⚡ Kort oordeel:
- Prijzen: Proton VPN starts at $2.99/mo vs Private Internet Access at $2.03/mo
- Het meest geschikt voor: Proton VPN for privacy-first users, PIA for budget shoppers who want unlimited connections
- Belangrijkste verschil: Proton VPN is based in Switzerland with Secure Core servers. PIA is US-based but has a court-proven no-logs record.
- Onze keuze: 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.
Overzicht
This ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access comparison covers pricing, beveiliging 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.
Onze bronnen omvatten gepubliceerde specificaties, officiële documentatie en gebruikersrecensies.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN fits your needs.
Wat is 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-prijzen
Dit zijn de kosten van Proton VPN in 2026.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | $0,00/maand | Basisinstellingen voor browsen en privacy |
| Plus | $2,99/maand | Volledige VPN-toegang met alle functies. |
| Onbeperkt | $7,99/maand | VPN plus Proton Mail, Drive en Pass |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Gratis proefperiode: No free trial, but the free plan lets you test core features with no time limit.
Geld-terug-garantie: 30 dagen geld-terug-garantie op alle betaalde abonnementen.
📌 Opmerking: 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.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: 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.
Belangrijkste voordelen van Proton VPN
Dit is waarom Proton VPN het overwegen waard is:
- Zwitserse privacywetgeving: 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.
- Beveiligde kernservers: 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 advertentieblokkering: Blokkeert advertenties, trackers en malware op DNS-niveau. Dit versnelt het browsen en beschermt uw privacy.
- VPN-versneller: 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.
Wat ons team opmerkte
Ons schrijver signed up for Proton VPN and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Voordelen en nadelen van Proton VPN
✅ Voordelen
- Gratis abonnement met onbeperkte bandbreedte en zonder advertenties.
- Zwitserse jurisdictie buiten surveillanceallianties
- 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
❌ Nadelen
- 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
Wat is privé-internettoegang?
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.
Privé internettoegang
Affordable VPN with 35,000+ servers and unlimited device connections. Court-proven no-logs policy backed by Deloitte audits.
Prijzen voor privé-internettoegang
Dit zijn de kosten van Private Internet Access in 2026.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| 2 jaar en 4 maanden | $2,03/maand | De beste prijs-kwaliteitverhouding voor gebruikers die er langdurig gebruik van willen maken. |
| 6 maanden | $7,50/maand | Verplichting op middellange termijn |
| 1 maand | $11,99/maand | Voor de korte termijn of om de dienst te testen. |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Gratis proefperiode: Er is geen gratis abonnement of gratis proefperiode beschikbaar.
Geld-terug-garantie: 30 dagen geld-terug-garantie op alle abonnementen.
📌 Opmerking: 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.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: 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.
Belangrijkste voordelen van privé-internettoegang
Dit is waarom Private Internet Access het overwegen waard is:
- Onbeperkt aantal verbindingen: Connect every device you own at once. No limits on simultaneous connections, which is rare among VPN services.
- Enorm servernetwerk: 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.
- Rechtbankgeschil over privacy: PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested in two real court cases. Both times, PIA had zero user data to hand over.
- MACE-advertentieblokkering: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. Private Internet Access makes it work across all your devices without extra software.
- Optie voor een dedicated IP-adres: You can add a dedicated IP address for an extra fee. This helps with services that block shared VPN IP addresses.
- Poortdoorsturing: Built-in port forwarding for faster torrenting and incoming connections. This is a must-have for power users.
Wat ons team opmerkte
Our writer signed up for Private Internet Access and spent time using the PIA app on desktop and mobile. Here’s what stood out:
Voordelen en nadelen van privé-internettoegang
✅ Voordelen
- Onbeperkt aantal gelijktijdige verbindingen op alle abonnementen.
- No price increases on renewal unlike most VPN companies
- Het grootste servernetwerk met meer dan 35.000 servers in 91 landen.
- Built-in port forwarding for torrenting and P2P
- Open-source apps with Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
❌ Nadelen
- Based in the US, a Five Eyes member country
- Er is geen gratis testabonnement beschikbaar.
- Download speeds inconsistent on distant servers
- Streaming only works on dedicated streaming optimized servers
Functievergelijking
Let’s compare Proton VPN and Private Internet Access across the features that matter most for your internet connection and privacy.
| Functie | Proton VPN | Privé internettoegang |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $2,99/maand | $2,03/maand |
| Gratis plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Aantal servers | Meer dan 8.600 mensen in 112 landen | Meer dan 35.000 mensen in 91 landen |
| Gelijktijdige verbindingen | 10 apparaten | Onbeperkt |
| Noodstop | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dubbele VPN / Multi-Hop | ✅ (Beveiligde kern) | ✅ (Multi-Hop) |
| Toegewezen IP-adres | ❌ | ✅ (uitbreiding) |
| Advertentieblokkering | ✅ (NetShield) | ✅ (Knots) |
| Het beste voor | Gebruikers die privacy vooropstellen | Budget and torrent users |
1. Privacy en rechtsbevoegdheid
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 audit confirming its strict no-logs policy. All Proton apps are open-source for full transparency.
Privé internettoegang: 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. Servernetwerk
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.
Privé internettoegang: 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.
Privé internettoegang: 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.
Privé internettoegang: 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.
Privé internettoegang: 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 en toegang tot content
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.
