What is the difference between ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access?

ExpressVPN is best for Users wanting a reliable, fast VPN across all devices, while Private Internet Access is best for Privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs VPN with open-source transparency. ExpressVPN starts at $6.67/mo and Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/mo.

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.

At a glance

	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Best for	Users wanting a reliable, fast VPN across all devices	Privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs VPN with open-source transparency
Starting price	$6.67/mo	$2.03/mo
Free tier	—	—
Open source	—	✓
Free tier available	—	—
Open source	—	✓
35000+ servers	—	✓
94 Countries	✓	—
Fast Speeds	✓	—
MediaStreamer	✓	—
No-logs	—	✓
Open source	—	✓
Split Tunneling	✓	—
Unlimited connections	—	✓
VPN	—	✓

ExpressVPN

Strengths

Includes Fast Speeds as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows
Includes 94 Countries as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows
Affordable at $6.67/mo — one of the lower-priced options in the vpn category
Established product with 17+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

No free plan — you need to pay $6.67/mo from day one to use it
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in vpn
Limited team/admin features if your organization eventually scales up

Try ExpressVPN → Full review

Private Internet Access

Strengths

No-logs policy proven in court — twice
All apps are open source for transparency
35,000+ servers — largest server network of any VPN
Very affordable on long-term plans

Weaknesses

Owned by Kape Technologies (formerly Crossrider) — controversial parent company
Based in the US — Five Eyes jurisdiction
Speeds can be inconsistent on some servers
Interface is functional but not as polished as NordVPN

Try Private Internet Access → Full review

The bottom line

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