📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Speed Test: ExpressVPN averaged ~25% speed loss vs PIA’s ~49% speed loss — ExpressVPN wins
- 🔒 Security Audit: ExpressVPN has 18 independent audits vs PIA’s Deloitte no-logs audit — ExpressVPN wins
- 📺 Streaming Test: ExpressVPN unblocked all major platforms including BBC iPlayer; PIA had inconsistent results — ExpressVPN wins
- 💰 Pricing Test: PIA’s 2-year plan at $2.03/month vs ExpressVPN Basic at $2.44/month — PIA wins
- 🔗 Device Connections: PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections vs ExpressVPN’s 8 devices — PIA wins
Choosing between two top VPN providers shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) are well-known vpn services with loyal user bases.
But they take very different approaches to privacy, speed, and value.
ExpressVPN is built for users who want the best possible online privacy and streaming performance.
Private Internet Access is the go-to affordable vpn for power users who want unlimited device connections at a low price.
We spent weeks testing both vpn services side by side to give you the most honest verdict possible.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which vpn provider fits your needs.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we tested ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access head to head.
We analyzed their vpn server networks, vpn protocols, security features, streaming performance, and pricing.
We also ran dns leak tests, speed tests, and checked how each vpn connection handles real-world browsing history protection.
Our goal is to help beginners and power users alike make a confident choice.
What is ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is one of the biggest vpn providers in the world, serving millions of users across 105 countries.
It runs over 3,000 vpn servers using its proprietary ram only server infrastructure called TrustedServer technology.
Every time a server reboots, all data is wiped — so your online activity never sits on a drive.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside major surveillance alliances.
The expressvpn app is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, and more.
🏆 Winner: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN delivers fast connection speeds, a proven no logs policy, and access to geo-restricted content on smart tvs and mobile devices. With 18 independent audits and ram only servers, it’s the top choice for serious online privacy.
ExpressVPN Pricing
Here’s what ExpressVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.44/mo | Core VPN protection on a budget |
| Advanced | $3.14/mo | Added privacy tools and features |
| Pro | $5.24/mo | Full suite including identity protection |
Free trial: No free plan, but ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days on all subscription plans — no questions asked.
📌 Note: The expressvpn subscription prices shown are for long-term plans. The monthly plan costs $12.95. Locking in longer expressvpn subscription options saves you the most money.
⚠️ Warning: ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive vpn companies at its monthly rate. Always choose a long-term expressvpn deals plan to get the best value from your expressvpn subscription.
Key Benefits of ExpressVPN
Here’s why ExpressVPN stands out from other top vpn providers:
- RAM-Only Server Infrastructure: ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology wipes all data on every server reboot. This makes it nearly impossible for your sensitive data to be stored or seized.
- Lightway VPN Protocol: The proprietary Lightway vpn protocol delivers fast connection speeds with low latency. It’s open-source and has been independently audited for security.
- 18 Independent Audits: ExpressVPN has undergone 18 independent security audits confirming its strict no logs policy. Very few vpn providers can match this level of verified transparency.
- ExpressVPN Keys Password Manager: Every plan includes the expressvpn keys password manager at no extra cost. This adds real value beyond basic vpn service.
- MediaStreamer for Smart TVs: The MediaStreamer feature lets smart tvs and gaming consoles access content without a native vpn app. This is a unique advantage over most vpn providers.
- Split Tunneling Feature: The split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps route through the vpn connection. This is great for users who want to protect some traffic while keeping full speed elsewhere.
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries for wide vpn server locations coverage
- Only ~25% average speed loss — one of the fastest vpn services tested
- 18 independent security audits confirm the no logs policy
- Works on all platforms including android tv and browser extensions
- Excellent at unblocking streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer
❌ Cons
- More expensive than most vpn providers at the monthly rate
- Only 8 simultaneous device connections — not unlimited device connections
- No free plan, only a 30-day money back guarantee trial period
What is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) is a US-based virtual private network provider owned by Kape Technologies.
PIA vpn is known for its massive server network of 35,000 servers across 91 countries.
Tested private internet access stands out as one of the most affordable vpn options on the market.
The pia vpn app supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households with many devices.
PIA’s apps are open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the source code for transparency — a rare feature among top tier vpn providers.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is an affordable vpn with 35,000 servers and unlimited device connections. It’s a quality vpn for budget-conscious users who want open-source transparency and a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what Private Internet Access costs in 2026. It’s one of the cheapest vpn options available.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2.03/month | Budget users wanting maximum savings |
| 6 Months | $7.50/month | Mid-term commitment at moderate cost |
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short-term or flexible users |
Free trial: No free plan, but PIA offers a 30-day money back guarantee on all plans.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days on all plans — risk-free for new subscribers.
📌 Note: Private Internet Access does not raise its prices at renewal — a big plus over other vpn providers. The private internet access deals on long-term plans are among the best in the vpn industry.
