ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Which VPN to Choose in Sep 2026

ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are two of the most popular VPN services available, both owned by Kape Technologies. Despite being under the same parent company, these two VPNs are quite different in terms of performance, privacy features, and overall user experience.

ExpressVPN is known for its premium quality, strong privacy measures, and excellent speeds across global servers. On the other hand, PIA has built its reputation around flexibility and customization, offering a wide network of servers and various encryption options at a more affordable price.

While both VPNs share the same goal of protecting user data and ensuring online freedom, their methods and strengths differ. Comparing the two helps reveal which one offers better value, stronger privacy, and the best experience for your specific needs.

So, without further ado, let’s have an ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access showdown to see which one takes the lead in terms of performance.

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access Comparison at a Glance

After testing both VPNs for security, streaming, and privacy, ExpressVPN clearly comes out on top. It offers stronger protection, better streaming support, and speed, making it the best VPN overall for most users.

About ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the most popular names in the VPN industry, known as the fastest VPN of Sep 2026. It operates a large network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, giving users access to fast and stable connections almost anywhere in the world.

One of its standout features is the Lightway protocol, designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds without compromising on security. This makes streaming, gaming, and browsing smooth and interruption-free.

In addition to speed, ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy with strong encryption and a no-logs policy that has been independently audited. Its Threat Manager feature helps block trackers and malicious sites, adding an extra layer of protection while you browse.

For users in restrictive regions, such as China, Stealth servers disguise VPN traffic, helping to bypass censorship and firewalls. You can read about it in more detail in our ExpressVPN review.

About Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most established VPNs in the industry, known for its vast network and flexible security features. With more than 35,000 servers across 91 countries, it offers one of the largest server fleets available, providing users with numerous options for streaming, torrenting, and secure browsing.

Launched in 2010, PIA has built a solid reputation for protecting online privacy. In 2019, it was acquired by Kape Technologies, the same company that owns ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.

The VPN operates from the USA, which is a concern for privacy-focused users since the country is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.

However, PIA maintains a strict no-logs policy and recently underwent a Deloitte audit in 2024 to confirm that it does not store or track user activity. You can read about it in detail in our PIA VPN review.

With two encryption levels (AES-128 and AES-256), customizable settings, and consistent transparency, Private Internet Access remains a reliable choice for users seeking a balance between security, performance, and affordability. However, when it comes to overall performance, ExpressVPN takes the lead.

ExpressVPN vs PIA Plans and Pricing

ExpressVPN is noticeably more expensive, while Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a far more budget-friendly pricing structure.

No matter which plan you select, PIA remains cheaper than ExpressVPN’s equivalent option. Its best-value deal is the 2-year plan priced at around $2.19 per month, including two free months. ExpressVPN’s longest plan, on the other hand, costs about $3.49 per month and comes with four extra months at no charge.

When it comes to device coverage, PIA provides unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large families or users with many gadgets.

ExpressVPN allows up to 14 connections, which is still generous but more limited compared to PIA’s flexibility. PIA also lets users enhance their subscription with extras like antivirus protection or a dedicated IP address.

However, ExpressVPN outperforms PIA in streaming and geo-unblocking reliability. It consistently works with restricted platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Both VPNs accept major payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies, while ExpressVPN additionally supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. Android users can also try ExpressVPN free for seven days before committing.

Winner: Private Internet Access is the winner as it offers cheap plans and supports unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account. ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial that you can use to check out the service.

ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access Security

In terms of security, ExpressVPN comes out ahead of Private Internet Access because of its privacy-friendly jurisdiction and third-party audits. Let’s take a look at the privacy and security of both providers in detail.

Encryption

ExpressVPN relies on AES-256 encryption, the industry’s most trusted standard for safeguarding sensitive online data. Depending on the chosen protocol, it uses AES-256-GCM or ChaCha20/Poly1305 to balance performance and security.

Typically, AES-256-GCM is the default on most devices, while lightweight hardware such as basic routers and mobile gadgets automatically switch to ChaCha20/Poly1305 for better efficiency.

The VPN also implements SHA-512 for authentication and employs perfect forward secrecy, ensuring that encryption keys change regularly to prevent long-term data compromise.

PIA, on the other hand, lets you choose encryption based on the protocol you use. For example, if you use OpenVPN, you can choose between AES-128-GCM and AES-256-GCM.

No Logs Policy and Jurisdiction

ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a country known for strong privacy laws and no data retention requirements.

Its no-logs policy has undergone multiple independent audits — first by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2019 and later by KPMG in 2023 — confirming that it does not store browsing activity, connection logs, or user data. Only essential details like an email and payment method are retained for account management.

Private Internet Access (PIA), on the other hand, operates from the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Although its privacy policy states that it does not log user activity, it does mention limited data such as usernames, IPs, and bandwidth usage — all deleted after sessions end.

