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As worries about online privacy grow, more people are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for protection. ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are among the top names in the VPN market. Both offer a wide range of functionalities designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals while browsing the internet.
However, there are some key differences between the two that are worth considering before deciding which one to use. And ExpressVPN vs PIA is what we are exploring in this article.
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that is known for its fast speeds and robust security features. It offers a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2, as well as a proprietary protocol called Lightway. In addition to its security features, ExpressVPN also offers support for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
PIA, on the other hand, is a more affordable VPN service that offers many of the same features as ExpressVPN, but with some limitations. For example, PIA only offers support for a limited number of platforms, and its speeds are generally slower than those of ExpressVPN.
Key Takeaways
- ExpressVPN and PIA are two of the most well-known VPN services on the market.
- ExpressVPN is known for its fast speeds and robust security features, while PIA is a more affordable option with some limitations.
- When deciding between the two, it is important to consider factors such as server locations, speed and performance, and customer support.
Table of Contents
Overview of ExpressVPN and PIA
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, ExpressVPN and PIA are two of the most popular options available. Both VPNs have their strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them can be a difficult decision. In this section, I will provide a brief overview of each VPN service to help you make an informed decision.
ExpressVPN
[ExpressVPN] is a well-known VPN provider that has been around since 2009. It is based in the British Virgin Islands and has a reputation for being one of the fastest and most reliable VPNs available. ExpressVPN has servers in over 90 countries and offers a range of features, including:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- A kill switch
- Split tunneling
- DNS leak protection
- No-logs policy
ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
PIA
PIA, or Private Internet Access, is another popular VPN provider that has been around since 2010. It is based in the United States and is known for its affordable pricing and strong security features. PIA has servers in over 70 countries and offers a range of features, including:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- A kill switch
- DNS leak protection
- No-logs policy
PIA is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
Overall, both ExpressVPN and PIA are great VPN services that offer strong security features and a range of useful features.
Security Features
When it comes to VPNs, security is one of the most important factors to consider. Both ExpressVPN and PIA offer a range of security features to protect your online privacy. Let’s take a closer look at what each VPN has to offer.
ExpressVPN Security
ExpressVPN is known for its strong security features. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for encryption and is virtually unbreakable. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, which provide users with flexibility and strong security.
ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not collect or store any user data. This is important for those who are concerned about their online privacy and want to ensure their data is not being tracked or monitored.
Finally, ExpressVPN offers a kill switch, which is a feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This helps ensure that your IP address and online activity are not exposed if the VPN connection fails.
PIA Security
PIA also offers strong security features to protect your online privacy. Like ExpressVPN, PIA uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for encryption. Additionally, PIA offers a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP, which provide users with flexibility and strong security.
PIA also has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not collect or store any user data. This is important for those who are concerned about their online privacy and want to ensure their data is not being tracked or monitored.
Finally, PIA also offers a kill switch, which is a feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This helps ensure that your IP address and online activity are not exposed if the VPN connection fails.
Overall, both ExpressVPN and PIA offer strong security features to protect your online privacy. However, ExpressVPN’s use of multiple protocols and its reputation for being one of the most secure VPNs on the market may make it a better option for those who prioritize security above all else.
Privacy Policies
When choosing a VPN, privacy is one of the most important factors to consider. In this section, I will compare the privacy policies of ExpressVPN and PIA.
ExpressVPN Privacy
ExpressVPN has a clear and transparent privacy policy. They do not collect any logs that could be used to identify you or your online activities. This means that they do not keep records of your IP address, browsing history, traffic destination, or DNS queries. They also do not store any connection logs, which means that they do not keep records of when you connect to or disconnect from their service.
In addition, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws. This means that they are not legally required to keep any logs or share any information with third parties. They also have a strict no-logs policy, which means that even if they were compelled by law enforcement to provide information, they would have nothing to share.
