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ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)

Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.

On the data: On the data below, Private Internet Access leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.

Data comparison compiled by Toolradar, not hand-reviewed Methodology
Data comparison 329 user reviews compared

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:

ExpressVPN

Secure your connection, access global content, and enjoy fast speeds

Best for you if:

  • • You want fast VPN

Private Internet Access

Secure your online privacy and access content globally with a fast, no-logs VPN service.

Best for you if:

  • • You want strong focus on user privacy with a strict no-logs policy
At a glance: ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
At a Glance
ExpressVPN ExpressVPN
Private Internet Access Private Internet Access
Starts at
From $3.49/mo, billed monthly Basic plan
From $1.88/mo, billed monthly 3 Years + 4 Months plan
Category
Security VPN
VPN Security
Rating
4.6/5 Capterra 4.6 · G2 4.7 291 reviews 4.6/5 SourceForge 4.6 38 reviews
Free plan
No No

Choose ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access?

ExpressVPN

Choose ExpressVPN if

  • You want fast VPN
  • You want good privacy
  • You work in security, not VPN
Private Internet Access

Choose Private Internet Access if

  • You want strong focus on user privacy with a strict no-logs policy
  • You want open-source applications provide transparency and trustworthiness
  • Budget matters ($1.88/mo, billed monthly vs $3.49/mo, billed monthly)
  • You work in VPN, not security

In-Depth Analysis

ExpressVPN ExpressVPN

Secure your connection, access global content, and enjoy fast speeds

Fair value

ExpressVPN's pricing, particularly the 'Pro' tier at $7.49/month, appears expensive when compared to many market alternatives offering similar core VPN features.

Strengths

  • Pro: Fast VPN
  • Pro: Good privacy
  • Pro: Wide server network
  • Pro: Good apps
  • Pro: Reliable

Weaknesses

  • Con: Expensive
  • Con: Limited connections
  • Con: Kape Technologies owned
  • Con: No Linux GUI
  • Con: Better value alternatives

Key features

High-speed VPN Global servers Split tunneling Kill switch Browser extensions Router support

Private Internet Access Private Internet Access

Secure your online privacy and access content globally with a fast, no-logs VPN service.

Great value

Private Internet Access offers highly competitive pricing, especially with its '3 Years + 4 Months' plan at $1.75/mo, which is exceptionally generous for a VPN service.

Strengths

  • Pro: Strong focus on user privacy with a strict no-logs policy.
  • Pro: Open-source applications provide transparency and trustworthiness.
  • Pro: Extensive global server network in 91 countries for broad access.
  • Pro: Unlimited simultaneous device connections with one subscription.
  • Pro: Includes advanced security features like Kill Switch, Multi-hop, and MACE.

Weaknesses

  • Con: No free trial, only a money-back guarantee.
  • Con: Antivirus and Dedicated IP are paid add-ons, not included in the base subscription.

Key features

Global VPN Server Network (91 countries) No Logs Policy VPN Encryption (WireGuard, OpenVPN) Unlimited Device Connections Split Tunneling MACE (Ad, Tracker, Malware Blocker)

Plans and prices: ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access

Plans and prices of ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, as read on each vendor's pricing page. Each plan keeps its own billing unit.
Tool Plans and prices Source
ExpressVPN
  • Basic: $3.49/mo, billed monthly
  • Advanced: $4.49/mo, billed monthly
  • Pro: $7.49/mo, billed monthly
expressvpn.com/pricing
Private Internet Access
  • 1 Month: $12.57/mo, billed monthly
  • 3 Years + 4 Months: $1.88/mo, billed monthly
  • 1 Year: $3.33/mo, billed yearly
privateinternetaccess.com

Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on ExpressVPN pricing and Private Internet Access pricing.

Key Takeaways

ExpressVPN

  • Choose if you want secure your connection, access global content, and enjoy fast speeds

Private Internet Access

  • Lower entry price: $1.88/mo, billed monthly vs $3.49/mo, billed monthly

What the data shows

On the data below, Private Internet Access leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.

  • User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.6/5 from 291 reviews for ExpressVPN, 4.6/5 from 38 reviews for Private Internet Access).
  • Private Internet Access has the lower entry price: $1.88/mo, billed monthly (3 Years + 4 Months) against $3.49/mo, billed monthly (Basic) for ExpressVPN.

Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate

Frequently Asked Questions

How do ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access compare in 2026?

On the data below, Private Internet Access leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.6/5 from 291 reviews for ExpressVPN, 4.6/5 from 38 reviews for Private Internet Access). Private Internet Access has the lower entry price: $1.88/mo, billed monthly (3 Years + 4 Months) against $3.49/mo, billed monthly (Basic) for ExpressVPN.

What are ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access used for?

ExpressVPN: Secure your connection, access global content, and enjoy fast speeds. Private Internet Access: Secure your online privacy and access content globally with a fast, no-logs VPN service.

What does ExpressVPN cost vs Private Internet Access?

ExpressVPN's cheapest paid plan is Basic at $3.49/mo, billed monthly. Private Internet Access's cheapest paid plan is 3 Years + 4 Months at $1.88/mo, billed monthly.

What's the main difference between ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access?

ExpressVPN's main strength: fast VPN. Private Internet Access's main strength: strong focus on user privacy with a strict no-logs policy.

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