📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacybescherming: PIA has audited no-logs policy vs Tailscale routes through your own devices — PIA wins
- 📺 Toegang tot streaming: PIA unblocks Netflix, Disney+ vs Tailscale has no streaming features — PIA wins
- 🔌 Remote Device Access: Tailscale connects 100+ devices in a mesh vs PIA has no mesh networking — Tailscale wins
- 💰 Prijs-kwaliteitverhouding: PIA starts at $2.03/mo vs Tailscale free plan covers 100 devices — Tailscale wins
- ⚡ Installatiegemak: PIA is one-click connect vs Tailscale needs device-by-device install — PIA wins
Choosing between Private Internet Access and Tailscale can feel confusing.
They both call themselves VPNs, but they solve very different problems.
Private Internet Access (PIA) hides your identity online and unblocks streaming content.
Tailscale builds a private mesh network between your devices for secure toegang op afstand.
I tested both side by side to find out which one deserves your money.
Overzicht
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested Private Internet Access vs Tailscale hands-on.
I spent weeks checking their speed, privacy features, setup process, and real-world performance.
This guide breaks down exactly where each tool shines and where it falls short.
Wat is privé-internettoegang?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a traditional VPN service that encrypts your internet traffic.
It hides your real IP address and routes your connection through one of 35,000 servers in 91 countries.
PIA protects your privacy on public Wi-Fi, unblocks geo-restricted content, and stops ISP throttling.
Privé internettoegang
PIA gives you 35,000 servers across 91 countries with a verified no-logs policy. Connect unlimited devices at once and unblock Netflix, Disney+, and more for as low as $2.03/month.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what Private Internet Access costs in 2026.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2,03/maand | Best value for long-term users |
| 6 maanden | $7,50/maand | Medium-term commitment |
| 1 maand | $11,99/maand | Short-term or trial use |
Gratis proefperiode: No free trial, but PIA offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee.
Geld-terug-garantie: You get 30 days to test PIA risk-free with a full refund if you cancel.
📌 Opmerking: PIA does not increase prices on renewal. This is rare among VPN providers. The price you sign up at stays the same when your plan renews.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan costs $11.99, which is nearly 6x more per month than the 2-year plan. Lock in the longer plan to save the most money.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here’s why Private Internet Access stands out from the competition:
- Enorm servernetwerk: PIA runs 35,000 servers in 91 countries. It covers all 50 US states, which is great for American users.
- Geverifieerd beleid zonder logbestanden: Deloitte has independently audited PIA’s no-logs claim multiple times. Your browsing data is never stored.
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every device you own at the same time. Most VPNs limit you to 5-10 connections.
- Open-Source Apps: PIA’s code is public for anyone to inspect. This adds a layer of trust that closed-source VPNs can’t match.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: The MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. No extra software needed.
- Multi-Hop Connections: Route your traffic through two VPN servers for extra anonymity. This doubles your protection layer.
- Splittunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This keeps your banking apps on your regular connection.
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 35,000 servers across 91 countries with all 50 US states covered
- Independently audited no-logs policy verified by Deloitte
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single plan
- Open-source apps that anyone can inspect for security flaws
- As low as $2.03/month on the 2-year plan with no price hikes on renewal
❌ Cons
- Average download speed loss of 49% can slow heavy downloads
- Streaming unblocking can be inconsistent with some services
- No mesh networking or device-to-device direct connection features
- Based in the US, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance
Wat is Tailscale?
Tailscale is a zero-trust mesh VPN that connects your devices into a private network called a “tailnet.”
It uses the WireGuard protocol to create encrypted tunnels directly between your devices.
Tailscale is built for remote access, not for hiding your IP or unblocking Netflix.
Staartschaal
Tailscale creates a zero-trust mesh network between your devices using WireGuard encryption. Connect up to 100 devices for free with SSO from 100+ identity providers. Perfect for remote teams and developers.
Tailscale Pricing
Here’s what Tailscale costs in 2026.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Persoonlijk | Gratis voor altijd, voor altijd. | Individual users with up to 100 devices |
| Persoonlijk Plus | $5/per month | Power users who need more features |
Gratis proefperiode: Tailscale’s free Personal plan lasts forever. No credit card needed to sign up.
Geld-terug-garantie: No money-back guarantee needed since the free plan has no time limit.
📌 Opmerking: The free plan supports up to 3 users and 100 devices. Enterprise plans with unlimited users start at $6/user/month on the Starter tier.
⚠️ Warning: If you sign up with a custom domain, Tailscale auto-enrolls you in a 14-day Enterprise trial. Make sure you downgrade before the trial ends to avoid charges.
Key Benefits of Tailscale
Here’s why Tailscale stands out from the competition:
- Zero-Trust Architecture: Every device must prove its identity before connecting. No device is trusted by default, even on your own network.
