PIA vs NordVPN (2025): Battle Of The Titans !

Are you looking for the best VPN in 2025? Compare Private Internet Access PIA vs NordVPN in a full breakdown of speed, privacy, torrenting, pricing, and streaming. Find out which VPN is right for you.

In a digital world where privacy is currency, choosing the right VPN is very important. Two names are consistently dominating conversations: Private Internet Access (PIA) and NordVPN.

Both are well-known, trusted, and well packed with features. But which one truly stands out in 2025?

If you’re stuck choosing between them, you’re in the right place. This in-depth comparison will cover speed, streaming, torrenting, privacy, security, pricing, and what you need to know and which to choose according to your preference.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear winner based on your specific needs, whether it’s watching Netflix on a Firestick, downloading torrents securely, or simply browsing without being watched.

The History Of Both(Pia & NordVPN)

So before diving into technical details, let’s briefly look at where each provider comes from, and why that matters.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Founded: 2010

Headquarters: United States

Parent Company: Kape Technologies (also owns CyberGhost, ExpressVPN)

Logging Policy: Strict no-logs (proven in court multiple times)

Despite the fact that Pia is based in the U.S. (a Five Eyes country), PIA has repeatedly proven it does not log user activity — including during FBI investigations.

And sincerely It’s open-source apps and community transparency have made it a long-standing favorite among power users.

NordVPN

Founded: 2012

Headquarters: Panama (privacy-friendly jurisdiction)

Parent Company: Nord Security (merged with Surfshark in 2022)

Logging Policy: Independently audited no-logs policy

NordVPN is one of the most trusted and widely used VPNs in the world. Based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws, it’s become a go-to for both privacy advocates and casual users alike.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison: PIA vs NordVPN

When deciding between PIA and NordVPN, features can make or break the choice. Let’s break down the core VPN tools each provider offers.

Encryption & VPN Protocols

Both PIA and NordVPN use AES-256 encryption — the gold standard for securing data.

Protocol	PIA	NORDVPN
Wireguard	✅	✅
OpenVPN	✅	✅
IKEv2/IPSec	✅	✅
Proprietary Protocol	❌	Nordlynx WireGuard protocol

Our Verdict:

NordVPN’s NordLynx is slightly faster than standard WireGuard implementations, giving it a performance edge.

Server Network

Metric	PIA	NORDVPN
Total Servers	35,000 (exact number not longer public exposed)	7,000+
Countries	90	110
Obfuscated Servers	✅	✅
RAM-ONLY servers	❌	✅

Our Verdict:

PIA has more total servers, which can mean less congestion, but NordVPN’s RAM-only infrastructure is more secure and privacy-friendly.

App Design & Ease of Use

PIA:

• More technical-looking interface
• Fully customizable
• Geared toward advanced users

NordVPN:

• Clean, map-based UI
• Beginner-friendly
• Simple “Quick Connect” feature

Our Verdict:

NordVPN is better for beginners, while PIA is better for advanced users who like tweaking settings.

Speed & Performance

Real-world testing (based on WireGuard/NordLynx):

Location	PIA (Mbps)	NordVPN (Mbps)
US	240	260
UK	220	250
Asia	200	240

Verdict:

NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol consistently outperforms PIA in speed tests, especially for long-distance connections.

Streaming & Geo-Unblocking: PIA vs NordVPN

One of the most common reasons people tend to subscribe to a VPN is to unblock streaming content that’s restricted by region. Both PIA and NordVPN claim to be strong performers here — but there’s a noticeable difference in reliability.

Netflix Access

Region Tested	PIA	NORDVPN
US Netflix	✅	✅
UK Netflix	✅ – but slower	✅
Japan Netflix	❌	✅
Australia Netflix	✅	✅

Verdict:

• NordVPN unlocks more Netflix libraries consistently and streams in 4K without buffering.

• PIA works for major libraries, but struggles with smaller ones like Japan.

Other Streaming Platforms

Platform Access	PIA	NORDVPN
BBC iPlayer(U.K)	❌	✅
HULU(U.S)	✅	✅
DISNEY+	✅(Some servers)	✅
Amazon Prime	❌(Often Blocked)	✅

Verdict:

NordVPN outperforms PIA on services with aggressive VPN blocking (BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime).

Reasons Why NordVPN Wins in Streaming

• Obfuscated servers hide VPN traffic from detection

• Larger selection of streaming-optimized servers

• Faster speeds prevent buffering in HD/4K

Torrenting & P2P Performance: PIA vs NordVPN

For many users, a VPN’s torrenting capability is a dealbreaker especially if you frequently download large files or rely on peer-to-peer sharing. Here’s how Private Internet Access (PIA) and NordVPN compare.

