⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/month. OysterVPN starts at $5.99/month.
- Best for: PIA for privacy on a budget across all your devices. OysterVPN for lifetime access and simple streaming.
- Key difference: PIA has a strict no logs policy audited by Deloitte. OysterVPN has never had a third-party audit.
- Server network: 35,000 servers in 91 countries versus roughly 400+ servers in over 35 countries.
- Our pick: Private Internet Access, because it gives you unlimited simultaneous connections at a lower entry price.
The cheaper vpn service here is also the bigger one.
Private Internet Access asks $2.03 a month on its longest plan.
OysterVPN asks $5.99 a month to start.
Yet PIA runs 35,000 vpn servers and Oyster VPN a few hundred.
So price is not what separates these two vpn providers. Proof, speed, and device limits are.
Overview
This Private Internet Access vs Oyster VPN comparison covers pricing, security features, speeds, and streaming.
We read both privacy policies, both pricing pages, and public user reviews.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each vpn app.
Those notes sit in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end you will know which virtual private network fits you.
What is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access is a vpn service that hides your real ip address.
It wraps your internet traffic in an encrypted vpn tunnel.
Every private internet access review lands on the same fact: cheap and big.
Your ISP sees nothing but noise, which also blunts ISP throttling.
Wondering how many servers it runs? Around 35,000 across 91 countries.
PIA covers Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android from one account.
There are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, plus a command line app.
The pia app is also on the Apple App Store for mobile devices.
Here is a walkthrough of how the private internet access vpn works day to day.
Private Internet Access
A cheap vpn with a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte. You get unlimited simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth. Current private internet access deals start at $2.03 a month.
Private Internet Access Pricing
PIA offers three plans. No hidden costs and no paywalled features.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2.03/month | Long-term privacy on a budget |
| 6 Months | $7.50/month | A medium commitment |
| 1 Months | $11.99/month | Short trips and quick testing |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: No free trial. You sign up and pay first.
Money-back guarantee: Yes. A 30 day money back guarantee lets you test the service risk free.
📌 Note: Private Internet Access does not raise subscription prices at renewal. Most vpn providers do. Every plan includes the same features, so a cheaper term never means a weaker vpn connection.
⚠️ Warning: PIA also lists $11.95 monthly, $39.96 yearly, and $79 for three years elsewhere. Our table follows the CSV pricing. Check the cart total before paying.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
What you actually get for the money:
- Unlimited Devices: PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Most other vpn providers cap you at five to ten.
- Audited Privacy: Deloitte verified the strict no logs policy through multiple audits, and transparency reports are published quarterly.
- Open-Source Apps: Anyone can inspect the code, which is rare among vpn services.
- US Coverage: Servers in all 50 states. Good for US sports, banking, and online gaming.
- MACE Blocking: A built-in ad and tracker blocker working at the DNS level, so ads die before they load.
- Public Wi-Fi Safety: PIA encrypts your internet connection on shared networks. Your connection data and identifying data stay away from criminals in cafés and airports.
- Extra Tools: Multi-hop routing, port forwarding, and Identity Guard breach monitoring.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer tested Private Internet Access on a laptop and a phone. We tested PIA across US, UK, and Asian server locations, because pia’s servers behave very differently by region. Here is what stood out from that hands-on time:
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Long-term plans start at $2.03 per month with no renewal price hike
- Unlimited simultaneous connections cover every device in the house
- Strict no logs policy independently verified by Deloitte audits
- 35,000 servers in 91 countries, including all 50 US states
- Split tunneling, multi-hop, MACE, and port forwarding for power users
❌ Cons
- Average download speed loss of 49% hurts bandwidth-heavy work
- Streaming access is inconsistent, and BBC iPlayer can fail
- The one month plan at $11.99 sits above the industry average
What is Oyster VPN?
OysterVPN is a smaller vpn provider based in Dublin, Ireland.
Ireland sits outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, which helps user privacy.
The service encrypts your internet connection and hides your physical location.
Most oystervpn review coverage leads with the lifetime deal, and fairly so.
Its network is roughly 400+ servers in over 35 countries.
The oystervpn apps cover Windows and Mac desktop apps, plus an iOS app and Android app.
There are browser extensions too, but no native Linux build.
The draw is lifetime access for one payment.
This clip shows the oystervpn app and how the connection screen behaves.
Oyster VPN
An Ireland-based vpn service with AES-256 encryption and dedicated streaming servers. Torrenting is allowed on every server. Every OysterVPN subscription carries a 30 day money back guarantee.
Oyster VPN Pricing
OysterVPN offers one feature set. You only pick the term length.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Month +2 Months free | $5.99/month | Trying the service |
| 1-Year | $29.99/month | An annual commitment |
| Lifetime Access | $59.99/month | One payment, no renewals |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: None. OysterVPN does not offer a free trial or a free vpn tier.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days on every plan, so you can test the service risk free.