- Mesh-netwerken: Devices talk directly to each other without going through a central server. This removes bottlenecks and speeds up connections.
- Free 100-Device Plan: The Personal plan supports up to 100 devices at no cost. This is one of the most generous free tiers in the VPN space.
- SSO Integration: Tailscale works with over 100 identity providers. Your team logs in with their existing Google, Microsoft, or Okta accounts.
- MagicDNS: Access your devices by name instead of IP address. Type “laptop” or “server” instead of remembering numbers.
- Subnet Routers: Access devices that can’t run Tailscale, like printers or legacy hardware. No need to install software on every device.
Tailscale Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Generous free plan with up to 100 devices and 3 users
- WireGuard encryption with direct peer-to-peer connections
- Works across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and more
- No central server bottleneck means faster device-to-device speeds
- Identity-based access controls instead of IP-based rules
❌ Cons
- Cannot hide your IP address from websites by default
- No streaming unblocking features for Netflix or other services
- Requires installing the client on every device you want to connect
- Email-only support with no 24/7 live chat option
Functievergelijking
Ready to see how Private Internet Access and Tailscale compare feature by feature?
We’ll explore 10 key areas to help you pick the right tool for your needs.
| Functie | Privé internettoegang | Staartschaal |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $2,03/maand | $0 (Free Plan) |
| Gratis plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| IP Address Masking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Streaming Unblocking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mesh Networking | ❌ | ✅ |
| Zero-Trust Access | ❌ | ✅ |
| Noodstop | ✅ | ❌ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (via exit nodes) |
| SSO-integratie | ❌ | ✅ (100+ providers) |
| Het beste voor | Online privacy & streaming | Remote access & networking |
1. Privacy & IP Masking
Privé internettoegang: PIA hides your real IP address by routing traffic through its servers. It uses AES 256-bit encryption on OpenVPN and ChaCha20 on WireGuard. Your ISP, websites, and hackers can’t see what you’re doing online.
Staartschub: Tailscale does not hide your IP address by default. It encrypts traffic between your own devices using WireGuard. You can set up an exit node to route internet traffic through another device, but it’s not designed for anonymity.
⚠️ Warning: If your main goal is hiding your identity from websites and your ISP, Tailscale is not the right tool. It’s built for secure device-to-device connections, not online anonymity.
2. Servernetwerk
Privé internettoegang: PIA runs 35,000 servers across 91 countries. It has servers in all 50 US states. This massive network gives you plenty of options for fast connections and geo-unblocking.
Staartschub: Tailscale has no traditional server network. Your devices connect directly to each other in a mesh. There are no servers to choose from because the traffic goes peer-to-peer between your own machines.
3. Streaming & Content Access
Privé internettoegang: PIA has streaming-optimized servers that unblock Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Performance varies by server, but most popular services work reliably.
Staartschub: Tailscale cannot unblock streaming services. It doesn’t route your traffic through servers in other countries. You can use exit nodes on your own devices, but that only works if you already have a device in the right country.
4. Apparaatverbindingen
Privé internettoegang: PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. Every device in your household can be protected at the same time without extra cost.
Staartschub: The free plan supports up to 100 devices across 3 users. Each device gets a unique 100.x.y.z IP address. Paid plans scale up with more devices per user and additional team members.
5. Beveiligingsfuncties
Privé internettoegang: PIA includes a kill switch that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN drops. It also offers MACE (DNS-level ad blocker), multi-hop routing, and split tunneling. Two kill switch types are available on Windows and macOS.
Staartschub: Tailscale uses end-to-end WireGuard encryption between all devices. It runs on a zero-trust model where every connection must be verified. Access is controlled by identity-based policies, not just IP addresses.
6. Remote Access & Networking
Privé internettoegang: PIA is not designed for remote device access. It protects your internet connection but doesn’t help you reach a home computer from your office. You’d need a separate remote access tool.
Staartschub: This is where Tailscale shines. It connects all your devices into one private network. Access your home server, office computer, or cloud resources from anywhere as if they’re on the same local network.
7. Ease of Setup
Privé internettoegang: PIA is a simple download-and-connect experience. Install the app, log in, and click one button to connect. No technical knowledge needed. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS en Android.
Staartschub: Tailscale requires installing the client on every device you want in your network. Setup is easy for tech-savvy users, but configuring ACLs, subnet routers, and exit nodes takes more effort than a traditional VPN.
💡 Test Result: PIA took under 2 minutes from download to connected. Tailscale’s basic setup was fast too, but configuring access controls and subnet routers added 15-20 minutes.
8. Split Tunneling
Privé internettoegang: PIA lets you choose which apps and IP addresses go through the VPN. Banking apps, local devices, and specific websites can bypass the VPN while everything else stays protected.
