Surfshark vs Private Internet Access 2026
Surfshark offers better value with unlimited simultaneous connections and lower pricing ($2.19/month), while Private Internet Access excels with faster speeds (averaging 840 Mbps vs 720 Mbps) and stronger privacy credentials including a verified no-logs audit. Both are excellent VPNs, but Surfshark wins for budget users and PIA for speed-focused users.
Surfshark
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited connections and expansive server network
Families, multi-device users, budget-conscious consumers, and those needing simultaneous connections
Private Internet Access (PIA)
High-speed VPN with extensive server network and robust privacy compliance
Speed enthusiasts, heavy streamers, torrent users, and those needing consistent access to global content
Quick Answer
AI SummarySurfshark offers better value with unlimited simultaneous connections and lower pricing ($2.19/month), while Private Internet Access excels with faster speeds (averaging 840 Mbps vs 720 Mbps) and stronger privacy credentials including a verified no-logs audit. Both are excellent VPNs, but Surfshark wins for budget users and PIA for speed-focused users.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Surfshark if you need unlimited device connections, use multiple devices simultaneously, and prioritize affordability—it's ideal for families and power users on a budget. Choose Private Internet Access if you demand maximum speed, need the largest server network for consistent access, and want military-grade privacy with extensive audit documentation—it's better for streaming and torrenting users.
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Choose Surfshark if
Families, multi-device users, budget-conscious consumers, and those needing simultaneous connections
Choose Private Internet Access (PIA) if
Best pickSpeed enthusiasts, heavy streamers, torrent users, and those needing consistent access to global content
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan):✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins($2.03/month vs $2.19/month)
- Simultaneous Connections:✓ Surfshark wins(Unlimited vs 10 devices)
- Average Download Speed:✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins(840 Mbps vs 720 Mbps)
Key Facts & Figures
68 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Surfshark | Private Internet Access (PIA) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $2.49 | — | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | — | — |
| Global Server Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | — | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.6/10 | — | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.0/10 | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.03/month | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 92 Mbps | 840 Mbps | |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | — | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 10,000+ | |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | — | — |
| Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) | 15+ optimized services | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | — | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | $26.28 | $2.03/month | |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 29,650 servers | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 100 | 84 countries | |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 2 | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.03/month | |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 100 countries | 84 countries | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $2.19/month | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $26.28 | $39.95/year | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | Unlimited | 10 devices | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 100 | 91 countries | |
| Dedicated Streaming Profiles(services) | Generic support | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | — | — |
| Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) | $26.28 | — | — |
| Server Network Size(servers) | 3,200+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 100 | 91 | |
| Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) | $2.19/month | — | — |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | Unlimited | 10 | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 29,650+ | |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 100 countries | 84 countries | |
| Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) | $26.28/year | — | — |
| Average Download Speed on 200 Mbps Connection(Mbps) | 78 Mbps | — | — |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 87% success rate | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Country Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Annual Subscription)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.03/month | |
| Simultaneous Connections Allowed(devices) | Unlimited | 10 | — |
| VPN Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 35,000+ | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.19 | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 35,000+ | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $2.03 | $2.03 | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 71% | 71% | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 devices | 10 devices | |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD) | $11.99/month | $11.99/month | |
| Speed Loss (Average)(percent) | 8-10% | 8-10% | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.03 | $2.03 | |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | 3,400+ | |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (Deloitte) | Annual (Deloitte) | |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 72% | 72% | |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 84 | 84 | |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.6 | 4.6 | |
| Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 29,650+ | 29,650+ | |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 29,650+ | 29,650+ | |
| Average Speed Retention(%) | 85% | 85% | |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 8 regions | 8 regions | |
| Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) | $72.76 | $72.76 | |
| Monthly Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Average Download Speed (256-bit AES)(Mbps) | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | |
| Independent Security Audits (Last 3 Years)(audits) | 2 (Cure53, VerSprite, 2020-2023) | 2 (Cure53, VerSprite, 2020-2023) | |
| Simultaneous Connections Per Account(devices) | 10 devices | 10 devices | |
| Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)(USD) | $2.03 | $2.03 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $2.19/monthMonthly Price (Annual Plan)$2.03/month(winner)
- Unlimited(winner)Simultaneous Connections10 devices
- 720 MbpsAverage Download Speed840 Mbps(winner)
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countriesServer Count35,000+ servers in 91 countries(winner)
- Yes (available on all platforms)Kill Switch FeatureYes (available on all platforms)
- Yes (Cure53 audit 2024)No-Logs Audit VerificationYes (Deloitte audit 2024)
- 30 daysMoney-Back Guarantee30 days
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan)
Surfshark
$2.19/month
Private Internet Access (PIA)
$2.03/month(winner)
- Simultaneous Connections
Surfshark
Unlimited(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
10 devices
- Average Download Speed
Surfshark
720 Mbps
Private Internet Access (PIA)
840 Mbps(winner)
- Server Count
Surfshark
3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Private Internet Access (PIA)
