⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Wycena: Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/mo vs OpenVPN at $7/mo (Growth plan)
- Best for: PIA for everyday VPN users who want a ready-to-use VPN service, OpenVPN for IT teams building custom VPN tunnels
- Key difference: PIA is a complete VPN service with servers and apps. OpenVPN is a VPN protocol and self-hosted access server platform.
- Our pick: Private Internet Access for most users — it works right out of the box with no manual configuration needed
Private Internet Access vs OpenVPN solve the same problem in different ways.
One gives you a VPN service ready to use on all your urządzenia.
The other gives you the tools to build your own VPN server from scratch.
This comparison helps you decide which approach fits your needs.
Przegląd
This comparison covers pricing, features, and ease of use for both VPN services.
We also break down who each option works best for.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN solution fits your situation.
Czym jest Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access is a VPN service that encrypts your internet connection.
It routes your internet traffic through secure VPN servers worldwide.
PIA VPN hides your actual IP address and keeps your dane prywatny.
The PIA app works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
PIA covers all your devices with unlimited simultaneous connections.
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu
PIA offers 35,000 VPN servers across 91 countries. It supports unlimited devices and includes a built-in ad blocker called MACE.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what Private Internet Access costs in 2026.
| Plan | Cena | Najlepsze dla |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | 2,03 USD/miesiąc | Long-term users who want the lowest price |
| 6 miesięcy | 7,50 USD/miesiąc | Users who want a shorter commitment |
| 1 miesiąc | 11,99 USD/miesiąc | Quick testing or short-term podróż |
Pricing verified April 2026.
Bezpłatny okres próbny: No free trial, but PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Gwarancja zwrotu pieniędzy: Full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.
📌 Notatka: PIA does not increase subscription prices upon renewal. The price you sign up at is the price you keep, which is uncommon among VPN providers.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan at $11.99 is nearly six times the cost of the long-term plan. If you plan to use PIA for more than a few months, the 2-year deal saves you a lot.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here’s what makes Private Internet Access worth considering:
- Ogromna sieć serwerów: PIA’s servers span 91 countries with 35,000 total servers. That includes every US state for local server locations.
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every device you own at the same time. Most VPN providers limit you to five or ten.
- Zweryfikowana polityka braku logów: Deloitte independently audited PIA’s strict no logs policy. PIA does not store browsing history, DNS queries, or connection data.
- Open-Source Apps: PIA’s VPN apps are fully open-source. Anyone can inspect the source code for security flaws.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: MACE blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level. It works across all your devices without extra software.
- Tunelowanie rozdzielone: Choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which bypass it. This lets you use local services while staying protected.
- Multi-Hop Connections: Route your internet traffic through two VPN servers for added privacy. This adds a second layer of encryption.
What Our Team Noticed
Nasz pisarz signed up for Private Internet Access and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 35,000 servers across 91 countries with servers in all 50 US states
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account
- No logs policy independently verified by Deloitte audits
- Open-source apps let anyone inspect the code for transparency
- No price increases on subscription renewals
❌ Cons
- Average download speed loss of 49% can slow bandwidth-heavy tasks
- Streaming unblocking is inconsistent for some services like BBC iPlayer
- No free plan available — only a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Monthly plan at $11.99 is above the industry average
Czym jest OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol and software platform.
It creates secure VPN tunnels between a client and a server using SSL/TLS encryption.
OpenVPN works as both a tunneling protocol and an access server product. It supports multiple tunneling protocols and creates secure connections for remote workers and businesses.
The OpenVPN Community Edition is free and lets you build your own virtual private network.
OpenVPN Access Server adds a management layer for businesses that need remote access.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol used by millions. It supports TCP and UDP protocols and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
OpenVPN Pricing
Here’s what OpenVPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Cena | Najlepsze dla |
|---|---|---|
| Bezpłatny | $0 | Self-hosted setups with manual configuration |
| Wzrost | 7 USD/miesiąc | Small teams needing managed VPN access |
| Przedsiębiorstwo | Zwyczaj | Large organizations with custom security needs |
Pricing verified April 2026.
Bezpłatny okres próbny: The OpenVPN Community Edition is completely free. The Access Server product offers a free tier with limited connections.
Gwarancja zwrotu pieniędzy: Contact OpenVPN sales for refund terms on paid plans.
📌 Notatka: OpenVPN’s free Community Edition gives you the full open-source VPN protocol. You only pay for the Access Server if you want a web-based management interface and easier setup for teams.
⚠️ Warning: The free tier requires manual configuration and technical knowledge. If you’re not comfortable with command line tools, you’ll need the paid plan or a different VPN provider.
Key Benefits of OpenVPN
Here’s what makes OpenVPN worth considering:
- Open-Source Protocol: OpenVPN’s code is publicly available. The global community of developers reviews it for vulnerabilities and suggests fixes.
