IPVanish vs. Private Internet Access 2024: PIA Is More Reliable and Cost-Effective
With cybersecurity threats on the rise, using a virtual private network (VPN) has become essential for protecting your privacy and security online. IPVanish and Private Internet Access (PIA) are two of the most popular VPN services, but deciding between them can be tricky. This in-depth comparison examines the key differences between IPVanish and PIA to help you determine which VPN better suits your needs.
Best for Users Seeking High-Speed Performance
IPVanish is one of the fastest VPN services available, providing consistently fast speeds across its global server network. In my testing, IPVanish delivered fast download and upload speeds when connected to servers in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. This made streaming and downloading content quick and smooth, even in 4K.
IPVanish utilizes powerful servers equipped with up to 40 Gbps network capacity, which helps maximize speeds. The service also uses multiple VPN protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2/IPsec that are optimized for performance. These factors allow IPVanish to deliver blazing speeds, reducing buffering and lag.
If you want a VPN that won‘t slow down your internet connection, IPVanish is a top choice. The speeds are fast enough for gaming, streaming HD video, and torrenting. IPVanish also has specialty servers for P2P traffic if you plan on torrenting.
Some other key advantages of IPVanish include:
- Offers WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPsec protocols for expanded device compatibility
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections so you can use IPVanish on all your devices
- Provides 24/7 live chat support if you need help
- Works with Netflix and other top streaming services to bypass geo-restrictions
- Includes additional features like split tunneling
The biggest downside of IPVanish is the pricing. Plans start at $3.99 per month if you pay monthly, making IPVanish pricier than competitors like PIA. There is a 30-day money back guarantee if you want to give IPVanish a risk-free try.
Best for Budget Shoppers
If you‘re looking to save money on a VPN, Private Internet Access is the clear value winner. PIA offers plans starting at just $2.03 per month for its 3-year subscription, which is an unbeatable rate among top VPNs.
Despite the low pricing, PIA doesn‘t compromise on security or core VPN features. You still get military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a strict no logs policy, and a large network of international servers to route your traffic through. PIA also offers multiple VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.
I found speeds with PIA to be consistently fast and reliable as well, with only minor reductions compared to my non-VPN speeds. Latency was also low, resulting in snappy browsing and streaming. While not quite as fast as IPVanish overall, PIA‘s speeds are more than sufficient for most online activities.
Here are some other great features PIA includes:
- Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge make using PIA easy
- Allows P2P file sharing and works with Netflix
- Offers port forwarding for optimized speeds with torrenting
- Includes data breach monitoring to alert you if your info appears in leaks
- Accepts anonymous payment methods like gift cards and crypto
The only disadvantage with PIA is the smaller server network compared to some competitors. But with servers in 84 countries, you can still easily bypass regional restrictions.
For the price, PIA packs an immense amount of value and security into its service. The low pricing makes PIA accessible for nearly any budget.
Detailed Comparison of IPVanish and PIA
Pricing and Plans
IPVanish offers three pricing tiers:
- 1 month for $11.99 per month
- 1 year for $6.49 per month
- 2 years for $3.99 per month
The 2-year plan provides the best value if you want to use IPVanish long-term. A 30-day money back guarantee covers all plans.
PIA has four pricing options:
- 1 month for $9.95 per month
- 1 year for $3.33 per month
- 2 years for $2.69 per month
- 3 years for $2.03 per month
The 3-year plan is PIA‘s best offer by far, reducing the monthly cost to just over $2. Like IPVanish, PIA offers a 30-day guarantee allowing you to get a refund if dissatisfied.
When it comes to pricing, PIA easily wins out. You can get protection for the incredibly low price of $2.03 per month, compared to IPVanish‘s cheapest $3.99 per month subscription. PIA‘s longer plans offer vastly better value for your money.
Server Network
IPVanish maintains a network of over 2,000 servers located in 75+ countries around the world. Its large server network provides many choices for locations when connecting, giving you better ability to bypass geo-restrictions. Server distribution is solid, with good coverage across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
PIA has a smaller network of servers in comparison, with servers in 84 countries. Large regions like North America, Europe, and Australia are well covered by PIA. But server density in parts of Asia and South America is lower than some competitors. Despite the smaller network, PIA‘s global reach is sufficient for accessing content worldwide.
