📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacy & Jurisdiction: ProtonVPN (Swiss) vs PIA (US-based) — ProtonVPN wins
- 💰 Best Price: PIA at $2.03/mo vs ProtonVPN at $2.99/mo — PIA wins
- ⚡ Server Network: PIA 35,000+ servers vs ProtonVPN 8,600+ servers — PIA wins
- 🎯 Free Plan Quality: ProtonVPN (unlimited data) vs PIA (none) — ProtonVPN wins
- 🛡️ Security Features: ProtonVPN Secure Core vs PIA multi-hop — ProtonVPN wins
Picking the right VPN feels overwhelming in 2026.
There are dozens of options. Most of them make the same bold promises.
Two names keep coming up: ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA).
Both protect your data. Both hide your IP address. Both have strong no-logs policies.
But they take very different paths to get there.
ProtonVPN is built in Switzerland. It focuses on privacy above everything else.
PIA is based in the United States. It focuses on value and flexibility.
We tested both ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access for four weeks. We checked speeds, security, streaming, and pricing.
This guide breaks down every difference so you can choose the right one.
Overview
We spent weeks using ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access side by side.
We tested connection speeds on servers across five continents.
We checked if each VPN could unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
We reviewed their encryption, kill switches, and privacy policies.
We also compared their apps on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Here’s what we found after hands-on testing.
What is ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a VPN service built by the team behind Proton Mail.
It is based in Switzerland. Swiss privacy laws are among the strongest in the world.
Switzerland is not part of any Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes surveillance group.
ProtonVPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect your internet traffic.
It has over 8,600 servers spread across 112 countries.
The Secure Core feature routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries first.
It also offers a free plan with no data caps and no ads.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN gives you Swiss-grade privacy with over 8,600 servers in 112 countries. It’s one of the few VPNs with a truly free plan — no data caps, no ads, and no catch.
ProtonVPN Pricing
Here’s what ProtonVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month | Casual browsing with basic privacy |
| Plus | $2.99/month | Full VPN access for individuals |
| Unlimited | $7.99/month | VPN plus Proton Mail, Drive, and Pass |
Free trial: No trial needed. The free plan lasts forever with no credit card.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day refund on all paid plans. Prorated based on usage.
📌 Note: The Plus plan gives you access to all 8,600+ servers, 10 device connections, and all security features. The Unlimited plan adds Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, and Proton Pass.
⚠️ Warning: After the first billing cycle, ProtonVPN renews at the standard $9.99/month rate. Turn off auto-renewal to avoid paying more when your plan expires.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s why ProtonVPN stands out from the competition:
- Swiss Privacy Protection: Based in Switzerland outside Five Eyes jurisdiction. Your data stays under some of the world’s strictest privacy laws.
- Secure Core Servers: Routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries first. This adds an extra layer of protection even if the exit server is watched.
- Free Plan With No Limits: Get unlimited bandwidth with no ads. Most free VPNs restrict data or show ads, but ProtonVPN does neither.
- Open-Source Apps: Every app is fully open source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws.
- NetShield Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. Your browsing gets faster and more private at the same time.
- VPN Accelerator: Boosts connection speeds using advanced networking. ProtonVPN claims up to 400% faster speeds on long-distance connections.
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Swiss jurisdiction protects your data from surveillance alliances
- Secure Core adds double-hop routing through safe countries
- Best free VPN plan on the market with unlimited data
- All apps are open source and independently audited
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video
❌ Cons
- Only 10 device connections per account (PIA offers unlimited)
- Plus plan costs more than PIA’s long-term deal
- Secure Core servers can slow down your speeds
- Customer support only available via email — no live chat
What is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the oldest VPN services still running.
It launched in 2010. It has served millions of users for over 15 years.
PIA is based in the United States. It falls under US jurisdiction and the Five Eyes alliance.
But PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested in court more than once. It held up each time.
PIA gives you unlimited device connections on a single account.
It has over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, including all 50 US states.
PIA is also one of the cheapest premium VPNs you can buy.
Private Internet Access
PIA delivers one of the most affordable VPN experiences with 35,000+ servers. Connect unlimited devices at once and protect your whole household for under $3 per month.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what PIA costs in 2026. Every plan includes the same features.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2.03/month | Best value for long-term users |
| 6 Months | $7.50/month | Medium commitment without full lock-in |
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short-term or travel use |
Free trial: 7-day free trial on iOS and Android. 30-day money-back guarantee on web.