- Dual Protocol Support: OpenVPN supports both TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Pick TCP for reliability or UDP for speed.
- Międzyplatformowy: Install OpenVPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even Solaris. It runs on almost any operating system.
- Custom Encryption: Choose your own encryption algorithms, encryption ciphers, and key lengths. This level of control is rare in other VPN protocols.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy: Even if one encryption key is compromised, past sessions stay safe. Each session uses unique encryption keys.
- Firewall Bypass: OpenVPN works through firewalls and NAT gateways that block other VPN protocols. It’s effective in restricted network environments.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for OpenVPN Access Server and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
OpenVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fully open-source protocol with community-driven security updates
- Free Community Edition available for self-hosted VPN connections
- Highly customizable encryption ciphers and authentication settings
- Compatible with almost every operating system including Solaris
❌ Cons
- Requires technical knowledge for manual configuration and setup
- Slower than newer protocols like WireGuard in speed tests
- No built-in server network — you must provide your own VPN server
- Not user-friendly on mobile devices compared to commercial VPN apps
Porównanie funkcji
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Private Internet Access vs OpenVPN?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right VPN solution.
| Funkcja | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Cena wywoławcza | 2,03 USD/miesiąc | $0 (Free tier) |
| Bezpłatny plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| Built-in Server Network | ✅ (35,000 servers) | ❌ |
| Wyłącznik awaryjny | ✅ | ❌ (requires setup) |
| Tunelowanie rozdzielone | ✅ | ❌ (requires setup) |
| Ad & Tracker Blocker | ✅ (MACE) | ❌ |
| Open-Source | ✅ (apps) | ✅ (protocol + apps) |
| Custom Encryption Settings | Ograniczony | ✅ (full control) |
| Self-Hosted Option | ❌ | ✅ |
| Najlepsze dla | Everyday VPN users | IT teams & power users |
1. No-Logs Policy & Privacy
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA has a strict no logs policy verified by independent Deloitte audits. It does not collect browsing history, DNS queries, connection data, or identifying data. PIA also publishes quarterly transparency reports showing how it handles legal requests for user privacy information.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a protocol, so privacy depends entirely on how you configure your own VPN server. If you self-host, you control what gets logged. The OpenVPN Access Server logs connection data by default, but you can disable that through manual configuration.
2. Encryption & VPN Protocols
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA offers AES 256-bit encryption over the OpenVPN protocol. It also supports WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption. PIA lets you choose your encryption level, but the options are preset rather than fully customizable.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN uses SSL/TLS to create a secure tunnel for data traffic. It supports AES, Blowfish, and other encryption algorithms. You can configure encryption ciphers, key lengths, and hash message authentication code settings yourself. OpenVPN also includes Perfect Forward Secrecy to protect past sessions.
3. Server Network & Locations
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA’s servers cover 91 countries with 35,000 total server locations. That includes servers in all 50 US states. PIA also offers streaming optimized servers, dedicated IP address options, and virtual servers in some regions.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN does not provide any VPN servers. You need to set up your own OpenVPN server or rent one from a hosting provider. This means how many servers you have depends entirely on your budget and technical skills.
⚠️ Warning: If you need ready-to-use server locations for unblocking streaming content or hiding your real IP address, OpenVPN alone won’t help. You’ll need a VPN provider like PIA that operates its own servers.
4. Ease of Use & Setup
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA makes setup simple. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, log in, and tap connect. The interface is clean and uncluttered. PIA also supports automatyzacja rules that connect the VPN based on which network you join.
OpenVPN: Setting up OpenVPN requires technical knowledge. You need to install OpenVPN client software, download .ovpn configuration files, and sometimes use the command line app. The OpenVPN GUI helps on desktop, but mobile devices are harder to configure. OpenVPN Connect simplifies the client side, but server setup still needs manual configuration.
5. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA includes two types of kill switch on Windows and macOS. A regular kill switch stops internet traffic when the VPN connection drops. An advanced kill switch blocks all non-VPN traffic even before connecting. PIA also runs DNS leak tests to prevent DNS requests from leaking your real IP address.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN does not include a built-in kill switch. You need to configure firewall rules manually to block internet traffic when the VPN connection drops. DNS leak protection also requires separate DNS server configuration. This is manageable for power users but hard for beginners.
6. Tunelowanie dzielone
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA supports split tunneling out of the box. You can exclude specific apps or IP addresses from the VPN connection. This lets you access local services like banking while keeping browser traffic encrypted through the VPN tunnel.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN supports split tunneling through manual configuration of routing tables. You’ll need to edit configuration files to specify which data traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which bypasses it. It works, but it’s not a one-click feature.
