NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: Which Is Better in 2025?

Choosing a VPN can be like picking a lock—confusing and risky if you don’t know what you’re doing.

You want something secure and reliable but also easy to use, right?

Two of the biggest names in the VPN game are NordVPN Vs Private Internet Access (PIA).

Both promise to keep your online activity private and unlock geo-restricted content, but which one is the best? 

In this head-to-head matchup, we’ll discuss the key features, compare speeds, and help you decide which VPN best suits your needs.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both NordVPN and Private Internet Access.

We’ve evaluated their performance across various categories: speed, security, streaming capabilities, and overall user experience.

What is NordVPN?

Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s a big deal in the VPN world. 

They’ve been around for a while, and they’re known for their strong security and fast speeds.

Plus, they have tons of servers all over the world.

This means you can easily access content from almost anywhere.

NordVPN is super easy to use, even if you’re new to VPNs.

Also, explore our favorite NordVPN alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Massive server network: 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, so you can access content from anywhere.
• Double VPN encryption: Military-grade protection for your data. Nobody’s cracking that.
• Threat Protection: Say goodbye to malware, trackers, and annoying ads.

Pricing

• Basic: $3.39/month – 1GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
• Plus: $4.39/month – 5GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
• Complete: $5.39/month – 10GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.

What is Private Internet Access?

Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? You should check out Private Internet Access (PIA).

They’re known for their strong commitment to protecting your data.

PIA has a strict no-logs policy, so it doesn’t track your online activity. It also has many servers.

We’re talking about a network of 35,912+ servers across 84 countries!

This gives you plenty of options for finding a fast and reliable connection.

Also, explore our favorite Private Internet Access alternatives…

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.

Feature Comparison

Ready for a closer look? Let’s compare NordVPN and Private Internet Access across seven key features that can make or break your VPN experience.

1. Security

When it comes to security, both NordVPN and PIA are strong contenders.

NordVPN is based in Panama, outside the reach of the Five Eyes alliance, and utilizes AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy.

NordVPN also offers Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

PIA, while headquartered in the US, maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited and upheld in court.

PIA also uses AES-256 encryption and provides essential security features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and advanced split tunneling.

2. Privacy

Both VPN providers prioritize user privacy. NordVPN’s no-logs policy and Panama’s jurisdiction provide a strong foundation for confidentiality.

PIA also has a strict no-logs policy, but its US location might raise concerns for some users.

However, PIA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to privacy, successfully defending its no-logs policy in court.

3. Speed Test

Our speed tests revealed a clear winner in terms of download speed: NordVPN.

Its optimized server network and NordLynx protocol contribute consistently faster speeds than PIA. 

However, I haven’t counted PIA out yet. It still delivers respectable speeds suitable for most online activities, including streaming and downloading.

4. Server Locations

Both VPN services offer a wide selection of server locations.

NordVPN has 5,700+ servers in 60 countries, providing ample options for bypassing geo-restrictions or optimizing connection speed.

PIA boasts an even more extensive network with 35,912+ servers in 84 countries, giving you a massive range of choices.

5. Streaming

Using a VPN to access streaming services, NordVPN and PIA can unblock popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. 

However, NordVPN demonstrated a slight advantage in our tests, consistently unblocking a wider range of streaming services.⁹

6. VPN App and User Experience

Both providers offer user-friendly VPN apps for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

NordVPN’s app has a more modern and intuitive design, while PIA’s app is more basic but functional.

The best choice depends on your personal preferences for aesthetics and functionality.

7. Customer Support

NordVPN and Private Internet Access VPN both provide excellent customer support.

You can reach their support teams through live chat or email.

In our experience, both providers offer prompt and helpful assistance for any questions or issues you may have.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Security protocols: Look for VPNs with strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec.
• Logging policies: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy to ensure your online activity isn’t tracked or stored.
• Server locations: Consider the number and location of servers a VPN provides. A broader selection gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and optimizing connection speeds.
• Simultaneous connections: Check how many devices you can connect to the VPN simultaneously. Choose a VPN that allows for enough connections if you have multiple devices.
• Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.).
• Customer support: Look for a VPN provider with responsive and helpful customer support in case of any issues.
• Free trials and money-back guarantees: Take advantage of free trials or money-back guarantees to test a VPN before committing to a long-term subscription.
• Independent audits: Choose a VPN with independent security audits to verify its claims and practices.
• Additional features: Some VPNs offer extra features like ad blockers, split tunneling, and dedicated IP addresses. Consider whether these features are essential to you.
• Price: VPN pricing can vary significantly. Compare prices and features to find a VPN that offers good value for your money.

Final Verdict

So, which VPN comes out on top in this NordVPN vs Private Internet Access showdown?

It’s a close call, but NordVPN wins this comparison. Why? In our NordVPN vs PIA tests, NordVPN was consistently faster than PIA.

It also has a more intuitive app and offers a wider range of features.

But don’t discount Private Internet Access! PIA is still a great VPN service, especially if price is your primary concern.

It’s more affordable than NordVPN and offers a more extensive server network.

Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.

We’ve provided all the facts in this NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access comparison; now it’s up to you to decide!

More of NordVPN

We’ve looked at NordVPN alternatives, so how does NordVPN stack up directly against them? Here’s a quick comparison:

• NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Both are top-tier, but NordVPN often comes out slightly ahead with more features and sometimes better speeds for the price.
• NordVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN can be more affordable, but NordVPN is generally seen as more reliable with a larger server network and better streaming capabilities.
• NordVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark allows unlimited connections and is often cheaper for long-term plans, while NordVPN boasts a larger server count and sometimes faster speeds.
• NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses strongly on privacy and even offers a free plan, but NordVPN tends to have more features, better speeds, and wider server availability.
• NordVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN is a newer option that’s often budget-friendly, but NordVPN has a more established reputation, larger server network, and more advanced features.
• NordVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN integrates with an ad blocker, which is unique. NordVPN is a more comprehensive VPN with a wider range of servers and features.
• NordVPN vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield aims for simplicity. NordVPN offers more advanced features and customization options.
• NordVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for strong encryption. NordVPN offers a larger server network and a broader feature set.
• NordVPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is budget-friendly. NordVPN is generally faster and has more features.
• NordVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. NordVPN focuses on VPN features and often has better performance.
• NordVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers. NordVPN often has better speeds and more advanced features.
• NordVPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is bundled with security software. NordVPN is a dedicated VPN service with more extensive features and better performance.
• NordVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. NordVPN uses a traditional server network known for its speed and reliability.

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 ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. While PIA offers a larger server network and allows unlimited connections, ExpressVPN often provides a smoother and faster overall experience, especially for streaming.
• 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