PIA vs ExpressVPN (2024): Which VPN Is Higher?

Personal Web Entry VPN and ExpressVPN are two of the fastest-performing VPNs I’ve examined thus far. With each choices offering top-tier VPN speeds, it could be arduous to decide on which answer you and what you are promoting ought to go for.

Thankfully, each VPN providers have their very own distinctive promoting factors that differentiate them from each other. On one hand, PIA VPN presents actually good worth with its inexpensive paid subscriptions and a number of machine connections. However, ExpressVPN prioritizes providing a easy and dependable person expertise — albeit for the next price ticket.

On this article, we check out which VPN is greatest for you and your group.

• Personal Web Entry: Finest for startups and budget-conscious customers that need quick VPN speeds and limitless machine connections at an inexpensive value.
• ExpressVPN: Finest for small-to-medium sized companies in search of a well-designed and user-friendly VPN software whereas providing quick and dependable speeds.

Personal Web Entry VPN vs ExpressVPN: Comparability

Personal Web Entry VPN vs ExpressVPN: Pricing

Each PIA VPN and ExpressVPN provide three subscription tiers that adjust relying on the contract size. Personally, I like this method because it simplifies the shopping for course of in comparison with different VPNs that categorize their plans relying on the variety of options included in a specific tier.

Personal Web Entry VPN pricing

PIA VPN comes with three plans: a one-month, an annual and a three-year subscription. All three subscription plans present the identical performance, with the one distinction being the ultimate contract size.

• 1 month: $11.95 monthly.
• 1 12 months: $3.33 monthly.
• 3 years: $2.03 monthly.

Sadly, PIA VPN doesn’t have a free model. Nonetheless, it does provide a free trial through its cellular software. Fortunately, you should use PIA VPN on desktop after accessing the free trial both via Android or iOS. I’m additionally comfortable to report that this trial doesn’t require any cost or bank card info to entry.

If you wish to be taught extra, learn our full Personal Web Entry VPN evaluate.

ExpressVPN pricing

ExpressVPN has three plans: a month-to-month, a six-month and an annual subscription. Like PIA VPN, all three plan choices present the identical function set.

• 1 month: $12.95 monthly.
• 6 months: $9.99 monthly.
• 1 12 months: $8.32 monthly.

ExpressVPN presently doesn’t provide a devoted free model. What it does provide is an analogous seven-day free trial that’s accessible via its Android or iOS cellular software. One key distinction in comparison with PIA’s trial, nevertheless, is that ExpressVPN’s free trial requires cost info to entry.

SEE: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN Is Finest? (TechRepublic)

To be clear, the trial is free and ExpressVPN received’t cost you till after the seven-day interval. However if you’d like a free trial that doesn’t require handing over any cost info, PIA VPN is the higher possibility.

If you wish to be taught extra, learn our full ExpressVPN evaluate.

Personal Web Entry VPN vs ExpressVPN: Function comparability

Safety protocols and encryption

Winner: Tie

By way of safety protocols and encryption, PIA VPN and ExpressVPN each rating some extent. Each PIA VPN and ExpressVPN carry safety protocols constructed each for safety and pace.

PIA VPN lets customers select between OpenVPN and WireGuard, whereas ExpressVPN comes with OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol. In keeping with ExpressVPN, Lightway is designed to supply a speedy and safe VPN expertise.

I personally assume having OpenVPN for safety and both WireGuard or Lightway for pace is a good steadiness in a modern-day VPN. I’m glad PIA and ExpressVPN didn’t skimp on this facet.

SEE: Learn how to Begin a Profession in Cybersecurity (TechRepublic Premium)

We get the identical story within the encryption division, with each PIA VPN and ExpressVPN using the military-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm.

In 2024, I nearly take into account having AES encryption a requirement because it’s widely known as some of the uncrackable encryption algorithms at present. A lot in order that it’s utilized by the likes of the US authorities and banking establishments to maintain their knowledge protected.

