NordVPN Vs. Private Internet Access
A virtual private network (VPN) offers online privacy and secure internet access for individual users, small companies, and travelers using public Wi-Fi. Two highly popular VPNs include NordVPN and Private Internet Access.
This comparison analyzes price, servers, device compatibility, and customer service to help users decide which VPN best suits their needs.
NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access: At a Glance
NordVPN
Overall score: 9.6
- Incredibly fast servers
- Great security features
- Verified no-logs policy
- Unblocks streaming platforms
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PrivateInternetAccess
Overall score: 9.2
- Great unblocking ability
- Supports WireGuard protocol
- Decent streaming speed
- Affordable subscription offers
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NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are both top-rated VPNs with slight differences in cost and features. PIA offers lower annual pricing but lacks some features that NordVPN provides. Both offer monthly and yearly payment options; PIA has discounts for three-year plans while NordVPN offers savings on two-year subscriptions.
How NordVPN and Private Internet Access Stack Up
Private Internet Access is more affordable than NordVPN at $39.95 per year compared to $59 per year. Both services feature 24/7 customer support, identical encryption levels (AES with 256-bit keys), compatibility with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux devices; however, only NordVPN supports Android TV.
PIA permits connection to ten devices while NordVPN allows six devices only. Although both services have numerous servers compared to competitors’, PIA’s server count far exceeds that of other VPNs we reviewed—including the 5,500 servers offered by Nordvpn.
In terms of server locations worldwide—78 for PIA versus 60 for Nordvpn—the difference is less stark; prospective customers should verify desired locations on the provider’s websites before subscribing.
For an additional fee from either provider users can obtain a dedicated IP address allowing private access to IP-restricted networks; however,Pia offers a more competitive pricing plan at $60 per year than Nordvpn’s $70/year.
Additional Features
PIA subscribers opting for the three-year plan receive access to Boxcryptor—an encryption software that safeguards sensitive files on cloud storage platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. This ensures privacy of stored cloud data.
NordVPN provides a similar service called NordLocker Premium which encrypts up to 500 GB of cloud-based files. Charging an additional $7.99 per month or $3.99/month for annual subscribers.
Bottom Line
Private Internet Access provides more servers at a lower price, ranking number one on our list of the ten best VPNs in 2023. An excellent choice for everyday high-speed VPN usage, PIA does have some drawbacks—Kape Technologies now owns it and it lacks third-party reviews.
NordVPN’s NordLayer service is ideal for securing large team privacy; if security is paramount, users may opt for NordVPN over PIA due to its third-party review process.