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.
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.
Ready to see if PureVPN is the real deal? Let’s dive in. Thousands of servers in 78+ countries.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan starts at $2.16/month
Key Features:
- 10 Gbps Servers
- Quantum-Resistant Encryption
- 10 Multi-Logins
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection.
Pricing:Â 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.03/month
Key Features:
- MACE ad blocker
- Advanced split tunneling
- Multi-Hop
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…
Our Take
Experience ultimate online freedom with PureVPN! Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and access over 6,500 servers in 78+ countries.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
- Wide range of features: Includes split tunneling, port forwarding, and dedicated IPs.
- No-logs policy: Audited by independent firms.
- 31-day money-back guarantee: Gives you a little extra time to decide.
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…
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
This comparison pits two established vpn providers against each other: PureVPN, known for its vast global reach, and Private Internet Access (PIA VPN), recognized for its security and commitment to privacy.
We will conduct a detailed and authentic analysis to help you select the ideal virtual private network for your security and streaming needs, based on a recent purevpn review and a private internet access review.
1. Simultaneous Connections
A key factor for vpn users is the number of devices that can connect to the vpn service at once.
- PureVPN: Allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is a generous allowance for a single vpn subscription.
- Private Internet Access: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections (unlimited simultaneous con), a significant advantage for users with many devices, setting it apart from many other vpn providers.
2. Server Network and Coverage
The scale of the network is critical for finding an uncongested vpn server and bypassing geo-restrictions.
- PureVPN: Boasts over 6,000 servers in 65+ countries. It uses a mix of physical servers and virtual servers to provide wide geographical coverage.
- Private Internet Access: Offers a vast vpn server network with servers located in 91 countries, giving it a broader global spread. tested private internet access confirms its massive number of ip addresses.
3. Dedicated IP and Virtual Servers
Some vpn users require a consistent ip addresses for secure remote access or to avoid IP blacklisting.
- PureVPN: Offers a dedicated ip address as an add-on purchase. It clearly utilizes virtual servers to extend its presence into more countries.
- Private Internet Access: Also offers a dedicated ip address for an additional fee. It mainly uses physical servers but is less transparent about its use of virtual private network technology.
4. Port Forwarding
This advanced feature is essential for P2P file sharing, gaming, and remote server hosting.
- PureVPN: Supports port forwarding but generally sells it as an optional add-on service. This allows users to receive unsolicited incoming connections to the vpn server.
- Private Internet Access: port forwarding is included in the subscription and can be easily toggled on in the pia vpn application, an excellent feature for P2P-focused vpn users.
5. Speed Tests and Performance
Fast speed tests are crucial for streaming and downloading without compromising the vpn tunnel.
- PureVPN: Recent speed tests show generally good performance, particularly when using its customized WireGuard vpn protocol, but some long-distance connections can be inconsistent.
- Private Internet Access: tested private internet access consistently shows very fast speeds on both local and international vpn connections, often outperforming PureVPN in raw speed.
6. Privacy and Jurisdiction
The location of the vpn provider influences its legal obligation regarding ip addresses and data retention.
- PureVPN: It is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. The purevpn review confirms its current no-logs policy has been independently audited.
- Private Internet Access: It is based in the USA. While its no-logs policy has been repeatedly verified in court, its US jurisdiction (a Five Eyes member) is viewed as a disadvantage by some privacy-conscious vpn users.
7. Core Security Protocols
The security of the virtual private network is determined by its vpn protocols and application features.
- PureVPN: Supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and the highly secure openvpn protocol, giving users flexibility in their vpn connection. It also bundles a password manager in its higher-tier packages.
- Private Internet Access: Fully supports both WireGuard and the customizable openvpn protocol. Its private internet access review highlights features like MACE (ad/malware blocker) and an advanced kill switch.
8. Reliability and Kill Switch
The vpn connection drops must be handled by a robust kill switch to protect the user’s real ip addresses.
- PureVPN: Offers a customizable kill switch that effectively prevents your ip addresses from leaking if the vpn connection drops.
- Private Internet Access: Features a highly reliable, three-stage kill switch that ensures the vpn tunnel remains sealed even if the vpn connection drops, a key highlight of the private internet access review.
9. Streaming and Device Support
Accessing popular streaming services and supporting smart devices is vital for the modern vpn service.
- PureVPN: Is generally effective at unblocking a wide range of streaming services. It provides a native app for android tv, offering good compatibility with streaming boxes.
- Private Internet Access: tested private internet access is generally successful with major streaming services like Netflix but may struggle with a wider variety of regional platforms. It also offers an android tv app.
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.
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!
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:Â It is generally faster and better for streaming, though PureVPN can be more budget-friendly. NordVPN also has a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs ExpressVPN:Â It 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 ProtonVPN:Â It tends to be faster and better for streaming, while ProtonVPN prioritizes stronger security and privacy features.
- PureVPN vs PrivadoVPN: It is often favored for its more consistent speeds and stronger privacy focus, while PureVPN has a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs AdGuard VPN:Â It’s key feature is its ad-blocking integration, while PureVPN is a more comprehensive VPN service.
- PureVPN vs Virtual Shield: It offers a wider range of features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- PureVPN vs StrongVPN:Â It is known for strong encryption, but PureVPN has a larger server network and more features.
- PureVPN vs FastestVPN:Â It is generally faster and has a larger server network than the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- PureVPN vs AuraVPN:Â It includes identity theft protection, while PureVPN focuses on VPN features and a wider server selection.
- PureVPN vs CyberGhost:Â It is user-friendly with specialized servers, while PureVPN offers a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs McAfee VPN:Â It is a dedicated VPN service with more features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
- PureVPN vs Private Internet Access:Â It is often faster, while PureVPN can unblock more streaming services. PIA allows unlimited connections.
- PureVPN vs Mysterium:Â It 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: PIA offers more simultaneous connections and a larger server count, while NordVPN provides faster speeds and better streaming support.
- Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN:Â 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:Â 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:Â 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:Â 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:Â 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
Which VPN is better: PureVPN vs Private Internet Access?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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