NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: The $95 Million Question

Reddit used to love Private Internet Access. Then Kape bought them for $95 million in 2019.

The backstory: PIA was $30 million in debt when Kape Technologies (formerly Crossrider, alleged malware distributor) acquired them. Reddit’s privacy community felt betrayed. Meanwhile, NordVPN was busy hiding a 2018 breach for 18 months.

My stake in this:

• PIA: $0/sale (won’t promote Kape-owned VPNs)
• NordVPN: ~$40/sale (I promote despite the breach cover-up)
• Mullvad: $0/sale (no affiliate program exists)

What I actually recommend:

1. Mullvad - €5/mo, pay with cash in an envelope
2. ProtonVPN - Swiss privacy laws that actually mean something
3. NordVPN - If you’re forced to pick between these two
4. PIA - Kape ownership remains the dealbreaker

Let’s dig into why neither deserves your trust.

⚡ The Verdict Up Front

Bottom line: PIA owned by Kape since 2019 (bought them while $30M in debt). NordVPN concealed breach for 18 months. Both fail the trust test for privacy software.

The winner? Neither. Choose between debt-acquired Kape property or breach-concealing NordVPN.

Why this matters: PIA was Reddit’s darling until Kape bought them while they were drowning in debt. NordVPN’s breach concealment broke trust with security researchers. Both have better alternatives.

The honest option: Mullvad has no affiliate program (I earn nothing), no email required, and survived a Swedish police raid with nothing to hand over.

My Financial Interest in This Fight

PIA (Private Internet Access):

• Rank: #4 - Kape ownership disqualifies them
• Commission: $0/sale (refuse to promote Kape properties)
• 2019 acquisition price: $95 million (while $30M in debt)

NordVPN:

• Rank: #3 - Reformed but that 18-month cover-up lingers
• Commission: ~$40/sale (yes, I promote them anyway)
• Closed source, Panama theater, removed port forwarding

Mullvad:

• Rank: #1 - Swedish police found nothing to seize
• Commission: $0/sale (no affiliate program exists)
• €5/mo forever, pay with cash if you want

ProtonVPN:

• Rank: #2 - Swiss jurisdiction with teeth
• Commission: ~$25/sale
• Open source, port forwarding, actually auditable

Don’t believe me? Check every claim. Sources linked throughout.

November 2019: When Reddit’s Favorite VPN Sold Out

PIA’s Fall From Grace

November 2019: Kape Technologies acquired Private Internet Access for $95 million.

The problem: PIA was carrying $30 million in debt at the time of acquisition. Allegations of toxic workplace culture were circulating. The privacy community watched their trusted VPN get absorbed by a company with an alleged malware distribution history.

What Kape Was Before the Name Change

Pre-2018, Kape = Crossrider - an alleged adware/malware operation.

Their business model:

• Built browser extension tools that injected forced advertising
• 2015 UC Berkeley + Google study flagged Crossrider as major ad injector affiliate
• MalwareBytes called their browser hijacking “indistinguishable from a virus”
• Malware still active as late as August 2019

CEO Koby Menachemi: Former Unit 8200 member (Israel’s NSA equivalent)

The rebrand:

• 2018: Crossrider → Kape Technologies
• CEO Ido Erlichman admitted the name change distanced them from “controversial past activities”
• Immediately started buying VPN companies

Kape’s shopping spree:

• 2017: CyberGhost (€9.1M)
• 2018: ZenMate (€4.8M)
• 2019: Private Internet Access ($95M)
• 2021: ExpressVPN ($936M)

Sources: HackRead acquisition coverage, Crunchbase PIA acquisition

Reddit’s Reaction

From 2019-2020 forums:

“Users took to different forums expressing their disappointment and how they were ready to jump ship.”

Linus Tech Tips stopped promoting PIA and halted sponsorship deals to demand explanations.

The core complaint: Privacy software owned by alleged ex-malware distributor makes zero sense.

My take: When a VPN company is $30M in debt and sells to Kape, that’s not a partnership - that’s a bailout. PIA’s independence died in 2019.

October 2019: NordVPN’s 18-Month Secret

March 2018: Datacenter added insecure remote management to NordVPN server without authorization. Server breached.

