⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/mo (2-year plan) vs AdGuard VPN at $2.40/mo (2-year plan)
- Best for: PIA for privacy-focused power users who want open-source apps and unlimited connections. AdGuard VPN for casual users who want ad blocking and a free plan.
- Key difference: PIA has 35,000 servers across 91 countries with independently audited privacy. AdGuard VPN has 800 servers in 53 countries with no third-party audit.
- Our pick: Private Internet Access for most VPN users — larger network, verified privacy, and unlimited device connections make it the stronger choice.
Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN both promise to keep your internet traffic safe.
But they come from very different backgrounds.
PIA is a dedicated VPN provider with over a decade of experience protecting user privacy on public Wi-Fi networks.
AdGuard started as an ad blocker and added a VPN service later.
That difference shapes everything about how these two tools work.
One encrypts your traffic as a full-featured VPN. The other focuses on blocking ads first.
Overview
This comparison covers pricing, privacy features, and server networks.
We also break down speed, streaming, and ease of use.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN service fits your needs.
What is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access is a VPN service that encrypts your internet connection.
It routes your traffic through a VPN tunnel to hide your real IP address.
PIA VPN runs 35,000 servers across 91 countries.
The service supports unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices.
PIA’s apps are fully open-source, so anyone can inspect the code.
Private Internet Access
A veteran VPN provider with open-source apps and the largest server network in the industry. PIA offers unlimited device connections and a verified no-logs policy.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what Private Internet Access costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short-term testing |
| 6 Months | $7.50/month | Medium-term users |
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2.03/month | Best value for long-term users |
Pricing verified April 2026.
Free trial: No free trial, but PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Money-back guarantee: Full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.
📌 Note: PIA does not increase subscription prices upon renewal. The price you sign up with stays the same. This is rare among VPN providers.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan at $11.99 is above average for VPN services. The real savings come from the 2-year plan at $2.03/month.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here’s what makes Private Internet Access worth considering:
- Massive Server Network: 35,000 servers spread across 91 countries give you plenty of server locations to choose from. PIA covers all 50 US states.
- Unlimited Device Connections: Connect all your devices at once with no cap. Most VPN providers limit you to 5-10 devices.
- Open-Source Apps: Every PIA app is open-source. You can check the code yourself for full transparency.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Deloitte independently verified that PIA does not store connection data or DNS queries. PIA also publishes quarterly transparency reports.
- Built-in MACE Blocker: The MACE feature blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level. No extra software needed.
- Advanced Privacy Features: PIA supports multi-hop connections, split tunneling, two types of kill switches, and port forwarding.
- No Price Hikes on Renewal: Unlike other VPN providers, PIA keeps your price locked in when you renew.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Private Internet Access and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 35,000 servers in 91 countries with US coverage in all 50 states
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan
- Independently audited no-logs policy verified by Deloitte
- Open-source apps let anyone inspect the code
- No price increases on subscription renewal
❌ Cons
- Average speed loss of 49% on download speeds
- No free plan or free trial available
- Inconsistent streaming service unblocking reported by some users
- Monthly plan pricing is above industry average
What is AdGuard VPN?
AdGuard VPN is a VPN service built by AdGuard Software Limited.
The company is best known for its ad blocker products.
AdGuard VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address from websites.
It uses a proprietary protocol that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
The service operates servers in over 65 locations across 53 countries.
AdGuard VPN
A VPN from the makers of the popular AdGuard ad blocker. AdGuard VPN offers a free plan, built-in DNS-level ad blocking, and a protocol designed to bypass censorship.
AdGuard VPN Pricing
Here’s what an AdGuard VPN subscription costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short-term or testing |
| 1 Year | $3.99/month | Annual commitment users |
| 2 Years | $2.40/month | Best value for long-term use |
Pricing verified April 2026.
Free trial: AdGuard VPN offers a free plan with 3 GB of data per month. No credit card required.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee on yearly and 2-year plans.
📌 Note: The free version caps download speeds at 20 Mbps. Paid plans remove this speed limit. AdGuard accepts credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency payments.
⚠️ Warning: The free plan only includes 3 GB of data monthly. That’s enough for light browsing but not for streaming or data-intensive tasks.
Key Benefits of AdGuard VPN
Here’s what makes AdGuard VPN worth considering:
- Free Plan Available: Get 3 GB of free data every month. No payment information needed to start.
- Built-in Ad Blocking: AdGuard VPN lets you choose DNS servers that block ads and trackers without extra software.
