⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/month. StrongVPN starts at $3.97/month.
- Best for: PIA suits power users who want deep control. StrongVPN suits people who want a simple vpn service with bonus cloud storage.
- Key difference: PIA gives unlimited simultaneous connections and audited privacy. StrongVPN caps you at 12 devices but adds 250GB of free cloud storage.
- Our pick: Private Internet Access, because it costs less and backs its strict no logs policy with published audits.
The cheaper vpn service here is also the better equipped one.
That is unusual in the vpn industry.
Private Internet Access costs $2.03 a month on its longest plan.
StrongVPN asks $3.97 a month and hands you 250GB of cloud storage.
So the real question is not price.
It is whether that storage bonus beats a bigger server network and proven audits.
Overview
This Private Internet Access vs StrongVPN comparison covers pricing, privacy, speed, apps and streaming.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages and independent leak tests for both vpn providers.
Our writers also spent hands-on time inside the pia app and the StrongVPN apps.
Those notes sit in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end you will know which vpn service fits your setup.
What is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access is a virtual private network that hides your real ip address.
It wraps your internet connection in an encrypted vpn tunnel.
Your ISP sees encrypted internet traffic instead of your browsing history.
PIA covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android devices with one account.
There is a command line app for Linux and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Wondering how many servers it runs? The answer is 35,000 across 91 countries.
The Private Internet Access VPN app pulls browser traffic and dns requests into the tunnel.
Our full Private Internet Access review digs into each app separately.
Here is a walkthrough of the pia app in action.
Private Internet Access
An affordable vpn with 35,000 vpn servers in 91 countries. Unlimited devices, open-source vpn apps, and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Private Internet Access Pricing
PIA offers three plans with no paywalled features.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years + 4 Months | $2.03/month | Best value for long-term privacy |
| 6 Months | $7.50/month | Medium commitment users |
| 1 Months | $11.99/month | Short trips and quick testing |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: No free trial. You get a 30-day money back guarantee instead.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days on every plan, refund requested through support.
📌 Note: PIA does not raise its price at renewal. Most vpn providers do. Payment options include cards, PayPal and gift cards, and the only payment information stored is what billing needs.
⚠️ Price check: Some sources list PIA as $11.95 monthly, $39.96 yearly and $79 for three years. Our pricing table follows the figures in our own database, which show $2.03, $7.50 and $11.99. Check the checkout page before you pay.
Key Benefits of Private Internet Access
Here is what you actually get for the money:
- Unlimited devices: PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections. One account covers all your devices, including mobile devices and a vpn router.
- Audited privacy: Deloitte verified the strict no logs policy through multiple audits. There is no stored record of your online activity or connection data.
- Huge server network: 35,000 vpn servers in 91 countries, and PIA’s servers reach all 50 US states. Finding the closest server takes seconds.
- Open-source code: PIA’s apps are open source, so anyone can inspect them. That is rare among other vpn providers.
- MACE blocking: A built-in ad and tracker blocker that works at the DNS level. It stops trackers before they load.
- Public Wi-Fi cover: Strong encryption keeps your data private on open networks. Your identifying data stays safe online in cafes and airports.
- Breach alerts: Identity Guard monitors your email and warns you when it appears in a data breach.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Private Internet Access with his own card and used it as a daily driver on a Windows laptop and an Android phone. Here is what stood out:
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Long-term plans cost $2.03 per month with no renewal price hike
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription
- No logs policy verified by Deloitte, with quarterly transparency reports
- 35,000 servers in 91 countries, including all 50 US states
- Split tunneling, multi-hop, port forwarding and two kill switch modes
❌ Cons
- Average download speed loss of 49% hurts bandwidth-heavy work
- Streaming access is inconsistent on services like BBC iPlayer
- Owner Kape Technologies still worries some privacy-minded vpn users
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a vpn service that encrypts your web traffic and masks your ip addresses.
The vpn company has been selling vpn subscriptions since 2005.
That makes it one of the oldest names still trading in this market.
StrongVPN’s servers number just over 950 across 30 countries.
All of them are physical servers, not virtual servers pretending to sit elsewhere.
One StrongVPN subscription protects 12 devices and adds 250GB of free cloud storage.
The StrongVPN features list is shorter than most rivals, and that is deliberate.
Its desktop and mobile apps hide the clutter other vpns leave on screen.
This walkthrough shows the connection flow and the settings menu.
StrongVPN
A simple vpn provider with 12 simultaneous connections. Every plan bundles 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage and a 30-day money back guarantee.
