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VPNs comparison · 2026
NordVPN and PIA are remarkably evenly matched in the VPNs space, scoring 88 and 88 overall respectively on our radar methodology. NordVPN leads on Streaming (92 vs 80), while PIA has the edge on Price (92 vs 80). The two are closest on Privacy, where the gap is just 2 points. On pricing, PIA starts cheaper at $2.03/mo versus $3.99/mo. Use the radar chart and dimension table below to find which fits your specific priorities best.
NordVPN
The most recognisable VPN — fast and feature-rich
88/100
PIA
Proven no-logs policy with massive server network
88/100
Radar comparison
NordVPN
88
PIA
88
Speed
Download and upload speed loss vs baseline
Privacy
Encryption, jurisdiction, and audit history
Server Network
Number of countries and server locations
Streaming
Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer unblocking rate
Price
Monthly cost and value for features
No-Logs Audit
Independent audit of no-logs policy
Device Support
Number of simultaneous connections and apps
Overall Score
NordVPN
Pros
Cons
PIA
Pros
Cons
Choose NordVPN if you value server network most and have budget for $3.99/month or more. Choose PIA if you value server network most and have budget for $2.03/month or more. With both tools scoring identically overall, the tie-breaker should be whichever dimension matters most for your specific use case.
NordVPN and PIA score identically in our overall RadarTrek assessment — both earn 88/100 across 7 scored dimensions. This is one of the closest vpns comparisons in our database. The right choice depends entirely on which specific dimension matters most to your use case — use the dimension breakdown above to compare scores on your priority criterion.
PIA starts cheaper at $2.03/month versus NordVPN's $3.99/month. At higher usage tiers, the gap may narrow depending on each tool's scaling model. Check the official pricing pages for current plans — SaaS pricing changes frequently.
NordVPN scores higher on Streaming — 92/100 versus 80/100 for PIA. If streaming is your primary decision criterion, NordVPN is the stronger choice in this head-to-head.
Switching between vpns tools is generally possible but involves migration effort: exporting your data or configuration from NordVPN, re-importing or reconfiguring in PIA, and updating any API integrations or environment variables in your codebase. The effort scales with how deeply embedded the tool is in your stack. Test PIA on a non-production project first before migrating.
NordVPN (88/100) is the better fit for teams who prioritise server network — its strongest dimension — and who want a low-cost starting price. PIA (88/100) is the better fit for teams who prioritise server network and want a low-cost starting price. If both dimensions matter equally, the overall score winner (either tool) is the safer default choice.
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