NordVPN vs PIA in 2026 – Which Wins?

Direct comparison of NordVPN and Private Internet Access covering pricing, speed, streaming, features, and a decisive winner.

Last tested: 2026-05-122 products reviewed

Our Top Picks

#1NordVPNfrom $3.19/mo/mo9/10#2Private Internet Accessfrom $2.03/mo/mo8.2/10

Detailed Reviews

NordVPN

9
Editor's Choice
Monthly$12.99/mo
Annual$3.19/mo/mo
Devices6
Servers7,100+
Countries118
LoggingNo logs
Streaming Yes
Torrenting Yes
Kill Switch Yes

What we liked

  • Fastest VPN speeds with NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
  • Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, malware, and trackers
  • Meshnet feature for secure direct device-to-device connections
  • Double VPN and Onion Over VPN for advanced privacy
  • Independently audited and no-logs policy
  • Reliable unblocking of Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more

Could be better

  • Only 6 simultaneous device connections
  • More expensive than PIA at $3.19/mo vs $2.03/mo annual
  • Some advanced features require separate subscription
  • Static/dedicated IP requires paid add-on

Best for speed and streaming. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol delivers the fastest speeds in the industry, Threat Protection Pro is the best VPN ad-blocker, and it reliably unblocks every major streaming platform.

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Private Internet Access

8.2
Runner-Up
Monthly$11.99/mo
Annual$2.03/mo/mo
DevicesUnlimited
Servers35,000+
Countries91
LoggingNo logs (court-verified)
Streaming No
Torrenting Yes
Kill Switch Yes

What we liked

  • Largest server network (35,000+ servers in 91 countries)
  • Port forwarding included at no extra cost
  • Verified no-logs in multiple court cases
  • Fully open source apps
  • Cheapest annual plan among top VPNs ($2.03/mo)
  • Advanced split tunneling and firewall features

Could be better

  • US-based (5 Eyes jurisdiction)
  • Speeds can be inconsistent on less popular servers
  • Does not reliably unblock Netflix
  • Interface less polished than competitors

Best for torrenting and privacy enthusiasts. PIA's court-verified no-logs policy, port forwarding, and open-source apps make it the top choice for users prioritizing privacy and P2P over streaming.

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Editor's Verdict

The Bottom Line

NordVPN wins as the best overall VPN in 2026. While PIA is cheaper at $2.03/mo, NordVPN justifies its slightly higher price with faster NordLynx speeds, reliable Netflix unblocking, better country coverage (118 vs 91), and advanced features like Threat Protection Pro and Meshnet. For most users, NordVPN's superior streaming performance and speed make it worth the small price difference.

Best OverallNordVPN9/10Get NordVPN
Runner-UpPrivate Internet Access8.2/10Get PIA

Frequently Asked Questions

NordVPN is faster. Using its proprietary NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based), NordVPN consistently achieves the highest speeds in the industry — averaging 950+ Mbps in 2025 tests. PIA with WireGuard averages around 680 Mbps. While both are fast enough for any task, NordVPN is the clear winner for speed, especially on long-distance connections.

NordVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max. PIA does not reliably unblock Netflix — this is a known limitation of the service. If streaming is a priority, NordVPN is the clear winner. PIA's strength is privacy, not streaming access.

Yes — PIA has been court-verified to produce zero logs despite multiple US subpoenas and FBI requests. Being in a 5 Eyes country means PIA is subject to strict legal oversight, and its court-verified no-logs policy means there's simply nothing to hand over. NordVPN is based in Panama (outside 5/9/14 Eyes), which may be preferable for users wanting to avoid US jurisdiction entirely.

PIA is significantly cheaper at $2.03/mo vs NordVPN's $3.19/mo on annual plans. Monthly pricing is similar: PIA at $11.99/mo and NordVPN at $12.99/mo. PIA offers better value on pure price, especially for users who don't need Netflix access. However, NordVPN's superior streaming ability and faster speeds may justify the extra cost.

This depends on your priorities. PIA is better for power users who need port forwarding for fast upload speeds in P2P networks. PIA also has a court-verified no-logs policy confirmed in real legal cases. NordVPN handles torrenting well with fast speeds and a no-logs policy, but lacks port forwarding. Both have kill switches and allow P2P on all servers.