Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN and PIA both offer remarkable VPN services, incorporating a strict no-logging policy, a money-back guarantee, and a wide range of encryption methods and protocols. However, NordVPN stands out due to its jurisdiction in Panama, where the absence of mandatory data retention laws ensures better data privacy. Although PIA offers some benefits, including fewer restrictions on simultaneous connections and a higher likelihood of functioning effectively in China, NordVPN outperforms PIA with its overall rating of 83.5% compared to PIA’s 64.8%. Moreover, despite being more expensive, NordVPN provides a more comprehensive offering given its non-14-Eyes location, the high number of server locations, and user-friendly interface. Therefore, for most users, NordVPN is the more preferable choice, providing a superior balance of security, privacy, and usability.
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: NordVPN vs PIA
| VPN Company | NordVPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $1.98/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $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, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 91 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Likely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 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: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and PIA are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while PIA begins at just $1.98/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
PIA Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, 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, NordVPN 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.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
NordVPN and PIA excel in server availability. NordVPN has a large network of 5,000 servers accross 59 countries. This means easy, fast connections from almost anywhere. PIA also has a wide reach – the VPN company operates 10,000 servers in 91 countries. Both offer reliable, speedy internet access.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and PIA is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of PIA, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Simultaneous Connections: PIA Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing NordVPN and PIA is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows. NordVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to six 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.
However, 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 NordVPN.
Performance in China: PIA Better
NordVPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, PIA currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between NordVPN and PIA.
Bottomline
In conclusion, private internet access (PIA) and NordVPN prove to be top contenders in the VPN market. While they share several top-notch features, PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it suited for larger households or businesses, and NordVPN’s jurisdiction in Panama provides enhanced privacy, making it a safer choice for privacy-conscious users.
About NordVPN & 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.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.