⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Tarification : Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/mo vs OpenVPN at $7/mo (Growth plan)
- Idéal pour : PIA for everyday VPN users who want a ready-to-use VPN service, OpenVPN for IT teams building custom VPN tunnels
- Différence principale : PIA is a complete VPN service with servers and apps. OpenVPN is a VPN protocol and self-hosted access server platform.
- Our pick: Private Internet Access for most users — it works right out of the box with no manual configuration needed
Private Internet Access vs OpenVPN solve the same problem in different ways.
One gives you a VPN service ready to use on all your appareils.
The other gives you the tools to build your own VPN server from scratch.
This comparison helps you decide which approach fits your needs.
Aperçu
This comparison covers pricing, features, and ease of use for both VPN services.
We also break down who each option works best for.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN solution fits your situation.
Qu'est-ce que l'accès Internet privé ?
Private Internet Access is a VPN service that encrypts your internet connection.
It routes your internet traffic through secure VPN servers worldwide.
PIA VPN hides your actual IP address and keeps your données privé.
The PIA app works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Androïdeet iOS.
PIA covers all your devices with unlimited simultaneous connections.
Accès Internet privé
PIA offers 35,000 VPN servers across 91 countries. It supports unlimited devices and includes a built-in ad blocker called MACE.
Tarification de l'accès Internet privé
Voici le coût de l'accès Internet privé en 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| 2 ans et 4 mois | 2,03 $/mois | Long-term users who want the lowest price |
| 6 mois | 7,50 $/mois | Users who want a shorter commitment |
| 1 mois | 11,99 $/mois | Quick testing or short-term voyage |
Pricing verified April 2026.
Essai gratuit : No free trial, but PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Garantie de remboursement : Remboursement intégral sous 30 jours, sans poser de questions.
📌 Note: PIA does not increase subscription prices upon renewal. The price you sign up at is the price you keep, which is uncommon among VPN providers.
⚠️ Avertissement: The monthly plan at $11.99 is nearly six times the cost of the long-term plan. If you plan to use PIA for more than a few months, the 2-year deal saves you a lot.
Principaux avantages de l'accès Internet privé
Here’s what makes Private Internet Access worth considering:
- Réseau de serveurs massifs : PIA’s servers span 91 countries with 35,000 total servers. That includes every US state for local server locations.
- Appareils illimités : Connect every device you own at the same time. Most VPN providers limit you to five or ten.
- Politique de non-conservation des journaux vérifiée : Deloitte independently audited PIA’s strict no logs policy. PIA does not store browsing history, DNS queries, or connection data.
- Applications open source : PIA’s VPN apps are fully open-source. Anyone can inspect the source code for security flaws.
- Bloqueur de publicités intégré : MACE blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level. It works across all your devices without extra software.
- Tunnelage fractionné : Choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which bypass it. This lets you use local services while staying protected.
- Connexions multi-sauts : Route your internet traffic through two VPN servers for added privacy. This adds a second layer of encryption.
What Our Team Noticed
Notre écrivain signed up for Private Internet Access and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Accès Internet privé : avantages et inconvénients
✅ Avantages
- 35,000 servers across 91 countries with servers in all 50 US states
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account
- No logs policy independently verified by Deloitte audits
- Open-source apps let anyone inspect the code for transparency
- No price increases on subscription renewals
❌ Inconvénients
- Average download speed loss of 49% can slow bandwidth-heavy tasks
- Le déblocage du streaming est incohérent pour certains services comme BBC iPlayer.
- Aucun forfait gratuit disponible — seulement une garantie de remboursement de 30 jours
- L'abonnement mensuel à 11,99 $ est supérieur à la moyenne du secteur.
Qu'est-ce qu'OpenVPN ?
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol and software platform.
It creates secure VPN tunnels between a client and a server using SSL/TLS encryption.
OpenVPN works as both a tunneling protocol and an access server product. It supports multiple tunneling protocols and creates secure connections for remote workers and businesses.
The OpenVPN Community Edition is free and lets you build your own virtual private network.