Privé internettoegang: 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 en 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.
Privé internettoegang: 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. Apparaatverbindingen
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.
Privé internettoegang: 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. Advertentie- en trackerblokkering
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.
Privé internettoegang: 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. Prijsbepaling en kosten
| Plan | Proton VPN | Privé internettoegang |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | $0,00/maand | ❌ Geen gratis abonnement |
| Goedkoopst betaald | $2,99/maand (2 jaar) | $2,03/maand (2 jaar + 4 maanden) |
| Middenklasse | $7,99/maand (onbeperkt) | $7,50/maand (6 maanden) |
| Maandelijks | $9,99/maand (Plus) | $11,99/maand |
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.
Privé internettoegang: 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.
Verschillende scenario's
| Als u het nodig heeft... | Kiezen | Waarom |
|---|---|---|
| Krap budget | PIA | $2.03/mo on long-term plan |
| Gratis VPN-optie | Proton VPN | Gratis abonnement zonder datalimiet |
| Maximale privacy | Proton VPN | Zwitserse jurisdictie, Secure Core |
| Onbeperkt aantal apparaten | PIA | No limit on connections |
| Torrenting focus | PIA | Alle servers ondersteunen P2P. |
| Toegang tot streaming | Proton VPN | Betrouwbaardere deblokkering |
💰 Jouw 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.
🔌 Jouw technologie-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.
🛡️ Uw privacybehoeften
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.
🎓 Jouw ervaringsniveau
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.
🆓 Gratis proefversies en demo's
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.
🛟 Ondersteuningsopties
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.
Overstaphandleiding
Gebruik je al een van deze tools? Dit kun je verwachten als je overstapt.
🔄 Switching from Proton VPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ Wat je eraan hebt:
- Onbeperkt aantal apparaatverbindingen in plaats van 10.
- Lower long-term pricing at $2.03/month
- Dedicated IP address option for static needs
❌ Wat je verliest:
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction and Secure Core servers
- Gratis VPN-abonnement met onbeperkte bandbreedte
- Access to the Proton suite (Mail, Drive, Pass)
📋 Zo schakel je over:
- 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?
✅ Wat je eraan hebt:
- 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
❌ Wat je verliest:
- Unlimited device connections (capped at 10 on Proton VPN)
- Dedicated IP address option
- Stable renewal pricing (Proton VPN renewal price increases)
📋 Zo schakel je over:
- Annuleer je PIA-abonnement en vraag binnen 30 dagen een terugbetaling aan.
- Create a Proton account and choose your plan
- Download the Proton VPN app and uninstall PIA
Wat onze recensie niet behandelde
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.
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 💰 Prijzen | Privé internettoegang |
| 🛡️ Privacy & Jurisdictie | Proton VPN |
| 🌐 Servernetwerk | Privé internettoegang |
| 🔒 Beveiligingsfuncties | Proton VPN |
| 📺 Streaming | Proton VPN |
| 📥 Torrenting | Privé internettoegang |
| 👶 Gebruiksgemak | Proton VPN |
| 🏆 Algemene winnaar | Proton VPN |
🏆 WINNAAR: Proton VPN
Proton VPN wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Het meest geschikt voor: 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.
Meer informatie over Proton VPN
Here’s how Proton VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
Proton VPN versus NordVPN
Proton VPN wint op de volgende punten: Swiss privacy laws, open-source code, free plan with no data caps
NordVPN scoort hoog op de volgende punten: Faster download speeds, more specialty servers, Threat Protection malware scanner
Proton VPN versus ExpressVPN
Proton VPN wint op de volgende punten: Lower price on 2-year plans, free tier available, Secure Core double VPN routing
ExpressVPN wint op de volgende punten: Faster speeds on distant servers, easier router setup, better live chat support
Proton VPN versus Surfshark
Proton VPN wint op de volgende punten: Stronger jurisdiction for privacy, audited open-source apps, Tor over VPN support
Surfshark wint op: Cheaper long-term pricing, unlimited device connections, CleanWeb ad blocker
Proton VPN versus CyberGhost
Proton VPN wint op de volgende punten: Privacy jurisdiction, open-source transparency, no-logs verified by independent audit
CyberGhost wint op: Larger server count, dedicated streaming profiles, longer 45-day refund policy
Meer informatie over privé-internettoegang
Hieronder een vergelijking van Private Internet Access met andere VPN-aanbieders:
Private Internet Access versus NordVPN
PIA wint dankzij: Cheaper long-term pricing, unlimited device connections, no price increases on renewal
NordVPN scoort hoog op de volgende punten: Faster overall speeds, better streaming support, Dark Web Monitor feature
Privé internettoegang versus Surfshark
PIA wint dankzij: Court-proven no-logs record, servers in all 50 US states, dedicated IP option
Surfshark wint op: Slightly cheaper on the longest plan, better streaming unblocking, GPS spoofing on Android
Private Internet Access versus CyberGhost
PIA wint dankzij: Open-source apps, lower monthly cost on long-term deals, stable renewal pricing
CyberGhost wint op: Dedicated streaming and gaming servers, 45-day money-back guarantee, NoSpy servers in Romania
Veelgestelde vragen
Is Proton VPN veilig om te gebruiken?
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.
Is Private Internet Access een legitieme 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.
Is Proton VPN echt gratis?
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.
Kan ik PIA VPN gratis gebruiken?
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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