📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Download Speeds: Surfshark 85% retained vs PIA 51% retained — Surfshark wins
- 🔒 No-Logs Revisione contabile: Both audited by Deloitte — Tie
- 🌍 Posizioni del server: Surfshark 100 countries vs PIA 91 countries — Surfshark wins
- 📺 Streaming Unblock: Surfshark unblocked 9/10 services vs PIA 6/10 — Surfshark wins
- 🛡️ Funzionalità sulla privacy: PIA open-source apps vs Surfshark Alternative ID — PIA wins
Picking the right VPN provider can feel overwhelming with so many vpn services out there.
Two popular names keep coming up: Surfshark VPN and Private Internet Access.
Both are premium vpn options that promise online privacy and fast download speeds.
But which vpn service actually delivers more value for your money?
I tested surfshark and tested private internet access side by side for four weeks.
I ran speed tests, checked for dns leaks, and pushed both through streaming and torrenting.
In this surfshark vpn review and private internet access review, I’ll share every finding.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which vpn to pick for your needs.
Panoramica
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested SurfsharkVPN vs Private Internet Access vpn on real-world tasks.
I spent four weeks using each vpn provider on multiple devices.
I checked vpn connection stability, server locations, and how well each handles network traffic.
I also tested the kill switch, split tunneling feature, and vpn protocols on both platforms.
This vpn review covers everything from vpn servers and ip addresses to browsing history protection.
Che cos'è Surfshark?
Surfshark VPN is a premium vpn service based in the Netherlands.
It gives you unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices.
The surfshark app works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and even Apple TV.
Surfshark vpn continues to grow as one of the top vpn providers in 2026.
It hides your real ip address and encrypts your internet connection with AES-256 encryption.
Surfshark offers features like Alternative ID, CleanWeb ad and malware blocker, and MultiHop routing.
Surfshark
Surfshark VPN gives you unlimited device connections, 3,200+ surfshark servers in 100 countries, and powerful privacy tools like Camouflage Mode and the ip rotator feature. Protect all your devices with one surfshark subscription.
Surfshark Pricing
Here’s what surfshark pricing looks like in 2026.
| Piano | Prezzo | Ideale per |
|---|---|---|
| 24 mesi + 3 extra | $ 1,99/mese | Best value for long-term users |
| 12 mesi + 3 extra | $ 3,19/mese | Mid-range commitment |
| 1 mese | $ 15,45/mese | Short-term testing |
Prova gratuita: Yes, 7-day free trial on the android app and iOS through Google Pay or Apple App Store.
Day money back guarantee: 30 days on all plans, no questions asked.
📌 Nota: The 2-year plan is the cheapest option at $1.99/month. Students get an extra 15% discount with Studente Beans. All plans include unlimited connections and standard vpn features.
⚠️ Warning: Surfshark’s prices increase after the first billing cycle. The renewal price is higher than the intro rate. Check renewal costs before you install surfshark.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s why Surfshark stands out among vpn providers:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every gadget in your home with unlimited device connections. No limits on how many devices run at once.
- Rete di server globale: Access 3,200+ vpn servers in 100 countries. You get plenty of server locations to pick from.
- Camouflage Mode: This hides vpn traffic so it looks like normal web traffic. Great for restrictive regions.
- CleanWeb: The built-in ad and malware blocker stops trackers and ads at the DNS level. It keeps your browsing history clean.
- MultiHop Routing: Route your internet traffic through multiple servers for extra privacy. Your ip address stays hidden behind two layers.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake identity for online sign-ups. This keeps your real information private and protects your online privacy.
- IP Rotator: The ip rotator feature changes your ip address at regular intervals. This makes tracking nearly impossible.
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices
- Fast download speeds with WireGuard vpn protocols
- Strong no logs policy audited by Deloitte and Cure53
- Surfshark encrypted connections with AES-256
- Feature-rich with Alternative ID and ip rotation
❌ Cons
- Prices jump up at renewal time
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes country)
- Inconsistent connection times on some surfshark’s servers
- No port forwarding support
Che cos'è l'accesso privato a Internet?
Private Internet Access is a veteran vpn service that has been around since 2010.