April 2019: NordVPN learned about the breach. Destroyed the compromised server.

October 2019: NordVPN publicly disclosed - 18 months late.

What got compromised:

• One expired TLS key
• Zero user logs (none existed to steal)
• No traffic data, no credentials

The damage: The breach itself? Minor. The cover-up? Trust destroyed.

Since then:

• Deloitte audits (2024)
• Cure53 penetration tests (2024)
• RAM-only server infrastructure
• Quarterly transparency reports

Sources: NordVPN breach disclosure, TechCrunch investigation

My take: Six years of reputation rebuilding doesn’t erase 18 months of silence. When evaluating privacy companies, the cover-up matters more than the breach.

Head-to-Head: NordVPN vs Private Internet Access

Pricing: PIA Wins on Renewal Honesty

NordVPN Pricing

Marketing pitch:

• “Only $3.09/month!”

Reality:

• Monthly: $12.99
• 2-year intro: $3.09/mo ($74 upfront)
• Renewal: $12.99/mo (320% jump)
• Year 3 cost: $156/year

Source: NordVPN pricing

PIA Pricing

Marketing pitch:

• “From $2.19/month!”

Reality:

• Monthly: $11.99
• 2-year intro: $2.19/mo ($56.94 upfront for 26 months)
• Renewal: $4.70/mo ($56.94/year)
• Year 3 cost: $56.94/year

Optional add-ons:

• Antivirus: +$1/mo
• Dedicated IP: +$2/mo

Source: PIA pricing

Pricing Champion

Intro pricing: PIA ($2.19 vs $3.09)

Renewal increase: PIA (114% vs 320%)

Long-term cost: PIA ($56.94/year vs $156/year)

Winner: PIA destroys NordVPN on renewal honesty

Speed & Servers: NordVPN Faster, PIA More Servers

NordVPN Infrastructure

Network:

• 7,900 servers across 118 countries
• NordLynx protocol (WireGuard fork)
• RAM-only servers (no hard drive data persistence)

Performance:

• Maintains ~90% of base internet speed
• 4K streaming works consistently
• iOS/Mac users report occasional disconnects

PIA Infrastructure

Network:

• 11,800+ servers across 91 countries
• WireGuard protocol
• Standard server hardware

Performance:

• Good speeds, slower than NordVPN in tests
• Adequate for streaming/browsing
• Server congestion causes connection drops

Sources: Multiple independent speed tests from Cybernews, Security.org, VPNMentor

Speed Winner

Server count: PIA (11,800 vs 7,900)

Raw speed: NordVPN (90% retention vs PIA’s lower performance)

Winner: NordVPN for speed, PIA for server quantity

Streaming & Devices: NordVPN More Libraries, PIA Unlimited Devices

NordVPN Streaming

What works:

• Netflix: 30+ regional libraries
• Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max: All functional
• BBC iPlayer: 400+ UK servers
• SmartPlay: Auto-detects and bypasses geo-blocks

Device limit: 10 simultaneous connections

Platforms:

• Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Mobile: iOS, Android
• Streaming: Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung/LG smart TVs
• Gaming: PlayStation, Xbox via router
• Extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

PIA Streaming

What works:

• Netflix: 15+ regional libraries
• Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu: Functional
• Streaming: Works but less reliable than NordVPN

Device limit: Unlimited simultaneous connections

Platforms:

• Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Mobile: iOS, Android
• Streaming: Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV
• Router support available

Source: PIA streaming guide

Streaming Winner

Netflix access: NordVPN (30+ vs 15+ libraries)

Device limit: PIA (unlimited vs 10)

Trade-off: More streaming content (Nord) vs connect everything you own (PIA)

Torrenting: PIA Wins With Port Forwarding

NordVPN Torrenting

P2P support:

• Dedicated P2P servers
• No port forwarding (removed citing security)
• Casual downloading works
• Seeding severely limited

Legal protection:

• Panama jurisdiction = no DMCA obligations
• Deloitte-verified no-logs (2024)
• Cannot identify users in legal requests

Verdict: Download-only VPN, seeders look elsewhere

PIA Torrenting

P2P support:

