PIA and NordVPN both passed our review testing with solid security fundamentals, but they differ on jurisdiction and device coverage. Here’s how they compare on price, privacy, and features — based on our full independent reviews of each.
PIA vs NordVPN: Quick Comparison
| Feature | PIA | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $2.03/mo (2-year plan) | $3.49/mo (longest plan) |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 6 devices |
| Server Network | 91 countries | 9,300+ servers, 130+ countries |
| Jurisdiction | United States (Five Eyes member) | Panama (outside 5/9/14 Eyes) |
| Encryption | Customizable: AES-128 or AES-256 | AES-256 |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ Proven in court, independently audited | ✓ Independently audited |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Hop | Not offered | ✓ Double VPN + Onion Over VPN |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Pricing & Devices: PIA Is the Cheaper, More Flexible Option
PIA runs $2.03/month on its 2-year plan, well below NordVPN’s $3.49/month, and covers unlimited devices under one account — a meaningful advantage over NordVPN’s 6-device cap for households with a lot of hardware. NordVPN costs more per month, but its higher tiers bundle in extras like a password manager and cloud storage that PIA doesn’t offer.
Jurisdiction: The Biggest Difference
This is where the two diverge most. PIA is based in the United States, a Five Eyes member country — a fact that raises theoretical concerns for some privacy-focused users, though PIA’s no-logging practice has been proven in court cases and backed by an independent audit. NordVPN is based in Panama, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances entirely, which gives it a structural privacy edge on paper.
Security & Customization
Both use strong encryption and back their no-logs claims with real-world verification. PIA stands out for customization — users can choose between AES-128 and AES-256 encryption and adjust connection protocols and ports, appealing to users who want granular control. NordVPN doesn’t offer that level of encryption customization but goes further on privacy tooling with Double VPN and Onion Over VPN for users who want an extra layer beyond a standard connection.
Streaming & Torrenting
Both support P2P and streaming. NordVPN’s larger, more geographically spread server network (9,300+ servers across 130+ countries vs. PIA’s 91 countries) gives it an edge for accessing region-specific content in less common locations. PIA’s network still covers mainstream streaming and torrenting needs well, particularly for users who value its unlimited device connections and encryption flexibility over sheer server count.
Still Deciding?
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