ExpressVPN vs PIA: which VPN is a better choice?
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Choosing between ExpressVPN vs PIA (Private Internet Access) isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Both providers are owned by Kape Technologies, yet they cater to slightly different types of users. While ExpressVPN is known for its premium performance and strong reputation, PIA offers a more budget-friendly option with a vast server network.
In this comparison, I analyzed both VPNs across multiple categories – speed, security, privacy, streaming capabilities, usability, and pricing. All tests were performed by the Cybernews in-house research team, using the same devices and protocols to ensure fairness and accuracy. I also factored in real-world performance, such as connection reliability and access to popular streaming services.
By the end of this review, you’ll see whether ExpressVPN’s speed and security advantages are strong enough to surpass PIA’s affordability and network reach. Let’s dive into the details and find out which VPN truly offers the better value for your needs.
ExpressVPN vs PIA: overview
Despite their shared foundation, ExpressVPN stands out among the best VPNs for everyday users who value performance and privacy. At the same time, PIA remains a strong contender due to its large server network and flexible customization options.
Both providers have undergone independent audits to verify their no-logs policies, emphasizing their commitment to user trust and transparency.
| ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access VPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #4 out of #41 | #14 out of #41 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 35,000+ servers in 90 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.49/month | From $1.33/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | ExpressVPN coupon 80% OFF | PIA coupon 89% OFF |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Wireguard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, YouTube TV, Hulu, BBC iPlayer |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | 14 | Unlimited |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, tickets/email, 24/7 live chat |
Recent Updates
ExpressVPN vs PIA: key differences
ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are both strong contenders among the best VPNs, but they cater to different priorities. ExpressVPN leans toward premium performance and reliability, while PIA focuses on flexibility and value.
Choose ExpressVPN if:
- You want the best possible speed and stability. ExpressVPN consistently delivers faster results across both local and long-distance servers, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and video calls.
- You value top-notch security and privacy. With features like TrustedServer (RAM-only technology) and audited no-logs policies, ExpressVPN provides exceptional protection for your data.
- You prefer effortless streaming and global access. It’s one of the most reliable VPNs for unblocking major platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, no matter where you are.
Choose PIA if:
- You’re looking for an affordable yet powerful VPN. PIA’s long-term subscriptions are among the most budget-friendly, offering solid performance without cutting corners on features.
- You want broad customization and control. PIA lets you fine-tune key settings – like encryption levels and network ports – to balance speed and security as you prefer.
- You need a huge global server network. With tens of thousands of servers worldwide, PIA makes it easy to find fast and reliable connections wherever you are.
Speed, streaming, and torrenting performance
I tested ExpressVPN and PIA to compare their speed, performance, and streaming capabilities. Here’s what I found from my results.
Speed comparison
To determine which VPN performs faster, we tested ExpressVPN and PIA using their quickest tunneling protocols. ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, while PIA relies on WireGuard – a popular open-source standard known for efficiency and stability.
ExpressVPN's speed test results:
| Server location | Download speed | Upload speed | Ping |
| Local | 724.19Mbps | 370.83Mbps | 17ms |
| London, UK | 573.30Mbps | 459.13Mbps | 40ms |
| New York, US | 468.69Mbps | 200.41Mbps | 97ms |
| Perth, Australia | 382.37Mbps | 91.45Mbps | 220ms |
| Tokyo, Japan | 301.21Mbps | 77.06Mbps | 255ms |
Private Internet Access' speed test results:
| Server location | Download speed | Upload speed | Ping |
| Local | 568.34Mbps | 145.55Mbps | 13ms |
| London, UK | 507.53Mbps | 501.30Mbps | 39ms |
| New York, US | 433.78Mbps | 168.43Mbps | 116ms |
| Perth, Australia | 405.68Mbps | 82.78Mbps | 241ms |
| Tokyo, Japan | 302.11Mbps | 71.58Mbps | 286ms |
ExpressVPN continues to live up to its reputation as one of the fastest VPN service providers. In our latest tests, using servers across the UK, US, Japan, and Australia, it delivered consistently high speeds. The average download speed reached around 490Mbps, with excellent stability – even long-distance servers like Tokyo and Perth remained reliably fast. Tasks like HD streaming, gaming, and video conferencing showed no noticeable slowdowns.