VPN server community and places

Winner: ExpressVPN

Trying into each VPN’s respective server networks, I’ve to present the win to ExpressVPN for its extra various location unfold in comparison with PIA VPN. As of July 2024, ExpressVPN’s server community consists of servers from 105 international locations. It additionally has a reported 3,000+ servers in its fleet.

On the flipside, PIA VPN’s server suite has VPN servers from a decent 91 international locations. Whereas PIA doesn’t explicitly disclose its server depend, studies have it at round 10,000 to 35,000 servers.

Whereas having numerous servers could look like the higher alternative, I discover extra worth in ExpressVPN’s bigger location unfold.

With VPN servers from 105 international locations, people and companies could have a wider and extra various vary of places to select from in comparison with PIA VPN’s 91-country suite. That is going to be significantly helpful for companies whose important purpose with a VPN is to unblock geo-blocked content material.

Third-party audits and observe information

Winner: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s spectacular and constant impartial third-party audits give it the win when it comes to third-party testing and observe document. As of Could 2024, the VPN has undergone a commendable 18 impartial audits, with the newest one particularly testing its Privateness Coverage claims.

Its portfolio of safety audits is presently unmatched within the VPN area, having audits courting again to 2018. Its third-party checks embrace trying into important elements of its service like its no-logs coverage, VPN protocols, server tech and browser extension.

This isn’t to low cost PIA VPN’s efforts on the audit aspect, because it has additionally undergone essential third-party audits for its service. Its most up-to-date audit was revealed in April 2024, the place Deloitte reviewed PIA VPN’s server community and administration methods. In addition they usually publish Transparency Studies that comprise particulars on court docket orders or knowledge requests despatched to its authorized division.

Because of this regardless for those who select PIA VPN or ExpressVPN, you’re going to be utilizing a safe and examined VPN. That being mentioned, if we’re strictly speaking about which supplier has extra audits, for an extended time frame, ExpressVPN is the higher alternative on this spherical.

Efficiency and pace

Winner: ExpressVPN

On the subject of pace and total efficiency, ExpressVPN will get the slight edge over PIA VPN. Per my testing, ExpressVPN gave me extra constant speeds and a comparatively smoother app expertise.

To check each VPNs, I did my regular workflow as a author of getting a number of tabs open for analysis, utilizing Google Workspace apps like Docs and Drive, attending on-line video conferences and streaming the occasional 4k YouTube video.

With ExpressVPN particularly, I obtained nice speeds and reliability. There have been zero noticeable drops in connection pace, and all of the websites I visited loaded rapidly. ExpressVPN additionally carried out effectively in my pace testing. For downloads, it recorded a 25.57% lower in comparison with my web service supplier, whereas for add speeds, it garnered a 27.96% drop.

For me, a 30-40% drop in pace is the place I’d count on most VPNs to fall underneath, so ExpressVPN’s pace outcomes are glorious.

However, PIA VPN additionally carried out effectively when it comes to pace. I had related leads to day-to-day use and customarily loved constant speeds all through utilizing PIA VPN. For its pace checks, PIA VPN really recorded a smaller lower in obtain speeds at only a 17.1% drop. For uploads, it had an honest 32.8% lower in speeds as effectively.

The place PIA VPN lags behind is in-app efficiency. Throughout my time with PIA, I skilled a bizarre bug the place I had hassle connecting to a server after switching to its WireGuard protocol. This was bizarre contemplating I didn’t encounter the identical subject whereas utilizing OpenVPN. Fortunately, the bug resolved itself after restarting the applying twice.

In distinction, I had no such expertise with ExpressVPN and located the app to run easily all all through my time with it. Whereas this might very effectively be a one-off bug, my testing confirmed that ExpressVPN will present higher total efficiency than PIA VPN.

I additionally should shout out ExpressVPN for its add outcomes. Most VPNs provide good pace check outcomes for obtain speeds solely. So, I discover it spectacular that ExpressVPN’s obtain and add speeds carried out equally throughout my pace checks.