• P2P allowed on all 11,800+ servers in 91 countries
• Port forwarding available (random port, changes per session)
• 10-15% faster downloads with port forwarding enabled
• Limited to one port per connection
• Not available on US servers (DMCA jurisdiction)

Legal protection:

• US jurisdiction (concerning for some)
• Deloitte-verified no-logs (2022, 2024)
• Proven in court: couldn’t provide user data when subpoenaed

Verdict: Actual torrenting VPN with port forwarding

Sources: PIA port forwarding guide

Torrenting Champion

Winner: PIA dominates with port forwarding

If you seed torrents, PIA or ProtonVPN (Swiss, also has port forwarding) are your only real options.

Support: NordVPN Responds Faster

NordVPN Support

Live chat:

• 24/7 availability
• 2-3 minute typical response
• Generally helpful

Refund policy:

• 30-day money-back (first purchase only)
• Full refund, no prorating
• Renewals excluded

Support grade: 8/10

PIA Support

Live chat:

• 24/7 availability
• Variable response times
• Reddit users complain: “100% MIA for months”

Refund policy:

• 30-day money-back (first purchase only)
• Reddit reports refund claim difficulties
• Renewals excluded

Support grade: 6/10

Sources: Reddit complaints from r/PrivateInternetAccess, user reviews

Support Winner

Winner: NordVPN for consistent response quality

Security: Both Audited by Deloitte, Both Closed Source

NordVPN Security

Code: Closed source (can’t verify)

Recent audits:

• Deloitte (Nov-Dec 2024): No-logs verified
• Cure53 (Jun-Aug 2024): Penetration testing + code review

Features:

• Kill switch
• DNS leak protection
• Split tunneling
• Double VPN
• Onion over VPN
• NordWhisper obfuscation

No-logs: Verified, but 2018 breach hidden 18 months

PIA Security

Code: Closed source (can’t verify)

Recent audits:

• Deloitte Romania (Jan 2024): No-logs verified
• Deloitte (2022): First verification

Features:

• Kill switch
• DNS leak protection
• Split tunneling
• Built-in ad blocker
• WireGuard protocol

No-logs: Verified by audits + proven in court (couldn’t provide data when subpoenaed)

Real-world test: Court subpoenas produced nothing because logs don’t exist

Sources: PIA 2024 audit announcement, Deloitte audit PDF

Security Winner

Winner: Tie - both Deloitte-audited, both closed source

However: Kape ownership (PIA) vs breach concealment (Nord) both undermine audit credibility.

The Problems Neither Company Discusses

You’re searching “NordVPN vs PIA” because:

• Both advertise cheap long-term pricing
• Both claim no-logs policies
• Both have Deloitte audit badges
• Comparison sites rank both highly (for those commissions)

What they don’t advertise:

About PIA:

• Bought by Kape for $95M in 2019 while carrying $30M debt
• Kape = former Crossrider (alleged malware distributor)
• CEO has Israeli intelligence (Unit 8200) background
• 2024 layoffs cut 12% of Kape staff across all VPN brands
• Closed source = trust us blindly
• US jurisdiction (Five Eyes member)

About NordVPN:

• Concealed 2018 breach for 18 months
• Panama jurisdiction = marketing theater
• Closed source = trust us blindly
• Removed port forwarding (useless for seeders)
• 320% renewal price jump

Better question: “Which VPN isn’t owned by alleged malware distributors and didn’t hide security breaches?”

What You Should Use Instead

For Maximum Privacy

Skip: PIA (Kape-owned) and NordVPN (breach concealment)

Use: Mullvad

Why Mullvad:

• No email required: 16-digit random account number
• No affiliate program: I earn $0, still rank it #1
• Payment options: Mail cash in envelope, crypto, or cards
• €5/month forever: No intro tricks, no renewal jumps
• Open source: Verify the code on GitHub
• Port forwarding: Available for torrenting
• Police raid proof: 2023 Swedish police found nothing to seize
• Independent: Not owned by Kape, NordSec, or anyone else

Full Mullvad review

For Streaming + Privacy

Skip: Mullvad (doesn’t unblock streaming services)

