As the online world develops, we need to be even more cautious than ever before when it comes to potential threats. Privacy and security should be our key focus areas, with VPNs (virtual private networks) offering a great solution. 

There are many companies offering VPNs these days, and it’s important to separate the good from the bad. Within this sphere, two companies have emerged as contenders for the top spot: NordVPN and PIA (Private Internet Access). 

If you’re considering which VPN to opt for, you’re clearly someone who knows how important it is to safeguard your personal information and browsing habits. These two VPNs offer great protection, but how can you choose between them?

To help you out, let’s pit PIA Vs. NordVPN against each other, exploring their features, pros, and cons in detail. In the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which option is the best for you.

See related: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

TL;DR

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• NordVPN and Private Internet Access are two of the most popular VPNs and both are known for their robust security and privacy features.

• NordVPNs strengths include speed, the ability to stream easily, and advanced security options. As a result, it’s a great choice for new users. 
• PIA boasts a huge server network, as many simultaneous connections as you like, and it is also an affordable option. Therefore, it is a suitable option for anyone on a budget. 
• Both NordVPN and PIA have pros and cons, and in the end, it’s important to make a personal choice depending on your needs.

Criteria Breakdown

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In order to accurately pit NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access against one another, we created a list of criteria. These points cover the aspects that a secure VPN service must have in order to be a worthwhile purchase. These criteria will form the bedrock of this analysis, and will help you to make an informed decision. 

The criteria are:

• Speed and performance
• Streaming and unblocking capabilities 
• Security and privacy
• Server network
• Torrenting support 
• User experience
• Pricing and value 

Speed and Performance

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Speed and performance are two vitally important factors when choosing a suitable VPN for your needs. If a VPN is too slow or doesn’t perform as well as you would like, it can ruin your entire browsing experience. For instance, a slow speed can cause buffering, which is extremely frustrating, and even lagging. 

To help work out whether NordVPN or PIA is the best choice, let’s first look at how they rate on speed and performance. 

What Each Option is Best Known For

To accurately identify the winner from PIA vs. NordVPN, we first carried out a set of speed tests across different server locations and situations. We connected to servers in different areas and regions, as well as nearby locations. The aim was to simulate how a person would use the VPN in the real world. 

Pros and Cons

Extensive Server Network

PIA boasts more than 29,650 servers spread across 84 countries. This large network is beneficial as it allows you to connect to servers that are nearby. As a result, your streaming and browsing speed will be faster and less frustrating. 

Customizable Encryption Settings

For PIA, you can adjust your encryption settings so you can choose between speed and security according to your needs at any given time.  

Split Tunnelling

PIA’s split tunnelling option allows you to route traffic or applications through your VPN connection tunnel but also allows other traffic to get around it. This strategy can also make your browsing experience faster. 

Slower Long-Distance Connections

PIA performs very well on servers located nearby, however long-distance servers can result in slower speeds. This may impact performance if you want to access content from far-flung areas. 

Inconsistent Performance

Some reviews state that PIA occasionally has inconsistent performance and can vary in speed depending on the server location and connection. If you need a long-distance connection, this may be a problem for you.  

High Speed and Performance

NordVPN is well-known for its speed and consistency. Whether you’re downloading or uploading files, its speed is unrivalled, even if you’re connected to long-distance servers. 

NordLynx Protocol

NordVPN is the proud owner of the NordLynx protocol. This technology gives you faster speeds but doesn’t scrimp on security at the same time. 

Specialised Servers

If you’re an online user who streams and also uses torrenting, NordVPN has dedicated servers for different uses. So, you can choose a server that is designed specifically for the task you’re focused on and the connection speed won’t suffer. 

Less Extensive Server Network

It’s true that NordVPN has a smaller server network than PIA. Despite that, it still has a good sized network, with 6,328 servers spread over 111 countries. However, if you’re looking for a server nearby, you would be less likely to find one compared to PIA. 

Limited Simultaneous Connections

The downside of using NordVPN is that it allows only 6 simultaneous connections compared to PIA’s unlimited number. If you have several devices you use at any one time, this is a frustrating disadvantage. 

