Our data puts NordVPN at 4.6/5 and Private Internet Access at 3.7/5. On paper, NordVPN wins. In practice, the better choice depends on whether you care more about streaming vs privacy.
| Criteria | NordVPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.6/5 ★ | 3.7/5 |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | USA |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | No | Five |
| No-logs policy | Audited 5/5 ★ | Not audited 4/5 |
| Speed score | 5/5 ★ | 4/5 |
| Protocols score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Streaming score | 5/5 ★ | 3.5/5 |
| Leak protection | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Encryption score | 5/5 ★ | 2/5 |
| Security subtotal | 5.0/5 ★ | 3.8/5 |
| Trust subtotal | 4.7/5 ★ | 2.0/5 |
| Price (monthly) | $12.99/mo | $11.95/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $59.88/yr | $39.95/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $83.43/yr | $52.56/yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 60 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Pricing score | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
Where NordVPN wins
On speed (5/5 vs 4/5), NordVPN outperforms Private Internet Access. The same pattern holds for privacy and security (5.0/5 vs 3.8/5).
Where Private Internet Access wins
Private Internet Access does not outscore NordVPN on individual criteria. At 3.7/5, it remains a solid option with consistent performance.
Who should pick what
Pick NordVPN if streaming matters most. Pick Private Internet Access if features is the priority. On a pure score basis, NordVPN is the safer default.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
For most users, NordVPN (4.6/5) is the better pick. Its advantage over Private Internet Access (3.7/5) comes from stronger transparency performance. The only reason to go with Private Internet Access is if features matters most to you. Get NordVPN risk-free.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best VPN for streaming guide. Read our full NordVPN review for a complete breakdown. See our Private Internet Access review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
NordVPN scores 4.6/5 vs 3.7/5 for Private Internet Access. NordVPN leads on streaming. That said, Private Internet Access may be the better fit if features is your main priority.
In our speed tests, NordVPN scores 5/5 and Private Internet Access scores 4/5. NordVPN has the edge in our data, though real-world results vary by server and location.
NordVPN costs $12.99/mo month-to-month, or $59.88/yr for a 1-year plan. Private Internet Access is $11.95/mo monthly, or $39.95/yr per year. Both offer a money-back guarantee.