⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/month. AVG VPN starts at $4.99/month.
- Best for: PIA for privacy on a budget. AVG Secure VPN for one-click simplicity.
- Key difference: PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. AVG caps you at 10 devices.
- Our pick: Private Internet Access, because it gives you more control for less money.
The cheaper VPN here is also the more powerful one.
Private Internet Access sells privacy tools to power users.
AVG Secure VPN sells one button and a familiar antivirus brand.
Both are a virtual private network that hides your real ip address.
The difference is how much control you get over your internet connection.
Overview
This Private Internet Access vs AVG VPN comparison covers pricing, privacy, speed, and streaming.
We read the documentation and privacy policy for both vpn providers.
Our writers tested Private Internet Access and AVG on Windows, Android, and iOS.
Those notes sit in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end you will know which vpn connection fits your setup.
What is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access is a vpn service that hides your actual ip address.
The Private Internet Access VPN keeps no identifying data about what you do.
It encrypts your internet traffic before it leaves your device.
Your ISP sees an encrypted vpn tunnel instead of your browser traffic.
PIA covers Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android from one account.
There is also a command line app and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Wondering how many servers it runs? Over 35,000 across 91 countries.
Our full Private Internet Access review covers each feature in more depth.
Here is a closer look at how the pia app behaves day to day.
Private Internet Access
35,000 vpn servers in 91 countries for about two dollars a month. Unlimited simultaneous connections, open-source vpn apps, and a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte.
Private Internet Access Pricing
PIA offers three plans. No hidden costs, no paywalled features.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2.03/month | Long-term privacy on a budget |
| 6 Months | $7.50/month | Medium commitment users |
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short-term or travel use |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: No free trial. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee instead.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days on all subscriptions, no questions asked.
📌 Note: PIA does not raise its price when you renew. Most other vpn providers bump the rate after year one. Private Internet Access deals also run deeper during seasonal sales.
⚠️ Warning: Published figures elsewhere list an annual plan at $39.96 and a monthly rate of $11.95. Our tables follow the CSV pricing above. Check the checkout page before you pay.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here is what you actually get for the money:
- Unlimited devices: PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. You can protect all your devices on one plan, which is rare among vpn services.
- Audited no-logs record: Deloitte verified the strict no logs policy across multiple audits, and the open-source vpn apps let anyone inspect the code.
- Real US coverage: PIA has servers in all 50 states. That helps with local streaming and low-latency online gaming.
- MACE blocking: The built-in blocker kills ads and trackers at the DNS level. No extra software needed.
- Public Wi-Fi cover: PIA keeps your data private on shared networks and encrypts connection data. Your banking logins stay out of reach on hotel or airport Wi-Fi.
- Unlimited bandwidth: No caps on any plan. Torrent, stream, or back up files without a meter running.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer paid for a plan and tested PIA as a daily driver on laptops and a phone. What stood out:
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Long-term plans cost about $2.03 per month with no renewal price hike
- Unlimited simultaneous connections cover an entire household
- No-logs policy independently verified by Deloitte audits
- 35,000 servers in 91 countries, including all 50 US states
- Split tunneling, multi-hop, port forwarding, and two kill switch modes
❌ Cons
- Average download speed loss of 49% hurts bandwidth-heavy tasks
- Streaming access is inconsistent, and BBC iPlayer can fail
- Kape Technologies ownership still worries some privacy-minded buyers
What is AVG VPN?
AVG Secure VPN is a vpn service built by the AVG antivirus team.
It hides your online activity and sensitive data from hackers and your ISP.
When you install AVG VPN, it encrypts all data leaving your computer.
That data travels through a secure tunnel to an AVG VPN server.
AVG Secure VPN’s whole design points at one thing: simplicity.
You open the app, hit one button on the main screen, and connect.
The walkthrough below shows the AVG apps running on a desktop and on mobile.
AVG VPN
One-click protection with AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch on by default. Connect 10 devices, from a laptop to Android TV, and test it free for 60 days.
AVG VPN Pricing
AVG sells the VPN inside its security bundles, not on its own.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| AVG Antivirus Free | Free | Basic virus protection only, no VPN |
| AVG Internet Security | $4.99/month | Antivirus and firewall without the VPN |
| AVG Ultimate | $4.99/month | The bundle that includes AVG Secure VPN |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: 60 days free for new users. You must create an account and add a payment method first.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days on paid subscriptions.