OpenVPN Access Server adds a management layer for businesses that need remote access.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol used by millions. It supports TCP and UDP protocols and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Tarification d'OpenVPN
Voici le prix d'OpenVPN en 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | $0 | Self-hosted setups with manual configuration |
| Croissance | 7 $/mois | Small teams needing managed VPN access |
| Entreprise | Coutume | Large organizations with custom security needs |
Pricing verified April 2026.
Essai gratuit : The OpenVPN Community Edition is completely free. The Access Server product offers a free tier with limited connections.
Garantie de remboursement : Contact OpenVPN sales for refund terms on paid plans.
📌 Note: OpenVPN’s free Community Edition gives you the full open-source VPN protocol. You only pay for the Access Server if you want a web-based management interface and easier setup for teams.
⚠️ Avertissement: The free tier requires manual configuration and technical knowledge. If you’re not comfortable with command line tools, you’ll need the paid plan or a different VPN provider.
Principaux avantages d'OpenVPN
Here’s what makes OpenVPN worth considering:
- Open-Source Protocol: OpenVPN’s code is publicly available. The global community of developers reviews it for vulnerabilities and suggests fixes.
- Dual Protocol Support: OpenVPN supports both TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Pick TCP for reliability or UDP for speed.
- Multiplateforme : Install OpenVPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even Solaris. It runs on almost any operating system.
- Custom Encryption: Choose your own encryption algorithms, encryption ciphers, and key lengths. This level of control is rare in other VPN protocols.
- Secret parfait en amont : Even if one encryption key is compromised, past sessions stay safe. Each session uses unique encryption keys.
- Contournement du pare-feu : OpenVPN works through firewalls and NAT gateways that block other VPN protocols. It’s effective in restricted network environments.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for OpenVPN Access Server and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients d'OpenVPN
✅ Avantages
- Fully open-source protocol with community-driven security updates
- Free Community Edition available for self-hosted VPN connections
- Highly customizable encryption ciphers and authentication settings
- Compatible with almost every operating system including Solaris
❌ Inconvénients
- Requires technical knowledge for manual configuration and setup
- Slower than newer protocols like WireGuard in speed tests
- No built-in server network — you must provide your own VPN server
- Not user-friendly on mobile devices compared to commercial VPN apps
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Private Internet Access vs OpenVPN?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right VPN solution.
| Fonctionnalité | Accès Internet privé | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Prix initial | 2,03 $/mois | 0 $ (Niveau gratuit) |
| Plan gratuit | ❌ | ✅ |
| Réseau serveur intégré | ✅ (35,000 servers) | ❌ |
| Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence | ✅ | ❌ (requires setup) |
| Tunnelage fractionné | ✅ | ❌ (requires setup) |
| Ad & Tracker Blocker | ✅ (MACE) | ❌ |
| Source libre | ✅ (apps) | ✅ (protocol + apps) |
| Custom Encryption Settings | Limité | ✅ (full control) |
| Option auto-hébergée | ❌ | ✅ |
| Idéal pour | Utilisateurs quotidiens de VPN | IT teams & power users |
1. No-Logs Policy & Privacy
Accès Internet privé : PIA has a strict no logs policy verified by independent Deloitte audits. It does not collect browsing history, DNS queries, connection data, or identifying data. PIA also publishes quarterly transparency reports showing how it handles legal requests for user privacy information.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN is a protocol, so privacy depends entirely on how you configure your own VPN server. If you self-host, you control what gets logged. The OpenVPN Access Server logs connection data by default, but you can disable that through manual configuration.
2. Chiffrement et protocoles VPN
Accès Internet privé : PIA offers AES 256-bit encryption over the OpenVPN protocol. It also supports WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption. PIA lets you choose your encryption level, but the options are preset rather than fully customizable.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN uses SSL/TLS to create a secure tunnel for data traffic. It supports AES, Blowfish, and other encryption algorithms. You can configure encryption ciphers, key lengths, and hash message authentication code settings yourself. OpenVPN also includes Perfect Forward Secrecy to protect past sessions.
3. Réseau et emplacement des serveurs
Accès Internet privé : PIA’s servers cover 91 countries with 35,000 total server locations. That includes servers in all 50 US states. PIA also offers streaming optimized servers, dedicated IP address options, and virtual servers in some regions.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN does not provide any VPN servers. You need to set up your own OpenVPN server or rent one from a hosting provider. This means how many servers you have depends entirely on your budget and technical skills.
