When choosing a VPN, two names often come to mind: NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA). Both VPN services are top-rated, but which one is better suited for your needs? In this detailed comparison of Pia vs NordVPN, we’ll analyze crucial aspects such as speed, security features, streaming capabilities, server network, and pricing. Let’s dive into how NordVPN and PIA stack up against each other.
PIA Vs NordVPN: Overview
Both VPNs are excellent options based on what you focus on. NordVPN shines in security, privacy, and streaming performance, while PIA is great for its low cost and wide server network.
NordVPN
PIA
Cost
From $4.99/month
From $3.33/month
Servers
6400+ server in 111 countries
3500+ servers in 91 countries
Jurisdiction
Panama
United states
Simultaneous connection
10
Unlimited
VPN Protocols
OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), IKEv2/IPsec
| OpenVPN, Wireguard, IKEv2/IPsec |
Available Platforms
Window, Linux, Android, macOS, Android TV, iOS, Firefox, tvOS, Chrome, Edge and others
Window, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Smart TV and others
Get NordVPN
Streaming Performance
NordVPN leads in streaming performance compared to PIA. It offers faster speeds, averaging around 200 Mbps, while PIA delivers around 120 Mbps.
NordVPN unblocks streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more. Whether you’re using Fire TV Stick or other devices, NordVPN consistently bypasses geo-restrictions. Its SmartPlay technology, which seamlessly integrates VPN and DNS, guarantees a hassle-free streaming experience.
PIA performs reasonably well with streaming but may encounter issues with certain services. While it can unblock Netflix and Hulu, PIA sometimes struggles with platforms like Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Additionally, streaming in high-definition can be more difficult with PIA due to its lower speeds than NordVPN.
NordVPN has specialized servers designed for streaming, enhancing the experience for HD and 4K content. While PIA can handle streaming, it doesn’t quite match up with speed and the range of servers it provides for that purpose.
Regarding streaming, NordVPN is the superior choice, thanks to its ability to unblock more services and provide faster speeds for seamless viewing.
Pricing & Plans
Subscription length
NordVPN
PIA
Monthly
$12.99
$11.95
One-year
$4.99/month
$3.33/month
Two-year
$3.59/month
_
Three-year
_
$2.03/month
PIA is more affordable than NordVPN, but NordVPN has extra features. NordVPN offers malware protection in its basic plan, but PIA users should buy it as an add-on. NordVPN provides additional features in its VPN plan, while PIA doesn’t, like a password manager and cloud storage.
NordVPN is a bit expensive, but provides power privacy, and value. Regarding affordability, PIA has a cheaper plan, a three-year plan just for $2.03 per month.
Payment method
Nordvpn and PIA both offer similar payment methods such as debit or credit cards, and cryptocurrencies. NordVPN also supports UnionPay, and JCB transfer, while PIA doesn’t.
Here’s the overview of payment options.
NordVPN
- Credit / Debit cards
- PayPal
- Google pay and Apple pay
- Cryptocurrencies
- Sofort
PIA
- Credit / Debit cards
- PayPal
- cryptocurrencies
Security and Privacy: PIA Vs NordVPN
NordVPN
PIA
Encryption
AES-256 OR ChaCha20Poly 1305
AES-256 or AES-128
Ram-only servers
Yes
Yes
No logs
Yes
Yes
Based in Privacy-friendly country
Yes
No
Kill Switch
Yes
Yes
Both VPNs offer strong encryption and RAM-only servers, but their jurisdictions differ. PIA’s location in the U.S. puts it under the Five, Nine, and 14 Eyes alliances, while NordVPN’s Panama base gives it a privacy edge.
NordVPN has undergone four third-party audits, while PIA has completed one. However, court cases have also confirmed PIA’s no-logs policy.
Both VPNs offer strong security and privacy, but NordVPN benefits from its location and has completed more third-party audits.
Advanced Features
While both VPNs feature split tunneling, PIA offers more versatility. It lets you add apps or IP addresses, including websites. But if you’re using a mobile device, you’re limited to adding just apps. NordVPN, however, only supports apps for split tunneling, making it harder to bypass the VPN for specific sites or IPs. For more flexibility, PIA is the better choice.
NordVPN’s CyberSec blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, but it’s not the strongest option. However, NordVPN now has Threat Protection, Which protects against malware, phishing, and infected downloads. It offers comprehensive security and works even when the VPN is off, so you’re always protected.
PIA’s MACE is great at blocking ads and trackers on websites. It’s simple, lightweight, and works without needing much setup. MACE is often praised for blocking more ads and trackers than CyberSec.
Both VPNs provide a Smart DNS feature, which lets you access geo-restrictions on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as SMART TVs and gaming consoles. Note that Smart DNS does not encrypt your data nor hide your IP address, so you will not get security.
NordVPN also offers the Smart Play feature, which combines Smart DNS with VPN encryption. This allows you to access streaming services while maintaining a secure connection.
Unlike NordVPN, PIA offers a Port forwarding feature that enhances torrenting performance. It works on all its servers except the ones in the US. Nordvpn offers a Meshnet feature for p2p file sharing, remote device access, and LAN gaming. It enables connections through an encrypted network, ensuring secure sharing.
NordVPN provides different types of specialized servers tailored to specific needs.
Double VPN: Route your traffic through two VPNs for an extra layer of security.
Onion over VPN: Combine NordVPN’s encryption with the Tor network for multiple encryption layers.
P2P servers: Optimized for peer-to-peer file sharing and torrenting.
Obfuscated servers: Designed for those who live in restrictive regions like China.
There’s more – NordVPN also includes the Dark Web Monitor feature, which scans the dark web for any of your leaked information.
Server Network and Availability
In the PIA vs NordVPN comparison, PIA has a larger server count than NordVPN, with 35,000 servers across 91 countries. NordVPN has over 6,400 servers but is available in more countries, covering 111. PIA has extensive server options, whereas NordVPN has a wider geographic reach.
Device Compatibility And Ease of Use
PIA vs NordVPN are quite similar. Both VPNs have apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Each VPN offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. They offer native apps for smart TVs, plus Android-based TVs. Whether on mobile, desktop, or smart TV, both PIA and NordVPN make it easy to stay connected.
Both PIA and NordVPN offer intuitive apps. In general, both are easy to navigate, and you can adjust settings to fit your needs. Each VPN has a ‘connect’ button on the home screen and a server list for finding your preferred location. NordVPN also includes a map for server selection, though some may find it a bit tricky to navigate.
Torrenting
Both NordVPN and PIA support P2P-compatible servers, making file downloads easy. They also offer SOCKSS Proxies, which are less secure but helpful when you need better speed. Additionally, PIA offers Port forwarding, which is useful if you’re navigating a firewall. Port forwarding also enhances torrenting speeds and improves file-sharing performance.
NordVPN and PIA offer Kill Switch to keep your IP address hidden while torrenting. PIA offers more P2P servers, giving you a wider range. NordVPN, however, provides specialized P2P servers, although fewer in number.
Customer Support
In the NordVPN vs PIA comparison, Both providers offer great customer support option. NordVPN and Private Internet Access offer 24/7 live chat and email support, so you can get help anytime. NordVPN usually responds faster, so you get a more seamless experience. Both VPNs have helpful online resources, like FAQs, guides, and a detailed knowledge base. This makes it easy to find answers on your own without needing to contact support.
NordVPN
PIA
24/7 live chat
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Phone support
No
No
Online resources
Yes
Yes
FAQs
Yes
Yes
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