NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: Who Wins in 2026?

Choosing between NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) comes down to a familiar VPN dilemma: premium performance or rock-bottom pricing? Both offer audited no-logs policies and military-grade encryption, but our latest hands-on testing uncovered a surprisingly big gap in day-to-day performance.

One VPN consistently pushed past 900 Mbps on nearby servers and unblocked 15+ Netflix libraries without a hitch. The other topped out at around 500 Mbps and sometimes meant hopping between servers to get a stream working.

So, which one actually makes more sense for everyday streaming, torrenting, and secure browsing? The table below puts the numbers side by side, so you can see exactly where NordVPN and PIA differ, and whether the extra performance is worth paying for.

	NordVPN	PIA
Website	NordVPN.com	Privateinternetaccess.com
Location	Panama	United States
Servers	9,500+	35,000+
Countries	149	91+
Logs	No logs (audited)	No logs (audited)
Torrenting	All servers	All servers
Support	Knowledge base; 24/7 chat	Knowledge base; 24/7 chat
Apps for	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Price	$3.49 (with coupon below)	$2.03
Coupon	75% Off NordVPN Coupon	83% Off PIA Coupon

How we test

A VPN can tick all the right boxes on paper and still fall short in practice. We put NordVPN and PIA through the same hands-on VPN tests to see how they actually perform beyond the marketing.

We compare both VPNs across 12 core areas:

1. Apps: Ease of use, design, and platform support.
2. Features: Privacy, security, and useful extras.
3. Connections: How many devices you can connect at once.
4. Security: IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak testing.
5. Logging: No-logs policies and independent audits.
6. Jurisdiction: Where each VPN is based and what that means for privacy.
7. Speed: Download and upload speeds across servers in Europe and North America.
8. Streaming and P2P: Netflix access, streaming reliability, and torrenting performance.
9. Pricing: Subscription costs, discounts, and renewal prices.
10. Payments and refunds: Payment methods and money-back guarantees.
11. Customer support: Responsiveness of 24/7 live chat, ticket resolution times, and self-service guides.
12. Value: What you actually get for your money.

The result is a like-for-like comparison that shows where each VPN shines, where it struggles, and which one comes out on top.

VPN apps

	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
Desktop & mobile	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Browsers	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Opera
Smart TV & console	Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation	Smart TVs, Fire TV, gaming consoles, routers

NordVPN apps

Below is the NordVPN app we tested for this comparison guide. It gives you quick and easy access to all servers and features within the app, without taking up too much space. Here’s the NordVPN desktop app:

NordVPN also provides high-quality mobile apps that look very similar to the desktop apps (adopted to the mobile platforms, of course). Here’s what the Android app looks like:

In our hands-on testing, the apps switched servers seamlessly without a single error, crash, or connection leak.

PIA apps

The PIA apps are a bit more minimal, which makes sense since they don’t offer as many features. That said, we didn’t have any problems with bugs or leaks during our PIA testing. Here is the PIA app we tested for this report.

Both VPN apps are secure and easy to use. However, NordVPN offers a more polished interface and significantly more features than PIA.

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VPN features

While both NordVPN and Private Internet Access offer various features, there was a clear winner in this category.

Feature	NordVPN	PIA
Split tunneling	✅	✅
RAM-only servers	✅	✅
Kill Switch	✅	✅
Private DNS	✅	✅
Logs	No logs (audited)	No logs (audited)
Multiple VPN protocols	✅	✅
Double VPN	✅	❌
Obfuscated servers	✅	❌
Dedicated IP add-on	✅	✅
Onion over VPN	✅	❌
P2P servers or port forwarding	✅	✅
Built-in ad blocking	✅	✅

PIA features

PIA covers the essentials with useful features such as a customizable 3-state kill switch and DNS leak protection. Its PIA MACE ad blocker works at the DNS level to block ads and malicious trackers.

PIA’s standout technical advantage is native support for port forwarding. This allows incoming connections to pass straight through the firewall, significantly improving seeding and download speeds for P2P file sharing, which is a niche option that NordVPN omits completely.