📌 Note: When you purchase OysterVPN, only major credit cards and PayPal work. There is no cryptocurrency option, which matters if anonymous billing is part of your threat model.
⚠️ Warning: Our figures follow the CSV pricing. Other sources list $9.99 monthly with 3 free months, $2.50 per month yearly, and lifetime access at $49.99. Confirm the number at checkout.
Key Benefits of Oyster VPN
Where OysterVPN earns its place:
- Lifetime Access: One payment and the account never expires. No renewal date to track.
- Streaming Unblocking: Dedicated streaming servers reach popular streaming services like Netflix, Max, ESPN+, and BBC iPlayer. Hulu and Disney+ are hit or miss.
- Torrenting Anywhere: P2P file sharing is allowed on all of its servers, with solid security features behind it.
- Ireland Jurisdiction: GDPR applies and the country sits outside the main intelligence alliances. Good baseline online security for a small provider.
- Ad and Malware Blocking: A built-in blocker trims ads and bad domains, no extra software needed.
- Simple Apps: A user friendly interface on desktop and mobile. You can install OysterVPN in minutes.
- Five Devices: OysterVPN supports multiple devices, up to five simultaneous connections per account.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for OysterVPN and used it for browsing, streaming, and torrenting on a nearby server and a distant one. Here is what stood out:
Oyster VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Lifetime access removes recurring bills entirely
- Unblocks Netflix, Max, and ESPN+ through dedicated streaming servers
- Torrenting allowed on every server with DDoS protection included
- Decent speeds on nearby servers for day-to-day browsing
- Intuitive apps that beginners can set up quickly
❌ Cons
- No third-party independent audit of its privacy policies
- Speeds can drop by an average of 55% on distant servers
- Customer support has no phone number and no live chat
- No smart TV or gaming console apps, and no native Linux client
Feature Comparison
Both tools do the same basic job. They route your connection through a remote vpn server and hide your ip addresses.
The gap shows up in proof, scale, and speed. Twelve areas decide the winner.
| Feature | Private Internet Access | Oyster VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.03/month | $5.99/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Audited No Logs Policy | ✅ Deloitte | ❌ None |
| Server Network | ✅ 35,000 in 91 countries | ❌ 400+ in 35+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | ✅ Unlimited | ❌ 5 |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Two modes | ✅ One mode |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ All desktop apps | ❌ Windows and Android only |
| Dedicated IP Address | ✅ | ❌ |
| Port Forwarding | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lifetime Plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| Live Chat Support | ✅ | ❌ Email only |
| Best For | Privacy on a budget | One-off payment and streaming |
1. No Logs Policy and Audits
Private Internet Access: The privacy policy rules out browsing history, user IPs, connection timestamps, bandwidth logs, and dns queries. Deloitte has confirmed that strict no logs policy through more than one audit. Quarterly transparency reports list the legal requests received.
Oyster VPN: OysterVPN also claims a strict no logs policy and says it collects no user data. The difference is verification. OysterVPN has not undergone a third-party independent audit of its privacy policies or security measures, so the zero logging policy rests on trust alone.
⚠️ Warning: An unaudited logs policy is not proof of wrongdoing. It only means nobody outside the company has checked. If you need an audited no logs policy, that narrows your choice to one.
2. Encryption Level
Private Internet Access: AES 256-bit encryption runs over the openvpn protocol, or ChaCha20 on WireGuard. The encryption level is adjustable in settings, which is unusual. PIA supports multi-hop too, routing traffic through two vpn servers.
Oyster VPN: OysterVPN uses AES-256 encryption on every plan. There is no multi-hop and no adjustable cipher. For ordinary browsing that is enough, and it matches the advanced security features most vpn services ship.
3. VPN Protocols
Private Internet Access: OpenVPN and WireGuard are both built in, switchable inside the app. Test both: PIA’s performance on Windows using the OpenVPN protocol beats WireGuard in several setups.
Oyster VPN: OysterVPN lets you choose from multiple secure vpn protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Coverage is uneven though. OysterVPN does not support the WireGuard protocol in every app, so some platforms fall back to OpenVPN.
4. Kill Switch
Private Internet Access: Two kill switches ship on Windows and macOS, a regular one and an advanced one. Both cut internet traffic the moment the vpn connection drops, so your data private stays that way.
Oyster VPN: One internet kill switch blocks internet access if the vpn connection drops, stopping accidental data leaks. That is a crucial feature on flaky mobile networks.
5. DNS and Leak Protection
Private Internet Access: PIA runs its own dns servers, so your dns requests never reach your ISP. A built-in tool checks for dns leaks any time, and confirms your actual ip address is hidden.
