⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Preisgestaltung: Proton VPN starts at $2.99/mo vs Private Internet Access at $2.03/mo
- Ideal für: Proton VPN for privacy-first users, PIA for budget shoppers who want unlimited connections
- Hauptunterschied: Proton VPN is based in Switzerland with Secure Core servers. PIA is US-based but has a court-proven no-logs record.
- Our pick: Proton VPN for most users — stronger privacy protections and a better free plan
Proton VPN and Private Internet Access are two of the most popular VPN companies in 2026.
One is built in Switzerland with open-source apps.
The other costs less and connects unlimited devices.
Picking the right VPN service depends on what matters most to you.
This comparison breaks down pricing, features, and privacy so you can decide.
Überblick
This ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison covers pricing, Sicherheit features, and how each VPN keeps your data private to protect user privacy.
We also look at who each VPN company and VPN provider works best for.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN fits your needs.
Was ist Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service built by the team behind Proton Mail.
It is based in Switzerland, outside the reach of Five Eyes surveillance alliances.
The Proton VPN app is open-source, so anyone can inspect the code.
Proton VPN offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. Does Proton VPN work for streaming? Yes, on paid plans.
Proton VPN
Swiss-based VPN with Secure Core servers and a free tier. All apps are open-source and independently audited.
Proton VPN-Preise
Hier sehen Sie, was Proton VPN im Jahr 2026 kostet.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| Frei | 0,00 €/Monat | Grundlegende Browser- und Datenschutzfunktionen |
| Plus | 2,99 €/Monat | Vollständiger VPN-Zugriff mit allen Funktionen |
| Unbegrenzt | 7,99 €/Monat | VPN plus Proton Mail, Drive und Pass |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Kostenlose Testversion: No free trial, but the free plan lets you test core features with no time limit.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: 30-Tage-Geld-zurück-Garantie auf alle bezahlten Tarife.
📌 Notiz: The free plan includes unlimited bandwidth but limits you to one device and servers in three countries. Compared to other free VPNs, it stands out because most free VPNs have data caps or show ads. The Plus plan unlocks all servers in 112+ countries and up to 10 device connections.
⚠️ Warnung: After your initial discounted term ends, Proton VPN renews at the standard rate of $9.99/month. Turn off auto-renewal in your account settings to avoid the price jump.
Wichtigste Vorteile von Proton VPN
Here’s what makes Proton VPN worth considering:
- Schweizer Datenschutzgesetze: Proton VPN is based in Switzerland. The country has no mandatory data retention laws and sits outside Five Eyes alliances.
- Free VPN With No Ads: The free version has no data caps, no ads, and no speed throttling. It covers basic privacy needs without spending a cent.
- Sichere Kernserver: Your internet traffic routes through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the endpoint server. This adds a second layer of encryption to your VPN tunnel.
- Open-Source-Apps: All Proton VPN apps are open-source and independently audited. Anyone can check the code for security flaws.
- NetShield Werbeblocker: Blockiert Werbung, Tracker und Schadsoftware auf DNS-Ebene. Dies beschleunigt das Surfen und schützt Ihre Privatsphäre.
- VPN-Beschleuniger: A built-in speed booster that uses advanced networking to reduce latency and protect your internet speeds on long-distance connections.
- Proton Suite: The Unlimited plan bundles all Proton apps — Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, and Proton Pass — with the VPN service.
What Our Team Noticed
Unser Schriftsteller signed up for Proton VPN and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Proton VPN: Vor- und Nachteile
✅ Vorteile
- Kostenloser Tarif mit unbegrenzter Bandbreite und ohne Werbung
- Schweizer Gerichtsbarkeit außerhalb von Überwachungsallianzen
- All apps are open-source and independently audited
- Secure Core double VPN routing for extra protection
- Includes Tor over VPN on dedicated Tor servers for Tor network access
❌ Nachteile
- Free plan limited to one device and three server locations
- No dedicated IP address option available
- Slower customer support compared to some VPN providers
- Renewal prices jump significantly after initial term
Was ist privater Internetzugang?
Private Internet Access VPN is a budget-friendly VPN service owned by Kape Technologies.
PIA covers over 91 countries with more than 35,000 VPN servers. PIA offers both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol support.
It allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account.
