Shellfire

ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are both respected in the cybersecurity space, yet they address very different user expectations. If you value top-tier streaming performance, granular control over your connection, or a balance between privacy and price, understanding their core differences is key.

This side-by-side analysis will guide you through the most relevant factors: streaming capabilities, security standards, ease of use, support for anonymity, and more. We highlight the practical strengths of each provider to support a confident, well-informed choice. This is whether you’re safeguarding sensitive data on public networks, bypassing digital barriers while abroad, or simply enhancing your everyday browsing experience.

Key Points

• Users looking for maximum speed and strong privacy protections will appreciate the fast connections and robust security features offered by ExpressVPN, especially for activities like streaming and gaming.
• Private Internet Access stands out for its extensive server network and deep customization options, which make it particularly appealing for advanced users and anyone seeking a budget-friendly solution.
• For those who prefer plug-and-play simplicity or hardware-integrated VPNs, other solutions on the market may offer a more streamlined setup and whole-home protection experience.

Quick Comparison: ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access

Feature	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Headquarters	British Virgin Islands	United States
Server Count	3,000+ in 105 countries	35,000+ in 91 countries
Simultaneous Connections	Up to 8	Unlimited
Protocols	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec
No-Logs Policy	Audited (PwC)	Audited (Deloitte)
Price (Monthly)	$12.95	$11.99
Price (Annual)	$8.32/month	$3.33/month
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days	30 days

Both ExpressVPN and PIA bring compelling features to the table. The former delivers high-speed, low-latency connections thanks to its Lightway protocol, while the latter impresses with the sheer scale of its server network and budget-friendly pricing. Your final decision should hinge on what matters most—speed, flexibility, price, or simplicity.

For users who value simplicity above all and prefer a solution that doesn’t require manual setup or app installation, our Shellfire Box offers an appealing alternative. Unlike traditional VPN apps, it secures all devices connected to your home network with plug-and-play ease—ideal for households with smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Metric	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Server Count	3,000+	35,000+
Countries Covered	105	91
US States Covered	All 50	All 50
RAM-Only Servers	Yes	Yes

ExpressVPN has carved out a broad global footprint, ideal for users who need reliable access from or to diverse locations worldwide.

PIA, meanwhile, leverages its enormous server base to reduce congestion and offer consistent speeds, particularly for users across the U.S.

Speed & Performance

Test	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Download Speed Reduction	~25%	~17%
Upload Speed Reduction	~28%	~33%
Latency Increase	Minimal	Moderate

In speed tests, ExpressVPN shows remarkable consistency, with low latency and balanced download/upload rates—key for streaming and online gaming.

PIA shines in download speeds but may lag slightly in real-time responsiveness, which could be noticeable during video calls or competitive gaming.

Security & Privacy

Feature	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Encryption	AES-256	AES-128/256
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes
Ad Blocker	Yes (Threat Manager)	Yes (MACE)
Third-Party Audits	Yes (PwC)	Yes (Deloitte)

Both providers maintain a strong focus on security and data privacy. ExpressVPN stands out with its streamlined, AES-256 encrypted Lightway protocol, combining performance with protection.

PIA gives users more control, allowing them to toggle between AES-128 and AES-256 encryption based on their needs, while offering advanced tools like SOCKS5 proxy support and optional Multi-Hop configurations.

If you’re still comparing what each VPN offers in terms of privacy and transparency, taking a look at how ExpressVPN compares to NordVPN can offer further perspective.

Streaming Performance

Platform	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Netflix US	Yes	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes

For streaming lovers, ExpressVPN offers one of the most reliable experiences available, effortlessly bypassing geographic restrictions on platforms like BBC iPlayer and Disney+.

PIA performs well with U.S.-based services like Netflix and Prime Video but can struggle with niche or international platforms, depending on the region and server choice.

Platform Compatibility

Device	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Windows	Yes	Yes
macOS	Yes	Yes
Linux	Yes	Yes
Android	Yes	Yes
iOS	Yes	Yes
Routers	Yes (App)	Yes (Manual Setup)
Browser Extensions	Chrome, Firefox	Chrome, Firefox, Opera

In terms of compatibility, both VPNs cover all major platforms and devices. ExpressVPN simplifies router installation with a dedicated app, allowing users to protect their entire home network easily.

