📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 Ease of Setup: PIA 1-click connect vs OpenVPN manual config — PIA wins
- ⚡ Connection Speed: PIA avg 46% speed loss vs OpenVPN 50%+ loss — PIA wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: PIA Deloitte-verified no-logs vs OpenVPN no third-party audit — PIA wins
- 📝 Server Customization: OpenVPN full protocol control vs PIA limited settings — OpenVPN wins
- 🌍 Server Network: PIA 35,000+ servers vs OpenVPN self-hosted only — PIA wins
Picking the right VPN can feel overwhelming.
Private Internet Access (PIA) and OpenVPN are two big names in the VPN world.
But they serve very different purposes.
PIA is a full VPN service with apps, servers, and 24/7 support.
OpenVPN is an open-source protocol you can use to build your own VPN.
We tested both side by side to find the better choice for most people.
Here’s what we found after weeks of hands-on testing.
Overview
We put Private Internet Access vs OpenVPN through real-world tests.
We checked speed, privacy, ease of use, streaming, and security features.
We also compared pricing, customer support, and device coverage.
Our goal was to help you pick the right tool for your exact needs.
What is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a consumer VPN service.
It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address.
PIA has over 35,000 servers across 91 countries.
It supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
You get apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
PIA also offers unlimited device connections on every plan.
Private Internet Access
PIA is one of the most affordable VPNs with 35,000+ servers worldwide. It offers unlimited connections, a strict no-logs policy verified by Deloitte, and open-source apps you can trust.
Private Internet Access Pricing
Here’s what Private Internet Access costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2.03/month | Best value for long-term users |
| 6 Months | $7.50/month | Medium-term commitment |
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short-term or testing the service |
Free trial: Yes, 7 days free on iOS and Android (no credit card needed for mobile trial).
Money-back guarantee: 30-day full refund on all plans, no questions asked.
📌 Note: All plans include the same features. The only difference is billing length. Longer plans save you more money per month.
⚠️ Warning: PIA auto-renews at the regular rate after your initial term ends. Cancel before renewal to avoid surprise charges.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here’s why PIA stands out from other VPN services:
- Massive Server Network: Over 35,000 servers in 91 countries. PIA covers all 50 US states, which is rare among VPN providers.
- Unlimited Connections: Connect every device you own on one account. Most VPNs cap you at 5-10 devices.
- Verified No-Logs Policy: Deloitte audited PIA’s no-logs claim three times. PIA also proved it in court — twice.
- Open-Source Apps: Anyone can inspect PIA’s source code. This is a big trust signal for privacy-focused users.
- Built-in MACE Ad Blocker: PIA blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. No extra software needed.
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This keeps your banking apps fast while protecting your browsing.
- Port Forwarding: PIA supports port forwarding for torrenting and remote access. Many VPNs have dropped this feature.
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- One of the cheapest VPNs at $2.03/month
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strict no-logs policy verified by Deloitte
- 35,000+ servers across 91 countries
- Open-source apps for full transparency
❌ Cons
- Based in the US (Five Eyes country)
- Streaming unblocking is inconsistent
- Speed drops can reach 50% on some servers
- MACE ad blocker has limited filtering
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol and self-hosted server platform.
It creates encrypted tunnels between your device and a VPN server using SSL/TLS.
You can run OpenVPN on your own hardware or cloud server.
It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
OpenVPN Access Server is the commercial product for businesses.
The Community Edition is completely free for personal use.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is the gold standard open-source VPN protocol. Use it to build your own VPN server with full control over encryption, routing, and access. Trusted by businesses and IT teams worldwide.
OpenVPN Pricing
Here’s what OpenVPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Personal use (up to 2 connections) |
| Growth | $7/month | Small teams and businesses |
| Enterprise | Custom | Large organizations with 2000+ users |
Free trial: Yes, free plan with up to 2 concurrent connections. No credit card required.
Money-back guarantee: Contact OpenVPN support for refund requests. No standard guarantee listed.
📌 Note: The Community Edition is 100% free with no connection limits. Access Server is the paid product with management features.
