ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access are both established VPN providers with strong security records, but they differ in pricing, server count, and transparency approach. ExpressVPN prioritizes speed and ease of use, while PIA emphasizes affordability and advanced privacy features.
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN service known for fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and strong encryption. Operates on a no-logs policy and offers servers in 94 countries.
Price (annual plan)
$6.67/month ($80/year)
Server count
3000+ across 94 countries
Simultaneous connections
5 devices
Encryption
AES-256, OpenVPN/Lightway
Pros
- Consistently fast connection speeds across global servers
- Intuitive, feature-rich apps for all major platforms
- Strong no-logs policy independently audited by Cure53
Cons
- Higher subscription cost ($6.67–$12.95/month depending on plan)
- Smaller server network compared to some competitors
- No built-in ad or malware blocking
Private Internet Access
Budget-friendly VPN with robust security, extensive server network, and no-logs policy. Owned by Kape Technologies; offers advanced customization options.
Price (annual plan)
$2.19/month ($26.28/year)
Server count
35,000+ across 84 countries
Simultaneous connections
10 devices
Encryption
AES-256, WireGuard/OpenVPN
Pros
- Lowest pricing tier ($2.19/month on annual plans, frequently discounted)
- Largest server network with 35,000+ servers in 84 countries
- Open-source apps with built-in ad/tracker blocker and port forwarding
Cons
- Slower average speeds compared to ExpressVPN
- Less polished user interface on some platforms
- Ownership by Kape raises concerns for privacy-conscious users despite no-logs audits
Private Internet Access wins
PIA offers superior value with 12× lower pricing, triple the simultaneous connections, and more servers, while both maintain strong no-logs policies.
ExpressVPN
Best for: Users prioritizing speed and simplicity; streaming and light usage.
Private Internet Access
Best for: Budget-conscious users; power users wanting advanced features and flexibility.
Performance & Speed Comparison
Connection speed
ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol and optimized infrastructure deliver consistently faster speeds; PIA is respectable but typically 10–20% slower on real-world tests.
Server reliability
Both maintain high uptime; PIA's massive server count provides redundancy, while ExpressVPN's smaller network is meticulously maintained.
User interface
ExpressVPN offers a sleek, intuitive design; PIA's interface is functional but less polished and less beginner-friendly.
Privacy/logging policy
Both have no-logs policies independently audited; ExpressVPN's Cure53 audit and open-source VPN app provide stronger verification of claims.
Value for money
PIA significantly undercuts ExpressVPN on price while offering more servers and concurrent connections; ExpressVPN justifies premium pricing with speed and support.
Key Feature & Pricing Comparison
| Aspect | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest monthly price | $6.67/month (annual) | $2.19/month (annual, often on sale) |
| Server count | 3,000+ servers | 35,000+ servers |
| Simultaneous connections | 5 devices | 10 devices |
| Ad/malware blocker | No | Yes (MACE feature) |
| Open-source apps | Lightway (partial) | Full apps open-source |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
Which VPN Is Right for You?
Choose ExpressVPN if speed, ease of use, and premium support are priorities—it's ideal for streaming, torrenting, and users wanting minimal setup. Choose PIA if you prioritize cost savings, advanced features like port forwarding, and don't mind a less polished interface; it's excellent for budget-conscious power users and those wanting maximum server flexibility.
When to choose each
Choose ExpressVPN if…
Best for: Users prioritizing speed and simplicity; streaming and light usage.
Choose Private Internet Access if…
Best for: Budget-conscious users; power users wanting advanced features and flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
ExpressVPN delivers faster, more consistent speeds due to its Lightway protocol and optimized infrastructure, making it better for HD/4K streaming and online gaming. PIA works for streaming but may experience slower speeds on distant servers.
Both claim no-logs policies independently audited; ExpressVPN's Cure53 audit and open-source VPN app offer stronger third-party verification. PIA's audit by Deloitte is credible, but ownership by Kape Technologies makes some privacy advocates prefer ExpressVPN.
Private Internet Access is dramatically cheaper (often under $3/month vs $6.67+ for ExpressVPN) and includes more servers and device connections, making it the clear winner for budget-conscious users.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- OfficialExpressVPN Official Pricing & Features
Current subscription plans, pricing tiers, and feature list.
- BenchmarkVPN Speed & Performance Benchmarks
Real-world speed testing and performance comparisons.