PIA vs ExpressVPN (2024): Which VPN Is Higher?

Non-public Web Entry VPN and ExpressVPN are two of the fastest-performing VPNs I’ve examined to this point. With each choices offering top-tier VPN speeds, it might be laborious to decide on which resolution you and what you are promoting ought to go for.

Thankfully, each VPN providers have their very own distinctive promoting factors that differentiate them from each other. On one hand, PIA VPN presents actually good worth with its inexpensive paid subscriptions and a number of gadget connections. Then again, ExpressVPN prioritizes providing a clean and dependable person expertise — albeit for the next price ticket.

On this article, we check out which VPN is greatest for you and your group.

• Non-public Web Entry: Greatest for startups and budget-conscious customers that need quick VPN speeds and limitless gadget connections at an inexpensive worth.
• ExpressVPN: Greatest for small-to-medium sized companies searching for a well-designed and user-friendly VPN utility whereas providing quick and dependable speeds.

Non-public Web Entry VPN vs ExpressVPN: Comparability

Non-public Web Entry VPN vs ExpressVPN: Pricing

Each PIA VPN and ExpressVPN supply three subscription tiers that fluctuate relying on the contract size. Personally, I like this method because it simplifies the shopping for course of in comparison with different VPNs that categorize their plans relying on the variety of options included in a specific tier.

Non-public Web Entry VPN pricing

PIA VPN comes with three plans: a one-month, an annual and a three-year subscription. All three subscription plans present the identical performance, with the one distinction being the ultimate contract size.

• 1 month: $11.95 monthly.
• 1 12 months: $3.33 monthly.
• 3 years: $2.03 monthly.

Sadly, PIA VPN doesn’t have a free model. Nevertheless, it does supply a free trial by way of its cellular utility. Fortunately, you should use PIA VPN on desktop after accessing the free trial both by means of Android or iOS. I’m additionally pleased to report that this trial doesn’t require any fee or bank card info to entry.

If you wish to study extra, learn our full Non-public Web Entry VPN evaluation.

ExpressVPN pricing

ExpressVPN has three plans: a month-to-month, a six-month and an annual subscription. Like PIA VPN, all three plan choices present the identical characteristic set.

• 1 month: $12.95 monthly.
• 6 months: $9.99 monthly.
• 1 12 months: $8.32 monthly.

ExpressVPN presently doesn’t supply a devoted free model. What it does supply is the same seven-day free trial that’s accessible by means of its Android or iOS cellular utility. One key distinction in comparison with PIA’s trial, nevertheless, is that ExpressVPN’s free trial requires fee info to entry.

SEE: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN Is Greatest? (TechRepublic)

To be clear, the trial is free and ExpressVPN gained’t cost you till after the seven-day interval. However if you need a free trial that doesn’t require handing over any fee info, PIA VPN is the higher choice.

If you wish to study extra, learn our full ExpressVPN evaluation.

Non-public Web Entry VPN vs ExpressVPN: Characteristic comparability

Safety protocols and encryption

Winner: Tie

When it comes to safety protocols and encryption, PIA VPN and ExpressVPN each rating some extent. Each PIA VPN and ExpressVPN carry safety protocols constructed each for safety and pace.

PIA VPN lets customers select between OpenVPN and WireGuard, whereas ExpressVPN comes with OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol. Based on ExpressVPN, Lightway is designed to offer a speedy and safe VPN expertise.

I personally assume having OpenVPN for safety and both WireGuard or Lightway for pace is a good stability in a modern-day VPN. I’m glad PIA and ExpressVPN didn’t skimp on this facet.

SEE: Easy methods to Begin a Profession in Cybersecurity (TechRepublic Premium)

We get the identical story within the encryption division, with each PIA VPN and ExpressVPN using the military-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm.

In 2024, I virtually contemplate having AES encryption a requirement because it’s well known as one of the uncrackable encryption algorithms at present. A lot in order that it’s utilized by the likes of the US authorities and banking establishments to maintain their knowledge secure.