Standout security measures

Winner: Personal Web Entry VPN

Whereas each VPNs have related options on high of the primary VPN, PIA seems to be to have a greater set of extra security measures. It consists of superior VPN-centric security measures like community automation, which robotically connects you to the VPN after sure situations are met; multi-hop performance, which routes person visitors into two completely different servers; and obfuscated servers, which masks that you just’re utilizing a VPN.

Whereas not a function per se, PIA VPN’s functions are additionally open supply. Because of this its supply code is publicly out there for evaluate — a plus for companies that worth transparency and privateness within the software program they use.

You even have the choice to buy PIA VPN’s antivirus and devoted IP providers as add-ons to your VPN subscription. Whereas I’d’ve preferred both to be bundled in, it’s nice that we’ve that possibility for customers seeking to have extra safety capabilities with the present VPN plan.

On the flipside, a spotlight of ExpressVPN’s security measures is its TrustedServer RAM-only server know-how, which ensures person knowledge is wiped at each reboot and isn’t written on firm arduous drives. It additionally bundles in ExpressVPN Keys — its personal devoted password supervisor that’s included with any ExpressVPN subscription. It is a cool addition, particularly if what you are promoting doesn’t have a password administration answer but.

Each VPNs come together with your commonplace VPN options, like break up tunneling, kill swap and built-in advert/tracker/malware blockers. Whereas having a devoted password supervisor is attractive, I really feel PIA VPN’s open-source software program and VPN-focused options give it the benefit on this spherical.

Ease of use and design

Winner: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN takes the cake relating to ease of use and design. Subjectively talking, I really feel ExpressVPN has the perfect steadiness of design and intuitiveness in a VPN software at present.

It has a giant energy button as your On/Off swap, a easy record the place you will discover your servers and a settings menu that’s neatly organized for straightforward entry to options. The design additionally feels and appears trendy with out sacrificing total performance.

A private spotlight for me is how ExpressVPN’s browser extension acts as a distant management for the desktop app. This provides to the excessive stage of polish and user-friendliness that ExpressVPN brings.

PIA VPN’s interface has its personal deserves as effectively. PIA VPN’s desktop and browser functions are customizable, enabling customers to bookmark their most used VPN options on the high.

As a tinkerer, I respect PIA VPN giving customers one of these management over their VPN expertise. The app itself can also be comparatively simple to make use of and doesn’t have any obvious negatives from a design standpoint.

Nonetheless, if we take each VPN apps aspect by aspect, it’s clear that ExpressVPN has a extra polished and refined person interface than PIA VPN.

Simultaneous machine connections

Winner: Personal Web Entry VPN

One massive benefit PIA VPN has over ExpressVPN is with simultaneous machine connections, permitting for a limiteless variety of units in comparison with ExpressVPN’s most of eight units related on the similar time.

That is essential given that the majority companies don’t wish to spend a further subscription to guard a number of units. It definitely will increase PIA VPN’s worth proposition, contemplating it has a extra inexpensive annual plan in comparison with ExpressVPN’s equal subscription.

I additionally discover that limitless simultaneous connections function a handy set-and-forget function since PIA customers received’t have to fret about exceeding the utmost machine restrict when utilizing the VPN.

Supported platforms

Winner: ExpressVPN

By way of official platform assist, ExpressVPN has a slight benefit over PIA VPN. ExpressVPN helps the primary platforms resembling Home windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

If we take a look at browser assist, ExpressVPN has official browser extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Chromium and Courageous browsers. Sadly, there may be presently no Safari assist for ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN additionally helps extra area of interest platforms like Chromebooks, the Amazon Fireplace pill, Amazon Fireplace Stick and Fireplace TV, Apple TV, Google TV and Android TV. You can even manually configure ExpressVPN for routers and media and gaming consoles like older technology Apple TVs, the Nintendo Change, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Ps 3, PS4 and PS5.

In the meantime, PIA VPN helps a variety of platforms in its personal proper, having official apps for Home windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. It additionally helps routers, Amazon Fireplace TV and Fireplace Stick, Android TVs, PS4, PS5, Xbox and the Nintendo Change.