Criteria Evaluation

Speed and Performance Ratings

We rate NordVPN as the highest for speed and performance, however PIA isn’t far behind. The sheer size of its server network is ideal if you need a local connection, particularly in the US. 

However, the NordLynx protocol is the main winner here as it ensures extremely fast speeds for both uploads and downloads no matter where it is connected. You can also choose a specific server for a particular purpose, e.g. streaming to ensure the best speed available.

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Reading the previous experiences of other users is a great way to decide on the best VPN for you. Here are some reviews that focus on speed and performance: 

TrustPilot Review

“I’ve been using PIA for a couple of years now, and while it’s generally reliable, I’ve noticed that the speeds can be quite inconsistent, especially when connecting to servers in distant locations. Local connections are usually decent, but long-distance connections can be frustratingly slow at times.” – John D., TrustPilot

Reddit Review

“NordVPN is hands down the fastest VPN I’ve ever used. I can stream high-quality content without any buffering or lag, even when connected to servers on the other side of the world. The NordLynx protocol is a game-changer, and I highly recommend NordVPN to anyone who values speed and performance.” – Sarah T., Reddit

TechRadar Review

“In our extensive testing, NordVPN consistently outperformed many of its competitors, including PIA, when it comes to speed and performance. NordVPN’s advanced infrastructure and proprietary technologies, such as NordLynx, make it an excellent choice for users who demand lightning-fast speeds and a seamless online experience.” – TechRadar

How to Find Both VPN Services

Both NordVPN Australia and PIA are best accessed through their websites where all the latest information and prices are available. 

Private Internet Access
NordVPN

Both websites contain information about the features of each VPN, subscription options, and occasional promotions. You’ll also find information on how to use your VPN properly, including a blog and tutorials. 

Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities

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One of the main reasons for choosing a VPN is to access sites and content in areas where they are blocked, e.g. streaming platforms. If you’re away on vacation and you want to watch Netflix or another platform, a VPN can help you. 

Let’s explore the quality and reliability of streaming platforms when using both NordVPN and PIA. 

What Each Option is Best Known For

We tested both VPNs with popular streaming platforms, including Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+. Both NordVPN and PIA are renowned for their quality streaming, so this was an interesting experiment to see which performed best. 

Pros and Cons

Dedicated Streaming Servers

PIA has servers that are dedicated to streaming and they work on most streaming platforms without buffering or lags. 

Split Tunnelling

Split tunnelling means you can allow traffic to go through your VPN but you can choose for other sites to go around it. Basically, if you’re watching something on a streaming site and doing another online activity at the same time, you can use this feature. Your streaming service can use the VPN, but your other site doesn’t have to. PIA has this feature. 

Port Forwarding

PIA offers a port forwarding service which can help to avoid buffering when you’re streaming content online.

Limited Streaming Platform Support

While PIA works well with the US version of Netflix and a few other versions worldwide, it doesn’t work with all platforms. For instance, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ all showed a lower quality performance. 

No Functional Smart DNS

Some devices don’t allow the use of VPNs; this is particularly the case with games consoles and smart TVs. A Smart DNS feature is a good way to get around that, however PIA doesn’t have this feature. So, if you have a device that blocks VPN usage, you won’t be able to use it. 

High Quality Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities

There’s no denying that NordVPN is one of the best choices for streaming. It also works across all major platforms and Netflix in different regions. 

Smart DNS

NordVPN does have a Smart DNS feature. So, you’ll be able to use your VPN on devices that traditionally don’t allow it. 

Dedicated Streaming Servers

As with PIA, NordVPN has servers that are set aside solely for streaming. This performs very well on all platforms, so you won’t experience annoying buffering or lagging.  

Limited Customization Options

PIA has plenty of options that you can customise, but NordVPN doesn’t. For instance, NordVPN doesn’t have split tunnelling, and that could be a downside for you if you need to have some traffic going through your VPN and some not. 

Criteria Evaluation

Streaming and Unblocking Ratings

For streaming and unblocking particular sites, NordVPN is our outright winner. That doesn’t mean PIA doesn’t boast plenty of features, but NordVPN offers exceptional performance. 