StrongVPN Pricing
StrongVPN keeps its price list short.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Plan | $3.97/month | Households wanting cloud storage included |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/month | Travellers and short-term users |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: None. StrongVPN does not offer a free version of its service.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days, with refunds handled on annual plans.
📌 Note: StrongVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal and Alipay. The payment options do not include crypto, so anonymous signup is not possible here.
⚠️ Renewal warning: Public sources list the first-year annual rate near $69.99 and a renewal near $89.99, while the monthly rate is sometimes shown as $10.99. Our table uses our own verified figures. Either way, year two costs more than year one.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here is where StrongVPN earns its keep:
- 12 devices at once: Cover a Windows laptop, tablets and phones together. Most rivals stop at five or six.
- 250GB SugarSync cloud storage: Every plan includes it. No other vpn provider bundles this much storage.
- Fast nearby hops: Download speed retention on close servers shows only a 5-7% loss, so connection speeds stay usable.
- StrongDNS included: A SmartDNS service that changes your virtual location with no speed reduction on smart TVs and consoles.
- P2P everywhere: StrongVPN allows P2P transfers on all its servers, so you never hunt for a special server location.
- Wide device support: Native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and routers, plus manual setup guides for the rest.
- Protocol choice: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP and L2TP all sit in the app.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer ran StrongVPN across a Windows app, an Android app and an Amazon Fire TV stick before writing this StrongVPN review. Here is what stood out:
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 12 simultaneous connections on one subscription
- 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage included at no extra cost
- Only 5-7% download speed loss on nearby server locations
- P2P transfers allowed on every server, with SmartDNS built in
❌ Cons
- No independent audit of its no-logging claims
- US base puts it inside the Five Eyes alliance
- A small server network of 950 servers in 30 countries
- No browser extension for Chrome or Firefox
Feature Comparison
Both vpn services do the basics well. The gap shows up in scale, auditing and extras. Here is the short version before we go feature by feature.
| Feature | Private Internet Access | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.03/month | $3.97/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Server Network | 35,000 in 91 countries | 950+ in 30 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ 12 |
| Independent No-Logs Audit | ✅ Deloitte | ❌ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ All platforms | ✅ Android only |
| Browser Extensions | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cloud Storage Bundled | ❌ | ✅ 250GB |
| Dedicated IP Address | ✅ Paid add-on | ❌ |
| Best For | Privacy on a budget | Simple setup plus storage |
1. Server Network and Locations
Private Internet Access: PIA runs 35,000 servers in 91 countries, with coverage in all 50 US states. That density means the closest server is usually a few miles away if you live in North America. It also gives you more server locations to rotate through when one gets blocked.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN has over 950 servers in 30 countries. That is a small server network next to PIA, but every box is real hardware in the country it claims. Pick the server closest to you and speeds hold up well.
2. No Logs Policy and Audits
Private Internet Access: PIA keeps no browsing history, connection timestamps, bandwidth logs, dns queries or user IPs. Deloitte verified that strict no logs policy through more than one audit. Quarterly transparency reports list every legal request and what was handed over.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN claims a strict no logging policy and says it never tracks browsing activity, timestamps or ip addresses. The only personal information it stores is billing details and an email address. The catch is that this privacy policy has never been audited by an outside firm.
⚠️ Warning: Both companies sit in the United States. Strict no logging policies matter more than jurisdiction here, and only one of these two has proof.
3. Encryption and VPN Protocols
Private Internet Access: You get AES 256-bit encryption on the openvpn protocol and ChaCha20 on WireGuard. That strong encryption also shields you from ISP throttling, and you can drop the encryption level manually when you want raw speed. Multi-hop routes traffic through two vpn servers for tighter user privacy.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports five vpn protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP and L2TP. That protocol spread is genuinely useful on older routers. There is no multi-hop option though.
4. Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
Private Internet Access: PIA ships two kill switch modes on Windows and macOS, a regular one and an advanced one. If the vpn connection drops, internet traffic stops dead. Its own dns servers handle every lookup, so dns requests never reach your ISP and dns leaks stay off the table.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN has one kill switch that cuts your internet connection the moment protection fails. Its dns leak protection routes lookups through encrypted resolvers. We strongly advise leaving both security features on permanently, since independent leak tests only pass while they are active.
