ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: Which VPN Is Best in 2025?

Choosing the right VPN can feel like trying to pick out the fastest car in a race – they all promise to be the best, but which one actually delivers?

If you’re stuck between ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access (PIA), you’re not alone.

Both are popular options with some serious perks.

In this head-to-head matchup, we’ll break down everything from speed and security to price and features, so you can confidently choose the best VPN for your needs.

Let’s dive in!

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access.

We’ve evaluated their speeds, security features, streaming performance, and more in real-world scenarios.

This hands-on experience forms the basis for our analysis, helping you understand which VPN comes out on top.

What is ProtonVPN?

Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Eck out ProtonVPN.

They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws. 

They also have some unique security features. Us, they offer a free version.

Also, explore our favorite ProtonVPN alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Security-focused features: Secure Core servers and strong encryption.
• Privacy-conscious: Strict no-logs policy.
• NetShield ad-blocker: Blocks ads and malware.
• Open source apps: Transparency and community audits.
• A free version is available: Test it out before you commit.

Pricing

ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.

• 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
• 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
• 1-Year Plan: €4.99/month

What is Private Internet Access?

Want to keep your online activity genuinely private?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is like a superhero for your data.

It hides your IP address & encrypts your connection, making it impossible for anyone to snoop on you.

It has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t record what you do online. 

Talk about peace of mind!

Also, explore our favorite Private Internet Access alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Unwavering commitment to privacy: A strict no-logs policy you can trust.
• Advanced security features include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.
• Colossal server network: Offers 35,912+ servers in 84 countries.
• MACE ad blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices at once.

Pricing

• 1 Month: $11.95/month.
• 3 years+ 3 Months: $2.03/month.
• 1 year: $3.33/month.

Feature Comparison

Let’s dive deep into the features of these two popular VPN services and see how they measure up in this ProtonVPN vs PIA comparison.

This in-depth analysis will help you make an informed decision about which VPN is the best fit for your needs in 2025.

1. Speed

• ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers decent internet speeds that are generally suitable for everyday browsing and streaming. However, it may not be the fastest VPN on the market. In our ProtonVPN review, we found that while it’s a decent VPN, it sometimes struggles to keep up with the fastest VPNs in the industry.
• PIA: If you’re looking for the fastest VPN, Private Internet Access wins this round. Thanks to its VPN Accelerator feature, PIA delivers blazing-fast internet speeds that are perfect for demanding tasks like gaming and streaming high-definition content. In our tests, PIA performed better than ProtonVPN, especially when connected to distant servers.

2. Security

• ProtonVPN: When it comes to online privacy and security, ProtonVPN is a top contender. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a country renowned for its strong privacy laws. This is a major plus for privacy-conscious VPN users. ProtonVPN also includes a Secure Core feature that routes your traffic through multiple servers, adding an extra layer of VPN protection.
• PIA: PIA is also a secure VPN with robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy. While it’s located in the US, which might raise eyebrows for some privacy-conscious users, PIA has undergone an independent audit by Deloitte to confirm its commitment to not logging user data. This helps solidify PIA as a trustworthy VPN provider.

3. Streaming

• ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN works with some popular streaming services, but it may not be the best VPN for Netflix or other platforms with strong geo-restrictions. In our NordVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison and ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison, we found that ProtonVPN sometimes struggled to consistently unblock streaming platforms.
• PIA: If streaming is your primary reason for using the VPN, PIA might be the better choice. PIA lets you access geo-restricted content with ease. In our tests, PIA performed better than ProtonVPN at unblocking streaming services, giving you more freedom to enjoy your favorite shows and movies. PIA is one of the best VPNs for Netflix that we’ve tested.

4. Torrenting

• ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN allows torrenting, but only on specific servers. This can be a bit limiting for those who frequently download large files.
• PIA: PIA is a more torrenting-friendly VPN. It allows P2P file sharing on all of its servers, giving you more flexibility and convenience. If you need a VPN for torrenting, PIA is a great option.

5. Server Network

• ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has a large network of servers spread across the globe. This provides a good amount of choice for finding a server location that suits your needs.
• PIA: PIA boasts one of the largest server networks of any VPN provider in the VPN industry. With servers in more countries than ProtonVPN, PIA gives you even more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding a fast, reliable connection. No matter where you are in the world, you’re likely to find a PIA server nearby.

6. Customer Support

• ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers customer support through email and live chat. They are generally responsive and helpful in resolving issues.
• PIA: PIA also provides customer support via email and live chat. In our experience, PIA’s support team was slightly more responsive and helpful. They were able to quickly answer our questions and provide solutions to our problems.

