Comparison: Private Internet Access (PIA) vs ExpressVPN (2024): Which VPN Reigns Supreme?
After thorough testing, Private Internet Access VPN and ExpressVPN have emerged as the frontrunners in VPN performance. With both options boasting unmatched VPN speeds, deciding on the ideal choice for your needs can be a tough call.
Thankfully, each VPN service has its distinct advantages that set them apart. On one side, PIA VPN stands out for its excellent value proposition, offering cost-effective paid plans and support for multiple devices. On the flip side, ExpressVPN focuses on delivering a seamless and dependable user interface, albeit at a higher price point.
This discussion aims to help you discern which VPN best suits your requirements and those of your organization.
- Private Internet Access: An optimal choice for startups and frugal users seeking rapid VPN speeds and limitless device connections at an economical rate.
- ExpressVPN: Tailored for small-to-medium businesses looking for a well-crafted and intuitive VPN application, delivering swift and dependable speeds.
Detailed Comparison: Private Internet Access VPN vs ExpressVPN
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Comparing Private Internet Access VPN and ExpressVPN Prices
PIA VPN and ExpressVPN both provide three pricing levels based on subscription duration. I find this method convenient compared to other VPN services that segment plans by the number of features per tier.
Private Internet Access VPN costs
PIA VPN offers three plans: monthly, yearly, and triennial subscriptions. All plans offer the same features, differing only in contract length.
- 1 month: $11.95 per month.
- 1 year: $3.33 per month.
- 3 years: $2.03 per month.
PIA VPN does not have a free version but provides a trial through its mobile app. Fortunately, you can use the desktop version after accessing the trial on Android or iOS. Notably, this trial does not require any payment details.
If you want to know more, check our detailed review of Private Internet Access VPN.
ExpressVPN costs
ExpressVPN features monthly, semi-annual, and yearly subscription choices. These plans offer the same features as PIA VPN.
- 1 month: $12.95 per month.
- 6 months: $9.99 per month.
- 1 year: $8.32 per month.
ExpressVPN does not offer a free variant. However, it provides a similar seven-day trial through its Android or iOS app. The key difference is that ExpressVPN’s trial requires payment details for access.
READ: Comparison between NordVPN and ExpressVPN: The Best VPN? (TechRepublic)
The trial is free, and ExpressVPN only charges after the seven-day period. For a trial without requiring payment details, PIA VPN is the better choice.
If you want to explore more, read our complete ExpressVPN review.
Private Internet Access VPN vs ExpressVPN: Feature Comparison
Encryption and Security Protocols
Tie between PIA VPN and ExpressVPN
Both PIA VPN and ExpressVPN excel in security protocols and encryption. They offer protocols that emphasize security and speed.
PIA VPN allows users to select from OpenVPN and WireGuard, while ExpressVPN provides OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol. Lightway is engineered to deliver a rapid and secure VPN experience.
Having OpenVPN for security and either WireGuard or Lightway for speed strikes a balance in modern VPNs. I appreciate that PIA and ExpressVPN did not compromise in this area.
READ: Guide on Starting a Cybersecurity Career (TechRepublic Premium)
Both PIA VPN and ExpressVPN utilize the AES-256 encryption algorithm, a top-tier choice recognized for its robust security. AES encryption is almost mandatory in 2024 and is used by government and financial institutions for data protection.
Server Network and Locations
Winner: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins for its wider global presence compared to PIA VPN. As of July 2024, ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries with over 3,000 servers.
On the other hand, PIA VPN has servers in 91 countries but does not disclose the server count, estimated to be between 10,000 and 35,000.
While more servers may seem advantageous, I value ExpressVPN’s broader location selection.
With servers in 105 countries, users, especially businesses seeking geo-unblocking features, have more diverse options compared to PIA VPN’s 91-country network.
Third-party Verification and Reputation
Winner: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN’s continuous third-party audits give it the edge in third-party testing and reputation. As of May 2024, ExpressVPN has undergone 18 independent audits, including one testing its Privacy Policy claims.
Visit expressvpn.com for more details on their audits.
Additionally, ExpressVPN’s KPMG audit on Privacy Policy.
of safety checks is unprecedented in the VPN market, with inspections dating back to 2018. Their third-party assessments cover crucial aspects of their service such as their no-trail policy, VPN techniques, server technology, and browser add-on.
This does not diminish PIA VPN’s commitment to audits, as they have also been through significant third-party checks for their service. Their most recent assessment was released in April 2024, where Deloitte examined PIA VPN’s server network and operational systems. They also consistently release Transparency Reports that provide information on court orders or data inquiries received by their legal department.
