software
NordVPN vs PIA 2026: Speed vs Privacy
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
Premium VPN service with 6,400+ servers optimized for speed and streaming.
Streaming enthusiasts, international travelers, and users prioritizing speed over extreme privacy
Score71%
VS
PI
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Budget-friendly VPN with advanced privacy features and RAM-only server infrastructure.
Privacy-conscious users, budget-limited customers, and those requiring 10+ simultaneous connections
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryNordVPN 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.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose 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.
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NordVPN
6.7/10
Private Internet Access (PIA)
8.3/10
P
Choose NordVPN if
Streaming enthusiasts, international travelers, and users prioritizing speed over extreme privacy
P
Choose Private Internet Access (PIA) if
Best pickPrivacy-conscious users, budget-limited customers, and those requiring 10+ simultaneous connections
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Subscription Cost:✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins($2.03/month (3-year plan) vs $3.99/month (2-year plan))
- Global Server Count:✓ NordVPN wins(6,400+ servers in 111 countries vs 29,650+ servers in 84 countries)
- Average Download Speed:✓ NordVPN wins(920 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection vs 780 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection)
Key Facts & Figures
102 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | NordVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | 91 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 | — | — |
| 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) | — | — |
| 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) | 6,500+ | 10,000+ | |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $47.88/year | $39.95/year | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 10 devices | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | 29,650+ | |
| Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | None | — | — |
| Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $47.88 | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 5,800+ | 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) | 6,200+ servers | 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) | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries | 84 countries | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 920 Mbps | 780 Mbps | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent) | 98% | 72% | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 10 | |
| 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(count) | 111 countries | 84 | |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD) | $12.99 | $11.99/month | |
| Average Connection Speed(Mbps) | 320 Mbps | — | — |
| Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.49/month | — | — |
| Total Global Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $6.99/month | — | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | — | — |
| Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 6,000 | — | — |
| Countries Available(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 10 devices | |
| Annual Cost (3-year vs 2-year plans)(USD) | $47.88 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | 29,650+ | |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 111 | 84 | |
| Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) | 350 | — | — |
| Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) | 200-500ms | — | — |
| Annual Price (Best Plan)(USD per month) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | — | — |
| Global Server Network Size(servers) | 6,000+ | — | — |
| Countries Served(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription (Best Annual Rate)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Transparency Report Frequency(per year) | Annual (1x/year) | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD) | $47.88/year | — | — |
| Annual Plan Cost(USD/month) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Month-to-Month Cost(USD/month) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) | $47.88/year | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)(USD) | $3.99 | $2.03 | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 71% | 71% | |
| 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 | |
| Average Speed Retention(%) | 85% | 85% | |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 8 regions | 8 regions | |
| Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) | $72.76 | $72.76 | |
| Monthly Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| 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 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Evenly matched1 tie
PI
3Private Internet Access (PIA)NordVPN
Attribute
Private Internet Access (PIA)
- $3.99/month (2-year plan)Monthly Subscription Cost$2.03/month (3-year plan)(winner)
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries(winner)Global Server Count29,650+ servers in 84 countries
- 920 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection(winner)Average Download Speed780 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection
- SSD-based serversServer Memory ArchitectureRAM-only servers (no data persistence)(winner)
- 98% consistent access to global libraries(winner)Netflix Unblocking Success Rate72% success rate, frequent blocks
- 6 devices per accountSimultaneous Connections10 devices per account(winner)
- Automatic, configurable per appKill Switch ReliabilityAutomatic with granular DNS leak protection
- Monthly Subscription Cost
NordVPN
