While PIA VPN does have faster speeds, NordVPN does a better job at helping you stay safe and private. The addition of double VPN servers adds a secondary layer of protection that PIA simply can’t provide. Not only that, but the obfuscation technology makes it easier to access geo-restricted websites without any issues.
PIA VPN is able to maintain the connection speed, keeping it pretty close to what you’d get if you were connecting to local servers. Speed is very important for VPNs; a slow VPN speed can hinder and slow down the performance of the tools and the browser. Upon reviewing the two VPN providers, NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are generally both reliable. Although it is obvious that the further the server is, the more latency can be observed.
Which VPN is better?
While PIA wins the price and refund, NordVPN offers better security, protection, and other features. NordVPN has great capacity in unblocking many of the most known online streaming services. It can bypass restrictions based on the geographical location of the user. While Private Internet Access (PIA) has some unblocking capabilities, it is no doubt that NordVPN excels in this. On the comparison of the features and unblocking capabilities, NordVPN is a great choice.
NordVPN provides a consistently fast and reliable speed in establishing connections. It has more than 5167 physical servers in 61 countries around the world, which covers a large geographic area. Aside from that, it allows P2P sharing with no limits on server switching, bandwidth, and speed. Establishing connections with Private Internet Access (PIA) is also quite competitive, just like NordVPN, there is no limit on the bandwidth. It has more than 3335 physical servers in 33 different countries in the world.
Both VPNs offer a lot of simultaneous connections (5 for PIA and 6 for Nord), and both have thousands of servers to connect to. Understandably, PIA has more servers (3000+) compared to NordVPN’s , but since NordVPN can connect to Netflix and other streaming sites with high speed, it makes it more valuable. Aside from the access, it also allows the user to safely download torrents. NordVPN has servers dedicated only for this feature in around 37 countries.
To top thing off, NordVPN’s new 3-year subscription plan cuts back the cost of service quite a bit. It’s the clear winner of the two and is the best option for most Internet users. Speed tests show that Private Internet Access is slightly faster than NordVPN when connecting to a local server that’s close to your geographic location.
The quick menu can be found on the home screen and the rest of the features can be found in the settings menu. On desktops, NordVPN has a much more user-friendly interface than PIA. The settings have a long list of menu options in connecting to VPN. The home page is still map-based, and a long list of control can be found in the setting menu with easy to toggle buttons for control selection. This way, a user can easily connect to nearby servers and prevents irregularity on the connection.
As one of the original VPN services, PIA redefined online privacy for millions of users. A good software interface design allows users to navigate through the system with ease. A simpler and more effective interface can help the users learn how to use the application better with less training.
Features: NordVPN vs PIA
Private Internet Access is among the best VPN services we’ve tested. It offers a robust collection of features, thousands of available servers, 10 simultaneous connections, all contained in a new, easy-to-use app interface. Longtime users will have noticed, however, that its price has recently made a substantial jump. NordVPN and Private Internet Access may look like they offer the same level of service at first glance, but a detailed comparison shows that the former has a bit more to offer.
NordVPN vs PIA (Private Internet Access)
- Both VPNs offer a lot of simultaneous connections (5 for PIA and 6 for Nord), and both have thousands of servers to connect to.
- Understandably, PIA has more servers (3000+) compared to NordVPN’s , but since NordVPN can connect to Netflix and other streaming sites with high speed, it makes it more valuable.
- Aside from the access, it also allows the user to safely download torrents.
It’s not a huge difference, but it may be noticeable if you’re downloading large files or streaming high-definition video. The difference in speed between the two services becomes a lot more noticeable when you connect to foreign servers outside of your country.
PIA also uses physical servers; however, it covers a relatively smaller geographical area than NordVPN. When it comes to accessing streaming sites, NordVPN does a much better job. You see, streaming companies like Netflix will automatically block IP addresses that are coming from VPN servers.
Like NordVPN, PIA is an excellent option for torrenting, but there is one significant difference. Port forwarding is simple to activate in the settings and then connect to a server that supports it.
They do this regularly to stay on top of new VPNs and IP addresses. Obfuscation hides the fact that you’re using a VPN by making the connection look like standard HTTP encryption. Your data is scrambled even more to add another layer of anonymity.
It also means you’re less likely to have to share bandwidth with a lot of other users accessing the same VPN server. Despite that increase in pricing, the new monthly fee is still less than the average price of PCMag’s top-rated VPNs, which currently around $10.78. NordVPN, a five-star Editors’ Choice winner, costs more than Private Internet Access, at $11.95 per month. Note, however, that NordVPN also offers more features, more server locations, and more servers. At the other end of the spectrum, Kaspersky Secure Connection costs $4.99 a month.
If you’re concerned about all-round privacy, security and anonymity, NordVPN has a dedicated Mac app that offers users with very strong encryption and some unique cyber security features. PIA on the other hand offers Mac users pretty fast servers and strong encryption.
The desktop application for Private Internet Access (PIA) stays on the taskbar. This feature is a minor inconvenience when following a configuration guide. The features can be accessed by right-clicking on the icon on the taskbar. The desktop app for PIA also has an option for choosing a server at a specific location by going to the settings menu and selecting “Connect by Region”. This feature is not available on the mobile app, but it has a very simple and clean home screen.
Some VPN services make use of virtual servers, which mimic a server in a given country but may actually be located somewhere else. While the practical upshot is the same—your traffic appears to be coming from the country you select—consumers may have legal concerns about where their data is actually going.
Unfortunately, Private Access Internet does not offer this feature. If you try to visit a streaming service that’s blocked in your area, you’ll probably be met with the dreaded error screen. Both NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) were included in the best VPN services in the world. There is no doubt that the two are competitive and excellent VPN providers. In some categories, they are even almost at par; however, NordVPN wins in 8 out of 10 categories.
Not every country has agreeable data and privacy protection laws, after all. With a subscription to Private Internet Access, you get access to the company’s 3,341 servers spread out over 52 locations in 32 countries. While VPN services will spin servers up and down to meet demand, a large number of servers is a sign of the service’s robustness.
NordVPN has a substantial number of P2P-enabled servers which allow access and safe downloads. It also has a port-forwarding component that helps improve the speed of torrenting. However, since PIA is in the US, it will have to follow DMCA notices and may have to answer the authorities if they demand the information of those who torrent. Our lives are hyperconnected, and a VPN is the best tool to ensure that your web traffic isn’t monitored by spies, crooks, advertisers, or your ISP.
Some of the more popular server locations, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have large server farms. It’s amazing how much more you can get for just a couple of extra bucks. With amazing streaming capabilities, highly-efficient encryption and exclusive security features, NordVPN wins this match. Plus you get thousands more servers, 24/7 customer support and a little extra speed where it counts. Private Internet Access has been around for almost 10 years now.
The first pricing tier of ProtonVPN only costs $4.00, but doesn’t include all the features available at higher tiers. NordVPN has a much larger network than Private Internet Access. As a result, it’s a better choice for users who want more browsing flexibility. They have over 3,300 servers, which is much more than smaller providers.