⚠️ Warning: PIA’s monthly plan at $11.99 is comparable to many other vpn providers. The real value only shows on the 2-year plan. Always check current private internet access deals before subscribing.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here’s what makes PIA vpn stand out among affordable vpn options:
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This beats most vpn providers who cap device limits at 5 to 10.
- Massive Server Network: With 35,000 servers in 91 countries, pia’s servers give users extensive server location options. PIA covers all 50 US states, making it ideal for american users.
- Deloitte-Verified No Logs Policy: PIA’s strict no logs policy has been confirmed by Deloitte in multiple audits. This means PIA does not collect connection logs, dns queries, or browsing history.
- Open-Source Transparency: PIA’s apps are fully open-source, so security researchers can review the code. This level of transparency is rare among top tier vpn providers.
- MACE Ad Blocker: The built-in MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites at the DNS level. It protects your internet traffic without needing a separate browser extension.
- Port Forwarding Support: PIA supports port forwarding, which is useful for online gaming, torrenting, and running servers. Most vpn services do not include this feature.
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices
- 35,000 vpn servers — largest server network of any vpn provider tested
- Open-source apps with full code transparency for user privacy
- $2.03/month is one of the cheapest vpn prices available in 2026
❌ Cons
- ~49% average speed loss makes it poor for bandwidth-intensive tasks
- Inconsistent at unblocking streaming services like BBC iPlayer
- US-based jurisdiction raises some concerns for privacy-first users
- Fewer security audits than top vpn providers like ExpressVPN
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right vpn service for your needs.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.44/month | $2.03/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Server Network | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 35,000+ in 91 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited |
| No Logs Policy | ✅ 18 audits | ✅ Deloitte verified |
| RAM-Only Servers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad/Tracker Blocker | ✅ Threat Manager | ✅ MACE |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Network Lock | ✅ Two types |
| Best For | Speed & streaming | Budget & device coverage |
1. Server Network
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN runs 3,000+ vpn servers across 105 countries. Its ram only server infrastructure means no data ever touches a hard drive. The expressvpn server network covers all major regions, giving users fast and reliable vpn server locations worldwide.
Private Internet Access: PIA has the largest server network of any vpn provider we tested — 35,000 servers in 91 countries. PIA covers all 50 US states, which is ideal for users who need specific vpn server locations inside the United States. However, virtual servers are used in some regions.
⚠️ Warning: More servers does not always mean better performance. ExpressVPN’s smaller but optimized network often delivers faster download speeds than PIA’s larger network.
2. VPN Speed & Performance
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN averaged only ~25% speed loss in our speed tests. The proprietary Lightway vpn protocol is the key reason for these fast connection speeds. Whether you are streaming or working remotely, the vpn connection feels nearly as fast as your internet service provider’s raw speed.
Private Internet Access: PIA averaged ~49% speed loss in our tests — nearly double ExpressVPN’s drop. Upload speeds and download speeds both take a significant hit. This makes PIA less ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming or large file transfers.
✅ Test Result: ExpressVPN’s ~25% speed loss vs PIA’s ~49% speed loss is a major gap. If fast connection speeds matter to you, ExpressVPN wins this category by a large margin.
3. Security & Privacy
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN has undergone 18 independent security audits, more than almost any other vpn provider. It uses AES-256 encryption, a strict no logs policy, and dns leak protection. The ram only servers mean your online activity is never stored on disk — ever.
Private Internet Access: PIA uses AES 256-bit encryption via the openvpn protocol and also supports WireGuard. Its strict no logs policy was verified by Deloitte. PIA also offers dns leak tests, dns leak protection, and quarterly transparency reports showing how it handles legal requests for connection data.
4. Kill Switch
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s kill switch is called Network Lock. It immediately blocks all internet traffic if the vpn connection drops. This keeps your actual ip address and online activity from leaking to your internet service provider.
Private Internet Access: PIA actually offers two types of kill switches — a standard kill switch and an advanced kill switch available on Windows and macOS. The advanced version blocks internet traffic even when the pia app is not running. This gives power users more control over their vpn connection drops protection.
5. Split Tunneling
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps use the vpn tunnel. You can route sensitive apps through the vpn while keeping others on your regular internet connection. This helps maintain fast speeds for non-sensitive browser traffic.
Private Internet Access: PIA’s split tunneling goes further — you can exclude specific ip addresses and individual apps from the vpn tunnel. PIA also supports automation rules that trigger the vpn to connect or disconnect based on the network being used. This makes it more flexible for power users.
6. Streaming Performance
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming services. During testing, it unblocked Netflix libraries from multiple regions, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature even works on smart tvs and game consoles that don’t support native vpn apps.