PIA has a strict no logs policy that has been verified by Deloitte audits and confirmed in two court cases.
Privater Internetzugang
Affordable VPN with 35,000+ servers and unlimited device connections. Court-proven no-logs policy backed by Deloitte audits.
Preise für privaten Internetzugang
Hier erfahren Sie, was privater Internetzugang im Jahr 2026 kostet.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Jahre + 4 Monate | 2,03 €/Monat | Bestes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis für Langzeitnutzer |
| 6 Monate | 7,50 €/Monat | Mittelfristiges Engagement |
| 1 Monat | 11,99 $/Monat | Kurzfristig oder zum Testen des Dienstes |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Kostenlose Testversion: Es ist kein kostenloser Tarif oder eine kostenlose Testphase verfügbar.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: 30-Tage-Geld-zurück-Garantie auf alle Tarife.
📌 Notiz: PIA does not increase subscription prices upon renewal. This is rare among most VPN providers and other VPN services. All plans include the same features and unlimited device connections.
⚠️ Warnung: PIA has no free plan. If you want to test a VPN without paying, Proton VPN’s free tier is a better starting point. PIA’s monthly plan at $11.99 is above the industry average.
Wichtigste Vorteile eines privaten Internetzugangs
Here’s what makes Private Internet Access worth considering:
- Unbegrenzte Verbindungen: Connect every device you own at once. No limits on simultaneous connections, which is rare among VPN services.
- Massives Servernetzwerk: Over 35,000 servers spread across 91 countries. How many servers does PIA have in the US? PIA covers all 50 US states for fast domestic connections.
- Gerichtlich bestätigter Datenschutz: PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested in two real court cases. Both times, PIA had zero user data to hand over.
- MACE Werbeblocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. Private Internet Access makes it work across all your devices without extra software.
- Option für dedizierte IP-Adresse: You can add a dedicated IP address for an extra fee. This helps with services that block shared VPN IP addresses.
- Portweiterleitung: Built-in port forwarding for faster torrenting and incoming connections. This is a must-have for power users.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Private Internet Access and spent time using the PIA app on desktop and mobile. Here’s what stood out:
Vorteile und Nachteile des privaten Internetzugangs
✅ Vorteile
- Unbegrenzte gleichzeitige Verbindungen in allen Tarifen
- No price increases on renewal unlike most VPN companies
- Größtes Servernetzwerk mit über 35.000 Servern in 91 Ländern
- Built-in port forwarding for torrenting and P2P
- Open-source apps with Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
❌ Nachteile
- Based in the US, a Five Eyes member country
- Für Tests ist kein kostenloser Tarif verfügbar.
- Download speeds inconsistent on distant servers
- Streaming only works on dedicated streaming optimized servers
Funktionsvergleich
Let’s compare Proton VPN and Private Internet Access across the features that matter most for your internet connection and privacy.
| Besonderheit | Proton VPN | Privater Internetzugang |
|---|---|---|
| Startpreis | 2,99 €/Monat | 2,03 €/Monat |
| Kostenloser Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Serveranzahl | Mehr als 8.600 in 112 Ländern | Mehr als 35.000 in 91 Ländern |
| Gleichzeitige Verbindungen | 10 Geräte | Unbegrenzt |
| Not-Aus-Schalter | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split-Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Doppeltes VPN / Multi-Hop | ✅ (Secure Core) | ✅ (Multi-Hop) |
| Dedizierte IP-Adresse | ❌ | ✅ (Zusatzoption) |
| Werbeblocker | ✅ (NetShield) | ✅ (MACE) |
| Am besten geeignet für | Nutzer, denen Datenschutz wichtig ist | Budget and torrent users |
1. Datenschutz und Gerichtsstand
Proton VPN: Based in Switzerland, which has strict privacy laws and no mandatory data retention. Switzerland is not part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliances. Proton VPN passed an independent third-party Prüfung confirming its strict no-logs policy. All Proton apps are open-source for full transparency.
Privater Internetzugang: Based in the United States, a founding Five Eyes member. However, PIA’s no-logs policy has been court-tested twice. In both cases, PIA had no user data to provide. Deloitte has also independently audited PIA’s claims. PIA’s apps are open-source as well.