📌 Note: Only AVG Ultimate includes the VPN. The free antivirus tier gives you no vpn connection at all, so read the plan name before you click buy.
⚠️ Warning: Published data lists a one-year AVG Secure VPN subscription at roughly $54 with no monthly option. Our table uses the CSV pricing above. The billing page is the final word.
Key Benefits of AVG VPN
Here is where AVG Secure VPN earns its place:
- Beginner-friendly setup: The one-click interface gives you protection in a few seconds. There is nothing to configure first.
- Ten device connections: One subscription covers your computer, laptop, mobile devices, and Android TV.
- Public Wi-Fi protection: AES 256-bit encryption keeps banking logins, emails, and browsing history unreadable on open networks.
- Shared server IPs: Multiple AVG users share the same server IP, which protects user privacy by blurring any single person’s browsing.
- Streaming access: Streaming servers reach Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
- Kill switch by default: If the vpn connection drops, internet access stops until you reconnect. No settings change required.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer installed AVG Secure VPN on Windows, Android, and an Android TV box, then used it abroad. What came out of that:
AVG VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- One-click connection from the main screen, with no setup to learn
- 60-day free trial, far longer than the usual 7 or 30 days
- Unblocks US Netflix and BBC iPlayer through its streaming servers
- 10 simultaneous device connections on one subscription
- Kill switch enabled by default on every install
❌ Cons
- Retains about 31% of base download speeds and 19% of upload
- Lacks advanced features such as split tunneling and protocol options
- Keeps connection event logs for two years and has no independent audit
- Server network covers around 36 countries, mostly Europe and North America
Feature Comparison
Both tools do the same core job in different ways. The table below is the fast version. The sections after it explain what each difference means in daily use.
| Feature | Private Internet Access | AVG VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.03/month | $4.99/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ (antivirus only, no VPN) |
| Server Network | 35,000 in 91 countries | 700+ in 50+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 devices |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ❌ |
| Independent No-Logs Audit | ✅ Deloitte | ❌ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Two modes | ✅ On by default |
| Protocol Options | OpenVPN, WireGuard | Mimic (proprietary) |
| Free Trial | ❌ (30-day refund) | ✅ 60 days |
| Best For | Privacy on a budget | One-click simplicity |
1. No Logs Policy and Independent Audits
Private Internet Access: The privacy policy rules out browsing history, connection timestamps, bandwidth logs, and dns queries. Deloitte checked that claim across multiple audits. Quarterly transparency reports list every legal request PIA receives.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN does not log the sites you visit or the data you transfer. It does keep connection event logs for two years, including connects, disconnects, and failures. No independent audit has verified any of it.
⚠️ Warning: AVG is based in the Czech Republic and sits under EU data retention rules. Its transparency reports show a history of sharing user data with authorities. PIA is US-based, but an audited no-logs record means there is little to hand over.
2. Encryption and VPN Protocols
Private Internet Access: You get AES 256-bit encryption over the openvpn protocol, or ChaCha20 on WireGuard. You can change the encryption level yourself in settings. PIA supports multi-hop as well, which routes you through two vpn servers.
AVG VPN: AVG uses AES 256-bit encryption too, so the raw encryption level matches. The default protocol is Mimic, a proprietary option built to slip past VPN blockers. AVG publishes little about how Mimic works, and there are no OpenVPN or WireGuard toggles.
3. Server Network and Server Locations
Private Internet Access: 35,000 vpn servers across 91 countries, with coverage in all 50 US states. Some distant entries are virtual servers, so speeds vary. PIA’s servers in the US and Europe are the most consistent.
AVG VPN: Over 700 servers across more than 50 countries, with the usual picks like the UK, Canada, Australia, and France. Testing data puts the practical count closer to 36 countries. The network leans heavily on Europe and North America, so check that your country is listed.
4. Simultaneous Connections and Device Support
Private Internet Access: Unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan. You can also flash PIA onto a router, which covers smart TVs and consoles that cannot run vpn apps. The iOS build is on the Apple App Store, and there is a Linux command line app for servers.
AVG VPN: Ten devices at once, generous next to the five-device cap most vpn providers use. AVG covers Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Android TV. There is no router support.
5. Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
Private Internet Access: Two kill switch modes ship on Windows and macOS, a regular one and an advanced one. PIA runs its own dns servers, so your dns requests never touch your ISP. A built-in tool checks for dns leaks whenever you want.