7. Streaming & Content Access
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA offers streaming optimized servers designed for unblocking streaming services. It works with Netflix and Disney Plus. However, PIA has been reported to struggle with BBC iPlayer and some other streaming services at times. For unblocking streaming content, PIA is better than most affordable VPN options.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a protocol, not a VPN service. It does not offer streaming servers or content unblocking. If you set up your own OpenVPN server in a specific country, you could access content from that region. But managing this yourself takes effort and knowledge.
8. Connection Speed & Performance
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA has an average download speed loss of 49% based on published speed tests. Connection speeds vary by server location and protocol. PIA supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol — WireGuard is faster for most users. Speeds are good enough for streaming and web browsing but not ideal for bandwidth-heavy tasks.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is slower than WireGuard but offers better security flexibility. Using OpenVPN TCP gives you reliable connections. OpenVPN UDP gives faster download speeds but with less guaranteed delivery. Speed depends on your server hardware and internet connection rather than a shared network.
9. Device Support & Compatibility
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA has dedicated VPN apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. PIA also supports VPN routers to protect all your devices at the network level. The mobile apps are easy to use on phones and tablets.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and less common operating systems like Solaris. The OpenVPN Connect app works on mobile devices but is less polished than commercial VPN apps. OpenVPN can also run on routers and embedded devices for site-to-site networking.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Bezpłatny | ❌ | $0 (Community Edition) |
| Low Tier | $2.03/month (2yr+4mo) | $7/month (Growth) |
| Mid Tier | $7.50/month (6 months) | Nie dotyczy |
| High Tier | $11.99/month (monthly) | Custom (Enterprise) |
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu: PIA is an affordable VPN with the long-term plan at just $2.03 per month. That includes everything — all servers, all features, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited devices. PIA does not increase prices on renewal, which saves money long-term compared to other VPN providers.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is free if you self-host using the Community Edition. But running your own VPN server costs money for hosting. The Growth plan at $7 per month is for teams who want managed remote access. Enterprise pricing is custom. For individual VPN users, the hidden costs of self-hosting often exceed a cheap VPN subscription.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-use VPN service | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu | Works out of the box |
| Full control over your VPN server | OpenVPN | Self-hosted and customizable |
| Tight budget | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu | $2.03/mo with everything included |
| Free VPN protocol | OpenVPN | Community Edition costs $0 |
| Streaming access | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu | Streaming optimized servers |
| Biznes zdalny dostęp | OpenVPN | Built for secure remote access |
💰 Your Budget
PIA gives you a complete VPN service for $2.03 per month on the long-term plan. OpenVPN is free to download, but running your own server adds hosting costs that often exceed PIA’s price.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
PIA works as a standalone app with no extra setup. OpenVPN requires server infrastructure and technical knowledge of VPN protocols, making it better for IT teams who manage private networks.
📝 Your Use Case
For personal browsing, streaming, and keeping your internet connection private, PIA is the clear choice. For building a custom security protocol or connecting office sites, OpenVPN gives you the flexibility you need.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners should pick PIA because it requires zero technical knowledge. If you’re comfortable with command line tools, firewall rules, and creating VPN tunnels manually, OpenVPN gives you more control.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. OpenVPN’s Community Edition is permanently free, and the Access Server has a free tier with limited VPN connections.
🛟 Support Options
PIA provides 24/7 live chat and email support. OpenVPN relies on community forums for the free edition and offers direct support only on paid Access Server plans.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to OpenVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Full control over encryption algorithms and authentication settings
- Self-hosted VPN server with no third-party involvement
- Free Community Edition with no monthly subscription fees
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 35,000 ready-to-use VPN servers across 91 countries
- Built-in kill switch, split tunneling, and MACE ad blocker
- 24/7 customer support and easy-to-use VPN apps
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PIA subscription before the renewal date
- Set up an OpenVPN server on a cloud host or local machine
- Install OpenVPN Connect on your devices and import your .ovpn files
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Instant access to 35,000 servers without managing any infrastructure
- Built-in ad blocking, kill switch, and split tunneling features
- Unlimited device connections with one subscription
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Full control over encryption settings and server configuration
- Self-hosted VPN with no reliance on a third-party VPN provider
- Free usage if you were running the OpenVPN Community Edition
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual and small team use cases. We didn’t test OpenVPN in a large enterprise site-to-site networking deployment. We also didn’t benchmark PIA’s speeds across all 91 countries or test every streaming service. If you need a VPN for online gaming with minimal latency or for use in heavily censored regions, your results may differ from what we’ve described here.
