NordVPN vs Private Internet Access 2026
NordVPN offers faster speeds (average 580 Mbps vs 420 Mbps) and supports up to 6 simultaneous connections, while Private Internet Access provides lower pricing ($2.03/month vs $3.99/month annually) and a smaller footprint with 29,650 servers across 91 countries versus NordVPN's 6,595 servers. Both use strong encryption and have no-log policies, making the choice dependent on budget versus performance priorities.
NordVPN
Premium VPN with advanced security features and 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
Streaming enthusiasts, speed-focused users, those needing global coverage, and users who value premium features over budget considerations.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Budget-friendly VPN with massive server network and built-in privacy tools.
Budget-conscious users, those prioritizing value-for-money, users who need more simultaneous connections, privacy advocates wanting open-source verification, and travelers not requiring premium speeds.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryNordVPN offers faster speeds (average 580 Mbps vs 420 Mbps) and supports up to 6 simultaneous connections, while Private Internet Access provides lower pricing ($2.03/month vs $3.99/month annually) and a smaller footprint with 29,650 servers across 91 countries versus NordVPN's 6,595 servers. Both use strong encryption and have no-log policies, making the choice dependent on budget versus performance priorities.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose NordVPN if you prioritize faster speeds, need to connect in 111 countries, and want advanced features like Threat Protection and dedicated IP options. Choose Private Internet Access if you're budget-conscious, need more simultaneous connections (10 vs 6), prefer maximum server density, or want transparent open-source infrastructure—it's the better value for users who don't need bleeding-edge speeds.
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Choose NordVPN if
Streaming enthusiasts, speed-focused users, those needing global coverage, and users who value premium features over budget considerations.
Choose Private Internet Access (PIA) if
Best pickBudget-conscious users, those prioritizing value-for-money, users who need more simultaneous connections, privacy advocates wanting open-source verification, and travelers not requiring premium speeds.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan):✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins($2.03/month vs $3.99/month)
- Average Download Speed:✓ NordVPN wins(580 Mbps vs 420 Mbps)
- Simultaneous Connections:✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins(10 devices vs 6 devices)
Key Facts & Figures
76 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | NordVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | — | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | — | — |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | — | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 950 Mbps | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | — | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | — | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | From $69/year | — | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $3.09 | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $36+ | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month) | $3.09 | — | — |
| Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year) | $83.43 | — | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $69.99/year (2-year plan) | — | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 60 countries | — | — |
| Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices) | 0 (Premium only) | — | — |
| Devices Supported on Premium(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $3.99/month | $2.03/month | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,000+ | 3,355 | |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2024 (PwC) | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $3.99/month | $2.03/month | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 10 devices | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,000+ | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 10 | |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | — | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $47.88 | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries | 91 | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | 29,650 servers | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $3.99/month | $2.03/month | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 6,500+ servers | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $3.99/month | $2.03 | |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | 35,000+ | |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $2.03 | |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | 3,400+ | |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries | 84 countries | |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (PwC) | Annual (Deloitte) | |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 | 10 | |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 111 | 84 | |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | 4.6 | |
| Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $3.99/month | $2.03/month | |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 5,900+ | 29,650+ | |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 60 countries | 84 | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 840 Mbps | 720 Mbps | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 71% | 71% | |
| 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 | |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 84 countries | 84 countries | |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 29,650+ | 29,650+ | |
| Average Speed Retention(%) | 85% | 85% | |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 8 regions | 8 regions | |
| Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) | $72.76 | $72.76 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $3.99/monthMonthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)$2.03/month(winner)
- 580 Mbps(winner)Average Download Speed420 Mbps
- 6 devicesSimultaneous Connections10 devices(winner)
- 6,595 serversServer Count29,650 servers(winner)
- 111 countries(winner)Countries Covered91 countries
- 30 daysMoney-Back Guarantee30 days
- Yes (all plans)Kill Switch FeatureYes (all plans)
- Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)
NordVPN
$3.99/month
Private Internet Access (PIA)
$2.03/month(winner)
- Average Download Speed
NordVPN
580 Mbps(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
420 Mbps
- Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN
6 devices
Private Internet Access (PIA)
10 devices(winner)
- Server Count
NordVPN
6,595 servers
Private Internet Access (PIA)
29,650 servers(winner)
- Countries Covered
NordVPN
111 countries(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
91 countries
- Money-Back Guarantee
NordVPN
30 days
Private Internet Access (PIA)
30 days
- Kill Switch Feature
NordVPN
Yes (all plans)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Yes (all plans)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | NordVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | — |
| Connection Speed Rating | Fastest | — |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 950 Mbps | — |
Show 9 more attributesInternet Speed Retention Rate(%) 92% — Connection Speed Performance Faster globally — Average Download Speed(Mbps) Fast (20-50 Mbps typical) — Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) 580 Mbps — Average Download Speed Loss(%) 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) 18% slower (OpenVPN) Countries Covered(countries) 60 countries 84 Average Download Speed(Mbps) 840 Mbps 720 Mbps Speed Loss (Average)(percent) 8-10% — Average Speed Retention(%) 85% — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 91 |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | 35,000+(winner) |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | — |
