Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze. You want top-notch security and blazing-fast speeds, but who has time to decipher all the tech jargon?
If you’re stuck between PureVPN vs Private Internet Access (PIA), you’re not alone.
Both are popular choices, but which one comes out on top in 2025?
In this head-to-head matchup, we’ll explain everything you need to know, from streaming and speed to security and price.
There are no complex terms; there are just straightforward answers to help you find the perfect VPN. Let’s dive in!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested PureVPN and Private Internet Access in various categories, including streaming, speed, security, and pricing.
Our hands-on experience with each VPN forms the basis for this in-depth analysis.
Unlock the internet with PureVPN! 6500+ servers, 70+ countries, blazing-fast speeds. Stream, download, and browse securely.
Pricing: 31-day money-back guarantee. Plan starts at $2.16/month
Key Features:
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Split tunneling
- Kill switch
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection risk-free with Private Internet Access
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan starts at $2.19/month
Key Features:
- Simultaneous connections
- Dedicated IP address
- Ad blocker
What is PureVPN?
Ever feel like someone’s watching you online? PureVPN helps you avoid that.
It’s like a secret tunnel for your internet connection. No one can see where you’re going or what you’re doing. Pretty cool.
Plus, it helps you access websites and shows that might be blocked in your country.
Think of it as your online bodyguard and passport rolled into one!
Also, explore our favorite PureVPN alternatives…
Let’s explore PureVPN. Its thousands of servers in 78+ countries make it an awesome choice. Give it a try today to see what it can really do!
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78+ countries. That means you have many options for getting a fast, reliable connection wherever you are.
- Strong security features: They’ve protected your data with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
- Great for streaming: Unlock your favorite shows on Netflix, Hulu, and more. No more annoying geo-restrictions!
Pricing
- Standard: $2.16/month.
- Plus: $2.66/month.
- Max: $3.33/month.
Pros
Cons
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…
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection risk-free with Private Internet Access
Key Benefits
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: You can also connect all your devices simultaneously, a massive bonus for families or those with many gadgets.
- Advanced security features: PIA uses top-of-the-line encryption and offers a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and even an ad blocker.
- Open-source transparency: Their code is publicly available for review, so you can be sure there are no hidden surprises.
Pricing
- 2 Years + 2 Months Free: $2.19/month.
- 6 Months: $7.50/month.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Choosing an exemplary VPN service can be tricky. To help you decide between PureVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) in 2025.
We’ll break down their key features side-by-side.
1. Security
- PureVPN: This VPN provider safeguards internet traffic with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
- PIA: PIA and PureVPN offer strong security measures, but PIA goes further with open-source transparency, allowing for independent code audits.
2. Privacy
- PureVPN: PureVPN also claims a no-logs policy but operates from Hong Kong, which may not be ideal for the most privacy-conscious users.
- PIA: PIA boasts a strict no-logs policy in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands.
3. Streaming
- PureVPN: PureVPN allows you to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
- PIA: While PIA also unblocks major streaming platforms, it may be slightly less reliable.
4. Speed
- PureVPN: PureVPN offers decent speeds, but they can be inconsistent.
- PIA: In our 2024 speed tests, PIA consistently delivered faster download speeds.
5. Server Network
- PureVPN: PureVPN has a more extensive network of VPN servers, with over 6,500 servers in 78+ countries.
- PIA: PIA has a smaller network but offers servers in 84+ countries.
6. Customer Support
- PureVPN: This VPN service offers 24/7 live chat support, but response times can be slow.
- PIA: PIA also provides 24/7 live chat support and generally offers quicker and more helpful responses.
7. Apps and Devices
- PureVPN: PureVPN provides user-friendly VPN apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android and allows 10 simultaneous connections.
- PIA: PIA offers similar apps for various platforms and stands out with unlimited simultaneous connections.
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: Depending on your needs, consider additional features like split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation.
- 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
So, who wins? In the Private Internet Access vs PureVPN showdown, we chose Private Internet Access (PIA).
Both VPNs are good, but PIA is better for most people.
Why? PIA keeps your private data safe with a strict no-logs policy. PureVPN also offers this, but PIA is based in the British Virgin Islands.
This gives it an advantage over PureVPN, headquartered in Hong Kong. PIA is also faster than Private Internet Access.
You can use it on all your devices at the same time. Plus, it’s cheaper!
PureVPN isn’t bad. It has an extensive server that provides you with more choices for your VPN connection.
PureVPN lets you watch shows on Netflix and BBC iPlayer, like PIA. It also allows 10 simultaneous connections, which is still good.
In the end, both PIA and PureVPN offer strong security. They both use AES 256-bit encryption to protect your internet traffic.
It’s the best mix of privacy, speed, and price. Want to see for yourself?
Both VPNs have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Give them a try!
More of PureVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to PureVPN, so let’s see how PureVPN measures up directly against them:
- PureVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN is generally faster and better for streaming, though PureVPN can be more budget-friendly. NordVPN also has a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is typically faster, more reliable for streaming, and has better apps. PureVPN boasts a larger server count, but ExpressVPN has a stronger privacy record.
- PureVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark often has better speeds and more features, including unlimited connections. PureVPN has a larger server network, but Surfshark has wider global coverage.
- PureVPN vs ProtonVPN: PureVPN tends to be faster and better for streaming, while ProtonVPN prioritizes stronger security and privacy features.
- PureVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN is often favored for its more consistent speeds and stronger privacy focus, while PureVPN has a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s key feature is its ad-blocking integration, while PureVPN is a more comprehensive VPN service.
- PureVPN vs Virtual Shield: PureVPN offers a wider range of features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- PureVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for strong encryption, but PureVPN has a larger server network and more features.
- PureVPN vs FastestVPN: PureVPN is generally faster and has a larger server network than the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- PureVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while PureVPN focuses on VPN features and a wider server selection.
- PureVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while PureVPN offers a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs McAfee VPN: PureVPN is a dedicated VPN service with more features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
- PureVPN vs Mysterium: PureVPN uses a traditional server network, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different approach to anonymity.
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 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
Which VPN is better: PureVPN vs PIA?
It depends on what you need. In the PureVPN vs PIA comparison, Private Internet Access wins for most people in 2024. Why? It has a strict no-logs policy, unlike PureVPN. This means PIA doesn’t keep records of what you do online. PIA also has faster download speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections. PureVPN allows 10, which is still good. But if you need a vast server network, PureVPN is better than PIA.
What’s the difference between PIA and PureVPN?
There are a few key differences between PIA and PureVPN. Private Internet Access is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is excellent for privacy. PureVPN is headquartered in Hong Kong. PIA also offers an ad blocker, whereas PureVPN doesn’t. Plus, Private Internet Access has much better speeds.
Why should I use a VPN like PureVPN or PIA?
VPNs protect your private data when you connect to the internet. They encrypt your connection, making it harder for others to see what you’re doing. They also hide your IP address. This makes it look like you’re in a different location. PureVPN and PIA offer strong security features, like AES 256-bit encryption. They also have a kill switch & DNS leak protection. Plus, they let you access blocked websites and streaming services.
Can I test PureVPN or Private Internet Access before I commit?
Yes! Both PureVPN and Private Internet Access offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test the service risk-free.
Do PureVPN and PIA have monthly plans?
Yes, PureVPN offers monthly plans, just like PIA. But the more extended plans (1-year or 3-year) give you a much better deal. Consider a longer, more extended you think Private Internet Access is correct for you.
