Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and PIA are both highly rated VPNs with their strengths. ExpressVPN, headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, offers better privacy due to its non-14-Eyes jurisdiction and boasts a robust network of 3000 servers across 94 countries. However, PIA, based in the US, offers a more affordable service with unlimited simultaneous connections, double VPN feature for added security, and a larger server count of 10,000 across 91 countries. From a user’s perspective, if privacy is the primary concern, ExpressVPN is the better choice, but for more features and affordability, PIA is the preferred option.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs PIA
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $1.98/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $11.95 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128, AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 3,000 | 10,000 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 91 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: PIA Better
PIA presents an appealing price point at $1.98/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of PIA, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over PIA, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of United States. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
When it comes to server availability and geographic coverage, both ExpressVPN and PIA stand out with their impressive reach.
ExpressVPN, known for its expansive server network (3,000 servers in 94 countries), ensures users can connect from virtually anywhere, offering seamless access and speed. Similarly, PIA operates a large fleet of servers, with 10,000 servers across 91 countries.
This widespread coverage by both services guarantees reliable and fast connections, irrespective of your location, making them excellent choices for users seeking extensive worldwide access.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and PIA to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore PIA’s server network in 91 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Simultaneous Connections: PIA Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing ExpressVPN and PIA is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
ExpressVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to 8 devices at the same time. This is generally sufficient for individual users or small families – ensuring that multiple devices can be secured under one account. In contrast, PIA takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing PIA over ExpressVPN.
Double VPN Feature: PIA Better
PIA stands out with its double VPN feature, something ExpressVPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then PIA is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we looked at, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both ExpressVPN and PIA offer robust VPN services with their own unique strengths. While ExpressVPN excels in privacy protection and expansive server network, PIA’s value lies in its cost-effectiveness, unlimited simultaneous connections, and double VPN feature.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and PIA comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & PIA
PIA
Private Internet Access, established in 2010, is a service of London Trust Media, Inc. While specific details about the founders are not widely publicized, PIA has made a name for itself in the VPN industry. The company is known for its strong commitment to privacy and transparency, offering features like AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logging policy. PIA is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA.
To learn more, read our PIA review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.