Surfshark vs Private Internet Access: which is better in June 2026

• Surfshark is a superior VPN choice for budget-conscious and new-to-VPN users. Nevertheless, the VPN service provider still delivers premium performance, speeds, and strong security. In addition, it is packed with useful extras, which can make your browsing experience much safer and better.
• Private Internet Access is a more customizable VPN suitable for advanced users, yet still affordable. It offers a huge server fleet and covers all the US states. Plus, it is great for torrenting and other tasks.

Both Surfshark and PIA are top-tier VPNs that offer a great balance of features, performance, and value. While Surfshark is known for its user-friendly interface and impressive unblocking capabilities, PIA stands out with a massive server network and a focus on advanced customization for power users. This comparison will help you decide which of these two VPNs is the best fit for your needs. I have tested them on everything from speed and security to streaming and independent audits to declare a winner.

Surfshark vs Private Internet Access compared

Key differences between Surfshark and Private Internet Access

Surfshark and Private Internet Access are known names in the VPN industry. While PIA was launched in 2010 and has over a decade of experience, Surfshark entered the market later in 2018. Despite the year difference, both have grown into market leaders. However, during my tests, I noticed some differences between them. For instance, Surfshark’s app is easier to navigate and suitable for first-time VPN users, whereas PIA provides a more customizable experience for advanced users.

Here are the main differences between Surfshark and Private Internet Access:

• Surfshark is cheaper. Surfshark’s cheapest subscription is just $1.99/month, while PIA’s is $2.03/month.
• PIA has a bigger server fleet. PIA has over 35,000+ servers compared to Surfshark’s 4,500. However, Surfshark covers more countries (100) than PIA (90).
• Surfshark is faster. Surfshark maintained more consistent and faster speeds, with around 93% of the original speed on average, compared to PIA’s 63% original speed retention.
• PIA is more customizable. PIA’s advanced settings are more customizable and suitable for more experienced users. Meanwhile, Surfshark is a more user-friendly VPN service provider.
• Surfshark is better for streaming. Surfshark consistently unblocks many popular streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others. Meanwhile, PIA struggled with some streaming platforms.
• PIA is better for torrenting. PIA has a port forwarding feature that improves file sharing.
• Surfshark is better for gaming. Faster speeds and lower ping, even on distant servers, make Surfshark better than PIA.
• Surfshark is more secure. While both providers have robust security, Surfshark goes beyond with extra privacy features and transparency.

While PIA is an established VPN service provider, boasting a huge server fleet and reliable performance, Surfshark is a better option in 2026. Its user-friendly interface, consistent streaming performance, and fast speeds make it a better overall choice for the average user.

Private Internet Access and Surfshark price comparison

While both VPN service providers are considered to be affordable options in 2026, Surfshark is cheaper than Private Internet Access. Surfshark’s cheapest subscription is just $1.99/month compared to PIA’s $2.03/month. In addition, Surfshark offers more flexible subscriptions with 1-month (from $15.45/month), 1-year (from $3.19/month), and 2-year options (from $1.99/month). In the meantime, you can only opt for a 1-month ($11.95/month), 1-year ($3.33/month), or 3-year ($2.03/month) PIA subscription.

Free trials are a great opportunity to test the service without commitment. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial if you get the app from the Apple or Google Play Store. After that, you can install Surfshark on all your devices for testing. Unfortunately, PIA doesn’t offer a free trial.

On the other hand, both Surfshark and PIA have a 30-day money-back guarantee, which can be considered a risk-free trial. This allowed me to test PIA on all my devices. However, keep in mind that the money-back guarantee only works if you request a refund within a 30-day period.

In conclusion, Surfshark wins in the price category by providing overall cheaper plans than PIA. Plus, Surfshark is more versatile with plan options, as PIA doesn’t have a 2-year subscription availability or a free trial.

Servers and locations: Private Internet Access vs Surfshark

Surfshark has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, while PIA has 35,000+ servers in 90 countries. Therefore, while PIA has a bigger server fleet, leading to better loading times and less congestion, Surfshark covers more countries, which is great for bypassing geo-blocks. Another advantage of PIA is that it has servers in every US state.

Both VPNs offer specialty servers to enhance security and functionality. Surfshark provides MultiHop for double encryption, as well as obfuscated servers (Camouflage Mode) to hide VPN use. PIA's equivalent features are also available and include Multi-Hop with Shadowsocks proxy for obfuscation. PIA and Surfshark also offer Dedicated IP servers, which are useful for consistent access to certain services.