⚠️ Warning: Self-hosting OpenVPN requires a cloud server (like AWS or DigitalOcean). That adds extra monthly cost on top of OpenVPN’s pricing.
Key Benefits of OpenVPN
Here’s why OpenVPN is trusted by IT professionals worldwide:
- Full Open-Source Code: Anyone can audit OpenVPN’s source code. This has made it one of the most trusted VPN protocols since 2001.
- Total Server Control: You own your VPN server. No third party touches your data. Perfect for businesses that need full control.
- Deep Encryption Options: Choose between AES-128, AES-256, and other ciphers. You control every aspect of your security setup.
- Firewall Bypass: OpenVPN handles firewalls and NAT gateways better than most protocols. It works even in restricted networks.
- Cross-Platform Support: Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even Solaris. Very few protocols match this range.
- Site-to-Site Networking: Connect multiple office locations through encrypted tunnels. Ideal for companies with remote teams.
OpenVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 100% open-source and community-audited
- Full control over your VPN infrastructure
- Industry-standard AES encryption
- Free Community Edition available
- Bypasses most firewalls and restrictions
❌ Cons
- Complex manual setup for beginners
- No built-in server network or apps
- Slower than newer protocols like WireGuard
- Requires cloud server for self-hosting
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how Private Internet Access and OpenVPN stack up side by side?
We’ll explore 9 key features to help you pick the right VPN for your needs.
| Feature | Private Internet Access | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.03/month | $0 (Free plan) |
| Server Network | 35,000+ in 91 countries | Self-hosted only |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ Deloitte verified | ❌ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ❌ (manual config) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (manual config) |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ MACE | ❌ |
| Streaming Support | ✅ Netflix, Disney+ | ❌ |
| Open-Source | ✅ Apps | ✅ Full protocol |
| Best For | Personal privacy & streaming | Businesses & IT teams |
1. Ease of Use
Private Internet Access: PIA gives you polished apps for every major platform. Download the app, log in, and click connect. That’s it. The interface shows your connection status, protocol, and speed in one clean window. You can switch servers in seconds from a simple list.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN requires manual setup. You need to install the client, download configuration files, and edit text-based .ovpn files. The Community Edition has no graphical dashboard. Access Server adds a web admin panel, but you still need server management skills.
💡 Test Result: PIA took us 2 minutes to set up and connect. OpenVPN Access Server took over 30 minutes. If you want a VPN that just works, PIA is the clear pick.
2. Server Network
Private Internet Access: PIA runs 35,000+ servers in 91 countries. It covers all 50 US states. You get streaming-focused servers for Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms. Server switching takes one click.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN has no server network. You host your own server or rent one from a cloud provider. Your server count depends entirely on your budget and setup. Most users run one or two servers at most.
3. Privacy & Security
Private Internet Access: PIA uses AES-256 encryption with WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. Deloitte has audited PIA’s no-logs policy three times. PIA’s apps are open-source. It also publishes quarterly transparency reports.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN uses SSL/TLS encryption with AES-256 support. The protocol itself is open-source and battle-tested since 2001. However, privacy depends on whoever runs the server. There’s no third-party audit of the Access Server product.
4. Speed & Performance
Private Internet Access: PIA’s WireGuard protocol delivers the fastest speeds. On nearby servers, speed drops stay around 30-40%. OpenVPN mode is slower, with drops reaching 54%. PIA is fast enough for HD streaming and casual gaming.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN speeds depend entirely on your server hardware and internet connection. On a good cloud server, speeds are solid. But the protocol itself is slower than WireGuard. TCP mode adds more overhead than UDP mode.
💡 Test Result: PIA on WireGuard gave us faster downloads than OpenVPN on the same connection. For raw speed, PIA’s multi-protocol support is a big advantage.
5. Streaming & Content Unblocking
Private Internet Access: PIA can unblock Netflix, Disney+, and several other platforms. Results vary by server. Some services work perfectly, while others show occasional buffering. PIA is not the best for streaming, but it works for most popular sites.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN doesn’t unblock streaming services on its own. It’s a protocol, not a service. You’d need to set up your own server in the right country. Streaming platforms will likely block a personal server’s IP quickly.
