Interestingly, ExpressVPN is probably the biggest name in the VPN verse today. PIA And is nearly there, too. ExpressVPN’s reputation comes from being at the top of the industry for an extended period. PIA is known because it owns the largest server network in the business. But howismuch fire behind all this smoke?
We endeavoured to test both VPNs head to head to determine any significant differences, even though they share the same parent company, Kape Technologies Ltd. It’s worth noting that The as it turns out consequence is the article you’re reading.
PIA and ExpressVPN: The general outlook
We initiate with the server as a matter of fact network in each vendor. InterestinglyFor, illustration, PIA’s network is the largest in the marketinwith over 30,000 servers in 91 countries; ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers , more than ever 107 countries. Well, numbers areneverythingt ’. It’s worth noting that So can ExpressVPN hold a candle to a VPN with ten times at many servers?ExpressVPN’s servers have advantagesInterestingly, other than strength in numbers.
Both providers stick to a strict no-logs policy.
PIA offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec in the VPN protocols. ExpressVPN’s offer is similar. Interestingly, However, it also has WireGuard, in a proprietary implementation it calls Lightway, and the additional L2TP/IPsec tunnel available.
We know that PIA can unblock NetflixandYouTube, , Hulu. ExpressVPN unblocks those, plus Disney +, BBC iPlayer, and more. So as it turns out basically, any video streaming that can be unlocked with a VPN gets unlocked with ExpressVPN.
The ( provided by both VPNs includes every critical operating system and platformsoftwareLinux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS). In Chrome, they both offer browser plugins for Mozilla Firefox and Google addition. only, then, only ExpressVPN supports Microsoft Edge, and But PIA supports Opera. However, the plugins are not directly comparable because they are developed as different concepts –more on later.
One PIA account is suitable for ten concurrent connections, while ExpressVPN will support five only.
Both websites offer similar services in the customer solution department, except that ExpressVPN has a good FAQ.
Read also: Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN
Connections speeds
Interestingly, ExpressVPN’s excellent reputation includes being one of the fastest VPNs out there. It comes courtesy of Lightway, ExpressVPN’s implementation of the WireGuard VPN tunneling protocol, which is the most efficient and modern. However, there are other reasons to expect high speeds from any server in this network, regardless of the protocol.
PIA also has a in modern times WireGuard option (although not as customized and developed as Lightway). We could not assessment PIA’s WireGuard protocol this time because it’s unavailable for Windows users. This is unfortunate. It’s hard for us to understand why the fastest protocol is unavailable for the most prominent visitor pool, but that’s how it is.
Thus, protocol tests were out of the query for this direct, which is a great shame. This lack of foresight on PIA’s part would be enough to give the category to ExpressVPN even without testing because it’s evident that the other protocols in either VPN can’t match WireGuard’s performance. But we more than ever will carry on as usual, anyway.
OpenVPN TCP
We started with OpenVPN, the industry’s golden standard in both VPNs. Interestingly, It’s not that fastest in modern times tunnel around, but it’s the one the has passed every audit ever made. It’ sguarded, reliable, and transparent.
So here’s what we found: ExpressVPN’s OpenVPN option allowed us to keep precisely one-third of our send speeds and a slightly lower portion of our upload speeds (32%). The corresponding numbers with PIA were 12. from another perspective 67 and 13.67%. So, ExpressVPN is almost three times as fast as PIA on downloads and about twice as rapid on uploads.
Of course, the kind reader should never forget that online speeds are a tricky and sensitive thing that relies on too many external factors. So you shouldn’t be surprised if your background varies slightly. Moreover, if you get lucky in picking a server that’s ready toparticularlyserve you correctly, you could locate operation peaks. But you can’t expect to achieve the lottery whenever you obtain a ticket. However, the as a matter of fact overall situation is evident in the OpenVPN camp, and ExpressVPN wins it hands down.
