Choosing a VPN can feel overwhelming, right?
There are so many options!
Two popular names often pop up: Private Internet Access (PIA) and Norton VPN.
But which one is actually the best for you in 2025?
This article breaks down Private Internet Access vs Norton VPN, looking at everything from speed and security to price and ease of use.
Overview
We’ve put both Private Internet Access and Norton VPN through rigorous testing, evaluating their performance across various metrics.
From speed and security to server locations and user experience, our hands-on analysis provides a clear comparison to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
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 $2.03/month
Key Features:
- 10 devices simultaneously
- Dedicated IP address
- Ad blocker
Ready to experience a faster, more secure internet? Norton VPN offers bank-grade encryption and a no-log policy, ensuring your online activity.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $39.99/month
Key Features:
- Ad tracker blocking
- Kill switch
- No-log policy
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
- 1 Month: $11.95/month.
- 3 years+ 3 Months: $2.03/month.
- 1 year: $3.33/month.
Pros
Cons
What is Norton VPN?
You probably know Norton for their antivirus software, right? Well, they also make a pretty great VPN!
Norton VPN is all about keeping your online activity private and secure.
It’s super easy to use, even for beginners. Download the app, connect to a server, & you’re ready!
Norton VPN is a solid choice if you want something reliable and trustworthy.
Also, explore our favorite Norton VPN alternatives…
Ready to experience a faster, more secure internet? Norton VPN offers bank-grade encryption and a no-log policy, ensuring your online activity stays private.
Key Benefits
- Strong security: Uses bank-grade encryption to protect your data.
- No-logs policy: Norton promises not to track your online activity.
- Broad device compatibility: Secure up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- Ad-tracker blocker: This helps prevent annoying ads from following you online.
- Split tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN connection.
Pricing
Norton VPN keeps its pricing simple with a few different options:
- Plus: $49.99/year
- Standard: $39.99/year
- Ultimate: $59.99/year
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of Private Internet Access and Norton VPN.
Exploring their key features side-by-side will help you make an informed decision in this 2025 review.
We’ve tested these VPNs, and here’s what we found in our VPN tests.
1. Speed
- PIA VPN: Private Internet Access’ internet speed is generally good, offering decent download speed and upload speed. However, this can fluctuate depending on the server load and your internet provider. In our speed test, the PIA vpn performed well.
- Norton Secure VPN: Norton Secure VPN vs PIA reveals that Norton Secure VPN offers good download speeds in some cases. However, some users report inconsistent connection speed. We experienced some connection drops during our tests, affecting download and upload speeds. This can impact your mbps connection.
2. Security and Privacy
- PIA VPN: Private Internet Access focuses on security and privacy. They offer a VPN kill switch, a private DNS server, and strong encryption. Private Internet Access doesn’t log your internet traffic, which is a major plus for privacy and security. This is a key factor for many vpn users.
- Norton Secure VPN: Using Norton Secure VPN offers some online security and privacy, but it is important to review their privacy policies. While Norton 360 includes Norton Secure VPN, its privacy policies have faced scrutiny in the past. Types of data collection is a key concern.
3. Server Network
- PIA VPN: PIA also offers a large network of VPN servers, giving you plenty of options to connect to a VPN and bypass geo-restrictions. This makes PIA a good choice for those who use vpns to access Netflix and other streaming platforms. It gives you get access to more content.
- Norton Secure VPN: While Norton Secure VPN offers servers, the network is not as extensive as some other VPN providers, like CyberGhost VPN or ExpressVPN. It’s important to consider the number of vpn with servers available.
4. Apps and Compatibility
- PIA VPN: PIA offers user-friendly VPN apps for various devices, including Windows VPN, mobile devices, and more. Connecting to the VPN is easy. One of the most user-friendly VPNs we tested. Makes the VPN accessible for most users.
- Norton Secure VPN: Norton Secure VPN is also available on multiple platforms. Find Norton Secure VPN on the devices you use. It’s easy to connect to a vpn.
5. User Experience
- PIA VPN: PIA’s VPN app is generally considered user-friendly, though some users find the interface a bit less intuitive than some competitors. Make PIA easier to use is a common request.
- Norton Secure VPN: Norton Secure VPN aims for simplicity, offering an easy-to-navigate interface, which can be good for beginners. Using Norton Secure is straightforward.
6. Customization
- PIA VPN: PIA offers a good level of customization, allowing you to choose your VPN protocol and adjust settings. You can customize the vpn connection to some degree.
- Norton Secure VPN: Norton Secure VPN offers fewer customization options compared to PIA.
7. Streaming and Access
- PIA VPN: PIA is often used to access Netflix and other streaming platforms. It’s a good streaming vpn.
- Norton Secure VPN: While some users have success using Norton Secure VPN for streaming, it’s not always reliable.
8. Additional Features
- PIA VPN: PIA offers a variety of features, including port forwarding and a SOCKS5 proxy. They also offer Double VPN.
- Norton Secure VPN: Norton Secure VPN offers basic features like a VPN tunnel but lacks some of the advanced options offered by competitors like CyberGhost or Proton VPN.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- No-Logs Policy: Ensure the VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track your online activity. This is crucial for privacy.
- Customer Support: If you encounter any issues, look for a VPN with responsive customer support. 24/7 live chat is a very big plus.
- Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee: A free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to the test the VPN risk-free before committing to a long-term plan.
- Independent Audits: Choose a VPN that has undergone independent security audits to verify of their claims and ensure transparency.
- Simultaneous Connections: Consider how many of devices you want to connect simultaneously. Most VPNs allow at least five simultaneous connections.
- Specific Needs: Think about your particular needs. Do you need a VPN for the streaming, torrenting, gaming, or browsing? Choose a VPN that excels in your desired area.
- User Reviews: Read user reviews & expert opinions for a well-rounded perspective on the VPN’s performance and reliability.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis in this 2025 VPN review, we recommend Private Internet Access VPN.
While every VPN has its strengths, PIA offers a compelling combination of strong security features, good VPN speed for upload and download speeds, and a user-friendly experience across various devices, including being a best Windows VPN.
The comparison chart highlights PIA’s edge in customization and server network.
While you should always compare price and consider your specific needs, PIA offers a solid value proposition, especially with their 30-day money-back guarantee.
We’ve tested numerous VPNs, and PIA stands out as a reliable personal VPN for security and everyday use.
Our in-depth review, based on the VPNs we tested, aims to give you the confidence to choose the right VPN to connect and protect your mobile data.
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 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.
More of Norton VPN
We’ve explored alternatives to Norton VPN, so how does Norton VPN stack up directly against them?
- Norton VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a much larger server network, and more advanced features than Norton VPN. NordVPN also has a strong, independently audited no-logs policy, making it a more robust choice for privacy and performance.
- Norton VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, strong security features, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. While Norton VPN is simpler, ExpressVPN offers superior performance and a stronger commitment to privacy.
- Norton VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network than Norton VPN and can sometimes unblock more streaming services. However, Norton VPN can offer decent speeds and ease of use, though it may lack some of the advanced privacy features found in PureVPN.
- Norton VPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark typically provides faster speeds, allows unlimited connections, and offers more features like split tunneling, often at a better long-term price than Norton VPN. Surfshark also has a larger server network and better streaming capabilities.
- Norton VPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy with features like Secure Core and a transparent no-logs policy. While Norton VPN offers decent speeds and ease of use, ProtonVPN generally provides stronger privacy and better unblocking of streaming services.
- Norton VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN often provides more consistent speeds and a stronger focus on privacy. At the same time, Norton VPN has a smaller server network and a less strict no-logs policy. PrivadoVPN also offers a free tier.
- Norton VPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength is its integration with ad and tracker blocking. Norton VPN is a more general-purpose VPN but lacks the specific ad-blocking focus.
- Norton VPN vs Virtual Shield: Norton VPN offers a more established brand name and a slightly larger server network than the very basic Virtual Shield.
- Norton VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Norton VPN also offers strong encryption but has a smaller server network.
- Norton VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. Norton VPN, while not the most expensive, doesn’t necessarily outperform FastestVPN in speed or server selection.
- Norton VPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Norton VPN focuses solely on VPN services and has a smaller server network.
- Norton VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps and specialized servers for various activities. Norton VPN is simpler but has a smaller server network and may not be as effective for streaming.
- Norton VPN vs McAfee VPN: Both are often bundled with antivirus software. Norton VPN generally offers a more feature-rich VPN experience than McAfee’s basic VPN.
- Norton VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN that takes a different approach to anonymity. Norton VPN uses a traditional server network, which may offer more consistent speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access a good VPN?
Yes, Private Internet Access is a reputable VPN provider known for its strong security features, large server network, and good speeds. It’s a solid choice for users prioritizing privacy and performance.
Is Norton Secure VPN part of Norton 360?
Yes, Norton Secure VPN is often included as part of the Norton 360 security suite. You can also purchase it as a standalone VPN subscription.
Which VPN is better for streaming?
While both PIA and Norton VPN can sometimes access streaming services, PIA generally offers more consistent performance for unblocking platforms like Netflix.
Does Private Internet Access offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, Private Internet Access typically offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
What is a VPN kill switch?
A VPN kill switch is a security feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed.
