Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN

Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN are two highly competent VPN services available in the market. Each offers a unique set of features that help secure users’ data and personal information. Among the largest pool of features, both share a few common ones, like tunneling protocols, streaming, and the largest server network. To write this blog, we tested both VPNs for their features and compared their price plans. There is a clear distinction between the plans offered by each VPN, with Private Internet Access offering its service for $2.03 per month and NordVPN for $3.39 per month.

The price may look reasonable for Private Internet Access; however, NordVPN has an edge over speed and security features. Furthermore, the speed of the VPN depends on the number of servers. Currently, NordVPN has over 6,400 servers in 111 countries compared to PIA, which contains 30,000 servers in only 91 countries. The network of servers in different geographical regions culminates into faster speed due to easier management of online traffic, and NordVPN is a clear winner at this. Each VPN offers various other unique features that make it stand out from the rest.

Read on to learn about each VPN service in detail. We will examine both VPNs’ specific features and discuss what makes them unique, including their price plans, to show which one is budget-friendly. Finally, our expert team will share some recommendations to help you make a better decision when choosing a service.

Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN: Security Features

Variables	Private Internet Access	NordVPN
Encryption Protocol	AES-128 or AES-256	AES-256 or ChaCha Poly 1305
Hash	SHA1 and SHA2	SHA-512
RAM Servers	Available	Available
Five Eye Alliance Member	Member	Not a Member
No-Logs Policy	Available	Available

As mentioned, PIA and NordVPN are both highly secure VPNs. After testing, we found that both VPNs have become our favorites. Based on the factual data extracted from official sources, we have compiled a list of five main security features. These are all highly advanced features that make both PIA and NordVPN secure.

Moreover, AES encryption is a robust security protocol integrated into both services. Private Internet Access has a unique feature as it lets you easily switch between two encryption protocols: AES-128-CBC with SHA-1 and AES-256-CBC with SHA-256. The former is PIA’s default setting, and the latter is a strong alternative it provides. Furthermore, NordVPN also uses a robust encryption protocol called the AES-256-CBC cipher with SHA-512 hash function.

Fundamentals

Variables	Private Internet Access	NordVPN
Number of servers	30,000+	6,400+
Countries in which servers are located	91	111
VPN protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec	WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN
Support for the operating system	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and Oprea	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Support for device connections	No limits	10
Support service provided	Tickets, live chat and knowledgebase	Live chat, email, FAQs, and Knowledge base

Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN are quite rocket-fast on their own. How many servers does any service have that significantly impact the system’s speed? The higher the number of servers, the greater the service speed. Private Internet Access has over 30,000 servers in 91 countries, whereas NordVPN has more than 6,000 servers in 111 countries.

In terms of servers, the PIA is way ahead of NordVPN. However, speed is not the only parameter that determines the quality of a VPN. What would speed do if the service is not providing security for users? Luckily, both VPNs have other features that deal with specific issues like security and privacy.

Private Internet Access provides access to advanced VPN protocols like OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IKEv2/IPsec. These are some of the most advanced protocols that directly increase security authenticity. Furthermore, NordVPN also provides access to advanced VPN protocols such as WireGuard with runes with NordLynx and OpenVPN.

Moreover, each VPN can connect a limited number of devices. For example, Private Internet Access provides access to an unlimited number of devices. You can connect as many devices as you want. However, NordVPN only gives access to 10 devices simultaneously.

It is important to note that not all VPNs work for all platforms, mainly operating systems. Before you buy a subscription, make sure you check the compatibility of your device with the service. We checked that Private Internet Access works for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. The NordVPN works perfectly for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS systems.

Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN: Streaming Feature

Streaming Platforms	Private Internet Access	NordVPN
Netflix	Yes	Yes
Amazon Prime Video	No	Yes
YouTube	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	Yes
Max	No	Yes
Disney+	No	Yes
BBC iPlayer	No	Yes

Streaming is the most demanding feature by users. Most users subscribe to VPN services to enjoy their favorite streaming platforms restricted to certain geolocations. As per our testing, NordVPN has been great at streaming. It provides access to almost all mainstream platforms and gives a seamless streaming experience. There was no lagging, even on the distant servers. NordVPN has integrated some of the advanced protocols to boost streaming services and provide a premium experience to its users.

Private Internet Access provides limited access to streaming platforms. It does not support Disney+, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video platforms. If you are interested in streaming, we recommend you check NordVPN, as it provides access to streaming libraries from two important countries: the USA and the UK. Furthermore, PIA does not have an optimized system for the streaming service. Our team connected to Netflix and YouTube, and the results seemed horrible: slow speed and lag every other minute.

Feature Comparison

Variables	Private Internet Access	NordVPN
No-logs Policy	Available	Available
Split tunneling	Available	Available
Smart DNS	Available	Available
RAM-only servers	Available	Available
Mesnet	Nope	Available
Traffic Obfuscation Protocol	Available	Available
Specialty Servers	Nope	Available
Web filters	Available	Available

These are essential features and sometimes a must-have feature for any VPN. Luckily, most of the VPNs are available in both VPNs except Mesnet and Speciality servers, which were missing from PIA. These features determine the authenticity of VPN services. It is also these VPNs that provide information on whether they are safe and secure or not. Some essential features available in both VPNs include:

No-logs policy:

Both VPNs have a no-logs policy. This means both services cannot collect users’ personal information, including their online activity, browser history, IP address, and more.