The service was audited by Deloitte in 2022 and 2024, validating its no-logs claim. However, its policy’s allowance for sharing data within corporate affiliates raises some concerns.

Winner: When it comes to security and privacy, ExpressVPN takes the lead. Its base in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, independently verified no-logs policy, and advanced encryption make it a more trustworthy choice compared to PIA.

Which is Faster: ExpressVPN or PIA?

When it comes to speed, only a few VPNs come to the level of ExpressVPN, as it’s the fastest VPN available in the market. PIA is not so bad either when it comes to speed, but your experience can vary depending on the server location and protocol used.

Speed is essential when it comes to choosing a VPN, because the added encryption can slow down your internet speeds. We checked the speed on our base connection of 100 Mbps. Let’s check out the results of both providers.

ExpressVPN Speed

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPN, offering consistently fast speeds across its servers. uses proprietary LightWay protocol, which provides an excellent balance between speed and security.

In testing, ExpressVPN maintained minimal drops in download and upload speeds, even when connected to servers across continents. We connected to its US server – New York, and got good download/ upload speeds. The ping was also minimal.

Private Internet Access Speed

PIA VPN delivers decent overall speeds, but it doesn’t quite match ExpressVPN’s performance. When connected to a nearby USA server using the WireGuard protocol, the download speed remained stable, but the upload speed dropped to nearly half.

The difference becomes more noticeable on long-distance connections, where speed reductions are significant. While PIA is fast enough for browsing or streaming, it may not be the best choice for users needing consistently high global speeds.

Winner: ExpressVPN offers faster speeds, with minimal lag on its servers, as compared to Private Internet Access. PIA lags a lot on long-distance servers.

Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN Servers

PIA VPN is famous for offering one of the biggest server networks in the industry. Private Internet Access’s 35,000+ servers truly outshine ExpressVPN’s [expressvpn-server] server network. 

ExpressVPN offers more locations, as compared to PIA, but PIA wins when it comes to the number of servers. However, it is important to note that most PIA servers are virtual. They do act as physical servers, but you may experience slow speeds due to encryption and distance.

Streaming Performance of Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming. It easily unblocks popular platforms like Netflix (US, UK, Japan, and more), HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Kayo Sports.

During our tests, videos played smoothly in HD and 4K without buffering, even when connected to distant servers. It’s one of the few VPNs that work with over 24 Netflix regions.

We connected to its Japanese server and could access the Netflix Japan library with ease.

Private Internet Access doesn’t perform as strongly in this area. It can access a few streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube, but there are noticeable drawbacks.

Although Netflix US is accessible, the speeds are slow, causing buffering and reduced video quality. Other Netflix regions were also inconsistent. On the positive side, PIA reliably unblocks Hulu using any of its US-based servers.

Winner: When it comes to streaming, ExpressVPN is a clear winner. It unlocks more than 24 Netflix libraries and works with all major streaming platforms.

Torrenting

Both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) perform exceptionally well for torrenting and file sharing. Each provider allows peer-to-peer (P2P) activity on all of its servers, so you can download or upload content without worrying about speed throttling or overcrowded servers. This ensures smooth and secure connections while using popular torrent clients.

However, there are a few distinctions between them. PIA gives users an extra advantage by including a SOCKS5 proxy, which can be configured directly within torrenting apps. This feature helps improve speeds and provides an additional layer of flexibility for users who want more control over their torrent setup.

ExpressVPN, meanwhile, relies on its fast and secure network to deliver excellent torrenting performance without needing extra configuration. Both VPNs ensure strong encryption and privacy protection, but PIA’s optional proxy adds a slight edge for those seeking more customization in their torrenting experience.

Winner: For torrenting, it’s a tie between ExpressVPN and PIA. Both are great VPNs for torrenting. However, ExpressVPN offers faster download speeds as compared to PIA, which makes a huge difference for downloading torrent files.

PIA vs ExpressVPN Features Overview

Both ExpressVPN and PIA VPN offer great features on their apps. Let’s take a closer look.

Split Tunneling

Both ExpressVPN and PIA VPN offer split tunneling. ExpressVPN gives users the flexibility to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. This helps balance speed and security, especially when using trusted apps that don’t require encryption.

Using the Device Groups feature, ExpressVPN lets you use split tunneling with Windows, macOS, Android, and routers. 

While PIA offers split tunneling on Windows, Android, and macOS devices, in my experience, it didn’t perform as smoothly as ExpressVPN’s version.

For instance, when I attempted to add a browser to PIA’s exception list, my entire network became unprotected, even though the app indicated that I was still connected to the VPN.

Port Forwarding

ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) both offer port forwarding as a feature. This function allows users to connect to their devices remotely, host gaming servers, or even run personal websites without any issues.

Setting it up varies between the two providers. With ExpressVPN, you’ll need to configure port forwarding through the router’s advanced settings menu.

