ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: A Detailed Comparison

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You might have heard a lot of bad or good things about ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. Some say the former is good when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions while others say that is latter is faster as compared to the former. Such jumbled-up information boggles the mind and leaves one dazed. Moreover, these two VPN providers are owned by the same company, Kape Technologies so the question that comes to mind is that are they really that different from each other? Don’t worry we are here to answer that question in this ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison. 

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: At a Glance

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
ExpressVPN vs Private Internet AccessExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
Starting Price$8.32$2.03
EncryptionAES 256-bitAES 256
Money back30 days30 days
OS CompatibilityAndroid, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Android TVAndroid, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android TV
Dedicated IP Add-OnNot offeredYes
Max No. of Devices 5Unlimited
Server Locations16084
24/7 SupportYesYes

At a glance, you can tell which VPN is expensive and which one is the cheaper option. The starting price of Private Internet Access is $2.03 whereas ExpressVPN plans start from $8.32. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money and are looking for a budget-friendly option, then Private Internet Access is the best fit for you. By looking at the encryption you can tell that they both have the same military-grade and powerful AES 256-bit encryption. Therefore, security wise they both have our vote. 

In case you don’t like the services, they are offering you can get your money back if you cancel your subscription within 30 days. Both VPNs work splendidly on a number of platforms like Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android TV. Private Internet Access does work on Amazon Fire TV but unlike ExpressVPN it doesn’t have a dedicated app for it.

ExpressVPN doesn’t offer users a dedicated IP add-on whereas Private Internet Access does. When it comes to simultaneous connection, ExpressVPN lags as it only offers 5 simultaneous connections whereas Private Internet Access offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Coming towards server locations, ExpressVPN has more server locations i.e., 160 whereas Private Internet Access has only 84. Both VPNs value their customers and offer 24/7 customer support and help.

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Features

Features
  ExpressVPN vs Private Internet AccessExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
Simultaneous connections5Unlimited
Devices supportedMac, IOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, WindowsAndroid, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux
Manual install devicesCertain routers and set-top boxesRouters, set-top boxes
Free extrasSmart DNS service, browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Vivaldi, and Brave, kill switch, split tunnelingBrowser extensions for Chrome, and Firefox, DNS protection, split tunneling, ad-blocker, tracking-blocker, malware-blocker, DNS protection, multi-hop, kill switch 

Both VPNs offer unique and top-notch features. They both offer users features like the kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS protection. Research showed Private Internet Access offers users more features as compared to ExpressVPN. The features offered by ExpressVPN aren’t lacking in quality but in quantity.

Private Internet Access offers features like an ad blocker, tracking blocker, malware blocker, and multi-hop. Ad blocker and tracking blocker helps block harmful, malicious ads and trackers before they can get to users’ information and breach their privacy. The Malware blocker protects users’ data and personal information from malware by blocking it.  The multi-hop feature provided by Private Internet Access offers an extra layer of protection by routing users’ VPN connection through an additional server. 

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Price Comparison

Price
ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access ExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
Subscription periodsOne month, 6-month, annualMonthly, annual, 3-year
Highest price per month$12.95$11.95
Lowest monthly cost$8.32$2.03
One year price$99.84$39.96
Money back guaranteeYes Yes 
Free trialYes Yes 

Private Internet Access is a more economical option. If you are looking for a budget-friendly VPN then ExpressVPN is not for you. It is the most expensive VPN on the market and is not for someone on a tight budget, Private Internet Access however is less cheap as compared to ExpressVPN. The highest monthly price of Private Internet Access is $11.95 whereas for ExpressVPN the highest price is $12.95. The lowest monthly cost of Private Internet Access is $2.03 which is way less than the lowest money cost of ExpressVPN which comes out to be $8.32. Annually ExpressVPN costs a whopping $99.84 while Private Internet Access costs only $39.96. 

Therefore, if you want a budget-friendly VPN with all premium features then Private Internet Access is the best option.

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access:  Streaming Comparison

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: UnblocksExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
NetflixYesYes
HuluYesYes
Disney+YesYes
HBO MaxYesYes
BBC iPlayerYesYes
Apple TVYesYes
YouTube TVYesYes
Prime VideoYesYes
CBSYesYes
ITVYesYes

The servers offered by both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access are streaming-optimized and fast. This means that their servers can easily bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. You can unblock and watch several streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Mx, and many over. The servers are not only pro at bypassing geo-restrictions, but they are also fast, therefore you won’t have to worry about lags, buffering, or frozen screens. 