Meanwhile, Private Internet Access also maintained solid performance with WireGuard, though its results were slightly behind ExpressVPN overall. Average download speeds hovered around 440Mbps, with generally higher ping levels and more fluctuation on distant servers. While still fast enough for most online activities, PIA’s speeds placed it a step below ExpressVPN’s smooth, consistent performance.
Streaming performance comparison
It’s no secret that most people subscribe to a VPN service to watch geo-blocked content. However, things can turn sour quickly when your favorite streaming site blocks your VPN (and there are still 10 months left in your subscription). To prevent this from happening, you have to choose a VPN with a long history of bypassing geo-restrictions – like ExpressVPN.
To my delight, ExpressVPN unblocked every streaming site I tested it on. It worked with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and more. It’s also worth noting that ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature allows you to watch geo-blocked content on devices that don’t support VPNs, such as your smart TV. Alternatively, it works with manual configuration on routers and offers a handy app for Aircove routers.
Meanwhile, PIA underperformed compared to ExpressVPN in the streaming tests. I managed to unblock Netflix libraries in the UK, the US, and India. However, other libraries weren’t as easy to unblock, even with the provider’s streaming-optimized servers across various countries. Besides Netflix, I also was able to unblock the UK-exclusive BBC iPlayer. PIA also had no trouble unblocking geo-restricted YouTube videos, but that's not particularly impressive among VPNs.
Torrenting
Both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access VPN are great for downloading and uploading files through BitTorrent and other torrent clients. All servers of these two VPNs support P2P and torrenting, so you won’t have to use a server that’s already crowded.
There are some differences between the two services, though. PIA VPN also offers a SOCKS5 proxy that you can use on your torrenting client.
Obviously, speeds are also important – you don’t want to spend an hour downloading a single file. Luckily, you won’t be disappointed no matter which VPN you use. With ExpressVPN, my speed varied from 6 to 15 MB/s. However, the speed was even better when using Private Internet Access – it went from 10 to 15 MB/s. Of course, speed depends on a lot of different factors, and your situation may differ.
Plans and pricing
ExpressVPN carries a higher price tag, making PIA the more economical option for many users. No matter which PIA plan you choose, you still pay less than on a corresponding ExpressVPN plan. Here are your options:
| Plan | Monthly billing | 6-month billing | Yearly billing | 2-year billing |
| ExpressVPN Basic | $12.99/month | - | $3.99/month | $2.49/month |
| ExpressVPN Advanced | $13.99/month | - | $4.99/month | $2.99/month |
| ExpressVPN Pro | $19.99/month | - | $6.99/month | $5.49/month |
| PIA | $11.99/month | $7.50/month | - | $2.03/month |
If you’re ready to commit, PIA’s longest offer comes at just $2.03/month for a 2‑year + 4‑month bundle, while ExpressVPN cost starts at $2.49/month on its 2‑year Basic plan – also including extra months.
For households or users with multiple devices, PIA stands out by supporting unlimited simultaneous connections, whereas ExpressVPN caps you at 14 devices depending on the plan. That extra flexibility can be a big advantage if you plan to share the subscription across several users or gadgets.
Both services offer a 30‑day money‑back guarantee, letting you test either VPN without major risk. With ExpressVPN, you can pay via credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. PIA also accepts credit cards and PayPal, plus several cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. According to user reports, PIA has been relatively generous with repeat refunds, as long as the gaps between claims meet its guidelines (typically at least a few months apart).
Server locations
Both providers no longer disclose the exact number of servers they operate. Regardless, it's vital to analyze the countries they cover.
| VPN provider | Servers | Countries (total) | Virtual locations | Specialty servers |
| ExpressVPN | Undisclosed | 105 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (stealth and gaming servers) |
| PIA | Undisclosed | 90 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (streaming) |
ExpressVPN offers more variety when it comes to American, European, and Asian Pacific coverage. On the other hand, Private Internet Access gives you more freedom when choosing a server in the Middle East or Africa.
Regarding the servers themselves, a small part of them are virtual – that is the case with both ExpressVPN and PIA. What does that mean? Basically, the registered IP address matches the country you have chosen to connect to, while the server itself is physically located in another country, usually nearby. Virtual servers have become necessary due to regulations in certain countries (like Russia or India).
Regarding specialty options, ExpressVPN offers Stealth servers, which are automatically enabled whenever the app detects deep packet inspection, and servers optimized for gaming. Meanwhile, PIA offers streaming-optimized servers across the US and Europe.