Money-back guarantee: Full 30-day refund on your first purchase. No refund on renewals.
📌 Note: PIA uses single-tier pricing. Every plan includes all features, unlimited devices, and full server access. You can add a dedicated IP or antivirus as paid extras.
⚠️ Warning: PIA does not offer a free plan. If budget is tight and you can’t commit long-term, ProtonVPN’s free plan is a better starting point.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here’s why PIA remains a top VPN pick for millions of users:
- Unlimited Device Connections: Connect every device in your home at once. No other VPN at this price offers truly unlimited connections.
- Massive Server Network: Over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, including all 50 US states. Great for sports streaming and local content access.
- Court-Tested No-Logs Policy: PIA’s no-logs claim has been verified in multiple court cases. The company had nothing to hand over.
- MACE Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites at the DNS level. It works system-wide without extra apps.
- Open-Source Apps: All PIA apps are open source. You can inspect the code yourself or read third-party audits.
- Advanced Split Tunneling: Choose which apps and IP addresses go through the VPN. PIA gives you more control than most VPNs.
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- One of the cheapest premium VPNs at $2.03/month
- Unlimited device connections on a single account
- 35,000+ servers with coverage in all 50 US states
- No-logs policy proven in court multiple times
- Highly customizable with advanced encryption settings
❌ Cons
- Based in the US under Five Eyes jurisdiction
- No free plan — you must pay to use the service
- Speeds can be inconsistent on some server locations
- Streaming unblocking is less reliable than ProtonVPN
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access compare on key features?
We tested 10 areas that matter most when choosing a VPN.
| Feature | ProtonVPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.99/month | $2.03/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Servers | 8,600+ in 112 countries | 35,000+ in 91 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ NetShield | ✅ MACE |
| Multi-Hop | ✅ Secure Core | ✅ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Privacy-first users | Budget-conscious users |
1. Privacy & Jurisdiction
ProtonVPN: Based in Switzerland under some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. Switzerland is not part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes alliances. ProtonVPN has passed independent audits by Securitum to verify its no-logs policy.
Private Internet Access: Based in the United States, a founding member of the Five Eyes alliance. However, PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested in court multiple times. Deloitte audited PIA’s no-logs claims and confirmed them. PIA had nothing to hand over when served with subpoenas.
⚠️ Warning: US-based VPNs can be served with gag orders. This means PIA could be forced to assist authorities without telling users. Swiss law makes this far harder for ProtonVPN.
2. Server Network
ProtonVPN: Operates 8,600+ servers across 112 countries. ProtonVPN focuses on server quality over quantity. Every server is physically controlled by the company to prevent tampering.
Private Internet Access: Runs over 35,000 servers in 91 countries. PIA has servers in all 50 US states. This makes it perfect for accessing state-specific content like regional sports and local news.
3. Security Features
ProtonVPN: Uses AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. The Stealth protocol helps bypass internet censorship. Secure Core routes your traffic through Iceland, Sweden, or Switzerland before reaching the final server.
Private Internet Access: Supports AES-128 or AES-256 encryption. You can choose between WireGuard and OpenVPN. PIA also offers multi-hop connections through Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxies for added anonymity.
4. Speed & Performance
ProtonVPN: Delivers consistent speeds on most servers. VPN Accelerator boosts performance on long-distance connections. Speeds are more stable and predictable across different locations.
Private Internet Access: Faster on nearby US servers. However, PIA’s speeds can vary a lot depending on the server and protocol. The average download speed loss sits around 49%, which is above average for the industry.
💡 Test Result: ProtonVPN showed more consistent speeds across international servers. PIA was faster on short-distance US connections but less reliable on long-distance routes.
5. Streaming & Unblocking
ProtonVPN: Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ on paid plans. Streaming access is reliable on most servers. ProtonVPN does not block streaming on its free plan, but it cannot guarantee it works.
Private Internet Access: Has streaming-specific servers that can unblock Netflix and Disney+. However, PIA has been reported to struggle with some streaming services. Results vary by location and time of day.
6. Free Plan & Trial Options
ProtonVPN: Offers a completely free plan with unlimited bandwidth. No credit card required. The free plan covers servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. It has no ads and no data caps.