Use: ProtonVPN

Why ProtonVPN:

• Swiss jurisdiction with actual privacy laws
• Open source apps (auditable)
• Port forwarding (torrenting-friendly)
• 10 Netflix libraries + major streaming platforms
• Not owned by Kape
• No breach cover-ups
• Independent operation

Full ProtonVPN review

If Forced to Choose Between Nord and PIA

Choose NordVPN if:

• Kape ownership bothers you more than breach concealment
• You need 30+ Netflix libraries
• You want faster speeds
• You can tolerate no port forwarding

Choose PIA if:

• Breach concealment bothers you more than Kape ownership
• Port forwarding matters (torrenting/seeding)
• Unlimited devices appeals to you
• $4.70/mo renewal beats $12.99/mo renewal

Honest answer: Neither. Both fail basic trust requirements for privacy software.

Reddit’s Verdict: Trust Lost on Both Sides

NordVPN Reddit Sentiment (2024-2025)

Complaints:

• 2018 breach trust issues persist
• Billing problems during promotional periods
• Port forwarding removal angers torrent users
• Split tunneling bugs on Windows
• Random iOS/Mac disconnects

Positive notes:

• Fast speeds for streaming
• Netflix reliability
• Six years of transparency efforts

Pattern: Performance appreciated, trust questioned

PIA Reddit Sentiment (2024-2025)

Complaints:

• Kape ownership = primary concern
• “100% MIA” customer support reported
• Connection drops during server congestion
• Refund claim difficulties
• 2024 Kape layoffs affect service quality
• US jurisdiction worries privacy advocates

Positive notes:

• Port forwarding works
• Renewal pricing honest
• Unlimited devices
• Court-proven no-logs (couldn’t provide data when subpoenaed)

Pattern: Features valued, Kape ownership distrusted

Common Thread

Both VPNs share:

• Closed source (can’t verify claims)
• Trust damage from ownership/breach decisions
• Heavy affiliate marketing drives recommendations
• Better alternatives exist

Bottom Line: NordVPN vs PIA

Forced to choose? NordVPN edges out PIA.

Why: Kape’s alleged malware history is structural and ongoing. NordVPN’s breach concealment was bad, but they’ve spent six years rebuilding trust through audits and transparency. PIA’s been under Kape control since 2019, bought while drowning in $30M debt.

The real answer? Neither deserves your privacy.

What to do instead:

1. Maximum privacy? → Mullvad (€5/mo, no email, I earn $0)
2. Streaming + privacy? → ProtonVPN (Swiss jurisdiction, open source)
3. Absolutely forced? → NordVPN (less problematic than Kape ownership)

Verify Everything Yourself

Don’t trust me. Check the sources:

Kape/Crossrider claims:

• Windscribe investigation: What is Kape Technologies?
• PIA acquisition details: HackRead coverage
• Debt situation: Forum discussions

NordVPN claims:

• 2018 breach: Official disclosure, TechCrunch investigation
• Pricing: NordVPN official
• 2024 audit: Deloitte announcement

PIA claims:

• Pricing: PIA official
• 2024 audit: Security audit announcement
• Deloitte report: PDF download
• Kape brands: Official page

Commission claims:

• PIA affiliate program exists (I don’t promote Kape properties)
• NordVPN affiliate program exists (verified)
• Mullvad: No affiliate program: Check their site

Better alternatives:

• Try Mullvad: €5, no email
• Try ProtonVPN: 30-day refund
• Independent reviews: NYTimes/WireCutter, Wired

Want to see the raw data behind my claims? Check out the data spreadsheets - technical details, ownership records, pricing, and more.

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Legal disclaimer: Facts sourced and linked. Opinions clearly marked. Kape/Crossrider’s alleged malware history documented in multiple independent sources above.

Affiliate disclosure: I earn from NordVPN (~$40/sale) and ProtonVPN (~$25/sale). I earn $0 from Mullvad (no affiliate program exists) and $0 from PIA (refuse to promote Kape properties). Ranking Mullvad #1 despite zero commission. Warning about PIA’s Kape ownership despite affiliate availability.