⚠️ Avertissement: If you need ready-to-use server locations for unblocking streaming content or hiding your real IP address, OpenVPN alone won’t help. You’ll need a VPN provider like PIA that operates its own servers.
4. Ease of Use & Setup
Accès Internet privé : PIA makes setup simple. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, log in, and tap connect. The interface is clean and uncluttered. PIA also supports automation rules that connect the VPN based on which network you join.
OpenVPN : Setting up OpenVPN requires technical knowledge. You need to install OpenVPN client software, download .ovpn configuration files, and sometimes use the command line app. The OpenVPN GUI helps on desktop, but mobile devices are harder to configure. OpenVPN Connect simplifies the client side, but server setup still needs manual configuration.
5. Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence et protection contre les fuites
Accès Internet privé : PIA includes two types of kill switch on Windows and macOS. A regular kill switch stops internet traffic when the VPN connection drops. An advanced kill switch blocks all non-VPN traffic even before connecting. PIA also runs DNS leak tests to prevent DNS requests from leaking your real IP address.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN does not include a built-in kill switch. You need to configure firewall rules manually to block internet traffic when the VPN connection drops. DNS leak protection also requires separate DNS server configuration. This is manageable for power users but hard for beginners.
6. Tunnelage fractionné
Accès Internet privé : PIA supports split tunneling out of the box. You can exclude specific apps or IP addresses from the VPN connection. This lets you access local services like banking while keeping browser traffic encrypted through the VPN tunnel.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN supports split tunneling through manual configuration of routing tables. You’ll need to edit configuration files to specify which data traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which bypasses it. It works, but it’s not a one-click feature.
7. Diffusion en continu et accès au contenu
Accès Internet privé : PIA offers streaming optimized servers designed for unblocking streaming services. It works with Netflix and Disney Plus. However, PIA has been reported to struggle with BBC iPlayer and some other streaming services at times. For unblocking streaming content, PIA is better than most affordable VPN options.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN is a protocol, not a VPN service. It does not offer streaming servers or content unblocking. If you set up your own OpenVPN server in a specific country, you could access content from that region. But managing this yourself takes effort and knowledge.
8. Connection Speed & Performance
Accès Internet privé : PIA has an average download speed loss of 49% based on published speed tests. Connection speeds vary by server location and protocol. PIA supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol — WireGuard is faster for most users. Speeds are good enough for streaming and web browsing but not ideal for bandwidth-heavy tasks.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN is slower than WireGuard but offers better security flexibility. Using OpenVPN TCP gives you reliable connections. OpenVPN UDP gives faster download speeds but with less guaranteed delivery. Speed depends on your server hardware and internet connection rather than a shared network.
9. Device Support & Compatibility
Accès Internet privé : PIA has dedicated VPN apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. PIA also supports VPN routers to protect all your devices at the network level. The mobile apps are easy to use on phones and tablets.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and less common operating systems like Solaris. The OpenVPN Connect app works on mobile devices but is less polished than commercial VPN apps. OpenVPN can also run on routers and embedded devices for site-to-site networking.
10. Tarification et coût
Comparons les plans tarifaires côte à côte.
| Plan | Accès Internet privé | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | ❌ | 0 $ (Édition communautaire) |
| Low Tier | 2,03 $/mois (2 ans + 4 mois) | 7 $/mois (Croissance) |
| Niveau intermédiaire | 7,50 $/mois (6 mois) | N / A |
| Niveau élevé | 11,99 $/mois (mensuel) | Personnalisé (Entreprise) |
Accès Internet privé : PIA is an affordable VPN with the long-term plan at just $2.03 per month. That includes everything — all servers, all features, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited devices. PIA does not increase prices on renewal, which saves money long-term compared to other VPN providers.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN is free if you self-host using the Community Edition. But running your own VPN server costs money for hosting. The Growth plan at $7 per month is for teams who want managed remote access. Enterprise pricing is custom. For individual VPN users, the hidden costs of self-hosting often exceed a cheap VPN subscription.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-use VPN service | Accès Internet privé | Fonctionne dès la sortie de la boîte |
| Contrôle total de votre serveur VPN | OpenVPN | Self-hosted and customizable |
| budget serré | Accès Internet privé | $2.03/mo with everything included |
| Protocole VPN gratuit | OpenVPN | L'édition communautaire coûte 0 $ |
| Accès au streaming | Accès Internet privé | serveurs optimisés pour le streaming |
| Entreprise accès à distance | OpenVPN | Built for secure remote access |
💰 Votre budget
PIA gives you a complete VPN service for $2.03 per month on the long-term plan. OpenVPN is free to download, but running your own server adds hosting costs that often exceed PIA’s price.
