Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ProtonVPN VS Private Internet Access

Compare ProtonVPN VS Private Internet Access and see what are their differences

ProtonVPN logo ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

Private Internet Access logo Private Internet Access

london trust media holdings (LTMH) will bring power back to the people.
  • ProtonVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17
  • Private Internet Access Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-18

ProtonVPN features and specs

  • Privacy and Security
    ProtonVPN offers strong encryption protocols (AES-256), a no-logs policy, and is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.
  • Open Source
    The ProtonVPN apps are open source and have been independently audited, which adds to their transparency and trustworthiness.
  • High-Speed Servers
    ProtonVPN provides high-speed servers and supports P2P file sharing, making it suitable for activities like streaming and torrenting.
  • Multi-Platform Support
    It supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
  • Free Tier Available
    ProtonVPN offers a free version that has no data limits, although it does come with some restrictions compared to the paid plans.
  • Secure Core
    The Secure Core architecture routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries, offering an additional layer of security.

Possible disadvantages of ProtonVPN

  • Price
    ProtonVPN's paid plans are generally more expensive compared to other VPN services with similar features.
  • Limited Free Tier
    The free tier has limited access to servers and slower speeds, which may not be suitable for all users.
  • Streaming Limitations
    Although it supports streaming, some users have reported limitations and inconsistencies when trying to access certain geoblocked content.
  • Device Connection Limit
    The basic plan allows only up to two simultaneous device connections, which might be limiting for some users.
  • No 24/7 Customer Support
    ProtonVPN lacks 24/7 live chat customer support, which could be a drawback for users needing immediate assistance.

Private Internet Access features and specs

  • Strong Privacy Policy
    Private Internet Access (PIA) has a strong no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities are not recorded or stored.
  • Wide Server Network
    PIA offers a broad range of servers located around the world, providing users with numerous choices to optimize speed and connect to different regions.
  • Advanced Security Features
    PIA includes features such as kill switch, DNS leak protection, and strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN, which enhance user security.
  • Affordable Pricing
    Compared to many other VPN providers, PIA offers competitively priced plans, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious users.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The PIA application is straightforward and easy to use, which is beneficial for both beginners and advanced users.

Possible disadvantages of Private Internet Access

  • U.S. Jurisdiction
    PIA is based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, potentially raising concerns for privacy-focused users.
  • Inconsistent Speed
    Some users report variability in connection speeds, which can be a drawback for activities requiring consistently high bandwidth.
  • Limited Streaming Support
    PIA has mixed success in unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, which might be a limitation for users seeking VPN for streaming.
  • Limited Customer Support
    PIA's customer support, mainly via email and tickets, can sometimes be slow, and the absence of live chat might be inconvenient for users needing immediate assistance.
  • Basic Customization Options
    While user-friendly, the PIA interface may lack advanced customization features that more experienced users might expect.

ProtonVPN videos

ProtonVPN Review 2019 - HONEST REVIEW!

More videos:

  • Review - ProtonVPN Review 2020 - WATCH BEFORE YOU BUY
  • Review - ProtonVPN Review 2020 - here is the TRUTH

Private Internet Access videos

Private Internet Access Review - HONEST REVIEW!

More videos:

  • Review - 5 Reasons Not to Buy Private Internet Access!
  • Review - Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN review: is it good enough for you? | VPNpro

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access)
VPN
87 87%
13% 13
Security & Privacy
89 89%
11% 11
Cloud VPN
88 88%
12% 12
Security
87 87%
13% 13

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access

ProtonVPN Reviews

Best 5 Psiphon Alternatives in 2023
The risks associated with picking a free VPN usually outweigh the pros, but in the case of ProtonVPN that’s a trusted service, you might just get away without paying a single dime for spoofing your location. There are obvious downsides with going for a completely free service – only 3 server locations and no access to geo-restricted Netflix content. However, the moment you...
The Best NordVPN Alternatives in 2022
What’s unique about ProtonVPN is its VPN Accelerator solution combined with a 10 Gbps server network to increase VPN speeds by over 400 percent. It also uses multiple OpenVPN processes for every server and re-engineered OpenVPN for optimum distribution of load.
Source: www.alphr.com
Best NordVPN Alternatives
ProtonVPN hails from a long line of privacy-centric products like ProtonMail. Moreover, CERN scientists are responsible for the company behind this VPN. Thus, it has a reputation to uphold, that of a privacy-centric VPN. Furthermore, the providers also offer a free ProtonVPN version by subsidizing the premium user base. As expected, the company hails from Switzerland and...
Source: vpnwired.com
10 Best NordVPN Alternatives – Safe & Fast VPNs in 2022
ProtonVPN is one of the reliable alternatives of NordVPN when it comes to well-optimized servers. The VPN service has both free and premium plans, but users can’t select servers in the free plan. In total, ProtonVPN has 526 servers in 42 countries, and it’s always known for its ping time and faster speed.
Source: techviral.net
The 10 Best Open Source VPN Apps
If you frequently watch YouTube, you must have at least heard of this VPN application. Not only is ProtonVPN available on all Windows, macOS, and Linux-based systems, but you’ll also find its mobile apps on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A little background on this app: ProtonVPN has been developed by a team of scientists from MIT and CERN, so you know it’s...

Private Internet Access Reviews

Best NordVPN Alternatives
PIA, short for Private Internet Access, is one of the oldest VPNs on this list. It’s also the one with the widest array of servers. With over 29,500 servers in 78 countries, the VPN offers impressive performance at cheap prices as plans start at $2 per month. The company also focuses on streaming and bypassing blocks, but it hails from the USA. Other drawbacks include a...
Source: vpnwired.com
7 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2020
Private Internet Access is one of the more popular VPN providers and one we think you’ll be thrilled with depending on your needs. They offer some of the most competitive pricing in the industry and are ideal if you plan on using P2P services when you take a break from your gaming PC.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, ProtonVPN seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 310 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ProtonVPN mentions (310)

View more

Private Internet Access mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Private Internet Access yet. Tracking of Private Internet Access recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access, you can also consider the following products

Windscribe - Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

TunnelBear - Really simple VPN to browse the web privately & anonymously.

NordVPN - NordVPN offers VPN technology that encrypts data twice.

Psiphon - Psiphon is circumvention software for Windows and Mobile platforms that provides uncensored access to Internet content. Read more about Psiphon.