Choosing a VPN can feel like picking a lock – confusing and a little risky if you don’t know what you’re doing.
You want something secure and private, but also fast and reliable.
That’s where this guide comes in.
We’re diving deep into two popular VPNs: ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access (PIA).
Both promise to keep your online activity safe, but which one actually delivers?
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
We’ve evaluated their speed, security features, streaming performance, and more, so you can make an informed decision.
Ready to experience Express VPN without limits? Enjoy blazing-fast speeds, top-notch security, and access to your favorite content.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $4.99/month
Key Features:
- Split Tunneling
- Lightway Protocol
- TrustedServer Technology
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection risk-free with Private Internet Access
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.19/month
Key Features:
- MACE ad blocker
- Advanced split tunneling
- Multi-Hop
What is ExpressVPN?
Now, let’s talk about ExpressVPN. This one’s a real speed demon!
They’re known for having super-fast connections, perfect for streaming or downloading large files.
They also have servers in 94 countries, so you have many options for finding a server that meets your needs.
And don’t even get me started on their security features. They’re top-notch!
Also, explore our favorite ExpressVPN alternatives…
Experience the internet without limits. ExpressVPN offers a blazing-fast, secure, and private online experience with 94 country locations and a no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Extensive server network: Connect to servers in 94 countries.
- Best-in-class security: Features include AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on all your devices.
Pricing
- 2 years + 4 Months Free: $4.99/month.
- 12 Months + 3 Months Free: $6.67/month
- 1 Month: $12.95/month.
Pros
Cons
What is Private Internet Access?
Looking for a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Then, you need to check out Private Internet Access (PIA).
They’ve been around for ages and have a solid reputation for keeping your data safe & sound.
There are no complicated setups, just powerful protection for all your online activities.
Also, explore our favorite Private Internet Access alternatives…
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection risk-free with Private Internet Access
Key Benefits
- Unwavering commitment to privacy: A strict no-logs policy you can trust.
- Advanced security features include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.
- Colossal server network: Offers 35,912+ servers in 84 countries.
- MACE ad blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices at once.
Pricing
- 2 Years + 2 Months Free: $2.19/month.
- 6 Months: $7.50/month.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at how these two VPN services stack up when it comes to the features that matter most.
We’ll compare ExpressVPN and PIA head-to-head across seven key categories.
1. Number of Simultaneous Connections
This refers to how many devices you can connect to your VPN service at the same time.
ExpressVPN allows you to use your account on up to five devices simultaneously.
However, PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a winner for families or those with many devices.
2. VPN Protocols
Both ExpressVPN and PIA support a variety of VPN protocols, giving you flexibility and choice.
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is designed for speed and security.
PIA also offers WireGuard, known for its fast performance, and OpenVPN, a reliable and widely-trusted option.
3. Security
When it comes to security, both VPNs have you covered.
They both offer strong encryption (AES-256), a kill switch to protect your data if your VPN connection drops, and a no-logs policy.
ExpressVPN also includes extra features like split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN, and protection against DNS leaks.
4. Privacy
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly location outside of major surveillance alliances.
PIA is headquartered in the US, which raises some privacy concerns for some users.
Although PIA has a strong no-logs policy, ExpressVPN’s location might be more reassuring for privacy-conscious users.
5. Speed
In our speed tests, ExpressVPN consistently outperformed PIA.
While both VPNs offer decent speeds for browsing and streaming, ExpressVPN provided faster download and upload speeds across multiple server locations.
If you need top-notch speed for gaming or downloading large files, ExpressVPN wins this round.
6. Server Network
ExpressVPN has a slightly smaller server network than PIA, but it covers a wider range of countries.
PIA also boasts a large number of servers, concentrated in fewer locations. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
If you need a VPN server in a specific country, check both providers’ server lists.
7. Streaming
Both ExpressVPN and PIA work well with popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
However, ExpressVPN had more consistent access to geo-restricted content during our tests.
If streaming is your primary reason for using a VPN, ExpressVPN might be a better option.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
Here are some quick tips to help you choose the right VPN:
- Free VPNs are tempting but often come with limitations or risks. It’s usually better to invest in a reputable paid service.
- Consider your specific needs. Do you need a VPN for easy streaming, torrenting, or simply browsing securely?
- Check the VPN’s logging policy. Make sure they don’t store your data.
- Look for a VPN with a vast server network. This gives you more options for bypassing geo restrictions and finding faster speeds.
- Read reviews and compare features. See what other users are saying about different VPN providers.
- Test the VPN with a money-back guarantee. This lets you try it risk-free before committing to a long-term plan.
Final Verdict
Choosing between PIA and ExpressVPN depends on your priorities.
If you’re looking for the best VPN for speed and streaming, with top-notch security features and responsive ExpressVPN support, ExpressVPN is the winner.
It offers a superior VPN app experience and consistently fast internet speeds.
However, PIA VPN offers a compelling combination of strong security, a vast server network, and an attractive price point, especially with Private Internet Access’s offers for longer subscriptions.
PIA and ExpressVPN both offer essential VPN features like strong encryption and a kill switch.