NordVPN features

NordVPN goes beyond the usual VPN features with its Threat Protection tools. The standard plan includes DNS-level ad and tracker blocking, while higher-tier plans add Threat Protection Pro for Windows and macOS.

Threat Protection Pro adds a few useful extras:

• Works system-wide, even when you’re not connected to the VPN.
• Scans downloaded files for malware.
• Checks for software vulnerabilities and alerts you when it finds them.

NordVPN also includes double VPN, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of privacy. Its obfuscated servers can help when VPN traffic is restricted, while Onion over VPN combines VPN protection with access to the Tor network.

Ad and malware blockers

	PIA Mace	NordVPN Threat Protection Pro	NordVPN Threat Protection
Ad and tracker blocking	✅	✅	✅
Malicious domain block	✅	✅	✅
Live download scanning	❌	✅	❌
Works offline (no VPN)	❌	✅	❌
Plan availability	All plans	Complete and above	Basic plan

Both PIA MACE and NordVPN’s standard Threat Protection block ads, trackers, and known malicious domains at the DNS level. They’re useful, but relatively limited: once you disconnect from the VPN, the protection stops, and neither can scan a downloaded file for active malware.

Threat Protection Pro goes further. It runs system-wide, even when NordVPN is disconnected, and can scan downloaded files for malware and check installed apps for security vulnerabilities.

For basic ad and tracker blocking, both VPNs do the job. But if you want more comprehensive protection beyond the VPN connection, NordVPN’s Pro tier has a clear advantage.

More advanced features

NordVPN has the edge for users who want more advanced privacy features. Its Double VPN servers route traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption, while Onion over VPN connects to the Tor network without requiring the Tor browser.

Both providers also offer dedicated IP addresses as a paid add-on for users who need a static IP that isn’t shared with other customers.

PIA covers the core VPN security features well, but it doesn’t offer multi-hop routing or built-in Tor integration. For advanced privacy, NordVPN is the stronger choice.

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Simultaneous connections

	NordVPN	Private Internet Access
# of simultaneous connections	10	unlimited

Private Internet Access has a clear advantage for multi-device households, allowing unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. NordVPN, by comparison, allows up to 10 devices at once.

That unlimited policy is useful if you’re protecting a mix of phones, laptops, smart TVs, and other connected devices. Both can also be configured on a compatible VPN router to cover an entire home network, but PIA’s unrestricted device policy gives it more flexibility straight out of the box.

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Security and infrastructure

Both providers deliver highly secure environments utilizing robust encryption ciphers, secure handshakes, and strict leak protection.

	NordVPN	PIA
Encryption ciphers	AES-256/ChaCha20	AES-256/ChaCha20
Handshake/authentication	RSA-4096 / SHA-512	RSA-4096 / SHA-256
Leak protection	IP, DNS, and WebRTC	IP, DNS, and WebRTC
Kill switch	Dual-type (app & internet)	3-state firewall
Infrastructure type	100% RAM-only (diskless)	100% RAM-only (diskless)
Server hardware	10 Gbps colocation (self-owned)	Rented bare-metal & virtual
Virtual locations	❌ (all physical)	✅ (uses virtual IPs)
Security audits	App, infrastructure & no-logs	Infrastructure & no-logs

Encryption and leak protection

In our hands-on testing, neither VPN exposed any IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. Both support WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption as well as OpenVPN with AES-256, covering the main protocols most users need.

PIA gives advanced users more control over encryption settings, while NordVPN stands out with its dual kill switch. You can either block all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops or limit the kill switch to specific apps.

Network architecture and physical security

Both NordVPN and PIA use RAM-only servers, meaning data stored on the servers is wiped when they are restarted or powered down. The main difference is how each provider builds and manages its network:

• NordVPN infrastructure: Operates a completely physical server network with zero virtual locations. They continue to aggressively roll out self-owned 10 Gbps colocation hardware to eliminate reliance on third-party data center rentals.
• PIA infrastructure: PIA uses a mix of physical servers and virtual locations. With a virtual location, you may connect to an IP address in one country while the physical server is located elsewhere. This can be useful for coverage, but the advertised location does not always match the server’s physical location.

