Head to head
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access (PIA) pits two unlimited-device value plans against each other. Surfshark generally feels more modern; PIA offers open-source apps and a long reputation among power users.
Compared by the BestVPNOnline editorial team
Prices checked Nov 12, 2026How we rate
Unlimited devices at a budget-friendly from-price.
From$2.49/mo · 2-year plan (+3 months)
Wins 1 of 9 categories
30-day money-back guarantee
Veteran no-logs brand with open-source apps.
From$2.03/mo · 3-year plan (+4 months)
Wins 2 of 9 categories
30-day money-back guarantee
Winner by category
Private Internet Access takes 2 of 9 categories to 1, with 5 tied. Every row uses each provider’s published figures.
| Category |  Surfshark |  Private Internet Access | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | Surfshark |
| From price | $2.49/mo | $2.03/mo | Private Internet Access |
| Server countries | 100 | 113 | Private Internet Access |
| Simultaneous devices | Unlimited | Unlimited | Tie |
| Money-back window | 30 days | 30 days | Tie |
| Platforms with apps | 9 of 9 | 9 of 9 | Tie |
| Free plan | No | No | Tie |
| No-logs audit | Published | Published | Tie |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | United States | Your call |
Verdict
Pick Surfshark for a modern household VPN. Pick PIA if open-source clients and advanced toggles matter more than US jurisdiction concerns.
Choose Surfshark if…
- Modern UI and marketing feature set
- Netherlands-based brand preference
- Simple household unlimited plan
Choose Private Internet Access if…
- Open-source applications
- Highly configurable client
- You accept US jurisdiction
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Every spec, against the field
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Comparing Surfshark, Private Internet Access
From / month
$2.49
2-year plan (+3 months)
- Server countries
- 100
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Money-back
- 30 days
- Jurisdiction
- Netherlands
- No-logs audit
- Streaming
- Torrenting (P2P)
- Free plan
- Router support
30-day money-back guarantee
From / month
$2.03
3-year plan (+4 months)
- Server countries
- Most113
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Money-back
- 30 days
- Jurisdiction
- United States
- No-logs audit
- Streaming
- Torrenting (P2P)
- Free plan
- Router support
30-day money-back guarantee
| Head to head2 VPNs | Surfshark#2 overall | PIA (Private Internet Access)#6 overall |
|---|---|---|
| Score & value | ||
Editorial score 9.1 out of 10Top score | Editorial score 8.4 out of 10 | |
$2.492-year plan (+3 months) | $2.033-year plan (+4 months)Lowest | |
30 days | 30 days | |
| Network | ||
100 | 113Most | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | United States |
| Privacy & use | ||
| No-logs audit | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Torrenting (P2P) | ||
| Free plan | ||
| Apps | ||
| Linux app | ||
| Fire TV app | ||
| Router support | ||
| Verdict | ||
| Best for | FamiliesBudget | Power usersTorrenting |
| Ready to choose?Every plan has a money-back window. |
Prices are the lowest USD per-month figure on each provider’s own pricing or checkout page, before VAT or sales tax, checked Nov 12, 2026. They include promotions running at the time and change often. * CyberGhost only showed us euro pricing (2.19 €/mo), so the USD figure may differ slightly.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for torrenting?
Both publicly allow P2P. Enable kill switches on either and follow local copyright law.
Surfshark vs PIA · Higher ranked
Go with Surfshark, or try Private Internet Access
Unlimited devices at a budget-friendly from-price. From $2.49/mo (2-year plan (+3 months)) · 30-day money-back guarantee.
We may earn a commission through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
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Back to the best VPN rankings or read the Surfshark review and Private Internet Access review.