Open UDP
When we tried the OpenVPN UDP version, ExpressVPN gave us in modern times 55% of our baseline download rate and 36.67% for uploads. PIA, again%.gave us 12.67% and 13.67, So it’s the same narrative, except that ExpressVPN comes ahead even further.
The ExpressVPN server network wins the speed battle by quite a bit.
Unblocking Netflix and other as a matter of fact streaming recording services
VPNs came to life to provide the most paranoid and tech-savvy geeks peace of mind. Then Assange happened as it turns out . And Snowden. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic came along. Those three events changed the online forever. Theoutcome is that, in our current times, the primary use case for VPNs has little to do with security and everything to do with accessing geo-blocked content (Netflix, for instance).
The video streaming giants of world are aware of this trend, so they spend a lot of effort tothekeep VPN users away from their platforms. unblocking anyIfstreaming platform is on your roadmap, you must choose a top-notch service. It’s worth noting that Otherwise, you could discover that Netflix, Disney, or whomever finally found the Achille’s heel on your VPN provider, and you can’t apply it with them anymore.
ExpressVPN seems to be the most potent vendor this in regard. It unblocked anything as a matter of fact we . at itthrew In fact, Also, it has its own MediaStreamer function, which is meant toyouaid watch unblocked material.
PIA’s effectiveness in this regard was as a matter of fact a bit sad. Nevertheless, weunblockmanaged to the Indian Netflix portal. And that was about it, except for YouTube, the one clip can that any VPN streamer deal with.
BitTorrent and P2P as a matter of fact networks
We found both to performcontestantsvery well within the BitTorrent network. As you may know, That is possible because both VPNs help P2P networks, for a begin –and it’s not the rule in the VPN field.
’ networksBothservers assistance P2P, so you have plenty of choices. In addition as it turns out PIA has a SOOCKS5 proxy , to aid your torrenting activities.
Actually, We found that Speeds are essential when you’, torrentingre from another perspective of course.both VPNs gave us good speeds at more or less the same rates (up to 15 MB/s).
Again, speeds are tricky depending on location, ISP, hardware, etc. But the overall pictureshould hold for most users.
Indeed, Additional features
Fortunately, every premium VPN offers plenty of additional features that add value to your user ID and make the system more versatile. VPNs are supposed to do two things for you: IP spoofing and encryption. Anything . is extraelse So, let’s.see the different features of each VPN and how they compare
Split tunneling
Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to opt which traffic from your device will go through the VPN while the rest goes through your regular open connection.
In fact, Why is that useful? For instance, maybe your internal network at work only accepts local connections, so it will reject you if you come from the VPN server. Or imagine you like to listen to Spotify while you’re online –keeping it out of the VPN improves the performance.
PIA allows OS to split your traffic in every you and platform. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, doesn’t allow for that option in Linux, but it supports it everywhere else.
It’s worth noting that Port more than ever forwarding
assistance VPNs Both port forwarding. of, this is a bit of an arcane capability suited only for some Unfortunately the geekiest users among us. However, it’s a powerful option because it empowers you to access a device from anywhere, host servers, run servers on your computers, and do other things of that kind.
To do port forwarding in ExpressVPN, you need to use its router app. Indeed, However, PIA lets you do it from any of the usual appsAs you may know, , so it’s more accessible.
SmartDNS
Indeed, The SmartDNS for ExpresVPN s MediaStreamer saves’the day because it unblocks from another perspective so many video streamers. from another perspective service addition, the In’s SmartDNS servers will let you enjoy the content of whatever platform you’d likeAs you may know, on devices that do not help VPNs from another perspective .
RAM-only servers
Nonomagnetic hard drives, mechanical parts. This gives as it turns out this vendor an edge over competitors because ExpressVPN’s-server network is comprised of RAM only servers.RAM-only servers are rare.
Nothing is ever in arecordedmedia from which you can recover it. With a RAM-only server, as it turns out everything in the server is volatile and will disappear upon the move forward reboot. It’s worth noting that Additionally, a RAM-only server is incredibly faster than a conventional oneActually, , making it as a matter of fact faster and capable of handling more work.