PIA doesn’t allow easy streaming across all major platforms other than Netflix, but NordVPN does. For that reason, it’s a more reliable option if you want to watch content across several sites.

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

The best way to ascertain whether a VPN is ideal for streaming and unblocking is to read reviews from those who have used it themselves. Here are some reviews and expert recommendations from people who have used both PIA and NordVPN. 

Reddit Review

“I’ve been using PIA for a while, and while it’s great for general browsing and torrenting, I’ve found its streaming capabilities to be quite limited. It can unblock Netflix US, but that’s about it. I’ve had no luck with platforms like BBC iPlayer or Hulu.” – Alex R., Reddit

TrustPilot Review

“NordVPN is an absolute game-changer when it comes to streaming. I can access pretty much any streaming platform I want, whether it’s Netflix libraries from different regions or other services like Hulu and Disney+. The streaming quality is consistently great, and I rarely experience any buffering issues.” – Emily T., TrustPilot

TechRadar Review

“In our extensive testing, NordVPN consistently outperformed many of its competitors, including PIA, when it comes to streaming and unblocking capabilities. NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology and dedicated streaming servers make it an excellent choice for users who want to access geo-restricted content from various streaming platforms.” – TechRadar

Security and Privacy

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One of the main reasons for choosing a VPN is because you want to be secure and safe online. So, it stands to reason that both PIA and NordVPN rate highly in the security and privacy category. 

Let’s continue our comparison of NordVPN vs. PIA by looking at security and privacy in detail. . 

What Each Option is Best Known For

To check which VPN has the best security features, we checked their encryption protocols, leak protection, and logging policies, to name just a few. These are all features which allow a VPN service to keep you secure during your online time. 

Pros and Cons

Verified No-Logs Policy

PIA doesn’t store any information about your online activities. This is called a no-logs policy and, in this case, it has been verified in court cases. Put simply, you can have peace of mind when it comes to total privacy. 

Customizable Encryption Settings

You can customise your encryption settings to meet your particular needs. As a result, you can strike a good balance between how well the VPN performs and the level of security. 

Strong Encryption and Leak Protection

The industry standard encryption level is AES-256, and PIA meets that standard. Additionally, it has leak protection and also has a kill switch. All of this means that your online activities are secure and cannot be seen by anyone else.  

Limited Advanced Security Features

While PIA is a very secure VPN, it lacks some of the advanced features that NordVPN has. One specific feature is the use of obfuscated servers. These are specific servers that hide that you’re using a VPN. NordVPN also has other features that give you extra anonymity, including a double VPN. 

Based in the United States

PIA is US based, which means it is part of an alliance for sharing of intelligence. For most people, this won’t be an issue but if you are concerned about data sharing, it might be a consideration. 

Threat Protection

Alongside its other privacy features, NordVPN also has a Threat Protection feature. This means that any websites with malicious intentions, such as hacking, or sites that feature ads and trackers, will be totally blocked. 

Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction

NordVPN is based in Panama and doesn’t have any data sharing arrangements in place. 

Limited Customization Options

The only major downside of NordVPN’s security features is that they can’t be customised as well as PIA allows. So, if you want to change your encryption settings to suit your needs, you won’t be able to do that with NordVPN. 

Higher Price Point

In our previous NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access comparisons, we’ve already mentioned that NordVPN is a little more expensive than PIA. While it’s not a huge difference, it could be a problem if you’re on a budget. 

Criteria Evaluation

Security and Privacy Ratings

So, who is our winner? In this category, it’s NordVPN. However, there isn’t a huge gap to consider here. Both VPNs have strong protection against leaks, but NordVPN isn’t based in the US, so it is free of data sharing alliances. 

If data sharing isn’t a concern, PIA offers plenty of security and anonymity during your online activities. It really comes down to which option is the best for you in terms of features and price.

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Now, let’s take a look at some reviews and recommendations from people who have used both VPNs and what they have to say about privacy and security.  

