3,000+ servers
Private Internet Access (PIA)
35,000+ servers(winner)
- Country Coverage
ExpressVPN
94 countries(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
84 countries
- Average Download Speed
ExpressVPN
92 Mbps (on 500 Mbps connection)(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
85 Mbps (on 500 Mbps connection)
- Netflix Unblocking Success Rate
ExpressVPN
98% (most regions)(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
89% (inconsistent)
- Kill Switch Protection
ExpressVPN
Yes, automatic
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Yes, automatic
- Ad & Malware Blocker
ExpressVPN
No (paid add-on)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Yes (included MACE feature)(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 8 more attributesDownload Speed(Mbps) 898 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 91% — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 50+ Mbps — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 92 Mbps 780 Mbps Average Speed Retention(%) 92% 85% Speed Loss (Average)(percent) 8-10% — Average Download Speed Loss(%) 18% slower (OpenVPN) — Average Download Speed (256-bit AES)(Mbps) 300 Mbps — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries(winner) | 91 countries |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 35,000+(winner) |
| Server Storage Type(text) | 100% RAM-only | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent) | 98%(winner) | 72% |
| 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 devices | 10 devices(winner) |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — |
| Router VPN Support | Native support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — |
Show 7 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+) — Ad & Malware Blocker Included No (paid add-on) Yes (MACE included) Split Tunneling Support Yes, limited Yes, full control Simultaneous Connections Per Account(devices) 10 devices — | ||
| 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 13 more attributesMulti-Hop Encryption Available (slower) — Code Transparency Third-party audited only — Encryption Standard 256-bit AES (Lightway protocol) AES-256-GCM Code Transparency (Open Source) Proprietary/Closed — Kill Switch (Auto Disconnect) Yes, automatic Yes, automatic Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) <100ms — Encryption Protocol AES-256-GCM — Kill Switch Availability Yes (all platforms) — No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) Annual (Deloitte) — Server Memory Type RAM-only — Kill Switch Protection Yes — Recent Independent Security Audit Cure53 (2023), Deloitte (2022) — Independent Security Audits (Last 3 Years)(audits) 2 (Cure53, VerSprite, 2020-2023) — | ||
| Customer Support Type | 24/7 live chat | — |
| Customer Support Response Time(hours) | 2 minutes (live chat 24/7) | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650+(winner) |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 94 countries(winner) | 84 countries |
| Countries Covered(count) | 105(winner) | 84 |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | — |
| 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 17 more attributesMonthly Subscription Cost(USD) $12.95/month (billed monthly) — Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $6.67/month $39.95/year Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $6.67 $2.03 Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Annual Cost(USD) $99.95 — Free Tier Data Allowance(GB/month) None — Monthly Cost(USD) $12.95 — Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $240.12 $72.76 Monthly Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month) $6.67/month $2.03/month Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $6.67/month $2.03 Monthly Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Annual Plan Price(USD/month) $6.67/month $2.03/month Monthly Plan Price(USD) $11.99/month — Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.03/month — Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $2.03/month — Free Trial / Free Tier No free tier (30-day money-back guarantee) — Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)(USD) $2.03 — | ||
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | United States (5-eyes member) |
| Login Requirement for Access | Mandatory (email-based) | — |
| User Data Retention Policy(days) | Minimal metadata stored | — |
| Log Retention Policy | No-logs policy verified by audit 2024 | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries(winner) | 84 countries |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650+(winner) |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 84 countries | — |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 84 | — |
Show 1 more attributeNumber of Servers(servers) 29,650+ — | ||
| 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 |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650 servers(winner) |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 10,000+ | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 94 countries(winner) | 91 countries |
| Source Code Transparency(percent open-source) | 0% (closed-source) | — |
| Number of VPN Protocols(protocols) | 1 (Lightway proprietary) | — |
| Open-Source Code Availability | 100% open-source | — |
| Open-Source Client | Yes (GitHub available) | — |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.03/month | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.6 | — |
| Primary Protocol | OpenVPN / WireGuard | — |
Show 8 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Show 7 more attributes
Show 13 more attributes
Show 17 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
ExpressVPN
Pros
- Fastest measured speeds at 92 Mbps average (18% faster than PIA)
- 98% Netflix unblocking success across most regions
- 3,000+ optimized servers with 94-country coverage
- Excellent 24/7 live chat support with avg 2-minute response
- RAM-only servers mean zero logs permanently stored
Cons
- Most expensive option at $6.67/month on annual plan (228% more than PIA)
- No built-in ad-blocker; requires paid add-on
- Limited port forwarding support compared to competitors
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Pros
- Cheapest major VPN at $2.03/month (saves $54+ annually vs ExpressVPN)
- 35,000+ servers—largest network available for redundancy
- MACE ad/malware blocker included at no extra cost
- Advanced split-tunneling and port forwarding included
- Open-source code audited by third parties; transparent about security
Cons
- Netflix unblocking inconsistent at 89% success rate; frequently detected
- Slower average speeds at 85 Mbps (8% slower than ExpressVPN)
- Smaller country coverage with 84 countries vs ExpressVPN's 94
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Yes, both allow P2P/torrenting. PIA is technically better with 35,000 servers (more redundancy) and included port forwarding, while ExpressVPN offers faster speeds for faster downloads. PIA is the budget choice; ExpressVPN is the speed choice for torrent users.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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