$3.99/month (2-year plan)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
$2.03/month (3-year plan)(winner)
- Global Server Count
NordVPN
6,400+ servers in 111 countries(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
29,650+ servers in 84 countries
- Average Download Speed
NordVPN
920 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
780 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection
- Server Memory Architecture
NordVPN
SSD-based servers
Private Internet Access (PIA)
RAM-only servers (no data persistence)(winner)
- Netflix Unblocking Success Rate
NordVPN
98% consistent access to global libraries(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
72% success rate, frequent blocks
- Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN
6 devices per account
Private Internet Access (PIA)
10 devices per account(winner)
- Kill Switch Reliability
NordVPN
Automatic, configurable per app
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Automatic with granular DNS leak protection
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 12 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) Average Download Speed(Mbps) 920 Mbps 780 Mbps Average Connection Speed(Mbps) 320 Mbps — Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) 350 — Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps) 580 Mbps — Speed Loss (Average)(percent) 8-10% — Average Speed Retention(%) 85% — Average Download Speed (256-bit AES)(Mbps) 300 Mbps — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 91 countries |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,200+ servers | 35,000+(winner) |
| Server Storage Type(text) | Mix of disk and RAM | — |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | — |
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Limited | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 10 devices(winner) |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 10(winner) |
Show 5 more attributesSimultaneous Connections(devices) 6 devices 10 devices Port Forwarding Not available — Ad & Malware Blocker Included Yes (MACE included) — Split Tunneling Support Yes, full control — Simultaneous Connections Per Account(devices) 10 devices — | ||
| VPN Protocols Offered | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) | AES-256 (NordLynx) | — |
| Primary VPN Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes (Standard) | — |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | — |
Show 24 more attributesIndependent Security Audits Yes, regular audits — Kill Switch Feature Yes, on all platforms — Advanced Threat Protection Yes - Threat Protection Pro — Kill Switch Availability Yes (All Plans) Yes (all platforms) Independent Security Audit(year) PwC audit 2024 — 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) Server Memory Type SSD-based RAM-only Supported Encryption Protocols(protocols) OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx — Kill Switch / Leak Protection Yes (Threat Protection included) — Recent Independent Security Audit PwC (2024) Cure53 (2023), Deloitte (2022) Kill Switch Enabled by Default Yes — Encryption Type AES-256 Double VPN (dual layer) — No-Logs Certification Yes (multiple 2022-2024) — Password Encryption Standard IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard — Kill Switch Protection Yes, all platforms Yes Code Openness Proprietary (audited) — Independent Security Audit (Latest) Deloitte (2024) — Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) 200-500ms — Encryption Protocol AES-256-GCM — Kill Switch (Auto Disconnect) Yes, automatic — Independent Security Audits (Last 3 Years)(audits) 2 (Cure53, VerSprite, 2020-2023) — | ||
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $3.99 | — |
| Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month) | None available | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | From $69/year | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $3.09 | — |
| Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $36+ | — |
Show 31 more attributesBase 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 Cost(USD) $47.88/year $39.95/year 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 Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $3.99/month $2.03/month Monthly Plan Price(USD) $12.99 $11.99/month Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD) $3.49/month — Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD) $6.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) $3.99 — Annual Cost (3-year vs 2-year plans)(USD) $47.88 — Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $11.99 — Annual Price (Best Plan)(USD per month) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription (Best Annual Rate)(USD) $3.99/month — Annual Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD) $47.88/year — Annual Plan Cost(USD/month) $3.99 — Month-to-Month Cost(USD/month) $11.99 — Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) $47.88/year — Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)(USD) $3.99 $2.03 Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.03/month — Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $72.76 — Monthly Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month) $2.03/month — Free Trial / Free Tier No free tier (30-day money-back guarantee) — | ||
| 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 3 more attributesNo-Logs Policy Jurisdiction Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes) — Log Retention Policy Strict no-logs policy No-logs policy verified by audit 2024 Jurisdiction United States (5-eyes member) — | ||
| Dark Web Monitor | Included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | Yes (app-level) | — |
| Dark Web Breach Monitoring | No | — |
| Breach Monitoring Included | No | — |