5. Split Tunneling and Censorship Bypass
Private Internet Access: Split tunneling here works on desktop and mobile. You can exclude specific apps and even specific IP addresses from the vpn tunnel. Automation rules can also connect or disconnect based on the network you join.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN does offer split tunneling, but only inside its Android apps. Windows and iOS users have to send everything through the tunnel. For censorship-heavy networks that is workable, just less flexible.
6. Streaming and Geo-Restricted Content
Private Internet Access: PIA has servers tuned for streaming services and reaches Netflix and Disney Plus most days. BBC iPlayer is the weak spot and blocks it often. A dedicated ip address costs extra but makes unblocking streaming content far more reliable.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN handles the major streaming platforms from most locations with little buffering. Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video all worked for our writer. StrongDNS is the smarter route for smart TVs because it skips encryption entirely.
7. Device Support and Simultaneous Connections
Private Internet Access: Unlimited simultaneous connections is the headline. PIA covers desktops, mobile devices, browsers and routers, and its apps sit in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. A vpn router setup extends cover to consoles and smart home gear.
StrongVPN: Twelve devices StrongVPN protects at once is still generous. Native apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS, Android devices, Amazon Fire TV and routers, and manual setup guides handle Chrome OS and anything else. The missing piece is a browser extension.
8. Extra Security Tools
Private Internet Access: MACE blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level, and PIA supports port forwarding for incoming connections. There is antivirus scanning on Windows plus Identity Guard breach alerts. Power users get more switches here than almost anywhere else.
StrongVPN: The extras lean toward identity protection and storage rather than network tools. There is no ad blocker and no port forwarding. What you do get is 250GB of cloud storage, which no other vpn company throws in.
9. Speed, Leak Testing and DNS Tools
Private Internet Access: Average download speed loss sits near 49%, and upload speeds usually fall further than downloads. Speed tests swing hard by location and protocol, and on Windows the OpenVPN protocol sometimes beats WireGuard. Built-in DNS and email leak test tools let you verify your actual ip address is hidden.
StrongVPN: Nearby hops lose only 5-7% of download speeds, though long-distance averages drop closer to 31% for downloads and 13% for uploads. Latency runs higher than the fastest rivals, so competitive online gaming is not its strength. StrongDNS covers devices that cannot run vpn apps.
💡 Pro Tip: Whichever you pick, run leak tests on day one. Confirm your real ip address is hidden, then test a second protocol and keep the faster one.
10. Pricing & Cost
Here are the plans side by side.
| Plan Type | Private Internet Access | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Monthly | $11.99/month (1 Months) | $11.99/month (Monthly Plan) |
| Mid-length | $7.50/month (6 Months) | Not offered |
| Long-term | $2.03/month (2 Years + 4 Months) | $3.97/month (Annual Plan) |
| Refund window | 30-day money back guarantee | 30-day money back guarantee |
Private Internet Access: At $2.03 a month on the longest term, this is a cheap vpn by any measure. Private Internet Access deals also hold their price at renewal, which quietly saves you money in year two. Unlimited bandwidth and unlimited devices come standard.
StrongVPN: $3.97 a month is fair once you count the 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage. Buy storage and a vpn separately and you pay more. Just budget for the higher renewal rate before you commit.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The lowest yearly cost | Private Internet Access | $2.03 vs $3.97 monthly |
| Audited privacy proof | Private Internet Access | Deloitte-verified no-logs |
| Free cloud storage | StrongVPN | 250GB SugarSync included |
| More servers worldwide | Private Internet Access | 35,000 vs 950 |
| Simple, no-clutter apps | StrongVPN | Fewer settings to learn |
| Fast nearby connections | StrongVPN | 5-7% speed loss close by |
💰 Your Budget
PIA is the cheaper option before and after renewal. StrongVPN only wins on value if you actually use the bundled storage.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Routers, consoles and a Chrome OS laptop all work with either. Only PIA gives you a browser extension and a command line app for Linux boxes.
👨👩👧 Your Household Size
Twelve connections covers most families. Share with roommates or run a lot of devices and unlimited simultaneous connections wins outright.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners will find StrongVPN’s uncluttered app easier on day one. Power users will get bored of it by week two.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Neither runs a free tier, so the 30-day refund window is your trial. Test streaming and speed inside the first week, not the last.
🛟 Support Options
StrongVPN offers live chat, phone and email, which is rare. PIA has live chat and email, and other users report slow replies at busy times.
Switching Guide
Already paying for one of them? Here is what changes.