Therefore, while PIA has more servers, Surfshark’s server fleet is better for accessing specific geo-blocked content. In addition, my tests revealed that Surfshark servers work fast and rarely experience overcrowding, hence the server count is still big for a smooth browsing experience.

Private Internet Access and Surfshark security overview

While both Surfshark and PIA provide a robust security package, I found that Surfshark’s security features are more user-friendly, while PIA offers greater customization for advanced users. Both are strong choices, but Surfshark's overall security suite, which includes a robust kill switch and a more transparent audit history, puts it an advantage against PIA.

During my testing, I found that both VPNs are excellent at protecting against leaks, so I rest assured that my data is not exposed. I also particularly liked Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop feature, which allows you to select your own custom server pairs. This offers a unique level of control. Furthermore, PIA's MACE is a solid ad blocker, but Surfshark’s CleanWeb felt more advanced, also blocking cookie pop-ups and some tracking attempts.

To conclude, both Surfshark and PIA are great at keeping their customers’ privacy. However, I found Surfshark to be more consistent and detailed, with extra privacy features and multiple audits and transparency reports.

Encryption and VPN protocols

Both Surfshark and PIA utilize industry-standard encryption and offer a strong selection of VPN protocols. They use AES-256 encryption, which is considered to be the gold standard and provides a high level of security. Furthermore, VPN protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec. WireGuard tunneling protocol offers the fastest speeds, which work flawlessly on both Surfshark and PIA.

A key difference is that PIA offers a greater level of customization within its apps. For advanced users, it allows you to change encryption levels for OpenVPN from AES-256 to AES-128, which can result in slightly faster speeds for specific tasks. Surfshark, on the other hand, keeps things simpler by defaulting to the highest level of security.

Kill switch and leak protection

Both services offer a reliable kill switch that automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed. Surfshark’s kill switch is easy to use on all devices; you just have to turn it on in the settings. PIA’s kill switch is more customizable, but it can throw off new customers with its complexity.

During my tests, both VPNs protected against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. It’s crucial to remain undetected while using a VPN and safeguard your personal information from exposure.

Advanced VPN security features

Some VPNs go beyond and include advanced security features in their services. Most of the time, they come as specialty servers, meant to optimize and improve the browsing experience. For example, the Double VPN feature routes your traffic through two or multiple VPN servers, applying an extra layer of encryption. Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop is customizable, where you can manually select both the entry and exit servers. PIA’s Multi-Hop gives a pre-selected server pair, making it less flexible than Surfshark.

Obfuscation servers are crucial for bypassing strict censorship and restrictions. In Surfshark, this feature is called Camouflage Mode, while in PIA, it is called Shadowsocks. Both worked as expected, disguising my VPN traffic as regular.

In addition, both Surfshark and PIA have adopted a RAM-only server infrastructure. It means that all data on the servers is wiped every time they are rebooted. It prevents sensitive user information from being stored long-term and goes hand in hand with a no-logs policy.

Extra protection – malware, ads, and trackers

Both Surfshark and PIA take an extra step and include built-in features to protect against malware, ads, and trackers. Surfshark’s feature is called CleanWeb, which blocks intrusive ads, trackers, pop-ups, and suspicious websites. It also alerts about data leaks and malware. CleanWeb is included with all subscriptions.

PIA’s protection against malware and ads is called Mace. It works by blocking requests to domains associated with ads, trackers, and malicious content. It is also included with the subscription.

I tested both CleanWeb and Mace, and while both are effective, CleanWeb blocked a wider range of ads. Overall, Surfshark’s CleanWeb is a more advanced and comprehensive solution.

Is Surfshark better than Private Internet Access in terms of privacy?

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, while PIA is in the US. While both countries belong to data-sharing alliances, the Netherlands as a jurisdiction is a slightly better option. In addition, both Surfshark and PIA follow a strict no-logs policy.

I tested both providers for DNS leaks and can assure you that neither Surfshark nor PIA had any instances of leaked IP addresses. It is crucial for a VPN to maintain this level of security not only for bypassing geo-restrictions but also for avoiding privacy breaches.

