Private Internet Access
Surfshark
Private Internet Access vs Surfshark: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both Private Internet Access and Surfshark extensively to bring you this detailed comparison. From speed tests to privacy features, streaming capabilities to pricing, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
Surfshark takes the win in this comparison with better speed, value, and overall performance. However, Private Internet Access remains a solid choice if you prioritize Torrenting.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | P Private Internet Access | S Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.7 | 9.2 Best |
| Speed Score | 86 | 91 Best |
| Privacy Score | 95 Best | 94 |
| Streaming Score | 82 | 93 Best |
| Servers | 35,000 Best | 3,200 |
| Countries | 91 | 100 Best |
| Max Devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Monthly Price | $11.99/mo Best | $12.95/mo |
| Best Price (2-year) | $2.03/mo Best | $2.19/mo |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✓ | ✓ |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | United States | Netherlands |
Speed & Performance
Speed is crucial for streaming, gaming, and general browsing. We tested both VPNs connecting to servers in the US, UK, and Asia to measure real-world performance.
- Download: ~82% speed retained
- Upload: ~77% speed retained
- Latency: +7ms average
- Download: ~86% speed retained
- Upload: ~82% speed retained
- Latency: +5ms average
Winner: Surfshark – Faster download speeds and lower latency in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is the primary reason most people use a VPN. Here's how Private Internet Access and Surfshark compare on security features and privacy practices.
Private Internet Access
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ United States jurisdiction
Surfshark
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Netherlands jurisdiction
Winner: Private Internet Access – Stronger privacy features and better jurisdiction.
Streaming & Unblocking
Can these VPNs unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services? Here's what we found.
Private Internet Access
Surfshark
Winner: Surfshark – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how Private Internet Access and Surfshark compare on price across different subscription lengths.
Private Internet Access
Winner: Private Internet Access – $0.16/mo cheaper on the best plan.
Our Verdict
Private Internet Access
Still a solid choice. Private Internet Access excels in:
- Lower pricing
- More servers
- Torrenting
Frequently Asked Questions
Surfshark is faster with a speed score of 91/100 compared to Private Internet Access's 86/100. Surfshark showed better performance in our speed tests across multiple server locations.
Private Internet Access scores higher on privacy (95/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. Private Internet Access is based in United States while Surfshark is in Netherlands.
Yes, Private Internet Access is cheaper at $2.03/month on the 2-year plan compared to Surfshark's $2.19/month. Private Internet Access offers 7% savings.
Yes, both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. Surfshark has a higher streaming score (93/100) and may work with more Netflix regions.
Private Internet Access has more servers with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. Surfshark has 3,200 servers in 100 countries.
Both support P2P/torrenting. Private Internet Access scores higher for torrenting (93/100) with optimized P2P servers.
Private Internet Access allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while Surfshark allows unlimited. Surfshark is better for households with many devices.
Yes, both VPNs include kill switches that block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting your real IP from exposure.
Surfshark offers better overall value with a score of 98/100. This considers price, features, performance, and the number of devices supported.
We recommend Surfshark for most users. It Budget and offers superior features. However, Private Internet Access may be better if you specifically need Torrenting.