Split Tunneling

divides users’ regular network connection between two servers: private and open. The private network is used as a VPN, where data is secure and private. The other is an open server, where data is open and non-secure.

Smart DNS is a

unique feature for streaming services. It is used to access content from a geo-restricted network. This is not a security feature; it does not change your IP address or provide any encryption protocol.

RAM-only servers:

This is an advanced feature recently adapted by VPN services. A RAM-only server means VPNs run on only Random Access Memory. This is a volatile type of memory, which means nothing will be saved permanently. The information saved on the servers will be completely erased when they are restarted.

Mesnet:

This feature is not available in NordVPN. It lets NordVPN connect to different devices. It is based on P2P technology, which connects private networks to varying points without bypassing the central gateway.

Traffic Obfuscated Protocol:

This powerful feature is available in both VPNs. It is accessed through specialized servers. The main application of this feature is to hide your traffic such that your traffic would be rerouted entirely.

Speciality Servers:

These are only available in NordVPN. They are similar to obfuscated servers, which work on several servers. However, specialty servers serve a specific purpose and cannot be accessed on all servers.

Web filters:

These are available in both VPN valuables. They are helpful features that prevent users from accessing websites that have malicious intent online. They have advanced programming features to detect fraudulent or malicious/virus websites and block them for their users.

Speed Comparison

Your standard internet connection determines how much speed you will get after connecting to either of these two VPNs. We tested both VPNs with our regular I internet connection, and there was a clear winner. Before we share our test results, it is essential to understand that the speed of your internet will naturally go down every time you connect to a VPN. It happens because your VPN transfers your data to a private  VPN server and then reroutes back to your device. It is a lengthy process and goes through multiple security layers to protect your data. However, despite such a complicated system, some VPNs perform far better in speed compared to other services.

	Private Internet Access	NordVPN
Arg. Download Speed	294.2 Mbps	314 Mbps
Arg. Upload Speed	265 Mbps	279.4 Mbps

Here is a comparison of VPN speed with the baseline speed we provided from our end:

Baseline Download Speed	454 Mbps
Baseline Upload Speed	463 Mbps

First, we connected our devices to a Private Internet Access VPN to test its speed. Our baseline download and upload speeds were about 454 Mbps and 463 Mbps. After connecting with the PIA, the download speed was reduced to 294.2 Mbps, and the upload speed was reduced to 265 Mbps. Furthermore, the process process was done on the NordVPN. We also had the same baseline speed for this VPN. And the speed result after NordVPN connected was about 314 Mbps download and 279.4 Mbps upload. The results are precise. NordVPN performed far better than Private Internet Access. Higher speed helps with streaming and gaming, and NordVPN, no doubt, is best for both.

Server Locations

	Private Internet Access	NordVPN
Number of servers	30,000+	6,400+
Countries in which servers are located	91	111
Virtual Locations	Available	Available
Specialty Servers	Available	Nope

Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN have massive infrastructure. Private Internet Access has over 30,000 servers across 91 countries, whereas NordVPN has more than 6,000 servers across 111 countries. The server networks of both VPNs are spread across the globe, making it easier for users to connect to their nearby servers. Moreover, all the servers have RAM-only Memory, which helps increase the performance of their services. It also solves essential problems; every time servers are rebooted, the overall information in those servers is relinquished. Lastly, specialty servers are crucial as they deal with specific security problems.  In our case, NordVPN has more special servers than PIA.

Subscription Plan

VPN Plan	Private Internet Access	NordVPN
Three Years	$2.03 per Month	–
Two Years	–	$3.09 per Month
One Year	–	$4.59 per Month
Six Months	$7.50 per Month	–
30 Days	$11.99 per Month	$12.99 per Month

Monthly plans for both do not look budget-friendly. It is the same case for all VPNs. It is always better to look for long-term subscription plans as they offer more flexible and budget-friendly options. Private Internet Access provides a three-year plan for $73.08, which is equal to $2.03 per month. This is the cheapest option you can get. NordVPN does not offer a year plan; however, it offers two-year and one-year plans. For two years, you will have to pay about $74.16, which is equal to $3.09 per month.

Moreover, for one year, you will be paying $55.08, which is equal to $4.59 per month. If you are looking for a budgeted plan, look for a long-term strategy for both services. It will also enable you to have a 30-day money-back guarantee plan.

Closing Remarks

Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN are two advanced VPNs. Both share highly advanced security features that help protect users’ data and privacy. Based on testing, NordVPN is a streaming-friendly VPN. It provides access to all mainstream streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. NordVPN, despite having fewer servers, provides a high-speed surfing experience.

Furthermore, private Internet Access is a member of the Five-Eye Alliance, which makes it vulnerable to state laws for sharing private users’ information with government agencies. NordVPN is not part of any such alliances, hence giving it an edge over PIA. In terms of price, both VPNs offer long-term, budget-friendly subscription plans. PIA offers a year plan costing about $2.03 per month, whereas NordVPN provides a two-year plan which costs about $3.09 per month.

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