AVG VPN: One kill switch, already on by default, which is the right call for beginners. If the vpn connection drops, internet traffic stops until you reconnect. There is no built-in leak checker, so you need a third-party site to confirm your real ip address is hidden.
6. Split Tunneling and Customization
Private Internet Access: Split tunneling lets you exclude specific apps and IP addresses from the vpn tunnel. Banking stays protected while a game or backup runs at full connection speed. Automation rules can connect or disconnect based on the network you join, which power users lean on.
AVG VPN: The settings menu is short by design. There is no split tunneling and there are no protocol options to switch between. AVG Secure VPN lacks advanced features on purpose, and that trade keeps the app easy for first-time users.
7. Streaming Services and Unblocking
Private Internet Access: Dedicated streaming servers reach Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. Results are inconsistent, and BBC iPlayer can refuse to load. Unblocking streaming content works better from nearby server locations.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN offers streaming servers that handle US Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Independent testing ranks it #29 out of 61 VPNs for streaming capabilities. Websites see the server’s IP instead of yours, and ordinary servers get blocked by streaming sites, so pick a streaming entry first.
8. Speed and Everyday Performance
Private Internet Access: Average download speed loss sits around 49%, and upload loss runs higher. PIA is not ideal for bandwidth-intensive work, though connection speeds hold up fine for browsing and streaming. Speed tests also swing with the server and protocol you pick.
AVG VPN: AVG retains about 31% of base download speeds and 19% of upload. That is slower than most vpn services on paper. Both tools also blunt ISP throttling, since your provider can no longer see what type of internet traffic you send.
💡 Pro Tip: Run your own speed tests on both. PIA’s performance on Windows using the OpenVPN protocol can beat WireGuard, so try each before you settle on a default.
9. Antivirus and Device Cleanup Extras
Private Internet Access: PIA bundles real-time antivirus scanning alongside the vpn connection. MACE blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level before they load. It is lighter than a full security suite by design.
AVG VPN: This is AVG’s home turf. The Ultimate bundle pairs the VPN with malware scanning, a junk file cleaner, and browser cache cleanup. If you already trust the antivirus, adding the VPN is one checkbox.
The cleanup tools are separate from the VPN but ship in the same subscription.
10. Identity and Data Breach Monitoring
Private Internet Access: Identity Guard watches for breached email addresses and alerts you. A one-click email leak test inside the pia app checks whether your address escapes the tunnel. PIA also supports port forwarding for incoming connections, which matters if you host anything.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure Identity scans the dark web for your personal data and warns you when passwords appear in a breach. It is a useful layer, but it sits behind an upgrade from the base VPN subscription. There is no dedicated ip address or port forwarding on offer.
11. Pricing & Cost
Here are both plan ladders side by side.
| Plan Tier | Private Internet Access | AVG VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ | AVG Antivirus Free — Free |
| Entry paid | 2 Years + 4 Months — $2.03/month | AVG Internet Security — $4.99/month |
| Mid tier | 6 Months — $7.50/month | AVG Ultimate — $4.99/month |
| Monthly | 1 Month — $11.99/month | ❌ Not offered |
Private Internet Access: The long plan turns PIA into a cheap vpn without feeling like one. At $2.03 a month you get every feature, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited devices. The $11.99 monthly rate is the weak spot.
AVG VPN: At $4.99 a month, AVG asks more than twice PIA’s long-term rate for a smaller network and fewer controls. The value works only if you want the antivirus bundle too.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The lowest yearly cost | Private Internet Access | $2.03/month long-term |
| The simplest possible app | AVG VPN | One button, no settings |
| To cover a whole household | Private Internet Access | Unlimited connections |
| Audited privacy | Private Internet Access | Deloitte no-logs audits |
| A long trial before paying | AVG VPN | 60 days free |
| Antivirus in the same bill | AVG VPN | Ultimate bundles both |
💰 Your Budget
Over two years, PIA costs a fraction of what AVG charges. For one month only, AVG’s trial beats paying $11.99.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Already running AVG or Avast antivirus? The Ultimate bundle keeps everything under one login. Otherwise PIA drops in next to whatever you already use.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners rarely open a settings panel, and AVG respects that. PIA rewards people who enjoy tuning protocols and automation rules.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
Neither one is a streaming specialist. AVG is more predictable with US Netflix, while PIA gives you more countries to try when a site blocks you.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AVG gives you 60 days, though it asks for a payment method up front. PIA skips trials and leans on its 30-day refund window instead.