Features overview
For most users, feature selection is not the most important factor in choosing a VPN. For example, not everyone understands what to do with a proxy, even if they have one. So, if you just use a VPN to unblock content, ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access will suit you well. Both providers overlap in certain features, such as Smart DNS, but there are a few differences, too.
Split tunneling
Split tunneling is one of the most beneficial VPN features. Basically, it lets you include or exclude the applications that use VPN traffic. For example, you may want to browse safely while listening to Spotify, which you can exclude from the VPN connection list for better performance.
ExpressVPN lets you use split tunneling with Windows, macOS, Android, and routers using Device Groups, while PIA VPN allows it on Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux apps.
Port forwarding
Both Private Internet Access VPN and ExpressVPN support port forwarding, which lets you access your device from anywhere, host multiplayer game servers, run your own website, and more.
To set up port forwarding with ExpressVPN, you have to do it from your router dashboard using the advanced settings menu, where you’ll find port forwarding. Meanwhile, PIA VPN lets you do it on its desktop or mobile apps.
Proxy
Unlike ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access VPN offers SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxies. A proxy might come in handy when torrenting or trying to bypass the Great Firewall of China (in this case, Shadowsocks is your savior). You can route your connection through the UK, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, the US, and the Netherlands.
Smart DNS
As ExpressVPN has no trouble unblocking a myriad of streaming sites, its Smart DNS – its MediaStreamer feature – is a real lifesaver if you want to watch movies, shows, or sports on your smart TV or any other device that doesn’t support VPN services. Thankfully, Private Internet Access also offers Smart DNS if you'd like to unblock video content without the VPN app.
Stealth servers
Sometimes, schools and businesses can monitor your online activity by using deep packet inspection. In this way, they can detect that you’re using a VPN, thus blocking the VPN traffic.
Luckily, ExpressVPN has a way to bypass this. As soon as it becomes necessary, you are switched to a Stealth server, which prevents anyone from detecting that you’re using a VPN. In this way, you may even have some luck using ExpressVPN in countries that block VPN traffic (i.e., China).
On the other hand, PIA grants obfuscation using Shadowsocks. While not as convenient as what ExpressVPN offers, it can still get the job done.
Additional features
In fact, both ExpressVPN and PIA include additional security features that help prevent malware and enhance online privacy. With the PIA, you get an ad blocker, also known as MACE, which blocks all adware at the DNS level. Consequently, you won't have to face YouTube ads, pop-ups, banners, and other types of adware any longer.
In the meantime, ExpressVPN has its Threat Manager. Although it doesn't block ads, it can help you avoid trackers and other third parties' criminal intentions. This way, the number of targeted ads you receive will decrease, as well as the chance of getting your online identity stolen.
Moreover, ExpressVPN can cover password management needs at no extra cost with its ExpressKeys feature included in Advanced and Pro plans. In addition, tDevice Groups feature enables split tunneling on routers.
Security and privacy
Both VPN services offer great encryption and security, using strong, industry‑standard encryption, RAM‑only servers, and independently audited no‑logs policies. However, there are some slight differences.
Encryption
ExpressVPN uses AES‑256 encryption by default, which is widely regarded as the current gold standard for protecting data in transit. When using its Lightway protocol, the VPN defaults to AES‑256‑GCM on most devices, with ChaCha20/Poly1305 reserved for lower‑end routers and entry‑level mobile devices where performance is more constrained.
ExpressVPN also applies SHA‑512‑based hashing for authentication and supports perfect forward secrecy, so encryption keys are regenerated with each session for stronger protection.
With Private Internet Access, the encryption options depend on the protocol:
- WireGuard: uses ChaCha20 by default, with no alternative cipher choices.
- OpenVPN: offers AES‑128‑GCM and AES‑256‑GCM modes.
- IPSec (IKEv2): supports AES‑128‑CBC, AES‑256‑CBC, AES‑128‑GCM, and AES‑256‑GCM.
PIA states that it uses SHA‑1 and SHA‑2‑family hashing, but in modern implementations (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec), it relies on SHA‑2‑based algorithms for critical authentication.
That said, ExpressVPN’s default use of SHA‑512 aligns more closely with current best‑practice guidance.
