ExpressVPN
Private Internet Access
ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access extensively to bring you this detailed comparison. From speed tests to privacy features, streaming capabilities to pricing, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
ExpressVPN takes the win in this comparison with better speed, privacy, and overall performance. However, Private Internet Access remains a solid choice if you prioritize Torrenting.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | E ExpressVPN | P Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.4 Best | 8.7 |
| Speed Score | 97 Best | 86 |
| Privacy Score | 96 Best | 95 |
| Streaming Score | 98 Best | 82 |
| Servers | 3,000 | 35,000 Best |
| Countries | 105 Best | 91 |
| Max Devices | 8 | Unlimited Best |
| Monthly Price | $12.95/mo | $11.99/mo Best |
| Best Price (2-year) | $8.32/mo | $2.03/mo Best |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✗ | ✓ Best |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | British Virgin Islands | United States |
Speed & Performance
Speed is crucial for streaming, gaming, and general browsing. We tested both VPNs connecting to servers in the US, UK, and Asia to measure real-world performance.
- Download: ~92% speed retained
- Upload: ~87% speed retained
- Latency: +2ms average
- Download: ~82% speed retained
- Upload: ~77% speed retained
- Latency: +7ms average
Winner: ExpressVPN – Faster download speeds and lower latency in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is the primary reason most people use a VPN. Here's how ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access compare on security features and privacy practices.
ExpressVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✗ Double VPN
- ✓ British Virgin Islands jurisdiction
Private Internet Access
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ United States jurisdiction
Winner: ExpressVPN – Stronger privacy features and better jurisdiction.
Streaming & Unblocking
Can these VPNs unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services? Here's what we found.
ExpressVPN
Private Internet Access
Winner: ExpressVPN – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access compare on price across different subscription lengths.
Private Internet Access
Winner: Private Internet Access – $6.29/mo cheaper on the best plan.
Our Verdict
ExpressVPN
- Faster speeds (97 vs 86)
- Better privacy protection
- Superior streaming unblocking
Private Internet Access
Still a solid choice. Private Internet Access excels in:
- Lower pricing
- Double VPN feature
- More servers
Frequently Asked Questions
ExpressVPN is faster with a speed score of 97/100 compared to Private Internet Access's 86/100. In our tests, ExpressVPN retained more of your base connection speed, especially on long-distance servers.
ExpressVPN scores higher on privacy (96/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. ExpressVPN is based in British Virgin Islands while Private Internet Access is in United States.
No, Private Internet Access is cheaper at $2.03/month on the 2-year plan compared to ExpressVPN's $8.32/month.
Yes, both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. ExpressVPN has a higher streaming score (98/100) and may work with more Netflix regions.
Private Internet Access has more servers with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. ExpressVPN has 3,000 servers in 105 countries.
Both support P2P/torrenting. Private Internet Access scores higher for torrenting (93/100) with optimized P2P servers.
ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous connections, while Private Internet Access allows unlimited. Private Internet Access is better for households with many devices.
Yes, both VPNs include kill switches that block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting your real IP from exposure.
Private Internet Access offers better overall value with a score of 96/100. This considers price, features, performance, and the number of devices supported.
We recommend ExpressVPN for most users. It Speed and offers superior features. However, Private Internet Access may be better if you specifically need Torrenting.