ExpressVPN and PIA are two of the most popular VPN providers on the market. However, in terms of ExpressVPN vs PIA, which one wins?
As part of our series of VPN comparisons, we have compared these two VPN providers in terms of privacy features, server count, upload and download speeds, live chat support, streaming support, and more.
Read on to learn more about these two excellent VPN services.
There is an extensive array of Virtual Private Network services available on the market. However, ExpressVPN continues to stand out as arguably the best option available. It offers a host of advanced security features and an excellent, user-friendly experience.
Private Internet Access is a cost-effective VPN option that supports first-rate VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, and offers users access to a vast server network.
The cost of a good VPN service can be the difference between making a purchase or deciding to opt for another provider. Below we’ve laid out ExpressVPN and PIA’s pricing plans to help you choose the most cost-effective subscription plan for your needs.
ExpressVPN offers a simple pricing structure with three different subscription plans. If you opt for the monthly subscription option, you will be charged $12.95 a month for a rolling contract. Although this is not extremely cheap, it is average among VPN services.
Signing up for the ExpressVPN 6-month subscription plan will cut the price to $9.99 a month, which is a significant discount. A 6-month subscription option is rarely seen among other VPN providers, and it does mean you have more flexibility. The 12-month subscription plan reduces the monthly cost even more, to just $8.32 a month. This is a significant 35% discount when compared to the rolling monthly subscription plan.
When it comes to payment methods, users have a large selection to choose from. There are typical payment options such as PayPal and credit cards but also the option to pay with Bitcoin, AliPay, WebMoney, Yandex Money, and more. It is good to see that the provider accepts Bitcoin payments, as this can ensure your VPN activity is completely anonymous and untraceable.
Private Internet Access offers three different subscription plans. The monthly plan is only $1 cheaper than ExpressVPN’s offering, at $11.95 a month. The 6-month option comes in at $6.65 a month, which is cheaper than any ExpressVPN plan. The PIA VPN 1-year plan offers an incredibly affordable VPN product that comes in at just $3.33 a month. This means that if your main priority when choosing a VPN is affordability, PIA VPN is the best option.
There is no free trial with PIA VPN, which is disappointing. However, there is a 30-day refund policy and an extensive list of payment options, including credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and gift cards.
Although Private Internet Access is priced slightly lower than ExpressVPN, it is necessary to consider whether it may be worth the additional investment. ExpressVPN offers an unrivaled VPN service that comes with a range of advanced features, making its higher prices worth it.
The size of a VPN server network and other aspects relating to servers can be a deciding factor for many VPN users. We’ve compared ExpressVPN and PIA’s server networks below.
ExpressVPN has 3,000 servers in 160 locations across 94 countries. There is decent coverage across all continents and all of ExpressVPN’s servers are RAM-based, meaning they are extremely secure.
Amongst ExpressVPN’s network are streaming and torrenting optimized servers, making this a great VPN service for fans of these data-heavy activities.
Private Internet Access has a mammoth-sized server network with more than 22,000 VPN servers globally. It operates across 78 countries and has an impressive presence in the US.
Many of PIA’s servers are virtual, which can be seen as either a good or bad thing. Virtual servers are normally safer, since they can be placed in secure locations but provide IP addresses of risky regions. However, virtual servers often produce slower speeds than physically based servers, so put off some users for this reason.
All of the best VPN providers offer excellent levels of user privacy and security, and ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access are no different.
ExpressVPN operates on 4096-bit SHA 512 RSA certificate as well as military-grade AES-256 bit encryption as standard. There is also HMAC to protect against real-time regular data alteration.
For an additional level of privacy and security protection, the VPN provider also employs Perfect Forward Secrecy technology to ensure a new encryption key is created at the start of every virtual private network session and every hour after that. This ensures that even if your VPN connection became compromised, the attacker would only receive access to 60 minutes of data before their connection is lost.
ExpressVPN operates its own zero-knowledge encrypted DNS on all of its servers. ExpressVPN ensures complete DNS leak protection to ensure your private online data or real IP address never leaks out of the encrypted virtual private network tunnel.
All of the ExpressVPN servers use RAM-only. This method of data storage is much more secure than traditional hard-drive storage. RAM servers cannot physically save user data after they are shut down, which means your private information will never be stored
ExpressVPN also offers a range of obfuscated servers too. This masks the fact that you are using a VPN server connection to overcome VPN blocks and firewalls in schools and universities that may prohibit Virtual Private Network use.