2. Servernetzwerk
Proton VPN: Proton VPN servers number over 8,600 spread across 112 countries. Proton VPN covers more countries than PIA, which helps if you need server locations in less common regions. All servers run on RAM only, meaning data is wiped on every reboot.
Privater Internetzugang: PIA’s servers number over 35,000 in 91 countries. That’s a much larger fleet, including some virtual servers, which can mean less crowding during peak hours. PIA also has servers in all 50 US states, making it a strong pick for US-based VPN users who want nearby connections.
3. Encryption and VPN Protocols
Proton VPN: Creates an encrypted VPN tunnel using AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. Every encrypted tunnel is protected by forward secrecy. Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and a proprietary Stealth protocol. The Stealth protocol helps bypass VPN blocks and ISP throttling in restrictive countries by disguising VPN traffic as normal internet traffic.
Privater Internetzugang: Offers AES-256 encryption via the OpenVPN protocol and ChaCha20 with WireGuard. PIA lets you toggle between AES-128 and AES-256, which is useful if you want faster download speeds and better connection speeds with slightly lighter encryption. PIA also supports the SHA2 hashing algorithm and RSA-4096 handshake.
4. Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
Proton VPN: Includes a kill switch that blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops. Proton VPN also provides DNS leak protection to stop your internet service provider from seeing your DNS requests. A dns leak test confirms no leaks on any platform.
Privater Internetzugang: PIA offers two types of kill switches on Windows and macOS: a regular kill switch and an advanced version. The advanced version blocks internet traffic even when PIA is turned off. PIA also prevents DNS leaks and IPv6 leaks. PIA’s split tunneling lets you exclude specific apps, browser traffic, and IP addresses from the VPN tunnel.
5. Secure Core vs Multi-Hop
Proton VPN: Secure Core routes your internet traffic through servers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before reaching the endpoint server. This double VPN approach means even if someone compromises the exit server, they still cannot trace your actual IP address or real IP address back to you.
Privater Internetzugang: PIA supports multi-hop connections that route traffic through two VPN servers. This provides a similar double VPN effect. However, PIA does not guarantee that one hop goes through a privacy-friendly jurisdiction like Proton VPN’s Secure Core does.
6. Streaming und Zugriff auf Inhalte
Proton VPN: Proton VPN supports streaming from Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other services. Streaming access is guaranteed on paid plans only. The free plan does not block streaming sites, but it can’t guarantee access either.
Privater Internetzugang: PIA has streaming optimized servers in 11 countries that can unblock Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. However, regular PIA servers usually get blocked. Streaming platforms keep blocking access from shared VPN IP addresses. You need to use the dedicated streaming servers for consistent access to unblocking streaming content.
7. Torrenting und P2P
Proton VPN: Allows torrenting on dedicated servers designed for P2P file sharing. Proton VPN also offers port forwarding on paid plans, which improves download speeds for torrenting. The free plan does not support P2P.
Privater Internetzugang: PIA allows torrenting on all servers, not just dedicated ones. Port forwarding is built-in and easy to activate. For power users who torrent regularly, PIA’s wider server compatibility and built-in port forwarding give it an edge for P2P file sharing.
8. Geräteverbindungen
Proton VPN: Allows up to 10 simultaneous VPN connections on paid plans. This covers most households. The free plan is limited to one device. Proton VPN works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. The Android app and Windows app are available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Privater Internetzugang: PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections. You can protect all your devices, all the mobile devices in your household, and your router without worrying about limits. PIA also has VPN apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Any Linux user can install the Linux app or command line app. PIA also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
9. Ad and Tracker Blocking
Proton VPN: NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It runs on the VPN server side, so it works on all your devices. NetShield is only available on paid plans.
Privater Internetzugang: MACE is PIA’s built-in ad and tracker blocker. It works through PIA’s own DNS servers at the DNS level and blocks malware domains. MACE is available on all plans and works across all your devices without extra setup.