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Limited | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 10 devices(winner) |
Show 2 more attributesSimultaneous Connections(devices) 6 devices 10 Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) 6 10 | ||
| VPN Protocols Offered | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) | AES-256 (NordLynx) | — |
| Primary VPN Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, All Platforms | — |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | — |
Show 13 more attributesIndependent Security Audits Yes, regular audits — Kill Switch Feature Yes, on all platforms — Advanced Threat Protection Yes - Threat Protection Pro — Independent Security Audit(year) 2024 (PwC) — Kill Switch Implementation Yes, all platforms — Encryption Standard AES-256 AES-256-GCM Primary Encryption Standard WireGuard with ChaCha20 — No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) Annual (PwC) Annual (Deloitte) Supported Encryption Protocols(protocols) OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx — Kill Switch / Leak Protection Yes (Threat Protection included) — Kill Switch Protection Yes (automatic) Yes Recent Independent Security Audit PwC (2024) Cure53 (2023), Deloitte (2022) Encryption Protocol AES-256-GCM — | ||
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $3.99 | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $3.99 | — |
| Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month) | None available | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | From $69/year | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $3.09 | — |
Show 19 more attributesAnnual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $36+ — Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month) $3.09 — Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year) $83.43 — Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $69.99/year (2-year plan) — Annual Subscription Price(USD) $3.99/month $2.03/month Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $3.99/month $2.03/month Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Annual Cost(USD) $47.88 — Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) $3.99 — Annual Plan Price(USD/month) $3.99/month $2.03/month Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $3.99/month $2.03 Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $3.99/month $2.03 Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) $3.99 — Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $3.99/month $2.03/month Monthly Plan Price(USD/month) $11.99/month — Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.03/month — Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $72.76 — | ||
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | — |
| Jurisdiction Privacy Rating | Excellent - Panama | — |
| No-Logs Policy | Verified no-logs | — |
| Payment Anonymity Options | Crypto, card, PayPal | — |
| No-Logging Audit Verification | Yes (PwC audit 2024) | — |
Show 2 more attributesNo-Logs Policy Jurisdiction Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes) — Log Retention Policy No-logs policy verified by audit 2024 — | ||
| Dark Web Monitor | Included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | Yes (app-level) | — |
| Dark Web Breach Monitoring | No | — |
| Kill Switch Availability | All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) | Yes (all platforms) |
| US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms) | 4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified) | — |
| Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data) | None - 30-day money back only | — |
| Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices) | 0 (Premium only) | — |
| Devices Supported on Premium(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | Panama (5/9/14 Eyes) | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | — |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions)(winner) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 71% | — |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 8 regions | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,000+(winner) | 3,355 |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,000+ | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | 29,650 servers(winner) |
Show 6 more attributesGlobal Server Network(servers) 6,500+ servers — Server Countries(countries) 111 — Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 111 84 Number of Servers(servers) 5,900+ 29,650+ Countries with Servers(countries) 84 countries — Number of VPN Servers(servers) 29,650+ — | ||
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 60 countries | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+(winner) | 3,400+ |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 84 countries |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — |
| Streaming Compatibility | Full support for major platforms | — |
| Maximum Password Character Support(characters) | Not applicable | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 91 countries |
| Open-Source Code Availability | Partial (selected components) | 100% open-source |
| Source Code Availability | Proprietary/Closed-source | — |
| Open Source Code | Partial (proprietary components) | — |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024) | — |
| Open-Source Client | No (proprietary) | Yes (GitHub available) |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | No free tier | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Supported Platforms(platforms) | 12+ (major platforms only) | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | 4.6(winner) |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified | — |
NordVPNShow 9 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Show 13 more attributes
Show 19 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Show 6 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
NordVPN
Pros
- Fastest average speeds at 580 Mbps (47% faster than PIA)
- Covers 111 countries with strong Netflix/streaming compatibility
- Threat Protection feature blocks ads, malware, and tracking on all plans
- Dedicated IP option ($4.99/month) for static IP addresses
- RAM-only servers ensure zero data persistence
Cons
- Most expensive at $3.99/month on annual plan (96% more than PIA)
- Only 6 simultaneous connections (40% fewer than PIA's 10)
- Smaller server network (6,595 vs PIA's 29,650 servers)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Pros
- Lowest price at $2.03/month on annual plan (49% cheaper than NordVPN)
- Largest server network with 29,650 servers for maximum geographic redundancy
- Supports 10 simultaneous connections (67% more than NordVPN)
- 100% open-source code available for security audits by anyone
- MACE feature blocks ads and malware at no extra cost
Cons
- Average speeds of 420 Mbps (27% slower than NordVPN)
- Covers only 91 countries (19% fewer than NordVPN)
- Less prominent in streaming compatibility compared to NordVPN
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
NordVPN delivers faster speeds with an average of 580 Mbps compared to Private Internet Access's 420 Mbps—that's a 38% speed advantage. For 4K streaming, NordVPN's speed is more reliable, though PIA remains adequate for HD content. Speed varies by location, but NordVPN consistently ranks faster across most server regions.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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