In conclusion, Surfshark and PIA are a close match in terms of security. The differences are minor, yet putting Surfshark on a slight edge over PIA. Surfshark’s better jurisdiction, more times proven no-logs policy, and advanced security toolkit are overall better than PIA’s.

Private Internet Access and Surfshark privacy and logs

Both Private Internet Access and Surfshark’s jurisdictions are in countries belonging to data-sharing alliances. However, Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is considered to be privacy-friendly thanks to European laws. On the other hand, PIA’s headquarters are in the US, the founding member of the Five Eyes Alliance, making it a concern to some of the privacy-conscious users.

Furthermore, a no-logs policy is a must for a secure VPN, and thankfully, both VPN service providers have it independently audited. Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been audited several times by Cure53 and Deloitte. Meanwhile, PIA has also been audited by Deloitte, confirming that PIA doesn’t collect any data from users.

Overview of independent audits

Both Surfshark and Private Internet Access demonstrate their commitment to user privacy through independent audits and transparency reports. Surfshark has a strong track record of audits, including multiple no-logs audits by Deloitte. These audits verify that Surfshark's systems and practices align with its stated no-logs policy. Surfshark also undergoes security assessments of its server infrastructure and browser extensions by other firms like Cure53. In its transparency reports, Surfshark details the number of requests it receives from law enforcement and government agencies, publicly showing that it has no user data to provide due to its verified no-logs policy.

PIA also uses Deloitte to conduct independent audits of its no-logs policy. Also, PIA’s no-logs policy has also been tested and proven in court on multiple occasions. When authorities asked for users’ data, PIA could not produce any of it because it simply did not have any logs to hand over.

Surfshark or Private Internet Access for streaming?

According to my tests, Surfshark is a more consistent and reliable choice for streaming than Private Internet Access. While PIA unblocked many popular services, in some cases, it struggled. Surfshark's performance is more dependable across a wider range of platforms and regions. Surfshark is a better all-around option for streamers who want a smooth, buffer-free experience without having to switch servers repeatedly.

When it comes to speed, both VPNs are fast, but my testing shows Surfshark is faster. On long-distance connections, Surfshark consistently retained a higher percentage of the original internet speed (around 80%-90%), which is crucial for streaming in 4K without buffering. While PIA's speeds are also very good and more than sufficient for HD streaming, some tests showed more significant speed drops on servers located far from me (50%-60% drop). For a consistently high-quality video experience, Surfshark is the faster of the two.

Which VPN can unblock Netflix? Testing results

I tested how well Surfshark and PIA can unblock various Netflix libraries. My results showed that Surfshark consistently unblocks Netflix, including libraries in the US, Canada, and the UK. I didn’t get the same results with Private Internet Access. While it reliably unblocks popular Netflix libraries, like in the US or the UK, my tests have shown that it is not as reliable for other regions. I have some inconsistencies with unblocking Netflix libraries in Japan and Germany, and I had to switch between several servers to finally make it work.

For less common libraries like Slovakia or Hong Kong, Surfshark’s larger server network and better overall streaming performance give it a slight edge. It generally provides a smoother experience with less trial and error, making it the better choice for a dedicated Netflix-unblocking VPN.

Surfshark or Private Internet Access for torrenting

For the best torrenting experience, a VPN must provide privacy and speed. Both Surfshark and Private Internet Access are strong choices, but PIA is the better option for torrenting due to its advanced features.

PIA is a torrenting powerhouse because it supports P2P on all of its servers. This means you don't have to worry about finding a specific server. It also offers a SOCKS5 proxy for a faster, though less secure, torrenting experience. Plus, PIA has a port-forwarding feature, which significantly improves your download and upload speeds.

Regarding Surfshark, it also supports P2P torrenting on all its servers and has fast speeds for quick downloads. However, it doesn’t support port forwarding, putting it at a disadvantage.

In the end, if you only need a VPN for torrenting, PIA is a better option.

Surfshark or Private Internet Access for gaming

For online gaming, a VPN must provide low latency (ping), high speeds, and a stable connection. Neither VPN offers dedicated "gaming-optimized" servers. However, both use the WireGuard protocol, which delivers excellent speeds and low latency, making it the best choice for gaming. Both VPNs also offer DDoS protection by masking your real IP address.

