📊 Our Test Results:
- 🌐 Servernetwerk: PIA has 35,000 servers in 91 countries vs AdGuard VPN has 800+ servers in 53 countries — PIA wins
- ⚡ Snelheidstest: PIA averaged 51% of base speed vs AdGuard VPN averaged 80% on nearby servers — AdGuard VPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: PIA has a Deloitte-verified no-logs audit vs AdGuard VPN has no third-party audit — PIA wins
- 📺 Toegang tot streaming: PIA unblocks Netflix, Disney+ with dedicated servers vs AdGuard VPN struggles with some platforms — PIA wins
- 💰 Best Long-Term Price: PIA at $2.03/month vs AdGuard VPN at $2.40/month — PIA wins
Picking the right VPN can feel like guessing in the dark.
You want your data safe, your streaming smooth, and your wallet happy.
Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN are two popular picks that promise all of that.
Maar welke van de twee levert daadwerkelijk wat hij belooft?
I tested both side by side for four weeks.
Here’s everything you need to know before you spend a dime.
Overzicht
I signed up for both PIA and AdGuard VPN to give you a fair comparison.
I ran speed tests, checked streaming access, and dug into their privacy policies.
I also tested their apps on Windows, Macen Android.
This hands-on testing shaped every recommendation you’ll read below.
Wat is privé-internettoegang?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN service that hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic.
It runs one of the largest server networks in the VPN industry with 35,000 servers across 91 countries.
PIA is known for its open-source apps, verified no-logs policy, and unlimited device connections.
Privé internettoegang
PIA gives you 35,000 servers in 91 countries, unlimited device connections, and a verified no-logs policy. It’s one of the most trusted budget VPNs on the market.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what Private Internet Access costs in 2026.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 maand | $11,99/maand | Short-term travelers |
| 6 maanden | $7,50/maand | Seasonal users |
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2,03/maand | Long-term privacy seekers |
Gratis proefperiode: No free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
Geld-terug-garantie: Full 30-day refund window on all plans. No credit card tricks.
📌 Opmerking: PIA does not raise prices on renewal. That’s rare in the VPN world. Most competitors hike prices after the first billing cycle.
⚠️ Warning: The 2-year plan auto-renews at the same rate. Cancel before the renewal date if you want to stop.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here’s why Private Internet Access stands out from other VPNs:
- Enorm servernetwerk: PIA has 35,000 servers in 91 countries. That means less crowding and faster connections no matter where you are.
- Onbeperkt Apparaten: Connect every device you own at the same time. No limits, no extra fees.
- Verified No-Logs: Deloitte audited PIA’s servers and confirmed zero user data stored. Your browsing history stays private.
- Open-Source Code: PIA’s apps are fully open source. Anyone can inspect the code for hidden trackers or backdoors.
- MACE Ad Blocker: Block ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. No extra browser extension needed.
- Splittunneling: Choose which apps go through the VPN and which use your regular connection. Great for banking and streaming at the same time.
- Multi-Hop Connections: Route traffic through two servers for extra anonymity. Ideal for journalists and activists.
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 35,000 servers in 91 countries give you tons of options
- Unlimited device connections on every plan
- Deloitte-audited no-logs policy for real privacy
- Open-source apps let anyone verify beveiliging claims
- No price hikes on renewal — same rate every cycle
❌ Cons
- Speed loss of about 49% on average is noticeable
- Streaming unblocking can be inconsistent on some services
- Based in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes Alliance
- No free plan available — only a money-back guarantee
Wat is AdGuard VPN?
AdGuard VPN is a privacy-focused VPN made by the same company behind the popular AdGuard ad blocker.
It uses a custom protocol that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS browsing.
AdGuard VPN is based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances.
AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN offers a free plan with 3 GB of data, built-in DNS ad blocking, and a proprietary protocol that masks your VPN traffic. It’s a solid pick for casual users who want basic privacy.
AdGuard VPN Pricing
Here’s what AdGuard VPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 maand | $11,99/maand | Quick testing |
| 1 jaar | $3,99/maand | Budget-minded annual users |
| 2 jaar | $2.40/month | Maximum savings |
Gratis proefperiode: AdGuard VPN has a free plan with 3 GB of data per month. No credit card required.
Geld-terug-garantie: 30-day refund on yearly and 2-year plans. Monthly plans are not covered.
📌 Opmerking: The free plan gives you 3 GB every month. That’s enough for light browsing but not for streaming or heavy downloads.
