VPN Comparison 2026
ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access
Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
ProtonVPN
Rating: 4.5/5
Best Price:$2.49/mo
Servers:15,000+
Countries:120
Speed Score:88%
Private Internet Access
Rating: 4.3/5
Best Price:$2.19/mo
Servers:35,000+
Countries:91
Speed Score:82%
Based on our comprehensive testing, ProtonVPN comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: März 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | ProtonVPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
Monthly Price | $9.99/mo | $11.95/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $2.49/mo | $2.19/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 15,000+ | 35,000+ |
Countries | 120 | 91 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited |
Speed Score | 88% | 82% |
Security Score | 99% | 92% |
Streaming Score | 80% | 75% |
Protocols | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 | WireGuardOpenVPN |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Kill Switch | ||
No-Logs Policy | ||
Netflix Support | ||
Torrenting Support | ||
| Get Started |
Pros and Cons
ProtonVPN
Pros
- Free tier available (no data limits)
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Open source and audited
- Secure Core servers
- Integrates with ProtonMail
Cons
- Free tier has limited servers
- Streaming support is inconsistent
- Fewer server locations
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
Final Verdict
ProtonVPN comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.5/5 compared to Private Internet Access's 4.3/5. Swiss-based VPN with strongest privacy focus and free tier.
Choose ProtonVPN if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (88%)
- You need stronger security (99%)
Choose Private Internet Access if:
- You want more server options (35,000+ servers)
- You're looking for better value ($2.19/mo)
ProtonVPN
4.5/5 Rating$2.49/mo
Private Internet Access
4.3/5 Rating$2.19/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN better than Private Internet Access?+
ProtonVPN is rated higher overall with a score of 4.5/5 compared to Private Internet Access's 4.3/5. ProtonVPN Swiss-based VPN with strongest privacy focus and free tier. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access?+
Private Internet Access is the more affordable option at $2.19/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to ProtonVPN at $2.49/mo. Private Internet Access offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access?+
ProtonVPN achieves a higher speed score of 88% in our tests, compared to Private Internet Access's 82%. ProtonVPN 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 ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access have more servers?+
Private Internet Access has a larger server network with 35,000+ servers, compared to ProtonVPN's 15,000+ 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, ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access?+
ProtonVPN scores higher for streaming at 80% compared to Private Internet Access's 75%. ProtonVPN 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.