| 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 Rate(percent) | 98%(winner) | 72% |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 71% | — |
Show 1 more attributeNetflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) 8 regions — | ||
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | — |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 6,500+ servers | — |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 84 countries |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 5,900+ | 29,650+(winner) |
Show 4 more attributesTotal Global Servers(servers) 6,500+ — Number of VPN Servers(servers) 6,500+ 29,650+ Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 111 84 Countries with Servers(countries) 84 countries — | ||
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | 29,650+(winner) |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+(winner) | 3,400+ |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 84 countries |
Show 2 more attributesCountries Covered(count) 111 countries 84 VPN Server Locations(countries) 111 countries — | ||
| Streaming Compatibility | Full support for major platforms | — |
| Maximum Password Character Support(characters) | Not applicable | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | — |
| Supported Platforms(platforms) | 12+ (major platforms only) | — |
| Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $3.99/month | $2.03/month(winner) |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | 10,000+(winner) |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 6,000 | — |
| Countries Available(countries) | 111 | — |
| Open-Source Code Availability | Partial (selected components) | 100% open-source |
| Open-Source Code | Partial components only | — |
| Open-Source Client | No (proprietary) | Yes (GitHub available) |
| Independent Security Audits | Partial open-source, limited audits | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — |
| Source Code Availability | Proprietary/Closed-source | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | None | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 5,800+ | 29,650 servers(winner) |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | 4.6(winner) |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | — |
| Customer Support Hours(hours/week) | 24/7 live chat and email | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 60+ countries | 91 countries(winner) |
| Countries Served(countries) | 111 | — |
| Global Server Network Size(servers) | 6,000+ | — |
| Transparency Report Frequency(per year) | Annual (1x/year) | — |
| Primary Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | OpenVPN / WireGuard |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified | — |
NordVPNPPrivate 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 12 more attributes
Internet 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)
Average Download Speed(Mbps)
920 Mbps
780 Mbps
Average Connection Speed(Mbps)
320 Mbps
—
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps)
350
—
Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps)
580 Mbps
—
Speed Loss (Average)(percent)
8-10%
—
Average Speed Retention(%)
85%
—
Average Download Speed (256-bit AES)(Mbps)
300 Mbps
—
Server Locations(countries)
111 countries
91 countries
Number of Servers(servers)
7200+
—
Server Count(servers)
6,200+ servers
35,000+
Server Storage Type(text)
Mix of disk and RAM
—
Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)
10+
—
Native Streaming Box Apps
Limited
—
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
10+
—
Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices)
6 devices
10 devices
Simultaneous Device Connections(devices)
6 devices
10
Show 5 more attributes
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
6 devices
10 devices
Port Forwarding
Not available
—
Ad & Malware Blocker Included
Yes (MACE included)
—
Split Tunneling Support
Yes, full control
—
Simultaneous Connections Per Account(devices)
10 devices
—
VPN Protocols Offered
NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
—
Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms)
AES-256 (NordLynx)
—
Primary VPN Protocol
NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
—
Kill Switch Feature
Yes (Standard)
—
Encryption Standard
AES-256
—
Show 24 more attributes
Independent Security Audits
Yes, regular audits
—
Kill Switch Feature
Yes, on all platforms
—
Advanced Threat Protection
Yes - Threat Protection Pro
—
Kill Switch Availability
Yes (All Plans)
Yes (all platforms)
Independent Security Audit(year)
PwC audit 2024
—
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)
Server Memory Type
SSD-based
RAM-only
Supported Encryption Protocols(protocols)
OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx
—
Kill Switch / Leak Protection
Yes (Threat Protection included)
—
Recent Independent Security Audit
PwC (2024)
Cure53 (2023), Deloitte (2022)
Kill Switch Enabled by Default
Yes
—
Encryption Type
AES-256 Double VPN (dual layer)
—
No-Logs Certification
Yes (multiple 2022-2024)
—
Password Encryption Standard
IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard
—
Kill Switch Protection
Yes, all platforms
Yes
Code Openness
Proprietary (audited)
—
Independent Security Audit (Latest)
Deloitte (2024)
—
Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds)
200-500ms
—
Encryption Protocol
AES-256-GCM
—
Kill Switch (Auto Disconnect)
Yes, automatic
—
Independent Security Audits (Last 3 Years)(audits)
2 (Cure53, VerSprite, 2020-2023)
—
Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month)
$3.99
—
Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month)
None available
—
Annual Plan Price(USD)
From $69/year
—
Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD)
$3.09
—
Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD)
$36+
—
Show 31 more attributes
