ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access (2026)
We test both VPNs across speed, privacy, streaming, and pricing so you can pick the right one without guessing.
Best Free
ProtonVPN
★★★★4.5/5
The best VPN for privacy — with a genuine free tier
Free / $3.99/mo
Get ProtonVPNPrivate Internet Access
★★★★4.3/5
Proven no-logs VPN with the largest server network
$2.03/mo
Get Private Internet AccessFeature
ProtonVPN
Private Internet Access
Servers
6,500+
35,000+
Countries
112
91
Simultaneous Devices
10
10
Protocol
WireGuard / OpenVPN
WireGuard / OpenVPN
Logs Policy
No logs (audited, open-source)
No logs (court-proven)
Money-Back Guarantee
30-day
30-day
Our Verdict
Both ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access are strong choices, but they suit different users. ProtonVPN is better rated overall (4.5/5) and is our top recommendation if you want privacy. Private Internet Access wins on torrenting and is priced at $2.03/mo. Check our full reviews below for the detailed breakdown.
ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: Common Questions
Which is cheaper, ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access?▼
Private Internet Access is the cheaper option. ProtonVPN is priced at Free / $3.99/mo while Private Internet Access is priced at $2.03/mo. Prices shown are for the best long-term plan.
Which has more servers, ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access?▼
Private Internet Access has the larger server network. ProtonVPN has 6,500+ servers and Private Internet Access has 35,000+ servers.
Which is better for streaming, ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access?▼
Neither ProtonVPN nor Private Internet Access is our top recommendation for streaming. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN if streaming is your main use case.
What is the main difference between ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access?▼
ProtonVPN positions itself as "the best vpn for privacy — with a genuine free tier". Private Internet Access takes a different focus: "proven no-logs vpn with the largest server network". The right choice depends on which of these priorities matters most to you.