Even though Netflix is available in many regions, its content library differs from county t country. UC Netflix has the largest content variety. If you are looking for a way to access the US Netflix then look no more. Choose one of the two VPNs, select a US server and enjoy streaming the largest content library Netflix has to offer. 

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Servers and Performance

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet AccessExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
Total number of servers3,0003,5000
Server location 16084
Mobile friendly Yes Yes 

When it comes to the number of servers the table above clearly shows who the winner is. Private Internet access has ten times more servers than ExpressVPN. However, these servers are only spread across 84 locations. Whereas the servers of ExpressVPN are spread across 160 locations. Therefore, ExpressVPN gives you more variety when it comes to choosing server regions while Private Internet Access gives you more freedom when selecting a server. 

Both of their servers are streaming, gaming, and torrenting optimized fast-speed servers. ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access offer obfuscation servers that add an extra layer of security and privacy. 

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Speed performance

Server locationExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
USDownload: 109 MbpsUpload: 133 MbpsDownload: 71 Mbps
Upload: 60 Mbps
GermanyDownload: 221 MbpsUpload: 148 MbpsDownload: 83 MbpsUpload: 105 Mbps
UKDownload: 138 MbpsUpload: 158 MbpsDownload: 62 Mbps
Upload: 94 Mbps 

Speed test results showed that ExpressVPN has better speed as compared to Private Internet Access. Your test results might be a bit different than ours, but our results clearly depict that the winner is ExpressVPN. However, both of these servers are known for their fast speed and if you stream with any one of them you won’t notice much difference. Plus, both VPNs offer a smooth streaming experience meaning you won’t have to suffer through buffering, lags, or frozen screens. 

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Comparison of Security Protocols

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet AccessExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
EncryptionAES-256AES-256
HashSHA-512SHA-1
Obfuscation featureYesYes 
Kill switchYesYes
DNS leak protectionYes Yes

Security wise both VPNs are winners in our eyes. For them, the security and privacy of their users come first. They both use strong AES 256 military-grade encryption. This encryption provides top-notch security and is resilient against hacking. Both VPNs have an obfuscation feature that hides the fact that you are using a VPN and are rerouting your traffic through it.  The kill switch is another feature that both these VPNs offer. The kill switch prevents leakage of data when the VPN connection drops. It cuts off the internet connection, making sure that the hackers and trackers won’t be able to get their hands on users’ sensitive information. 

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Privacy Comparison

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet AccessExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
JurisdictionBritish Virgin IslandsUS
Connection logStrict no-logs policyStrict no-logs policy
Activity logsStrict no-logs policyStrict no-logs policy
User details for signupEmail addressEmail address
Anonymous payment optionsBitcoinCryptocurrencies

ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access are also popular because of their privacy features. They both support anonymous browsing. They hide your IP address and online activity to throw hackers, trackers, and ISP off your track. Both VPNs have a strict policy against logs, and they don’t keep tabs on users’ activity and VPN connection. ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access neither collect, nor store or share user information with third parties. 

The VPNs also allow anonymous payment options to users who don’t want to use their credit cards. 

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Customer Service Comparison

Customer support
ExpressVPN vs Private Internet AccessExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access
24/7 live chatYes Yes 
Email supportYes Yes 
Average email response time45 minsFew minutes  
Searchable knowledge baseYesYes 
Phone support NoNo 
Articles or guidesYes Yes 

The customer support of both ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access is excellent. The agents are available 24/7 to solve your problems and answer your queries. You can either chat with them via live chat which is available 24/7 or email them. If you email them the customer support might take some time to get back to you. Both VPNs have articles and guides that you can access in times of need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which VPN is cheaper ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access?

Private Internet Access is the cheaper option. Its subscription plans start from $2.03 and annually it costs about $39.96.

Does ExpressVPN have a no-logs policy?

Yes, ExpressVPN has a no-logs policy. The VPN provider doesn’t keep logs of online activity or VPN connections. 

Does Private Internet Access have 24/7 live chat?

Yes, Private Internet Access has a 24/7 live chat option. If you are having a problem or have questions regarding the VPN you can reach out to customer support via live chat and they will help you out.

  

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