Breaking Down the Differences: A Comprehensive Comparison of Ivacy vs Pia Vpn Services
Though both Ivacy and PIA are popular VPN services, there are significant differences between the two that can greatly impact your online security and privacy. From their server networks to their pricing plans, each has its own strengths and weaknesses that make them unique choices for users. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down all the important factors you need to consider when choosing between Ivacy and PIA.
NordVPN
✔️ Thosuands of Servers in 60 Countries
✔️ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔️ 67% off 2-Year Plans and UberEats Voucher
ProtonVPN
✔️ Thosuands of Servers in 70+ Countries
✔️ High-speed VPN for Gaming or Streaming
✔️ 50% off 2-Year Plans
Surfshark
✔️ 3000+ Servers in 50 Countries
✔️ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔️ 79% off + 2 Months Free
Overview of Ivacy
Ivacy was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Singapore. It boasts over one million users worldwide and prides itself on its strong focus on customer privacy and security. With servers in over 100 locations across 50 countries, Ivacy offers a wide range of global coverage for its customers.
Overview of PIA
PIA was established slightly earlier than Ivacy, back in 2005. Its parent company is London Trust Media Inc., based out of Denver, Colorado. Similar to Ivacy, PIA also has a large user base with over two million customers globally. It operates servers in 47 countries, providing decent coverage for its users. From discounted subscriptions to top-rated VPN services to limited-time offers and promotions, there are plenty of unbeatable Black Friday VPN deals available now.
Pricing
- PIA: Also has three subscription options: monthly plan for $9.99/month, annual plan for $39.95/year (equivalent of $3.33/month), and two-year plan for $69.95 ($2.91/month).
- Ivacy: Offers three subscription plans: monthly plan for $9.95/month, annual plan for $3.33/month (billed as $40 annually), and five-year plan for $1/month (billed as $60 every five years). As you browse the internet, using a VPN for secure private browsing can protect your sensitive data from potential hackers and third-party trackers.
Features and Compatibility
Ivacy:
- Has dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
- Offers a wide range of protocols including OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, and IKEv2.
- Built-in malware protection and ad-blocking feature. As you consider which virtual private network is the most suitable for playing Pubg, make sure to look for one with fast speeds and reliable connections for an optimal gaming experience.
- Allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account.
- Provides advanced features such as split tunneling, kill switch, IPv6 leak protection, and secure DNS.
PIA:
- Covers all major platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- Sets itself apart with its use of the open-source protocol OpenVPN.
- Offers advanced features like split tunneling (for desktop applications only), kill switch (Windows and macOS only), port forwarding (on selected servers), IPv6 leak protection (default on all clients), and MACE (ad blocker).
- Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Both Ivacy and PIA have user-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate. However, there are some notable differences between the two.
Ivacy’s app has a more modern design with a sleeker interface compared to PIA’s slightly dated look. It is also easier to connect to specific servers in different locations using Ivacy’s server selection menu.
On the other hand, PIA offers more customization options within its app. Users can choose their preferred encryption method (AES-128 or AES-256) and change their data authentication method (SHA-1 or SHA-256). PIA also has a more detailed settings menu, allowing users to fine-tune their VPN experience.
Speed and Performance
Both Ivacy and PIA have been consistently ranked among the top in terms of speed and performance by independent testing organizations. However, there are some differences in their results.
According to tests conducted by AV-TEST in 2023, Ivacy had an average download speed loss of 45%, while PIA had a slightly higher average loss of 48%. This puts both services above the industry standard of 50% loss.
In terms of connection time, Ivacy was marginally faster with an average connection time of 6 seconds compared to PIA’s 7 seconds. When it comes to server uptime, both providers have a similar track record with very minimal downtime reported.
Security and Privacy
Ivacy:
- Offers users the option to enable a kill switch that halts all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
- All traffic is encrypted using AES-256 encryption.
- DNS leak protection is enabled by default on all clients.
- No logs policy – No activity or usage logs are kept.
PIA:
- Kill switch (Windows and macOS only) prevents any data leaks when the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.
- No logs policy – No user activity or connection logs are stored.
- Makes use of military-grade AES-256 encryption.
- No DNS leaks detected during testing.
Countries Covered
As mentioned earlier, Ivacy operates servers in over 100 locations across 50 countries. Its presence in Asia and the Middle East sets it apart from many other VPN providers.
PIA, on the other hand, has servers in 47 countries. While its coverage is not as extensive as Ivacy’s, it still covers most major regions around the world.
Streaming and Torrenting
Ivacy:
- Torrenting allowed on designated P2P-optimized servers.
- Provides access to popular streaming services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.
PIA:
- No longer reliably unblocks streaming sites due to stricter bans by these platforms.
- All servers support torrenting except for those located in Australia and India (legal concerns).
Customer Support
Both Ivacy and PIA offer a good range of customer support options including email ticket submission systems, live chat, knowledge base articles, setup guides, FAQs, and community forums. However, PIA edges ahead with 24/7 live chat support compared to Ivacy’s limited hours.
Summary
Both Ivacy and PIA are solid choices for a VPN service. Their pricing plans are competitive, their security features are top-notch, and they have impressive speeds. The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs – Ivacy offers better global coverage while PIA provides more customization options within their app. If you prioritize faster connection times or need reliable access to streaming sites, then Ivacy may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if 24/7 live chat support is an essential factor for you or if you want more control over your encryption methods and data authentication protocols, then PIA would likely be the better choice.
NordVPN
✔️ Thosuands of Servers in 60 Countries
✔️ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔️ 67% off 2-Year Plans and UberEats Voucher
ProtonVPN
✔️ Thosuands of Servers in 70+ Countries
✔️ High-speed VPN for Gaming or Streaming
✔️ 50% off 2-Year Plans
Surfshark
✔️ 3000+ Servers in 50 Countries
✔️ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔️ 79% off + 2 Months Free
What are the Main Differences Between Ivacy and PIA in Terms of Features and Services Offered?
Ivacy and PIA have different features and services offered. Some of the main differences include pricing, server locations, security protocols, and customer support. Ivacy offers lower prices, more server locations, and advanced security protocols while PIA has a longer history in the VPN industry and offers 24/7 live chat support. The choice between these two providers will depend on an individual’s specific needs and preferences.
Which VPN Provider, Ivacy Or PIA, Offers Better Security and Privacy Protection for Their Users?
Both Ivacy and PIA are reputable VPN providers that offer strong security and privacy protection for their users. Both use military-grade encryption, have a strict no-logs policy, and offer advanced features like kill switch and split tunneling. The choice between them may depend on individual preferences and needs.