ExpressVPN vs PIA (Private Internet Access): Which VPN is Best For New Zealand in 2022?

ExpressVPN OpenVPN (TCP) speed on a 100 Mbps connection using a US server

PIA OpenVPN (TCP) speed on a 100 Mbps connection using a US server

As evident from the results, ExpressVPN is the clear winner in New Zealand in this category dominating PIA in all aspects.

ExpressVPN vs PIA (Private Internet Access): Servers and Performance in New Zealand

Both ExpressVPN and PIA use an assortment of physical and virtual locations for their network infrastructure as to meet the demands of users in New Zealand.

Both VPNs cover many regions across the world, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, New Zealand and others.

There is not much difference in the server count. Where ExpressVPN offers 3000+ servers, PIA adds 300 more to the list, giving it an edge over the BVI-based provider.

However, what ExpressVPN lacks in numbers, it makes up for it by covering more countries than PIA. While PIA covers 84 countries, ExpressVPN beats the provider by coving 94+ countries covering 160 locations!

ExpressVPN vs PIA (Private Internet Access): Security Features For New Zealand

ExpressVPN offers support for three protocols in New Zealand: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway, which is the provider’s custom lightweight propriety protocol. Meanwhile, PIA has OpenVPN and WireGuard in its bucket.

The BVI-based provider uses OpenVPN as the default protocol across all devices in New Zealand. It uses AES-256-CBC ciphers with HMAC SHA-256 data authentication on the data channel.

For the control channel, it uses AES-256-GCM ciphers with RSA-384 handshake and HMAC SHA-256 data authentication.

On the other hand, PIA uses the AES-256-bit ciphers with SHA256 for data authentication and RSA-4096 for handshake on the data channel.

For the control channel, PIA uses the same ciphers and hash authentication, with the inclusion of SHA384 for authentication. Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFE) is available via ECDHE+ECDSA.

However, ExpressVPN is the more secure option in New Zealand, as they utilize cipher block chaining and their TrustedServer Infrastructure shifts all its hard drives onto a RAM model, deleting all logs instantaneously.

ExpressVPN vs PIA (Private Internet Access): Privacy Features For New Zealand

One look at the table above and it becomes clear which provider in New Zealand is more secure. ExpressVPN has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, while PIA is located in the United States.

Since the BVI is an autonomous nation with its own set of laws, it is free from the invasive tactics adopted by the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances, like mass surveillance and data retention.

The same cannot be said about the United States, which is a founding member of the Five Eyes. As such, even if a provider boasts a no-logs policy, trusting them is a difficult task.

However, both VPNs in New Zealand have a strict no-logs policy and are even audited by renowned auditing firms. ExpressVPN is audited by PwC and PIA has been audited by Deloitte.

As far as anonymous payment methods are concerned, both VPNs in New Zealand have support for BitPay via Bitcoin.

ExpressVPN vs PIA (Private Internet Access): Configuration For New Zealand

For configurations, both ExpressVPN and PIA utilize a shared network infrastructure in New Zealand. As a result, they can be considered equal in this aspect.

While ExpressVPN lacks static IPs, it offers a rotating mechanism for IPs which are changing everytime you connect to a server. On the other hand, PIA offers static/dedicated IPs which allows you to reserve an IP for yourself, but it requires an additional cost of NZD 6.53 ($3.75) on the 3-year plan.

Both services in New Zealand can be considered as one of the best VPNs for gaming because of the DDoS protection, which can give you a magical experience while playing your favorite games such as Fortnite, PUBG, Overwatch, and more.

I would say it’s a tie in this category as both VPNs in New Zealand give head-to-head competition to each other.

PIA VPN vs ExpressVPN: Setup and Interface in New Zealand

On the other hand, PIA’s applications in New Zealand still require some work in the overall UI and appearance. Their desktop versions sit in the taskbar, which is accessible by right-clicking the icon.

While this is a nice design, it also brings about with it some hassle. The app basically hides itself the second you click somewhere else on the screen. As such, you constantly have to reopen the app.

This can be quite tiring and frustrating, especially if you are trying to follow a setup or configuration guide since following a huge list of steps can be a difficult task.