Reddit Review

“I’ve been using PIA for a few years now, and one of the main reasons I chose it was its proven no-logs policy. It’s reassuring to know that my online activities and data are not being logged or stored, especially given PIA’s track record of verifying this in court cases.” – David M., Reddit

TrustPilot Review

“NordVPN’s advanced security features, like double VPN and Tor-over-VPN, really set it apart from many other VPN services. I feel like I have multiple layers of protection and anonymity when using NordVPN, which is crucial for my line of work.” – Sarah K., TrustPilot

PCMag Review

“In our comprehensive analysis of VPN security and privacy practices, NordVPN stands out as a top contender. Its cutting-edge encryption protocols, advanced security features, and jurisdiction in privacy-friendly Panama make it an excellent choice for users prioritising online security and anonymity.” – PCMag

Server Network

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For a VPN to be considered the best quality, it needs to have a large server network. That means you can connect to servers all over the world, no matter where you are. 

Of course, these also need to offer high quality, without constant interruptions while you’re trying to surf the web. 

In this section, we’ll continue our NordVPN vs. PIA VPN journey by looking at their server networks in more detail. 

What Each Option is Best Known For

Both PIA and NordVPN have large server networks, but there are some differences between the two. To work out which scores the highest in this section, we looked at their server availability across different geographical areas. 

Pros and Cons

Massive Server Network

Hands down, PIA has the largest server network of the two, with more than 29,650 servers over 84 different countries. When using this VPN, you can easily access a huge number of locations. 

Servers in All 50 U.S. States

If you’re based in the US, PIA is an ideal choice because it covers all states. Therefore, you can choose from a massive amount of IP addresses across the country. 

Dedicated Streaming and P2P Servers

Amongst its countless servers, PIA offers dedicated servers that allow you to stream with ease. If you need to share information via peer-to-peer (P2P) servers, you’ll find plenty of those too. All of this means that you can choose a server that best suits the type of work or activity you’re focused on at that time. 

Limited Advanced Server Features

While PIA has a huge server network, NordVPN has a pretty large one of its own. Additionally, it has advanced servers which can offer even more anonymity, including obfuscated servers. 

Potential Server Overcrowding

When there are countless servers, that means it’s possible for many people to be using them. So, we have the issue of potential overcrowding, especially during weekends and evenings. During these times, you might notice that speed and performance are affected, which can be frustrating. 

Colocated & High-Bandwidth 10 Gbps Servers

While it sounds very technical, NordVPN are moving their servers over to self-owned options. This basically means that the company has more control over their servers and it gives you a more secure experience. A high bandwidth server is beneficial because you’ll notice a faster connection. 

Smaller Server Network

We know that PIA has a massive network, which means NordVPN is always going to fall short on this section. However, they still have 6,328 servers over 111 countries, which isn’t particularly small either. 

Limited Regional Server Coverage

NordVPN doesn’t cover all US states, and because it doesn’t have as many servers from the get-go, its regional coverage may be limited. 

Criteria Evaluation

Server Network Ratings

As you would expect from a quality VPN, both PIA and NordVPN excel in this category. Both have large networks and many features that keep you safe and ensure a fast and high-quality experience. 

For this category, we declare the NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access battle a draw. To choose your ideal option, think about where you need coverage, be it the US or further afield. If you’re focused on the US only, PIA could be the best choice for you. However, if geographic diversity is more important to you, NordVPN is a great choice.

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Here are some reviews and expert recommendations for both PIA and NordVPN in the server network area: 

Reddit Review

“I’ve been using PIA for a while now, and one of the things that really impressed me is the sheer size of their server network. I can always find a nearby server, no matter where I am, which has been great for maintaining fast and reliable connections.” – Alex P., Reddit

TrustPilot Review

“While NordVPN’s server network may not be as massive as some other providers, I really appreciate the advanced server features they offer. The specialised servers for streaming and torrenting have been a game-changer for me, and the colocated servers provide an added layer of security.” – Emily T., TrustPilot

TechRadar Review

“In our comprehensive analysis of VPN server networks, both PIA and NordVPN stood out for different reasons. PIA’s massive server count and extensive regional coverage, particularly within the United States, make it an attractive option for users seeking a vast array of IP addresses and locations. On the other hand, NordVPN’s focus on advanced server technologies, such as colocated servers and high-bandwidth 10 Gbps hardware, positions it as a top choice for users prioritising cutting-edge performance and security.” – TechRadar

Torrenting Support

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If you need to share large files but don’t want the inconvenience of a slow connection, both NordVPN and PIA offer torrenting support. Let’s explore which one is the winner in this category. 

