S
Surfshark4.5/5vsPI
Private Internet Access4/5Surfshark vs Private Internet Access (March 2026)
| SSurfshark | PIPrivate Internet Access | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.49/mo | $1.98/mo |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Free Tier | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Best For | Families, Multiple device users | Privacy-conscious users needing audited protection, Multi-device households |
Quick Verdict
Surfshark edges ahead with a 4.5/5 rating versus Private Internet Access's 4/5, offering stronger value for most teams.
Quick Overview
S
Surfshark
Affordable VPN with unlimited devices and strong privacy features.
- Best for: Families, Multiple device users
- Starting price: $2.49/mo
- Category: VPN Services
- Founded: 2018
- Pricing model: subscription
PI
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access provides secure, encrypted VPN connections via a global network of 12,000+ servers, emphasizing ...
- Best for: Privacy-conscious users needing audited protection, Multi-device households
- Starting price: $1.98/mo
- Category: VPN Services
- Founded: 2009
- Pricing model: subscription
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✗ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✗ |
| No-Log Policy | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multiple Devices | ✓ | ✗ |
| Streaming Access | ✓ | ✗ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✗ |
| Browser Extension | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ad Blocker | ✓ | ✗ |
| No-logs policy | ✗ | ✓ |
| Open-source apps | ✗ | ✓ |
| WireGuard protocol | ✗ | ✓ |
| Unlimited bandwidth | ✗ | ✓ |
| MACE ad blocker | ✗ | ✓ |
| Unlimited devices | ✗ | ✓ |
| Global server network | ✗ | ✓ |
| Kill switch | ✗ | ✓ |
| NextGen servers | ✗ | ✓ |
| Smart DNS | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multi-platform support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Browser extensions | ✗ | ✓ |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | ✗ | ✓ |
Pricing Comparison
Prices last verified: March 16, 2026
Surfshark
$2.49/mo
Starting price
subscription · 3 plans
Surfshark Starter
$2.49/moSurfshark OnePopular
$3.49/moSurfshark One+
$5.49/moPrivate Internet Access
$1.98/mo
Starting price
subscription · 3 plans
Monthly
$11.95/moAnnualPopular
$39.95/mo3-Year
$1.98/moPros & Cons
Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited devices
- Very affordable
- Good speeds
- Strong security
Cons
- Newer company
- Smaller network
- Some connection issues
- Based in Netherlands
Private Internet Access
Pros
- Proven no-logs policy with independent audits
- Unlimited devices on one subscription
- Ultra-fast speeds via WireGuard
- Extensive server network in 91 countries
Cons
- U.S. jurisdiction (14-Eyes alliance)
- Limited to specific servers for streaming
- Potential speed issues with distant servers
Which Is Best for You?
S
Choose Surfshark if:
- Families
- Multiple device users
- Budget users
- Privacy seekers
- Higher user rating matters to you (4.5 vs 4)
PI
Choose Private Internet Access if:
- Privacy-conscious users needing audited protection
- Multi-device households
- Streaming geo-restricted content
- High-speed browsing with ad blocking
- Budget is a priority ($1.98 vs $2.49)
Our Verdict
🏆
SSurfshark — WinnerPIPrivate Internet Access — Runner-up
After thorough analysis, Surfshark takes the lead in this comparison with a higher rating of 4.5/5 versus Private Internet Access's 4/5.
Surfshark is best for Families and Multiple device users. Unlimited devices.
Private Internet Access remains a strong alternative, especially for Privacy-conscious users needing audited protection and Multi-device households. Proven no-logs policy with independent audits.
Pricing-wise, Private Internet Access is the more affordable starting option. Evaluate free trials of both before committing.
Explore More
Surfshark Alternatives
Private Internet Access Alternatives
Category Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Surfshark edges ahead with a 4.5/5 rating versus Private Internet Access's 4/5, offering stronger value for most teams.
Private Internet Access starts at $1.98/mo, while Surfshark starts at $2.49/mo.
Yes. Most users can migrate data between the two. Check both platforms for import/export tools before switching.
Surfshark integrates with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android. Private Internet Access integrates with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android. Both offer solid third-party connectivity, though the best choice depends on your existing tech stack.
Both tools are designed for ease of use. Surfshark is best for Families and Multiple device users, while Private Internet Access excels for Privacy-conscious users needing audited protection and Multi-device households. Consider trying both free trials to judge which interface suits your workflow.
Surfshark has a 4.5/5 rating from 5,400 reviews, while Private Internet Access scores 4/5 from 850 reviews. Higher review counts generally indicate a more established support ecosystem.
For small businesses, Private Internet Access may be more budget-friendly starting at $1.98/mo. However, Surfshark ($2.49/mo) could offer better value depending on the features you need most.
For enterprise use, consider which offers more advanced plans. Surfshark has 3 plans while Private Internet Access has 3 plans. Evaluate each tool's enterprise features, security compliance, and team management capabilities before committing.
Check each tool's website for the latest mobile app availability. Both Surfshark and Private Internet Access offer web-based access, and many modern SaaS tools provide companion mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Choose Surfshark if you prioritize unlimited devices. Choose Private Internet Access if you value proven no-logs policy with independent audits.