VPN server community and areas

Winner: ExpressVPN

Wanting into each VPN’s respective server networks, I’ve to provide the win to ExpressVPN for its extra numerous location unfold in comparison with PIA VPN. As of July 2024, ExpressVPN’s server community consists of servers from 105 nations. It additionally has a reported 3,000+ servers in its fleet.

On the flipside, PIA VPN’s server suite has VPN servers from a decent 91 nations. Whereas PIA doesn’t explicitly disclose its server depend, studies have it at round 10,000 to 35,000 servers.

Whereas having numerous servers could appear to be the higher alternative, I discover extra worth in ExpressVPN’s bigger location unfold.

With VPN servers from 105 nations, people and companies can have a wider and extra numerous vary of areas to select from in comparison with PIA VPN’s 91-country suite. That is going to be notably helpful for companies whose primary intention with a VPN is to unblock geo-blocked content material.

Third-party audits and observe data

Winner: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s spectacular and constant unbiased third-party audits give it the win when it comes to third-party testing and observe file. As of Could 2024, the VPN has undergone a commendable 18 unbiased audits, with the newest one particularly testing its Privateness Coverage claims.

Its portfolio of safety audits is presently unmatched within the VPN house, having audits courting again to 2018. Its third-party assessments embody wanting into important facets of its service like its no-logs coverage, VPN protocols, server tech and browser extension.

This isn’t to low cost PIA VPN’s efforts on the audit aspect, because it has additionally undergone vital third-party audits for its service. Its most up-to-date audit was printed in April 2024, the place Deloitte reviewed PIA VPN’s server community and administration programs. Additionally they often publish Transparency Studies that comprise particulars on courtroom orders or knowledge requests despatched to its authorized division.

Because of this regardless in case you select PIA VPN or ExpressVPN, you’re going to be utilizing a safe and examined VPN. That being stated, if we’re strictly speaking about which supplier has extra audits, for an extended time period, ExpressVPN is the higher alternative on this spherical.

Efficiency and pace

Winner: ExpressVPN

In the case of pace and general efficiency, ExpressVPN will get the slight edge over PIA VPN. Per my testing, ExpressVPN gave me extra constant speeds and a comparatively smoother app expertise.

To check each VPNs, I did my typical workflow as a author of getting a number of tabs open for analysis, utilizing Google Workspace apps like Docs and Drive, attending on-line video conferences and streaming the occasional 4k YouTube video.

With ExpressVPN particularly, I obtained nice speeds and reliability. There have been zero noticeable drops in connection pace, and all of the websites I visited loaded shortly. ExpressVPN additionally carried out effectively in my pace testing. For downloads, it recorded a 25.57% lower in comparison with my web service supplier, whereas for add speeds, it garnered a 27.96% drop.

For me, a 30-40% drop in pace is the place I might anticipate most VPNs to fall below, so ExpressVPN’s pace outcomes are wonderful.

Then again, PIA VPN additionally carried out effectively when it comes to pace. I had comparable leads to day-to-day use and usually loved constant speeds all through utilizing PIA VPN. For its pace assessments, PIA VPN really recorded a smaller lower in obtain speeds at only a 17.1% drop. For uploads, it had an honest 32.8% lower in speeds as effectively.

The place PIA VPN lags behind is in-app efficiency. Throughout my time with PIA, I skilled a bizarre bug the place I had bother connecting to a server after switching to its WireGuard protocol. This was bizarre contemplating I didn’t encounter the identical situation whereas utilizing OpenVPN. Fortunately, the bug resolved itself after restarting the applying twice.

In distinction, I had no such expertise with ExpressVPN and located the app to run easily all all through my time with it. Whereas this might very effectively be a one-off bug, my testing confirmed that ExpressVPN will present higher general efficiency than PIA VPN.

I additionally must shout out ExpressVPN for its add outcomes. Most VPNs supply good pace check outcomes for obtain speeds solely. So, I discover it spectacular that ExpressVPN’s obtain and add speeds carried out equally throughout my pace assessments.