6. Device Support & Apps
Private Internet Access: PIA has dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions. It also supports routers. You get unlimited simultaneous connections. Smart DNS is included for devices that can’t run VPN apps.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN Connect is the official client app. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. But you need to configure it yourself with .ovpn files. There’s no one-click app. Access Server adds a web interface for user management.
7. Customization & Control
Private Internet Access: PIA lets you switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN. You can choose AES-128 or AES-256 encryption. You also get split tunneling, port selection, and automation rules. But you don’t control the server itself.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN gives you total control. You pick the encryption cipher, key length, authentication method, and routing rules. You can add scripts, plugins, and custom firewall rules. This is the gold standard for VPN customization.
⚠️ Warning: OpenVPN’s deep customization is powerful but complex. Misconfigured settings can create security holes. Only advanced users should modify encryption and routing rules.
8. Customer Support
Private Internet Access: PIA offers 24/7 live chat support. There’s also a large knowledge base with guides and FAQs. Email support is available too. Response times have improved a lot in 2026.
OpenVPN: The Community Edition relies on forums and community support. Access Server includes email and chat support for paid users. Documentation is detailed but can be hard to follow for beginners.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Private Internet Access | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ (7-day mobile trial) | $0 (2 connections) |
| Cheapest Paid | $2.03/month (2yr plan) | $7/month (Growth) |
| Mid-Tier | $7.50/month (6mo plan) | — |
| Monthly | $11.99/month | — |
| Enterprise | — | Custom pricing |
Private Internet Access: PIA is one of the cheapest full-service VPNs available. The 2-year plan brings costs down to just $2.03/month. You get servers, apps, support, and unlimited connections included. No hidden fees.
OpenVPN: The Community Edition is free, but you’ll pay for cloud hosting ($5-20/month). Access Server starts at $7/month per connection. For small teams, OpenVPN can cost more than PIA when you add hosting fees.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest full VPN service | PIA | $2.03/month with everything included |
| Full server control | OpenVPN | Self-host with custom encryption |
| Streaming & Netflix access | PIA | Built-in streaming server support |
| Business remote access | OpenVPN | Site-to-site & zero-trust options |
| Easy beginner setup | PIA | One-click connect apps |
| Maximum customization | OpenVPN | Full protocol-level control |
💰 Your Budget
PIA wins on value at $2.03/month for a full VPN service. OpenVPN is free to use, but hosting a server adds $5-20/month in cloud costs.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
OpenVPN fits IT teams that manage their own infrastructure. PIA fits individuals and families who want protection without server management.
📝 Your Use Case
Need to browse privately, stream content, or torrent safely? Pick PIA. Need to connect remote employees to an office network? Pick OpenVPN.
🎓 Your Experience Level
PIA is perfect for beginners. OpenVPN is built for people who understand networking, server admin, and VPN protocols.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
PIA offers a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee. OpenVPN has a free plan with 2 connections — no time limit.
🛟 Support Options
PIA has 24/7 live chat and a knowledge base. OpenVPN relies on community forums for the free version and email support for paid 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 your VPN server and encryption settings
- No reliance on a third-party service for your privacy
- Site-to-site networking for business use
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 35,000+ ready-to-use servers worldwide
- One-click apps and 24/7 live chat support
- Streaming unblocking and built-in ad blocking
📋 How to switch:
- Set up a cloud server (AWS, DigitalOcean, or Vultr)
- Install OpenVPN Access Server or Community Edition on your server
- Import your .ovpn config file into the OpenVPN Connect app and cancel PIA
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Instant access to 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
- Polished apps with one-click connect for all devices
- Streaming support, ad blocking, and unlimited connections
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Full server-level control over encryption and routing
- Ability to self-host without relying on a third-party
- Custom site-to-site VPN configurations
📋 How to switch:
- Sign up for PIA and download the app for your device
- Log in and connect to your preferred server location
- Shut down your OpenVPN server and cancel any cloud hosting
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Private Internet Access |
| 🚀 Ease of Use | Private Internet Access |
| ⚡ Speed | Private Internet Access |
| 🎯 Privacy & Audits | Private Internet Access |
| 🔌 Customization | OpenVPN |
| 🏢 Business Use | OpenVPN |
| 🌍 Server Network | Private Internet Access |
| 📺 Streaming | Private Internet Access |
| 🛟 Support | Private Internet Access |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Private Internet Access |
🏆 WINNER: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access wins 7 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Personal privacy, streaming, torrenting, and everyday browsing
Private Internet Access and OpenVPN serve very different users.
