PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access Comparison in USA: In-Depth 2024

Last updated: January 8, 2024
William Sams
William Sams
PureVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are both famous providers in the marketplace of VPNs. Is either a good choice though? Find out more in this PureVPN vs. PIA comparison!
PureVPN-vs-PIA-in-USA

Choosing the best VPN in USA can make all the difference when it comes to safeguarding your online privacy, especially in 2024. With the availability of information and applications, there is no excuse for not taking action to prevent your data from being exploited.  In this blog, let’s dive deep into the world of VPNs, starting from PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison in USA.

Both PureVPN and Private Internet Access are mid-tier virtual private networks that provide, more or less, similar features at a comparable price point. This is why the comparison between PureVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) remains a topic of interest.

If the PureVPN vs PIA Reddit is any example, it is clear to see a winner between the two. But before I reach a decisive answer with the PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison, let me start with the basics first.


PureVPN vs Private Internet Access Comparison in USA — Quick Overview

To find the ideal VPN for your online security needs among the two mentioned VPNs, I should start with the swift PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison. This comparison will help you make an informed decision:

VPNs purevpn-logo PIA logo new
Starting Price US$ 3.29 /mo $2.11 per month
Security Military-grade AES encryption, Kill switch, No-logs policy, leak protection Military-grade AES encryption,
Kill switch, No-logs policy, leak protection, RAM-only servers
Number of Servers 6500+ servers in 78+ countries 3500 servers in 91 countries
Speeds (on a 100 Mbps internet connection) Download Speed: 75+ Mbps

Upload Speed: 40+ Mbps

Download Speed: 65+ Mbps

Upload Speed: 50+ Mbps

Number of Devices 10 Unlimited
Platforms Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Fire TV iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV
Streaming Support Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
P2P Support In select countries In all countries
Customer Support Via live chat, Email, and In-depth support library Email and In-depth support library
Money-Back Guarantee 31 days 30 days
Ease of Use User-friendly interface, money-back guarantee User-friendly interface, money-back guarantee

This comparison is only done to determine which VPN service is better. If you want to get into details of each service separately, read the PureVPN review in USA and the PIA review.

Get PIA in USA30-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access — Starting Price

The first point in my PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison is the starting prices of the following 2 VPNs. It is essential to weigh the cost against the features offered by each VPN service to get a value deal.

Both PureVPN and Private Internet Access offer a range of subscription plans that allow users flexibility in choosing a package that suits their needs. Since users have multiple subscription options, pricing may vary based on the duration of the subscription. Oftentimes, I saw discounted rates for longer commitments.

These different price categories are perfect for a variety of users who are looking for various deals that best suit their needs and satisfy their wants. For me personally, I am always looking for a deal on my subscriptions. If the features do not justify the cost, then the service is not for me, no matter how good the features are.

Let me start with PureVPN. The starting price for this virtual private network is US$ 3.29 /mo on a two-year plan. This is much lower than the monthly plan, which costs $10.95 per month. There is also a one-year plan that costs $3.24 per month. You can also avail a PureVPN free trial in USA for 7 days.

Although PIA lacks an annual plan, it makes up for it with the six-month plan. Similar to PureVPN, PIA has a two-year plan that costs $2.11 per month. However, the price is significantly higher on the monthly plan at $11.99 per month. This price becomes half with $7.50 per month on the six-month plan. I can see a similar theme in both of these VPN providers. The longer subscription plan costs way less than the monthly subscription plan.

It would be unfair to talk about pricing plans and not mention the refund policies. Both PureVPN and Private Internet Access offer a money-back guarantee when you cancel PIA subscription in USA. The only difference between them is that PureVPN has a money-back guarantee for 31 days, while PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Based on the prices alone, I see a clear winner here: PureVPN.

Get PureVPN in USA30-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN vs Private Internet Access — Security

When it comes to the PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison, both VPNs offer decent encryption and security protocols. PureVPN has a broader range of additional features in contrast with PIA. However, through third-party audits, PIA has gained recognition for its no-logs policy and transparency.

If I look at each aspect of security one by one, I will be able to see which one excels in this category better.