Standout security measures

Winner: Non-public Web Entry VPN

Whereas each VPNs have comparable options on prime of the primary VPN, PIA seems to be to have a greater set of further security measures. It consists of superior VPN-centric security measures like community automation, which robotically connects you to the VPN after sure situations are met; multi-hop performance, which routes person site visitors into two totally different servers; and obfuscated servers, which masks that you simply’re utilizing a VPN.

Whereas not a characteristic per se, PIA VPN’s purposes are additionally open supply. Because of this its supply code is publicly obtainable for evaluation — a plus for companies that worth transparency and privateness within the software program they use.

You even have the choice to buy PIA VPN’s antivirus and devoted IP providers as add-ons to your VPN subscription. Whereas I might’ve appreciated both to be bundled in, it’s nice that we’ve got that choice for customers seeking to have extra safety capabilities with the prevailing VPN plan.

On the flipside, a spotlight of ExpressVPN’s security measures is its TrustedServer RAM-only server expertise, which ensures person knowledge is wiped at each reboot and isn’t written on firm laborious drives. It additionally bundles in ExpressVPN Keys — its personal devoted password supervisor that’s included with any ExpressVPN subscription. It is a cool addition, particularly if what you are promoting doesn’t have a password administration resolution but.

Each VPNs come along with your customary VPN options, like break up tunneling, kill swap and built-in advert/tracker/malware blockers. Whereas having a devoted password supervisor is engaging, I really feel PIA VPN’s open-source software program and VPN-focused options give it the benefit on this spherical.

Ease of use and design

Winner: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN takes the cake relating to ease of use and design. Subjectively talking, I really feel ExpressVPN has the most effective stability of design and intuitiveness in a VPN utility at present.

It has a giant energy button as your On/Off swap, a easy listing the place you’ll find your servers and a settings menu that’s neatly organized for simple entry to options. The design additionally feels and appears fashionable with out sacrificing general performance.

A private spotlight for me is how ExpressVPN’s browser extension acts as a distant management for the desktop app. This provides to the excessive stage of polish and user-friendliness that ExpressVPN brings.

PIA VPN’s interface has its personal deserves as effectively. PIA VPN’s desktop and browser purposes are customizable, enabling customers to bookmark their most used VPN options on the prime.

As a tinkerer, I respect PIA VPN giving customers one of these management over their VPN expertise. The app itself can be comparatively simple to make use of and doesn’t have any obvious negatives from a design standpoint.

Nevertheless, if we take each VPN apps aspect by aspect, it’s clear that ExpressVPN has a extra polished and refined person interface than PIA VPN.

Simultaneous gadget connections

Winner: Non-public Web Entry VPN

One massive benefit PIA VPN has over ExpressVPN is with simultaneous gadget connections, permitting for an infinite variety of gadgets in comparison with ExpressVPN’s most of eight gadgets linked on the similar time.

That is vital given that the majority companies don’t need to spend an extra subscription to guard a number of gadgets. It actually will increase PIA VPN’s worth proposition, contemplating it has a extra inexpensive annual plan in comparison with ExpressVPN’s equal subscription.

I additionally discover that limitless simultaneous connections function a handy set-and-forget characteristic since PIA customers gained’t have to fret about exceeding the utmost gadget restrict when utilizing the VPN.

Supported platforms

Winner: ExpressVPN

When it comes to official platform assist, ExpressVPN has a slight benefit over PIA VPN. ExpressVPN helps the primary platforms similar to Home windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

If we have a look at browser assist, ExpressVPN has official browser extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Chromium and Courageous browsers. Sadly, there may be presently no Safari assist for ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN additionally helps extra area of interest platforms like Chromebooks, the Amazon Fireplace pill, Amazon Fireplace Stick and Fireplace TV, Apple TV, Google TV and Android TV. You can too manually configure ExpressVPN for routers and media and gaming consoles like older era Apple TVs, the Nintendo Swap, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Ps 3, PS4 and PS5.

In the meantime, PIA VPN helps a variety of platforms in its personal proper, having official apps for Home windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. It additionally helps routers, Amazon Fireplace TV and Fireplace Stick, Android TVs, PS4, PS5, Xbox and the Nintendo Swap.