What Each Option is Best Known For

We tested both VPNs to see how they handled large files via torrenting. We checked the upload and download speeds on several different servers for both VPNs. 

Pros and Cons

Torrenting Allowed on All Servers

PIA allows you to carry out torrenting activities on all of its servers, however, none are dedicated for this particular use. You’ll have many options for uploading and downloading files, so you never have to worry about reliability. 

Port Forwarding Support

Due to port forwarding technology, PIA gives you strong speeds for both uploading and downloading. 

Limited Advanced Torrenting Features

NordVPN may offer more advanced features than PIA, including split tunnelling. This means you can run certain sites through your VPN and go around it for others. 

Dedicated P2P Servers

NordVPN has servers that are designed specifically for P2P file sharing and torrenting. This gives you faster performance and extra reliability when sharing large files. 

Criteria Evaluation

Torrenting Support Ratings

Both NordVPN and PIA are ideal for sharing large files through P2P or torrenting, so it’s hard to declare a winner. However, perhaps NordVPN just pips PIA to the post because it has dedicated servers for these uses.

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Let’s explore some community reviews and recommendations from experts in terms of torrenting support for these two VPNs. 

Reddit Review

“As an avid torrent user, I’ve tried several VPNs, but PIA stands out for its flexibility and server availability. Being able to torrent on any of their servers, combined with the port forwarding feature, has made my torrenting experience seamless and fast.” – Alex R., Reddit

TrustPilot Review

“NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers have been a game-changer for me when it comes to torrenting. The download and upload speeds are consistently fast, and the split tunnelling feature allows me to torrent while still accessing other online services without any hassle.” – Emily T., TrustPilot

TorrentFreak Review

“In our comprehensive analysis of VPN torrenting support, both PIA and NordVPN emerged as top contenders. PIA’s flexibility in allowing torrenting on all servers, combined with its port forwarding capabilities, make it an excellent choice for users seeking a vast array of server options. On the other hand, NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers and advanced features like split tunnelling position it as a top choice for users prioritising optimal performance and seamless integration of torrenting with other online activities.” – TorrentFreak

User Experience

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Nobody wants to subscribe to a VPN that is hard to use. Not only does it slow you down, but it’s extremely frustrating too. To help you choose the best option, let’s look at the user experience of both VPNs. 

What Each Option is Best Known For

As our PIA VPN vs. NordVPN comparison continues, we want to help you find the VPN with the easiest experience possible, so we conducted a variety of tests. We looked at how simple each VPN is to install, how to use each one, and their general user-friendliness. 

Pros and Cons

Customizable Apps

PIA’s app is very easy to customise and you can change the settings to suit your needs. You can also alter your encryption settings so you can use specific features whenever you need them. 

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

One of the biggest advantages of choosing PIA is that you can connect as many devices as you like, while just paying for one subscription. 

User-Friendly Interface

The app is very easy to use and you’ll be able to find your way around it without any struggles. 

Potential for Overwhelming Customization Options

While it might not be considered a huge downside, PIA’s app has an overwhelming number of features and settings. So, you might find it a little too much when you first use it. 

Slower Customer Support Response Times

One of the biggest issues with PIA is that its customer support could be better. The response times are quite slow and the live chat function has limited working hours. If you’re trying to solve a problem quickly, you might find this frustrating. 

Streamlined Setup and Configuration

The NordVPN app is designed with ease of use in mind, and it’s simple to personalise to your specific needs. If you’ve never used a VPN before, you won’t struggle with finding your way around this one.  

Automatic Server Selection

NordVPN has a Smart Connect feature which takes a lot of hard work out of the equation. Rather than manually choosing a server to connect to, this feature chooses the best one for you, saving you time and effort. 

Excellent Customer Support

Compared to PIA, NordVPN’s customer service is excellent. Not only is the live chat feature available 24/7, but problems are generally sorted out very quickly. 