PIA VPN is known for its open-source vpn apps and strict no logs policy.
The pia app runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and even has a command line app.
Private internet access makes it easy to protect your internet connection on mobile devices and desktops.
It covers all your devices with unlimited simultaneous connections.
PIA has the largest vpn server network with 35,000 servers in 91 countries.
Accesso Internet privato
Private Internet Access VPN gives you 35,000 pia’s servers in 91 countries, open-source code for full transparency, and a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy. An affordable vpn with strong user privacy features.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what private internet access deals look like in 2026.
| Piano | Prezzo | Ideale per |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $ 2,03/mese | Best value for long-term users |
| 6 mesi | $7,50/mese | Mid-range commitment |
| 1 mese | $ 11,99/mese | Short-term testing |
Prova gratuita: PIA does not offer a free trial. But you can test it risk-free with the day money back guarantee.
Day money back guarantee: 30 days on all plans. PIA doesn’t raise prices at renewal, which most vpn providers do.
📌 Nota: PIA is one of the cheapest vpn options on the market. The 2-year plan drops to just $2.03/month. No hidden costs. No paywalled features. This is a truly affordable vpn.
⚠️ Warning: PIA does not offer a free plan or free trial. You must pay upfront. However, the 30-day refund policy makes tested pia risk-free.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here’s why PIA VPN is a top tier vpn choice for power users:
- Open-Source Apps: Every pia app is fully open-source. Anyone can inspect the code. This is rare among vpn providers.
- Enorme rete di server: PIA has how many servers? 35,000 across 91 countries. That’s the biggest network of any vpn company.
- MACE Blocker: The built-in ad blocker operates at the DNS level. It blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they reach your browser traffic.
- Inoltro delle porte: PIA supports port forwarding for torrenting and online gaming. This feature isn’t available on most other vpn providers.
- No Price Hikes: PIA doesn’t increase prices at renewal. What you see is what you pay. That’s a big deal for budget-minded vpn users.
- Automazione Rules: PIA supports automation rules that trigger the vpn connection based on your network. Connect automatically on public Wi-Fi.
- Transparency Reports: PIA publishes quarterly reports showing all legal requests it receives. This protects data private and keeps you informed.
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Open-source vpn apps for full transparency
- 35,000 vpn servers across 91 server locations
- Strict no logs policy audited by Deloitte
- Port forwarding for incoming connections and torrenting
- No price increases at renewal
❌ Cons
- Slower connection speeds compared to Surfshark
- Struggles with unblocking streaming content on some platforms
- Nessuna prova gratuita disponibile
- Interface looks outdated compared to other vpn services
Confronto delle funzionalità
Ready to see how Surfshark VPN and Private Internet Access stack up against each other?
We’ll compare 10 key features to help you pick the right vpn provider.
| Caratteristica | Surfshark | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Prezzo di partenza | $ 1,99/mese | $ 2,03/mese |
| Server | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 35,000 in 91 countries |
| Connessioni simultanee | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Open-Source Apps | ❌ | ✅ |
| Inoltro delle porte | ❌ | ✅ |
| Blocco annunci | ✅ CleanWeb | ✅ MACE |
| Multi-Hop | ✅ Dynamic MultiHop | ✅ Multi-Hop |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ Deloitte + Cure53 | ✅ Deloitte |
| Streaming Unblock | ✅ 9/10 services | ⚠️ 6/10 services |
| Ideale per | Streaming & families | Privacy-first users |
1. Rete e posizioni del server
Surfshark: Surfshark’s servers span 3,200+ locations across 100 countries. That’s more country coverage than PIA. You also get virtual servers in regions where physical servers aren’t possible. The wide spread of server locations helps you find a nearby vpn server for better connection speed.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA offers a massive 35,000 vpn servers in 91 countries. While it has fewer countries, the sheer number of servers means less crowding. PIA covers all 50 US states, making it a great pick for American vpn users. You can also use virtual servers in some locations.
2. Speed & Performance
Surfshark: In our speed tests, Surfshark retained about 85% of our base download speeds. The surfshark app uses the WireGuard protocol by default. This gives you the fastest connection speeds possible. Surfshark is a good vpn for streaming and large downloads.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA’s average download speed loss is around 49%. That’s slower than Surfshark. PIA supports both the openvpn protocol and WireGuard. Performance varies based on vpn server distance. PIA offers unlimited bandwidth but connection speeds are not its strongest suit.