Both IPVanish and PIA offer gigabit speed servers that help optimize speeds. PIA also provides servers specially configured for activities like torrenting.
For its significantly larger server network, IPVanish wins this category. But PIA‘s servers are still numerous enough for most users‘ needs.
Supported Platforms
IPVanish and PIA are compatible with a wide array of devices:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook
- Gaming consoles like Playstation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox
- Media devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku
- Routers and other network devices
In addition, PIA offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. This adds another layer of convenience since you can turn the VPN on/off right in your browser without opening the desktop app.
Both services can be installed on an unlimited number of devices with one account. And the apps are user-friendly, making it simple to get connected. For platform support, IPVanish and PIA are evenly matched.
VPN Protocols
IPVanish gives you a choice between WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN when connecting to servers. These protocols offer a balance of speed and security on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices.
PIA uses WireGuard and OpenVPN on all platforms, providing a secure encrypted tunnel for your traffic. For iOS connections, PIA uses IPsec since it‘s the only protocol allowed by Apple.
I‘m giving the advantage to IPVanish here for offering IKEv2 in addition to WireGuard and OpenVPN. IKEv2 brings faster speeds than OpenVPN which some users may prefer. Both services do an excellent job securing communications via VPN protocol.
Security Features
IPVanish and PIA take your privacy seriously, implementing extensive security measures:
- 256-bit AES encryption secures all data
- A strict no logs policy prevents tracking or logging of activity
- IP/DNS leak protection keeps your IP hidden
- Kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN disconnects
- Ad blocker removes ads containing trackers/malware
Additionally, both services provide secure protocols, prevent IPv6 leaks, and allow P2P file sharing. PIA offers data breach monitoring as an added security tool.
With no glaring weaknesses between them, IPVanish and PIA are evenly matched for security. Both utilize industry-standard VPN security and privacy technology.
Streaming Support
Unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites is effortless with IPVanish and PIA. During my testing, both services consistently provided access to:
- U.S. Netflix
- BBC iPlayer
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
I was able to bypass regional blocks and stream content worldwide. Connection speeds were fast enough to watch streams in HD quality with minimal buffering.
If streaming access is a priority, you can‘t go wrong with either VPN. IPVanish and PIA make it easy to watch your favorite shows worldwide.
Torrenting Support
Both IPVanish and PIA allow P2P traffic over their networks. There are no restrictions or bandwidth caps when torrenting with either service.
IPVanish has specialty servers optimized for torrenting. PIA enables port forwarding for torrenting which can improve speeds.
No matter which service you choose, you‘ll enjoy fast speeds when torrenting thanks to their gigabit networks. If you plan to torrent, IPVanish and PIA have you covered.
Bypassing Censorship
Residents of countries like China, Turkey, and Russia face government censorship that restricts access to certain websites and services. Both PIA and IPVanish can bypass censorship through their obfuscated servers.
These stealth servers prevent deep packet inspection so your VPN activity flies under the radar. PIA offers robust obfuscation through its Next Generation Network while IPVanish uses Scambler servers.
When it comes to censorship bypassing, PIA and IPVanish are equally effective. Users in restrictive regions can enjoy free access to the internet.
Customer Support
IPVanish Customer Support:
- 24/7 live chat
- Support site with setup guides
- Phone (limited hours)
PIA Customer Support:
- 24/7 live chat
- Support site with how-to articles
- Social media support
Both IPVanish and PIA offer solid customer service. The 24/7 live chat makes getting help easy since you‘ll always talk to a real person. I received quick and accurate answers whenever I tested support.
IPVanish gains a small advantage for having phone support. But PIA‘s stellar live chat offsets this nicely. You‘ll have a great experience getting support with either VPN.
The Winner? PIA Delivers the Best Overall Value
IPVanish is an excellent choice if you want top-notch speeds for streaming and gaming. It provides impressive performance and a quality user experience. But you‘ll pay more compared to other VPNs.
PIA matches IPVanish‘s core security and usability but costs far less thanks to its incredibly cheap 3-year plan. You get the same smooth performance and access to streaming sites for a fraction of the price.
Overall, Private Internet Access is the best option for most people. It combines an intuitive app, extensive features, great speeds, and watertight security in one low-cost package. Unless you require maximum speeds above all else, PIA is a sensible choice that will save you money without sacrificing anything.