PIA Privacy
PIA also has a no-logs policy, which means that they do not collect any information that could be used to identify you or your online activities. They do not keep records of your IP address, browsing history, traffic destination, or DNS queries. They also do not store any connection logs, which means that they do not keep records of when you connect to or disconnect from their service.
PIA is based in the United States, which has some data retention laws. However, PIA has stated that they do not keep any logs that could be used to identify their users, which means that they are not legally required to share any information with law enforcement. They have also undergone an independent audit to confirm their no-logs policy.
Both ExpressVPN and PIA have strong privacy policies that prioritize user privacy and security. However, ExpressVPN is based in a jurisdiction with no data retention laws, which gives them an additional layer of protection.
Server Locations
When it comes to VPNs, server locations are an important factor to consider. In this section, I will compare the server locations of ExpressVPN and PIA.
ExpressVPN Servers
ExpressVPN has an extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. This means that users can connect to servers in almost any location they desire. ExpressVPN has servers in popular locations such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, as well as less common locations such as Vietnam, Egypt, and Kenya.
One advantage of ExpressVPN’s server network is that it offers a wide range of virtual locations. This means that users can connect to servers in countries where ExpressVPN does not have a physical server, but still appear as if they are located in that country. For example, ExpressVPN offers virtual locations in countries such as Brazil, India, and South Korea.
Another advantage of ExpressVPN’s server network is that it offers servers optimized for specific activities such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting. This ensures that users get the best possible performance when engaging in these activities.
PIA Servers
PIA has a smaller server network than ExpressVPN, with around 3,300 servers in 48 countries. While this is still a decent number of servers, it is not as extensive as ExpressVPN’s network.
PIA has servers in popular locations such as the US, UK, and Canada, as well as less common locations such as Bulgaria, Latvia, and Romania. However, PIA does not offer as many virtual locations as ExpressVPN.
One advantage of PIA’s server network is that it offers servers optimized for specific activities such as streaming and torrenting. This ensures that users get the best possible performance when engaging in these activities.
Overall, while both ExpressVPN and PIA offer servers optimized for specific activities, ExpressVPN has a more extensive server network with a wider range of virtual locations.
Speed and Performance
When it comes to choosing a VPN, one of the most important factors to consider is speed and performance. In this section, I will compare the speed and performance of ExpressVPN and PIA.
ExpressVPN Speed
ExpressVPN is known for its fast speed. It offers a range of protocols, including the in-house built Lightway tunnel, which is designed to provide fast and reliable connections. In our tests, we found that ExpressVPN consistently delivered fast speeds, with minimal lag or buffering.
ExpressVPN also has a large network of servers, with over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. This means that you can easily find a server that is close to your location, which can help improve your connection speed.
PIA Speed
While PIA also offers fast speeds, it is not quite as fast as ExpressVPN. PIA uses the market-leading WireGuard protocol, which is known for its speed and security. However, in our tests, we found that PIA’s speeds were slightly slower than ExpressVPN’s.
PIA has a network of over 3,300 servers in 48 countries. While this is a smaller network than ExpressVPN’s, it still provides a good range of options for users.
Overall, both ExpressVPN and PIA offer fast and reliable speeds. However, if speed is your top priority, then ExpressVPN may be the better option.
Customer Support
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, customer support is an essential factor to consider. In this section, I will compare the customer support of ExpressVPN and PIA.
ExpressVPN Support
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, which is available on their website. They also have a support ticket system, and you can expect a response within a few hours. Additionally, they have a comprehensive knowledge base that includes setup guides, troubleshooting articles, and FAQs.
One of the standout features of ExpressVPN’s customer support is their remote desktop support. If you’re having trouble setting up or using their service, you can request remote desktop support, and a technician will connect to your computer to help you resolve the issue.
PIA Support
PIA also offers 24/7 live chat support, which is available on their website. They also have a support ticket system, and you can expect a response within a few hours. PIA’s knowledge base is not as comprehensive as ExpressVPN’s, but it still includes setup guides, troubleshooting articles, and FAQs.
