Private Internet Access (PIA) and NordVPN are paid VPN services with different strengths. PIA is currently cheaper over the long term and supports unlimited connections, while NordVPN offers broader server geography and its own NordLynx and NordWhisper technologies.
Neither service has a permanent Free plan. PIA offers a 7-day trial via the App Store and Google Play, NordVPN a 3-day trial for new Android users. When choosing between PIA and NordVPN, it's more important to compare price, devices, geography, and features.
PIA and NordVPN by the numbers
| Parameter | PIA | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term price | $2.03/mo for the first 39 months | Basic — $3.49/mo for the first 27 months |
| Trial access | 7 days with an annual plan via the App Store and Google Play | 3 days on Android via Google Play |
| Refund | 30 days on direct purchase | 30 days |
| Network | 91 countries, 140+ locations; exact number of servers not published | 8400+ servers in 167+ countries |
| Connections | No fixed limit | Up to 10 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN | NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| Highlights | Split tunneling, PIA MACE, Multi-Hop, port forwarding | Double VPN, Meshnet, NordWhisper, Onion Over VPN |
The data and prices were verified in September 2026 against the official PIA and NordVPN websites and may change.
PIA vs NordVPN: prices and devices
PIA is currently cheaper over the long term: $2.03 per month for the first 39 months versus $3.49 for NordVPN Basic for the first 27 months.
On devices, the advantage goes to PIA: the subscription supports unlimited simultaneous connections, NordVPN up to 10.
PIA vs NordVPN: servers and countries
PIA operates in 91 countries and offers 140+ locations, but doesn't publish the exact total number of servers.
NordVPN claims 8400+ servers in 167+ countries, so on published geography the advantage is its. The number of servers can't be compared directly, since PIA doesn't disclose this figure.
PIA vs NordVPN: trial access
Neither PIA nor NordVPN has a permanent Free plan.
PIA offers a 7-day trial with an annual subscription via the App Store or Google Play. On a direct purchase, new users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN offers new Android users a 3-day trial via Google Play and a 30-day money-back guarantee after purchase.
On trial length the advantage goes to PIA — 7 days versus 3 for NordVPN.
PIA vs NordVPN: protocols and features
PIA supports WireGuard and OpenVPN. Additional features include split tunneling, PIA MACE, port forwarding, and Multi-Hop with Shadowsocks or SOCKS5.
NordVPN offers NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordWhisper for restricted networks. Additional features include Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Meshnet.
PIA and NordVPN: privacy and no-logs
Both services claim no-logs and use RAM-only servers. PIA's apps are open source, and in 2026 Deloitte Audit Romania completed the third independent audit of the service's infrastructure and its compliance with the no-logs policy.
At the end of 2025 NordVPN passed its sixth independent no-logs audit by Deloitte.
Both services confirm no-logs with independent audits; PIA additionally stands out for its open-source apps.
Which to choose: PIA or NordVPN?
PIA is worth considering if a lower price, unlimited connections, a 7-day trial, port forwarding, or open-source apps matter to you.
NordVPN is a good fit if broader geography, NordWhisper, Meshnet, Double VPN, or specialized server modes matter to you.
Need an alternative to PIA or NordVPN?
Neither PIA nor NordVPN has a permanent Free plan: PIA's trial is available via the mobile stores, NordVPN's only to new Android users.
If you want to try a full-featured VPN with no bank card, you can consider VolnaLink: the service provides 8 hours of full access and locations in 100+ countries. In that time you can choose the country you need, test the VPN with your usual sites and apps, and then decide whether you want a subscription.
See also: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN · NordVPN vs Proton VPN · Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN · NordVPN vs CyberGhost · NordVPN vs Surfshark · Surfshark vs ExpressVPN · Surfshark vs Proton VPN · Surfshark vs CyberGhost