Encryption and Security Protocols:

It is wise to start with encryption protocol as it is arguably the most important aspect of security. As expected, PureVPN utilizes military-grade AES-256 encryption and supports various security protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, SSTP, and IKEv2/IPsec. This makes sure that you have multiple options to choose from based on their preferences while your data is kept hidden and protected from all of them.

PureVPN PIA
VPN Protocols PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2, OpenVPN PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2, OpenVPN
OpenVPN Data Encryption AES-256-CBC AES-128, AES-256
OpenVPN Control Channel Encryption RSA-4096 RSA-4096
Cloaking Technology None None
App Security Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection Kill Switch
DNS Status Private DNS Private DNS

Private Internet Access, on the other hand, also employs military-grade encryption and offers support for multiple protocols. With PIA users will get the standard encryption protocol of AES 256, while the additional protocols are OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and WireGuard.

Logging Policy

PureVPN claims to have a no-logs policy but has faced scrutiny regarding logging practices in the past. However, PIA has undergone independent audits that verify its strong no-logs policy and its claim that no user data is stored or distributed to third parties.

Kill Switch and Leak Protection:

In a similar vein, both providers offer a kill switch feature that halts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents the exposure of your data. However, in my opinion, the PureVPN kill switch is a lot more intuitive compared to Private Internet Access.

Additional Features:

This is where I can do a proper PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison as they differ in terms of additional features. PureVPN contains a bunch of additional features in its arsenal. Features like split tunneling and dedicated IP addresses are available with PureVPN. You can use PureVPN to enhance online security in USA and get DDoS and malware protection, one of which PIA lacks.

In PIA’s defense, it provides ad blocking with MACE, which is a PIA ad and malware blocker. Additionally, PIA supports port forwarding for enhanced customization, which is comparable to PureVPN’s split tunneling.

Although both VPN providers are neck on neck in this category, PureVPN takes the lead due to its comprehensive features that protect user data and ensure a secure online experience in terms of security, privacy, and additional functionalities.

Get PureVPN in USA30-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN vs. Private Internet Access — Servers

The server network of a VPN service is crucial for global coverage and accessibility so it only makes sense to do a PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison in terms of server count. A larger network will not only aid in easier connections it also increase speed as the longer server route can lose some bandwidth.

PureVPN has an extensive 6500+ server network spanning 78+ countries. This provides users with a wide range of server locations, more than they might need. The diverse server infrastructure aims to offer users optimal connectivity options along with minimal lag assurance.

Oftentimes when the traffic is high, your ISP lowers your connection speed. As someone who is frequently online, nothing is worse than waiting for your VPN connection to be established due to overcrowding. With a larger VPN network, you won’t have to worry about either that or server congestion.

Private Internet Access similarly also maintains a substantial number of servers across various locations.  In 91 countries worldwide, PIA has around 3500 servers that conveniently provide users with choices for their preferred server connections. More server locations are also essential to get access to regional content and platforms that might be unavailable for you due to geo-restrictions.

Solely based on the VPN count, PureVPN emerges as the winner in the server category. Since both VPNs offer a vast and diverse server network, it was down to the actual server count.

Get PureVPN in USA30-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN vs. Private Internet Access — Speeds

This is my favorite part of any VPN discussion, the speed performance. It is impossible to do an accurate PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison without conducting speed tests. You may know that VPN speed performance is crucial for maintaining a smooth and stable online experience.

Oftentimes, VPN providers focus more on security features and neglect speed. But there is no point in having secure features when every action on your device takes eons to process.

For the PureVPN speed test in USA, I choose a server location within the US. I tested both the speed of download and upload to get a better understanding of the overall speed of this particular VPN provider. The tests showed the following results:

o   Download Speed: 74+ Mbps

o   Upload Speed: 40+ Mbps

This speed test was conducted with a baseline speed of 100 Mbps on both download and upload. It is worth mentioning that these results were acquired on the WireGuard protocol.

It is common for speed to drop when connected with a VPN due to rerouting and encryption. With PureVPN, the speed is reduced by about 34% on downloads and 30% on uploads. This is pretty average and is expected from most premium VPNs.

