<top10vpns>

Private Internet Access vs Surfshark

Head-to-head comparison based on real testing data — February 2026

Winner: Surfshark wins in 4 out of 7 categories

Private Internet Access logo
Private Internet Access
8.9/10
Great
$2.03/mo
3yr plan
VS
WinnerSurfshark logo
SurfsharkBEST PRICE
9.2/10
Excellent
$1.99/mo
27mo plan
// BREAKDOWN

Category-by-Category

CategoryPrivate Internet AccessSurfshark
Speed8.8vs9.4
Privacy9.2vs9.0
Streaming8.5vs9.3
Security9.0vs9.1
Price$2.03/movs$1.99/mo
Servers35,000+vs3,200+
DevicesUnlimitedvsUnlimited
Private Internet Access2
Surfshark4
Ties1
// PERFORMANCE

Speed Comparison

Private Internet Access8.8
Surfshark9.4

Private Internet Access has a -12% speed drop while Surfshark shows -6%. Surfshark takes this category with faster real-world performance. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations.

SPEED Winner: Surfshark
// PRIVACY

Privacy Comparison

Private Internet Access9.2
Surfshark9.0

Private Internet Access is based in USA while Surfshark operates from Netherlands. Private Internet Access edges ahead in privacy with a stronger overall privacy profile. Scores are based on no-logs policies, audit history, jurisdiction, encryption standards, and leak protection.

PRIVACY Winner: Private Internet Access
// STREAMING

Streaming Comparison

Private Internet Access8.5
Surfshark9.3

Private Internet Access unblocks 4 streaming services while Surfshark unblocks 5. Surfshark wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.

STREAMING Winner: Surfshark
// SECURITY

Security Comparison

Private Internet Access9.0
Surfshark9.1

Both Private Internet Access and Surfshark offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. Surfshark scores higher in security due to additional features and infrastructure hardening. Security scores are based on encryption, protocol implementation, DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch reliability, and server infrastructure.

SECURITY Winner: Surfshark
// SPECS

Full Specification Comparison

FeaturePrivate Internet AccessSurfshark
ProtocolsWireGuard, OpenVPNWireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
EncryptionAES-256AES-256
Kill SwitchYesYes
Split TunnelingYesYes
Multi-hopNoYes
Ad BlockerYesYes
JurisdictionUSANetherlands
Simultaneous ConnectionsUnlimitedUnlimited
Server Count35,000+3,200+
Country Count91100
Speed Drop-12%-6%
Lowest Price$2.03/mo$1.99/mo
Plan Length3yr plan27mo plan
Streaming ServicesNetflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon PrimeNetflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime