software
PIA vs NordVPN 2026: Speed, Price & Privacy
PIA offers better value at $2.03/month with stronger privacy credentials and open-source audits, while NordVPN provides superior server coverage (6,000+ vs 29,650 servers) and faster speeds across more locations, making it better for streaming and global access.
P(
PIA (Private Internet Access)
Budget-friendly VPN with exceptional privacy focus and unlimited simultaneous connections.
Privacy-conscious users, families wanting unlimited device coverage, those on tight budgets, and developers valuing transparent open-source code
Score67%
VS
NordVPN
Premium VPN service with 6,400+ servers optimized for speed and streaming.
Streaming enthusiasts, international travelers needing maximum country access, speed-sensitive users, and those preferring established brand reputation
Score60%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryPIA offers better value at $2.03/month with stronger privacy credentials and open-source audits, while NordVPN provides superior server coverage (6,000+ vs 29,650 servers) and faster speeds across more locations, making it better for streaming and global access.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose PIA if you prioritize privacy, value, and unlimited simultaneous connections—it's the privacy-focused option with transparent audits and aggressive pricing. Choose NordVPN if you need the fastest speeds, maximum country coverage (111 countries), and optimized streaming servers—it's better for users who need global flexibility and performance.
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P
PIA (Private Internet Access)
8/10
NordVPN
7/10
P
Choose PIA (Private Internet Access) if
Best pickPrivacy-conscious users, families wanting unlimited device coverage, those on tight budgets, and developers valuing transparent open-source code
Choose NordVPN if
Streaming enthusiasts, international travelers needing maximum country access, speed-sensitive users, and those preferring established brand reputation
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Subscription Cost:✓ PIA (Private Internet Access) wins($2.03/month (3-year plan) vs $3.99/month (2-year plan))
- Total VPN Servers:✓ PIA (Private Internet Access) wins(29,650 servers vs 6,000+ servers)
- Countries Covered:✓ NordVPN wins(111 countries vs 84 countries)
Key Facts & Figures
91 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | PIA (Private Internet Access) | NordVPN | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) | $2.03 | $3.99 | |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 29,650 | 6,000 | |
| Countries Available(countries) | 84 | 111 | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | 920 Mbps | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | Unlimited | 6 devices | — |
| Annual Cost (3-year vs 2-year plans)(USD) | $24.36 | $47.88 | |
| 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 | |
| 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) | |
| 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(count) | 7 major browser extensions | 7 major browser extensions | |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | 6,500+ | |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $47.88/year | $47.88/year | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 6 devices | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | 111 | |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | 2022 (PwC) | |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | 6,400+ | |
| Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | None | None | |
| Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | 580 Mbps | |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $47.88 | $47.88 | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99 | $3.99 | |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 5,800+ | 5,800+ | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 6,500+ servers | 6,500+ servers | |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,200+ servers | 6,200+ servers | |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | 111 | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | 6,500+ | |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries | 111 countries | |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (PwC) | Annual (PwC) | |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) | |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries | 111 countries | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent) | 98% | 98% | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 6 devices | |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | 4.4 | |
| Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 5,900+ | 5,900+ | |
| Countries Covered(count) | 111 countries | 111 countries | |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD) | $12.99 | $12.99 | |
| Average Connection Speed(Mbps) | 320 Mbps | 320 Mbps | |
| Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.49/month | $3.49/month | |
| Total Global Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | 6,500+ | |
| Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $6.99/month | $6.99/month | |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | 111 countries | |
| Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | 6 simultaneous connections | |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | 7 days | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $11.99 | $11.99 | |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | 6,500+ | |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 111 | 111 | |
| Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) | 350 | 350 | |
| Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) | 200-500ms | 200-500ms | |
| Annual Price (Best Plan)(USD per month) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | 580 Mbps | |
| Global Server Network Size(servers) | 6,000+ | 6,000+ | |
| Countries Served(countries) | 111 | 111 | |
| Monthly Subscription (Best Annual Rate)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Transparency Report Frequency(per year) | Annual (1x/year) | Annual (1x/year) | |
| Annual Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD) | $47.88/year | $47.88/year | |
| Annual Plan Cost(USD/month) | $3.99 | $3.99 | |
| Month-to-Month Cost(USD/month) | $11.99 | $11.99 | |
| Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) | $47.88/year | $47.88/year | |
| Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)(USD) | $3.99 | $3.99 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
P(
4PIA (Private Internet Access)PIA (Private Internet Access) leads1 tie
PIA (Private Internet Access)
Attribute
NordVPN
- $2.03/month (3-year plan)(winner)Monthly Subscription Cost$3.99/month (2-year plan)
- 29,650 servers(winner)Total VPN Servers6,000+ servers
- 84 countriesCountries Covered111 countries(winner)
- Yes, multiple independent audits completed(winner)Open-Source Code AuditsPartial, limited open-source components
- 580 Mbps (measured at 1000 Mbps baseline)Average Download Speed620 Mbps (measured at 1000 Mbps baseline)(winner)
- Yes, included on all platformsKill Switch FunctionalityYes, included on all platforms
- Unlimited(winner)Simultaneous Connections6 connections
- Monthly Subscription Cost
PIA (Private Internet Access)
$2.03/month (3-year plan)(winner)
NordVPN
$3.99/month (2-year plan)
- Total VPN Servers
PIA (Private Internet Access)
29,650 servers(winner)
NordVPN
6,000+ servers
- Countries Covered
PIA (Private Internet Access)
84 countries
NordVPN
111 countries(winner)
- Open-Source Code Audits
PIA (Private Internet Access)
Yes, multiple independent audits completed(winner)
NordVPN
Partial, limited open-source components
- Average Download Speed
PIA (Private Internet Access)
580 Mbps (measured at 1000 Mbps baseline)
NordVPN
620 Mbps (measured at 1000 Mbps baseline)(winner)
- Kill Switch Functionality
PIA (Private Internet Access)
Yes, included on all platforms
NordVPN
Yes, included on all platforms
- Simultaneous Connections
PIA (Private Internet Access)
Unlimited(winner)
NordVPN
6 connections
Full Comparison
| Attribute | PIA (Private Internet Access) | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) | $2.03(winner) | $3.99 |
| Annual Cost (3-year vs 2-year plans)(USD) | $24.36(winner) | $47.88 |
| 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 | — |
Show 27 more attributesBasic 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 Cost(USD) $47.88/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 — Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Plan Price(USD) $12.99 — Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD) $3.49/month — Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD) $6.99/month — 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 — | ||
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 29,650(winner) | 6,000 |
| Countries Available(countries) | 84 | 111(winner) |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | 920 Mbps(winner) |
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | — |
| Connection Speed Rating | Fastest | — |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | — |
Show 9 more attributesDownload 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 — Average Download Speed Loss(%) 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) — Average Connection Speed(Mbps) 320 Mbps — Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) 350 — Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps) 580 Mbps — | ||
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | Unlimited | 6 devices |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | — |
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Limited | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | — |
Show 2 more attributesSimultaneous Device Connections(devices) 6 devices — Port Forwarding Not available — | ||
| Kill Switch Protection | Yes, all platforms | Yes, all platforms |
| VPN Protocols Offered | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) | AES-256 (NordLynx) | — |
| Primary VPN Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes (Standard) | — |
Show 21 more attributesEncryption Standard AES-256 — 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) — Independent Security Audit(year) PwC audit 2024 — Kill Switch Implementation Yes, all platforms — Encryption Standard AES-256 — Primary Encryption Standard WireGuard with ChaCha20 — No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) Annual (PwC) — Server Memory Type SSD-based — Supported Encryption Protocols(protocols) OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx — Kill Switch / Leak Protection Yes (Threat Protection included) — Recent Independent Security Audit PwC (2024) — 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 — Code Openness Proprietary (audited) — Independent Security Audit (Latest) Deloitte (2024) — Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) 200-500ms — | ||
| Independent Security Audits | Fully open-source, multiple 2024 audits | Partial open-source, limited audits |
| Open-Source Code Availability | Partial (selected components) | — |
| Open-Source Code | Partial components only | — |
| Open-Source Client | No (proprietary) | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,200+ servers | — |
| Server Storage Type(text) | Mix of disk and RAM | — |
| 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 Strict no-logs policy — | ||
| 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) | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent) | 98% | — |
| 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 | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 5,900+ | — |
Show 3 more attributesTotal Global Servers(servers) 6,500+ — Number of VPN Servers(servers) 6,500+ — Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 111 — | ||
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | — |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries | — |
Show 2 more attributesCountries Covered(count) 111 countries — 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 5,800+ | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | — |
| Customer Support Hours(hours/week) | 24/7 live chat and email | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 60+ 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) | — |
PPIA (Private Internet Access)
NordVPNMonthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD)
$2.03
$3.99
Annual Cost (3-year vs 2-year plans)(USD)
$24.36
$47.88
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
—
Show 27 more attributes
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 Cost(USD)
$47.88/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
—
Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Plan Price(USD)
$12.99
—
Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD)
$3.49/month
—
Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD)
$6.99/month
—
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
—
Total VPN Server Count(servers)
29,650
6,000
Countries Available(countries)
84
111
Total VPN Servers(servers)
6,500+
—
Average Download Speed(Mbps)
580 Mbps
920 Mbps
Peak Download Speed(Mbps)
950+ Mbps
—
Speed Retention Rate(%)
92%
—
Connection Speed Rating
Fastest
—
Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline)
5.20% decrease
—
Show 9 more attributes
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
—
Average Download Speed Loss(%)
8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard)
—
Average Connection Speed(Mbps)
320 Mbps
—
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps)
350
—
Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps)
580 Mbps
—
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
Unlimited
6 devices
Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)
10+
—
Native Streaming Box Apps
Limited
—
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
10+
—
Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices)
6 devices
—
Show 2 more attributes
Simultaneous Device Connections(devices)
6 devices
—
Port Forwarding
Not available
—
Kill Switch Protection
Yes, all platforms
Yes, all platforms
VPN Protocols Offered
NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
—
Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms)
AES-256 (NordLynx)
—
Primary VPN Protocol
NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
—
Kill Switch Feature
Yes (Standard)
—
Show 21 more attributes
Encryption Standard
AES-256
—
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)
—
Independent Security Audit(year)
PwC audit 2024
—
Kill Switch Implementation
Yes, all platforms
—
Encryption Standard
AES-256
—
Primary Encryption Standard
WireGuard with ChaCha20
—
No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year)
Annual (PwC)
—
Server Memory Type
SSD-based
—
Supported Encryption Protocols(protocols)
OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx
—
Kill Switch / Leak Protection
Yes (Threat Protection included)
—
Recent Independent Security Audit
PwC (2024)
—
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
—
Code Openness
Proprietary (audited)
—
Independent Security Audit (Latest)
Deloitte (2024)
—
Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds)
200-500ms
—
Independent Security Audits
Fully open-source, multiple 2024 audits
Partial open-source, limited audits
Open-Source Code Availability
Partial (selected components)
—
Open-Source Code
Partial components only
—
Open-Source Client
No (proprietary)
—
Server Locations(countries)
111 countries
—
Number of Servers(servers)
7200+
—
Server Count(servers)
6,200+ servers
—
Server Storage Type(text)
Mix of disk and RAM
—
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 attributes
No-Logs Policy Jurisdiction
Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes)
—
Log Retention Policy
Strict no-logs policy
—
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)
—
Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent)
98%
—
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
—
Number of Servers(servers)
5,900+
—
Show 3 more attributes
Total Global Servers(servers)
6,500+
—
Number of VPN Servers(servers)
6,500+
—
Countries with Server Coverage(countries)
111
—
Countries Covered(count)
110+ countries
—
Country Coverage(countries)
110+
—
Global Server Count(servers)
6,400+
—
Server Countries(countries)
111
—
Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers)
6,500+
—
Country Coverage(countries)
111 countries
—
Show 2 more attributes
Countries Covered(count)
111 countries
—
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
—
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
—
Total Server Count(servers)
5,800+
—
Money-Back Guarantee Period(days)
30 days
—
Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0)
4.4
—
Free Trial Duration(days)
7 days
—
Customer Support Hours(hours/week)
24/7 live chat and email
—
Geographic Coverage(countries)
60+ 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)
—
Pros & Cons
12 pros·7 cons across both
P(
P(
PIA (Private Internet Access)
+6-3
Pros
- 29,650 servers worldwide—most in industry
- Unlimited simultaneous connections vs competitors' 6-10 limit
- 100% open-source codebase with independent third-party audits
- Lowest pricing at $2.03/month on 3-year plan
- No-logs policy verified by Deloitte audit (2024)
- MACE ad-blocker and malware filter included
Cons
- Available in only 84 countries (fewer than NordVPN's 111)
- Slightly slower average speeds (580 Mbps vs NordVPN's 620 Mbps)
- Smaller user interface customization options
NordVPN
+6-4
Pros
- Serves 111 countries—widest global coverage
- Fastest measured speeds at 620 Mbps average
- Specialized streaming servers optimized for Netflix, Disney+, BBC
- 6 simultaneous connections (mid-range for premium tier)
- Advanced threat protection blocks malware and phishing
- Double VPN option for additional encryption layer
Cons
- 6 connections limit forces multiple subscriptions for large households
- Higher cost at $3.99/month on 2-year plan (96% more than PIA)
- Fewer servers than PIA (6,000 vs 29,650) despite wider country reach
- Partial open-source model—not fully transparent
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
NordVPN is faster with 620 Mbps average speeds and optimized streaming servers, making it more reliable for HD/4K streaming on platform-restricted content. PIA averages 580 Mbps but works well for standard streaming; the 40 Mbps difference is negligible unless you're streaming 4K on unstable connections.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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