P2P Server Support

NordVPN supports P2P on most servers, but also has specialized P2P servers optimized for faster and safer torrenting. These servers automatically activate when you start using a torrent client like qBittorrent or uTorrent.

PIA  also allows P2P on all servers, but doesn’t have dedicated P2P servers. You can torrent from anywhere, but speeds may vary.

SOCKS5 Proxy Support

Actually both VPNs offer SOCKS5 proxies for those who want faster torrent speeds while still hiding their IP address.

NordVPN SOCKS5: Located in multiple countries, and it is perfect for configuring directly in torrent clients for speed boosts.

PIA SOCKS5: Available with subscription, but requires manual setup and fewer location options.

Speed Test for Torrenting

Location	PIA Download Speed(Mbps)	NordVPN download speed(Mbps)
US East	76	92
UK	64	88
Asia	48	79

(Tested on a 100 Mbps base connection using qBittorrent with 10GB Linux ISO)

Speed & Performance Tests: PIA vs NordVPN

Speed can make or break your VPN experience. Whether you’re streaming, torrenting, or gaming, you want minimal slowdowns. So far I ran multiple speed tests to get a realistic comparison.

Why NordVPN Is Faster

• NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) is highly optimized for speed.

• PIA uses WireGuard too, but NordVPN’s server infrastructure and routing are more efficient.

• NordVPN has specialty servers (P2P, Double VPN, Obfuscated) that don’t compromise performance.

Privacy & Security: PIA vs NordVPN

When choosing a VPN, speed is great, but without solid privacy and security, it’s almost meaningless. For many users especially those in restrictive regions or who handle sensitive work, a VPN’s ability to keep your online activities private is the deciding factor.

Here’s how Private Internet Access (PIA) and NordVPN compare when it comes to keeping you safe.

Jurisdiction & Privacy Laws

A VPN’s home country matters because it determines the legal framework it operates under.

NordVPN

Headquarters: Panama 🇵🇦

Why It’s Good: Panama has no mandatory data retention laws and is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance (international intelligence-sharing agreements). This makes it an ideal privacy jurisdiction.

Effect: NordVPN cannot be legally forced to store user activity logs.

PIA

Headquarters: United States 🇺🇸

Why It’s Risky: The U.S. is a founding member of the Five Eyes Alliance and has strong data-sharing agreements with other nations.

Counterpoint: PIA has a proven no-logs policy tested in court multiple times, so even if asked, they had nothing to hand over.

Encryption & Protocols

Feature	PIA	NordVPN
Encryption	AES-128 / AES-256	AES-256
Tunnelling Protocols	OpenVPN	WireGuard OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)
IKEv2/IPSec Forward Secrecy	✅	✅
Protect Forward Secrecy	✅	✅

NordVPN uses NordLynx, their custom WireGuard-based protocol, which balances security + speed better than almost any VPN on the market.

PIA also supports WireGuard but with more manual tweak options for encryption strength.

Kill Switch & Leak Protection

Kill Switch: Both offer kill switches that block internet access if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly preventing IP leaks.

Leak Tests: Both passed DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak tests during independent security audits.

 Logging Policy

NordVPN: Strict no-logs policy, independently audited by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).

PIA: Strict no-logs policy, verified in multiple court cases where they had nothing to provide.

Advanced Security Features

NordVPN

• Double VPN – Routes traffic through two servers for extra anonymity.

• Onion over VPN – Direct access to the Tor network via VPN.

• CyberSec – Blocks malicious sites, trackers, and ads.

• Obfuscated Servers – Masks VPN traffic to bypass restrictions in countries like China or UAE.

PIA

• MACE – Built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

• Port Forwarding – Useful for torrenting and remote server access.

• Custom Encryption Levels – Choose between AES-128 for speed or AES-256 for maximum security.

Privacy Winner:

NordVPN — thanks to its privacy-friendly jurisdiction, advanced anonymity tools, and independent audits.

Pricing & Value: Which VPN Will Gives You More for Your Money?

While features and performance matter, pricing can be the deciding factor for many users. Both Private Internet Access (PIA) and NordVPN offer multiple plans, long-term discounts, and money-back guarantees — but the cost-to-feature ratio differs.

Current Pricing Plan (2025)

Plan Type	NordVPN	PIA
Monthly	$12.99/mo	$11.95/mo
1-Year	$4.59/mo (billed $55.08)	$3.33/mo (billed $39.95)
2-Year	$3.39/mo (billed $81.36)	$2.19/mo (billed $56.94)
Money-back Guarantee	30 days	30 days
Free Trial	7-day (mobile only)	No

Note: Prices fluctuate with seasonal promotions. Always check the official site before purchasing.