Oyster VPN: OysterVPN prevents IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. Its dns leak protection held up in published leak tests, and ip leak protection hides your real location. There is no in-app tester, so use an external site.
6. Breach Monitoring
Private Internet Access: Identity Guard watches your email addresses and warns you when one appears in a breach. An email leak test shows whether your address is exposed outside the vpn tunnel.
Oyster VPN: No breach monitoring. OysterVPN features stop at the vpn connection and the ad blocker. If you want identity tools bundled in, this is not the vpn app for it.
7. Split Tunneling
Private Internet Access: The split tunneling feature excludes specific apps and even specific IP addresses from the vpn connection. Keep browser traffic protected and let a game bypass it at full connection speed. Automation rules connect or disconnect based on the network you join.
Oyster VPN: Split tunneling exists, but only on the Windows and Android apps. iOS and Mac users miss out. You pick which apps use the tunnel, with no per-IP control.
8. Device Limits and Coverage
Private Internet Access: Unlimited connections on one account. Router support extends that to consoles and anything that cannot run vpn apps. That is how PIA covers all your devices, including streaming devices.
Oyster VPN: Five simultaneous connections, and no app for smart TVs or gaming consoles. For one person with a phone, laptop, and tablet that is fine. For a family it runs out fast.
9. Gaming and Dedicated IP
Private Internet Access: A dedicated ip address is available as an add-on. It cuts CAPTCHAs, helps with incoming connections, and pairs with port forwarding. Handy for online gaming and for unblocking streaming content that flags shared IPs.
Oyster VPN: No dedicated IP, but ddos protection runs on all of oystervpn’s servers. That absorbs flood attacks before they reach you, which competitive players will value more than a static address.
10. Ad Blocking and Extras
Private Internet Access: MACE blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level. Paid tiers add antivirus scanning on top, so one subscription handles more than the vpn tunnel.
Oyster VPN: A built-in ad and malware blocker runs across desktop and mobile apps. It does the basics well and saves you installing separate browser extensions.
11. Speed, Streaming and Torrenting
Private Internet Access: Average download speed loss is about 49%, and upload speed loss usually runs higher. Speed tests swing a lot by server location and protocol. Streaming optimized servers reach Netflix and Disney Plus, though Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer are less consistent. It is still a top tier vpn for privacy, just not for raw throughput.
Oyster VPN: OysterVPN’s speeds are decent on a nearby server and fall away on long-distance hops, dropping by an average of 55%. A speed test to the fastest server nearby looks fine. Reaching geo restricted content across an ocean is where streaming services start buffering. Torrenting is allowed everywhere on P2P-ready servers.
⚠️ Warning: Neither tool is built for bandwidth-heavy work. PIA is not ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications, and OysterVPN is not suited to streaming 4K content over distant servers.
12. Pricing & Cost
Here are both pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Type | Private Internet Access | Oyster VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | ❌ | ❌ |
| Monthly | $11.99/month | $5.99/month |
| Mid term | $7.50/month (6 Months) | $29.99/month (1-Year) |
| Long term | $2.03/month (2 Years + 4 Months) | $59.99/month (Lifetime Access) |
| Refund window | 30 days | 30 days |
Private Internet Access: The long plan is the whole argument. At $2.03 a month you get unlimited devices, unlimited bandwidth, and an audited record. That makes it an affordable vpn without the usual trade-offs.
Oyster VPN: The one-off lifetime plan is the draw. Keep the account four or five years and the maths works. Just remember a lifetime plan is only as good as the company behind it.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The lowest running cost | Private Internet Access | $2.03 vs $5.99 entry price |
| One payment, no renewals | Oyster VPN | Lifetime access plan |
| Proof of privacy claims | Private Internet Access | Deloitte audits, open code |
| To cover a whole household | Private Internet Access | Unlimited connections |
| Torrenting on any server | Oyster VPN | P2P allowed network-wide |
| Live help when stuck | Private Internet Access | Real chat support |
💰 Your Budget
PIA is the cheap vpn here on any yearly view. OysterVPN only wins if lifetime access has years to pay off.
🔌 Your Devices
Count what you own. Five slots vanish once a partner, a tablet, and a TV box join in.
📝 Your Privacy Standard
Some vpn users want claims checked by outsiders. Others accept a policy at face value. That question settles most of this comparison.
🎓 Your Experience Level
OysterVPN is the simpler start, with a clean desktop app and few settings. PIA rewards power users with protocol switching and automation.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Neither offers a free tier. Both give 30 days to ask for your money back, so run your own speed test early.
🛟 Support Options
PIA has live chat and a big help centre. OysterVPN’s customer support is email only, and replies can be slow.