PIA is a complete VPN service with apps, servers, and support.
OpenVPN is a powerful protocol for IT teams who want full control.
OpenVPN is excellent for businesses that need custom server setups.
But for personal use, PIA gives you more protection for less effort and money.
Now, go out and protect your privacy online!
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other competitors:
Private Internet Access vs NordVPN
PIA wins on: Price, unlimited connections, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming reliability, threat protection
Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: Price, server count, unlimited devices
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, China access, streaming
Private Internet Access vs PureVPN
PIA wins on: No-logs audits, server network, transparency
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP options, port forwarding ease
Private Internet Access vs SurfsharkVPN
PIA wins on: Server count, US coverage, open-source code
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Streaming, ad blocking quality, GPS spoofing
Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN
PIA wins on: Price, server count, port forwarding
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss privacy laws, Secure Core servers, free plan
Private Internet Access vs PrivadoVPN
PIA wins on: Server network, device support, audit history
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan generosity, Swiss jurisdiction
Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, protocol options, unlimited connections
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, lightweight client
Private Internet Access vs Virtual Shield
PIA wins on: Price, server count, feature set
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused simplicity, identity protection
Private Internet Access vs StrongVPN
PIA wins on: Price, server network, open-source transparency
StrongVPN wins on: China access, WireGuard speed
Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN
PIA wins on: Server count, audit history, feature depth
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing, simplicity
Private Internet Access vs AuraVPN
PIA wins on: Server network, no-logs proof, feature set
AuraVPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, family plans
Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, customization, US coverage
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming servers, beginner interface
Private Internet Access vs McAfee VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, privacy focus, standalone value
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, brand recognition
Private Internet Access vs Mysterium
PIA wins on: Speed, reliability, customer support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Private Internet Access vs SafeShell VPN
PIA wins on: Server count, audit history, protocol options
SafeShell VPN wins on: China access, censorship bypassing
Private Internet Access vs Oyster VPN
PIA wins on: Server network, proven no-logs policy, features
Oyster VPN wins on: Simplicity, newer infrastructure
More of OpenVPN Compared
Here’s how OpenVPN stacks up against other competitors:
OpenVPN wins on: Full server control, open-source protocol, customization
NordVPN wins on: Speed, apps, streaming, customer support
OpenVPN wins on: Self-hosting, protocol transparency, cost control
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, streaming, China access
OpenVPN wins on: Open-source code, server ownership, flexibility
PureVPN wins on: Ready-to-use apps, server network, streaming
OpenVPN wins on: Protocol control, self-hosted privacy, customization
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Price, apps, streaming, unlimited devices
OpenVPN wins on: Full server control, enterprise features, self-hosting
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy jurisdiction, free plan, Secure Core
OpenVPN vs PrivadoVPN
OpenVPN wins on: Customization, open-source transparency, business use
PrivadoVPN wins on: Consumer apps, server network, ease of use
OpenVPN vs CyberGhost
OpenVPN wins on: Server ownership, protocol depth, business features
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming, beginner apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access safe to use?
Yes. PIA uses AES-256 encryption and has a no-logs policy verified by Deloitte three times. It has also proven its no-logs claim in court twice. PIA’s apps are open-source for extra transparency.
Is OpenVPN free to use?
The OpenVPN Community Edition is 100% free. Access Server has a free tier with 2 connections. Paid plans start at $7/month per connection for the Growth plan.
Can PIA VPN be tracked?
PIA does not store logs of your online activity. It cannot hand over data it doesn’t have. However, no VPN makes you 100% anonymous online.
Is OpenVPN better than NordVPN?
OpenVPN is a protocol, not a full VPN service. NordVPN actually uses OpenVPN as one of its protocols. NordVPN is easier to use and offers more features for consumers.
How much does PIA VPN cost per month?
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. All plans include the same features.
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