Private Internet Access vs Surfshark (2026)
Why this comparison exists
Private Internet Access (PIA) and Surfshark are often compared because they both sit in the “good value” tier — but they’re built for very different users.
PIA attracts power users who want transparency and control over how their VPN works. Surfshark targets people who want strong features, unlimited devices, and minimal setup at an aggressive price point.
Surfshark is the better choice for most people looking for an affordable, easy-to-use VPN with modern features and minimal friction. Private Internet Access is better if you want deep configurability, open-source apps, and are comfortable managing more technical settings.
- You want strong value with minimal setup
- You plan to protect many devices on one account
- You prefer a clean, beginner-friendly app
- You want control over encryption and protocols
- You value open-source transparency
- You’re comfortable with a more technical interface
- You need privacy-maximalist or anonymity-focused protection
- You want a premium “polish-first” experience
Comparison Snapshot (Advisor Framework)
| Category | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | What matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy & Logging | Good | Good | Both meet mainstream privacy expectations; PIA emphasizes transparency, Surfshark emphasizes scale. |
| Security Architecture | Good | Good | PIA exposes more controls; Surfshark focuses on strong defaults and extra features. |
| Performance | Good | Mixed | Surfshark tends to feel more consistent for everyday use. |
| Apps & UX | Good | Mixed | Surfshark prioritizes ease of use; PIA prioritizes configurability. |
| Value | Strong | Good | Surfshark’s pricing and unlimited devices are compelling for most households. |
Who each is for
- You want a simple VPN that works well everywhere
- You need unlimited device connections
- You want strong value with minimal effort
- You want advanced configuration options
- You care about open-source transparency
- You don’t mind a steeper learning curve
Privacy & logging
Both providers state that they do not log user activity. PIA emphasizes transparency through open-source clients and public documentation, while Surfshark focuses on audits and consumer-friendly trust signals.
Performance
Surfshark generally feels faster and more consistent out of the box. PIA can perform well but may require manual tuning to achieve similar results.
Pricing & value
Surfshark stands out for aggressive pricing and unlimited devices. PIA is still good value if you specifically want configurability and transparency.
Recommendation
For most budget-conscious users, Surfshark is the better default choice. Choose Private Internet Access if control and transparency matter more than convenience.