Official browser assist is the place PIA VPN loses out, because it solely has apps for Chrome, Firefox and Opera in the meanwhile. Whereas assist is extra of a case-to-case facet of VPNs, ExpressVPN has the slight benefit when it comes to total platform compatibility.

Worth for cash

Winner: Personal Web Entry VPN

PIA VPN takes the value-for-money spherical, given its extra inexpensive pricing throughout all its subscriptions. If we take a look at each VPN’s base annual plans, ExpressVPN’s $8.32 monthly is greater than twice the value of PIA VPN’s $3.33 monthly subscription. After one 12 months, that’s roughly $100 for ExpressVPN and simply $40 for PIA VPN.

The pricing for each suppliers’ month-to-month plans is nearer, at $11.95 monthly for PIA and $12.95 monthly for ExpressVPN.

I do discover it bizarre that ExperssVPN’s longest-term subscription is for a one-year contract. Usually, VPN’s provide a two-year or three-year plan with decrease month-to-month charges to entice customers to decide in for longer, at a extra inexpensive value. On this case, solely PIA has that kind of plan with its three-year subscription at $2.03 monthly, or simply above $24 per 12 months.

Whereas ExpressVPN seems to be to justify this greater price ticket with its extra refined software and bigger server community, PIA VPN’s considerably extra inexpensive pricing is a significant benefit.

Lastly, the kicker is the worth you get with PIA VPN’s limitless simultaneous machine connections. At $3.33 monthly, you get to attach all laptops, smartphones and different units to a PIA VPN server with out worrying about exceeding a most machine restrict.

Personal Web Entry VPN professionals and cons

Execs

• Limitless simultaneous machine connections.
• Customizable VPN software.
• 7-day free trial through cellular; no cost data required.

Cons

• WireGuard protocol might be buggy at occasions.
• No free model.

ExpressVPN professionals and cons

Execs

• Refined and polished person expertise.
• Server community throughout 105 international locations.
• Constant and dependable VPN speeds.

Cons

• Costly annual plan.
• Solely permits as much as 8 simultaneous machine connections.
• Lacks extra inexpensive, long run subscription.

Ought to your group use Personal Web Entry VPN or ExpressVPN?

After an intense match-up, ExpressVPN comes out as our winner on this comparability. With its huge 105-country server community, dependable and quick VPN speeds and polished desktop expertise, I’m assured most companies or customers that select ExpressVPN will likely be comfortable clients.

Add to that its robust portfolio of impartial audits and intensive assist for a number of working methods, and also you get a high-quality VPN answer that’s definitely worth the value.

ExpressVPN is greatest for small-to-medium sized companies that need a no-nonsense VPN expertise with an easy-to-use interface and dependable efficiency.

This isn’t to say that PIA VPN isn’t possibility — fairly the opposite. I consider PIA VPN supplies actually good worth with its stable 91-country server fleet, customizable software and open-source software program.

PIA VPN is greatest for startups, small groups and budget-conscious customers that need a bang-for-buck VPN that may cowl a number of units whereas nonetheless providing quick VPN speeds.

Methodology

My comparability of Personal Web Entry VPN and ExpressVPN concerned an in-depth evaluation of each VPNs’ included options, total worth and real-world efficiency.

To evaluate every VPN, each PIA VPN and ExpressVPN had been scored on every thing from their server networks to pricing. Particularly, I checked out 5 important pillars for analysis, every having corresponding weights:

• Pricing (20%).
• Core VPN options (30%).
• Ease of use (15%).
• Buyer assist (30%).
• Skilled evaluation (5%).

If you need extra particulars, you possibly can try our full VPN Evaluation Methodology.

As well as, I additionally analyzed actual person suggestions to spherical out my remaining suggestions for each Personal Web Entry VPN and ExpressVPN.

For pace and efficiency, I examined each VPNs on my private Home windows laptop computer and ran them via Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I additionally thought of which forms of companies or customers would greatest profit from both Personal Web Entry VPN or ExpressVPN.