⚠️ Warning: PIA is not ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks due to its higher speed loss. If fast download speeds matter, Surfshark is the better pick. Both can help with isp throttling though.
3. Privacy & No-Logs Policy
Surfshark: Surfshark’s privacy policy confirms it does not log your browsing history or network traffic. The no logs policy has been audited by both Deloitte and Cure53. Surfshark security is backed by AES-256 encryption. The surfshark encrypted connection protects your internet traffic from snooping.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA has a strict no logs policy also audited by Deloitte. PIA’s privacy policy states it does not collect connection data, dns queries, or identifying data. The big bonus? PIA’s apps are fully open-source, so anyone can verify there’s no hidden tracking.
4. Streaming & Content Unblocking
Surfshark: Surfshark unblocked 9 out of 10 streaming services in our tests. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer all worked without issues. Surfshark offers dedicated streaming optimized servers. It’s great for unblocking streaming content from anywhere.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA managed to unblock 6 out of 10 streaming services. It works with Netflix and Disney+. But it struggles with some regional services. PIA has streaming optimized servers, but results are not as consistent as Surfshark. Amazon Prime Video was hit or miss during testing.
5. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Surfshark: Surfshark has a reliable kill switch that blocks all internet traffic if the vpn connection drops. It also includes DNS leak protection to prevent your actual ip address from leaking. The kill switch works across surfshark’s windows app, Mac, and mobile apps.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA provides two types of kill switches. The regular kill switch and an advanced kill switch are available on Windows and macOS. Both protect you when vpn connection drops. PIA also includes DNS leak tests and dns servers protection to keep your real ip address hidden.
6. Tunnel diviso
Surfshark: Surfshark’s split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps go through the vpn tunnel and which use your regular internet connection. This is handy when you want to keep local banking on your normal ip address while streaming through the VPN.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA’s split tunneling feature goes further. You can exclude specific apps and even ip addresses from the vpn connection. PIA supports advanced vpn configuration options that power users love. It gives you more control over which browser traffic goes through the vpn tunnel.
7. Browser Extensions
Surfshark: Surfshark provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These encrypt your browser traffic without routing all device traffic through the vpn server. The extensions include CleanWeb for blocking ads.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. These are lightweight and protect only your web traffic. PIA’s browser extensions include the MACE blocker for filtering dns requests at the proxy level.
8. Compatibilità del dispositivo
Surfshark: Surfshark works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, and game consoles. The surfshark app has a clean interface on all platforms. You also get webcam protection on the desktop app. Surfshark offers unlimited connections so every device in your home is covered.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA covers Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and even has a command line app for advanced users. PIA also works as a vpn router to protect all devices on your network. PIA covers smart TVs and game consoles through router setup.
9. Encryption & VPN Protocols
Surfshark: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption across all vpn protocols. You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard delivers the fastest speeds. Surfshark also supports the openvpn protocol for users who want maximum compatibility with their vpn configuration.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA offers AES-256 encryption with the openvpn protocol and ChaCha20 with WireGuard. You can customize the encryption level in the settings. PIA lets you pick between different dns servers for extra privacy. This flexibility appeals to power users who want full control.
10. Unique Privacy Features
Surfshark: Surfshark stands out with Alternative ID, which creates a fake persona for online sign-ups. The ip rotator feature changes your virtual ip address automatically. Camouflage Mode disguises vpn traffic as regular web traffic. You also get a virtual phone number for extra privacy and static ip addresses if needed.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA focuses on transparency with open-source code and quarterly reports. PIA supports multi-hop for routing through multiple servers. The Identity Guard feature monitors for data breaches linked to your email. PIA also offers a dedicated ip address as an add-on. These features keep your user privacy at the highest level.
