ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are two established VPN services with different strengths: ExpressVPN prioritizes speed and user experience, while PIA emphasizes affordability and advanced privacy controls.
ExpressVPN
A premium VPN service known for fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and strong encryption. Operates under a strict no-logs policy and offers 24/7 customer support.
Price
$6.67–$12.95/month (annual plans)
Server Count
3,000+ servers in 94 countries
Simultaneous Connections
8 devices
Kill Switch
Yes, on all platforms
Logging Policy
Strict no-logs
Pros
- Consistently fastest speeds across test benchmarks
- Intuitive, polished apps for all major platforms
- Excellent customer support with live chat available
Cons
- Higher subscription cost ($6.67–$12.95 per month)
- Fewer simultaneous connections (8 devices)
- Limited customization compared to competitors
Private Internet Access (PIA)
A budget-friendly VPN with robust privacy features, open-source apps, and advanced customization options. Owned by Kape Technologies and maintains transparent privacy practices.
Price
$2.03–$11.99/month (annual plans)
Server Locations
84 countries with 11,000+ IPs
Simultaneous Connections
10 devices
Kill Switch
Yes, on all platforms
Open Source
Yes, client and tools
Pros
- Most affordable premium VPN option ($2.03–$11.99 per month)
- Supports 10 simultaneous connections
- Highly customizable with advanced settings and open-source client
Cons
- Slower speeds than ExpressVPN in most regions
- Smaller server network (11,000+ IPs but fewer physical locations)
- Less polished user interface on some platforms
ExpressVPN wins
ExpressVPN delivers superior speed, reliability, and user experience for most users, justifying its higher cost through consistent performance on streaming, gaming, and general browsing.
ExpressVPN
Best for: Streaming, gaming, speed-critical tasks, and users wanting a premium, hassle-free VPN experience.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Best for: Budget-conscious users, P2P/torrenting, power users wanting advanced customization, and those needing 10+ simultaneous connections.
Performance & Speed Comparison
Download Speed
ExpressVPN's optimized infrastructure consistently delivers faster speeds; PIA is adequate for streaming but slower on distant servers.
Server Reliability
ExpressVPN maintains fewer but higher-performance servers; PIA's larger IP pool offers more options but less consistent performance.
Connection Stability
ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol provides stable connections; PIA's multiple protocol options work well but require manual tuning.
Gaming Suitability
ExpressVPN's low latency and speed make it better for gaming; PIA introduces more lag, unsuitable for competitive play.
Streaming Reliability
Both unblock major platforms, but ExpressVPN's speed and server reliability provide smoother streaming without buffering.
Torrent Performance
PIA optimizes for P2P with MACE (ad blocker) and port forwarding; ExpressVPN allows torrenting but deprioritizes it slightly.
Features, Privacy & Pricing Breakdown
| Aspect | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Best Plan) | $6.67 (12-month) | $2.03 (36-month) |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256, IKEv2/Lightway | AES-256, WireGuard/OpenVPN/IKEv2 |
| No-Logs Audited | Yes (third-party audited) | Yes (third-party audited) |
| Device Limit | 8 devices | 10 devices |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes, on most platforms | Yes, fully customizable |
Use Case Suitability
ExpressVPN excels for users prioritizing speed, streaming, and gaming who are willing to pay a premium for a polished experience. Private Internet Access is ideal for budget-conscious users, power users who value customization and open-source software, and those who need to connect 10+ devices while maintaining strong privacy.
When to choose each
Choose ExpressVPN if…
Best for: Streaming, gaming, speed-critical tasks, and users wanting a premium, hassle-free VPN experience.
Choose Private Internet Access (PIA) if…
Best for: Budget-conscious users, P2P/torrenting, power users wanting advanced customization, and those needing 10+ simultaneous connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
ExpressVPN is significantly faster and more reliable, making it the clear choice for streaming 4K content and competitive gaming. PIA works for casual streaming but introduces noticeable lag for gaming.
Both maintain strict no-logs policies and are independently audited; PIA offers more granular privacy customization, while ExpressVPN provides a simpler, more user-friendly privacy experience. Neither has a meaningful privacy advantage over the other.
Yes—PIA's significantly lower price ($2.03 vs. $6.67 monthly) and support for 10 devices make it excellent value for budget users willing to accept slightly slower speeds. For most casual use, the difference is negligible.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- OfficialExpressVPN Official Pricing & Features
Current pricing plans, simultaneous connections, and encryption standards.
- OfficialPrivate Internet Access Official Site
Pricing, device limits, server count, and privacy policy details.
- ReviewVPN Speed & Performance Benchmarks
Third-party speed testing and performance comparisons across multiple VPN providers.