ExpressVPN vs PIA VPN: Which is better?

If you need to purchase a VPN and are hesitating because you are not familiar with all the features of ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN, in this article we will take a closer look at them. Depending on your user profile, you may travel constantly as a digital nomad. Or, you may travel as a tourist who needs basic protection. Either way, you need a VPN that unlocks content safely, without risking personal or professional data.

For that purpose, we’ve prepared an updated guide to both VPNs’ main features, such as servers, countries, encryption code, protocols, simultaneous connections, and logging policy. We’ll also review their plans, whether monthly, annual, or two-year. We’ll even cover whether they offer a free version. Discover the advantages and limitations of ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN and choose the one that’s right for you.

Comparison table: ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN

First, we’ll show you the most relevant technical differences between ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN in the table below. PIA VPN. This way, you can easily see each VPN’s servers and the countries you can connect to. You’ll also see monthly plans and more advanced features.

Reputation and reviews: PIA VPN

You’ve already seen some of the functions and features of ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN, but what real reviews are circulating around the web or what accolades have they received? For example, ExpressVPN has earned strong ratings from major outlets such as CNET, BBC, Financial Times, and WSJ. Meanwhile, PIA VPN ranks among the oldest providers, so it has appeared many times in global reviews. Forbes has also covered it repeatedly.

Real user reviews

If we compare ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN reviews on Trustpilot, we find ExpressVPN scores 3.9 out of 5, with users praising fast customer support, easy setup, and speed.

“Easy to install, it’s nothing special. What impressed me was the download speed boost. WOW!” (Source: Hola – Trustpilot)

“Excellent customer service with a fast and efficient response. Professional and expert service.” (Source: David Logan – Trustpilot)

As for PIA VPN, with a high 4.3 out of 5 rating, it gets positive comments about fast connectivity and many available countries:

“It simply works. Great server selection, and you usually get the same port on the same server for at least a few weeks with port forwarding enabled.” (Source: Acsdog – Trustpilot)

“It has all the features I need, like multihop, VPN kill switch, and more. Also, I can use PIA with OpenVPN on my travel router. It has many locations to connect to, and the interface feels simple and easy to use. No unnecessary hassle, just a secure VPN with unlimited connections. I highly recommend it! I give it 10/10!” (Source: RealRyan – Trustpilot)

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Customer support comparison: ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN

Fast answers from a specialised agent can guide your final choice. In this case, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat with a human technician, and it also supports Spanish. Support feels fast, effective, and well organised. Also, the official website includes a help centre with practical guides and step-by-step fixes.

PIA VPN support runs through an email ticket system and also offers 24/7 live chat, so replies can arrive quickly. In addition, it supports several languages, including English, French, German, and Romanian. Agents often show a strong, technical knowledge base.

Streaming service tests: ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN

Beyond remote work or sightseeing abroad, you’ll want downtime with your favourite streaming platforms. So, what can we say about ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN PIA VPN?

ExpressVPN ranks among the most effective VPNs for streaming, and it works quickly, without hunting for special servers, on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO, and more.

By contrast, many streaming opinions about PIA VPN say it works acceptably, but stability varies by server. You can access Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, yet results can change by location.

Countries and servers: ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN

PIA VPN stands out with a large network of 30,000+ servers across 91 countries, versus ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers across 105 countries. More servers can improve speed and stability. Also, it can increase access to restricted content in specific countries.

PIA VPN has strong coverage in the United States and Europe, but fewer servers in Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN offers a more balanced global spread.

Performance and speed: ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN

Performance and speed remain essential in any comparison between ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN. ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol aims to deliver faster, more stable connections, with lower latency and quicker loading times.

On the other hand, PIA VPN often uses fewer resources on laptops and tablets, which suits digital nomads who work on these devices. However, speed depends on server location and congestion, so results can feel less stable.

Security quality

When we look at security quality, both apps use open-source code and AES-256 military-grade encryption, plus a kill switch and modern protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN.

ExpressVPN also includes Threat Manager to block malware and trackers. With PIA VPN, you get MACE, which blocks ads and malicious sites. In addition, it offers an advanced kill switch to prevent data and DNS leaks.

Dedicated IP for digital nomads

What does a dedicated IP do? It gives you a fixed IP that helps you access business services without blocks. These include corporate sites, work accounts, and banking platforms. Meanwhile, shared IPs serve many users at once. This matters if you mainly work remotely and want stronger control online.

ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN offer a dedicated IP on some paid plans, but you’ll pay extra. With Express, it starts at €3.49 ($4.10) per month, and with PIA it starts at €2.50 ($2.89).

No-logs policy: ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN

Next, we finish this analysis between ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN observing what the logging policies say. ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, where data retention obligations don’t apply. It also uses RAM-only servers, so the system deletes information at every reboot. Independent agencies audit its no-logs policy externally. Also, real-world evidence supports it.

With PIA VPN, its headquarters sit in the United States, which belongs to an intelligence-sharing alliance called Five Eyes. However, it has completed external audits with Deloitte Audit in Romania, with positive no-logs conclusions. Like ExpressVPN, it also runs RAM-only servers and keeps no logs for stronger digital privacy.

ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN vs IPVanish: Which should you choose for travelling abroad?

If you plan to travel abroad often, either for work or as a tourist, you need to consider the features of ExpressVPN vs. PIA VPN in relation to your travel and internet usage needs. To help your final decision, the table below shows common scenarios. So, you can pick the best VPN for your travel style and purpose:

In summary, if you travel often and work with corporate or banking data, you should prioritise speed and stability. You should also prioritise reliable content unblocking, so ExpressVPN may suit you better. However, if you want a budget VPN that you can customise, PIA VPN can work well. This suits laptop and tablet remote work, especially if you don’t stream daily.

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