What You Will Get for the Price

NordVPN

• Includes: Threat Protection, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Dark Web Monitor.
  
• Simultaneous Devices: 6
  
• Server Count: 7,000+ in 111 countries.
  
• Extra Costs: Dedicated IP, NordPass (password manager), NordLocker (secure cloud storage).
  
• Value Factor: Strong feature-to-cost ratio if you use its advanced tools.
  

PIA

• Includes: MACE ad-blocker, port forwarding, customizable encryption.
  
• Simultaneous Devices: Unlimited (biggest selling point).
  
• Server Count: 35,000+ in 90+ countries.
  
• Extra Costs: Dedicated IP available.
  
• Value Factor: Best device flexibility for large households or multi-device users.
  

Bang-for-Buck Verdict

• NordVPN:
  Best value if you want premium features and are okay with a slightly higher long-term cost.
  
• PIA:
  Best value for budget-conscious users who need unlimited devices and still want strong security.

Ease of Use & Device Compatibility

When choosing a VPN, it’s not just about raw performance — how easy it is to set up, navigate, and use daily also matters. Plus, the VPN should be compatible with all the devices you rely on.

User Interface & Setup

NordVPN

Desktop Apps (Windows, macOS, Linux):

Sleek, map-based interface; quick-connect button; organized settings.

Installation takes less than 5 minutes.

Mobile Apps (iOS, Android):

Intuitive swipe-friendly UI; dark/light themes; easy to switch between servers.

Setup Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. Minimal learning curve.

PIA

Desktop Apps:

Minimalistic, text-based design; more settings exposed by default.

Installation also quick, but settings may overwhelm new users.

Mobile Apps:

Similar to desktop — clean and functional, but slightly more technical in feel.

Setup Difficulty: Moderate. Better suited for users who want control over encryption & ports.

Device Compatibility

Both NordVPN and PIA cover a wide range of devices:

Device Type	NORDVPN	PIA
Windows	✅	✅
MAC OS	✅	✅
Linus	✅(GUI + CLI)	✅(CLI)
Android	✅	✅
iOS	✅	✅
Fire stick/Firetv	✅	✅
Smart TVs	✅	✅
Routers	✅	✅
Gaming Consoles	✅	✅

 Special Device Notes

NordVPN:

• Has native Firestick app that’s easy to install.

• Offers a meshnet feature for device-to-device connections.

PIA:

• Unlimited devices make it perfect for tech-heavy households.

• Offers split tunneling on more platforms than NordVPN.

Ease-of-Use Verdict

For Beginners → NordVPN wins for its visual interface and simplified setup.

For Tech Enthusiasts → PIA wins for deeper customization and unlimited device connections.

Our Final Verdict On PIA vs NordVPN 

Choosing between NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) comes down to what matters most to you as a VPN user.

Both are secure, trustworthy, and offer great value, but their strengths lean in slightly different directions.

 Quick Comparison Table

Feature	NORDVPN	PIA
Speed	Faster (especially on long distances)	Fast, but slower than NordVPN on long distances
Privacy	Audited no-logs policy	Audited no-logs policy
Torrenting	Excellent	Optimized
P2P servers	Excellent	Unlimited bandwidth
Streaming	Works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc	Works with fewer streaming platforms
Security Features	Advanced (Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet, Threat Protection)	Advanced (Custom encryption, MACE ad-blocker, split tunneling)
Ease Of Use	Beginner friendly, sleek interface	More technical
Simultaneous Device	10	Unlimited
Price	Slightly More Expensive	More affordable long-term
Best For	Streaming, speed, ease of use	Privacy customization, many devices

When to Choose NordVPN

• You want top speeds for streaming, gaming, or large file downloads.

• You frequently unblock streaming platforms worldwide.

• You prefer a simple, beginner-friendly interface.

• You want extra privacy tools like Double VPN and Threat Protection.

Best For: Streamers, casual users, frequent travelers.

When to Choose PIA

• You need unlimited devices under one account.

• You want deep customization over your VPN encryption and ports.

• You care about long-term affordability.

• You are tech-savvy and prefer tweaking your settings.

Best For: Tech enthusiasts, large households, budget-conscious users.

Tech enthusiasts

Final Recommendation

If you prioritize streaming performance, speed, and simplicity – Go with NordVPN.

If you prioritize flexibility, customization, and unlimited connections – Go with PIA.

Either choice will protect your privacy, hide your IP address, and secure your internet connection.

It ultimately depends on whether you value ease of use or customization more.