- Proprietary Protocol: The AdGuard VPN protocol masks your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. This helps bypass VPN detection on certain websites.
- Cyprus Jurisdiction: AdGuard VPN is based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances. The company complies with GDPR.
- Cross-Platform Apps: Desktop apps, mobile apps, browser extensions, and Android TV support are all available.
- AdGuard Product Suite: If you already use AdGuard products, the VPN works alongside the ad blocker in integrated mode.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for AdGuard VPN and spent several days testing the platform. Here’s what stood out:
AdGuard VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with 3 GB monthly data and no credit card needed
- Built-in DNS-level ad and tracker blocking
- Proprietary protocol disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS
- Based in Cyprus, outside 14 Eyes surveillance alliances
❌ Cons
- Only 800 servers in 53 countries — much smaller than competitors
- No independent security audit has been completed
- Limited to 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans
- No 24/7 customer support — only a ticketing system
- Does not support OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you determine which VPN provider suits your needs.
| Feature | Private Internet Access | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.03/month | $2.40/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ (3 GB/month) |
| Servers | 35,000 in 91 countries | 800+ in 53 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 devices |
| Independent Audit | ✅ (Deloitte) | ❌ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ (MACE) | ✅ (DNS-level) |
| Kill Switch | ✅ (2 types) | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Privacy-focused power users | Casual users wanting ad blocking |
1. Server Network & Locations
Private Internet Access: PIA runs 35,000 servers spread across 91 countries. That includes coverage in all 50 US states, which is useful for accessing region-locked content. The large network means less crowding on individual servers, which helps maintain connection speeds during peak hours.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN operates around 800 servers in 65 locations across 53 countries. That’s a much smaller network compared to PIA. Fewer server locations means fewer options for users who need a VPN server in a specific region.
2. Privacy & Security
Private Internet Access: PIA has a strict no-logs policy that Deloitte independently verified through multiple audits. The company publishes quarterly transparency reports showing how it handles legal requests. PIA’s privacy policy states it does not collect browsing history, connection data, DNS queries, or identifying data.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN claims a strict no-logs policy and says it does not record IP addresses, browsing history, or connection timestamps. However, no third-party audit has verified these claims. The service is based in Cyprus, which is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances and complies with GDPR.
⚠️ Warning: AdGuard VPN has not undergone any third-party security audits. If verified privacy is important to you, PIA’s Deloitte-audited policy offers more confidence.
3. VPN Protocols & Encryption
Private Internet Access: PIA supports the OpenVPN protocol with AES 256-bit encryption and WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption. Users can customize their encryption level and choose between VPN protocols based on their needs. This flexibility is valuable for power users who want control over their VPN connection.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN uses only its proprietary protocol instead of industry-standard options like OpenVPN or WireGuard. The protocol uses AES-256 encryption and is designed to make VPN traffic look like normal HTTPS browser traffic. However, this protocol has not been independently audited.
4. Ad & Tracker Blocking
Private Internet Access: PIA includes MACE, a built-in ad and tracker blocker that works at the DNS level. MACE blocks DNS requests to known ad and tracking domains before they load. It’s simple but effective for blocking ads across all your devices.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN lets you choose custom DNS servers that block ads and trackers. If you already use AdGuard products, the VPN works in integrated mode with the AdGuard ad blocker for deeper ad blocking. This gives AdGuard an edge for users already using other AdGuard products.
5. Speed & Performance
Private Internet Access: PIA has an average download speed loss of 49% based on published speed tests. Performance varies by server location and protocol. Upload speed loss is generally higher than download. PIA’s download speeds are still enough for casual streaming and web browsing, but not ideal for bandwidth-heavy tasks. PIA does help with ISP throttling by encrypting your internet traffic.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s performance is described as below average compared to premium VPNs. Published tests show around 20% speed loss on nearby servers, but connection speeds drop more on distant servers. The free version caps speeds at 20 Mbps, which limits streaming platforms and causes slow speeds during video calls or online gaming.
6. Streaming & Unblocking
Private Internet Access: PIA has streaming optimized servers that can unblock services like Netflix and Disney Plus. However, unblocking streaming content is not always consistent. Some users report issues with Amazon Prime Video depending on the server location. PIA supports incoming connections through port forwarding, which helps with online gaming and torrent downloads.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN can access Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. But it struggles with Amazon Prime Video and Peacock. Users have reported buffering and longer load times on some streaming platforms. Smooth, uninterrupted streaming is not guaranteed on all services. If you need to hide your real location from streaming sites, results may vary with AdGuard VPN. The support team is only reachable through a ticketing system.