ExpressVPN also offers the Network Lock, which is its version of a kill switch and is automatically activated upon download. Kill switches are essential VPN tools since they keep your browsing data private. Users can also use the Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol based on the WireGuard protocol. Not only can you get faster speeds with this protocol, but it provides you with a lot more online security.
Private Internet Access is another great VPN for users concerned about their online privacy and security. The provider supports first-rate OpenVPN and WireGuard tunneling protocols for a secure VPN tunnel and connection. OpenVPN automatically operates on AES-128 encryption as standard, but this can be increased to AES-256 in the settings to ensure your VPN traffic is always hidden.
There are RSA-2408 and RSA-4096 data authentication and handshake methods too. To prevent DNS data leaks, the provider operates its own DNS servers, although there is also the option to change this.
If your Virtual Private Network server connection drops for any reason, there is a chance that your actual IP address and private internet data are leaked. So, it is reassuring that PIA offers a kill switch to cut off your internet connection in the event this takes place.
All PIA clients are open-source, which means that developers have heavily scrutinized them for vulnerabilities, leaks, or bugs. This means you can rest assured of the security of the PIA software.
PIA even offers secure extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. The Chrome extension offers a range of additional security features, including ad, tracker, and third-party cookie blocking technology.
Many VPNs claim that they do not log user data, but often their privacy policies are less than transparent or reveal that the service does, in fact, log some user information. We took a look at PIA’s and ExpressVPN’s privacy policies to see which side of the coin they fall on.
ExpressVPN doesn’t log user IP addresses, connection timestamps, assigned IP addresses, information about the websites you visit, DNS requests, browsing history, or any data traffic.
However, there is a minimal amount of user logs stored. The service notes the date of users’ connections to the virtual private network and their choice of server. Fortunately, because there is no recording of connection times or allocated IP addresses, there is no way to use this information to link any internet traffic back to a particular user or ExpressVPN account.
ExpressVPN also stores your Virtual Private Network client’s version number as well as the amount of bandwidth you have used each day. However, this data storage does not pose a privacy risk.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a country that enjoys excellent data privacy laws. This means that ExpressVPN is not compelled to store or release any user data upon request by the authorities. The British Virgin Islands is not part of the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance, which is reassuring.
The provider’s logging and privacy policies are excellent, and it is clear that ExpressVPN works hard to ensure its users’ privacy is protected. You do not have to just take ExpressVPN’s word for it either, as its privacy policy and systems have been audited and confirmed by security company PricewaterhouseCoopers. The report is freely available for users to download and read.
Private Internet Access also confidently claims that it does not log web traffic information or users’ activity. The company releases a Transparency Report which details any official requests for data and the information handed over. The latest report reveals no logs were produced for any requests.
However, it is disappointing that, unlike ExpressVPN and NordVPN, PIA has not yet completed an independent audit of its policies and services, especially given that PIA is based in the US. Since the US operates some of the strictest data retention laws in the world, we’d like to see PIA undergo an audit at some point.
Many users download VPNs to access geo-restricted content on popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more. Therefore, a good VPN must offer excellent unblocking capabilities, wide server coverage, and fast connection speeds to enable users to watch their favorite content in high-definition, without lag or buffering.
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for accessing Netflix. The Virtual Private Network successfully unlocks a range of Netflix locations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, and France. It can also access Amazon Prime Video in the United States with ease. Most VPNs can easily unblock YouTube, and ExpressVPN had no issues there either. It was also able to overcome VPN blocks on Disney+.
BBC iPlayer is one of the most difficult streaming services for VPNs to access. It may take a few attempts on different servers, but ExpressVPN is usually successful at accessing it. If you struggle to access any streaming site with ExpressVPN, we recommend trying a few different servers before contacting the customer support team for assistance.
Also, it is useful to note that ExpressVPN also offers a dedicated Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer that enables users to watch streaming content on devices that don’t typically support a virtual private network connection, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Private Internet Access successfully accessed YouTube; however, this is not surprising considering most VPNs can change your YouTube region. BBC iPlayer is typically more difficult to access, and PIA was, unfortunately, unable to overcome geo-restrictions there.
The service was successful at accessing the United States and UK Netflix libraries on a variety of servers. However, it did fail to unblock Netflix Japan and Canada. It may take a few attempts on different servers to access Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ with PIA, but it usually gains access to these streaming services.