10. Preisgestaltung und Kosten
| Planen | Proton VPN | Privater Internetzugang |
|---|---|---|
| Frei | 0,00 €/Monat | ❌ Kein kostenloser Tarif |
| Günstigster bezahlter Preis | 2,99 $/Monat (2 Jahre) | 2,03 $/Monat (2 Jahre + 4 Monate) |
| Mittleres Preisniveau | 7,99 $/Monat (Unbegrenzt) | 7,50 $/Monat (6 Monate) |
| Monatlich | 9,99 $/Monat (Plus) | 11,99 $/Monat |
Proton VPN: Slightly more expensive on long-term plans than PIA. However, Proton VPN’s free tier is a major advantage. The Unlimited plan at $7.99/month adds Proton Mail, Drive, Calendar, and Pass. After the initial term, Proton VPN renews at the standard $9.99/month rate.
Privater Internetzugang: PIA’s 2-year plan at $2.03/month makes it a cheap VPN compared to any premium VPN on the market. It is far from an expensive VPN. PIA does not increase prices on renewal. Check Private Internet Access deals for the latest discounts. However, the monthly plan at $11.99 is pricier than Proton VPN’s $9.99 monthly option. No free tier means you pay from day one.
Verschiedene Szenarien
| Falls Sie Folgendes benötigen: | Wählen | Warum |
|---|---|---|
| Knappes Budget | PIA | $2.03/mo on long-term plan |
| Kostenlose VPN-Option | Proton VPN | Kostenloser Tarif ohne Datenbegrenzung |
| Maximale Privatsphäre | Proton VPN | Schweizer Rechtsprechung, Secure Core |
| Unbegrenzte Geräte | PIA | No limit on connections |
| Torrenting focus | PIA | Alle Server unterstützen P2P. |
| Streaming-Zugriff | Proton VPN | More reliable unblocking |
💰 Ihr Budget
PIA costs less on long-term plans at $2.03/month. But if you want to try a VPN without paying anything, Proton VPN’s free version is the better starting point.
🔌 Dein Tech-Stack
Both VPN services work on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. PIA adds browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Proton VPN connects to the broader Proton suite with Mail, Drive, and Calendar.
🛡️ Ihre Datenschutzbedürfnisse
If privacy is your top concern, Proton VPN’s Swiss jurisdiction and Secure Core servers are hard to beat. PIA’s US location is a drawback, but its court-tested no-logs record is solid proof that it keeps no identifying data.
🎓 Dein Erfahrungslevel
Proton VPN easy setup makes it great for beginners. The interface is clean and connections are simple. PIA offers more customization, which is better for users who want to tweak encryption levels and VPN protocols.
🆓 Kostenlose Testversionen und Demos
Proton VPN has a free plan you can use forever. PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee instead. Both let you test the service, but Proton VPN’s free version has no deadline.
🛟 Supportoptionen
PIA offers 24/7 live chat support for paying customers. Proton VPN relies mainly on email support, which is slower than most other VPN providers. If fast customer support matters to you, PIA has the advantage.
Umstellungsleitfaden
Nutzen Sie bereits eines dieser Tools? Hier erfahren Sie, was Sie beim Wechsel erwartet.
🔄 Switching from Proton VPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ Was Sie davon haben:
- Unbegrenzte Geräteverbindungen statt 10
- Lower long-term pricing at $2.03/month
- Dedicated IP address option for static needs
❌ Was Sie verlieren werden:
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction and Secure Core servers
- Kostenloser VPN-Tarif mit unbegrenzter Bandbreite
- Access to the Proton suite (Mail, Drive, Pass)
📋 So wechseln Sie:
- Cancel your Proton VPN subscription from your account settings
- Sign up for PIA and download the PIA app on your devices
- Uninstall Proton VPN and connect through PIA
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to Proton VPN?
✅ Was Sie davon haben:
- Swiss-based privacy with Secure Core double VPN
- Free plan available if you want to downgrade later
- Access to Proton Mail, Drive, and Calendar on the Unlimited plan
❌ Was Sie verlieren werden:
- Unlimited device connections (capped at 10 on Proton VPN)
- Dedicated IP address option
- Stable renewal pricing (Proton VPN renewal price increases)
📋 So wechseln Sie:
- Kündigen Sie Ihr PIA-Abonnement und beantragen Sie eine Rückerstattung, wenn Sie innerhalb von 30 Tagen eine Kündigung vornehmen.
- Create a Proton account and choose your plan
- Download the Proton VPN app and uninstall PIA
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise features, team management, or VPN router configurations. Detailed speed tests and online gaming performance were not included. If you’re in a country with heavy internet censorship, your experience may differ from what we’ve described here. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both apps.
