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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

VPN by Private Internet Access vs NordVPN

VPN by Private Internet Access 4.7★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner NordVPN
NordVPN 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75

NordVPN generally offers a more stable and faster connection for most users, despite some recent UI and connection issues, while VPN by Private Internet Access struggles with consistent reliability across devices, especially iPads.

Full reviews: VPN by Private Internet Access · NordVPN

NordVPN and VPN by Private Internet Access both offer VPN services, but NordVPN generally provides a more reliable and faster experience, despite some recent UI complaints and connection drops. VPN by Private Internet Access users frequently report connection issues, especially on iPads, and difficulties with customer support and refunds.

Head to head

Reliability and Connection Stability edge: NordVPNR1R4R10R13
VPN by Private Internet Access Many users report significant issues with VPN by Private Internet Access, including dropped connections, the app not working when needed, and difficulty connecting or staying connected R1R4R10. Some users specifically mention it being unreliable on iPads and iOS 15 R1R15R35. The 'kill switch' feature is also cited as unreliable and potentially causing phone issues R13.
NordVPN NordVPN users also experience connection drops and disconnections, sometimes daily . Some report the auto-connect feature turning off in the background . However, many users praise its reliability and fast connection once established .
Speed and Performance tieR28R39R45R51
VPN by Private Internet Access While some users describe PIA as fast and strong R39R51, others report it blocking internet access entirely or slowing down their connection R28R45.
NordVPN NordVPN is frequently criticized for slowing down WiFi and internet connections, with speeds dropping significantly for some users . However, other users describe it as fast and quick .
Ease of Use and User Interface edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR3R11R12R30
VPN by Private Internet Access Users find PIA's interface easy to use R3R11. However, some complain about the country list not allowing typing R30 and issues with the bundled browser R12.
NordVPN NordVPN has received recent complaints about UI degradation, with the app becoming slow and unresponsive after updates . Users disliked a change that made disconnecting harder, though a later update addressed this . Some find the setup clumsy and struggle with features like biometric verification .
Compatibility and Access tieR12R15R27R45
VPN by Private Internet Access PIA users report issues with compatibility, such as the bundled browser crashing R12, the app not starting on iOS 15 R15, and not working with Starlink R12. Some find it blocks access to certain websites or makes it difficult to use the web in specific countries R27R45.
NordVPN NordVPN users report issues with accessing certain websites or services, requiring them to pause the VPN . It reportedly does not work in China and has issues with AppleTV R79 and bypassing geolocation overseas R61. Some users also report not receiving calls or voicemails when the VPN is on R94.
Customer Support and Refunds edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR7R10R13R31
VPN by Private Internet Access PIA users report difficulties with support, describing it as requiring 'degree level network engineering knowledge' R31 and having no feature to enter a support ticket R13. There are also complaints about not receiving refunds for non-working apps R7R10.
NordVPN NordVPN users report issues with refunds, with some being charged for a full year after a trial without clear communication . Some also mention support being unable to help with billing issues .
Pick VPN by Private Internet Access if

You prioritize a straightforward user interface and generally positive long-term user sentiment, and are willing to risk occasional connection issues, especially if you are not an iPad user R3R11.

Pick NordVPN if

You need a VPN that is generally fast and reliable once connected, and you are comfortable navigating a potentially clunky UI or dealing with occasional connection drops .

Evidence note: Both apps are 'Free + IAP', implying a freemium model. However, many negative reviews for both apps mention payment and lack of refunds, suggesting that the 'free' tier might be very limited or primarily a trial for a paid subscription. The reviews do not clearly delineate free vs. paid tier experiences, making a direct free-vs-paid comparison difficult.