So, if you are looking for the best all-around streaming VPN, ExpressVPN is likely the best option thanks to its fast speeds, ease of use, dedicated Smart DNS, unlimited bandwidth, and ability to access all popular streaming sites. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option and are not a fan of UK streaming content, PIA is not a bad choice.
Both PIA and ExpressVPN are excellent VPNs for torrenting fans. Neither service places limitations on P2P traffic, meaning that every server is optimized for torrenting over a safe VPN connection. Moreover, both VPNs offer decent internet speeds which are important for torrenting.
Even though ExpressVPN does not openly advertise its support for torrenting, it offers complete P2P server coverage. This means that there is no need to waste time looking for a dedicated P2P server because any ExpressVPN server you choose will be suitable for torrenting. Also, because all of the ExpressVPN servers support torrenting, no single server will become overwhelmed or congested by too many users ensuring fast connection speeds.
There is a split tunneling feature too, which is helpful if certain apps do not work with a virtual private network connection. This means that you can choose which apps run through the ExpressVPN server connection, such as your torrenting client, as well as those that bypass it and utilize your normal ISP internet connection.
A speed test indicated that average connection speeds with ExpressVPN are around 38Mbps, which wasn’t too much of a speed difference from our baseline download rate of 40Mbps.
Private Internet Access is also a great VPN for BitTorrent users. There are no restrictions on torrenting traffic, and you can choose any of the PIA servers to connect to if you want to torrent. There is even support for port forwarding, which may help you connect to the internet from behind a NAT firewall for fast connection speeds when torrenting.
Fortunately, during speed tests we ran, Private Internet Access achieved average connection speeds of 36Mbps, which is more than enough for fast torrenting.
For beginner users, setting up a VPN on various operating systems can be overwhelming, so we looked at how both VPNs help users to get to grips with their software.
ExpressVPN has made installing and setting up its VPN product easy. After signing up on the website, it will detect the device you are using and offer a relevant client download link. ExpressVPN offers 6 simultaneous connections across various devices, with ExpressVPN apps for many systems including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Once you have downloaded and installed the ExpressVPN client on your devices, you will be asked to verify your account with a verification code. This means you do not need to enter your ExpressVPN login details, username, or password, which is useful.
Signing up for the PIA VPN service is simple too. On the website, you will be redirected to the Download page, where there are links to download Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS PIA clients, as well as the Chrome, Firefox, and Opera PIA browser extensions.
There are more than just PIA file links too. Click on the PIA Windows client, and you will be directed to the client installer as well as a setup guide. There is also the option to choose between 32 and 64-bit Windows builds. If a recent PIA update causes an issue on your device, you can download a previous client version.
The PIA website displays a list of client changelogs, too, and PIA explains every update. Expert Virtual Private Network users will also have the option to download the Android APK file, enabling manual PIA installation on devices when necessary. If you are setting up a third-party app, there are OpenVPN PIA configuration files that are easy to use. PIA also offers separate downloads for different OpenVPN encryption settings too and there are setup instructions on the website.
Overall, both ExpressVPN and PIA offer rapid and simple setup processes. However, ExpressVPN’s activation code process allows users to set up the client without manually entering login details, which is somewhat simpler.
How do ExpressVPN and PIA compare when it comes to desktop usability?
ExpressVPN offers a simple desktop VPN client that is well-designed and easy to use. The main interface displays the automatically selected Smart Location and a large ON/OFF button for a quick connection. If you just want to connect to the Virtual Private Network, simply click that button and enjoy completely private internet access.
If you select a certain location, a complete list of servers and a search box will be displayed, enabling you to choose a different server. There are Favorites and Recents features too for easy access to your most-used servers. On Windows and macOS, you can access your last three server locations from the menu bar without opening the client.
There is little information about connection speeds, download speeds, or latency on the server list. However, there is a connection speed test built-in to enable you to check the data of a particular server easily. In Settings, you will have access to a choice of Virtual Private Network protocols, including Lightway, OpenVPN UDP and TCP, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2.
As soon as you have installed the Private Internet Access desktop client and you have entered your payment details, the client will open up and you’ll be met with a large Connect button that will automatically connect you to the best available PIA server in terms of connection speed and proximity. You can also choose a server from the city and country list, which also displays each server’s connection speed, ping time, and expected latency.