⚠️ Warning: The free plan caps your speed at 20 Mbps. You’ll need a paid plan for faster connections.
Key Benefits of AdGuard VPN
Here’s why AdGuard VPN might be the right choice for you:
- Gratis abonnement beschikbaar: Get 3 GB of data every month at no cost. Perfect for testing the service before you pay.
- DNS Ad Blocking: Block ads and trackers using AdGuard’s own DNS servers. No need for a separate ad blocker app.
- Stealth Protocol: AdGuard’s custom protocol makes VPN traffic look like normal HTTPS browsing. Harder for networks to detect and block.
- Cyprus Jurisdiction: Based outside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances. Your data stays away from mass government snooping.
- Platformonafhankelijke ondersteuning: Works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
- Splittunneling: Choose which apps or websites use the VPN. Route sensitive traffic through the tunnel while keeping local apps on your regular connection.
AdGuard VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with 3 GB monthly data — no credit card needed
- Built-in DNS ad blocker cuts out trackers and ads
- Based in Cyprus, outside major surveillance alliances
- Proprietary protocol hides VPN traffic as HTTPS
❌ Cons
- Only 800+ servers in 53 countries — much smaller than competitors
- No independent security audit to verify privacy claims
- Proprietary protocol lacks the transparency of OpenVPN or WireGuard
- No 24/7 live customer support — only a ticketing system
Functievergelijking
Let’s break down how Private Internet Access and AdGuard VPN compare across 9 key areas.
Each feature gets a clear winner so you know exactly where each VPN shines.
| Functie | Privé internettoegang | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $2,03/maand | $2.40/month |
| Gratis plan | ❌ | ✅ (3 GB/month) |
| Servers | 35,000 in 91 countries | 800+ in 53 countries |
| Gelijktijdige verbindingen | Onbeperkt | 10 |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ (Deloitte) | ❌ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Advertentieblokkering | ✅ (MACE) | ✅ (DNS-based) |
| Noodstop | ✅ (Regular + Advanced) | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Het beste voor | Power users & privacy fans | Casual users & ad blocking |
1. Servernetwerk
Privé internettoegang: PIA runs 35,000 servers spread across 91 countries. That includes servers in all 50 US states. More servers mean less crowding and faster speeds during peak hours.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN has about 800 servers in 65 locations across 53 countries. That’s a much smaller network. You may notice slower speeds on popular servers during busy times.
💡 Test Result: PIA’s network is over 40 times larger than AdGuard VPN’s. If you reis often or need servers in specific regions, PIA gives you far more choices.
2. Snelheid en prestaties
Privé internettoegang: PIA’s average speed loss is about 49% of your base speed. That’s enough for browsing and streaming in HD. However, bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K video or large downloads may suffer.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN drops speed by about 20% on nearby servers. That’s better than PIA for short-distance connections. But paid users average around 58 Mbps, and the free plan caps you at 20 Mbps.
3. Privacy and Security
Privé internettoegang: PIA uses AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN and ChaCha20 with WireGuard. Its no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte multiple times. PIA’s apps are fully open source, so anyone can check the code.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN uses AES-256 encryption and a proprietary protocol. It claims a no-logs policy, but no third party has verified this. The custom protocol hasn’t been independently audited either.
⚠️ Warning: AdGuard VPN’s proprietary protocol may perform well, but without an independent audit, you’re trusting their word. PIA’s open-source code and Deloitte audit offer much stronger proof.
4. Ad and Tracker Blocking
Privé internettoegang: PIA includes MACE, a DNS-level ad and tracker blocker. It blocks ads, malware domains, and tracking scripts before they load. You don’t need a separate browser extension.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN lets you choose DNS servers that block ads and trackers. It comes from the same company that makes one of the best ad blockers around. This is where AdGuard’s brand really shines.
5. Streaming and Unblocking
Privé internettoegang: PIA has streaming-ready servers that can unblock Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Results can vary by location, but PIA works with most major platforms.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN can unblock Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. But it struggles with Amazon Prime and Peacock. Users also report buffering and longer load times on some platforms.
6. Device Connections
Privé internettoegang: PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Protect your phone, laptop, tablet, router, and smart TV all at once. No extra cost for adding devices.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN allows up to 10 devices on paid plans. That’s enough for most families. But power users with many devices may find it limiting.