Mobile apps

As far as mobile apps in New Zealand are concerned, ExpressVPN maintains the same design and consistency in overall UI, which does not get disturbed even when used on a larger screen.

PIA’s mobile apps in New Zealand are nicely designed and tend to be clutter-free. All options are listed neatly and connecting takes barely a few seconds, which is quite remarkable.

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Unblocking Capabilities in New Zealand

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Do they actually work in China?

Chinese residents and expats are always in search for “working” VPN services that can bypass the many technologies employed by the “Great Firewall” in China.

Luckily for ExpressVPN users, the services work inside China if you download and install the VPN beforehand since VPN websites are banned in the country. However, there are no Chinese servers offered by ExpressVPN.

PIA, on the other hand, offers no such incentives to Chinese users. Their services do not work in China, making it impossible for people to use their service.

ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Customer Service in New Zealand

Both (ExpressVPN Vs PIA) offer support via live chat, email, and a ticket system. Testing the live chat services revealed that responses were quite fast.

Email/ticket support did take some time with PIA (averaging at 45 minutes per reply), whereas ExpressVPN cut it shorter (averaging at 33 minutes).

We conducted these tests by sending each VPN three questions via email. Among them, two were general queries and two were a little more technical. See the statistics below:

Customer Service: ExpressVPN

Customer Service: PIA

ExpressVPN vs PIA: Which One is Better For New Zealand?

In this ExpressVPN vs PIA comparison guide for New Zealand, while both of the VPNs reviewed deliver amazing performance, security, privacy, and features, ExpressVPN definitely tends to be the better option in New Zealand.

It offers a larger network of servers, successfully unblocks Netflix, works in China, and even offers a router app that works on DD-WRT and Tomato routers.

It is headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands and offers all the necessary tools to keep you anonymous on the web.

At NZD 11.61/mo ($6.67/mo). with an upfront payment of NZD 173.99 ($99.95), ExpressVPN can be expensive and the quality it offers justifies its pricey factor in New Zealand.

If you have anything to add or enquire, do not hesitate to leave us a message!

FAQs: ExpressVPN vs PIA Comparison For New Zealand

Which one is the better choice between ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access in New Zealand?

ExpressVPN is a better VPN than Private Internet Access overall in New Zealand. It has a network of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries with streaming and P2P qualities on all servers, constantly rotating to give you a new IP address every time you connect to a server.

What considerations should I make while deciding between ExpressVPN and PIA in New Zealand?

While choosing a VPN in New Zealand, pay close attention to the number of servers, connection speed, simultaneous connections, streaming support, pricing, and security features.

There are VPNs in New Zealand out there that will give an amazing online experience, while others can slow down your connection.

If you have to choose, ExpressVPN is the provider to go for since it has won in all categories in this in-depth comparison analysis.

Which VPN is faster between ExpressVPN and PIA in New Zealand?

ExpressVPN is faster than Private Internet Access in New Zealand. As evident by the speed test performed in this blog, ExpressVPN only has a speed loss percentage of 6.5%, while PIA has a speed loss percentage of 29.13%.

Moreover, upon testing both providers with the renowned OpenVPN protocol with both of its variants, namely TCP and UDP, ExpressVPN came out as the winner by beating its counterpart with a huge margin.

How private is ExpressVPN in New Zealand?

ExpressVPN is really private since it is based in one of the privacy-friendly regions called the British Virgin Islands which has flexible data retention laws and the region is not a part of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes Alliance Group.

The provider uses TrustedServer Technology which means the total network infrastructure is working on RAM-based servers which don’t have the ability to store information in New Zealand.

Moreover, ExpressVPN has also been independently audited by one of the big four auditing firms called PwC.

Is PIA still a good VPN in New Zealand?

Yes, PIA is near the top of our rating, offering budget-friendly plans with fast speed, strong security, and top-tier VPN features to secure your online presence in New Zealand.

However, if I compete PIA with ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN easily wins the battle in New Zealand.

Is there a better VPN than ExpressVPN in New Zealand?

ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for all kinds of activities on the internet in New Zealand. However, the provider is avoided by many users just because of its pricey plans in New Zealand.

In that case, I recommend signing up for Surfshark as the provider offers almost the same quality with plans that are easy on the pocket in New Zealand.