Switching Guide
Already paying for one? Here is what changes if you move.
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to Oyster VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A one-off lifetime payment instead of a renewal cycle
- Better speeds on nearby servers for everyday browsing
- Built-in DDoS protection on the whole network
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device slots, down to five
- Audited privacy claims and open-source code
- Dedicated IP, port forwarding, and multi-hop
📋 How to switch:
- Note your PIA renewal date and cancel inside the 30-day window
- Buy an OysterVPN plan and install it on your main device
- Turn on the kill switch, pick a nearby server, check for leaks
🔄 Switching from Oyster VPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 35,000 servers and far more server location choices
- Unlimited simultaneous connections and router support
- An audited no logs policy and transparency reports
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The lifetime plan and its fixed one-time cost
- Network-wide DDoS protection
- The simpler, stripped-back app layout
📋 How to switch:
- Request an OysterVPN refund if you are still inside 30 days
- Sign up for PIA and install the apps on every device
- Enable MACE and the advanced kill switch, then run the leak test
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison looked at individual users and small households. We did not test business licensing, router firmware, or reliability in restrictive countries. OysterVPN is reported to struggle in places like China, and we did not verify that. Virtual servers versus owned hardware is another gap, since neither provider publishes a full breakdown.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Private Internet Access |
| 🔒 Privacy Proof | Private Internet Access |
| 🌍 Server Network | Private Internet Access |
| ⚡ Speed | Oyster VPN |
| 📺 Streaming | Oyster VPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Oyster VPN |
| 🔌 Device Coverage | Private Internet Access |
| 🛟 Support | Private Internet Access |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Private Internet Access |
🏆 WINNER: PRIVATE INTERNET ACCESS
Private Internet Access wins 5 out of 8 categories.
Best for: households with many devices, privacy-first buyers, and anyone who wants a quality vpn under $3 a month.
These are not evenly matched products. PIA is a large, audited operation that happens to be cheap. OysterVPN is a small provider with one clever pricing idea.
OysterVPN is still a decent vpn for one person who streams, torrents, and mostly connects to a nearby server. The lifetime plan is a real advantage over several years.
But if you want proof rather than promises, Private Internet Access makes the stronger case.
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here is how PIA lands against the other vpn providers people shortlist:
Private Internet Access vs NordVPN
PIA wins on: lower entry price, unlimited device slots, and a far larger raw server count
NordVPN wins on: faster download speeds, steadier streaming, and bundled threat protection
Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: price per year, no renewal increase, and deeper settings for power users
ExpressVPN wins on: connection speeds on long routes, censored-region reliability, and app polish
Private Internet Access vs Surfshark VPN
PIA wins on: server count, US state coverage, and a longer audit history
Surfshark wins on: raw speed, a friendlier setup, and a bundled antivirus suite
Private Internet Access vs Proton VPN
PIA wins on: cheaper paid tiers, unlimited connections, and more server locations to pick from
Proton VPN wins on: a genuine free plan, Swiss jurisdiction, and its Secure Core routing
This video walks through the wider alternatives list.
More of Oyster VPN Compared
And where OysterVPN sits next to its closest rivals:
OysterVPN wins on: one-time lifetime pricing, torrenting on every server, and network-level DDoS protection
NordVPN wins on: an audited privacy record, a far larger network, and access in restrictive countries
OysterVPN wins on: the lifetime option, dedicated streaming servers, and a simpler settings screen
Surfshark wins on: unlimited logins, smart TV apps, and much better long-distance performance
Oyster VPN vs CyberGhost
OysterVPN wins on: a lifetime purchase, Irish jurisdiction, and an ad blocker switched on by default
CyberGhost wins on: more streaming-specific servers, console and TV support, and 24/7 live chat
Oyster VPN vs FastestVPN
OysterVPN wins on: cleaner apps, GDPR-covered jurisdiction, and stronger streaming results
FastestVPN wins on: a cheaper lifetime deal, more device slots, and wider platform support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, runs open-source apps, and Deloitte has verified the no-logs claim more than once. A kill switch protects you if the tunnel fails.
Is Oyster VPN legit?
Yes. It is run by an Irish company, uses AES-256, and blocks IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. The catch is that no outside auditor has checked those claims.
How much does PIA VPN cost?
Three plans: $2.03 a month on the 2 Years + 4 Months term, $7.50 on six months, and $11.99 monthly. Renewal prices do not go up.
Is Oyster VPN any good?
For basic browsing and streaming on a close server, yes. It handles Netflix and Max well. Long-distance speeds and the missing audit hold it back.
Which VPN is better than PIA?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN beat it on speed and streaming consistency. Neither matches its price or unlimited device policy, so “better” depends on what you value.
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