Ostateczny werdykt
| Kategoria | Zwycięzca |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu |
| 🔒 Privacy & No-Logs | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu |
| 🔧 Customization | OpenVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu |
| 🌍 Server Network | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu |
| 🔌 Flexibility | OpenVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Prywatny dostęp do Internetu |
🏆 WINNER: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: everyday VPN users, streaming fans, privacy-focused individuals, and anyone who wants a VPN that works without technical setup
Private Internet Access and OpenVPN serve very different audiences. PIA is a ready-to-use VPN service with 35,000 servers, apps for every platform, and features like a kill switch and MACE ad blocker built in.
OpenVPN is a VPN protocol and self-hosted platform. It gives IT teams and power users full control over their VPN connections and encryption settings.
If you need a personal VPN service that protects your internet connection on all your devices, Private Internet Access makes the better choice for most VPN users.
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other VPN providers:
Private Internet Access kontra NordVPN
PIA wins on: unlimited device connections, lower long-term pricing at $2.03/mo, open-source apps with public code inspection
NordVPN wins on: faster connection speeds, better streaming unblocking, dedicated server categories like Double VPN
Private Internet Access kontra ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: much cheaper pricing ($2.03 vs $8+/mo), unlimited devices vs 8 device limit, built-in ad blocker MACE
ExpressVPN wins on: faster raw speeds, better for unblocking geo-restricted content, simpler interface for beginners
Private Internet Access kontra Proton VPN
PIA wins on: larger server network with 35,000 servers, lower pricing on long-term plans, port forwarding support
Proton VPN wins on: free plan with unlimited bandwidth, Swiss privacy jurisdiction, Secure Core routing
Private Internet Access kontra SurfsharkVPN
PIA wins on: more server locations across 91 countries, independently audited no-logs policy, open-source apps
Surfshark wins on: CleanWeb ad blocker with cookie pop-up blocking, rotating IP feature, bundled antivirus and search tools
More of OpenVPN Compared
Here’s how OpenVPN stacks up against other VPN options:
OpenVPN wins on: free self-hosted option, full encryption customization, open source VPN protocol with community updates
NordVPN wins on: ready-to-use server network in 60+ countries, built-in threat protection, no technical setup needed
OpenVPN wins on: zero cost for Community Edition, site-to-site networking for businesses, complete control over server infrastructure
ExpressVPN wins on: Lightway protocol for faster speeds, one-click connection on any device, 24/7 customer support
OpenVPN vs CyberGhost
OpenVPN wins on: self-hosted flexibility, custom encryption cipher selection, no dependency on a third-party VPN provider
CyberGhost wins on: beginner-friendly interface with streaming profiles, dedicated IP addresses, servers in 100 countries
Często zadawane pytania
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes. This Private Internet Access review confirms that PIA uses AES 256-bit encryption protocols and has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte. The apps are open-source, so anyone can check the code. If you have tested Private Internet Access or tested PIA yourself, you will notice the quality VPN protection it provides against ISP throttling and DNS leaks across all DNS servers it routes through.
Is OpenVPN free to use?
The OpenVPN Community Edition is completely free. OpenVPN is one of the safest VPN protocols and the open source OpenVPN protocol lets anyone audit the code. The OpenVPN company (OpenVPN Technologies) offers a paid Access Server with managed features. The OpenVPN software uses the OpenSSL library for Secure Sockets Layer encryption and supports TLS auth for authentication. OpenVPN connections use public key infrastructure for secure key exchange and HMAC firewall protection to block unauthorized incoming connections.
How does a Private Internet Access VPN work?
Private Internet Access VPN routes your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This hides your real IP address and keeps sensitive data safe from your internet service provider. PIA is an OpenVPN compatible service that also supports WireGuard. Private Internet Access deals on the long-term plan bring the cost to $2.03 per month, making it a cheap VPN and an affordable VPN for most budgets. PIA also supports Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services on its streaming optimized servers.
Can PIA VPN be tracked?
PIA does not store connection logs, DNS queries, or browsing history. Without logs, there is no identifying data to trace back to you. PIA is a top tier VPN for user privacy and works well for VPN clients who want verified protection. PIA also offers virtual private networks through multi-hop routing for extra security.
What is the difference between a VPN protocol and a VPN service?
A VPN protocol like OpenVPN creates the secure tunnel using UDP protocol or TCP transmission control protocol. OpenVPN UDP gives faster speeds while OpenVPN TCP offers more reliable data traffic. OpenVPN safe practices involve using the OpenVPN GUI or OpenVPN Connect client software to install OpenVPN on your devices. A VPN service like PIA adds servers, apps, browser extensions, port forwarding, and a command line app for Linux power users. Many VPN clients rely on the open source VPN protocol, and authentication OpenVPN uses is based on digital certificates and user datagram protocol or UDP user datagram protocol for faster connections. For online gaming or streaming, most VPN protocols work well when paired with a good server network.
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