Staartschub: Tailscale handles routing differently with exit nodes and subnet routers. You can designate specific devices as exit nodes to route internet traffic. It’s more flexible for network routing but not as simple as app-level split tunneling.
9. Platform Support
Privé internettoegang: PIA supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. It also has a command line app and works on routers for whole-network protection.
Staartschub: Tailscale runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even Apple TV. It works without dedicated hardware or complex router setups. Cross-platform support is strong for both consumer and enterprise devices.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Privé internettoegang | Staartschaal |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | ❌ | $0 (up to 100 devices) |
| Basic / Personal Plus | $2.03/month (2yr plan) | $5 per maand |
| Mid-tier | $7.50/month (6mo plan) | $6/user/month (Starter) |
| Maandelijks | $11,99/maand | $18/user/month (Premium) |
Privé internettoegang: PIA’s long-term plan is one of the cheapest on the market at $2.03/month. Prices don’t increase on renewal. All plans include every feature with no paywalled extras.
Staartschub: The free plan is hard to beat for personal use. It covers 100 devices and 3 users. Bedrijf plans charge per user, which gets expensive for large teams but stays affordable for solo developers.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Online privacy and anonymity | PIA | Hides IP with 35,000 servers |
| Streaming Netflix abroad | PIA | Unblocks 10+ streaming services |
| Remote access to home devices | Staartschaal | Mesh network connects devices |
| Free VPN for personal use | Staartschaal | 100 devices at $0 forever |
| Team collaboration security | Staartschaal | SSO + identity-based access |
| Public Wi-Fi protection | PIA | One-click encryption anywhere |
| Budget-friendly paid VPN | PIA | Just $2.03/month for 2 years |
💰 Your Budget
Tailscale’s free plan is unbeatable if you just need device networking. PIA’s $2.03/month 2-year plan is the cheapest option for full internet privacy and streaming access.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
If you need to connect cloud servers, home labs, or office devices, Tailscale integrates with 100+ identity providers. PIA is better if you just want to protect your browser and apps.
📝 Your Use Case
PIA is for people who want to bladeren privately, stream content, and avoid tracking. Tailscale is for developers and IT teams who need secure remote access to resources.
🎓 Your Experience Level
PIA is beginner-friendly with a one-click setup. Tailscale is easy for tech users but may confuse non-technical people with terms like ACLs, exit nodes, and subnet routers.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Tailscale’s free plan has no time limit. PIA doesn’t have a free plan, but you get a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it without risk.
🛟 Support Options
PIA offers 24/7 live chat and email support. Tailscale provides email support during business hours, which may not be fast enough for urgent issues.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to Tailscale?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Direct device-to-device connections without a central server
- A free plan with up to 100 devices and no time limit
- Identity-based access controls with SSO for your team
❌ What you’ll lose:
- IP masking and online anonymity features
- Streaming unblocking for Netflix, Disney+, and other services
- 35,000 servers in 91 countries for geo-switching
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PIA subscription (use the 30-day guarantee if within the window)
- Sign up for Tailscale using your Google, Microsoft, or work SSO account
- Install the Tailscale client on each device you want in your private network
🔄 Switching from Tailscale to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Full IP masking with 35,000 servers in 91 countries
- Streaming unblocking for Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Built-in ad blocker, kill switch, and multi-hop routing
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Mesh networking and direct device-to-device connections
- Zero-trust access controls with identity-based permissions
- A free plan (PIA requires a paid subscription)
📋 How to switch:
- Remove the Tailscale client from your devices if you no longer need mesh access
- Sign up for PIA and choose the 2-year plan for the best value at $2.03/month
- Download and install the PIA app on your devices and connect with one click
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Tailscale (free plan) |
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Privé internettoegang |
| 📺 Streaming Access | Privé internettoegang |
| 🔌 Remote Device Access | Staartschaal |
| ⚡ Ease of Setup | Privé internettoegang |
| 🛡️ Security Features | Privé internettoegang |
| 👥 Team Collaboration | Staartschaal |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Privé internettoegang |
🏆 WINNER: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Online privacy, streaming access, public Wi-Fi protection, and budget VPN users
Private Internet Access and Tailscale solve very different problems.
PIA is a traditional VPN that hides your identity and unblocks streaming content worldwide.
Tailscale is a mesh networking tool that connects your devices into a secure private network.
Tailscale is excellent for developers and IT teams who need remote device access.
However, if you need online privacy, streaming, and a simple one-click VPN, PIA is the better choice.
Now, go out and protect your online privacy!