PureVPN-speed-test-in-USA

Now, let me move forward with Private Internet Access. Although PIA emphasizes speed and claims to offer high-speed connections, I was not impressed by the results. Similar to PureVPN, the PIA speed test in USA was conducted with a baseline speed of 100 Mbps on WireGuard. Mentioned below are the results:

o   Download Speed: 65+ Mbps

o   Upload Speed: 57+ Mbps

This type of speed is much lower than expected from a premium VPN. Although it is not bad by any means, and there are worse VPN providers out there, it is also far from being the best. More than half of the original speed was lost, with a reduction of 59% on downloads and 49% on uploads.

pia-speed-private-internet-access

While not the fastest, we still got acceptable speeds with PIA’s servers.

So, if this is any indication, PureVPN is the clear winner here.

Get PureVPN in USA30-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN vs. Private Internet Access — Streaming

A VPN is used for many purposes, one of the purposes is for streaming. As I have established by far, a VPN connects users with its remote servers and reroutes your connection. During this process, it also changes your IP address and switches it with an IP address from your server location.

This allows you to access geo-blocked content to guarantee a seamless streaming experience without regional restrictions. It is common practice for streaming platforms to limit titles to certain regions. Due to licensing agreements and whatnot, the content library of the same streaming platform differs from region to region.

With a VPN, you can change your location to whichever region you want and access the content library of that location. However, it is not always that easy. Streaming platforms are always on the lookout for VPN usage and block the devices they suspect are using a VPN.

Platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus are notorious for detecting VPN usage. To bypass this surveillance, a VPN service needs to work harder. Luckily, both PureVPN and PIA can undergo these blocks and provide access to unrestricted content.

You can unlock the magic of Disney+ with PureVPN in USA. No matter where you are in the world, PureVPN ensures unrestricted access to Disney’s vast content library. From beloved classics to the latest releases, enjoy a seamless streaming experience with its secure and reliable service.

You may also experience the full potential of Netflix with PureVPN. This VPN service offers unrestricted access to Netflix libraries from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of exclusive shows or international content, PureVPN ensures seamless streaming, making it the ultimate choice for Netflix enthusiasts.

Furthermore, say goodbye to geo-restrictions and enjoy a wide range of TV shows and movies. PureVPN Hulu dedicated servers provide a smooth streaming experience, ensuring you can binge-watch your favorite content without interruption.

Not only that, but easily unblock BBC iPlayer with PureVPN in USA. Enjoy your favorite British programs from anywhere, thanks to its secure servers. PureVPN’s high-speed connections are optimized for BBC iPlayer streaming, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to the best of British television.

The same is the case for Private Internet Access, as it provides access to the most popular streaming platforms and services. Therefore, in terms of streaming capabilities, both services come to a tie.


PureVPN vs Private Internet Access — Torrenting and P2P Support

Since Torrenting and P2P support are critical factors for many VPN users, let me do a quick PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison in this aspect.

While both PureVPN and PIA torrenting in USA support is available along with P2P activities, PIA is better at it than PureVPN. This is because PIA provides P2P services on all servers in all countries, while PureVPN only allows P2P connections in select servers in some countries. This gives PIA a much-needed edge in this PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison.

However, if you take into account the speed performance, then it is a whole different case. Since Private Internet Access is much slower, PureVPN torrenting in USA is easier and faster on those select servers where PureVPN allows it.

Both VPN providers also offer practical support with a kill switch for torrenting and P2P activities. This ensures that while you are busy with torrenting, none of your data is being compromised. This results in secure and anonymous file-sharing capabilities. All things considered, Private Internet Access wins this round.

Get PIA in USA30-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN vs. Private Internet Access — Support

A reliable support system makes a significant difference in user experience. It also inadvertently determines the services’ user base. This is because if adequate support is provided, both new users inexperienced with VPNs can use this service along with experienced professionals.

On the other hand, if the service is hard to navigate and requires manual configuration, it restricts itself to only the well-seasoned users and isolates the fresher ones. Fortunately, both PureVPN and PIA aim to provide comprehensive customer support.