Unlike ExpressVPN, PIA provides unlimited simultaneous connections and is a great value option for protecting multiple devices with one internet connection.
Ultimately, both VPNs offer excellent features and can significantly improve your online security and privacy.
We’ve provided the information; now the choice is yours!
Choose the VPN that best suits your needs and enjoy a safer, more open internet experience.
More of ExpressVPN
Here’s a quick look at how ExpressVPN stacks up against alternatives:
- ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: ExpressVPN: user-friendly, fast. NordVPN: more features, sometimes better price.
- ExpressVPN vs PureVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, more reliable for streaming, better privacy.
- ExpressVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark: unlimited connections, cheaper long-term. ExpressVPN: faster, more server locations.
- ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, better for streaming. ProtonVPN: strong privacy, free option.
- ExpressVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ExpressVPN offers better performance, is easier to use, and has more servers. PrivadoVPN is budget-friendly and privacy-focused.
- ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN: ExpressVPN is: comprehensive VPN. AdGuard VPN: unique ad-blocking integration.
- ExpressVPN vs Virtual Shield: ExpressVPN: more features, better performance.
- ExpressVPN vs StrongVPN: Both have strong encryption. ExpressVPN: larger network, broader compatibility.
- ExpressVPN vs FastestVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, more servers. FastestVPN: budget-friendly.
- ExpressVPN vs AuraVPN: ExpressVPN focuses on VPN. AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost: ExpressVPN: faster, more consistent for streaming. CyberGhost: user-friendly, specialized servers.
- ExpressVPN vs McAfee VPN: ExpressVPN is: dedicated VPN with more features, better performance.
- ExpressVPN vs Mysterium: ExpressVPN: traditional, reliable servers. Mysterium: decentralized network.
More of Private Internet Access
We’ve explored alternatives to Private Internet Access, so how does Private Internet Access compare to them?
- Private Internet Access vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a larger server network spanning more countries, and better streaming capabilities. While PIA provides unlimited simultaneous connections and can be more affordable, NordVPN offers a more robust security package and consistently better performance.
- Private Internet Access vs PureVPN: PIA generally offers faster and more consistent speeds, along with unlimited simultaneous connections. While PureVPN boasts a larger server count and can unblock more streaming services in some tests, PIA’s performance and strong focus on security often give it an edge.
- Private Internet Access vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable, especially for long-term plans, and allows unlimited connections. While PIA has a larger server network, Surfshark generally provides faster speeds, better apps, and more features, making it a strong all-around competitor.
- Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN emphasizes strong security and privacy with features like Secure Core servers and a transparent approach. While PIA offers faster speeds on nearby servers and allows unlimited connections, ProtonVPN’s focus on privacy and consistent performance on international servers makes it a strong contender for privacy-conscious users.
- Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength lies in its integration with ad and tracker blocking. PIA is a more comprehensive VPN service offering a wider range of server locations and functionalities beyond ad blocking.
- Private Internet Access vs Virtual Shield: PIA offers a more extensive server network, stronger security features, and generally better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- Private Internet Access vs StrongVPN: Both VPNs offer strong encryption, but PIA boasts a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections, providing greater flexibility.
- Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN: PIA generally offers a larger server network and more robust security features than FastestVPN, which is budget-friendly.
- Private Internet Access vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection alongside its VPN. PIA focuses on providing a secure and private VPN connection with a large server network and unlimited connections.
- Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly apps and specialized servers for various online activities. PIA offers a larger server network and unlimited connections, appealing to users with many devices.
- Private Internet Access vs McAfee VPN: PIA is a dedicated VPN service with a wider range of features and better performance than the basic VPN included with McAfee’s security suite.
- Private Internet Access vs Mysterium: PIA uses a traditional server network known for its size and consistent performance. Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different approach to anonymity and potentially variable speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access cheaper than ExpressVPN?
Yes, Private Internet Access is cheaper than ExpressVPN, especially if you opt for a longer-term subscription. Access is cheaper than ExpressVPN, making it a budget-friendly choice. However, ExpressVPN often has promotions and discounts available.
Is ExpressVPN better than Private Internet Access?
It depends on what you’re looking for in a VPN. ExpressVPN is better than Private Internet Access when it comes to speed and streaming performance. However, PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN takes the lead with its wider server network and more user-friendly interface.
Which is better for streaming, ExpressVPN or PIA?
While both PIA and ExpressVPN offer access to popular streaming platforms, ExpressVPN is the better choice for streaming. In our tests, it provided more reliable access to geo-restricted content and kept our internet speeds fast enough for smooth streaming.
What if ExpressVPN doesn’t work?
If you encounter issues with ExpressVPN, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, try switching to a different server location. You can also try changing your VPN protocol or contacting ExpressVPN support for assistance. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always get a refund if you’re unsatisfied.
Is ExpressVPN faster than PIA?
Yes, in our speed tests, ExpressVPN is faster than PIA. Both VPNs offer decent speeds, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs available and consistently delivered faster download and upload speeds across various server locations. PIA VPN is a bit slower, but still suitable for most online activities.