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other competitors:
Private Internet Access versus NordVPN
PIA wins on: Price, unlimited connections, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming reliability, server specialization
Privé-internettoegang versus ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: Price, device limit, server count
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, ease of use
Private Internet Access versus PureVPN
PIA wins on: No-logs audit, open-source transparency, server count
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP options, port forwarding
Privé-internettoegang versus Surfhaai
PIA wins on: Server network size, US state coverage, open-source code
Surfshark wins on: Speed, CleanWeb ad blocker, GPS spoofing
Private Internet Access versus Proton VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, price, unlimited connections
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy laws, Secure Core servers
Privé-internettoegang versus PrivadoVPN
PIA wins on: Server network, audit history, device support
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss jurisdiction
Privé-internettoegang versus AdGuard VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, streaming, multi-hop
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, proprietary protocol
Privé-internettoegang versus Virtueel schild
PIA wins on: Price, server network, unlimited devices
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused simplicity, family plans
Privé-internettoegang versus StrongVPN
PIA wins on: Price, server count, open-source apps
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming in China, WireGuard performance
Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN
PIA wins on: Server network, audit history, transparency
SnelsteVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing, streaming speeds
Private Internet Access vs Aura VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, privacy features, price
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection bundle, parental controls
Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, no-logs audit, US coverage
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming-optimized servers, 45-day refund
Private Internet Access vs McAfee VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, privacy policy, dedicated VPN features
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, automatic Wi-Fi protection
Privé internettoegang versus Mysterium
PIA wins on: Speed, reliability, server network
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Private Internet Access vs SafeShell VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, audit history, platform support
SafeShell VPN wins on: China access, obfuscation technology
Private Internet Access vs Oyster VPN
PIA wins on: Server network, device limit, established reputation
Oyster VPN wins on: Simplicity, niche market focus
More of Tailscale Compared
Here’s how Tailscale stacks up against other competitors:
Tailscale wins on: Free plan, mesh networking, device-to-device access
NordVPN wins on: IP masking, streaming, speed
Tailscale wins on: Free plan, zero-trust security, remote access
ExpressVPN wins on: Privacy, streaming, global servers
Tailscale wins on: Mesh networking, free tier, SSO integration
PureVPN wins on: IP masking, streaming access, dedicated IP
Tailscale vs Surfshark
Tailscale wins on: Free plan, device networking, access controls
Surfshark wins on: Privacy, streaming, unlimited connections
Tailscale wins on: Mesh networking, device count on free plan, SSO
Proton VPN wins on: Online privacy, Swiss jurisdiction, streaming
Tailscale vs PrivadoVPN
Tailscale wins on: Device networking, free device limit, zero-trust model
PrivadoVPN wins on: IP masking, streaming, traditional VPN features
Tailscale vs AdGuard VPN
Tailscale wins on: Free plan, mesh networking, team access
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, IP masking, streaming
Tailscale vs Virtual Shield
Tailscale wins on: Free plan, device mesh, enterprise features
Virtual Shield wins on: Privacy, streaming, simplicity
Tailscale vs StrongVPN
Tailscale wins on: Free tier, mesh networking, access controls
StrongVPN wins on: IP masking, streaming in restricted regions
Tailscale vs Aura VPN
Tailscale wins on: Device networking, free plan, developer tools
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, consumer ease of use
Tailscale vs CyberGhost
Tailscale wins on: Free plan, mesh networking, team collaboration
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming servers, IP masking, 45-day refund
Tailscale vs McAfee VPN
Tailscale wins on: Free plan, mesh networking, developer flexibility
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, automated Wi-Fi protection
Tailscale wins on: Stability, free plan, enterprise features
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Tailscale vs SafeShell VPN
Tailscale wins on: Free plan, mesh networking, team management
SafeShell VPN wins on: IP masking, censorship bypass
Tailscale vs Oyster VPN
Tailscale wins on: Free tier, device networking, enterprise scale
Oyster VPN wins on: Traditional VPN privacy, streaming access
Veelgestelde vragen
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes, PIA is safe. Deloitte has independently audited its no-logs policy multiple times. PIA uses AES 256-bit encryption and has open-source apps anyone can inspect for security flaws.
What is Tailscale used for?
Tailscale creates a secure mesh network between your devices. It’s used for remote access to home servers, office computers, and cloud resources. Developers and IT teams use it to connect infrastructure securely.
Can you use Tailscale as a VPN?
Tailscale can work like a VPN using exit nodes, but it’s not a traditional VPN. It doesn’t hide your IP from websites by default. For online privacy and streaming, a traditional VPN like PIA is a better fit.
How much does PIA VPN cost?
PIA costs $2.03/month on the 2-year plan, $7.50/month on the 6-month plan, or $11.99 for a single month. The 2-year plan offers the best value, and prices don’t increase on renewal.
Is Tailscale free for personal use?
Yes, Tailscale’s Personal plan is free forever. It supports up to 3 users and 100 devices. No credit card is needed to sign up, and there’s no time limit on the free plan.
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