Official browser assist is the place PIA VPN loses out, because it solely has apps for Chrome, Firefox and Opera in the intervening time. Whereas assist is extra of a case-to-case facet of VPNs, ExpressVPN has the slight benefit when it comes to general platform compatibility.

Worth for cash

Winner: Non-public Web Entry VPN

PIA VPN takes the value-for-money spherical, given its extra inexpensive pricing throughout all its subscriptions. If we have a look at each VPN’s base annual plans, ExpressVPN’s $8.32 monthly is greater than twice the value of PIA VPN’s $3.33 monthly subscription. After one 12 months, that’s roughly $100 for ExpressVPN and simply $40 for PIA VPN.

The pricing for each suppliers’ month-to-month plans is nearer, at $11.95 monthly for PIA and $12.95 monthly for ExpressVPN.

I do discover it bizarre that ExperssVPN’s longest-term subscription is for a one-year contract. Usually, VPN’s supply a two-year or three-year plan with decrease month-to-month charges to entice customers to choose in for longer, at a extra inexpensive worth. On this case, solely PIA has that kind of plan with its three-year subscription at $2.03 monthly, or simply above $24 per 12 months.

Whereas ExpressVPN seems to be to justify this larger price ticket with its extra refined utility and bigger server community, PIA VPN’s considerably extra inexpensive pricing is a significant benefit.

Lastly, the kicker is the worth you get with PIA VPN’s limitless simultaneous gadget connections. At $3.33 monthly, you get to attach all laptops, smartphones and different gadgets to a PIA VPN server with out worrying about exceeding a most gadget restrict.

Non-public Web Entry VPN professionals and cons

Professionals

• Limitless simultaneous gadget connections.
• Customizable VPN utility.
• 7-day free trial by way of cellular; no fee information required.

Cons

• WireGuard protocol will be buggy at instances.
• No free model.

ExpressVPN professionals and cons

Professionals

• Refined and polished person expertise.
• Server community throughout 105 nations.
• Constant and dependable VPN speeds.

Cons

• Costly annual plan.
• Solely permits as much as 8 simultaneous gadget connections.
• Lacks extra inexpensive, long run subscription.

Ought to your group use Non-public Web Entry VPN or ExpressVPN?

After an intense match-up, ExpressVPN comes out as our winner on this comparability. With its large 105-country server community, dependable and quick VPN speeds and polished desktop expertise, I’m assured most companies or customers that select ExpressVPN will probably be pleased prospects.

Add to that its sturdy portfolio of unbiased audits and intensive assist for a number of working programs, and also you get a high-quality VPN resolution that’s well worth the worth.

ExpressVPN is greatest for small-to-medium sized companies that need a no-nonsense VPN expertise with an easy-to-use interface and dependable efficiency.

This isn’t to say that PIA VPN isn’t a great choice — fairly the opposite. I consider PIA VPN offers actually good worth with its strong 91-country server fleet, customizable utility and open-source software program.

PIA VPN is greatest for startups, small groups and budget-conscious customers that need a bang-for-buck VPN that may cowl a number of gadgets whereas nonetheless providing quick VPN speeds.

Methodology

My comparability of Non-public Web Entry VPN and ExpressVPN concerned an in-depth evaluation of each VPNs’ included options, general worth and real-world efficiency.

To evaluate every VPN, each PIA VPN and ExpressVPN had been scored on every thing from their server networks to pricing. Specifically, I checked out 5 primary pillars for analysis, every having corresponding weights:

• Pricing (20%).
• Core VPN options (30%).
• Ease of use (15%).
• Buyer assist (30%).
• Professional evaluation (5%).

If you need extra particulars, you may take a look at our full VPN Overview Methodology.

As well as, I additionally analyzed actual person suggestions to spherical out my ultimate suggestions for each Non-public Web Entry VPN and ExpressVPN.

For pace and efficiency, I examined each VPNs on my private Home windows laptop computer and ran them by means of Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I additionally thought-about which kinds of companies or customers would greatest profit from both Non-public Web Entry VPN or ExpressVPN.