PIA supports a wide range of devices as well, though its router setup may require more manual configuration and tech knowledge.

Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries

Country	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
China	✅ Works reliably with stealth servers	⚠️ Limited success, often blocked
Russia	✅ Bypasses most restrictions	⚠️ Intermittent access, not always stable
Iran	✅ Stealth features provide consistent access	❌ Generally blocked or unreliable
Turkey	✅ Good performance, avoids throttling	⚠️ Works, but lacks stealth optimizations
UAE	✅ Effective at evading DPI and VoIP blocks	⚠️ Mixed results depending on server

ExpressVPN has a proven track record in regions with aggressive censorship thanks to its built-in stealth technologies, which are automatically activated under restrictive conditions. This makes it a top choice for users in countries like China or Iran.

PIA provides some obfuscation tools like Shadowsocks and custom port settings but tends to fall short under deep packet inspection or aggressive firewall regimes.

User Experience & Apps

Aspect	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
User Interface	Modern, minimalistic, intuitive	Functional, more technical interface
App Stability	Very stable across platforms	Occasional bugs on older Android devices
Ease of Use	Excellent for beginners	Best suited for tech-savvy users
Customization	Basic settings available	Extensive configuration options

ExpressVPN offers a highly streamlined experience, with intuitive apps that appeal to users who want to connect quickly without digging into advanced settings. Its design is consistent across all platforms, reducing the learning curve.

PIA, by contrast, is designed for power users—those who want to tweak connection methods, encryption levels, and port settings to suit specific needs. While this adds complexity, it also offers more control for those who want it.

Alternatively, Shellfire VPN focuses on users who want everything to work out of the box. Its mobile and desktop apps are straightforward and require minimal interaction, which makes it especially suitable for families, or anyone who prefers to avoid VPN configuration altogether.

Customer Support

Support Channel	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
24/7 Live Chat	Yes	Yes
Email Support	Yes	Yes
Troubleshooting Guides	Comprehensive and well-organized	Extensive, detailed documentation
Response Time	Typically under 5 minutes (chat)	Typically under 10 minutes (chat)

Both VPNs provide solid customer service, but they approach it a bit differently. ExpressVPN excels in real-time support, offering fast, helpful responses and a clean library of step-by-step guides.

PIA leans into thorough technical documentation and forum-based help, making it better suited to users who prefer finding answers independently or diving deep into advanced topics.

Additional Features

Feature	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes
Ad & Tracker Blocking	Threat Manager	PIA MACE
Multi-Hop (Double VPN)	No	Yes
Dedicated IP	No	Yes (Paid Add-on)
Port Forwarding	No	Yes
Obfuscation/Stealth Mode	Yes (Obfuscation via Lightway)	Yes (Shadowsocks and OpenVPN)

Private Internet Access offers a robust feature set for advanced users, including support for port forwarding, dedicated IP addresses, and multi-hop routing. These features are particularly attractive to users managing servers, engaging in P2P activity, or working in remote environments.

ExpressVPN, while more minimalist, includes high-performing features that are easy to use out of the box, making it a dependable and less complicated option for most people.

In contrast, the Shellfire Box doesn’t aim to match the technical depth of either competitor but instead excels in simplicity. It provides automatic protection for every device on your network, without the need to install software or configure advanced features—making it a practical solution for users prioritizing hassle-free security over customization.

VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More

Use Case	ExpressVPN	Private Internet Access
Streaming	✔️ Excellent for unblocking global content	✔️ Solid performance on US platforms
Torrenting / P2P	✔️ Fast and secure (limited features)	✔️ Highly customizable, port forwarding
Gaming	✔️ Low latency, stable speeds	✔️ Configurable but slightly higher ping
Remote Work	✔️ User-friendly and reliable	✔️ Great for advanced network configurations
Budget-Conscious Users	❌ Expensive long-term	✔️ Very affordable, especially on yearly plans
Censorship-Heavy Countries	✔️ Consistent access with stealth features	⚠️ Limited reliability in China/Iran

From casual browsing to serious online privacy needs, both VPNs cover a wide spectrum of use cases. ExpressVPN is especially well-rounded for users who want top-tier streaming access, fast connections, and reliable service in high-surveillance environments.