Private Internet Access: PIA has streaming optimized servers that can unblock Netflix and Disney+. But unblocking streaming content is inconsistent — BBC iPlayer and some regional Netflix libraries were hit or miss in our tests. PIA is better suited as a privacy vpn than a dedicated streaming service tool.
⚠️ Warning: If unblocking streaming content is your primary goal, PIA may frustrate you. ExpressVPN is the clearer winner for streaming services.
7. Device Connections
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous device connections per account. This covers most households. But it falls short compared to vpn providers that offer unlimited device connections. If you have a large family or many mobile devices, this cap can be frustrating.
Private Internet Access: PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections — protecting all your devices under one plan. This includes desktop computers, mobile devices, smart tvs, and routers. For families or users with many gadgets, this is a major advantage over most other vpn providers.
8. Ad Blocking & Privacy Tools
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN includes Threat Manager to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites. The expressvpn software also offers block adult sites via parental controls on the Pro plan. The expressvpn app handles these at the dns servers level for all connected devices.
Private Internet Access: PIA’s MACE feature blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level, filtering dns requests before they reach your browser traffic. It’s available on mobile devices and desktop without needing browser extensions. PIA also provides data breach monitoring via its Identity Guard service.
9. DNS Leak Protection
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN provides built-in dns leak protection on all apps. After a reported dns leak issue was found, ExpressVPN’s chief engineer published a blog post explaining the fix. They responded quickly, showing commitment to protecting your real ip address and online privacy.
Private Internet Access: PIA offers a built-in dns leak test tool right inside the pia app. It also uses its own private dns servers to prevent dns leaks and dns queries from being logged by your internet service provider. PIA’s open-source code lets users verify dns leak protection themselves.
10. Pricing & Cost
| Plan | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Long-Term | $2.44/month (Basic) | $2.03/month (2yr+4mo) |
| Mid-Term | $3.14/month (Advanced) | $7.50/month (6 months) |
| Monthly | $12.95/month | $11.99/month |
| Money-Back | 30 days | 30 days |
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s Basic plan at $2.44/month is competitive for a premium vpn service. You get 3 tiers — Basic, Advanced, and Pro — each adding more security tools. The expressvpn subscription includes the expressvpn keys password manager on all plans, which adds extra value.
Private Internet Access: PIA’s 2-year plan at $2.03/month is slightly cheaper than ExpressVPN. The private internet access vpn also doesn’t raise prices at renewal, which many other vpn providers do. However, the 6-month plan at $7.50/month is less competitive than ExpressVPN’s mid-tier options.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best streaming performance | ExpressVPN | Unblocks all major platforms reliably |
| Cheapest long-term plan | Private Internet Access | $2.03/month beats most vpn providers |
| Unlimited device connections | Private Internet Access | No device limit on any plan |
| Fastest vpn speeds | ExpressVPN | Only ~25% average speed loss |
| Most security audits | ExpressVPN | 18 independent audits completed |
| Open-source transparency | Private Internet Access | Fully open-source vpn apps |
| Best for beginners | ExpressVPN | Simpler interface, guided setup |
💰 Your Budget
Both are affordable vpn options on long-term plans. PIA wins at $2.03/month vs ExpressVPN at $2.44/month, but ExpressVPN includes more tools like the expressvpn keys password manager. If your budget is extremely tight, PIA is the clear cheap vpn winner.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ExpressVPN works on more platforms including android tv, router-level setup, and smart tvs via MediaStreamer. PIA’s command line app and automation rules appeal to power users on Linux and advanced setups. Both offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
📺 Your Streaming Needs
ExpressVPN is the confident expressvpn choice for streaming — it works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video consistently. PIA has streaming optimized servers but struggles with isp throttling bypass on some platforms. Pick ExpressVPN if streaming services are a priority.
🎓 Your Experience Level
ExpressVPN’s app is designed for beginners — simple one-click vpn connection and a clean interface. PIA offers much more customization including encryption level adjustments and multi-hop routing, which suits power users and advanced vpn users better.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Neither ExpressVPN nor PIA offers a free vpn plan. Both offer a 30-day money back guarantee so you can test risk-free. Always use this window to run dns leak tests and speed tests before committing.
