ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Which is right for you?
Detailed Score Comparison
Our team rated both VPNs in six key categories based on 90 days of hands-on testing and technical analysis.
ExpressVPN
Private Internet AccessExpressVPN leads with a 9.3 vs 9.1 score
Real-World Mbps Benchmarks
Measured from our London office on a 1 Gbps fiber line using the fastest available protocols for both services.
938 Mbps874 Mbps773 Mbps743 Mbps14 ms14 msExpressVPN is 7% faster in our local speed tests
We measured throughput with Speedtest.net on a 1 Gbps fiber baseline from our London office, hitting endpoints in London Docklands, Frankfurt, and New York. On the Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN peaked at 938 Mbps locally, fast enough that a 4K stream starts before your finger leaves the play button.
We repeated the runs across morning, afternoon, and late-night windows over seven days to flatten out ISP congestion. Private Internet Access is no slouch on WireGuard, clocking 874 Mbps on the nearest London node, though we logged a slightly higher 14 ms latency on transatlantic hops to Manhattan. For low-ping gaming and calls, ExpressVPN held a steadier line.
Audits and Encryption Standards
A deep dive into the logging policies, server architectures, and independent audits that protect your digital footprint.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessExpressVPN has 23 audits vs 3 for Private Internet Access
Security is where the two diverge most. ExpressVPN has undergone 23 independent audits by firms like PwC and KPMG, showcasing a level of transparency that is hard to beat. Its TrustedServer technology ensures everything runs on RAM-only servers, meaning no data is ever written to a hard drive. In practice, this means even a physical server seizure would yield no usable data.
We’ve been using this setup for 90 days and the post-quantum protection added in 2024 gives it a future-proof edge. Private Internet Access counters with a fully open-source app architecture. While they have fewer total audits (3 conducted by Deloitte), their code is available for anyone to inspect. In our testing, we found their MACE feature highly effective at blocking trackers at the DNS level.
Kill Switch & Leak Protection
We tested both apps for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks during forced connection drops to ensure your identity stays hidden.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessReliable Kill Switches: No leaks detected over 30 days
Password Managers & Ad Blockers
Looking beyond the tunnel at the additional tools like Private Internet Access’s MACE and ExpressVPN’s Keys password manager.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessComparing MACE vs Keys: Which extras actually matter?
Split Tunneling Functionality
An overview of how each VPN allows you to route specific application traffic outside of the encrypted tunnel.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessCustomizing your traffic with Split Tunneling
Payment Methods & Crypto
From Bitcoin to traditional credit cards, here is how you can pay for these services anonymously.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessCrypto and Anonymity: From Bitcoin to Klarna
Netflix & Global Streaming
We tested both VPNs against 15+ streaming platforms to see which unblocks the most content in 4K.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessExpressVPN unblocks 40% more libraries than Private Internet Access
Across the 90-day window, ExpressVPN was the undisputed champion for streaming. It effortlessly unblocked Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock. In practice, this means you can access the US Max library from Europe without the service detecting your VPN usage. ExpressVPN uses Automatic Obfuscation to stay under the radar of aggressive streaming filters.
Private Internet Access performed well on US-based services but struggled slightly with some BBC iPlayer servers. However, it still holds a 9.2 streaming score and is a great pick if you primarily want to watch Disney+ or Paramount+. If your goal is global content variety, ExpressVPN is the more surgical tool for the job.
Apps and Device Compatibility
Comparing the user interface and simultaneous connection limits across all major operating systems.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessUnlimited devices vs polished mobile apps
Support Response Times
We tested the 24/7 live chat and email responsiveness of both teams to see who helps you faster.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet Access24/7 Chat Support: We tested the response times
Subscription Plans & Renewal
A transparent look at the monthly, annual, and long-term pricing, including the hidden renewal rates.
ExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessThe 2-year plan vs the 3-year value play
ExpressVPN sits at {pricierPrice:long-term} for the 2-year tier: a noticeable jump above Private Internet Access which costs only {cheaperPrice:long-term} on its 3-year plan. It’s important to note that these promo prices apply to the first billing period only. On renewal, ExpressVPN jumps to $9.99/mo, while Private Internet Access renews at a more modest $3.33/mo.
Both services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which serves as a real escape hatch if you aren’t satisfied. While Private Internet Access is the 1.6x more affordable option over the long term, the 20 audit difference and superior streaming performance of ExpressVPN explain why it maintains a premium position.
Complete Feature Comparison
The full breakdown of every technical specification, protocol, and server detail for ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
| ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | ||
| Overall score | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Parent company | Kape Technologies | Kape Technologies |
| Speed & Infrastructure | ||
| Local speed | 938 Mbps | 874 Mbps |
| Remote speed (US←EU) | 773 Mbps | 743 Mbps |
| Latency (local) | 14 ms | 14 ms |
| Protocols | Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 35,000+ |
| Countries | 105 | 91 |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | Yes |
| P2P / torrenting servers | Yes | Yes |
| Supports 4K streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing & Plans | ||
| 2-year plan | $2.79/mo | $1.79/mo |
| 1-year plan | $4.99/mo | $3.10/mo |
| Monthly plan | $12.99/mo | $11.69/mo |
| Free version | No | No |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Anonymous payment (crypto) | BTC, ETH, XRP+ | BTC, ETH, LTC+ |
| Simultaneous devices | 8 | Unlimited |
| Security & Encryption | ||
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20-Poly1305 | AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20-Poly1305 |
| Post-quantum encryption | Yessince 2024 | No |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes |
| IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes |
| WebRTC leak protection | Yes | Yes |
| Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN (MultiHop) | N/A | N/A |
| Obfuscation (China/UAE) | Automatic Obfuscation | Shadowsocks |
| Tor over VPN | No | No |
| SOCKS5 proxy | No | Yes |
| Meshnet (P2P LAN) | No | No |
| Dedicated IP | Yes$4.99/mo | Yes |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Ad / malware blocker | Threat Manager | MACE |
| Port forwarding | No | Yes |
| Privacy & Jurisdiction | ||
| Independent audits | 23× | 3× |
| Audited by | KPMG, PwC, Cure53, F-Secure | Deloitte |
| Transparency report | Yes | Yes |
| Open source app | No | Yes |
| Bug bounty program | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | BVI | USA |
| Streaming & Use cases | ||
| Works in China | Yes | No |
| Works in Russia | Yes | No |
| Works in UAE | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Gaming support | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms & Devices | ||
| Windows / macOS / Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS / Android | Yes | Yes |
| Router | Yes | Yes |
| Trust & Ratings | ||
| Trustpilot score | 4.0 / 5 (27,012) | 4.3 / 5 (10,902) |
| App Store rating | 4.7 ★ | 4.7 ★ |
| Google Play rating | 4.7 ★ | 4.5 ★ |
| Support | ||
| 24/7 live chat (response) | ≤2 min | ≤10 min |
| Email support (response) | ≤24 h | ≤24 h |
| Documentation quality | 9.7 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Try | Try | |
Comparing 60+ features at a glance
Frequently Asked Questions
Our expert team answers the most common queries about using ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access in daily life.
Which VPN should you choose?
Our final recommendation based on three months of rigorous performance and security evaluations.