PIA offers better long-term value and customization, making it attractive for power users and budget-conscious households.

Best VPN for Streaming

If your main goal is to access a wide variety of content across services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+, ExpressVPN is the stronger performer. Its large global network, quick server switching, and robust unblocking capabilities ensure consistent access to geo-restricted libraries without buffering or throttling.

PIA, while capable with mainstream platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, occasionally stumbles when it comes to region-locked or niche services. For those who primarily consume U.S.-based content, it remains a solid option—especially considering the lower price point.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

Private Internet Access stands out in the torrenting department thanks to its inclusion of advanced tools like port forwarding, SOCKS5 proxy, and flexible encryption levels. These features allow experienced users to optimize for speed, security, and peer connectivity, making it a top choice for dedicated file-sharers.

Meanwhile, ExpressVPN provides reliable P2P support on all servers with excellent speed and security—ideal for casual users. However, the lack of port forwarding or proxy support might limit its appeal for those with very specific torrenting workflows or seeding needs.

If your priority is P2P sharing and you’re weighing options, our deeper look at PIA vs NordVPN explores how these providers differ on that front.

Best VPN for Gaming

Gamers looking to reduce lag, avoid DDoS attacks, or access international servers will appreciate ExpressVPN’s low-latency performance and consistently fast speeds. Its Lightway protocol is optimized for quick connections and minimal packet loss, making it a go-to for real-time gaming.

PIA also supports gaming effectively, particularly for users who want to fine-tune their network setup. However, default settings may introduce slightly higher ping, and achieving optimal performance may require some manual adjustments.

That said, for casual gamers who want to secure their consoles or mobile devices without dealing with VPN clients, the Shellfire Box offers a plug-and-play option. It protects all traffic at the router level, providing basic privacy and location masking for online gaming without the need for in-game configuration or additional apps.

Best VPN for Remote Work

For professionals working remotely, ExpressVPN offers an easy, secure solution that just works—no fiddling required. Its clean interface, stable speeds, and strong privacy policies make it an excellent choice for securely accessing sensitive work data on public or international networks.

Private Internet Access is a more flexible tool for advanced users managing complex workflows. Developers, engineers, or IT staff may find its support for port forwarding, custom routing, and dedicated IPs particularly useful in enterprise or self-hosted environments.

Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users

If cost is a primary concern, Private Internet Access delivers unmatched value. Its low annual pricing, unlimited device support, and expansive feature set make it ideal for users who want full VPN functionality without the premium price tag.

ExpressVPN carries a higher price, but its simplicity, speed, and performance justify the investment for users who prefer a polished, worry-free experience. Still, for those willing to trade a bit of ease for savings, PIA is the more economical long-term choice.

Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries

Users in countries with strict internet controls, such as China or the UAE, will benefit from ExpressVPN’s stealth technology. It doesn’t require manual obfuscation setup and reliably bypasses DPI filters and government firewalls. Its dependable access under tough conditions makes it a crucial tool for journalists, travelers, or residents in surveillance-heavy environments.

Private Internet Access, while equipped with Shadowsocks and OpenVPN tweaks, struggles more in these environments. Users in high-censorship countries may encounter frequent disconnections or need workarounds to stay connected, making ExpressVPN the more robust option here.

Conclusion

The best choice depends on your comfort with advanced settings and your specific priorities—whether that’s performance, control, affordability, or resilience against censorship.

ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are both excellent VPN solutions, but they cater to different user needs. ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming, gaming, and navigating restrictive networks, thanks to its strong focus on speed, stability, and ease of use. Its streamlined experience delivers exactly what many users are looking for: reliable protection without the need to tweak settings.

PIA, on the other hand, is tailored for users who value customization and cost-efficiency. With its extensive server network, advanced configuration options, and competitive pricing, it’s a strong choice for tech-savvy individuals, heavy torrenters, and families looking to protect multiple devices affordably.

If you’re looking for a solution that blends security with simplicity, consider Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box. These tools offer automatic, plug-and-play protection across all your home devices—no manual configuration required.