Private Internet Access: No free plan at all. PIA offers a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android. The web version comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee instead of a free trial.
7. Device Connections
ProtonVPN: Allows up to 10 devices at the same time. That’s enough for most households. But if you have many devices, 10 may not be enough.
Private Internet Access: Supports unlimited device connections. Protect every phone, tablet, laptop, and smart TV in your home. This is one of PIA’s biggest advantages.
8. Ad & Tracker Blocking
ProtonVPN: NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It works on all devices and runs in the background. NetShield is available on paid plans only.
Private Internet Access: MACE blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level. It also blocks known malicious websites. MACE is included in all PIA plans with no extra cost.
9. Torrenting & P2P Support
ProtonVPN: Has dedicated P2P servers spread across 20 countries. Port forwarding is available. The free plan does not support torrenting at all.
Private Internet Access: Every server supports P2P traffic. No special servers needed. PIA also offers port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy support for faster torrenting.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | ProtonVPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0.00/month (unlimited data) | ❌ No free plan |
| Cheapest Paid | $2.99/month (2-year) | $2.03/month (2-year + 4 months) |
| Mid-Tier | $7.99/month (Unlimited) | $7.50/month (6-month) |
| Monthly | $9.99/month | $11.99/month |
ProtonVPN: More expensive on long-term plans at $2.99/month. But it includes a free plan. The Unlimited plan at $7.99/month adds Proton Mail, Drive, Calendar, and Pass. Great value if you want a full privacy suite.
Private Internet Access: The cheapest premium VPN at $2.03/month on a long-term plan. You get every feature included with no tiers. PIA also keeps renewal prices fair with only an 8% increase.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | PIA | $2.03/mo is the cheapest |
| Best free VPN | ProtonVPN | Unlimited data, no ads |
| Maximum privacy | ProtonVPN | Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core |
| Unlimited devices | PIA | No connection limits |
| US sports streaming | PIA | Servers in all 50 states |
| Censorship bypass | ProtonVPN | Stealth protocol, Tor over VPN |
| Beginner-friendly | ProtonVPN | Simpler interface |
💰 Your Budget
PIA wins on pure price. Its 2-year plan costs $2.03/month. ProtonVPN’s cheapest paid plan is $2.99/month, but it also has a free plan if you want zero cost.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
PIA works on more operating systems and offers unlimited connections. ProtonVPN connects up to 10 devices but also works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and smart TVs.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
If privacy is your top priority, pick ProtonVPN. Swiss jurisdiction and Secure Core give you protection that US-based PIA simply cannot match.
🎓 Your Experience Level
ProtonVPN has a cleaner interface for beginners. PIA offers more advanced settings that power users will love but newcomers may find confusing.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
ProtonVPN has a forever-free plan. PIA offers a 7-day mobile trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. Start with ProtonVPN Free if you’re unsure about VPNs.
🛟 Support Options
PIA offers 24/7 live chat support. ProtonVPN only offers email support. If you need quick help, PIA is the better choice.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to PIA?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections instead of 10
- Lower price ($2.03/mo vs $2.99/mo on long-term plans)
- Servers in all 50 US states for local content
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction (PIA is US-based)
- Secure Core double-hop servers
- Free plan option with unlimited data
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ProtonVPN subscription before the next billing date
- Create a PIA account and choose your plan
- Download PIA apps on your devices and connect
🔄 Switching from PIA to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Swiss privacy protection outside surveillance alliances
- Secure Core servers for extra security on sensitive tasks
- Access to Proton Mail, Drive, and Pass with Unlimited plan
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (ProtonVPN caps at 10)
- Cheaper long-term pricing
- 24/7 live chat support
📋 How to switch:
- Request a refund from PIA within 30 days or cancel at renewal
- Sign up for ProtonVPN (start with the free plan to test it)
- Install ProtonVPN apps and upgrade to Plus if satisfied
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | PIA |
| 🔒 Privacy & Jurisdiction | ProtonVPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | PIA |
| 🛡️ Security Features | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | ProtonVPN |
| 🆓 Free Plan | ProtonVPN |
| 📱 Device Connections | PIA |
| 🔧 Customization | PIA |
| 🛟 Customer Support | PIA |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN wins 6 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists, activists, and anyone who wants a free VPN with no strings attached.
ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access serve different types of users.