Infrastructure
Running RAM‑only servers is one of the strongest privacy‑enhancing features a VPN can offer, and both ExpressVPN and PIA now deploy this architecture. Their servers store data only in volatile memory, which is erased when the server is rebooted or powered off. This design makes it practically impossible for either provider to retain persistent logs of your activity, even if compelled by law enforcement.
Tunneling protocols
The choice of tunneling protocols can significantly affect speed, stability, and compatibility.
ExpressVPN supports:
- Lightway – a proprietary protocol optimized for speed and reliability on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
- OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) – a widely trusted, open‑standard protocol. UDP is faster, while TCP provides more stability on unstable networks.
- IKEv2/IPSec – a lightweight, fast option available on macOS and iOS.
Private Internet Access also offers core protocols:
- WireGuard – a modern, fast, and relatively secure protocol comparable to Lightway in many ways.
- OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) – offering AES‑128‑GCM and AES‑256‑GCM modes.
While both providers cover the main tunneling standards, ExpressVPN’s Lightway is generally more optimized and performant than PIA’s WireGuard implementation, especially on long‑distance routes. PIA’s protocol set is still solid, but ExpressVPN’s stack is slightly more polished and future‑proof at the moment.
Jurisdiction
ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction known for strong privacy‑friendly laws and the absence of mandatory data retention requirements. This location gives it fewer legal pressure points to share user‑level data.
PIA is based in the United States, a member of the Five-Eyes surveillance alliance, and a country with broad surveillance and data‑request powers. While PIA’s architecture does not store logs that can be meaningfully linked to user activity, its US‑based residency exposes it to a more aggressive legal and surveillance environment than privacy‑focused jurisdictions.
No-logs policy
ExpressVPN claims not to collect any activity logs, connection logs, browsing history, or similar data. Its privacy policy explicitly states that it stores only your email address and payment method, and this no‑logs stance has been independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (2019) and KPMG (2025), with additional audits on its technologies to reinforce trust.
PIA says it does not keep logs of your online activity, limiting its stored data to your username, data‑usage volume, and temporary IP address details, which are deleted when the app closes. PIA’s no‑logs claims have been backed by Deloitte audits in 2022 and 2024, and the provider has also demonstrated in a real‑world case that it could not produce user‑level logs for law enforcement.
Both services log some account‑related information (email, payment details, cookies, country/ZIP code), but PIA lets you reduce this by paying with cryptocurrency.
However, it’s important to note that PIA’s privacy policy also states that personal data “may be disclosed to any members of [its] group of companies,” which is common in multi‑brand tech groups and worth mentioning for transparency. Ultimately, it wouldn’t make our list of the best anonymous (no-logs) VPNs.
Kill switch
A kill switch is a critical security feature that cuts your internet connection if the VPN tunnel drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.
Both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access offer built‑in kill switches on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, so either service can reliably protect your IP address in the event of a connection failure.
Platforms, interface, and ease of use
App availability can greatly impact your decision between ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access. In short, both providers work with the most popular desktop and mobile operating systems. You can also set them up on various home entertainment devices, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles, or on your router for complete household coverage.
| ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access | |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Other software and devices | Android TV, Fire devices, Apple TV, smart TVs, consoles, routers, Chromebook | Android TV, Apple TV, smart TVs, consoles, routers |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Simultaneous connections | 14 | Unlimited |
For me, the key difference between the two VPNs is that PIA supports unlimited device connections, while ExpressVPN supports 14. This is a significant difference, especially since PIA is cheaper than ExpressVPN. As such, I would consider PIA the better choice regarding device compatibility since you can protect more devices. Now, let’s discuss how the two look on desktop and mobile devices.
There are many similarities between ExpressVPN's and Private Internet Access's desktop apps. Both VPNs display a small main window with a large button to initiate a connection, along with a separate settings menu window. Moreover, it’s really easy to access all sorts of information about the connection, including the protocol, encryption, and split-tunneling settings.
Nevertheless, I think Linux users might be happier with PIA’s app because it offers a nice user interface similar to the Windows app, making it much easier to use than ExpressVPN. It’s also worth noting that the Linux app for Private Internet Access supports split tunneling.
The Private Internet Access' mobile versions for Android and iOS don’t differ much from their desktop counterparts. Of course, this concerns only the main window – when you open the settings, the tab is made to fit the narrow smartphone screen. Feature-wise, there are also not a lot of differences between PIA’s desktop versions. Just keep in mind that the iOS app doesn’t support split tunneling for the time being.