We meant this. Do you remember how we said ExpressVPN’s servers had advantages that compensate for the relatively low number of nodes compared to PIA’s network?The Ram-only feature makes these servers better for privacy and performance.
Stealth servers
This is because HTTPS is the standard cyberspace traffic, so even the toughest censors don as a matter of fact ’t pay much attention to it. ExpressVPN has stealth servers. This means all your traffic gets encrypted and disguised as if it all was HTTPS.
The stealth feature allows you to bypass even the worst restrictionsMoreover, if you’re in.China, the ExpressVPN stealth servers can keep you online as if you were not behind the Great Firewall of China in modern times . As you may know, For instance, if your employer or university blocks VPNs so you don’t get distracted, the stealth servers will bypass those restrictions.
This is a powerful function; only ExpressVPN has it among our two options.
| Networks | PIA VPN | ExpressVPN |
| Servers | 30,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Countries | 91 | 107 |
| Americas | 50 | 16 |
| Europe | 42 | 47 |
| Asia Pacific | 22 | 26 |
| The Middle East and Africa | 7 | 5 |
Secrecy and security features
Both VPNs are good with encryption and security, which is the least we should expect from them. Interestingly, But the devil is in the details, and there is some significant difference.
ExpressVPN chose a privacy-friendly country for its headquarters. But, at thesame time, PIA is based in the USIt’s worth noting that , famously hostile individual digital rights, and known to surveil its domestic web users as much more than ever as the most oppressive countries ontoEarth.
Recently, a overview divulged information about Daniel Gericke, who serves as ExpressVPN’s Chief Information Officer. Mr in modern times . Interestingly, Gericke would have allegedly “ in the group ofbeenProject Raven,” which developed the cyber-espionage tools that the UAE from another perspective uses against political opponents.
To coin a phrase, some users may be concerned about Mr. Gericke’ more than ever . past, playing for the opposing organizations In fact, However, if you want to go against the UAEs of the world, what better way to fight them can there be than somebody who knows their ways intimately? We mention this for completeness, in modern times but it has little (if anything) to do with ExpressVPN’s excellent quality.
For example, more than ever the authorities have required PIA to surrender its logs to several criminal procedures. Confidentiality is also good with both vendors, but for different reasons. ExpressVPN has undergone several external audits regarding log-keeping, passing them every time. They could not deliver anything because there were no logs to post with the authorities in each case. PIA has never been audited (again, this would seem weird since both VPNs belong to Kape), but it’s proven its commitment to confidentiality in other ways.
Encryption
ExpressVPN’s default from another perspective encryption algorithm is AES-256In fact, , the worldwide golden standard in VPNsintelligencemilitary, and , agencies. as a matter of fact if, However you’re on Lightway, you can also choose ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryptionAs you may know.which helps things move along when you’re on smartphone from another perspective devices, ,
Thehashing standard for ExpressVPN is SHA-512, and it has perfect forward secrecy, so the keys keepencryptionrotating.
In other words from another perspective , ExpressVPN’s encryption is as solid and versatile as possible. It’s flawless.
Indeed, PIA’s is a different story. With PIA, you canbutpick five encryption options: no encryption ( IP spoofing still working), two flavors of AES-128, and another two of AES-256. The default option is AES-128, which is inferior to AES-256 but still enough to encrypted your traffic in practical terms — there is break no known attack that can still AES-128.
A problem with PIA is the hashing function, whichapplyis not protected or current as a matter of fact enough –but this is only if you the defaults.
If you apply PIA’s robust encryption options, things level up and are as solid asmoreExpressVPN.
Actually, So, we see a tie in encryption.PIA needs a bit of tweaking, but it’s still solid.