Prezzi e costi
Let’s compare surfshark pricing and private internet access deals side by side.
| Piano | Surfshark | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term | $1.99/month (24+3 months) | $2.03/month (2 years + 4 months) |
| Mid-Range | $3.19/month (12+3 months) | $7.50/month (6 months) |
| Mensile | $ 15,45/mese | $ 11,99/mese |
Surfshark: The long-term plan is cheaper at $1.99/month. But the monthly price of $15.45 is higher than PIA. Surfshark pricing is aggressive for long commitments. The mid-range plan at $3.19/month is also competitive.
Accesso Internet privato: PIA is slightly more at $2.03/month on the long-term plan. But the monthly plan at $11.99 is cheaper than Surfshark’s $15.45. PIA wins on the monthly price. The real bonus? PIA doesn’t increase prices at renewal, unlike other vpn providers.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best streaming unblock | Surfshark | 9/10 services unblocked |
| Cheapest monthly plan | PIA | $11.99 vs $15.45 |
| Open-source transparency | PIA | Fully open-source code |
| Fastest speeds | Surfshark | 85% speed retention |
| Port forwarding | PIA | Built-in support |
| Unique privacy tools | Surfshark | Alternative ID, IP rotator |
| Most servers | PIA | 35,000 servers total |
💰 Your Budget
Both are cheap vpn options on long-term plans. Surfshark is $0.04 cheaper per month on the 2-year plan. But PIA doesn’t increase prices on renewal, which saves money over time.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
PIA has a command line app and vpn router support for advanced setups. Surfshark has a sleeker android app and Apple TV support. If you want obfuscated servers for restrictive networks, Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode is the better pick.
📺 Your Streaming Needs
Surfshark wins for streaming. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer without issues. PIA struggles with some services like Amazon Prime Video.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners will prefer Surfshark’s clean app design. PIA gives power users more vpn configuration options and customizable encryption level settings. The learning curve with PIA is steeper.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on the apple app store and Google Play. PIA has no free trial but both have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Both let you test the vpn service risk-free.
🛟 Support Options
Both vpn providers offer 24/7 live chat and email support. Surfshark has a more modern help center. PIA has detailed setup guides for every platform including routers.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these vpn services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Open-source vpn apps you can verify yourself
- Port forwarding for torrenting and online gaming
- No price increases at renewal time
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Alternative ID and virtual phone number features
- Faster download speeds with WireGuard
- Better streaming unblock success rate
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your surfshark subscription and request a refund if within 30 days
- Sign up for PIA at privateinternetaccess.com and download the pia app
- Install PIA on all your devices and configure your vpn protocols
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Alternative ID and ip rotator feature for extra privacy
- Better streaming performance with 9/10 services unblocked
- Faster connection speeds across server locations
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Open-source code transparency
- Port forwarding support for incoming connections
- Stable renewal prices (Surfshark raises prices)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PIA subscription and request a refund within 30 days
- Sign up for Surfshark and install surfshark on all your devices
- Set up your preferred vpn server and enable the kill switch
Verdetto finale
| Categoria | Vincitore |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Tie |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & No-Logs | PIA (open-source) |
| 📺 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 🛡️ Kill Switch | PIA (dual kill switch) |
| 🔌 Split Tunneling | PIA |
| 📱 Device Compatibility | Surfshark |
| 🌍 Server Network | PIA (35,000 servers) |
| ✨ Unique Features | Surfshark |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Streaming lovers, families with multiple devices, and anyone who wants a feature-rich vpn service.
Surfshark VPN and Private Internet Access are both quality vpn services with strong privacy credentials.
Surfshark is the better choice for streaming, speed, and unique tools like Alternative ID.
Private Internet Access is excellent for privacy-focused power users who value open-source code.
PIA also wins for users who need port forwarding or a dedicated ip address.
However, if you want the fastest, most feature-packed vpn provider, Surfshark is our pick.
Both offer a day money back guarantee, so you can try each risk-free.
Now, go protect your online privacy and browse without limits!
