ProtonVPN
Private Internet Access
ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access 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
Both ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access are excellent VPNs with similar overall performance. Your choice should depend on your specific needs: ProtonVPN for Privacy, or Private Internet Access for Torrenting.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | P ProtonVPN | P Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.1 Best | 8.7 |
| Speed Score | 89 Best | 86 |
| Privacy Score | 99 Best | 95 |
| Streaming Score | 87 Best | 82 |
| Servers | 4,600 | 35,000 Best |
| Countries | 91 | 91 |
| Max Devices | 10 | Unlimited Best |
| Monthly Price | $9.99/mo Best | $11.99/mo |
| Best Price (2-year) | $4.99/mo | $2.03/mo Best |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✓ | ✓ |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | Switzerland | United States |
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: ~85% speed retained
- Upload: ~80% speed retained
- Latency: +6ms average
- Download: ~82% speed retained
- Upload: ~77% speed retained
- Latency: +7ms average
Winner: ProtonVPN – Faster download speeds and lower latency in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is the primary reason most people use a VPN. Here's how ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access compare on security features and privacy practices.
ProtonVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Switzerland jurisdiction
Private Internet Access
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ United States jurisdiction
Winner: ProtonVPN – Stronger privacy features and better jurisdiction.
Streaming & Unblocking
Can these VPNs unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services? Here's what we found.
ProtonVPN
Private Internet Access
Winner: ProtonVPN – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access compare on price across different subscription lengths.
Private Internet Access
Winner: Private Internet Access – $2.96/mo cheaper on the best plan.
Our Verdict
Both ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access are excellent VPNs. The best choice depends on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
ProtonVPN is faster with a speed score of 89/100 compared to Private Internet Access's 86/100. In our tests, ProtonVPN retained more of your base connection speed, especially on long-distance servers.
ProtonVPN scores higher on privacy (99/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland while Private Internet Access is in United States.
No, Private Internet Access is cheaper at $2.03/month on the 2-year plan compared to ProtonVPN's $4.99/month.
Yes, both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. ProtonVPN has a higher streaming score (87/100) and may work with more Netflix regions.
Private Internet Access has more servers with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. ProtonVPN has 4,600 servers in 91 countries.
Both support P2P/torrenting. Private Internet Access scores higher for torrenting (93/100) with optimized P2P servers.
ProtonVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, while Private Internet Access allows unlimited. Private Internet Access 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.
Private Internet Access offers better overall value with a score of 96/100. This considers price, features, performance, and the number of devices supported.
Both VPNs are excellent choices. ProtonVPN is better for Privacy, while Private Internet Access excels at Torrenting. Your choice depends on your primary use case.