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 ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access matchup, we’ll break down everything from speed and security to price and features.
This will help you to 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.
Stop guessing which VPN is best. Choose ProtonVPN, the Swiss-based provider with over 15,000.
Pricing: It has a free plan. Paid plan starts at $4.49/month
Key Features:
- Email Aliasing.
- Encrypted Vault.
- Open Source.
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.03/month
Key Features:
- MACE ad blocker
- Advanced split tunneling
- Multi-Hop
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…
Our Take
Join over 100 million users who choose Proton VPN for ironclad online security. With 13,000+ servers spanning 120+ countries and speeds boosted by up to 400% with VPN Accelerator, you can browse, stream, and game with unparalleled privacy and performance.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on privacy: Based in Switzerland with a strict no-logs policy.
- Secure core servers: Adds an extra layer of protection.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Open-source apps: Transparency and community-driven development.
Pricing
- Proton Free: $0.00/month.
- VPN Plus: $4.99/month.
- Proton Unlimited: $7.99/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…
Our Take
Unleash your online freedom with Private Internet Access! Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously to a vast network of 35,000+ servers across 91 countries. Start your journey to a more private internet today!
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 35,912 servers in 84 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- Affordable price: Offers competitive plans.
- Ten simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices.
Pricing
- 2 Years + 2 Months Free: $2.19/month.
- 6 Months: $7.50/month.
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Choosing between these two vpn providers requires balancing Proton VPN’s audited privacy focus against PIA VPN’s vast server network and generous unlimited simultaneous connections policy.
This proton vpn review, alongside a deep look at the private internet access review, will compare their unique features to help vpn users secure their internet connection.
1. Server Network Size and Secure Core
- Proton VPN: Operates a global network with fewer total vpn server locations and vpn services than PIA, but it features specialized secure core servers that add an extra layer of routing and security to the vpn tunnel. The size of the vpn server network is smaller but highly curated for privacy.
- Private Internet Access: Boasts one of the largest server networks among vpn providers and internet service provider, with thousands of vpn servers spanning numerous locations with encrypted vpn tunnel. This scale ensures high performance and reliable vpn connections across the internet connection.
2. Service Model and Free Access
- Proton VPN: Proton vpn offers a permanently high-quality free vpn tier with unlimited data, giving new users continuous access to a selection of vpn servers. This generous free tier is a hallmark of the vpn service.
- Private Internet Access: Does not offer a permanent free vpn option or free vpns. Private internet access vpn offers competitive pricing and relies on a long money-back guarantee for risk-free testing by vpn users.
3. Connection Speed and Accelerator Technology
- Proton VPN: Employs vpn accelerator technology to significantly boost speed, particularly over long distances. The proton vpn app and modern vpn protocols contribute to a reliable vpn connection and better performance.
- Private Internet Access: Tested private internet access generally shows fast speeds, especially on nearby vpn server locations. Its performance is strong, relying on efficient network architecture to handle high traffic and secure the vpn tunnel.
4. Advanced Privacy Infrastructure
- Proton VPN: The proton vpn review highlights its use of secure core servers and Tor over VPN integration, making it a robust, secure vpn solution. Proton vpn passed independent audits of its no logs policy.
- Private Internet Access: The private internet access review confirms a strict no logs policy, which has been proven multiple times in court. It is a highly trusted vpn provider in the vpn industry focused on user data protection.
5. Simultaneous Connections
- Proton VPN: Proton vpn offers a standard number of vpn connections (often 10) on its paid plans, which is typical for vpn providers. The paid service supports all major operating systems.
- Private Internet Access: Provides unlimited simultaneous connections on its paid subscriptions, offering exceptional value for vpn users with many devices they wish to secure through the virtual private network.
6. App Features and Customization
- Proton VPN: The proton vpn app is feature-rich, providing split tunneling, customizable vpn protocols, and access to proton services like proton mail. The experience is designed for advanced vpn users.
- Private Internet Access: Pia vpn offers a highly customizable app experience, allowing users to tweak vpn protocols (including openvpn protocol) and encryption levels, appealing to technical vpn users.
7. Core Functionality and Apps
- Proton VPN: proton vpn servers easy of use benefit makes it accessible despite its advanced features. Proton vpn work is reliable across all supported platforms, including the android app and desktop clients.
- Private Internet Access: Private internet access vpn offers user-friendly android app and desktop clients. The simple interface and strong security features make it an accessible vpn service for securing the internet connection.
8. Protocol Support
- Proton VPN: Supports modern vpn protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Users can easily select their preferred vpn protocol with ip addresses within the proton vpn app for optimal speed or security.
- Private Internet Access: It offers a wide range of vpn protocols, including the highly secure and configurable openvpn protocol, ensuring compatibility and strong encryption for all vpn connections.
9. Tor Network and Browser Extensions
- Proton VPN: Proton vpn offers native support for the tor network via dedicated vpn servers, a feature highlighted on the proton vpn’s website. It also provides browser extensions.
- Private Internet Access: Provides reliable browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, allowing quick vpn connections within the browser, a convenient feature often sought by vpn users of other vpn providers.
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: ProtonVPN prioritizes privacy with its Swiss base and open-source apps, while NordVPN focuses on speed and a vast server network.
- ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: It is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
- ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: It is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
- ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: It is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
- ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: It 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: It’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
- ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: It offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: It 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: It 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 Private Internet Access: PIA is known for customization and a large server network, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy and a transparent approach.
- 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: PIA offers more simultaneous connections and a larger server count, while NordVPN provides faster speeds and better streaming support.
- Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN: It 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: It 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: It 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: It’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: It 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: It 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
Is ProtonVPN or PIA the cheapest VPN in 2025?
If you’re looking for the cheapest VPN, PIA generally takes the lead, especially for longer subscriptions. While ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features, its paid plans tend to be pricier than what PIA offers.
Does ProtonVPN work with Netflix in 2025?
ProtonVPN works with some streaming services, but it may not be the most reliable option for Netflix. In our ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison and NordVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison, ProtonVPN lost out to the other VPNs when it came to unblocking Netflix.
What are the unique features of ProtonVPN in 2025?
ProtonVPN comes with some unique features, including NetShield (an ad blocker), access to Proton Mail, and the ability to use Tor over VPN for enhanced anonymity. ProtonVPN is also based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy laws.
Can I use PIA without a VPN connection on some apps?
Yes, unlike ProtonVPN, PIA allows you to use split tunneling, which means you can choose which apps use the VPN connection and which apps access the internet without a VPN connection. This can be helpful for certain activities where you might not need VPN protection.
Which VPN is better for torrenting, PIA or ProtonVPN?
PIA is generally better for torrenting because it allows P2P file-sharing on all of its servers. ProtonVPN, on the other hand, only permits torrenting on specific servers. If you download torrents frequently, PIA is the more convenient option.
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