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other competitors:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited connections, lower price
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, more server locations
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Much cheaper, unlimited devices
ExpressVPN wins on: Slightly faster, better router app
Surfshark vs PureVPN
Surfshark wins on: Better streaming, stronger audits
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP included, port forwarding
Surfshark vs Proton VPN
Surfshark wins on: More features, better streaming
Proton VPN wins on: Swiss privacy laws, free plan
Surfshark vs PrivadoVPN
Surfshark wins on: More servers, better apps
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB/month
Surfshark vs AdGuard VPN
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited connections, more features
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking focus
Surfshark vs Scudo virtuale
Surfshark wins on: More servers, better value
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused simplicity
Surfshark vs StrongVPN
Surfshark wins on: Cheaper, more features
StrongVPN wins on: Simple setup for beginners
Surfshark vs FastestVPN
Surfshark wins on: Faster speeds, better streaming
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans available
Surfshark vs Aura VPN
Surfshark wins on: More servers, dedicated vpn features
Aura VPN wins on: Bundled identity protection
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, more unique features
CyberGhost wins on: More servers, longer money-back window
Surfshark vs McAfee VPN
Surfshark wins on: Faster, more server locations
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled with antivirus suite
Surfshark vs Mistero
Surfshark wins on: Faster speeds, easier to use
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized VPN network
Surfshark wins on: Bigger network, better audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: Focused on censored regions
Surfshark vs Oyster VPN
Surfshark wins on: More features, bigger server network
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple and lightweight
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other competitors:
PIA vs NordVPN
PIA wins on: Cheaper, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, better streaming
PIA vs ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: Much cheaper, more servers
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster, better for streaming
PIA vs PureVPN
PIA wins on: Open-source, better privacy
PureVPN wins on: More country coverage
PIA vs Proton VPN
PIA wins on: More servers, port forwarding
Proton VPN wins on: Swiss privacy, free plan
PIA vs PrivadoVPN
PIA wins on: Bigger network, proven track record
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free tier with 10GB
PIA vs AdGuard VPN
PIA wins on: More features, larger network
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking focus
PIA vs Virtual Shield
PIA wins on: Open-source, more servers
Virtual Shield wins on: Simpler interface
PIA vs StrongVPN
PIA wins on: Cheaper, more servers
StrongVPN wins on: Easier router setup
PIA vs FastestVPN
PIA wins on: Better audits, open-source
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option
PIA vs Aura VPN
PIA wins on: More servers, better privacy
Aura VPN wins on: Bundled identity protection
PIA vs CyberGhost
PIA wins on: Open-source, no price hikes
CyberGhost wins on: More servers, 45-day refund
PIA vs McAfee VPN
PIA wins on: Dedicated vpn features, more servers
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus suite
PIA vs Mysterium
PIA wins on: Faster, more reliable
Mysterium wins on: Rete decentralizzata
PIA vs SafeShell VPN
PIA wins on: Proven track record, open-source
SafeShell VPN wins on: Censored region focus
PIA vs Oyster VPN
PIA wins on: More features, bigger network
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple and lightweight
Domande frequenti
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes, Surfshark is a trustworthy vpn provider. Its no logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. Surfshark security uses AES-256 encryption to protect your internet connection. The surfshark review from TechRadar, PCMag, and CNET all confirm it is a quality vpn. You can also check surfshark’s privacy policy on their website for full details.
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes, private internet access is a safe and legit vpn service. PIA has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte. Its vpn apps are open-source so anyone can check the code. PIA uses AES-256 encryption and supports both WireGuard and the openvpn protocol. The vpn company has been trusted by millions of vpn users since 2010.
Can you be tracked with Surfshark VPN?
It’s very unlikely. When you connect to a vpn server, Surfshark masks your real ip address with a shared ip address. Multiple users share the same ip address on each server. The no logs policy means Surfshark doesn’t store visited ip addresses or connection data. Surfshark encrypted traffic makes it nearly impossible for anyone to see your web traffic. However, no vpn is 100% foolproof if you log into personal accounts.
How much does PIA VPN cost per month?
PIA VPN costs $11.99 on a monthly plan. The 6-month plan drops to $7.50/month. The best deal is the 2-year plan at just $2.03/month. PIA offers some of the best private internet access deals in the vpn market. Unlike other vpn providers, PIA doesn’t raise the price at renewal.
Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?
It depends on what you need. Surfshark offers unlimited device connections and costs less per month. NordVPN has faster speeds and more server locations. Surfshark is the better value for families with multiple devices. NordVPN is better if raw speed is your priority. Both are good vpn options compared to atlas vpn and other vpn providers.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 