ExpressVPN vs PIA VPN
This is a classic battle between premium reliability and unbeatable value. ExpressVPN is the gold standard for speed and guaranteed service worldwide. PIA VPN is perfect if you need unlimited device connections for less money. Your choice depends on your budget and how many gadgets you need to protect.
Reliable performance supported by expert assistance.
We reviewed ExpressVPN’s robust security features, noting its independently audited no-logs policy and advanced TrustedServer technology. External feedback confirms users experience consistent reliability and ultra-fast connections globally, praising the expert customer support for its promptness. Overall, we confidently recommend ExpressVPN as a high-performing privacy tool, despite its premium price point.
Pros
- Globally praised for connection reliability and speed.
- Strict, independently audited no-logs policy and TrustedServer technology.
- Exceptional, prompt, and patient human customer support.
- Highly effective at bypassing geographic restrictions and censorship.
Cons
- Premium pricing is significantly higher than many competitors after the initial discounted term.
- Occasional difficulties accessing major streaming services (e.g., Netflix, YouTube TV) that detect the VPN.
- Some users reported issues with subscription renewals and auto-cancellations.
Audited Privacy, Unbeatable Long-Term Value
We find Private Internet Access to be a robust, feature-rich VPN option backed by an independently verified No Logs policy and fully open-source applications. Overall, its strong commitment to user privacy, combined with its ultra-low introductory rates and unlimited simultaneous device support, makes it one of the better value propositions in the VPN market today.
Pros
- Strict No Logs policy is independently audited and court-proven.
- Supports an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections.
- All applications are 100% open source, promoting transparency.
- Access to NextGen servers located in 91 countries.
Cons
- No permanent free version or extended complimentary trial available.
- The introductory rate increases significantly upon renewal for the 1 Year plan.
- The standard monthly rate ($11.95) is relatively high.
AboutExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the World’s #1 premium VPN service built for individual privacy needs. A VPN, or virtual private network, establishes a secure connection to the internet. When you connect, your traffic goes through an authenticated, encrypted tunnel that nobody can view. This process prevents hackers, governments, and your internet provider from seeing your destination or activity. 💡
The VPN server acts like a proxy for your web activity. Instead of your real IP address, websites only see the address of the VPN server. This professional, commercial VPN service offers server locations in 105 countries, ensuring reliable speed and global flexibility. 🌎
AboutPIA VPN
PIA is a Virtual Private Network, which serves as a crucial cybersecurity tool. It provides a secure and encrypted internet connection, preventing others from intercepting your data. The service works by rerouting your traffic through private, remote servers, effectively masking your unique IP address in real-time. PIA is built for anyone seeking to regain digital privacy and enjoy secure browsing, whether at home or using public Wi-Fi. It’s simple to use and allows you to protect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with one subscription. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Simultaneous Connections
PIA VPN offers unlimited device connections; ExpressVPN limits connections to 14 devices.
ExpressVPN secures up to 14 simultaneous devices on its top-tier plans. This is a generous allowance for individual power users. This limit may still be restrictive for very large households. PIA VPN is the clear leader here with its unlimited device offering. You can connect every phone, tablet, and smart TV easily. For securing an entire large family or small business, PIA VPN provides huge value. PIA VPN makes it much easier to cover dozens of devices per subscription.
Server Network Size
ExpressVPN operates servers in 105 countries; PIA VPN covers 91 countries.
ExpressVPN maintains a massive global presence across 105 countries worldwide. This ensures you can almost always find a nearby or desired virtual location. PIA VPN runs an impressive network, covering 91 countries with NextGen servers. This density includes every US state, which is great for local access. If your travel or access needs are highly specialized, ExpressVPN has broader geographic coverage. For sheer global reach and selection, ExpressVPN is currently superior.
Speed and Reliability
ExpressVPN has a reputation for reliability; PIA VPN offers 10Gbps high-capacity servers.
ExpressVPN is globally praised for its consistent connection quality and lightning-fast speeds. It rarely suffers from ISP throttling or slowdowns across its network. PIA VPN uses high-capacity 10Gbps NextGen servers optimized for speed and streaming performance. This high bandwidth capacity reduces congestion significantly. ExpressVPN is perhaps slightly more tested and proven under various global conditions. Both services are very fast, but ExpressVPN's historic reliability is a known benefit.
Security Transparency
PIA VPN uses open-source apps; ExpressVPN highlights its RAM-based server technology.
ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology, meaning user data is never written to hard drives. Its no-logs policy is independently audited for maximum trust. PIA VPN’s applications are 100% open source, meaning anyone can inspect the code. This transparency is highly valued by global privacy advocates. While both are highly secure, PIA VPN gives users the ability to review the exact software they are running. This commitment to openness gives PIA VPN the technical edge in transparency.
Price and Commitment
PIA VPN is much cheaper overall; ExpressVPN requires a 28-month upfront commitment.
