PIA vs NordVPN
NordVPN offers stronger encryption (AES-256) and more server locations (6,500+) with better streaming performance, while PIA provides superior privacy through RAM-only servers and no-logs audits, plus lower pricing at $2.03/month on annual plans.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited connections and strong privacy features via Kape Technologies.
Budget-conscious users, families with multiple devices, privacy advocates unconcerned with streaming, and users in regions with smaller server needs.
NordVPN
Premium VPN with 6,500+ servers, advanced streaming features, and enterprise-grade security.
Frequent travelers, streaming enthusiasts, users in heavily-censored regions needing Tor integration, and those prioritizing speed over cost.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryNordVPN offers stronger encryption (AES-256) and more server locations (6,500+) with better streaming performance, while PIA provides superior privacy through RAM-only servers and no-logs audits, plus lower pricing at $2.03/month on annual plans.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose PIA if you prioritize affordability, unlimited simultaneous connections, and don't need extensive streaming optimization—it's ideal for privacy-focused users on a budget. Choose NordVPN if you need superior streaming access, more global server coverage (6,500+ vs 3,400+), and advanced features like Dedicated IP, which justify the higher cost for frequent travelers and streaming enthusiasts.
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TIE — neck and neck
Choose Private Internet Access (PIA) if
Budget-conscious users, families with multiple devices, privacy advocates unconcerned with streaming, and users in regions with smaller server needs.
Choose NordVPN if
Frequent travelers, streaming enthusiasts, users in heavily-censored regions needing Tor integration, and those prioritizing speed over cost.
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Key Differences at a Glance
Key Facts & Figures
63 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Private Internet Access (PIA) | NordVPN | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $2.03 | $3.99/month | -49% |
| Server Count(servers) | 35,000+ | 6,400+ | +447% |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 91 | 111 countries | -18% |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 71% | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $2.03/month | $3.99/month | -49% |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 420 Mbps | 650 Mbps | -35% |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 devices | 6 devices | +67% |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 29,650 servers | 6,400 | +363% |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $2.03/month | — | — |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD/month) | $11.99/month | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 84 countries | — | — |
| Speed Loss (Average)(percent) | 8-10% | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 devices | 10 | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.03/month | — | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 84 countries | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.03/month | $3.99/month | -49% |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | 6,500+ | -48% |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 84 countries | 111 countries | -24% |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(connections) | Unlimited | 6 connections | +16550% |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (Deloitte) | Annual (PwC) | |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) | +125% |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | -30% |
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | 950+ Mbps | |
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | 111 countries | |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | 92% | |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | 10+ | |
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $3.99 | $3.99 | |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | 5.20% decrease | |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 950 Mbps | 950 Mbps | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $3.99 | $3.99 | |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | 92% | |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | 30+ | |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | 10+ | |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | 6,500+ | |
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | 110+ countries | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | From $69/year | From $69/year | |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $3.09 | $3.09 | |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | 7,200+ | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | 110+ | |
| Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $36+ | $36+ | |
| Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month) | $3.09 | $3.09 | |
| Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year) | $83.43 | $83.43 | |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | 7200+ | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | 10+ | |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $69.99/year (2-year plan) | $69.99/year (2-year plan) | |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 60 countries | 60 countries | |
| Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices) | 0 (Premium only) | 0 (Premium only) | |
| Devices Supported on Premium(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | 6 simultaneous connections | |
| Browser Extensions Available(browsers) | 7 major browser extensions | 7 major browser extensions | |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD/month) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 5,900+ servers | 5,900+ servers | |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2024 (PwC) | 2024 (PwC) | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | 111 | |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | 2022 (PwC) | |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,700+ servers | 6,700+ servers | |
| Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 3 (PwC, Deloitte, Cure53) | 3 (PwC, Deloitte, Cure53) | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | 580 Mbps | |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | 5,400+ | |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | 111 |
Sourced from publicly available data · Jun 2026
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Private Internet Access (PIA)
$2.03/month (3-year plan)🏆
NordVPN
$3.99/month (2-year plan)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
3,400+ servers in 84 countries
NordVPN
6,500+ servers in 111 countries🏆
Private Internet Access (PIA)
AES-256 (military-grade)
NordVPN
AES-256 (military-grade)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Annual independent audits by Deloitte
NordVPN
Annual independent audits by PwC
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Unlimited connections🏆
NordVPN
6 simultaneous connections
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Automatic Network Lock (included)
NordVPN
Kill Switch (included)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Compatible with Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+ (3/5 consistency)
NordVPN
Compatible with 10+ streaming services with dedicated IP (4.5/5 consistency)🏆
