nordvpn vs pia

NordVPN vs PIA Private Internet Access: Better VPN? • 2023

NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are two of the top names in internet security and privacy. They are both popular choices for affordable VPNs, but which one is better?

While PIA is cheaper, NordVPN is more user-friendly and faster, and premium plans have even more features. Let’s look at NorVPN versus PIA VPN to decide which is better for your needs and budget.

NordVPN vs PIA: Which is Better? | NordVPN Features | PIA Features | Cost | Differences

NordVPN Versus PIA: Which is Better?

I know a lot of people want to get right to whether NordVPN or PIA is better, so let’s talk about that first. Ultimately, the choice between PIA versus NordVPN depends on the user’s needs and preferences, but I can summarize to help you decide which is better for you.

Both NordVPN and PIA VPNs offer strong security and privacy features, but NordVPN may be a better choice because it’s faster, offers more security features, and has a simple user interface, while PIA is cheaper and could be a better choice for users on a budget.

We do a ton of traveling, so having NordVPN named, “best VPN for travel” by ZDNet is a big deal. While you may decide that PIA is better for your unique situation, we decided that NordVPN is better vs. PIA for our needs.

Top 3 NordVPN vs PIA results:

NordVPN and PIA have fought several times in the past. Here are the results of the last three matches:

  1. NordVPN vs PIA 1: In their first matchup in 2021, NordVPN wins the decision after 12 grueling rounds
  2. NordVPN vs. PIA 2: “The Brawl in Montreal” in 2022 PIA wins on a split decision because of lower price
  3. Nord VPN vs. PIA 3: “The Thrilla in Godzilla” in 2023 resulted in a KO victory for Nord

Features of NordVPN:

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Forbes, CNN, ZDNet, and Tom’s Guide named NordVPN a top 5 VPN of 2023, part of the reason for their popularity is that NordVPN is easy to use. Here are the top features of a NordVPN:

  1. Strong security features: NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, supports multiple VPN protocols, and has an automatic kill switch feature to protect user data and privacy.
  2. Large server network: NordVPN has a smaller network of servers than PIA. However, their 5,500 servers in 60 countries, have no trouble providing fast and reliable connections for most users.
  3. No-logs policy: NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user data is not stored or tracked, and maintaining user anonymity and privacy making Nord a top choice for Netflix customers.
  4. User-friendly apps: ZDNet called NordVPN, “the best VPN for travel” because it’s easy to use remotely from devices or laptops. NordVPN offers easy-to-use apps for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, making it easy for users to connect to a Nord VPN versus PIA.
  5. P2P file sharing support: Both PIA and NordVPN allow P2P file sharing on selected servers, making it an excellent choice for users who frequently download or share large files.
  6. Double VPN feature: NordVPN offers a Double VPN feature that encrypts user traffic through two servers, providing an extra layer of security and anonymity vs PIA.
  7. Affordable pricing: Like PIA, NordVPN offers affordable pricing plans, with the option to pay monthly, annually, or biennially, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Now, let’s look at what a PIA VPN offers.

Features of PIA Private Internet Access:

Forbes recently named Private Internet Access the Best VPN of 2023, and they are in the top 5 on most best VPN lists. Here is what a PIA VPN includes:

  1. Robust security features: like NordVPN, PIA offers AES-256 encryption, support for multiple VPN protocols, and a kill switch feature that automatically stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost.
  2. Large server network: PIA has a larger network of servers versus NordVPN, with over 35,000 in 78 countries, providing users with a fast and reliable connection.
  3. No-logs policy: NordVPN and PIA have a strict no-logs policy, which means that it doesn’t track or store any user data, ensuring complete privacy and anonymity.
  4. Easy-to-use apps: PIA offers user-friendly apps for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, making it easy for users to connect to a VPN.
  5. Support for P2P file sharing: PIA allows P2P file sharing on all of its servers, making it a great choice for users who frequently download or share large files.
  6. Multiple simultaneous connections: PIA allows users to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is more than NordVPN and the industry standard of 5.
  7. Affordable pricing: PIA and NordVPN offer affordable pricing plans, with the option to pay monthly, annually, or biennially, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PIA vs NordVPN Cost Comparison:

Both NordVPN and PIA are affordable VPN options. However, when you commit to a 2-year plan, PIA is only about $2 per month or about half the price of a NordVPN Standard VPN.

Unlike PIA, NordVPN does not offer a 3-year plan. However, Nord does offer premium VPN plans including Plus and Complete which include NordPass and features like cloud storage, and next-generation file encryption.

NordVPN also has coupons and special discounts for students and members of the US military.

When it comes to price, PIA is cheaper than NordVPN.

NordVPN vs Pia VPN: Differences

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How is NordVPN different than PIA? PIA and NordVPN are both well-known and highly-rated VPN services, but they differ in some aspects. Here are some differences between PIA and NordVPN:

  1. Server Network: NordVPN has a relatively smaller network of servers, with over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, while PIA has a network of over 35,000 servers in 78 countries.
  2. Security Features: Both PIA and NordVPN offer strong security features, including AES-256 encryption, multiple VPN protocols, and a kill switch feature. However, NordVPN offers some additional security features such as a Double VPN and Onion over VPN, which are not offered by PIA.
  3. User Experience: Both VPN services offer user-friendly apps for various platforms. However, NordVPN appears to be faster for uploads and downloads and many users find the NordVPN app to be more user-friendly than PIA’s app.
  4. Pricing: PIA is generally cheaper than NordVPN, although Nord does offer premium plans with more features at a higher price point. PIA and NordVPN both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied
  5. Reputation: Both VPN services have a good reputation, but NordVPN has been more heavily marketed and has gained more popularity over time due to its features, marketing efforts, and partnerships with YouTube influencers like PewDiePie.

So, NordVPN or PIA for a VPN?

Our review of NordVPN vs PIA concludes that while PIA is cheaper, NordVPN is more user-friendly and faster, and offers premium plans with more features than PIA.

For our needs and extensive travel, we decided that NordVPN is a better VPN choice!

I hope you enjoyed our review of NordVPN versus PIA and you’re able to decide which VPN is better for YOU. We also have discounts for software including TurboTax and HR Block.

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