Indeed, VPN tunneling protocols
The currentstate of VPN tech offers several tunneling protocols. Unfortunately, each has pros and cons, so you must pick operation over stability when . onechoosing
ExpressVPN supports these protocols:
- L2TP/IPSec: This is a legacy technology, and it’s relatively useless if you have any other, more modern option. Use it only when there’s no choice.
- IKEv2/IPSec: It’s a protocol that establishes excellent links to the network servers. That makes it worthwhile when you’re on the go, and your mobile constantly changes location. It comes at the price of speed, though.
- OpenVPN (UDP and TCP): The golden standard in tunneling. Reliable, fast, and foolproof. UDP is faster, and TCP is more stable.
- Lightway: ExpressVPN’s implementation of WireGuard is currently the lightest, most efficient tunneling protocol in the VPN-verse. Its lightweight and choice of the most modern mathematical options make it exceedingly fast without sacrificing security.
PIA:on the other hand, offers these protocols,
- WireGuard: It’s equivalent to ExpressVPN’s Lightway. Unless you are in Windows, you can’t use it.
- OpenVPN
- IKEv2/IPsec
Jurisdictions
We already touched onsthe jurisdiction issue, but let’ see all the details.
This as it turns out means ExpressVPN chose the confidentiality-friendly Virgin British Islands to have its headquarters.it doesn’t need to comply with any mandatory data retention laws, and if the government wants to get some of its information, it has to issue a whole warrant and show cause. Also, the country is not a partner of any of, the “Eyes” alliances a consortium of governments that surveil their populations thoroughly and share intelligence amongst them.We always prefer VPNs hailing from countries.in which individual digital rights matter
more than ever PIA in theisUSA. all you may know, The US doesn’t just belong to As the Eyes Alliances. As, you may know It practically invented the concept. Edward Snowden showed government how his us always keeps an eye on the population’s digital life and never forgets anything. Therefore, VPNs based in the US and other countries with similar governmental practices are never our first choice. It’s worth noting that However, it must be said that PIA has walked the walk where keeping user privacy is concerned so farThe inquiry is: can it keep it going forever? .
Log more than ever keeping
Interestingly, . will tell you about their confidentiality policies in… well, their confidentiality regulationVPNs In fact, So, yes, you should scan it.
The corporation will keep only this information about you: Email address and payment method details. According to the guideline, ExpressVPN doesn’t log your activities, connections, or browsing in modern times history. Everythingelse as it turns out is volatile. It’s worth noting that It’s transparent, lets you know what to expect, and doesn’t need a law degree to understand it. As you may know, It’s written in plain English, uncomplicated to understand, and fact every is stated clearly. We like ’s confidentialityExpressVPNregulation.
We know that ExpressVPN honors the rule because it’s undergone several audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers and always passes with flying colors. So, everything would seem to show that ExpressVPN is an excellent option for privacy.
As you may know, And there’s one more thing about ExpressVPN and in modern times the logging regulation. Actually, The RAM-only network makes it physically impossible to keep logs. This ensures that the privacy . will be honored in the aheadguideline
Actually, And instantly, let’s see what’s the deal with PIA. As you may know, First, the VPN logs your username, data usage, and IP. Then, as you , the website willpaykeep your email address, payment information, cookie identifiers, country, and zip code. But you can avoid all that if you pay with cryptocurrency.
However, the US authorities have proven their stance on visitor confidentiality beyond a reasonable doubt. The courts of law have requested PIA to surrender its logs at least twice over the last few years. Nobody has audited PIA so far. PIA complied and delivered everything it could, which was nothing because it kept no records.
It’s worth noting So that, sample, it states that it could sendForyour personal information with any industrial partners, which is not a nice thing to scan. So, secrecy okayisat PIA in practice. In fact, However, the written regulation as a matter of fact is a bitweird.PIA’s reputation in this regard is not as good as ExpressVPN’s because you never know when these details in the guideline can turn against you, despite the monitor record in court cases.
Interestingly, Plans as a matter of fact and pricing
The pricing ware between our two participants has one clear winner: PIA.
