You’ve heard many amazing things about ExpressVPN and PIA (Private Internet Access VPN). Both ExpressVPN and PIA are excellent VPN services with solid encryption, P2P support, and fast speeds. But ExpressVPN edges PIA as it is more secured, faster on long-distance connections, and an ideal VPN for streaming your favorite show online.
Interestingly, most people have heard of the two VPNs. After all, they’ve been around for years, and each VPN brand has millions of users. Interestingly, both VPNs are owned by the same company. But what makes both ExpressVPN and PIA unique? That’s what we are about to explore.
Main Difference Between ExpressVPN Vs. PIA
| ExpressVPN | PIA |
| Express VPN has about 3,000 servers as of August 2021 | PIA has over 35000 servers in 78 countries |
| You’ll enjoy streaming services when you opt for ExpressVPN, including Prime Video, DAZN, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. | When you opt for PIA, includingyou’ll enjoy streaming services, including Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. |
| The number of Netflix libraries present on ExpressVPN is 10 | The number of Netflix libraries present on PIA is just two |
| The secure VPN protocols are Lightway and OpenVPN | The secure VPN protocols for PIA are WireGuard or OpenVPN |
| Users can connect five devices simultaneously | PIA users can connect ten devices simultaneously |
| ExpressVPNs customer support includes FAQs, 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, and email. | The customer support includes live chat, tickets, and a knowledge base. |
Features and Capabilities of ExpressVPN Vs. PIA
Port Forwarding
Both ExpressVPN and PIA support port forwarding. This feature lets you gain access to your mobile device from anywhere, run a website, or host servers for a multiplayer game. But to set this particular feature up on ExpressVPN, you have to use its proprietary router app. Meanwhile, PIA lets you make use of the port forwarding capabilities with just a tap of a button on your P.C. or mobile app.
Proxy
PIA offers you Shadowsocks and SOCKS5 Proxy. Unfortunately, you won’t get such capabilities on ExpressVPN. You will need a proxy when trying to bypass China’s Firewall or when you’re torrenting. You can also route your internet through Israel, Switzerland, Japan, the U.K., the U.S., and Canada.
Split Tunneling
It is one of the essential features you’ll find on any top-quality VPN. Split tunneling lets you add or remove the VPN traffic apps. For instance, you may want to surf the internet safely while streaming your favorite music on Spotify, and Split Tunneling allows you the chance.
RAM-only Servers
The RAM-only servers, referred to as the TrustedServer Technology, are unique to EpressVPN. It means that the servers of this VPN use delicate memory, which tends to need more power to manage the information stored. In other words, these servers aren’t physically capable of storing any data logs because they get wiped out all the time.
Smart DNS
ExpressVPN will easily unblock a few streaming sites thanks to its Smart DNS (also known as MediaSteamer, which is indeed a live saver if you wish to stream sports, shows, or movies on your mobile device or your smart T.V.; as long as it doesn’t support any VPN service.
Stealth Servers
Some organizations, such as businesses and schools, have the luxury of monitoring your online activities just by using what is known as deep packet inspection. However, it ultimately makes it easy to detect when a user is using a VPN service, thus blocking it.
But this won’t affect you if you make use of ExpressVPN. It can easily bypass this particular feature. As soon as a need calls for it, you’ll be automatically switched to a Stealth Server, making it impossible for people to detect that you are using a VPN.
Reasons to Choose ExpressVPN
If you need a VPN service equipped with the right customer support, then ExpressVPN would be the clear winner. The support category of any service is always considered a big factor. And ExpressVPN provides its users with 24/7 live chat support, which can be accessed directly via the website. Professionals have tested it and found it to be what it claims to be: one of the best VPNs with amazing customer support.
ExpressVPN constantly works to be a better brand. There is a conscious effort aimed at creating amazing VPN services. The company behind the brand has invested in some huge infrastructures. The goal is to create a fast-paced VPN by launching the Lightway protocol.
Reasons to Choose PIA
One of the main reasons why PIA ranks amongst the best VPN services is because they offer affordable VPN services. Undoubtedly, it has one of the cheapest subscriptions – with just $2.19 monthly, you can get started with them. It’s been around for a decade, so it isn’t a small player in this business. PIA is also reliable and trustworthy.
PIA runs on the fastest VPN protocol we’ve ever tested, thanks to the WireGuard protocol. Interestingly, PIA offers users a 30-day refund window on their entire subscription plans. But, there is a catch – Pia won’t process a refund if they choose to terminate your account or through some selected processors.
Similarities Between ExpressVPN Vs. PIA
Irrespective of the VPN service you choose to opt for, they both have amazing services and impressive features aimed at making browsing anonymously while also protecting your info safe from the lurking eyes of hackers waiting behind the curtain to steal it from you. In addition, both are relatively affordable and easy to use.
ExpressVPN Vs. PIA – The Alternatives
We love ExpressVPN and OIA, but some alternatives are as strong as both. They offer unique perks as well. So, let’s explore some of them below:
NordVPN
NordVPN is a massive brand with a huge network to match. It has more than 500 servers planted in 59 countries, thus, making it one of the biggest VPN service providers in the world. In addition, they are based in Panama, a country run by a neutral government, so they are ultimately immune to all takedown requests.
Surfshark
If PIA sounds more appealing to you because it’s cheap, then you’ll also love Surfshark. But because its basic features are cheap doesn’t mean it doesn’t play ball with the big boys in its industry. For example, Surfshark only runs on the most sophisticated encryption cipher, the 256-AES-GCM. At the same time, its tunneling protocols include IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, and WireGuard.
Final Verdict
ExpressVPN edges PIA out on the comparison stage. It (ExpressVPN) is the fastest, and it’s more secure. ExpressVPN is also better at unblocking international stream sites like Netflix. But don’t be mistaken: just because ExpressVPN edges PIA out in this category doesn’t necessarily make it the right VPN for you. Take nothing away from PIA, as it is still one of the cheapest and the best VPN services.
FAQs
Which of these two VPN services is right for you?
Reiteratively, ExpressVPN is the best of both worlds, though not by a mile. These two VPNs will effectively encrypt your data and safely hide your IP. ExpressVPN is expensive but represents value for money – easy international streaming, seamless security, and distance speeds. PIA, on the other hand, has an amazing zero-logs policy and some other impressive features.
Is Private Internet Access good for you?
Yes, Private Internet Access is good for you. It offers a huge country selection and servers. In addition, it supports ten simultaneous connections and can unblock popular streaming sites like Netflix.