7. Kill Switch
Privé internettoegang: PIA offers two kill switches. The regular one stops traffic when the VPN drops. The advanced one blocks all internet unless the VPN is active. Both are available on Windows and macOS.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN has a standard kill switch that cuts your connection if the VPN drops. It works, but there’s no advanced option like PIA offers.
8. Split Tunneling
Privé internettoegang: PIA’s split tunneling lets you exclude specific apps and IP addresses from the VPN tunnel. You can bank on your regular connection while streaming through the VPN.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN also supports split tunneling. You can choose which apps or websites use the VPN. It works on both desktop and mobile apps.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Privé internettoegang | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | ❌ | 3 GB/month (20 Mbps cap) |
| Maandelijks | $11,99/maand | $11,99/maand |
| 6 Months / 1 Year | $7.50/month (6 months) | $3.99/month (1 year) |
| Best Long-Term | $2.03/month (2 years + 4 months) | $2.40/month (2 years) |
Privé internettoegang: PIA’s best deal is the 2-year + 4-month plan at $2.03/month. It also never raises prices on renewal. You get unlimited devices and full features on every plan.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s 2-year plan costs $2.40/month. The annual plan at $3.99/month is a decent middle ground. AdGuard also has a free tier, which PIA doesn’t offer.
💡 Test Result: PIA is $0.37/month cheaper on long-term plans. But if you want to try before buying, AdGuard VPN’s free plan lets you test without spending anything.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Largest server network | PIA | 35,000 servers in 91 countries |
| Free plan to test first | AdGuard VPN | 3 GB free monthly data |
| Unlimited device connections | PIA | No device limits on any plan |
| Verified privacy | PIA | Deloitte-audited no-logs policy |
| Best long-term value | PIA | $2.03/month, no renewal hikes |
| Better nearby speed | AdGuard VPN | Only 20% speed loss on local servers |
| Ad blocking built in | Tie | Both have DNS-level ad blocking |
💰 Your Budget
Both VPNs are affordable on long-term plans. PIA is $0.37/month cheaper, and it never increases prices on renewal. AdGuard VPN gives you a free tier to test before paying.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
PIA works on more platforms and supports router-level setup. AdGuard VPN covers all major devices plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If verified privacy matters most, PIA wins. Its Deloitte audit and open-source apps prove its claims. AdGuard VPN has no third-party audit yet.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both apps are simple to use. PIA has more settings for advanced users. AdGuard VPN is more straightforward if you just want to tap and connect.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AdGuard VPN offers a free plan with 3 GB of data. PIA has no free plan, but its 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test risk-free.
🛟 Support Options
PIA offers 24/7 live chat support. AdGuard VPN only has a ticket-based system with no live chat. If fast help matters, PIA is the better choice.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to AdGuard VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free plan with 3 GB of monthly data for light use
- A stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS
- Cyprus jurisdiction outside the 5 Eyes Alliance
❌ What you’ll lose:
- A verified no-logs policy audited by Deloitte
- 35,000 servers across 91 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PIA subscription before the next billing cycle
- Download AdGuard VPN and create a free account
- Test the free plan first, then upgrade to a paid plan if it fits your needs
🔄 Switching from AdGuard VPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A massive 35,000-server network across 91 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices
- A Deloitte-verified no-logs policy and open-source apps
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free plan with 3 GB monthly data
- AdGuard’s stealth protocol that masks VPN as HTTPS traffic
- Cyprus-based jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your AdGuard VPN subscription before renewal
- Sign up for PIA and choose the 2-year plan for the best deal
- Install PIA on all your devices — there’s no connection limit
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Server Network | Privé internettoegang |
| ⚡ Speed (Nearby) | AdGuard VPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Privé internettoegang |
| 🛡️ Ad Blocking | Tie |
| 📺 Streaming | Privé internettoegang |
| 📱 Device Connections | Privé internettoegang |
| 🔐 Kill Switch | Privé internettoegang |
| 💰 Pricing | Privé internettoegang |
| 🆓 Free Plan | AdGuard VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Privé internettoegang |
🏆 WINNER: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access wins 7 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Power users who want verified privacy, a massive server network, and unlimited device connections at a low price.
Private Internet Access and AdGuard VPN serve different types of users.
PIA is built for people who want serious privacy with proof to back it up.
AdGuard VPN is built for casual users who want a simple VPN with ad blocking.
AdGuard VPN shines with its free plan and better nearby speeds.
But if you need a bigger server network, verified privacy, and no device limits, PIA is the clear winner.