Frequently asked

Which VPN is better for streaming or bypassing geo-restrictions?
NordVPN users report issues using it to watch Paramount+ in the Philippines and bypassing geolocation overseas, and it does not work with AppleTV for live programming R61R79. VPN by Private Internet Access users also report it blocking access to certain websites and not working well in some countries R27R45.
Do these VPNs offer good customer support?
VPN by Private Internet Access users describe support as difficult to deal with, requiring advanced technical knowledge, and lacking a clear way to submit tickets, with some reporting no refunds for non-working apps R7R10R13R31. NordVPN users also report issues with support regarding billing and refunds .
Are there any known issues with these VPNs on specific devices?
VPN by Private Internet Access is frequently reported as unreliable on iPads and iOS 15, with issues connecting and starting R1R15R35. NordVPN users have noted performance degradation on phones, including not receiving calls or voicemails when the VPN is active R94.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · US Unreliable on iPad: Consistently dropped server connections regardless of protocol.
  2. [R4] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US Not reliable: It was reliable at first and then gave me out while still being connected, made me lost something tangible I am so pained
  3. [R10] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US P.I.A. the acronym is self descriptive: This thing never works when I need it to. It works fine on a wireless provider. It never, ever, works on open WiFi. It takes messing with the protocols, several days of back and forth with their support. No refund for your time and money. Buyer beware, get a VPN that works. Dedicated IPs go away during their troubleshooting steps of deleting the app and rein
  4. [R13] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: Kill switch is a scam doesn’t work and never has. The service was so bad today the VPN didn’t work and the kill switch made it impossible to get my phone working despite that it never works yet leaks data. I missed a call I waited months for. The app won’t let me enter a support ticket. They have no feature for that. It’s not worth the $6 a month I paid for the service.
  5. [R28] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · GB Meh…: Fine when it works. But can block internet entirely. Still very buggy. Will have to delete and reinstall often. Yawn!
  6. [R39] VPN by Private Internet Access 5/5 · US Very good and strong: I like the way it’s so strong and change my location so good it’s the best I ever use
  7. [R45] VPN by Private Internet Access 4/5 · US So so: It blocks a lot of web site Google searches etc.
  8. [R51] VPN by Private Internet Access 5/5 · US Best VPN: Reliable and fast.
  9. [R3] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · US Very good vpn: I love the freedom that comes with using this vpn. easy to use interface and worth the premium subscription
  10. [R11] VPN by Private Internet Access 4/5 · US Top VPN: Generally most reliable and easy to use
  11. [R12] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · GB It’s ok: I have PIA and use it with no issues but the browser that comes with it just crashes every time so I use duck duck go instead. My Starlink app is not compatible with this vpn either..
  12. [R30] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · GB PIA VPN: The VPN is really good, but when you click on the list of countries you cannot type, only scroll. Can that be changed? Thanks.
  13. [R15] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · GB No longer starts on iOS 15 (supported): App no longer starts in ios15.x iPad, despite being supported version. Just hangs with a spinning circle on startup screen and doesn’t load login buttons etc Shame. We had a good run.
  14. [R27] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · GB Not straight forward: Great protection but not really sure how to make it work in certain countries as it won’t let you use the web at all unless you switch it off which then defeats the object of protection. Great in the uk and Europe
  15. [R7] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US DOESNT WORK AND NO REFUND: Absolute garbage app. Glitches. Won’t allow you to do anything and they won’t refund you for a bad app. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
  16. [R31] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · GB Falls over support impenetrable: Periodically mine just stops working, asks for deep access to setting with quite worrying dialogue boxes and then won’t recognise my dedicated IP token. I can’t be bothered to ask for help because the suggestions they made last time required degree level network engineering knowledge. Too techy, too flaky. Avoid.
  17. [R61] NordVPN 1/5 · US Did not work in the Philippines.: I pay for Paramount+. I tried to use NordVPN to watch the UFC on Paramount. Did not work in the Philippines.
  18. [R79] NordVPN 2/5 · US Doesn’t work with AppleTV: Doesn’t work with AppleTV, AppleTV detects it and doesn’t allow to play live programming. Might good as VPN.
  19. [R35] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · GB Great on iPhone, but still utterly hopeless on iPad: Constant failure to connect, very annoying, there really is no point in having PIA VPN on an iPad, it is SO unreliable. Great on iPhone or Laptop or AppleTV, but on iPad it truly sucks And secondly; this has to be the worst account management I have ever seen!! Seriously, do better!!
  20. [R94] NordVPN 2/5 · US Used to be good: Over the years I’ve noticed degradation in my phone functionality. When the vpn is on, I don’t receive calls or voicemails. It lags if my data traffic is too high and gets stuck loading an IP. Could be a combination of the new iOS and Nord changing how they do things

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store