Third-party audits

Both VPNs have put their privacy claims through independent third-party audits. PIA has undergone an infrastructure audit by Deloitte to verify its no-logs practices. NordVPN goes further with recurring audits covering its no-logs VPN policy, applications, and security, including penetration testing by firms such as VerSprite.

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Privacy and logs

Both NordVPN and Private Internet Access have independently audited no-logs policies, meaning they state that they do not keep records of browsing activity, IP addresses, connection timestamps, or bandwidth usage.

	NordVPN	PIA
No-logs policy	Audited & verified	Audited & verified
Court-proven claims	❌ Untested in court	✅ Proven twice (2016, 2018)
Infrastructure audits	6 completed	1 completed

PIA’s track record

PIA has a rare advantage: its no-logs claims have been tested in US court cases. In 2016 and 2018, the provider was subpoenaed for connection logs but could not provide them because it said it did not have the requested user data. PIA has also commissioned an independent infrastructure audit by Deloitte.

NordVPN’s audits

NordVPN has built a strong track record of recurring independent audits. It has completed six no-logs assurance engagements, with PwC conducting the first two and Deloitte handling the subsequent audits. These reviews examined areas including server configurations, data handling, and employee practices.

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Company and jurisdiction

Where a VPN is based and who owns it can affect the legal pressure it faces and what user data it may be required to hand over.

	NordVPN	PIA
Incorporation country	Panama	The US
Five Eyes surveillance	❌	⛔️ Inside
Mandatory data retention	❌	❌
Parent conglomerate	Nord Security (Cyberspace B.V.)	Kape Technologies (Unikmind)

NordVPN corporate background

NordVPN is part of Nord Security and is legally registered in Panama, although the company operates offices in several countries.

For VPN users, Panama is an attractive jurisdiction because it has no mandatory data retention law for VPN providers and sits outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances used by countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This gives NordVPN a strong jurisdictional position for privacy-focused users.

PIA corporate background

PIA is headquartered in the United States, which puts it under US jurisdiction and makes its privacy position different from VPNs based elsewhere. The US is a founding member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance and allows tools such as National Security Letters (NSLs) and secrecy orders to compel companies to provide information in certain investigations.

PIA is also owned by Kape Technologies (formerly Crossrider), which is now a privately held subsidiary of Unikmind. Kape’s earlier history in browser tools and adware attracted criticism, although the company has since shifted its focus to cybersecurity and acquired VPN brands including PIA, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN.

For privacy-focused users, PIA’s verified technical record and regular PIA transparency reports provide useful points of reference when deciding how much trust to place in the service.

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Speed tests

To keep things fair, we tested both VPNs using WireGuard on the same hardware and connection, with NordVPN using NordLynx. The difference quickly became clear, as NordVPN maintained a noticeable speed advantage across servers in different regions.

Test location	NordVPN (WireGuard)	PIA (WireGuard)	Performance gap
Seattle	903 Mbps	299 Mbps	✅ NordVPN is 3x faster
Los Angeles	869 Mbps	263 Mbps	✅ NordVPN is 3.3x faster
New York	825 Mbps	500 Mbps	✅ NordVPN is 1.6x faster
The United Kingdom	658 Mbps	261 Mbps	✅ NordVPN is 2.5x faster

First, I tested server locations in the United States where both VPNs had a presence.

Server speeds in the US

Here is a NordVPN server in Seattle with a 903 Mbps download speed:

This is an amazing result from NordVPN. With our VPN tests, any download speed over 200 Mbps is really good. Getting over 900 Mbps puts NordVPN in the realm of the fastest VPNs we have tested. Let’s see if PIA can match NordVPN’s impressive speeds.

Here is a PIA speed test in Seattle, which gave me about 299 Mbps download speed:

Right off with the first location, we see that NordVPN has a big advantage and is three times faster than Private Internet Access.

Next up were servers in Los Angeles. Here is a NordVPN server in Los Angeles with speeds of 868 Mbps:

Once again, this is another great test result from NordVPN. Can PIA do better?