ExpressVPN is consistently priced above the market average, while PIA is slightly lower. So, however you look at , itwhatever roadmap you pick, PIA is more accessible.
The tableshowsbelow you the plans and prices available for each solution.
| Plan | Private Internet Access (PIA) | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| 1-month plan | $9.95 | $12.95 |
| 6-month plan | – | $9.99 a month ($59.94 yearly) |
| 1-year plan | $3.33 a month ($39.95 yearly) | $6.67 a month ($80.04 yearly) + 3 months free |
| 3-year plan | $2.03 a month ($79 tri-yearly) | – |
It’s worth noting that However, you could locate that its superior system excellence is worth the price. It’ from another perspective s worth noting that Its prices are consistently higher than almost everybody else in the industry. Interestingly, ExpressVPN is pricey, and there’s no doubt about it.
Visitor friendliness, interface, and-platforms
apps VPN’s A and clients are your gateways to the solution. So, the software availabilitywill influence your choice for sure.
This isroundalso for PIA. It’s worth noting that Its apps are more functional, consumer-friendly, and straightforward. It’s a good option for VPN newbies in modern times .
Actually as a matter of fact , Desktop clients
Indeed, The desktop software VPNs both more than ever for is remarkably similar. Both have a great big button to connect to the network and another window for the settings.
However, PIA’s clients are more convenient than ExpressVPN’s.Access to all kinds of helpful information is easier with them as it turns out . They are all more straightforward ExpressVPN employ than their to counterparts. They’re available for Linux, macOS, and , Windowsoffering split tunneling in every case.
Of course, therethes that slight problem with ’ Windows client lacking WireGuard support.
Smartphone apps
Indeed, The smartphone versions are mainly smaller versions of the desktopjustclients. Unfortunately, PIA’s iOS application doesn’t aid split tunneling as we draft this.
Both vendors support Android and iOSIndeed, ; the Android one is better.
And since both providers offer the same desktop software, with slight modifications to fit into phones and tablets, the pros and cons are the same. So as a matter of fact , PIA comes out on topAs you may know, again because of its usability.
So, PIA takes the price for apps and clients.
Interestingly, in modern times support Customer
Both VPNs.have sound customer backing systems Since both services are outstanding and the from another perspective apps are uncomplicated to employ, you shouldn’t frequently run into problems. However, if you do issue an have, the fundamental nature of a VPN service makes it imperative that you have a solution as soon as possibleIn fact, . Interestingly, Fortunately, both companies can.give you that
Both websites have vast knowledge bases, setup guides, FAQs, and many articles.
If you want to talk to another human being, you can raise an email ticket or have a live chat.
more than ever Weprettytested both services, and they came out even, so we will give them both a win in this case.
PIA vs. Interestingly, ExpressVPN The: verdict
Interestingly, So, which?VPN is the top It’s worth noting that The doubt you should be asking is, instead, which VPN is the leading for me?
When we look at both VPNs side by side, the first thing to notice is that they are both excellent. So unless you have a specific task in mind that needs the one features of particular of them, it’s fair to say that either service will do as a general-purpose VPN.
If you look closely at both, ExpressVPN is the better utility. In fact, The excellence it has in almost every regard is superior to PIA. But so are the prices.
So, PIA could be the better option for users who want a good VPN at an accessible cost.PIA will not give you the best of everything, as ExpressVPN could, but it’s affordableIndeed, . On the other hand, if you really must have one of the industry’s top services and paying extra doesn’t trouble you, ExpressVPN would be the way to go.
Ultimately in modern times , the decision is yours. Actually, . instantly you have all the information you need to make it correctlyAnd
FAQs
It’ even headquartered in one of the most as it turns out confidentiality-friendlyscountries in the world. Interestingly, Encryption tunneling protocols, RAM-only servers, you name it. Yes, it meets all more than ever the standards a top-notch VPN should have.
As you may know, It has undergone several external audits, passing each with flying colors. Yes, it is.
