NordVPN vs Private Internet Access
Compare NordVPN and Private Internet Access by device coverage, locations and the features you need.
On the plans compared here, NordVPN covers 10 simultaneous devices; Private Internet Access covers unlimited simultaneous devices. Start with the devices you use together, then check the locations and connection options you need. Network coverage: NordVPN (8,096 servers · 149 countries · 224 locations); Private Internet Access (NextGen servers in 91 countries).
Based on published provider facts and editorial assessment. How we evaluate. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
NordVPN
NordVPN is aimed at: People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Read the review →Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is aimed at: Households and users who want unlimited connections and detailed desktop settings.
Read the review →
Want to test it on your own devices?
The quickest way to settle a shortlist is to check the official deal page, install the apps you actually use, and lean on the refund window if it is not the right fit.
Offer terms
NordVPN: Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo
Private Internet Access: 3 years + 3 months: $2.03/mo (USD)
Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Upfront costs and renewal notes →Device allowance
NordVPN: 10 devices. Private Internet Access: Unlimited devices.
Refund terms
NordVPN: 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Private Internet Access: 30-day guarantee; eligibility and purchase-channel conditions apply
Eligibility, payment method and subscription length can affect the guarantee.
The details side by side
| Head to head | NordVPN Editorial edge | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | Basic monthly: $14.99/mo | Monthly plan: $11.95/mo (USD) |
| Advertised long-term offer | Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo | 3 years + 3 months: $2.03/mo (USD) |
| Devices on compared plan | 10 | Unlimited |
| Countries | 149 | 91 |
| Network | NordVPN lists 8,096 servers · 149 countries · 224 locations | NextGen servers in 91 countries |
| Refund window | 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply | 30-day guarantee; eligibility and purchase-channel conditions apply |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | United States |
| Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN and NordWhisper | WireGuard + OpenVPN |
| Anti-blocking | Obfuscated servers and NordWhisper | Multi-Hop and Obfuscation with Shadowsocks on desktop |
| Audit / privacy | Sixth no-logs assurance by Deloitte Lithuania; December 2025 point-in-time report | Deloitte limited assurance as of October 2025, plus earlier audits and transparency reports |
| WireGuard | ||
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Audited no-logs | ||
| Score for overall | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Equal editorial scores do not produce a winner. Device limits correspond to the advertised entry plan; paid upgrades may differ.
Editorial scores by use case
Overall: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial overall score. NordVPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Streaming: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial streaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Gaming: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial gaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Privacy: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial privacy score. NordVPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 7/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
What differs
Offer terms
NordVPN: Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo. Private Internet Access: 3 years + 3 months: $2.03/mo (USD). Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Simultaneous devices
Private Internet Access allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN allows 10 on the plan compared here.
Country coverage
NordVPN lists 149 countries versus Private Internet Access's 91, which can matter for travel and regional access.
Where each is based
NordVPN is based in Panama, while Private Internet Access operates from United States. Jurisdiction is worth weighing if data-retention rules are part of your decision.
Main protocol
NordVPN documents NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN and NordWhisper; Private Internet Access documents WireGuard + OpenVPN. Availability and defaults vary by app and platform.
Questions about NordVPN vs Private Internet Access
Which is better, NordVPN or Private Internet Access?
NordVPN has the higher editorial overall score. NordVPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Which offer costs less?
NordVPN: Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo. Private Internet Access: 3 years + 3 months: $2.03/mo (USD). Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Which one supports more devices?
NordVPN: 10 devices. Private Internet Access: Unlimited devices.
Which is better for streaming?
NordVPN has the higher editorial streaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Which has the stronger privacy score?
NordVPN has the higher editorial privacy score. NordVPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 7/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Are both links affiliate links?
Some provider links may earn us a commission; others are ordinary links. This does not determine our scores. Prices, regional offers and eligibility must be confirmed on the provider website.
Sources and offer notes
NordVPN
Provider fact check: 2026-09-05
USD Basic offer checked September 5, 2026: $14.99 billed monthly, or $94.23 for the first 27 months ($3.49/mo equivalent), then $139.08/year. Tax may apply. Prices and promotions vary by market; confirm your final checkout total.
- Server locations and count FAQ (nordvpn.com)
- Displayed USD pricing and tier-specific device coverage (nordvpn.com)
- Initial-purchase refund eligibility (support.nordvpn.com)
- Sixth no-logs assurance and report access limits (nordvpn.com)
- No-logs policy and vendor-stated Panama base (nordvpn.com)
- Supported NordVPN protocols (support.nordvpn.com)
- Specialty servers and protocol limits (support.nordvpn.com)
- NordWhisper use cases and limitations (nordvpn.com)
- Kill switch support (nordvpn.com)
- Split tunneling platform support (nordvpn.com)
Private Internet Access
Provider fact check: 2026-09-05
USD offer checked September 5, 2026: $11.95 billed monthly; the 39-month offer advertises $2.03/mo and renewal at $79 every three years. The initial total for the 39-month offer was not separately verified. Check the upfront total, tax and your regional offer before purchase.
- USD pricing, 39 month offer and recurring amounts; unlimited devices;91 countries/all 50 USstates; new-subscriber guarantee footnote (privateinternetaccess.com)
- FAQ explicitly 91 countries; no confirmed total server count (privateinternetaccess.com)
- Current desktop protocol and privacy-setting documentation (helpdesk.privateinternetaccess.com)
- Vendor no-logs policy and audit explanation (privateinternetaccess.com)
- 30 day initial-purchase/renewal refund terms and payment-channel/repeat-refund restrictions (privateinternetaccess.com)
- Identifies US corporate entity and office (privateinternetaccess.com)
- Third-audit announcement updated February 24, 2026; links actual report (privateinternetaccess.com)
- 10-page limited assurance report (assets-cms.privateinternetaccess.com)
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NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. Proton VPN may fit you better: People who value open-source apps, public audit information and Swiss-based operations.
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NordVPN vs CyberGhost
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. CyberGhost may fit you better: People who want seven connections and a longer refund period on a plan of at least six months.
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