VPN Comparison 2026
Private Internet Access vs Surfshark
Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
Private Internet Access
Rating: 4.3/5
Best Price:$2.19/mo
Servers:35,000+
Countries:91
Speed Score:82%
Surfshark
Rating: 4.6/5
Best Price:$1.99/mo
Servers:4,500+
Countries:100
Speed Score:90%
Based on our comprehensive testing, Surfshark comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: Februar 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Private Internet Access | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
Monthly Price | $11.95/mo | $15.45/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $2.19/mo | $1.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 35,000+ | 4,500+ |
Countries | 91 | 100 |
Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Speed Score | 82% | 90% |
Security Score | 92% | 95% |
Streaming Score | 75% | 92% |
Protocols | WireGuardOpenVPN | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Kill Switch | ||
No-Logs Policy | ||
Netflix Support | ||
Torrenting Support | ||
| Get Started |
Pros and Cons
Private Internet Access
Pros
- Massive server network (35,000+)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Proven no-logs policy (court-tested)
- Very affordable
- Open source apps
Cons
- Based in the US (5 Eyes)
- Streaming support is hit or miss
- Dated interface on some apps
Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable long-term plans
- Good streaming support
- CleanWeb ad blocker included
- Camouflage mode for extra privacy
Cons
- Smaller server network
- Speeds can vary
- Based in the Netherlands (14 Eyes)
Final Verdict
Surfshark comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.6/5 compared to Private Internet Access's 4.3/5. Best value VPN with unlimited device connections.
Choose Private Internet Access if:
- You want more server options (35,000+ servers)
Choose Surfshark if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (90%)
- You need stronger security (95%)
- You're looking for better value ($1.99/mo)
Private Internet Access
4.3/5 Rating$2.19/mo
Surfshark
4.6/5 Rating$1.99/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access better than Surfshark?+
Surfshark is rated higher overall with a score of 4.6/5 compared to Private Internet Access's 4.3/5. Surfshark Best value VPN with unlimited device connections. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, Private Internet Access or Surfshark?+
Surfshark is the more affordable option at $1.99/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Private Internet Access at $2.19/mo. Surfshark offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Private Internet Access or Surfshark?+
Surfshark achieves a higher speed score of 90% in our tests, compared to Private Internet Access's 82%. Surfshark uses modern VPN protocols that minimize speed loss, making it the better choice for bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Does Private Internet Access or Surfshark have more servers?+
Private Internet Access has a larger server network with 35,000+ servers, compared to Surfshark's 4,500+ servers. More servers generally means less congestion and more location choices, giving you better connection reliability and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Which VPN is better for streaming, Private Internet Access or Surfshark?+
Surfshark scores higher for streaming at 92% compared to Private Internet Access's 75%. Surfshark reliably unblocks popular streaming platforms and maintains fast enough speeds for HD and 4K content without buffering.
Compare More VPNs
Not sure yet? Check out our full VPN comparison tool or read detailed reviews of each service.