Here is the Private Internet Access server in Los Angeles with speeds of about 263 Mbps:

We still see that NordVPN is significantly faster than PIA.

Next, I tested a connection to the East Coast. Here was the NordVPN server in New York, at around 825 Mbps:

At well over 800 Mbps, these are still phenomenal speeds from NordVPN. How does PIA compare in the NY location?

The PIA server in New York was much faster than the ones previously tested, but again slower than NordVPN, at about 500 Mbps:

So we see that with servers in the United States, NordVPN provides us with much faster download speeds than Private Internet Access.

Lastly, I checked servers in the United Kingdom.

Here was the NordVPN server in the UK at 658 Mbps:

Despite the long distance (and the resulting higher ping) between me and the server, NordVPN is still putting up very impressive speed test results, getting over 800 Mbps.

This was the PIA server in the UK, which was significantly slower with download speeds of 261 Mbps:

With the final server location in the UK, we see that NordVPN is about three times faster than PIA.

Overall, NordVPN was significantly faster than Private Internet Access in all server locations we tested. This is important for anyone needing a fast VPN for high-bandwidth activities, such as when using a VPN for torrenting.

Why is NordVPN faster than PIA?

NordVPN’s speed advantage comes down to its network infrastructure, server hardware, and NordLynx protocol. While PIA delivers solid performance, NordVPN has invested heavily in keeping its network fast and efficient:

• 10 Gbps servers: Higher-capacity connections help reduce congestion and maintain faster speeds.
• Upgraded hardware: NordVPN has been expanding its use of high-performance, self-owned server hardware.
• NordLynx: NordVPN’s implementation of WireGuard is designed to deliver fast connections without sacrificing privacy.
• RAM-only servers: Both VPNs use RAM-only infrastructure, but NordVPN combines it with high-throughput network hardware.

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Streaming and torrenting

Unblocking Netflix and other geo-restricted streaming services while handling high-volume P2P traffic are two areas where a VPN’s server network can make a noticeable difference.

	NordVPN	PIA
Supported Netflix regions	15+	N/A
Streaming-optimized nodes	✅ Natively integrated	✅ Dedicated servers required
Dedicated apps	✅ Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV	✅ Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV
Firestick native App	✅	❌
P2P torrenting support	✅ All servers	✅ All servers

PIA with Netflix and streaming

PIA works well with Netflix. In my tests, I streamed the show Zero Day in 4K without any lag or buffering:

I also tested HBO Max alongside Netflix. A regular U.S. server initially triggered a VPN error, but switching to a US streaming server fixed the issue. I then streamed Duster smoothly in 4K without any problems.

PIA is also able to access other popular streaming platforms such as Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc.

Many streaming services can be hit or miss with most VPNs. However, there are a few VPNs that work with Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, and more. These VPNs typically invest resources into acquiring (and maintaining) IP addresses that work with popular streaming platforms.

NordVPN with Netflix and streaming

NordVPN worked well for Netflix in our tests, streaming US content smoothly through a US server with no playback issues.

Here are some of the Netflix regions supported by NordVPN: US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Spain, Japan, Australia, India, Korea, and Italy. Additionally, NordVPN works well for many popular streaming services. You can use this VPN with Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more.

We also have screenshots of NordVPN working well with BBC iPlayer in our roundup guide on the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer (one of the few VPNs that consistently work well).

Torrenting and P2P support

	NordVPN	PIA
Network support	✅ Allowed across all servers and plans	✅ Allowed across all servers and plans
Download speeds	Fast (driven by 10 Gbps nodes)	Slow (slower raw throughput)
Advanced P2P tools	❌	✅ Port forwarding

For torrenting, a VPN needs to do two things well: protect your IP address and keep download speeds high. A VPN that leaks your IP can expose you to unwanted attention, while a slow connection can turn a large download into a very long wait.

Both NordVPN and PIA passed our leak tests, so security isn’t an issue here. The bigger difference is speed. PIA is noticeably slower, while NordVPN consistently delivered much faster speeds in our testing.

The combination of speed and security is why NordVPN also appears on our list of the best VPNs for torrenting. For P2P users, NordVPN is the clear winner.