On the other hand, PIA makes the process simpler by allowing users to enable port forwarding directly within its desktop and mobile applications, offering more convenience and flexibility.

Stealth Servers

Institutions like schools, workplaces, and even some governments often use deep packet inspection (DPI) to identify and block VPN traffic. This technology can reveal that a user is connected through a VPN, limiting online access.

ExpressVPN effectively avoids such restrictions through its Stealth servers. When needed, the VPN automatically switches to these servers, which disguise VPN traffic as normal internet data. This makes it nearly impossible for network administrators or authorities to detect VPN usage. It also means ExpressVPN can often work in heavily censored regions such as China.

Private Internet Access also offers a form of obfuscation using the Shadowsocks proxy. While it doesn’t work as seamlessly as ExpressVPN’s Stealth technology, it still helps users bypass network restrictions and maintain online privacy.

Tunneling Protocols

A strong lineup of tunneling protocols determines how efficiently and securely a VPN operates. ExpressVPN offers several powerful options, including Lightway, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IKEv2/IPSec. Lightway, designed by ExpressVPN, is optimized for speed, stability, and smooth reconnections.

Private Internet Access provides WireGuard and OpenVPN (UDP/TCP). WireGuard is fast and lightweight, but not as advanced as Lightway in terms of performance optimization.

While both services support industry-standard protocols, ExpressVPN holds the upper hand for speed and reliability across devices.

ExpressVPN Shuffle IP

ExpressVPN includes a Shuffle IP feature that boosts privacy by automatically rotating your IP address as you browse different websites. Since many platforms track users through static IPs, this constant change helps mask your activity and prevents sites from profiling or limiting your access.

This advanced IP rotation technology makes your digital footprint harder to trace, giving you more anonymity online. Unfortunately, Private Internet Access (PIA) doesn’t include a similar function.

Additional Features

Another standout feature of ExpressVPN is its password manager, known as ExpressVPN Keys. It safely stores your login credentials, automatically fills them in when needed, and keeps your accounts protected from weak or reused passwords. This integration provides both convenience and an extra layer of security, helping you maintain strong password hygiene.

Meanwhile, PIA VPN offers SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxies, which are useful for torrenting and bypassing regional restrictions like China’s Great Firewall. ExpressVPN does not support SOCKS5.

Winner: ExpressVPN clearly wins here, offering a richer feature set and stronger privacy tools than Private Internet Access VPN.

Apps and User Interface

Both Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN offer great apps. ExpressVPN only supports 14 simultaneous connections, and PIA allows unlimited device connections on a single account, taking the lead in that aspect. Let’s take a closer look at the apps and user interface of both providers.

ExpressVPN Apps

ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) share a lot of similarities in their desktop applications. ExpressVPN comes with a compact interface featuring a large connect button and a separate window where you can manage settings.

Users can easily view details like connection protocols, encryption types, and split tunneling options directly from the app.

However, when it comes to Linux users, PIA stands out. Its Linux app includes a full graphical interface similar to its Windows version, which makes it more user-friendly than ExpressVPN’s command-line setup. PIA’s Linux app also supports split tunneling, adding extra convenience for advanced users.

The mobile versions of both VPNs maintain a consistent design with their desktop counterparts. ExpressVPN’s mobile apps, on the other hand, are richer in features and provide smoother performance overall.

Private Internet Access Apps

Private Internet Access offers consistent desktop applications for both Windows and macOS. Each displays detailed connection information, including encryption type, VPN protocol, and status. However, PIA doesn’t provide a map interface for server selection.

Its mobile apps closely resemble the desktop layout, maintaining the same minimalist design philosophy. While functional, the amount of technical information shown on-screen may feel a bit overwhelming for casual users.

PIA’s Android and iOS apps offer similar functionality, though the iOS app currently lacks split tunneling.

Winner: Personally, I like ExpressVPN apps because of their smooth interface and ease of use. However, PIA deserves credit for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections on one account, giving it a small advantage for users with multiple devices.

Other VPN Comparisons

You can check our other VPN comparisons:

• PureVPN vs ExpressVPN
• Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
• CyberGhost vs NordVPN
• NordVPN vs Surfshark
• ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
• Surfshark vs Private Internet Access

Which is Better: ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access?

When comparing ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA), ExpressVPN comes out as the stronger overall performer. It offers faster speeds, a wider range of advanced features, and a long record of independent audits that confirm its privacy and security claims.

That said, PIA still holds its ground, especially for budget-conscious users. It offers great value with unlimited device connections, strong encryption, and a proven no-logs policy, all at a much lower cost. PIA is a solid choice if you need reliable online protection without breaking the bank.

In short, ExpressVPN is ideal for those seeking top-tier speed, performance, and trust, while PIA remains a good alternative for everyday users who want strong privacy and affordability combined.

Performance-wise, however, ExpressVPN remains unmatched.