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 Cost(USD)
$47.88/year
$39.95/year
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
Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD)
$3.99/month
$2.03/month
Monthly Plan Price(USD)
$12.99
$11.99/month
Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD)
$3.49/month
—
Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD)
$6.99/month
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD)
$3.99
—
Annual Cost (3-year vs 2-year plans)(USD)
$47.88
—
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$11.99
—
Annual Price (Best Plan)(USD per month)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Subscription (Best Annual Rate)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Annual Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD)
$47.88/year
—
Annual Plan Cost(USD/month)
$3.99
—
Month-to-Month Cost(USD/month)
$11.99
—
Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD)
$47.88/year
—
Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)(USD)
$3.99
$2.03
Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD)
$2.03/month
—
Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD)
$72.76
—
Monthly Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month)
$2.03/month
—
Free Trial / Free Tier
No free tier (30-day money-back guarantee)
—
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 3 more attributes
No-Logs Policy Jurisdiction
Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes)
—
Log Retention Policy
Strict no-logs policy
No-logs policy verified by audit 2024
Jurisdiction
United States (5-eyes member)
—
Dark Web Monitor
Included
—
App Kill Switch Feature
Yes (app-level)
—
Dark Web Breach Monitoring
No
—
Breach Monitoring Included
No
—
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)
62% success rate (tested 13 regions)
Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent)
98%
72%
Netflix Unblocking Success(%)
71%
—
Show 1 more attribute
Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions)
8 regions
—
Global Server Count(servers)
6,500+
—
Server Count(servers)
7,200+
—
Global Server Network(servers)
6,500+ servers
—
Countries with Server Presence(countries)
111 countries
84 countries
Number of Servers(servers)
5,900+
29,650+
Show 4 more attributes
Total Global Servers(servers)
6,500+
—
Number of VPN Servers(servers)
6,500+
29,650+
Countries with Server Coverage(countries)
111
84
Countries with Servers(countries)
84 countries
—
Countries Covered(count)
110+ countries
—
Country Coverage(countries)
110+
—
Global Server Count(servers)
6,400+
29,650+
Server Countries(countries)
111
—
Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers)
6,500+
3,400+
Country Coverage(countries)
111 countries
84 countries
Show 2 more attributes
Countries Covered(count)
111 countries
84
VPN Server Locations(countries)
111 countries
—
Streaming Compatibility
Full support for major platforms
—
Maximum Password Character Support(characters)
Not applicable
—
Browser Extensions Available(count)
7 major browser extensions
—
Supported Platforms(platforms)
12+ (major platforms only)
—
Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices)
6 simultaneous connections
—
Annual Subscription Price(USD)
$3.99/month
$2.03/month
Total VPN Servers(servers)
6,500+
10,000+
Total VPN Server Count(servers)
6,000
—
Countries Available(countries)
111
—
Open-Source Code Availability
Partial (selected components)
100% open-source
Open-Source Code
Partial components only
—
Open-Source Client
No (proprietary)
Yes (GitHub available)
Independent Security Audits
Partial open-source, limited audits
—
Countries with Presence(countries)
111
—
Source Code Availability
Proprietary/Closed-source
—
Latest Security Audit Year
2022 (PwC)
—
Free Tier Monthly Data(GB)
None
—
Money-Back Guarantee(days)
30 days
30 days
Total Server Count(servers)
5,800+
29,650 servers
Money-Back Guarantee Period(days)
30 days
30 days
Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0)
4.4
4.6
Free Trial Duration(days)
7 days
—
Customer Support Hours(hours/week)
24/7 live chat and email
—
Geographic Coverage(countries)
60+ countries
91 countries
Countries Served(countries)
111
—
Global Server Network Size(servers)
6,000+
—
Transparency Report Frequency(per year)
Annual (1x/year)
—
Primary Protocol
NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
OpenVPN / WireGuard
No-Logs Audit Year
Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·5 cons across both
PI
NordVPN
+5-2
Pros
- Average download speed of 920 Mbps maintains near-native connection speeds
- 98% Netflix unblocking success with dedicated streaming-optimized servers
- 6,400+ servers across 111 countries provides maximum geographic flexibility
- NordLynx protocol (WireGuard variant) balances speed with privacy
- Double VPN feature encrypts traffic through two servers sequentially
Cons
- Higher subscription cost at $3.99/month on standard plans
- SSD-based servers technically allow data recovery if compromised (vs RAM-only competitors)
PI
Private Internet Access (PIA)
+5-3
Pros
- Lowest price at $2.03/month on 3-year plan (45% cheaper than NordVPN)
- RAM-only servers guarantee zero data persistence after shutdown
- 10 simultaneous device connections vs NordVPN's 6
- Owned by Kape Technologies with transparent ownership disclosure
- Advanced kill switch with granular DNS/WebRTC leak protection
Cons
- Only 72% success rate unblocking Netflix; frequent geographic blocks
- Average speed of 780 Mbps is noticeably slower for bandwidth-heavy activities
- Smaller server network (84 countries) limits geographic options
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
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.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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