In my testing and research, Surfshark maintained the speed consistency, especially on long-distance connections. It can be crucial for reducing ping when connecting to servers in other regions. Its network, while smaller than PIA's, is spread across more countries, which can be beneficial if you're trying to access region-locked games or connect to a game server closer to a specific country. In addition, a broader country coverage is excellent if you are trying to avoid Skill-Based Matchmaking in games.

However, PIA's massive server fleet is a major advantage. With over 35000 servers, there is a much lower chance of server congestion, which can lead to a more stable connection and consistent speeds, even during peak gaming hours.

Overall, due to a bigger country selection and faster speeds, Surfshark is the better gaming VPN than PIA.

VPN connection limits: Surfshark vs Private Internet Access

Surfshark and Private Internet Access are among those rare VPN service providers that allow unlimited simultaneous connections. This highly valuable feature allows you to protect every device you own with a single subscription. In addition, family and friends can also use one subscription to share in the household. Both Surfshark and PIA support a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs (Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV), and gaming consoles.

From my experience, the installation process of Surfshark and PIA is straightforward and user-friendly. I simply had to download the app, follow the on-screen instructions to install it (on a computer device), and log in. For me, Surfshark’s app felt modern and clean. I instantly understood where to find all the necessary features.

PIA’s installation is also simple, but its desktop app is more detailed, with a compact dashboard that can be expanded to show advanced settings like port forwarding and customizable encryption options. This can be overwhelming for some, but it's perfect for experienced users.

Note: You don’t need an unlimited simultaneous connection to use any VPN on as many devices as you wish. By simply configuring it on a router, you will be able to protect all your household devices.

Surfshark vs Private Internet Access Reddit reviews and opinions 2026

To see if my own tests align with other people’s experience, I did some research on Reddit. The platform is known for honest and unfiltered opinions, and it includes VPNs. Surfshark, as a popular VPN service provider, has a variety of reviews, but most of them are good. People are satisfied with its quality, especially regarding Surfshark’s affordability. Furthermore, users find it easy to use on its dedicated apps and also to configure VPN on routers. In addition, I found opinions that backed up my results with Surfshark’s speeds, unblocking capabilities, and overall satisfactory user experience.

PIA is a popular choice among users who torrent. They recommend it due to port forwarding feature, which works really well. However, I also found some concerns regarding PIA’s inconsistent performance and issues with certain streaming sites. This confirmed my experience, especially with streaming sites, when I was not able to access ITVX.

Surfshark vs Private Internet Access: which wins?

Whether you are choosing between Surfshark and Private Internet Access, you can’t go wrong. However, whichever will work better for you depends on your specific needs. For example, Surfshark is easier to use, reliably bypasses geo-restrictions, and maintains fast speeds even on distant servers. Meanwhile, PIA has a much bigger server network, is customizable for advanced users, and is great for torrenting.

If you are interested in Surfshark or PIA, I recommend testing these VPN service providers yourself. This is quite easy, since Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS devices. In addition, both PIA and Surfshark have a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is a risk-free way to test the service for a month.

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FAQ

Is Surfshark better than Private Internet Access?

Yes, Surfshark is a better option overall than Private Internet Access. However, which one better suits you depends on your needs. Surfshark is great for those seeking speed, streaming performance, and user-friendliness. In addition, while PIA has more servers, Surfshark offers a slightly bigger country count.

How reliable is Surfshark compared to Private Internet Access for unblocking content?

Surfshark is more reliable than Private Internet Access for unblocking content. It consistently bypasses strong geo-restrictions and unblocks a plethora of streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. While PIA can bypass VPN detection, it sometimes struggles with certain streaming platforms.

Is Private Internet Access easier to use than Surfshark?

Both Private Internet Access and Surfshark are easy to use. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as they are simple and intuitive. However, Surfshark has a more modern and clean look that simplifies connecting and accessing common features.

Which VPN is more affordable, Private Internet Access or Surfshark?

Surfshark is more affordable than Private Internet Access. While both VPN providers are considered to be among the cheapest in the market, Surfshark’s monthly and yearly plans are still cheaper. In addition, Surfshark’s plans offer more flexibility with its plans.

How good is the customer support of Surfshark vs Private Internet Access?

Both Surfshark and Private Internet Access offer good customer service. They have a 24/7 live chat to immediately help their customers and a comprehensive knowledge base. However, based on multiple experiences, Surfshark customer support is considered to be better. It has a faster response time, more helpful interactions, and provides quick solutions.