One unique aspect of PIA’s customer support is their community forum, where users can ask questions and get help from other PIA users. This can be a helpful resource if you prefer to get help from other users rather than customer support.
Both ExpressVPN and PIA offer excellent customer support, with 24/7 live chat support and a support ticket system. ExpressVPN has a more comprehensive knowledge base and offers remote desktop support, while PIA has a community forum for users to get help from other users.
Pricing and Plans
ExpressVPN Pricing
When it comes to pricing, ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than PIA, but it offers a wider range of features and benefits. The company offers three pricing plans: monthly, six-month, and annual. The monthly plan costs $12.95 per month, while the six-month plan costs $9.99 per month. The annual plan is the most popular and costs $6.67 per month, which is billed as a lump sum of $99.95 annually.
ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all of its plans, so you can try it out risk-free. Additionally, the company offers a referral program that rewards users with 30 free days of service for each person they refer.
PIA Pricing
PIA is known for its affordability, and it offers some of the lowest prices in the industry. The company offers three pricing plans: monthly, yearly, and biennially. The monthly plan costs $9.95 per month, while the yearly plan costs $3.33 per month, billed as a lump sum of $39.95 annually. The biennial plan costs $2.69 per month, billed as a lump sum of $69.95 every two years.
Like ExpressVPN, PIA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all of its plans. Additionally, the company offers a referral program that rewards users with a free month of service for each person they refer.
Overall, both ExpressVPN and PIA offer competitive pricing plans with various benefits and features. However, PIA is the more affordable option, while ExpressVPN offers a wider range of features and benefits.
User Experience
When it comes to choosing a VPN, user experience is a key factor to consider. In this section, I will compare the user experience of ExpressVPN and PIA VPN.
ExpressVPN User Experience
ExpressVPN is known for its user-friendly interface and easy-to-use apps. The app is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It has a sleek and modern design that is easy to navigate.
The app offers a variety of features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. The kill switch is particularly useful as it ensures that your internet connection is automatically cut off if the VPN connection drops, preventing your online activity from being exposed.
ExpressVPN also offers excellent customer support, with 24/7 live chat and email support. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive, and they are always willing to help with any issues you may encounter.
PIA User Experience
PIA VPN, on the other hand, has a slightly clunkier user interface. The app is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. However, the app feels a bit sluggish and unresponsive, especially on mobile devices.
The app offers a variety of features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. However, the kill switch is not enabled by default, so you will need to manually activate it in the settings.
PIA VPN also offers customer support, but it is not as good as ExpressVPN’s. The support team is available via email, but there is no live chat support. The response time can also be slow, and the support team is not always able to resolve issues quickly.
Both ExpressVPN and PIA VPN offer a variety of features, but ExpressVPN’s user experience is more polished and user-friendly. ExpressVPN also offers better customer support, making it a better choice for users who value ease of use and reliable support.
ExpressVPN vs PIA Final Verdict
After comparing ExpressVPN and PIA, I found that both VPNs have their strengths and weaknesses.
ExpressVPN offers faster speeds, better security features, and more reliable connections. It also has a wider range of streaming services that it can unblock. However, it is slightly more expensive than PIA.
PIA, on the other hand, is more affordable and offers good privacy features. It also has a larger number of servers and is more customizable. However, it has slower speeds and may not be able to unblock certain streaming services.
For us here at PrivacyDefend.com. the clear winner is ExpressVPN.
Ultimately, the choice between ExpressVPN and PIA depends on your priorities and needs. If you prioritize speed, security, and reliability, then ExpressVPN is the better option. If you prioritize affordability and customization, then PIA may be the better choice.
Regardless of which VPN you choose, it is important to use a VPN to protect your online privacy and security. Both ExpressVPN and PIA are reputable VPN providers that can help keep your online activities private and secure.
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