🛟 Support Options
PIA runs live chat and email, though reviewers note agents can be slow to respond. AVG routes you through its antivirus help desk.
Switching Guide
Already paying for one of them? Here is what changes if you move.
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to AVG VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A 60-day trial before any money changes hands
- Antivirus, firewall, and cleanup tools in the same subscription
- An interface your least technical family member can use
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited connections, down to a 10-device cap
- Split tunneling, multi-hop, MACE, and port forwarding
- An audited no-logs record and open-source code
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel PIA inside the refund window if you are still in it
- Download AVG from the official site and start the 60-day trial
- Install on each device, then remove the PIA app to avoid conflicts
🔄 Switching from AVG VPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 35,000 servers instead of 700, and 91 countries instead of 50
- Unlimited devices, router support, and a dedicated ip address option
- A lower long-term price with no renewal increase
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The bundled antivirus and virus scan tools
- The 60-day trial, replaced by a 30-day refund
- A stripped-back app with almost nothing to configure
📋 How to switch:
- Turn off auto-renew in your AVG account settings
- Buy the PIA plan that matches how long you plan to stay
- Install PIA, enable the kill switch, then run a leak test
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
We focused on individual users and small households. We did not test business deployments, China access, or long-term torrenting. Our speed figures come from published testing rather than a lab we control, and results shift by location and date.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Private Internet Access |
| 🔒 Privacy and Audits | Private Internet Access |
| 🌍 Server Network | Private Internet Access |
| 🔌 Device Coverage | Private Internet Access |
| 👶 Ease of Use | AVG VPN |
| 📺 Streaming Consistency | AVG VPN |
| 🛠️ Advanced Features | Private Internet Access |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Private Internet Access |
🏆 WINNER: PRIVATE INTERNET ACCESS
Private Internet Access wins 5 of 7 categories.
Best for: budget privacy, households with many devices, power users who want control
These two products chase different buyers. Private Internet Access makes a privacy toolkit that happens to be cheap, and it is a quality vpn on the specs that matter. AVG Secure VPN is a convenience layer for people who already bought antivirus.
AVG wins where it set out to win. The app is faster to learn, the trial is longer, and streaming behaves more predictably.
But you pay more for less network, fewer controls, and logs that no auditor has checked. For most vpn users, Private Internet Access is the better buy at half the price. It is an affordable vpn with top tier vpn features, and that combination is rare.
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here is how PIA holds up against the competitors people shortlist:
Private Internet Access vs NordVPN
PIA wins on: unlimited device connections, a far larger server count, cheaper long-term plans
NordVPN wins on: faster download speeds, steadier streaming access, Threat Protection bundled in
Private Internet Access vs Surfshark VPN
PIA wins on: server network size, US state-level coverage, deeper customization for power users
Surfshark wins on: quicker connection speeds, a cleaner mobile app, bundled breach alerts
Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN
PIA wins on: more server locations, cheaper paid tiers, unlimited simultaneous connections
Proton VPN wins on: a genuine free tier, Swiss jurisdiction, stronger reputation among activists
The rundown below walks through the closest alternatives in more detail.
More of AVG VPN Compared
And here is where AVG Secure VPN lands against its closest rivals:
AVG wins on: a shorter learning curve, a two-month trial, antivirus in the same bill
NordVPN wins on: thousands more servers, independent audits, split tunneling and protocol choice
AVG VPN vs McAfee VPN
AVG wins on: a longer free trial, Android TV support, clearer streaming server labels
McAfee wins on: broader device licensing, tighter identity monitoring, wider retail bundling
AVG wins on: antivirus integration, the 60-day trial, a simpler main screen
Surfshark wins on: unlimited devices, a much lower monthly rate, split tunneling and MultiHop
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes. It uses AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte. The apps are open-source, and a kill switch cuts internet traffic if the tunnel fails.
Is AVG VPN any good?
It works well for beginners who want one-click protection on up to 10 devices. It lacks advanced features like split tunneling, and speeds trail most rivals in published testing.
How much does PIA VPN cost?
Three plans: $2.03/month on the 2 years plus 4 months deal, $7.50/month for six months, or $11.99 monthly. Every plan carries a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Does AVG VPN work with Netflix?
Yes, through its streaming servers. Those reach US Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Ordinary servers often get blocked, so switch to a streaming location if a site refuses to load.
Which VPN is better than PIA?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are faster and better for streaming. On price, device limits, and audited privacy, few vpn providers beat PIA. AVG VPN does not beat it on any of those.
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