This implies that whether you opt for PIA VPN or ExpressVPN, you will be utilizing a reliable and tried VPN. However, if we focus solely on which provider has more safety checks over a longer duration, ExpressVPN emerges as the superior option in this context.
Operational efficiency and velocity
Champion: ExpressVPN
Regarding speed and global operational efficiency, ExpressVPN has a slight advantage over PIA VPN. In my trials, ExpressVPN consistently delivered better speeds and provided a relatively seamless app experience.
For my assessments of both VPNs, I followed my regular work routine as a writer, maintaining multiple tabs for research, utilizing Google Workspace tools like Docs and Drive, participating in online video conferences, and occasionally streaming 4k YouTube content.
Specifically with ExpressVPN, I experienced excellent speeds and dependability. There were no noticeable fluctuations in connection speed, and all websites I visited loaded swiftly. Moreover, ExpressVPN fared well in my speed evaluations, displaying a 25.57% decrease in download speeds compared to my internet service provider, with a 27.96% drop for upload speeds.
Typically, I anticipate most VPNs to exhibit a 30-40% decrease in speed, so ExpressVPN’s results are highly commendable.
Conversely, PIA VPN also showcased good speed results. I encountered similar outcomes in everyday use and enjoyed consistent speeds throughout my usage of PIA VPN. Their speed tests revealed a mere 17.1% reduction in download speeds and a relatively modest 32.8% decrease in upload speeds.
However, where PIA VPN falls behind is in-app performance. During my time with PIA, I faced an odd issue where connecting to a server after shifting to their WireGuard protocol proved challenging. Interestingly, this problem did not occur with the OpenVPN protocol. Fortunately, the bug resolved itself after restarting the application twice.
In contrast, my experience with ExpressVPN was seamless without any similar issues, showing consistent app performance throughout my trial. Though this might have been an isolated bug, my analysis indicates that ExpressVPN offers superior overall performance compared to PIA VPN.
I must also highlight ExpressVPN’s commendable upload results. Most VPNs prioritize showcasing good results solely for download speeds, making ExpressVPN’s similar performance in download and upload speeds during my tests impressive.
Notable protection attributes
Champion: Private Internet Access VPN
While both VPNs offer similar features in addition to the core VPN service, it appears that PIA VPN boasts a more comprehensive set of supplementary security features. They include innovativeVPN-focused security features such as network automation, which automatically establishes a connection to the VPN once specific conditions are satisfied; multi-hop functionality, which redirects user traffic through two separate servers; as well as obfuscated servers, which conceal the fact that a VPN is being utilized.
While not a distinct feature, the applications of PIA VPN are also open source. This entails that its source code is publicly accessible for examination — a positive aspect for organizations that prioritize transparency and confidentiality in the software they employ.
There is also the choice to procure PIA VPN’s antivirus and exclusive IP services as extensions to your VPN subscription. Although it would have been preferable for them to be included, it’s commendable that users have the option to enhance their security capabilities with the current VPN plan.
Conversely, an impressive feature of ExpressVPN’s security components is its TrustedServer RAM-only server technology, guaranteeing that user data is erased with each reboot and is not stored on company hard disks. Additionally, it includes ExpressVPN Keys — its proprietary password management tool that accompanies any ExpressVPN subscription. This is a valuable addition, particularly for businesses lacking a password management solution.
Both VPN providers offer standard VPN features such as split tunneling, kill switch, and integrated ad/tracker/malware blockers. Even though the presence of a dedicated password manager is appealing, I find PIA VPN’s open-source software and VPN-driven features to give it an edge in this comparison.
Ease of use and design
Champion: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN leads the way in terms of usability and design. In my opinion, ExpressVPN strikes the perfect blend of design and user-friendliness in a VPN application in today’s market.
It features a prominent power buttonas the toggle for activating or deactivating, a straightforward list where you can find your servers, and a well-structured settings menu for convenient access to functions. The appearance also exudes a modern feel while maintaining functionality.
One standout feature for me is how the browser extension of ExpressVPN functions as a remote for the desktop application. This contributes to the high level of refinement and user-friendliness that ExpressVPN offers.
The interface of PIA VPN also has its own strengths. PIA VPN’s desktop and browser apps are customizable, allowing users to pin their most frequently used VPN functions at the top.
Being an experimenter, I value PIA VPN providing users with this level of authority over their VPN journey. The application itself is also relatively user-friendly and lacks any prominent drawbacks in terms of design.
Nevertheless, when comparing both VPN applications side by side, it becomes evident that ExpressVPN boasts a more refined and polished user interface compared to PIA VPN.
Concurrent device connections
Victor: Private Internet Access VPN
One significant edge PIA VPN holds over ExpressVPN is in terms of concurrent device connections, permitting an infinite number of devices as opposed to ExpressVPN’s maximum of eight connected devices simultaneously.