35,000+ servers in 91 countries(winner)
- Kill Switch Feature
Surfshark
Yes (available on all platforms)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Yes (available on all platforms)
- No-Logs Audit Verification
Surfshark
Yes (Cure53 audit 2024)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Yes (Deloitte audit 2024)
- Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark
30 days
Private Internet Access (PIA)
30 days
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Surfshark | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $2.49 | — |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | $26.28 | $2.03/month(winner) |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.03/month(winner) |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $2.19/month | — |
Show 15 more attributesAnnual Subscription Cost(USD) $26.28 $39.95/year Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $26.28 — Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) $2.19/month — Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) $26.28/year — Monthly Price (Annual Subscription)(USD) $2.19/month $2.03/month Starting Monthly Price(USD) $2.19 — Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $2.03 — Monthly Plan Price(USD) $11.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $2.03 — Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $2.03/month — Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $72.76 — Monthly Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month) $2.03/month — Free Trial / Free Tier No free tier (30-day money-back guarantee) — Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)(USD) $2.03 — | ||
| Connection Speed Rating | Good | — |
| Speed Performance (US Servers)(relative) | Significantly faster with WireGuard | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.6/10 | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.0/10 | — |
Show 8 more attributesAverage Download Speed(Mbps) 92 Mbps 840 Mbps Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) 15+ optimized services — Average Download Speed on 200 Mbps Connection(Mbps) 78 Mbps — Streaming Performance (4K UHD Support)(resolution) 4K support confirmed 4K support confirmed Speed Loss (Average)(percent) 8-10% — Average Download Speed Loss(%) 18% slower (OpenVPN) — Average Speed Retention(%) 85% — Average Download Speed (256-bit AES)(Mbps) 300 Mbps — | ||
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | — |
| No-Logging Audit Verification | Yes (Cure53 audit 2023) | — |
| Log Retention Policy | No-logs policy verified by audit 2024 | — |
| Jurisdiction | United States (5-eyes member) | — |
| Dark Web Monitor | Not included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | No | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | — |
| Global Server Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 100(winner) | 84 countries |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 100 countries(winner) | 84 countries |
| Server Locations(countries) | 100(winner) | 91 countries |
| Server Network Size(servers) | 3,200+ | — |
Show 9 more attributesCountries Covered(countries) 100 91 Global Server Count(servers) 3,200+ servers 29,650+ Countries with Server Presence(countries) 100 countries 84 countries Country Server Locations(countries) 100 countries — VPN Server Count(servers) 3,200+ 35,000+ Server Count(servers) 3,200+ 35,000+ Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 84 — Number of Servers(servers) 29,650+ — Number of VPN Servers(servers) 29,650+ — | ||
| Netflix Compatibility(rating) | Good | — |
| Dedicated Streaming Profiles(services) | Generic support | — |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 87% success rate(winner) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 71% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 72% | — |
Show 1 more attributeNetflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) 8 regions — | ||
| Customer Support Satisfaction(rating) | Very Good | — |
| Customer Support Type | 24-hour live chat | — |
| Torrenting Support(supported) | Fully supported | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | Unlimited | 10 devices |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | Unlimited | 10 |
| Simultaneous Connections Allowed(devices) | Unlimited | 10 |
| Free Trial Available(days) | No free trial (30-day refund) | No free trial (30-day refund) |
Show 5 more attributesFree Tier Available No (30-day trial only) — Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) 10 devices — Ad & Malware Blocker Included Yes (MACE included) — Split Tunneling Support Yes, full control — Simultaneous Connections Per Account(devices) 10 devices — | ||
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — |
| Kill Switch Availability | Yes (all platforms) | Yes (all platforms) |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | Cure53 audit 2022 | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, all platforms | — |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 2 | — |
Show 8 more attributesKill Switch Protection Yes (automatic) Yes Encryption Protocol AES-256 + ChaCha20 AES-256-GCM Encryption Standard 256-bit AES AES-256-GCM No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) Annual (Deloitte) — Server Memory Type RAM-only — Recent Independent Security Audit Cure53 (2023), Deloitte (2022) — Kill Switch (Auto Disconnect) Yes, automatic — Independent Security Audits (Last 3 Years)(audits) 2 (Cure53, VerSprite, 2020-2023) — | ||
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month(winner) | $2.03/month |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 10,000+(winner) |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 29,650 servers(winner) |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — |
| Supported Platforms | 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles) | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2022) | Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified |
| Independent No-Log Audit | Cure53 audit (2021) | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 91 countries | — |
| Open-Source Code Availability | 100% open-source | — |
| Open-Source Client | Yes (GitHub available) | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.6 | — |
| Primary Protocol | OpenVPN / WireGuard | — |
Show 15 more attributes
Show 8 more attributes
Show 9 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Show 5 more attributes
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Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (vs PIA's 10)
- Lower annual pricing at $2.19/month
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads, malware, and trackers
- MultiHop (double VPN) for enhanced anonymity
- Verified no-logs audit by Cure53 (2024)
Cons
- Slower average speeds (720 Mbps vs PIA's 840 Mbps)
- Smaller server network (3,200 vs 35,000 servers)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Pros
- Fastest average speeds at 840 Mbps for streaming and torrenting
- Largest server network with 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
- Slightly cheaper annual plan at $2.03/month
- MACE malware blocker included
- Verified no-logs audit by Deloitte (2024)
Cons
- Limited to 10 simultaneous device connections
- More complex interface than Surfshark
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Private Internet Access is faster, averaging 840 Mbps compared to Surfshark's 720 Mbps. PIA's 35,000+ server network also ensures more consistent speeds globally. For 4K streaming and large file torrenting, PIA is the better choice.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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