Mysterium vs Private Internet Access: Which Vpn is Best in 2025?

Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.

Do you need blazing-fast speeds or rock-solid security? Maybe you’re looking for the best value for your money. We understand. 

That’s why we’re diving deep into two popular VPN providers: Mysterium and Private Internet Access.

In this head-to-head matchup, we’ll break down their features, performance, and pricing to help you decide which one comes out in 2025.

Let’s get started!

Overview

We’ve spent weeks testing both Mysterium and Private Internet Access to give you the most accurate comparison. 

We’ve evaluated their speed, security features, streaming performance, and ease of use in real-world scenarios.

This hands-on experience allows us to provide an informed perspective on which VPN is the best choice for you.

What is Mysterium?

Have you ever heard of a VPN that works a little differently? That’s Mysterium.

Instead of relying on a company’s servers, it uses a network of regular people like you and me.

These people share their extra bandwidth, and Mysterium encrypts your connection through their devices. Pretty cool, right?

This means there is no single point of failure, making it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.

Also, explore our favorite Mysterium alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
• No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
• Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
• Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.

Pricing

• 2-Year Plan: $3.19/mo.
• 1-Year Plan: $5.14/mo.
• 6-Month Plan: $6.85/mo.
• 1-Month Plan: $9.99/mo.

What is Private Internet Access?

Are you looking for a VPN that’s been around for a while? Check out Private Internet Access (PIA).

PIA has been a major player in the VPN game for years.

It is known for its strong commitment to privacy and its massive network of servers.

PIA offers many features and is constantly improving its service.

Also, explore our favorite Private Internet Access alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Unwavering commitment to privacy: A strict no-logs policy you can trust.
• Advanced security features include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.
• Colossal server network: Offers 35,912+ servers in 84 countries.
• MACE ad blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices at once.

Pricing

• 2 Years + 2 Months Free: $2.19/month.
• 6 Months: $7.50/month.

Feature Comparison

Let’s examine the details and compare these two VPNs feature by feature.

This will help you understand which VPN is best suited for your specific needs.

1. Security Protocols

• Mysterium: Utilizes the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and strong encryption.
• Private Internet Access: Offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, giving you more choice and flexibility.

2. Server Network

• Mysterium leverages a decentralized network of users and offers unique residential IPs. This means your VPN connection appears to be from a regular home internet connection, making it harder to detect.
• Private Internet Access: Boasts a vast network with over 35,000 servers in 84 countries. This ensures you can always find a fast and reliable server nearby.

3. Privacy Features

• Mysterium: Built with a strong focus on anonymity. They have a strict no-logs policy and use advanced encryption to protect your data.
• Private Internet Access: This VPN also has a no-logs policy and offers advanced features like a kill switch, which cuts your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, and split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN.

4. Streaming and Torrenting

• Mysterium: It can unblock some streaming services, but its performance can be inconsistent due to the nature of its network. Torrenting is generally allowed.
• Private Internet Access Excels at unblocking streaming services like Netflix and is an excellent choice for torrenting. It offers port forwarding, which can improve torrenting speeds.

5. Speed and Performance

• Mysterium: Speeds can vary depending on the available nodes in the network. You might experience slower speeds, especially during peak hours.
• Private Internet Access generally offers fast and reliable speeds, thanks to its extensive server network and optimized protocols like WireGuard.

6. Ease of Use

• Mysterium: The interface is simple, but setting it up can be more involved because it requires cryptocurrency.
• Private Internet Access: Offers user-friendly apps for all major platforms, making connecting and getting started easy.

7. Customer Support

• Mysterium: Provides support through email and a knowledge base.
• Private Internet Access: Offers 24/7 live chat support, which can be helpful for quick solutions.

While Mysterium and Private Internet Access offer firm VPN services, PIA generally provides a more well-rounded experience.

However, Mysterium’s unique decentralized approach might appeal to users who prioritize anonymity and are comfortable using cryptocurrency.

Ultimately, your best VPN depends on your needs and priorities.

Try other options like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN to find the perfect fit.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Free VPNs are rarely a good idea. They often have limited features, slow speeds, and questionable privacy practices. It’s worth investing in a reputable paid VPN service.
• Consider your specific needs. Do you need a VPN for streaming, torrenting, or online gaming? Different VPNs excel in other areas.
• Check the VPN’s logging policy. Ensure they have a clear no-logs policy to keep your online activity private.
• Look for a VPN with a kill switch. This essential feature prevents your data from being exposed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
• Test the VPN before committing to a long-term plan. Most reputable VPNs offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the service risk-free and see if it meets your needs.
• Read reviews and compare features. Don’t just go with the first VPN you find. Take the time to compare different options and see what actual users have to say.
• Consider the VPN’s jurisdiction. Where the VPN provider is based can impact your privacy. Some countries have data retention laws that may require VPNs to hand over user data.
• Pay attention to customer support. Choose a VPN with responsive customer support if you encounter any issues.
• Think about the devices you’ll use. Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your devices and allows for simultaneous connections on multiple devices.
• Look for a VPN with a wide range of server locations. This gives you more flexibility to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions.
• Consider the VPN’s pricing and payment options. Choose a plan that fits your budget and offers flexible payment options.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you have any doubts, contact the VPN provider’s customer support for clarification.

