Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN – 2026 Comparison

ExpressVPN is more reliable for streaming. While PIA works with Netflix and other services, it requires more trial-and-error with server selection. ExpressVPN's dedicated streaming infrastructure and MediaStreamer DNS make it significantly more consistent.

PIA has stronger privacy verification — it has been subpoenas multiple times in US courts and produced zero user data each time. ExpressVPN is audited by KPMG annually and operates from the British Virgin Islands, but has not been tested by court orders in the same way.

PIA was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2019, which is a UK-listed company. Kape has also acquired CyberGhost and ExpressVPN competitor. Some privacy advocates have concerns about the acquisitions, though all three VPNs maintain independent operations.

ExpressVPN is slightly faster on average due to its proprietary Lightway protocol optimization. In our tests, ExpressVPN maintained 90-95% of base internet speeds while PIA averaged 80-90%. The difference is most noticeable on distant servers.

ExpressVPN has historically been more reliable in China due to its obfuscation features and larger IP pool. PIA works less consistently in China and its US-based infrastructure can result in more blocked IPs.