🔄 Switching from Private Internet Access to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage at no extra charge
- Better download speeds on nearby server locations
- StrongDNS for smart TVs that cannot run vpn apps
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited devices, capped at 12 connections
- Deloitte-audited proof of the no-logs claim
- MACE ad blocking, port forwarding and multi-hop
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel auto-renewal in your PIA dashboard first
- Buy the StrongVPN annual plan and claim your storage
- Install the apps, enable the kill switch, then uninstall PIA
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to Private Internet Access?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 35,000 servers and coverage in 91 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on one account
- Split tunneling on desktop, plus MACE and multi-hop
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The 250GB cloud storage bundle
- Phone support alongside live chat
- The 5-7% speed loss on close connections
📋 How to switch:
- Move any SugarSync files to local or another drive
- Start a PIA plan and install it on every device
- Turn on MACE and the advanced kill switch, then cancel StrongVPN
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individuals and small households. We did not test business licensing, obfuscated servers in heavily censored countries, or long-term torrenting at high bandwidth usage. Router firmware setups were only checked on consumer hardware. If you need a vpn for a team of fifty, your priorities will differ from what we covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Private Internet Access |
| 🚀 Server Network | Private Internet Access |
| ⚡ Speed | StrongVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy Proof | Private Internet Access |
| 👶 Ease of Use | StrongVPN |
| 🔌 Device Coverage | Private Internet Access |
| 🎁 Bundled Extras | StrongVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Private Internet Access |
🏆 WINNER: PRIVATE INTERNET ACCESS
Private Internet Access wins 4 of 7 categories.
Best for: Budget privacy, large households, power users who want control
These two vpn providers are aiming at different people. Private Internet Access makes a strong VPN case for anyone who wants proof, scale and control for pocket change. StrongVPN sells simplicity and a storage bundle at a slightly higher price.
StrongVPN is a good vpn if your main need is speed on nearby servers and cloud storage you would otherwise buy. It stays a quality vpn for casual browsing and streaming.
But if you want an affordable vpn that protects all your devices and can show its audit paperwork, PIA is the safer buy. It remains a top tier vpn for privacy on a budget, even with its 49% speed cost.
Neither one tops a best VPN list for raw speed. Both sit a step below the best VPNs on that single measure, and only one of them costs $2.03 a month.
More of Private Internet Access Compared
Here is how PIA lands against the rivals people shortlist most often:
Private Internet Access vs NordVPN
PIA wins on: Lower long-term price, unlimited device slots, open-source clients
NordVPN wins on: Faster average speeds, steadier streaming unblocks, Panama jurisdiction
Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN
PIA wins on: Roughly half the price, far more server locations, deeper settings
ExpressVPN wins on: Higher speed retention, easier router firmware, stronger support response
Private Internet Access vs Surfshark
PIA wins on: Bigger network, port forwarding, longer audit history
Surfshark wins on: Better speed retention, cleaner interface, bundled antivirus suite
Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN
PIA wins on: Cheaper paid tiers, unlimited connections, more countries covered
Proton VPN wins on: Free tier, Swiss privacy law, Secure Core routing
This video runs through the wider alternative list.
More of StrongVPN Compared
StrongVPN sits in a crowded bracket. Here is how it holds up:
StrongVPN wins on: Bundled 250GB storage, phone support, simpler first-run setup
NordVPN wins on: Thousands more servers, audited logging policy, Threat Protection tools
StrongVPN wins on: Lower yearly cost, cloud storage, 12 device slots
ExpressVPN wins on: Lower latency for gaming, wider country list, audited infrastructure
StrongVPN vs CyberGhost
StrongVPN wins on: All-physical server fleet, storage bundle, phone line support
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming-specific servers, gaming servers, far larger network
StrongVPN wins on: No virtual server locations, cleaner apps, bundled storage
PureVPN wins on: More countries, dedicated IP option, cheaper multi-year deals
Want the full shortlist? This one covers it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, runs open-source apps, and its no-logs claim was verified by Deloitte. A kill switch blocks traffic if protection fails.
How much does PIA VPN cost?
Three plans: $2.03/month on the 2 Years + 4 Months term, $7.50/month for 6 Months, and $11.99/month billed monthly. All include a 30-day refund window.
How many devices can you have on StrongVPN?
Twelve at the same time. PIA places no cap at all, so large households or shared accounts are better served by PIA.
Is StrongVPN free?
No. There is no free version and no free trial. The annual plan carries a 30-day money back guarantee, which works as a paid trial.
Which VPN is better than PIA?
For speed and streaming, NordVPN and ExpressVPN beat it. For price, audited logging and device count, few rivals match PIA at $2.03 a month.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 