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Plans and pricing

Both come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, but when it comes to pricing, they take very different paths. First, let’s take a look at PIA’s plans:

PIA plans	1 Month	1 Year	3 Years
Monthly cost	$11.95/month	$3.99/month	$2.03/month
Billing frequency	Monthly	Annually	Every 3 years
Total upfront cost	$11.95	$47.88	$79.00

PIA keeps things simple with a single feature set across all plans. Every subscription includes all of its native VPN features and unlimited simultaneous connections. Optional extras, such as antivirus protection and dedicated IP addresses, can be added separately through the PIA dashboard.

NordVPN plans	Basic	Complete	Prime
1-month	$14.99/month	$19.99/month	$29.99/month
1-year	$5.49/month	$6.49/month	$9.49/month
2-year	$3.49/month	$4.49/month	$7.49/month

Deal: Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 Months Extra >

NordVPN takes a more tiered approach. Its Basic plan focuses on the core VPN, while the Plus tier adds features such as threat detection and system-wide file scanning. The Complete plan goes further with encrypted cloud storage.

To get the lowest introductory prices, both VPNs require a long-term subscription paid upfront. NordVPN costs more across its plans, while PIA is significantly cheaper, making it the better choice for users looking for an affordable VPN.

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Payments and refunds

A few flexible payment options and a straightforward cancellation process make it easy for new users to try the service without much risk.

Payment methods

	NordVPN	PIA
Credit & debit cards	Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover	Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover
Digital wallets	PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay	PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay
Cryptocurrencies	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and more	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash
Alternatives	ACH Transfers, UnionPay, Sofort	Store gift cards

Refund policies

Both providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on their standard subscriptions. If you’re not satisfied with either service, you can request a full refund within the first 30 days through customer support.

Both VPNs also accept a wide range of payment methods, including cryptocurrency. PIA offers additional flexibility with options such as gift cards, while NordVPN supports payment methods including bank transfers in some regions.

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Customer support

Both NordVPN and PIA offer 24/7 live chat, email support, and extensive knowledge bases with setup guides and troubleshooting resources.

	NordVPN	PIA
24/7 live chat	✅	✅
Email support	✅	✅
Knowledge base	✅	✅

Both providers offer plenty of self-help resources, including guides for router setup, app installation, and common connection issues. For more immediate help, 24/7 live chat is available through both websites.

For everyday account and billing questions, both services provide reliable support. NordVPN has a slight edge when dealing with more technical issues, but the overall support experience is quite similar.

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Value

The best value depends on what matters most to you: keeping costs low or getting the most features and performance for your money.

• PIA value: Unlimited simultaneous connections and lower long-term pricing make PIA a strong choice for users who want to protect lots of devices without spending more.
• NordVPN value: The higher price gets you faster speeds, more advanced privacy tools, and additional security features such as Double VPN and Threat Protection Pro.

PIA is the better option if keeping the price down is your main priority. NordVPN costs more, but its faster performance and broader feature set can justify the extra expense for users who want more from their VPN.

Conclusion

Both NordVPN and Private Internet Access have modern, regularly updated apps, but our hands-on testing showed that they’re not quite on the same level.

Final category breakdown

Category	Winner
Apps	NordVPN
Features	NordVPN
Connections	Private Internet Access
Security	NordVPN
Privacy and logging	Tie
Company and jurisdiction	NordVPN
Speed	NordVPN
Streaming & P2P	NordVPN
Pricing	Private Internet Access
Payments & refunds	Tie
Customer support	Tie
Value	NordVPN

Final verdict

Private Internet Access makes a strong case if keeping costs down and connecting lots of devices are your priorities. It’s cheaper, supports unlimited connections, and has plenty of privacy features. But once speed, streaming, and advanced security enter the picture, NordVPN starts to pull away.

NordVPN is our overall winner. It was significantly faster in our testing, offers a deeper set of privacy and security tools, and operates from Panama rather than the US. You’ll pay a little more, but you also get more in return.

And if you’ve been waiting for a good time to switch, this is worth a look: NordVPN is currently offering 75% off, with three extra months included and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN vs PIA FAQs