In the Setting section, you can choose between OpenVPN over WireGuard or UDP over TCP. There is also an option to set up a custom port, choose between AES-128 and AES-256 encryption levels, SHA1 or SHA256 authentication methods, and RSA-2048 or RSA-4096 handshake methods. The PIA client features a Small Packets option, too, to enhance reliability if your connection speed is low.
There is the option to use a command-line client called “piactl,” too. This allows you to configure the VPN by using a script and means that you can set up your VPN to activate and deactivate at certain times throughout the day.
Nowadays, many of us use our smartphones more than desktop PCs, so it is vital for a VPN company to offer a good mobile VPN app.
The ExpressVPN Android and iOS mobile clients operate similarly to the provider’s desktop versions. Both are available to download from Google Play and the App Store. Setup is quick and simple on both Android and iOS, simply enter your activation code and accept some terms and conditions.
Both clients offer a range of extra features that go beyond simple Virtual Private Network protection. There is an address checker, DNS and WebRTC leak tester, and a password generator. However, neither iOS nor Android offers the option to use speed tests which are available on desktop.
The iOS client has a few limitations due to Apple restrictions. This means that there is no kill switch or split tunneling feature, both available on the Android version. However, there is an automatic VPN reconnection option, which is similar to a kill switch. Although the mobile apps lack some advanced features, such as setting up your own DNS servers, they are powerful and well-designed.
PIA offers mobile apps for iPhone and Android. There is the option to set up PIA on up to 10 simultaneous connections on a single plan, which is more than most other VPN services offer. The PIA Android app is simple but well-designed and features a large ON/OFF button, your actual IP address, and chosen Virtual Private Network server on the main display. A list of PIA servers offers indicators of expected speeds and latency, helping you choose the server.
The iOS app is similar to the Android version. A Network Management feature allows you to select certain networks that are automatically trusted or untrusted. This means you could use the feature to activate the VPN when you are at the gym and disable it once you arrive home. There is support for Siri too, so you can activate and deactivate the VPN using voice commands.
PIA’s mobile apps are extremely configurable. The Settings section offers an extensive list of options. You can select between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols and choose from 4 OpenVPN encryption methods, 2 authentication methods, and 6 handshaking options. There is also the option to set up a custom DNS server or port and choose between OpenVPN UDP and TCP connections.
The mobile apps both offer integrated kill switch that works in the same way as the desktop version. If the virtual private network drops for any reason, the kill switch will automatically cut your VPN server connection until the connection is re-established. This is impressive especially considering that most VPN providers do not offer a kill switch on their mobile clients.
ExpressVPN and PIA provide browser extensions. Express has browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox. They are not simply proxy extensions but a complete VPN service in your browser. This means that you need to install ExpressVPN’s standard client too, but it offers a range of extra benefits. It will not be necessary to switch between windows to change settings. There is also HTTPS Everywhere, protection against HTML5 geolocation from revealing your real location, and WebRTC blocking technology.
PIA also offers decent browser extensions for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox. This means that you can connect to PIA straight from your browser. However, it will only protect your browser traffic, which is important to note. The browser extension operates in a similar way to the other clients, ensuring ease of use.
The interface features a large Connect button, allowing you to connect to the closest available server automatically. There is a full list of server locations too, with latency indicators if required. There is a Favorites system too, allowing you to save your most used servers in one place.
Both ExpressVPN and PIA offer excellent, easy-to-use VPN services. However, problems may arise from time to time. Therefore, it is important to know that a reliable customer support team is available when you need assistance.
ExpressVPN offers an extensive range of support guides and setup articles that are comprehensive but easy to read. Each client has a dedicated setup guide too, which is useful. But, if you do not have time to read through the provider’s articles, there is a 24/7 live-chat support option too.
PIA offers a support center with a range of troubleshooting and setup articles; however, they are not as detailed as those offered by ExpressVPN. If you need additional assistance, there is a support ticket system and a 24/7 live chat option. With the support ticket, you will typically receive a response in a few hours.
Private Internet Access is an excellent, easy-to-use VPN that comes with a range of advanced features at an extremely affordable price, as long as you are happy to commit to a longer-term plan. The VPN also has more server locations than ExpressVPN.
However, ExpressVPN wins. PIA cannot compete with ExpressVPN when it comes to consistency and content unblocking capabilities. Therefore, if you are looking for the best overall VPN service and don’t mind investing a little extra, we recommend you choose ExpressVPN.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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