ProtonVPN is the privacy champion. Swiss laws, Secure Core servers, and open-source apps make it the strongest choice for security.
PIA is the value champion. It’s cheaper, connects unlimited devices, and has 35,000+ servers.
If your main concern is keeping your data safe from governments and hackers, ProtonVPN is the clear pick.
If you want the most bang for your buck and need to cover many devices, go with PIA.
Either way, both VPNs are solid choices. You can’t go wrong with either one.
Now go protect your online privacy!
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, free plan, open-source transparency
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, larger server network, better streaming
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, lower price, open-source apps
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster overall speeds, better streaming support
ProtonVPN vs PureVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, security features, no-logs verification
PureVPN wins on: Cheaper long-term plans, more server locations
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core, free plan
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Lower price, unlimited connections
ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Larger server network, better security features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Simpler interface, competitive free plan
ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: More servers, stronger encryption, Secure Core
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, browser integration
ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield
ProtonVPN wins on: More countries, free plan, open-source code
Virtual Shield wins on: Simple setup, US-focused coverage
ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, server count
StrongVPN wins on: Simpler pricing, reliable streaming
ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Security features, jurisdiction, free plan
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing, budget-friendly
ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy laws, server network, security features
AuraVPN wins on: Bundled identity protection
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, free plan, open-source
CyberGhost wins on: More servers, dedicated streaming profiles
ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, no-logs policy, Secure Core
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus protection
ProtonVPN vs Mysterium
ProtonVPN wins on: Speed, security features, reliability
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
ProtonVPN vs SafeShell VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Larger server network, better privacy record
SafeShell VPN wins on: Simpler pricing structure
ProtonVPN vs OysterVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: More servers, stronger reputation, free plan
OysterVPN wins on: Lower entry price, simple setup
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other competitors:
PIA vs NordVPN
PIA wins on: Lower price, unlimited connections, US coverage
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, better streaming, more features
PIA vs ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: Much cheaper, unlimited connections, customization
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster speeds, easier interface, better streaming
PIA vs PureVPN
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, court-tested no-logs policy
PureVPN wins on: More server locations, dedicated IP included
PIA vs SurfsharkVPN
PIA wins on: Larger server network, US state coverage
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Similar price, better streaming support
PIA vs PrivadoVPN
PIA wins on: More servers, unlimited connections, proven track record
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan available, Swiss-based
PIA vs AdGuard VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, unlimited devices, P2P support
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, browser extension
PIA vs Virtual Shield
PIA wins on: More countries, lower price, open-source
Virtual Shield wins on: Simpler app design
PIA vs StrongVPN
PIA wins on: Lower price, more servers, unlimited devices
StrongVPN wins on: Better streaming reliability
PIA vs FastestVPN
PIA wins on: Larger network, better privacy audits
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option
PIA vs AuraVPN
PIA wins on: Server count, open-source apps, customization
AuraVPN wins on: Bundled identity protection tools
PIA vs CyberGhost
PIA wins on: Cheaper price, unlimited devices, US coverage
CyberGhost wins on: More servers, dedicated streaming servers
PIA vs McAfee VPN
PIA wins on: More features, unlimited devices, better privacy
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus and security suite
PIA vs Mysterium
PIA wins on: Speed, reliability, customer support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, no subscription
PIA vs SafeShell VPN
PIA wins on: Proven track record, larger network
SafeShell VPN wins on: Simpler setup process
PIA vs OysterVPN
PIA wins on: More servers, better reputation, unlimited devices
OysterVPN wins on: Lower entry price point
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN safe to use?
Yes. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws. It uses AES-256 encryption and has passed independent security audits. Its no-logs policy means your data is never stored.
Is Private Internet Access a legit VPN?
Yes. PIA has been around since 2010 and serves millions of users. Its no-logs policy has held up in court. Deloitte has independently verified that PIA does not store user data.
Is ProtonVPN actually free?
Yes. ProtonVPN offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. The free plan covers servers in three countries and supports one device. No credit card is needed to sign up.
Can I use PIA VPN for free?
PIA does not have a free plan. It offers a 7-day free trial on mobile apps. The web version comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free.
Which is better, ProtonVPN or PIA?
ProtonVPN is better for privacy and security thanks to Swiss jurisdiction and Secure Core servers. PIA is better for budget users who need unlimited device connections. Both are reliable choices.
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