Proton VPN vs Private Internet Access
Compare Proton VPN and Private Internet Access by device coverage, locations and the features you need.
On the plans compared here, Proton VPN covers 10 simultaneous devices; Private Internet Access covers unlimited simultaneous devices. Start with the devices you use together, then check the locations and connection options you need. Network coverage: Proton VPN (VPN Plus: 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries); Private Internet Access (NextGen servers in 104 countries).
Based on published provider facts and editorial assessment. How we evaluate. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is aimed at: People who value open-source apps, public audit information and Swiss-based operations.
Read the review →Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is aimed at: Households and users who want unlimited connections and detailed desktop settings.
Read the review →
Want to test it on your own devices?
The quickest way to settle a shortlist is to check the official deal page, install the apps you actually use, and lean on the refund window if it is not the right fit.
Offer terms
Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD)
Private Internet Access: 3 years + 3 months: €1.79/mo (EUR)
Different currencies: these offers are not directly ranked. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Upfront costs and renewal notes →Device allowance
Proton VPN: 10 devices. Private Internet Access: Unlimited devices.
Refund terms
Proton VPN: 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window
Private Internet Access: 30-day guarantee; eligibility and purchase-channel conditions apply
Eligibility, payment method and subscription length can affect the guarantee.
The details side by side
| Head to head | Proton VPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | VPN Plus monthly: $9.99/mo (USD) | Monthly plan: €11.69/mo (EUR) |
| Advertised long-term offer | VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD) | 3 years + 3 months: €1.79/mo (EUR) |
| Devices on compared plan | 10 | Unlimited |
| Countries | 140+ | 104 |
| Network | VPN Plus: 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries | NextGen servers in 104 countries |
| Refund window | 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window | 30-day guarantee; eligibility and purchase-channel conditions apply |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | United States |
| Protocol | WireGuard and Stealth; OpenVPN on Linux and IKEv2 on macOS apps | WireGuard + OpenVPN |
| Anti-blocking | Stealth protocol; platform availability varies | Multi-Hop and Obfuscation with Shadowsocks on desktop |
| Audit / privacy | Open-source apps and five annual Securitum no-logs audits through 2026 | Deloitte limited assurance as of October 2025, plus earlier audits and transparency reports |
| WireGuard | ||
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Audited no-logs | ||
| Score for overall | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Equal editorial scores do not produce a winner. Device limits correspond to the advertised entry plan; paid upgrades may differ.
Editorial scores by use case
Overall: Equal scores
Both have the same editorial overall score (8/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
Streaming: Equal scores
Both have the same editorial streaming score (8/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
Gaming: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access has the higher editorial gaming score. Proton VPN: 7/10; Private Internet Access: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Privacy: Proton VPN
Proton VPN has the higher editorial privacy score. Proton VPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 7/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
What differs
Offer terms
Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD). Private Internet Access: 3 years + 3 months: €1.79/mo (EUR). Different currencies: these offers are not directly ranked. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Simultaneous devices
Private Internet Access allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while Proton VPN allows 10 on the plan compared here.
Country coverage
Proton VPN lists 140+ countries versus Private Internet Access's 104, which can matter for travel and regional access.
Where each is based
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, while Private Internet Access operates from United States. Jurisdiction is worth weighing if data-retention rules are part of your decision.
Main protocol
Proton VPN documents WireGuard and Stealth; OpenVPN on Linux and IKEv2 on macOS apps; Private Internet Access documents WireGuard + OpenVPN. Availability and defaults vary by app and platform.
Questions about Proton VPN vs Private Internet Access
Which is better, Proton VPN or Private Internet Access?
Both have the same editorial overall score (8/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
Which offer costs less?
Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD). Private Internet Access: 3 years + 3 months: €1.79/mo (EUR). Different currencies: these offers are not directly ranked. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Which one supports more devices?
Proton VPN: 10 devices. Private Internet Access: Unlimited devices.
Which is better for streaming?
Both have the same editorial streaming score (8/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
Which has the stronger privacy score?
Proton VPN has the higher editorial privacy score. Proton VPN: 9/10; Private Internet Access: 7/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Are both links affiliate links?
Some provider links may earn us a commission; others are ordinary links. This does not determine our scores. Prices, regional offers and eligibility must be confirmed on the provider website.
Sources and offer notes
Proton VPN
Provider fact check: 2026-10-02
USD VPN Plus offer checked October 2, 2026: $9.99 billed and renewed monthly, or $83.76 for the first 24 months ($3.49/mo equivalent), then $83.88 every 12 months. Check the final tax, regional offer and checkout total before subscribing. VPN Plus is separate from Proton Free.
- VPN Plus and Free plan differences (protonvpn.com)
- Current offers (check localized checkout) (protonvpn.com)
- Refund terms and Swiss operator (proton.me)
- 2026 annual no-logs audit announcement (protonvpn.com)
- Open-source apps and no-logs policy (protonvpn.com)
- WireGuard and Stealth by platform (protonvpn.com)
Private Internet Access
Provider fact check: 2026-10-02
EUR offer checked October 2, 2026: €11.69 billed monthly, or €70 prepaid for 39 months (€1.79/mo advertised), then €70 every three years. Tax was not separately itemized in the observed order summary. Offers vary by region; confirm your currency, total and renewal terms.
- Current regional pricing, renewal amounts and unlimited connections (privateinternetaccess.com)
- Long-term order summary and upfront amount (privateinternetaccess.com)
- 104 countries, all 50 US states and network features (privateinternetaccess.com)
- Desktop protocols, kill switch, split tunneling and obfuscation (helpdesk.privateinternetaccess.com)
- Refund terms and purchase-channel restrictions (privateinternetaccess.com)
- US corporate entity and location (privateinternetaccess.com)
- Third Deloitte audit announcement (privateinternetaccess.com)
- October 2025 limited assurance report (assets-cms.privateinternetaccess.com)
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