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Private Internet Access (PIA) | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $2.03 | $3.99/month |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $2.03/month | $3.99/month |
| 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 | — |
Show 13 more attributesMonthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $2.03/month $3.99/month 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 — Annual 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/month) $3.99/month — Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — | ||
| Server Count(servers) | 35,000+ | 6,400+ |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 91 | 111 countries |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 84 countries | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 84 countries | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
Show 2 more attributesServer Count(servers) 7,200+ — Server Countries(countries) 111 — | ||
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 71% | — |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 420 Mbps | 650 Mbps |
| Speed Loss (Average)(percent) | 8-10% | — |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) |
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | — |
Show 7 more attributesConnection Speed Rating Fastest — Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) 5.20% decrease — Download Speed(Mbps) 950 Mbps — 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 — | ||
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 devices | 6 devices |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 devices | 10 |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(connections) | Unlimited | 6 connections |
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Limited | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 29,650 servers | 6,400 |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — |
| Geographic Coverage(cities) | 91 countries | 111 countries |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM |
| Encryption Protocol | AES-256-GCM | — |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (Deloitte) | Annual (PwC) |
| VPN Protocols Offered | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) | AES-256 (NordLynx) | — |
Show 10 more attributesPrimary VPN Protocol NordLynx (WireGuard-based) — Kill Switch Feature Yes, All Platforms — Encryption Standard AES-256 — Independent 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 — Independent Security Audits(audits) 3 (PwC, Deloitte, Cure53) — Primary Encryption Standard WireGuard with ChaCha20 — | ||
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Open-Source Code Availability | 100% open-source | Partial (selected components) |
| Open Source Code | Partial (proprietary components) | — |
| Log Retention Policy | No-logs policy verified by audit 2024 | — |
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | — |
| Jurisdiction Privacy Rating | Excellent - Panama | — |
| No-Logs Policy | Verified no-logs | — |
| Payment Anonymity Options | Crypto, card, PayPal | — |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Kill Switch Availability | Yes (all platforms) | All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) |
| Dark Web Monitor | Included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | Yes (app-level) | — |
| Dark Web Breach Monitoring | No | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | 6,500+ |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 84 countries | 111 countries |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 60 countries | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 5,900+ servers | — |
Show 1 more attributeTotal VPN Server Count(servers) 5,400+ — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,700+ servers | — |
| 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) | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — |
| Streaming Compatibility | Full support for major platforms | — |
| Maximum Password Character Support(characters) | Not applicable | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(browsers) | 7 major browser extensions | — |
| Source Code Availability(null) | Proprietary/Closed-source | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | No free tier | — |
NordVPNShow 13 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Show 7 more attributes
Show 10 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Visual Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (rivals pay $3-5 extra per additional device)
- Annual Deloitte no-logs audits ensure verified privacy claims
- Lowest annual pricing at $2.03/month on 3-year plans (68% cheaper than NordVPN yearly)
- RAM-only servers eliminate persistent data storage risks
- MACE ad/malware blocker included at no extra cost
Cons
- Only 3,400 servers across 84 countries (46% fewer than NordVPN)
- Inconsistent Netflix/Disney+ access (blocks in 3 of 5 test locations) due to smaller server pool
NordVPN
Pros
- 6,500+ servers in 111 countries with NordLynx protocol (optimized WireGuard) for 3.2x faster speeds than OpenVPN
- Specialty servers: Dedicated IP ($4.99/month addon), Static Residential IPs, and P2P-optimized servers
- Annual PwC no-logs audits with verified zero-knowledge infrastructure
- OnionOver VPN routes traffic through Tor for enhanced anonymity (unique feature)
- Consistent streaming access across Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and 10+ services (90%+ success rate)
Cons
- Limited to 6 simultaneous connections (requires $4.99/month addon for unlimited)
- Higher pricing: $3.99/month on 2-year plans (96% more expensive than PIA's 3-year rate)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
NordVPN is significantly faster due to its NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based), which shows only 8% average speed loss versus PIA's 18% loss with OpenVPN. For streaming or downloading, NordVPN's speed advantage is measurable—roughly 2.25x faster on average across standard 100 Mbps connections. However, PIA's speed is sufficient for HD streaming and browsing.
NordVPN succeeds 89% of the time across tested regions thanks to its larger server pool and dedicated streaming servers. PIA works inconsistently at 62% success rate due to fewer servers, causing Netflix to detect and block VPN traffic more frequently. For reliable streaming access, NordVPN is the clear winner, though both services regularly update to counter Netflix's blocks.
PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections—perfect for families or users with many devices. NordVPN limits you to 6 connections unless you pay $4.99/month extra for unlimited. If you're protecting multiple phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs, PIA's unlimited connections save money and provide better value.
Both claim and have proven zero-logs policies through independent audits—PIA via Deloitte annually, NordVPN via PwC annually. Both are equally credible. Both use RAM-only servers (no persistent storage) to ensure logs can't exist. The key difference is NordVPN publishes transparency reports quarterly with geolocation request data, while PIA does so annually.
PIA offers superior value at $2.03/month on 3-year plans versus NordVPN's $3.99/month on 2-year plans—a 96% price difference. However, NordVPN's higher speed (2.25x faster), larger server network (6,500 vs 3,400), and superior streaming reliability may justify the premium for users who prioritize performance. For budget-conscious privacy advocates, PIA wins on value.
Resources & Learn More
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