7. Device Connections
Private Internet Access: PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan. You can protect all your devices — desktop apps, mobile devices, and even a VPN router — without worrying about hitting a cap. This is rare among VPN providers.
AdGuard VPN: The paid plans allow up to 10 simultaneous connections. That’s enough for most users, but it falls short compared to PIA’s unlimited policy. The free plan has the same 10-device limit.
8. Split Tunneling & Kill Switch
Private Internet Access: PIA’s split tunneling lets you exclude specific apps and IP addresses from the VPN tunnel. PIA also provides two types of kill switches — a regular one and an advanced kill switch on Windows and macOS. The advanced version blocks all internet traffic even when the VPN is turned off.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN supports split tunneling, letting you choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection. It also includes a kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Both features work across the desktop apps and mobile apps.
9. Apps & Platform Support
Private Internet Access: PIA offers VPN apps for Windows, macOS, Linux (including a command line app), Android, and iOS. The Windows version and Windows PC app have full feature parity. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. PIA also supports router setups for covering all your devices at once. You can download the PIA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. How many servers does PIA have? The answer is 35,000 across 91 countries, including virtual servers in some locations. All PIA apps are open-source.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN covers Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Linux. The desktop apps and mobile apps both support all the features including split tunneling. Browser extensions work with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. AdGuard VPN’s apps are easy to use apps with a simple interface, but the source code is not publicly available for inspection. AdGuard DNS settings can be configured within the app to block ads on certain websites.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Private Internet Access | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ | 3 GB/month (20 Mbps cap) |
| Monthly | $11.99/month | $11.99/month |
| 6 Months / 1 Year | $7.50/month (6 months) | $3.99/month (1 year) |
| Long-Term | $2.03/month (2 years + 4 months) | $2.40/month (2 years) |
Private Internet Access: PIA’s long-term plan at $2.03/month is one of the most affordable VPN options. The 2-year plan includes 4 extra months free. PIA also locks in your renewal price, so you won’t pay more later.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s 2-year plan costs $2.40/month, slightly higher than PIA. But AdGuard offers a free plan that PIA doesn’t have. If you just need occasional VPN use, the free version might be enough to keep your data private.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget (free option) | AdGuard VPN | Free plan with 3 GB/month |
| Largest server network | Private Internet Access | 35,000 servers in 91 countries |
| Verified privacy | Private Internet Access | Deloitte-audited no-logs policy |
| Ad blocking built in | AdGuard VPN | DNS-level blocking + AdGuard product suite |
| Unlimited devices | Private Internet Access | No device cap on any plan |
| Bypassing VPN detection | AdGuard VPN | Protocol disguises traffic as HTTPS |
💰 Your Budget
Both VPN services cost under $2.50/month on long-term plans. PIA is cheaper at $2.03/month, but AdGuard VPN has a free plan if you only need occasional protection on public Wi Fi networks and coffee shop hotspots.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
PIA supports more VPN protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard. If you already use AdGuard products like the ad blocker, AdGuard VPN runs in integrated mode for deeper protection.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
PIA’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte. AdGuard VPN claims no-logs but has no third-party verification. For user privacy, PIA offers stronger proof.
🎓 Your Experience Level
AdGuard VPN has easy to use apps with a simple interface. PIA offers more customization options for power users who want to adjust encryption settings and VPN protocols.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AdGuard VPN offers a free version with 3 GB of monthly data. PIA has no free plan but provides a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it risk free.
🛟 Support Options
PIA offers 24/7 live chat and email customer support. AdGuard VPN only has a ticketing system with no 24/7 availability, which can mean slower response times.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to AdGuard VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Free plan option with 3 GB monthly data
- Deeper ad blocking through other AdGuard products
- Proprietary protocol that bypasses VPN detection
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (down to 10)
- 35,000 servers across 91 countries (down to 800 in 53)
- Independently audited no-logs policy and open-source apps
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PIA subscription and request a refund if within 30 days
- Create an AdGuard account and start with the free plan or buy a subscription
- Download the AdGuard VPN app on your devices and connect
🔄 Switching from AdGuard VPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections on every plan
- 35,000 servers in 91 countries including all 50 US states
- Deloitte-audited privacy policy and open-source apps
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Free plan option (PIA has no free tier)
- Integrated mode with other AdGuard products
- Proprietary protocol that masks VPN traffic as HTTPS
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your AdGuard VPN subscription and request a refund within 30 days
- Sign up for PIA and choose the 2-year plan for the best value
- Download the PIA app on your devices and log in to start
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise VPN features, dedicated IP address performance, or how either service handles online gaming latency at scale. We also didn’t run full speed tests on every US server or test VPN block ads performance on all browser traffic scenarios. Our observations are based on the April 2026 versions of both VPN apps. AdGuard puts priority on ad blocking while PIA covers privacy features more broadly. If you need a virtual private network for a large team, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Private Internet Access |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Private Internet Access |
| 🌐 Server Network | Private Internet Access |
| ⚡ Speed | AdGuard VPN |
| 🛡️ Ad Blocking | AdGuard VPN |
| 📱 Device Connections | Private Internet Access |
| 🆓 Free Plan | AdGuard VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Private Internet Access |
🏆 WINNER: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused VPN users, large households needing unlimited connections, and anyone who values independently audited security.
