Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a privacy-focused VPN service providing encrypted internet tunnels, a strict no-logs policy, and high-speed global servers to keep your personal data and online activities secure.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a comprehensive security suite providing a virtual private network, antivirus, and data leak detection tools to protect your digital identity and ensure private internet access across all devices.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Private Internet Access | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Website | privateinternetaccess.com | surfshark.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $11.95/month | $15.45/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 7 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2010 | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Denver, USA | Vilnius, Lithuania |
Overview
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a robust virtual private network that helps you reclaim your online privacy and security. By routing your traffic through encrypted tunnels, it prevents ISPs, hackers, and advertisers from monitoring your browsing habits. You can hide your IP address and change your virtual location with access to a massive network of servers across 91 countries, ensuring you can browse the web without restrictions.
The platform is built on a proven 100% transparent, open-source foundation, meaning anyone can inspect the code for security flaws. You can protect up to unlimited devices simultaneously under a single subscription, making it a practical choice for households or power users with multiple gadgets. Whether you are using public Wi-Fi or just want to stop data tracking at home, PIA provides the tools to stay anonymous.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a versatile security platform designed to keep your online activities private and your devices protected from digital threats. You can encrypt your internet connection with a high-speed VPN, browse without annoying ads or trackers, and secure your personal data from being sold to third parties. It allows you to change your virtual location to access content globally while maintaining fast connection speeds for streaming and gaming.
Beyond just a VPN, you can use the suite to scan your devices for malware and receive real-time alerts if your email or credit card information appears in data breaches. The software is built for households and power users alike, offering the unique benefit of connecting an unlimited number of devices simultaneously under a single account. Whether you are working from a coffee shop or securing your home network, you get a unified interface to manage your digital safety.
Overview
Private Internet Access Features
- Unlimited Device Connections Protect every gadget you own at the same time with a single account—no more choosing which device to secure.
- Strict No-Logs Policy Rest easy knowing your browsing history and personal data are never recorded, stored, or shared with anyone.
- MACE Ad Blocker Block ads, trackers, and malicious websites at the DNS level to speed up your browsing and improve privacy.
- Advanced Split Tunneling Choose exactly which apps use the VPN and which access the internet directly for better speed and flexibility.
- Dedicated IP Address Get a personal IP address that only you use to avoid captchas and maintain access to sensitive accounts.
- Kill Switch Protection Prevent data leaks by automatically cutting your internet connection if the VPN drops for even a second.
Surfshark Features
- Unlimited Device Support. Connect and protect every device in your household simultaneously without ever worrying about hitting a connection limit.
- CleanWeb Ad Blocker. Block annoying ads, trackers, and malicious links before they load so you can browse faster and safer.
- Bypasser Split-Tunneling. Choose specific apps or websites to bypass the VPN connection while keeping the rest of your traffic encrypted.
- Kill Switch Protection. Ensure your sensitive data never leaks by automatically cutting your internet access if the VPN connection drops.
- Dynamic MultiHop. Route your traffic through two different servers at once to double your encryption and hide your digital footprint.
- Camouflage Mode. Hide the fact that you are using a VPN from your internet provider so your traffic looks like regular browsing.
- Real-time Breach Alerts. Get notified immediately if your passwords, emails, or personal IDs appear in known database leaks or breaches.
- Private Search Engine. Search the web in complete privacy without ads or your search history being tracked or stored by anyone.
Pricing Comparison
Private Internet Access Pricing
- Unlimited device connections
- Access to all 91 countries
- MACE ad & malware blocker
- 100% Open-source apps
- 24/7 Customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Everything in Monthly, plus:
- Significant discount on monthly rate
- Free email breach monitor
- Advanced kill switch
- High-speed 10Gbps servers
Surfshark Pricing
- Secure VPN
- Unlimited devices
- Ad and cookie pop-up blocker
- Two-factor authentication
- 24/7 customer support
- High-speed 10Gbps servers
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- 24/7 antivirus protection
- Webcam protection
- Real-time credit card alerts
- Personal data breach alerts
- Private search engine
Pros & Cons
Private Internet Access
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices
- Proven no-logs policy verified in court cases
- Highly customizable security settings for advanced users
- Fast connection speeds suitable for 4K streaming
- Excellent native apps for all major platforms
Cons
- Headquartered in the United States (5-Eyes jurisdiction)
- Server speeds can vary depending on location
- Interface may feel complex for VPN beginners
Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices
- Very competitive pricing on two-year subscription plans
- Clean and modern interface is easy to navigate
- Fast connection speeds suitable for 4K streaming
- Effective at bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms
Cons
- Monthly subscription price is significantly higher
- Customer support response times can vary occasionally
- Static IP addresses require an additional monthly fee