🔌 Votre pile technologique
PIA works as a standalone app with no extra setup. OpenVPN requires server infrastructure and technical knowledge of VPN protocols, making it better for IT teams who manage private networks.
📝 Votre cas d'utilisation
For personal browsing, streaming, and keeping your internet connection private, PIA is the clear choice. For building a custom security protocol or connecting office sites, OpenVPN gives you the flexibility you need.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
Beginners should pick PIA because it requires zero technical knowledge. If you’re comfortable with command line tools, firewall rules, and creating VPN tunnels manually, OpenVPN gives you more control.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. OpenVPN’s Community Edition is permanently free, and the Access Server has a free tier with limited VPN connections.
🛟 Options d'assistance
PIA provides 24/7 live chat and email support. OpenVPN relies on community forums for the free edition and offers direct support only on paid Access Server plans.
Guide de changement
Vous utilisez déjà l'un de ces outils ? Voici à quoi vous attendre si vous en changez.
🔄 Vous passez de Private Internet Access à OpenVPN ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Full control over encryption algorithms and authentication settings
- Self-hosted VPN server with no third-party involvement
- Free Community Edition with no monthly subscription fees
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- 35,000 ready-to-use VPN servers across 91 countries
- Built-in kill switch, split tunneling, and MACE ad blocker
- 24/7 customer support and easy-to-use VPN apps
📋 Comment changer :
- Annulez votre abonnement PIA avant la date de renouvellement.
- Set up an OpenVPN server on a cloud host or local machine
- Install OpenVPN Connect on your devices and import your .ovpn files
🔄 Vous passez d'OpenVPN à Private Internet Access ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Instant access to 35,000 servers without managing any infrastructure
- Built-in ad blocking, kill switch, and split tunneling features
- Connexions illimitées entre appareils avec un seul abonnement
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Contrôle total des paramètres de chiffrement et de la configuration du serveur
- Self-hosted VPN with no reliance on a third-party VPN provider
- Free usage if you were running the OpenVPN Community Edition
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual and small team use cases. We didn’t test OpenVPN in a large enterprise site-to-site networking deployment. We also didn’t benchmark PIA’s speeds across all 91 countries or test every streaming service. If you need a VPN for online gaming with minimal latency or for use in heavily censored regions, your results may differ from what we’ve described here.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | Accès Internet privé |
| 🔒 Confidentialité et absence de journaux | Accès Internet privé |
| 🔧 Personnalisation | OpenVPN |
| 👶 Facilité d'utilisation | Accès Internet privé |
| 🌍 Réseau de serveurs | Accès Internet privé |
| 🔌 Flexibility | OpenVPN |
| 📺 Diffusion en continu | Accès Internet privé |
| 🏆 Vainqueur toutes catégories | Accès Internet privé |
🏆 GAGNANT : Accès Internet Privé
Private Internet Access remporte 5 des 7 catégories.
Idéal pour : everyday VPN users, streaming fans, privacy-focused individuals, and anyone who wants a VPN that works without technical setup
Private Internet Access and OpenVPN serve very different audiences. PIA is a ready-to-use VPN service with 35,000 servers, apps for every platform, and features like a kill switch and MACE ad blocker built in.
OpenVPN is a VPN protocol and self-hosted platform. It gives IT teams and power users full control over their VPN connections and encryption settings.
If you need a personal VPN service that protects your internet connection on all your devices, Private Internet Access makes the better choice for most VPN users.
Comparaison de l'accès Internet privé
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other VPN providers:
Private Internet Access contre NordVPN
PIA gagne sur : unlimited device connections, lower long-term pricing at $2.03/mo, open-source apps with public code inspection
NordVPN l'emporte sur : faster connection speeds, better streaming unblocking, dedicated server categories like Double VPN
Accès Internet privé vs ExpressVPN
PIA gagne sur : much cheaper pricing ($2.03 vs $8+/mo), unlimited devices vs 8 device limit, built-in ad blocker MACE
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : faster raw speeds, better for unblocking geo-restricted content, simpler interface for beginners
Private Internet Access contre Proton VPN
PIA gagne sur : larger server network with 35,000 servers, lower pricing on long-term plans, port forwarding support
Proton VPN l'emporte sur : free plan with unlimited bandwidth, Swiss privacy jurisdiction, Secure Core routing
Private Internet Access vs SurfsharkVPN
PIA gagne sur : more server locations across 91 countries, independently audited no-logs policy, open-source apps
Surfshark l'emporte sur : CleanWeb ad blocker with cookie pop-up blocking, rotating IP feature, bundled antivirus and search tools
Comparaison d'OpenVPN
Here’s how OpenVPN stacks up against other VPN options:
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : free self-hosted option, full encryption customization, open source VPN protocol with community updates
NordVPN l'emporte sur : ready-to-use server network in 60+ countries, built-in threat protection, no technical setup needed
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : zero cost for Community Edition, site-to-site networking for businesses, complete control over server infrastructure
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : Lightway protocol for faster speeds, one-click connection on any device, 24/7 customer support
OpenVPN vs CyberGhost
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : self-hosted flexibility, custom encryption cipher selection, no dependency on a third-party VPN provider
CyberGhost l'emporte sur : beginner-friendly interface with streaming profiles, dedicated IP addresses, servers in 100 countries
Foire aux questions
L'accès à Internet privé est-il sûr ?
Yes. This Private Internet Access review confirms that PIA uses AES 256-bit encryption protocols and has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte. The apps are open-source, so anyone can check the code. If you have tested Private Internet Access or tested PIA yourself, you will notice the quality VPN protection it provides against ISP throttling and DNS leaks across all DNS servers it routes through.
OpenVPN est-il gratuit à utiliser ?
The OpenVPN Community Edition is completely free. OpenVPN is one of the safest VPN protocols and the open source OpenVPN protocol lets anyone audit the code. The OpenVPN company (OpenVPN Technologies) offers a paid Access Server with managed features. The OpenVPN software uses the OpenSSL library for Secure Sockets Layer encryption and supports TLS auth for authentication. OpenVPN connections use public key infrastructure for secure key exchange and HMAC firewall protection to block unauthorized incoming connections.
How does a Private Internet Access VPN work?
Private Internet Access VPN routes your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This hides your real IP address and keeps sensitive data safe from your internet service provider. PIA is an OpenVPN compatible service that also supports WireGuard. Private Internet Access deals on the long-term plan bring the cost to $2.03 per month, making it a cheap VPN and an affordable VPN for most budgets. PIA also supports Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services on its streaming optimized servers.
Est-il possible de suivre un VPN PIA ?
PIA does not store connection logs, DNS queries, or browsing history. Without logs, there is no identifying data to trace back to you. PIA is a top tier VPN for user privacy and works well for VPN clients who want verified protection. PIA also offers virtual private networks through multi-hop routing for extra security.
What is the difference between a VPN protocol and a VPN service?
A VPN protocol like OpenVPN creates the secure tunnel using UDP protocol or TCP transmission control protocol. OpenVPN UDP gives faster speeds while OpenVPN TCP offers more reliable data traffic. OpenVPN safe practices involve using the OpenVPN GUI or OpenVPN Connect client software to install OpenVPN on your devices. A VPN service like PIA adds servers, apps, browser extensions, port forwarding, and a command line app for Linux power users. Many VPN clients rely on the open source VPN protocol, and authentication OpenVPN uses is based on digital certificates and user datagram protocol or UDP user datagram protocol for faster connections. For online gaming or streaming, most VPN protocols work well when paired with a good server network.
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