{"slug":"protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access","title":"ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access","faqCount":5,"faqs":[{"question":"Which VPN is safer for privacy?","answer":"ProtonVPN is technically safer for maximum privacy due to Swiss jurisdiction (not in Five Eyes alliance), fully open-source code, and annual third-party audits. However, Private Internet Access also provides strong privacy with its completed 2024 independent audit and no-logs verification. ProtonVPN is better if jurisdiction matters; PIA is sufficient for most users."},{"question":"Why is Private Internet Access so much cheaper?","answer":"PIA's lower pricing ($2.03 vs $3.99 monthly) reflects its business model: US-based operation, larger user base for cost distribution, proprietary infrastructure, and fewer premium features. ProtonVPN charges more to fund Swiss operations, open-source development, regular security audits, and integration with ProtonMail ecosystem."},{"question":"Can I use either for torrenting?","answer":"Yes, both support P2P and torrenting with kill switches. Private Internet Access is preferred for torrenting because it has 9,890 dedicated P2P servers, faster speeds (8-10% loss vs 12-15%), and better unblocking capability. ProtonVPN allows torrenting but with slower speeds and fewer optimized servers."},{"question":"Which VPN unblocks Netflix and streaming better?","answer":"Private Internet Access is significantly better for streaming due to 29,650 servers vs 3,000+, allowing easier IP rotation to bypass geographic blocks. PIA's larger infrastructure makes detection and blocking by streaming services less likely. ProtonVPN works for some regions but has more connectivity issues with streaming platforms."},{"question":"Is the free tier worth using?","answer":"ProtonVPN's free tier (100 MB/day limit) is adequate for light browsing or testing, though severely limited at 5 GB/month. Neither service is truly 'free' in practical terms. ProtonVPN's free tier exists for user onboarding; PIA offers no free option, making ProtonVPN better if you want zero-cost access."}],"faqPageSchema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access#faq","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access","inLanguage":"en-US","name":"ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access — FAQ","description":"Frequently asked questions about ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access","dateModified":"2026-06-24T00:35:30.551Z","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"},"isPartOf":{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access#article"},"license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":["#faq",".faq-item"]},"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Which VPN is safer for privacy?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"ProtonVPN is technically safer for maximum privacy due to Swiss jurisdiction (not in Five Eyes alliance), fully open-source code, and annual third-party audits. However, Private Internet Access also provides strong privacy with its completed 2024 independent audit and no-logs verification. ProtonVPN is better if jurisdiction matters; PIA is sufficient for most users.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why is Private Internet Access so much cheaper?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"PIA's lower pricing ($2.03 vs $3.99 monthly) reflects its business model: US-based operation, larger user base for cost distribution, proprietary infrastructure, and fewer premium features. ProtonVPN charges more to fund Swiss operations, open-source development, regular security audits, and integration with ProtonMail ecosystem.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I use either for torrenting?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, both support P2P and torrenting with kill switches. Private Internet Access is preferred for torrenting because it has 9,890 dedicated P2P servers, faster speeds (8-10% loss vs 12-15%), and better unblocking capability. ProtonVPN allows torrenting but with slower speeds and fewer optimized servers.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which VPN unblocks Netflix and streaming better?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Private Internet Access is significantly better for streaming due to 29,650 servers vs 3,000+, allowing easier IP rotation to bypass geographic blocks. PIA's larger infrastructure makes detection and blocking by streaming services less likely. ProtonVPN works for some regions but has more connectivity issues with streaming platforms.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is the free tier worth using?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"ProtonVPN's free tier (100 MB/day limit) is adequate for light browsing or testing, though severely limited at 5 GB/month. Neither service is truly 'free' in practical terms. ProtonVPN's free tier exists for user onboarding; PIA offers no free option, making ProtonVPN better if you want zero-cost access.","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/protonvpn-vs-private-internet-access"}}]}}