PIA vs Nordvpn

Comparison Review

So, let’s put PIA and NordVPN side by side. Here, you can put a comprehensive comparison, including privacy and security features, speed, streaming, compatibility, and support. At last, you can compare the providers in price, and decide whichever is more worth spending your money.

Let’s check; in which aspects do these differ and up to which degree?

Privacy – NordVPN Scores a Point

PIA is located in the US, the epicenter of the Five Eyes, which is not that great of news. The authorities can easily knock on the provider’s doors and ask for users’ data. Still, PIA states that it doesn’t gather any activity logs. The authorities have also requested PIA for data on several occasions in the past. Fortunately for you, PIA didn’t comply.

Private Internet Access further protects your privacy, location, and content you access. Better yet, it has a strict no-logs policy, hides your IP address, and allows for anonymous payment methods, third-party gift cards, and cryptocurrencies.

Source: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/online-privacy

When it comes to NordVPN, you will be able to sleep more peacefully. The VPN is headquartered in a privacy-friendly location in Panama. Sure, PIA is good. However, NordVPN takes things to another level.

It has a much more clear privacy policy. If the authorities ask for data, the VPN will have nothing to show, which is highly reassuring. Even an independent audit by PwC has confirmed this fact!

Furthermore, NordVPN provides multi-factor authentication, masks your IP, KillSwitch, Onion Over VPN, a Dedicated IP, and No data leaks. So, it’s only natural for it to take the lead.

Source: https://nordvpn.com/features/

Security – It’s 0:2 For Now

Every VPN out there will add to your security. The question is, to which degree? At this point, you should look for advanced features to better compare different providers.

PIA uses trusted, open-source VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. It also has advanced encryption settings, split tunneling, reliable automation rules, built-in ad and malware blocking, and a WireGuard protocol.

NordVPN also comes with WireGuard, ad, and malware blocking. It features double IP protection and obfuscated servers, Tor over VPN, and leak protection.

At first sight, you might think, it’s more or less the same. However, NordVPN truly stands out if you get into the underlying technologies. Thus, it provides better security than PIA.

Speed – The Number of Servers Isn’t the Top Priority

PIA has a global network with 29,300 P2P, reliable servers in 78 countries, optimized for 10 Gbps and lightning-fast speeds. And the best part is, you can get unlimited bandwidth without throttling the speeds.

Source: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features/fastest-vpn

NordVPN provides fewer servers or a total of 5,190 servers in 60 countries worldwide. Still, it has a better distribution, with locations in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East, and India.

Source: https://nordvpn.com/servers/

We tested the two providers in different server locations, where both have a presence, including Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, and the UK. It’s safe to say that NordVPN performed better in all server locations.

Apps and Compatibility

With PIA, you can get simultaneous access on up to ten devices on all major apps, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Apple iOS. It also works on Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

Source: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features/fastest-vpn

NordVPN provides a much broader selection, including Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, firestick, and so on. Better yet, you can install it on your router. If not, it can support up to six devices at the same time.

Source: https://nordvpn.com/download/other/

Streaming Options – Once Again, NordVPN

NordVPN beats PIA in streaming options. It provides uninterrupted streaming without buffering anytime, anywhere. With this VPN, you can enjoy a full range of streaming content, including sports, from official channels.

Source: https://nordvpn.com/features/streaming/#:~:text=By%20routing%20your%20stream%20through,streaming%20experience%20on%20the%20planet.

In turn, PIA might work with US Netflix or unblock YouTube content. Yet, that’s more or less all about it.

Customer Support – 24/7 Is a Must

You can find all necessary information regarding VPNs in the guides and FAQs from both NordVPN and PIA. Better yet, they both promise 24/7 support.

However, when we got to testing, NordVPN once again won the contest. Its agents were much more friendly and knowledgeable to solve the issues.

Pricing

As mentioned, the cost of a VPN should be your last priority. Still, it would help if you had a provider that fits your budget.

PIA is the more affordable alternative of the two. However, there’s a price-benefit trade-off, as explained over the review.

Both VPNs come with30-day money-back guarantee policies. So, you can test them out safely, without risking your money. If you are not satisfied with the services, you can always get a refund.

Source: https://nordvpn.com/pricing/

Conclusion

I think it’s pretty clear – NordVPN is the winner. It provides more advanced features than Private Internet Access in most categories, except for the price. Still, keep in mind, we are getting into as many details as possible. PIA is a top-notch provider, and it can also provide a smooth customer experience. So, if it better suits your budget, you might go for it as well!