ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
ExpressVPN is Premium VPN known for speed, reliability, and wide device support, while Private Internet Access is Long-established VPN provider with open-source apps and a proven no-logs policy. Private Internet Access comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. ExpressVPN is built for users wanting a reliable, fast vpn across all devices, whereas Private Internet Access targets privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency.
$2.03/mo
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | — |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| 35000+ servers | — | ✓ |
| 94 Countries | ✓ | — |
| Fast Speeds | ✓ | — |
| MediaStreamer | ✓ | — |
| No-logs | — | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | — |
| Unlimited connections | — | ✓ |
| VPN | — | ✓ |
Pricing: ExpressVPN starts at $6.67/mo. Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/mo. Private Internet Access is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: ExpressVPN offers 94 Countries, Fast Speeds and MediaStreamer that Private Internet Access lacks. Private Internet Access brings 35000+ servers, No-logs and Open source that ExpressVPN does not have.
Open source: Private Internet Access is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. ExpressVPN is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: ExpressVPN's biggest strengths are: includes fast speeds as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows. includes 94 countries as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows. Private Internet Access's biggest strengths are: no-logs policy proven in court — twice. all apps are open source for transparency.
Watch out for: With ExpressVPN, users commonly note that no free plan — you need to pay $6.67/mo from day one to use it. With Private Internet Access, the main complaint is that owned by kape technologies (formerly crossrider) — controversial parent company.
choose ExpressVPN if
- You need a tool built for users wanting a reliable, fast vpn across all devices
- You specifically need 94 Countries and Fast Speeds
- You care about includes 94 countries as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows
choose Private Internet Access if
- You need a tool built for privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency
- You want to save on per-user costs — Private Internet Access is $4.64/user/mo cheaper
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need 35000+ servers and No-logs
- You care about all apps are open source for transparency
frequently asked
What is the difference between ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access?
ExpressVPN is Premium VPN known for speed, reliability, and wide device support, while Private Internet Access is Long-established VPN provider with open-source apps and a proven no-logs policy. Private Internet Access comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. ExpressVPN is built for users wanting a reliable, fast vpn across all devices, whereas Private Internet Access targets privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency.
Should I use ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access gives you open source and self-hosting; ExpressVPN is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose ExpressVPN over Private Internet Access?
Choose ExpressVPN if You need a tool built for users wanting a reliable, fast vpn across all devices; You specifically need 94 Countries and Fast Speeds; You care about includes 94 countries as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows.
When should I choose Private Internet Access over ExpressVPN?
Choose Private Internet Access if You need a tool built for privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency; You want to save on per-user costs — Private Internet Access is $4.64/user/mo cheaper; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need 35000+ servers and No-logs; You care about all apps are open source for transparency.
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