ExpressVPN’s lowest monthly price requires you to pay upfront for an initial 28-month commitment. After this long term, the subscription renews at a significantly higher annual rate. PIA VPN starts at a much lower reported price point, making it immediately attractive to budget users. PIA VPN offers far greater affordability, especially considering its unlimited simultaneous connections. If cost is your primary concern, PIA VPN offers unmatched value in this comparison.
Advanced Features
PIA VPN offers Multi-Hop; ExpressVPN includes an Identity Defender suite.
ExpressVPN offers extras like a Password Manager and its premium Identity Defender suite on Pro plans. This suite includes ID alerts and credit scanning services. PIA VPN includes core VPN enhancements like the MACE ad/tracker blocker and split tunneling. It also features Multi-Hop/Double VPN connections for layered security. PIA VPN focuses on enhancing the core VPN use case with better anonymity tools. ExpressVPN adds complementary security tools outside the pure VPN function.
Customer Support
ExpressVPN's 24/7 live chat receives superior user reviews for quality and speed.
ExpressVPN is renowned for its excellent 24/7 human live chat support team. Users consistently report prompt, patient, and effective technical troubleshooting service. PIA VPN also offers 24/7 support via chat and email for all users. The documentation points to responsive support from PIA VPN agents. ExpressVPN holds the reputation for superior, enterprise-grade customer support among premium VPNs. If reliable, quick help is paramount, ExpressVPN is the stronger choice.
Business Features
ExpressVPN offers explicit team plans; PIA VPN focuses solely on individual consumer use.
ExpressVPN offers a specific product called ExpressVPN for Teams. This caters to businesses and teams up to 500 users with custom requirements. PIA VPN is primarily designed for individual consumer privacy and unlimited household devices. There are no explicit team or corporate plans mentioned for PIA VPN users. Businesses needing centralized management should clearly choose ExpressVPN for Teams. PIA VPN is best used for personal or family connectivity needs.
Our Verdict
This comparison pits premium performance against unbeatable value and connectivity. Choosing a winner between ExpressVPN and PIA VPN depends entirely on your specific privacy goals. These are both audited no-logs VPNs, meaning both ExpressVPN and PIA VPN protect your essential data perfectly. ExpressVPN’s superpower is its audited reliability and superior customer support globally. ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology across its vast 105-country network, ensuring consistent speed and zero logging. If you travel often or rely on guaranteed access to geo-restricted content, ExpressVPN is worth the significant extra cost. PIA VPN’s superpower is making exceptional security affordable with unlimited connections. PIA VPN is drastically more affordable and allows you to protect unlimited devices simultaneously with one plan. Privacy enthusiasts will appreciate that PIA VPN offers 10Gbps NextGen servers and 100% open-source applications. The deciding factor is usually devices and budget coupled with connection reliability. If you need to secure 10+ devices and save money, PIA VPN is the definitive choice for value and coverage. If you need flawless, fast connections prioritized by expert 24/7 support, ExpressVPN is the premium leader. You can't go wrong, but choose PIA VPN for the best family value, or ExpressVPN for the best personal reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is better for streaming internationally: ExpressVPN or PIA VPN?
ExpressVPN has a slightly broader server network across 105 countries. This gives ExpressVPN an inherent advantage in accessing geo-blocked streaming services. ExpressVPN is also consistently praised for superior connection reliability. PIA VPN’s 10Gbps servers ensure high speeds for streaming as well.
How many devices can I connect with ExpressVPN versus PIA VPN?
With PIA VPN, you benefit from genuinely unlimited device connections per subscription. ExpressVPN is limited to a maximum of 14 simultaneous connections, depending on your chosen plan. PIA VPN is the better option for covering many devices at once.
Which service has better security: ExpressVPN's TrustedServer or PIA VPN's open-source apps?
Both offer excellent, audited security and no-logs guarantees. ExpressVPN uses RAM-only TrustedServers, wiping all data upon reboot. PIA VPN provides open-source applications, allowing security experts to inspect their code. PIA VPN offers higher transparency; ExpressVPN offers robust server-level physical security.
Is ExpressVPN's premium price worth the extra cost over PIA VPN?
The premium price for ExpressVPN is worth it if you demand perfect reliability and world-class support. If you need unlimited connections or prefer transparent open-source software, PIA VPN is better value. PIA VPN protects more devices for a fraction of ExpressVPN’s long-term cost.
Which supports a wider network of global servers: ExpressVPN or PIA VPN?
ExpressVPN supports a wider network, offering server locations in 105 countries. PIA VPN offers service across a robust network of 91 countries. If connection location flexibility is critical, ExpressVPN has the edge.
Does PIA VPN offer specialized team plans like ExpressVPN for Teams?
PIA VPN is designed primarily for individual and family consumer use cases. ExpressVPN specifically offers a dedicated product called ExpressVPN for Teams. If you are managing multiple users in a corporate setting, ExpressVPN provides tailored solutions.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.