Skip to main content

NordVPN vs Private Internet Access

NordVPN leads Private Internet Access by 0.1 points overall (8.4 vs 8.3).

#3 in VPN services

NordVPN

People who want one capable VPN for every device.

8.4/10, Very good

#4 in VPN services

Private Internet Access

Tinkerers who want fine control over settings.

8.3/10, Very good

Criterion by criterion

Where each one wins

  • NordVPN9.0

    Several independent no-logs assessments have been published over the years.

    Privacy & audits

    30% weight

    Private Internet Access8.0

    Independent no-logs audit and transparency reports, though based in the US.

  • NordVPN9.0

    Own WireGuard-based protocol, kill switch, double VPN and threat-blocking options.

    Security features

    20% weight

    Private Internet Access8.0

    WireGuard, kill switch and granular encryption settings.

  • NordVPN7.5

    Good first-term pricing, but renewal rates are noticeably higher.

    Value for money

    20% weight

    Private Internet Access8.5

    Low long-term pricing with unlimited devices.

  • NordVPN8.5

    Native apps on all major platforms, including a Linux client.

    Apps & ease of use

    15% weight

    Private Internet Access7.5

    Open-source apps on all platforms; many settings can feel technical.

  • NordVPN7.5

    Ten simultaneous devices covers most homes but is not unlimited.

    Devices & flexibility

    15% weight

    Private Internet Access9.5

    Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Published facts

Side by side

NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: published facts
FactNordVPNPrivate Internet Access
Free planNoNo
Money-back window30 days30 days
Simultaneous devices10Unlimited
Independent audit publishedYesYes
Company jurisdictionPanamaUnited States
Main platformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Verdict

Which should you pick?

Choose NordVPN if…

You want something best for people who want one capable VPN for every device.

  • + Repeated independent no-logs audits
  • + Strong security extras such as double VPN
  • + Apps for every major platform
Full NordVPN scorecard

Choose Private Internet Access if…

You want something best for tinkerers who want fine control over settings.

  • + Unlimited simultaneous devices
  • + Open-source apps
  • + Highly configurable
Full Private Internet Access scorecard

Checked 1 Nov 2026.

Questions

NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: quick answers

Is NordVPN better than Private Internet Access?

NordVPN leads Private Internet Access by 0.1 points overall (8.4 vs 8.3). NordVPN scores higher on privacy & audits, security features, apps & ease of use. Private Internet Access scores higher on value for money, devices & flexibility.

Who should choose Private Internet Access over NordVPN?

Private Internet Access is best for tinkerers who want fine control over settings. NordVPN is best for people who want one capable VPN for every device.

How were NordVPN and Private Internet Access scored?

Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for VPN services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.

More VPN services comparisons