Now, go protect your online privacy!
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other competitors:
Privé-internettoegang versus NordVPN
PIA wins on: Price, unlimited connections, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Faster speeds, better streaming, Threat Protection
Privé-internettoegang versus ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: Price, server count, unlimited connections
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, streaming reliability
Private Internet Access versus PureVPN
PIA wins on: No-logs audit, open-source apps, server count
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP options, port forwarding features
Private Internet Access vs Surfshark VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, transparency reports, open-source code
Surfshark VPN wins on: Speed, CleanWeb ad blocker, GPS spoofing
Private Internet Access versus ProtonVPN
PIA wins on: Server count, lower price, unlimited connections
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy laws, free plan, Secure Core servers
Privé-internettoegang versus PrivadoVPN
PIA wins on: Server count, audited no-logs, open-source apps
PrivadoVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, free plan with 10 GB
Privé-internettoegang versus Virtueel schild
PIA wins on: Server count, price, unlimited connections
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused servers, identity theft protection
Privé-internettoegang versus StrongVPN
PIA wins on: Server count, no-logs audit, open-source apps
StrongVPN wins on: Simple interface, reliable China access
Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN
PIA wins on: Server count, audited no-logs, device connections
SnelsteVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option, lower entry price
Private Internet Access vs Aura VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, price, transparency, open-source
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection, credit monitoring
Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, unlimited connections, price
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming servers, Romania jurisdiction, speed
Privé-internettoegang versus McAfee VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, no-logs audit, dedicated VPN features
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus protection, brand trust
Privé internettoegang versus Mysterium VPN
PIA wins on: Server reliability, speed, customer support
Mysterium VPN wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Private Internet Access vs SafeShell VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, audited privacy, open-source apps
SafeShell VPN wins on: China access, ShellGuard encryption
Private Internet Access vs Oyster VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, audited no-logs, unlimited devices
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple pricing, Dublin jurisdiction
More of AdGuard VPN Compared
Here’s how AdGuard VPN stacks up against other competitors:
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking integration, price
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, Threat Protection, audit
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, lower price, ad blocking
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, server network, audit
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, Cyprus jurisdiction, ad blocking
PureVPN wins on: Server count, streaming, dedicated IPs
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, stealth protocol
Surfshark VPN wins on: Speed, unlimited devices, CleanWeb, audit
AdGuard VPN wins on: Lower paid price, ad blocking tools
ProtonVPN wins on: Better free plan, Swiss privacy, audit, speed
AdGuard VPN vs PrivadoVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, stealth protocol, browser extensions
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10 GB, Swiss jurisdiction
AdGuard VPN vs Virtual Shield
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking, lower price
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused servers, identity protection
AdGuard VPN vs StrongVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking, stealth protocol
StrongVPN wins on: WireGuard support, better China access
AdGuard VPN vs Aura VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, lower price, ad blocking
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection, credit monitoring
AdGuard VPN vs CyberGhost
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking, Cyprus jurisdiction
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming, speed, audit
AdGuard VPN vs McAfee VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, dedicated VPN features, price
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, brand recognition
AdGuard VPN versus Mysterium VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Easier setup, ad blocking, fixed pricing
Mysterium VPN wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
AdGuard VPN vs SafeShell VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking, brand trust
SafeShell VPN wins on: Better China access, ShellGuard protocol
AdGuard VPN vs Oyster VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking, lower 2-year price
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple setup, Dublin jurisdiction
Veelgestelde vragen
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes. PIA uses AES-256 encryption and has a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte. Its apps are open source, so anyone can verify the code. It also publishes transparency reports every quarter.
Is AdGuard VPN trustworthy?
AdGuard VPN claims a no-logs policy and is based in Cyprus. However, it has not been independently audited by a third party. If verified privacy is your top concern, PIA is a safer bet.
Can I use PIA VPN for free?
No, PIA does not have a free plan. But it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. You can test the full service and get a refund if you’re not happy.
Biedt AdGuard VPN een gratis abonnement aan?
Yes. AdGuard VPN offers a free plan with 3 GB of data per month. The free plan caps speeds at 20 Mbps and limits server locations. It’s good for light browsing but not for streaming.
Which VPN is better for streaming — PIA or AdGuard VPN?
PIA is better for streaming. It has dedicated streaming servers that unblock Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. AdGuard VPN can access some platforms but struggles with Amazon Prime and Peacock.
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