This is crucial as most enterprises prefer not to invest in an additional subscription to safeguard multiple devices. It certainly enhances PIA VPN’s value proposition, given its more budget-friendly annual plan compared to ExpressVPN’s similar subscription.
I also find that unlimited simultaneous connections serve as a handy set-and-forget feature since PIA users won’t have to fret about surpassing the maximum device limit when utilizing the VPN.
Supported platforms
Victor: ExpressVPN
In terms of official platform support, ExpressVPN holds a slight advantage over PIA VPN. ExpressVPN supports the primary platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Regarding browser support, ExpressVPN has official extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Chromium, and Brave. Unfortunately, there is currentlyExpressVPN lacks compatibility with Safari.
ExpressVPN also provides support for more specialized platforms such as Chromebooks, the Amazon Fire tablet, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and Android TV. You also have the option to manually set up ExpressVPN for routers, media and gaming consoles like older generation Apple TVs, the Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation 3, PS4, and PS5.
On the other hand, PIA VPN caters to a wide variety of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also extends its support to routers, Amazon Fire TV, Fire Stick, Android TVs, PS4, PS5, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.
PIA VPN falls short in official browser support as it currently only offers apps for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. While VPN support can vary case by case, ExpressVPN does have a slight edge with its broader platform compatibility.
Value for money
Champion: Private Internet Access VPN
In terms of value for money, PIA VPN wins this round with its more budget-friendly pricing across all subscription plans. Comparing the base annual plans of both VPNs, ExpressVPN’s $8.32 per month is more than double the cost of PIA VPN’s $3.33 per month subscription. Over one year, this amounts to approximately $100 for ExpressVPN and only $40 for PIA VPN.
The pricing for the monthly plans of both providers is closer, with PIA at $11.95 per month and ExpressVPN at $12.95 per month.
A peculiar aspect is that ExpressVPN’s longest subscription option is for a one-year contract. Typically, VPNs offer two or three-year plans with lower monthly fees to incentivize users to commit for longer periods at a more economical price. In this regard, only PIA offers a three-year plan at $2.03 per month, equating to just over $24 per year.
While ExpressVPN justifies its higher price with a more polished application and larger server network, PIA VPN’s significantly cheaper pricing is a substantial advantage.
What sets PIA VPN apart is the value it provides with unlimited simultaneous device connections. For $3.33 per month, you can connect all your laptops, smartphones, and other devices to a PIA VPN server without the worry of exceeding a maximum device limit.
Private Internet Access VPN advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections.
- Customizable VPN application.
- 7-day free trial on mobile without the need for payment information.
Disadvantages
- WireGuard protocol can be unreliable at times.
- No free version available.
Pros and cons of ExpressVPN
Advantages
- Streamlined and sophisticated user experience.
- Extensive server network spanning 105 countries.
- Consistently fast and reliable VPN speeds.
Disadvantages
- Costly annual plan.
- Limitation to a maximum of 8 simultaneous device connections.
- Lack of affordable long-term subscription options.
Is Private Internet Access VPN or ExpressVPN the right choice for your organization?
In this direct comparison, ExpressVPN emerges as the top pick. With its extensive server network spanning 105 countries, fast and dependable VPN speeds, and sleek desktop interface, I believe most businesses or users opting for ExpressVPN will be satisfied customers.
Combine this with its impressive array of independent audits and broad support for various operating systems, and you have a premium VPN solution that justifies its price.
ExpressVPN is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a straightforward VPN experience with a user-friendly interface and consistent performance.
However, this doesn’t discount the value of PIA VPN — on the contrary. PIA VPN offers great value with its robust server fleet covering 91 countries, customizable app, and open-source software.
PIA VPN is ideally suited for startups, small teams, and cost-conscious users looking for a value-packed VPN that covers multiple devices while delivering fast VPN speeds.
Methodology
My evaluation of Private Internet Access VPN and ExpressVPN involved a comprehensive analysis of their features, value propositions, and real-world performance.
In scoring each VPN, factors like server networks, pricing, basic VPN features, ease of use, customer support, and expert insights were considered. Each aspect was assigned weights, with pricing at 20%, core VPN features at 30%, ease of use at 15%, customer support at 30%, and expert analysis at 5%.
For more detailed information, please refer to our full VPN Review Methodology.
Additionally, real user feedback was analyzed to inform my final recommendations for both Private Internet Access VPN and ExpressVPN.
To evaluate speed and performance, I tested both VPNs on my personal Windows laptop using Ookla’s public Speedtest. Finally, I considered the types of businesses or users that would benefit most from either Private Internet Access VPN or ExpressVPN.
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