Head-to-Head—PIA VPN vs. ExpressVPN
In a crowded market of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN stand out as top contenders. Both are popular and well-regarded, earning spots on Forbes' list of 10 best VPNs for 2024[1].
Despite being owned by the same company, Kape Technologies, ExpressVPN, and PIA VPN are managed by separate teams, leading to significant differences in their design and features. This PIA VPN vs. ExpressVPN review aims to help you decide which one better fits your needs.
You'll also discover an effective method for shielding your payment card details, helping you maintain the security of your financial information when making online purchases.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is accurate as of May 2024. PIA VPN and ExpressVPN may change their features over time, so check their official websites for the most up-to-date information.
PIA VPN vs. ExpressVPN—Key Features Comparison
We'll compare PIA VPN and ExperessVPN features in six key areas:
- Privacy and security
- Speed and performance
- Number and location of servers
- Device compatibility and support
- User experience
- Pricing
Privacy and Security
PIA VPN and ExpressVPN use 256-bit AES encryption[2][3], the gold standard in encryption, ensuring users' data can't be read even if intercepted. They also support OpenVPN, one of the most widely implemented tunneling protocols, and IKEv2/IPsec, a lighter and more stable protocol ideal for mobile devices.
Here are additional features and security measures that both PIA VPN and ExpressVPN offer:
Each VPN offers some unique features. For example, ExpressVPN has its proprietary Lightway protocol[12], which supports UDP and TCP protocols. PIA VPN supports WireGuard®, one of the newer tunneling protocols with a reputation for faster connection speeds.
ExpressVPN offers RAM-only servers with its TrustedServer technology[13]. All data is erased from these servers every time they are rebooted, ensuring no logs are permanently stored or retrievable. ExpressVPN also has a password manager, tracker blocker, and ad blocker.
PIA offers MACE[14], a feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. PIA VPN also supports multi-hop routing, allowing users to route internet traffic through multiple servers before reaching their destination.
Speed and Performance
An independent third-party test showed that PIA VPN can reduce speed by up to 40%. ExpressVPN caused an average drop of 25%[15].
While some speed reduction is to be expected when using any VPN service, VPN connection speeds can also be affected by various factors, including:
- Server location
- Server congestion
- The user's internet connection speed
- Additional features, such as multi-hop routing
- The VPN protocol
Global Server Network
A larger global server network improves connection speeds by allowing users to choose servers closer to them. It also ensures stable connections by evenly distributing server load.
With an undisclosed number of servers spread across 105 countries[16], ExpressVPN enables users to access local content from all over the world. PIA is available in 91 countries[17], with an undisclosed number of servers.
Device Compatibility and Support
Users can use both VPNs on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and certain routers[18][19]. ExpressVPN is also supported on devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming systems.
PIA VPN allows an unlimited number of devices to be connected simultaneously. In contrast, ExpressVPN lets users connect up to eight devices at a time with one subscription.
User Experience
Both ExpressVPN and PIA VPN offer well-designed apps with user-friendly interfaces. ExpressVPN is known for its simple and minimalistic design, making it easy for users to navigate the menu, modify settings, and access customer support.
PIA VPN provides extensive customization options. Users can adjust settings like encryption levels and choose different connection types.
For customer care, both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat, email assistance, and searchable knowledge bases[20][21] on their websites.
Pricing
PIA VPN is the more affordable option, at $2.03[22] per month for a three-year plan. Users can add Dedicated IP and Antivirus by PIA to their plan for an extra fee. ExpressVPN's most affordable subscription is priced at $8.32 per month[23] for a 12-month plan. Both VPNs offer shorter plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Still Not Sure Which To Choose?
ExpressVPN stands out for its impressive speed, robust security, and intuitive interface. It is suitable for a wide range of devices and offers extensive global coverage. PIA VPN, on the other hand, caters to users who value customization and robust security features, allowing for detailed adjustments to fit specific needs.
Depending on their needs, users might want to look into other VPNs that offer specific benefits:
- Hide.me VPN—A VPN with a free plan and strong privacy features
- Windscribe VPN—Offers unlimited simultaneous connections
- NordVPN—Known for its fast speeds and strong security at an affordable price
- Norton VPN—Suitable for users wanting additional security tools, like antivirus software and an identity protection service
- Mozilla VPN—An option for users who use the Firefox browser and want advanced browser integration
- Hotspot Shield—A great option for users on a budget who appreciate wide global coverage. Those who prioritize coverage can also look into HideMyAss VPN since it covers every country in the world
Can VPNs Ensure Complete Online Safety?
Using a VPN can enhance your security and privacy, but it may not be able to protect you from every attack vector.
Even with a VPN, hackers might trick you into sharing personal information via fake websites or phishing emails. Fraudsters can also exploit software vulnerabilities to gain access to merchants' systems and steal valuable information, such as users’ payment card numbers.
To protect your online activities further, here are some additional measures you can take:
- Update your software regularly—Developers often release security patches for known vulnerabilities, which you may miss if you forget to update your software.
- Be aware of phishing scams—Phishing emails often contain spelling errors, create a sense of urgency, and require you to divulge sensitive information. When visiting unfamiliar websites, always check the domain name, enable anti-phishing features in your browser, and don't click on suspicious links.
- Consider using virtual cards—These cards protect your real financial information during online transactions by acting as a stand-in for your actual payment cards. If hackers manage to access the merchant's servers, they will only see the virtual card number, while your real payment data will remain protected.
Some banks offer virtual card services, but independent virtual card providers like Privacy also provide convenience features to help you manage your payments and control your spending.
Use Privacy Cards To Protect Your Financial Details
Privacy is a BBB-accredited service that allows you to generate virtual cards for various purposes. Every Privacy Card has a 16-digit serial number, CVV number, and expiration date and can be used like a regular payment card online.
Privacy uses multiple security measures to protect your financial information. The company employs strict data storage practices and AES-256 encryption to safeguard sensitive data in transit, and it supports two-factor authentication. Privacy also sends you transaction alerts in real time, allowing you to spot unusual activity quickly.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards—Single-Use, Merchant-Locked, and Category-Locked Cards. Learn more about them below:
Privacy allows you to pause a card to temporarily stop any charges, unpause it when you're ready to use it again, or close it completely if you no longer need it. These features are especially useful if you suspect a subscription service might attempt to charge your card during the cancellation process.
You can also set spending limits, which allows you to limit overcharging and hidden fees by defining the maximum amount you can be charged. Any charge above the set limit will be blocked.
Additional Features
Privacy offers features that make using and managing virtual cards easier:
- Mobile app—Available for Android and iOS, the Privacy App allows you to create and use your virtual cards on the go.
- Browser extension—Available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari browsers, Safari for iOS, the Privacy Browser Extension autofills your virtual card details at checkout for a seamless online shopping experience.
- Shared Cards—This feature lets you share your Privacy Cards with trusted family members and friends.
- Card Notes—Privacy allows you to create useful notes that can make your online shopping more organized and efficient.
- 1Password Integration—Privacy integrates with 1Password, a password manager you can use to create and fill out your virtual card numbers from the password manager's browser extension.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get started with Privacy, just follow these four steps:
- Sign up
- Complete the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process to confirm your identity
- Connect a funding source—a debit card or a bank account
- Request your first virtual card
Privacy provides four monthly plans—Personal, Plus, Pro, and Premium. Here's what you get with each one:
Privacy Virtual Cards are accessible to U.S. residents aged 18 and above. They can be used at most stores that accept Visa® or Mastercard®.