Limited Simultaneous Connections

The biggest downside of using NordVPN is that you can only connect with six devices at any one time. Of course, we know that PIA offers unlimited connections. 

Fewer Customization Options

When comparing NordVPN vs. PIA VPN customization, NordVPN comes up short. The app is very easy to navigate but it does have fewer options for customization compared to PIA. 

Criteria Evaluation

User Experience Ratings

Both the NordVPN and PIA apps are easy to use and you can customise them according to your needs. Both NordVPN and PIA have easy to use apps that offer features and customization. However, each service has different strengths and weaknesses, which again makes it hard to declare a clear winner in this category. 

PIA’s app offers unlimited connections, whereas NordVPN limits you to just six. However, NordVPN’s customer service is far better than PIA’s. In terms of customization, PIA has more options than NordVPN, but the app can be a little overwhelming because of that. 

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

To help you understand which service has the best user experience, here are some reviews from customers and experts:

Reddit Review

“I’ve been using PIA for a while now, and one of the things I really appreciate is the level of customization it offers. As a tech-savvy user, I love being able to fine-tune the settings and features to my liking. However, I can see how the abundance of options might be overwhelming for less experienced users.” – David M., Reddit

TrustPilot Review

“NordVPN’s apps are an absolute joy to use. The interface is clean and intuitive, and setting up the VPN is a breeze. I also appreciate the automatic server selection feature, which takes the guesswork out of finding the best server for my needs.” – Sarah K., TrustPilot

TechRadar Review

“In our comprehensive analysis of VPN user experiences, both PIA and NordVPN stood out for different reasons. PIA’s customizable apps and unlimited simultaneous connections make it an excellent choice for advanced users or those with multiple devices. On the other hand, NordVPN’s streamlined approach, automatic server selection, and responsive customer support position it as a top choice for users seeking a hassle-free and user-friendly experience.” – TechRadar

Pricing and Value

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Our final test comes down to money. In the end, you have to stick to a budget and whether a VPN offers ultimate value or not is vital. In this section, let’s explore the winner in terms of pricing, subscription plans, and features offered within each area.

What Each Option is Best Known For

To identify whether PIA or NordVPN Australia is better in terms of pricing and value, we examined the subscription plans, price point, and discounts and benefits included. 

Features

Both VPNs offer features and different tiers within their subscription range. Let’s look at each one in turn: 

Private Internet Access (PIA) features:

• Affordable subscription plans: Out of the two, PIA offers lower priced plans and these are ideal if you’re on a budget. The 3-year plan is the longest available and costs from $2.03 per month. This is one of the lowest priced VPNs around. 
• Unlimited simultaneous connections: As part of your subscription, you can access unlimited simultaneous connections. So, if you’re accessing your VPN on more than one device or sharing a subscription, you’re good to go. 
• Free trial availability: PIA offers a 7-day trial for use on its mobile apps. This allows you to test the service before committing to a longer subscription. 

NordVPN features:

• A range of premium subscription plans available: In the Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN comparison, the latter charges a higher price for its subscriptions. However, it also offers more features, many of which fall into the advanced category. 
• Pricing options: NordVPN has pricing tiers, which includes plans for standard, plus, and complete. This means you can choose the different features you’re going to use and select a plan that includes them. In effect, it allows you to manage your budget and your needs together. 

Extra security tools: The higher priced subscriptions also include additional security tools like encrypted cloud storage, password manager, and dark web monitoring. These tools give you extra value and security.

Final Thoughts

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A VPN is a key piece of armoury in your battle against online threats and to keep you safe during your activities. However, there are many services on the market, so it’s important to shop around, do your research, and find a VPN service that suits your needs. 

Both PIA and NordVPN offer great value for money and many features to suit specific requirements. The best advice is to identify what you need your VPN to do and then see which one ticks the most boxes. 

From our PIA vs. NordVPN investigations here at Privacy Australia, we believe both options are worthwhile and are more than useful for a huge range of different users. 

If you’re unsure what features or VPN Is best for you, or you have any queries with regards to online safety, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re more than happy to help you on your journey to total online security.

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