Private Internet Access and AdGuard VPN serve different types of VPN users. PIA is a full-featured VPN provider built for people who care about privacy, transparency, and flexibility. Its open-source apps, Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, and unlimited bandwidth make it the stronger overall choice.
AdGuard VPN works well for casual users who want a quick VPN connection with built-in ad blocking. The free plan is a genuine perk for light users. But the smaller server network, lack of audits, and limited connections hold it back from competing with dedicated VPN providers.
If you want a reliable VPN service you can trust with your online privacy, PIA is the better pick.
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other VPN providers:
Private Internet Access vs NordVPN
PIA wins on: Lower long-term pricing ($2.03 vs ~$3.49/mo), unlimited connections, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Faster average speeds, built-in Threat Protection malware blocker, double VPN servers
Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: Much cheaper pricing ($2.03 vs ~$8.32/mo), unlimited connections, 35,000 servers vs 3,000
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster connection speeds, better streaming unblocking rates, Lightway protocol
Private Internet Access vs Surfshark
PIA wins on: Larger server network (35,000 vs 3,200), Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, more US server locations
Surfshark wins on: Better speeds on average, CleanWeb ad blocker, GPS spoofing on Android
Private Internet Access vs Proton VPN
PIA wins on: More servers (35,000 vs 3,000+), cheaper long-term price, unlimited connections
Proton VPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, better free plan (unlimited data), Secure Core servers
More of AdGuard VPN Compared
Here’s how AdGuard VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan available, lower 2-year pricing, built-in DNS ad blocking
NordVPN wins on: Much faster speeds, 6,000+ servers, independently audited, 24/7 support
AdGuard VPN vs Surfshark
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan option, HTTPS traffic masking protocol, lower monthly cost on 2-year plan
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited connections, 3,200+ servers, WireGuard support, better streaming
AdGuard VPN wins on: Deeper ad blocking integration, HTTPS masking protocol, Android TV support
Proton VPN wins on: Unlimited free plan data, Swiss privacy laws, open-source apps, Secure Core
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes. PIA has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte through independent audits. The company does not store browsing history, DNS queries, or connection data. PIA also runs DNS leaks tests and publishes quarterly transparency reports. For a full Private Internet Access review, check our dedicated article.
Is AdGuard VPN safe to use?
AdGuard VPN uses AES-256 encryption and security measures that include a kill switch and split tunneling. However, no third-party audit has verified its no-logs claims. For a complete AdGuard VPN review, see our detailed breakdown. If online security is your top priority, tested AdGuard VPN falls short of independently audited VPN providers.
How much does PIA VPN cost per month?
The monthly plan costs $11.99. The 6-month plan drops to $7.50/month. The best deal is the 2-year plan at $2.03/month — a cheap VPN price that also includes 4 extra months free. Check Private Internet Access deals on their website for any seasonal promotions. PIA is a quality VPN that gives you a day money back guarantee of 30 days.
Does AdGuard VPN have a free plan?
Yes. The free version gives you 3 GB of data every month with access to a few server locations. Download speeds are capped at 20 Mbps, which means slow speeds for data intensive tasks like video calls or streaming. You can buy AdGuard VPN paid plans for full speeds and unlimited data. AdGuard offers a money back guarantee of 30 days on annual and 2-year plans.
Which is better: Private Internet Access or AdGuard VPN?
For most users, PIA is the better choice and the best VPN in this matchup. Private Internet Access makes it easy to protect all your devices with unlimited connections. PIA’s servers cover 91 countries. AdGuard VPN is a decent option if you want a free plan, but AdGuard VPN’s apps lack support for standard VPN protocols. If you have tested Private Internet Access and tested PIA yourself, you’ll notice the larger server network and better privacy features.
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