Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark is Affordable VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and CleanWeb ad blocker, while Private Internet Access is Long-established VPN provider with open-source apps and a proven no-logs policy. Private Internet Access comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Surfshark is built for users wanting affordable vpn with unlimited devices, whereas Private Internet Access targets privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency.
$2.03/mo
| Feature | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | — |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| 35000+ servers | — | ✓ |
| CleanWeb | ✓ | — |
| GPS Spoofing | ✓ | — |
| MultiHop | ✓ | — |
| No-logs | — | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Unlimited Devices | ✓ | — |
| Unlimited connections | — | ✓ |
| VPN | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Surfshark starts at $2.49/mo. Private Internet Access starts at $2.03/mo. Private Internet Access is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: Surfshark offers CleanWeb, GPS Spoofing and MultiHop that Private Internet Access lacks. Private Internet Access brings 35000+ servers, No-logs and Open source that Surfshark does not have.
Open source: Private Internet Access is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Surfshark is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Surfshark's biggest strengths are: includes unlimited devices as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows. includes cleanweb as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows. Private Internet Access's biggest strengths are: no-logs policy proven in court — twice. all apps are open source for transparency.
Watch out for: With Surfshark, users commonly note that no free plan — you need to pay $2.49/mo from day one to use it. With Private Internet Access, the main complaint is that owned by kape technologies (formerly crossrider) — controversial parent company.
choose Surfshark if
- You need a tool built for users wanting affordable vpn with unlimited devices
- You specifically need CleanWeb and GPS Spoofing
- You care about includes cleanweb as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows
choose Private Internet Access if
- You need a tool built for privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency
- You want to save on per-user costs — Private Internet Access is $0.46/user/mo cheaper
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need 35000+ servers and No-logs
- You care about all apps are open source for transparency
frequently asked
What is the difference between Surfshark and Private Internet Access?
Surfshark is Affordable VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and CleanWeb ad blocker, while Private Internet Access is Long-established VPN provider with open-source apps and a proven no-logs policy. Private Internet Access comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Surfshark is built for users wanting affordable vpn with unlimited devices, whereas Private Internet Access targets privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency.
Should I use Surfshark or Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access gives you open source and self-hosting; Surfshark is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Surfshark over Private Internet Access?
Choose Surfshark if You need a tool built for users wanting affordable vpn with unlimited devices; You specifically need CleanWeb and GPS Spoofing; You care about includes cleanweb as a core feature, purpose-built for vpn workflows.
When should I choose Private Internet Access over Surfshark?
Choose Private Internet Access if You need a tool built for privacy-focused users who want a proven no-logs vpn with open-source transparency; You want to save on per-user costs — Private Internet Access is $0.46/user/mo cheaper; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need 35000+ servers and No-logs; You care about all apps are open source for transparency.
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