Now, the mobile versions of ExpressVPN are in a similar situation. Aside from the settings menu, their design is almost identical to the desktop apps. However, there are some differences between the Android and iOS applications, with the former being superior. That’s because the Android version of ExpressVPN offers split tunneling.
Customer support
Even if you’re one of those unlucky users who stumble across technical problems quite often, the customer service options of ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access should be enough for you.
| ExpressVPN | PIA | |
| 24/7 live chat | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | |
| Phone line | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Guides or articles | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| FAQs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
First, both services offer extensive knowledge bases. The official websites of ExpressVPN and PIA VPN offer setup guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles.
Next, email tickets and live chat are available for those who want to talk to a real human being. So, I tested the live chat of both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. While the ExpressVPN customer agent helped us promptly, the PIA customer representative struggled to resolve our issue with implementing WireGuard.
Which is better: ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access?
ExpressVPN takes the lead in speed, streaming performance, and privacy‑focused features, reliably unblocking major streaming platforms and maintaining high‑quality playback with a polished, audited security setup. PIA, on the other hand, shines as the more budget‑friendly option, with lower prices, generous long‑term plans, and unlimited simultaneous connections that suit larger households or multi‑device users.
All things considered, ExpressVPN comes out on top as the better overall VPN, while Private Internet Access is a good choice for value and flexibility.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | PIA | Verdict |
| Pricing | PIA offers the lowest rates, starting at about $2.03/month, while ExpressVPN is more expensive at $2.49/month on its best 2‑year plan. | ||
| Privacy | ExpressVPN wins on privacy thanks to its British Virgin Islands base, a clear, audited no‑logs policy, and Stealth servers. PIA is still secure but sits in the more surveillance‑heavy US‑based environment. | ||
| Speed | ExpressVPN wins on speed, with tests averaging around 490Mbps and lower latency. PIA averages about 440Mbps, with more fluctuation over long distances. | ||
| Features | ExpressVPN offers TrustedServers, Stealth servers, MediaStreamer (Smart DNS), Threat Manager, Device Groups, and ExpressKeys. PIA has solid tools like SOCKS5/Shadowsocks proxies and MACE, but fewer integrated extras. | ||
| Server locations | PIA wins on regional spread, with coverage in 90 countries and extra flexibility in the Middle East and Africa. ExpressVPN reaches 105 countries with strong coverage in the Americas, Europe, and Asia‑Pacific. | ||
| Apps and compatibility | ExpressVPN offers better apps and is easier to use, with polished, intuitive clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and home‑entertainment devices. PIA works well but feels a bit less polished overall. | ||
| Customer support | ExpressVPN offers better support, with reliable 24/7 live chat and thorough guides. PIA offers similar channels but can be slightly less consistent in resolving issues. | ||
| Streaming capabilities | ExpressVPN is better for streaming, reliably unblocking Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other major platforms in full HD with minimal buffering. PIA works, but is more variable across libraries. | ||
| Torrenting | PIA wins on torrenting, with SOCKS5 proxy support, strong P2P‑friendly servers, and slightly higher download speeds (roughly 10–15 Mbps). ExpressVPN is still solid but less specialized here. |
FAQ
What is the difference between ExpressVPN and PIA?
One notable distinction between ExpressVPN and PIA is the number of simultaneous connections allowed: PIA offers unlimited connections, whereas ExpressVPN limits users to 14. Additionally, ExpressVPN is generally the pricier option compared to PIA.
Which VPN is better for streaming – ExpressVPN or PIA?
ExpressVPN is better for streaming than PIA because of its faster speeds and superior unblocking capabilities. ExpressVPN's broader server network across 105 countries can offer a slight advantage. This wider distribution might increase your chances of finding a server optimized for specific streaming services or regions you're interested in, potentially providing more reliable access compared to PIA's already substantial network of servers in 90 countries.
What is the best alternative to ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access VPN?
NordVPN is a strong alternative to both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. NordVPN often provides a compelling balance of speed, security features, server network size (with servers in more countries than both ExpressVPN and PIA), and price. It's known for its fast NordLynx protocol, robust security features, and generally good performance for streaming. While ExpressVPN excels in ease of use and consistent unblocking, and PIA offers a lower price point with unlimited connections, NordVPN often positions itself as a top-tier alternative that delivers strong performance across various aspects.