Final Verdict

So, which VPN reigns supreme? For us, it’s Private Internet Access.

It offers a fantastic combination of speed, security, and affordability. You get many features, and it’s super easy to use.

Whether you’re browsing on public Wi-Fi, streaming your favorite shows, or torrenting, PIA has you covered.

While Mysterium VPN has unique advantages with its unusual routing and anonymity focus, PIA provides a more polished and reliable experience overall.

We’ve been using and reviewing VPNs for years, so you can trust our judgment.

Private Internet Access is the way to go if you’re looking for a top-notch VPN that won’t break the bank.

More of Mysterium

We’ve explored alternatives to Mysterium, so how does Mysterium stack up directly against them?

• Mysterium vs NordVPN: NordVPN offers a much larger and faster server network, making it better for streaming and general use. Mysterium, as a decentralized VPN, might offer unique privacy benefits, but it can have inconsistent speeds.
• Mysterium vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, which make it superior for streaming and ease of use compared to Mysterium’s potentially variable speeds and more technical setup.
• Mysterium vs PureVPN: PureVPN has a larger server network, which often translates to better speeds and more reliable connections for streaming compared to Mysterium’s decentralized network.
• Mysterium vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is generally faster and easier to use, and it allows unlimited connections, a significant advantage over Mysterium’s pay-as-you-go mode, which can become costly for heavy use.
• Mysterium vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy with potentially faster and more stable connections than Mysterium’s peer-to-peer network. However, Mysterium offers a different approach to decentralization.
• Mysterium vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a more traditional VPN experience with potentially better and more consistent speeds for streaming and general browsing compared to Mysterium.
• Mysterium vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking, while Mysterium offers a unique decentralized VPN approach, but may not be as user-friendly or consistently fast.
• Mysterium vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield aims for simplicity, but Mysterium offers a more unique, albeit potentially complex, decentralized approach to VPNs.
• Mysterium vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections, often offering more consistent performance than Mysterium’s decentralized network.
• Mysterium vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN aims for speed and affordability, often providing more consistent performance for streaming and general use than Mysterium’s potentially variable speeds.
• Mysterium vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Mysterium focuses on its decentralized VPN network, which might appeal to a specific set of privacy-conscious users.
• Mysterium vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly and has specialized servers, often providing better and more consistent speeds for various online activities compared to Mysterium.
• Mysterium vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. At the same time, Mysterium offers a unique decentralized approach, though it may not be as user-friendly or consistently performant.

More of Private Internet Access

We’ve explored alternatives to Private Internet Access, so how does Private Internet Access compare to them?

• Private Internet Access vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a larger server network spanning more countries, and better streaming capabilities. While PIA provides unlimited simultaneous connections and can be more affordable, NordVPN offers a more robust security package and consistently better performance.
• Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. While PIA offers a larger server network and allows unlimited connections, ExpressVPN often provides a smoother and faster overall experience, especially for streaming.
• Private Internet Access vs PureVPN: PIA generally offers faster and more consistent speeds, along with unlimited simultaneous connections. While PureVPN boasts a larger server count and can unblock more streaming services in some tests, PIA’s performance and strong focus on security often give it an edge.
• Private Internet Access vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable, especially for long-term plans, and allows unlimited connections. While PIA has a larger server network, Surfshark generally provides faster speeds, better apps, and more features, making it a strong all-around competitor.
• Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN emphasizes strong security and privacy with features like Secure Core servers and a transparent approach. While PIA offers faster speeds on nearby servers and allows unlimited connections, ProtonVPN’s focus on privacy and consistent performance on international servers makes it a strong contender for privacy-conscious users.
• Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength lies in its integration with ad and tracker blocking. PIA is a more comprehensive VPN service offering a wider range of server locations and functionalities beyond ad blocking.
• Private Internet Access vs Virtual Shield: PIA offers a more extensive server network, stronger security features, and generally better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
• Private Internet Access vs StrongVPN: Both VPNs offer strong encryption, but PIA boasts a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections, providing greater flexibility.
• Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN: PIA generally offers a larger server network and more robust security features than FastestVPN, which is budget-friendly.
• Private Internet Access vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection alongside its VPN. PIA focuses on providing a secure and private VPN connection with a large server network and unlimited connections.
• Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly apps and specialized servers for various online activities. PIA offers a larger server network and unlimited connections, appealing to users with many devices.
• Private Internet Access vs McAfee VPN: PIA is a dedicated VPN service with a wider range of features and better performance than the basic VPN included with McAfee’s security suite.

Frequently Asked Questions