Endgültiges Urteil
| Kategorie | Gewinner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Preisgestaltung | Privater Internetzugang |
| 🛡️ Datenschutz & Gerichtsstand | Proton VPN |
| 🌐 Servernetzwerk | Privater Internetzugang |
| 🔒 Sicherheitsmerkmale | Proton VPN |
| 📺 Streaming | Proton VPN |
| 📥 Torrenting | Privater Internetzugang |
| 👶 Benutzerfreundlichkeit | Proton VPN |
| 🏆 Gesamtsieger | Proton VPN |
🏆 GEWINNER: Proton VPN
Proton VPN wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Ideal für: Privacy-conscious users, free VPN seekers, streaming, and beginners who want a simple secure VPN.
Proton VPN and Private Internet Access take different approaches to online privacy. Both are solid VPN choices, though neither qualifies as a top tier VPN in every category. Proton VPN’s Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core servers, and free plan make it the stronger choice for most VPN users. PIA fights back with cheaper long-term pricing, unlimited connections, and a larger server network.
If you need an affordable VPN for a large household, PIA is the smart pick. But if privacy is your top concern, Proton VPN earns the win.
Weitere Informationen zu Proton VPN im Vergleich
Here’s how Proton VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
Proton VPN vs NordVPN
Proton VPN punktet in folgenden Bereichen: Swiss privacy laws, open-source code, free plan with no data caps
NordVPN punktet in folgenden Bereichen: Faster download speeds, more specialty servers, Threat Protection malware scanner
Proton VPN vs. ExpressVPN
Proton VPN punktet in folgenden Bereichen: Lower price on 2-year plans, free tier available, Secure Core double VPN routing
ExpressVPN punktet in folgenden Kategorien: Faster speeds on distant servers, easier router setup, better live chat support
Proton VPN vs. Surfshark
Proton VPN punktet in folgenden Bereichen: Stronger jurisdiction for privacy, audited open-source apps, Tor over VPN support
Surfshark gewinnt in: Cheaper long-term pricing, unlimited device connections, CleanWeb ad blocker
Proton VPN vs CyberGhost
Proton VPN punktet in folgenden Bereichen: Privacy jurisdiction, open-source transparency, no-logs verified by independent audit
CyberGhost gewinnt in: Larger server count, dedicated streaming profiles, longer 45-day refund policy
Mehr zum Vergleich des privaten Internetzugangs
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other VPN providers:
Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN
PIA gewinnt in folgenden Bereichen: Cheaper long-term pricing, unlimited device connections, no price increases on renewal
NordVPN punktet in folgenden Bereichen: Faster overall speeds, better streaming support, Dark Web Monitor feature
Privater Internetzugang vs. Surfshark
PIA gewinnt in folgenden Bereichen: Court-proven no-logs record, servers in all 50 US states, dedicated IP option
Surfshark gewinnt in: Slightly cheaper on the longest plan, better streaming unblocking, GPS spoofing on Android
Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost
PIA gewinnt in folgenden Bereichen: Open-source apps, lower monthly cost on long-term deals, stable renewal pricing
CyberGhost gewinnt in: Dedicated streaming and gaming servers, 45-day money-back guarantee, NoSpy servers in Romania
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Ist die Nutzung von Proton VPN sicher?
Yes. The service is based in Switzerland and follows a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits. All apps are open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities.
Ist Private Internet Access ein seriöses VPN?
Yes. PIA has proven its no-logs policy in two court cases where it had zero user data to provide. Deloitte has also audited its privacy practices. It is a legitimate VPN provider with a long track record.
Ist Proton VPN tatsächlich kostenlos?
Yes, there is a free version with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. The free tier limits you to one device and servers in three countries. You can use it forever without paying.
Kann ich PIA VPN kostenlos nutzen?
No. PIA does not offer a free plan. However, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can test the full service and request a refund if you’re not satisfied.
Which is better for privacy, Proton VPN or PIA?
Proton VPN has the edge on privacy. Its Swiss jurisdiction keeps it outside surveillance alliances. PIA is based in the US, but its court-tested no-logs record makes it a quality VPN. Both are good choices, but Proton VPN’s location gives it a structural advantage.
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