PureVPN PIA
Video Guides Yes Yes
Searchable Knowledge Base  Yes Yes
Phone Support No No
Email Support Yes Yes
Average Email Response Time 39 Minutes 45 Minutes
Ticket Support Yes Yes
Live Chat Support Yes Yes

Firstly, I will take a look at PureVPN’s customer support. PureVPN provides multiple avenues for users to get assistance. This includes 24/7 live chat, email assistance, and knowledge bases. PureVPN also offers detailed guides and tutorials that provide step-by-step assistance. The customer support representatives are also quite responsive.

I was having some trouble configuring the router, and I got a timely response through email, which contained links to tutorials that break down the process and explain it in simpler terms.

Private Internet Access also understands the importance of reliable support. Similar to PureVPN, if you experience PIA not working in USA, you can get assistance through Email and an In-depth support library which includes tutorials and written guides.

I was also able to contact a customer support representative, but the wait time was longer compared to PureVPN. Based on that, I would surely name PureVPN the winner in this aspect.

Get PureVPN in USA30-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN vs. Private Internet Access — Ease of Use

Similar to customer support, the user interface and overall ease of use play a crucial role in the VPN experience of its users. A simple and intuitive interface would encourage new users to try the service, while a difficult and intimidating one would only discourage them.

When I do a PureVPN Vs Private Internet Access comparison in USA for ease of use, I barely see a difference between the two. Both of the VPN services provide a user-friendly interface across various platforms. The simple navigation of the service makes it easy to use for beginners and experienced users alike.

Both Private Internet Access and PureVPN provide support to different operating systems and devices. You can use PureVPN Kodi in USA, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV or any other variation of smart TV. The desktop app is also easy to use, just like the Chrome extension. You can use PureVPN on 10 devices at the same time.

If you take a look at Private Internet Access, similarly, you can use PIA on Mac in USA, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and smart TVs. You can easily connect PIA to your device and enjoy connection on unlimited devices. This is another perk of PIA: unlimited simultaneous connections on one account.

There were a few adjustments that could be made to take the user experience to the next level, but nothing too severe to be a deal breaker. Because of this, I would say PureVPN and PIA are tied in this category.

Other VPN Comparisons Guides on BestVPN.co


PureVPN vs Private Internet Access Comparison in USA — FAQs

The preference between PureVPN and Private Internet Access depends upon individual needs and values. However, PureVPN does offer a more extensive server coverage, provides faster speeds, and employs more advanced security features and protocols. If you are sensitive to these points and value a more secure online experience, I would suggest opting for PureVPN from the two.

Yes, speed comparisons between Private Internet Access and PureVPN reveal that PureVPN is faster than PIA by a lot. However, speed can vary based on multiple factors, such as server load, distance from servers, and network conditions. On average, you will find PureVPN to be considerably faster than Private Internet Access.

The common consensus points towards a no. Private Internet Access is a decent VPN with reliable features. But if I compare PIA with PureVPN, PureVPN would surely win. This is because PureVPN performs better than PIA in a lot of aspects, which gives it an edge.

Both Private Internet Access (PIA) and PureVPN provide reliable access to streaming services like Netflix. Although the ability to bypass geo-blocks and access specific Netflix libraries can vary based on VPN server locations and Netflix’s VPN blocking measures, both PureVPN and PIA show the capability to unblock Netflix on various server regions.


PureVPN vs Private Internet Access Comparison in USA — Conclusion

PureVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) both offer competitive VPN services, each with its distinct strengths. Both services understand the importance of Streaming and Ease of Use. It is not hard to notice that PureVPN stands out for its starting price, security, servers, speed, and customer support. On the other hand, Private Internet Access specializes in Torrenting and P2P connections.

At the end of the day, choosing between the two virtual private networks depends on your specific needs. Using the provided resources, you can evaluate these VPNs based on your priorities. PureVPN and PIA are reliable services; therefore, the choice ultimately boils down to whatever features matter most to you.

But based on the results of my extensive research and PureVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison in USA, it is safe to say that PureVPN is ahead of Private Internet Access in many aspects. Surely, PureVPN vs PIA Reddit would also agree with this verdict, as PureVPN is a favorite over there.

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