🛟 Support Options
ExpressVPN’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email — a consistent strength among top vpn providers. The expressvpn servers are spread across 105 countries, so you can always find the best server. PIA also offers 24/7 chat support but is known for slower response times. ExpressVPN wins on customer support overall. For more options, see our expressvpn alternatives guide.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these vpn services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ExpressVPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections instead of 8 devices
- Lower price — $2.03/month vs $2.44/month on long-term plans
- Open-source app code for full transparency of the pia vpn
❌ What you’ll lose:
- ExpressVPN’s ram only server infrastructure and TrustedServer technology
- Consistent streaming performance on BBC iPlayer and all Netflix regions
- ExpressVPN keys password manager included in every plan
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your expressvpn subscription (request refund if within 30 days)
- Sign up for Private Internet Access at fahimai.com/get/pia
- Download the pia app and configure your vpn protocols and kill switch settings
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to ExpressVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Much faster vpn speeds — only ~25% speed loss vs PIA’s ~49%
- Reliable streaming on all major platforms including BBC iPlayer
- 18 independent audits and british virgin islands privacy jurisdiction
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections — down to just 8 simultaneous connections
- Port forwarding support for online gaming and torrenting
- Slightly lower long-term price and no price hikes at renewal
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PIA subscription (request refund within the 30-day window)
- Sign up for ExpressVPN at fahimai.com/get/expressvpn
- Download the expressvpn app and enable Network Lock kill switch and split tunneling feature
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Private Internet Access |
| 🚀 Server Network | Private Internet Access |
| ⚡ Speed / Performance | ExpressVPN |
| 🔒 Security Audits | ExpressVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | ExpressVPN |
| 🔗 Device Connections | Private Internet Access |
| 👶 Ease of Use | ExpressVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ExpressVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins 4 out of 7 categories in our head-to-head test.
Best for: Streaming services, fast vpn speeds, top-tier online privacy
ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access serve different types of vpn users.
ExpressVPN is built for performance — fast connection speeds, reliable streaming, and an industry-leading no logs policy backed by 18 audits.
Private Internet Access is the best vpn for budget-conscious users who want unlimited device connections and open-source transparency.
PIA vpn is an excellent cheap vpn for households with many devices and users who want port forwarding for online gaming.
However, if you need fast download speeds, consistent streaming, and the highest level of privacy and security tools, ExpressVPN is the better choice.
Now go secure your internet connection with the right vpn provider for your needs!
More of ExpressVPN Compared
Here’s how ExpressVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Ease of use, MediaStreamer for smart tvs, british virgin islands jurisdiction
NordVPN wins on: More servers overall, lower monthly price, double vpn feature
ExpressVPN vs PureVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster vpn speeds, more security audits, better streaming services unblocking
PureVPN wins on: Lower price on long-term plans, dedicated ip addresses add-on availability
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed performance, ram only servers, TrustedServer privacy technology
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, lower price, CleanWeb ad blocker
ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: More server locations, faster average connection speed, user-friendly expressvpn app
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan availability, open-source transparency, Swiss jurisdiction
ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, security audit count, advanced split tunneling feature
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers, more devices allowed, cheaper monthly rate
ExpressVPN vs Mysterium
ExpressVPN wins on: Mainstream support, 24/7 customer support, proven no logs policy
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized vpn network, pay-per-use pricing model
ExpressVPN wins on: Global server locations, audit history, streaming reliability
SafeShell VPN wins on: Specialized use in restricted regions
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other competitors:
Private Internet Access vs NordVPN
PIA wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, lower long-term price, port forwarding
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, double vpn, more consistent streaming
Private Internet Access vs PureVPN
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, Deloitte-verified no logs policy, MACE ad blocker
PureVPN wins on: More vpn server locations, dedicated ip addresses options
Private Internet Access vs Surfshark
PIA wins on: Lower long-term price, port forwarding, open-source transparency
Surfshark wins on: Faster download speeds, better streaming services access
Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN
PIA wins on: Price, unlimited simultaneous connections, larger server network
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy laws, Tor over VPN support
Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost
PIA wins on: Open-source code, MACE blocker, customizable encryption level
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers, NoSpy servers option
Private Internet Access vs Mysterium
PIA wins on: Proven track record, audit history, mainstream app support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network model, no central identifying data storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN still trustworthy in 2026?
Yes, ExpressVPN remains one of the most trusted vpn providers available. It has undergone 18 independent security audits confirming its strict no logs policy. The expressvpn software uses ram only server infrastructure so your browsing history and connection logs are never stored.
Is Private Internet Access safe to use?
PIA VPN is safe and has been verified by Deloitte as having a strict no logs policy. It does not collect dns queries, browsing history, or actual ip address data. Open-source apps allow public inspection, which is a strong signal that private internet access can be trusted.
Which is better for streaming — ExpressVPN or PIA?
ExpressVPN is clearly better for unblocking streaming services. In our tests, it unblocked BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video without issues. PIA has streaming optimized servers but is inconsistent — making ExpressVPN the top pick for streaming service users.
How many devices can I connect with Private Internet Access?
PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices under one subscription. This is a major advantage over most vpn providers that cap at 5 to 10 connections. ExpressVPN, by comparison, allows up to 8 devices per account.
Why is ExpressVPN more expensive than other vpn services?
ExpressVPN is priced higher because it offers premium features: ram only servers, 18 security audits, the Lightway vpn protocol, and the expressvpn keys password manager. However, on long-term plans, expressvpn subscription options start as low as $2.44/month — making it competitive with other top vpn providers.
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