7. VPN Protocols

• ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN supports a variety of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. This gives you flexibility in choosing the protocol that best suits your needs.
• PIA: PIA also supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and provides options for optimizing your VPN connection.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for (e.g., streaming, torrenting, bypassing censorship). This will help you prioritize features like speed, server locations, and security protocols.
• Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.) and supports the number of simultaneous connections you need.
• Logging Policy: Pay close attention to the VPN provider’s of logging policy. A strict no-logs policy ensures your online activity remains private.
• Jurisdiction: The VPN provider’s location matters. Choose a VPN based in a country with strong privacy laws.
• Security Features: Look for essential security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
• Advanced Features: Consider additional features like split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation, depending on your needs.
• Free Trials and Refunds: Before committing to a long-term plan, you can test the VPN using free trials or money-back guarantees.
• User Reviews: Read the reviews from other users to understand the VPN’s performance, reliability, and customer support.

Final Verdict

In the battle of ProtonVPN vs PIA, we’ve concluded that ProtonVPN is the overall better VPN for most users.

It consistently delivered faster speeds, unblocked more streaming platforms, and offered a wider range of features at a more affordable price.

PIA offers excellent value for your money, especially with its long-term subscriptions.

However, don’t count ProtonVPN out! If you prioritize security and privacy above all else, ProtonVPN is still a great VPN.

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, offers strong encryption, and comes with features like Secure Core and NetShield.

Plus, ProtonVPN offers a free plan, so you can try it out before committing to a paid subscription.

Ultimately, both ProtonVPN and PIA are decent VPNs with a lot to offer.

We’ve used PIA for several years and have always been impressed with its performance and reliability.

But, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.

We hope this ProtonVPN comparison has helped you make an informed decision!

More of ProtonVPN

We’ve explored alternatives to ProtonVPN, so how does ProtonVPN stack up directly against them?

• ProtonVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network, while ProtonVPN focuses more on privacy and has a free plan with no data limits.
• ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
• ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: ProtonVPN is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
• ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
• ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ProtonVPN offers a wider server network and a stronger focus on privacy, while PrivadoVPN provides a decent free plan and good speeds.
• ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
• ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
• ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: ProtonVPN generally has better speeds and a larger server network, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
• ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN: ProtonVPN is typically faster and offers stronger privacy features compared to the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
• ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN security and privacy, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
• ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core.
• ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN: ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN service with stronger security and privacy features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
• ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: ProtonVPN uses a traditional server network known for security and speed, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.

More of Private Internet Access

We’ve explored alternatives to Private Internet Access, so how does Private Internet Access compare to them?

• Private Internet Access vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a larger server network spanning more countries, and better streaming capabilities. While PIA provides unlimited simultaneous connections and can be more affordable, NordVPN offers a more robust security package and consistently better performance.
• Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. While PIA offers a larger server network and allows unlimited connections, ExpressVPN often provides a smoother and faster overall experience, especially for streaming.
• Private Internet Access vs PureVPN: PIA generally offers faster and more consistent speeds, along with unlimited simultaneous connections. While PureVPN boasts a larger server count and can unblock more streaming services in some tests, PIA’s performance and strong focus on security often give it an edge.
• Private Internet Access vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable, especially for long-term plans, and allows unlimited connections. While PIA has a larger server network, Surfshark generally provides faster speeds, better apps, and more features, making it a strong all-around competitor.
• Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN emphasizes strong security and privacy with features like Secure Core servers and a transparent approach. While PIA offers faster speeds on nearby servers and allows unlimited connections, ProtonVPN’s focus on privacy and consistent performance on international servers makes it a strong contender for privacy-conscious users.
• Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength lies in its integration with ad and tracker blocking. PIA is a more comprehensive VPN service offering a wider range of server locations and functionalities beyond ad blocking.
• Private Internet Access vs Virtual Shield: PIA offers a more extensive server network, stronger security features, and generally better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
• Private Internet Access vs StrongVPN: Both VPNs offer strong encryption, but PIA boasts a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections, providing greater flexibility.
• Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN: PIA generally offers a larger server network and more robust security features than FastestVPN, which is budget-friendly.
• Private Internet Access vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection alongside its VPN. PIA focuses on providing a secure and private VPN connection with a large server network and unlimited connections.
• Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly apps and specialized servers for various online activities. PIA offers a larger server network and unlimited connections, appealing to users with many devices.
• Private Internet Access vs McAfee VPN: PIA is a dedicated VPN service with a wider range of features and better performance than the basic VPN included with McAfee’s security suite.
• Private Internet Access vs Mysterium: PIA uses a traditional server network known for its size and consistent performance. Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different approach to anonymity and potentially variable speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions