Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN
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- Strong encryption and privacy connections
- Affordable pricing plans
- Advanced security features
- MACE ad and tracker blocker
- 24/7 live chat support
- Global server network
- Robust privacy jurisdiction
- Full-disk encryption
- Easy-to-use interface
- Scalability
- Built-in security suite
- Free trial and money-back guarantee
- Inconsistent streaming unblocking
- Limited cryptocurrency support
- Complexity for beginners
- No free plans
- Limited customer support
- Lack of diverse payment methods
- Limited simultaneous connections
Private Internet Access (PIA), founded in 2010 and based in Denver, Colorado, has built a reputation as one of the most trusted VPN providers in the industry. Known for their commitment to privacy, PIA enforces a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity is never stored or tracked. The VPN service boasts a global network of thousands of servers, offering fast and reliable connections worldwide. One standout feature is their open-source software, which provides transparency and security. PIA supports up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for families or individuals with multiple devices. Additionally, the company offers a built-in ad and tracker blocker, enhancing user protection from unwanted tracking and malware. Recognized for their privacy-forward approach, PIA appeals to users who prioritize online anonymity and security. The company’s robust features and industry credentials make them a strong contender in the VPN market, encouraging those seeking reliable, secure browsing to explore their offerings in more detail.
Proton VPN, founded in 2017 by Proton AG, is headquartered in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland. Known for their commitment to privacy, Proton VPN offers various services designed to protect users’ online activities. With over 6,500 servers across 110 countries, Proton VPN ensures users can securely access global content while maintaining strong privacy protections. One of their standout features is Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries to enhance security. Other features, like Tor over VPN, split tunneling, and AES-256 encryption, provide users with advanced tools to safeguard their data. Proton VPN also adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store user activity, which is backed by Switzerland’s strong privacy laws. Customer feedback highlights the VPN’s ease of use, with users appreciating the fast speeds and ability to unblock popular streaming platforms. However, some have noted occasional connection drops and concerns about pricing, particularly for business plans. ProtonVPN's strong emphasis on privacy, robust encryption, and industry-leading protocols make them a highly reliable choice for both individuals and businesses. To explore their features in more depth, continue reading our full review.
- Price : Starting at $11.95 per month
- Free Trial : Available
- Global Coverage : 91 countries
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : 35,000
- Price : Free plan, then plans start at $9.99 per month
- Free Trial : Available
- Global Coverage : 110+ countries
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : 6,500 servers
- Open source
- Unlimited device support
- Extensive server network
- Supports Tor browser & P2P
- Speed accelerator
- IP address masking
- Custom obfuscated servers
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket—Undisclosed
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
ProtonVPN vs. PIA
ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are prominent VPN providers, each offering distinct features tailored to various user needs. This comparison examines their service range and customization options, ease of use and integration, security and compliance, and pricing to assist you in making an informed decision.
Service range and customization options
Both ProtonVPN and PIA provide extensive server networks, enabling users to access content globally. PIA boasts over 35,000 servers across more than 91 countries, offering users a broad selection for optimal connectivity. ProtonVPN, while having fewer servers, covers over 110+ countries, ensuring substantial global reach. Both services support multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, allowing users to select protocols that best suit their security and speed preferences.
A notable distinction is ProtonVPN's Secure Core architecture, which routes user traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before reaching its destination, enhancing protection against network attacks. PIA, conversely, offers features like port forwarding and a MACE tool for ad-blocking, catering to users seeking specific functionalities. Additionally, PIA allows users to choose their encryption level, providing flexibility between higher speed and stronger encryption.
Ease of use and integration
Both VPNs offer user-friendly applications compatible with major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This cross-platform support ensures users can maintain privacy across various devices. The installation processes are straightforward, with intuitive interfaces that facilitate easy navigation and configuration.
PIA distinguishes themselves with a more customizable interface, allowing users to fine-tune settings to their specific needs. Their applications provide advanced options for users who prefer greater control over their VPN configurations. ProtonVPN, while offering a clean and simple interface, may appeal more to users who prioritize ease of use over extensive customization.
Security and compliance
Security is paramount for both ProtonVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA). They employ AES-256 encryption and support secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, ensuring robust protection for user data. Both providers maintain strict no-logs policies, meaning they do not record user activities. ProtonVPN's no-logs policy has been validated through independent audits by Securitum, with the most recent audit completed in July 2024. Similarly, PIA's no-logs policy was confirmed by Deloitte in June 2022.
Jurisdictionally, ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a country renowned for its strong privacy laws, offering an additional layer of legal protection for users. In contrast, PIA operates under U.S. jurisdiction, which may raise concerns for privacy-conscious users due to data retention laws. Additionally, ProtonVPN offers features like Tor over VPN and Secure Core, providing enhanced security for users requiring robust protection.
Pricing
Pricing structures differ between the two. PIA is recognized for their affordability, with plans starting as low as $2.03 per month for a three-year subscription, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious users. ProtonVPN's plans are comparatively higher, with the Basic plan at $4 per month and the Plus plan at $8 per month. However, ProtonVPN offers a free tier with limited features, allowing users to utilize the service at no cost, a notable advantage for those seeking basic VPN functionalities without a financial commitment.
Conclusion
In summary, both ProtonVPN and PIA offer robust VPN services with unique strengths. ProtonVPN excels in security features and operates under a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, appealing to users who prioritize privacy. PIA provides a vast server network, greater customization, and affordability, making it suitable for users seeking a balance between performance and cost. Your choice should align with your specific needs, whether they be advanced security, user experience, or budget considerations.