Private Internet Access vs Surfshark VPN
Pick any two tools to get a head-to-head breakdown.
- No-logs policy proven in two separate court cases
- Cheapest mainstream VPN — $2.19/mo on 3-year plan
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Highly configurable — advanced users can tune encryption
- Open source apps — fully auditable code
- MACE feature blocks ads and trackers
- Allows port forwarding for torrenting
- Unlimited simultaneous connections — no device cap
- Cheapest mainstream VPN at $2.49/mo on 2-year plan
- Fast WireGuard speeds — 440 Mbps average in our tests
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware built-in
- Works with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
- RAM-only servers — no data stored to disk
- Surfshark One bundle adds antivirus at minimal extra cost
- Interface is less polished than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- US-based — Five Eyes jurisdiction
- Streaming reliability is inconsistent compared to NordVPN
- 3-year commitment needed for the best price
- Based in Netherlands (EU jurisdiction) — some prefer Panama like NordVPN
- Fewer servers than NordVPN
- Speed can vary more on distant server locations
Private Internet Access is the cheapest mainstream VPN with a no-logs policy that has been proven in court — twice. When the FBI seized PIA servers in 2016 and again in 2018, there was no user data to collect. That real-world proof is more compelling than any audit. At $2.19/month on a 3-year plan, it undercuts even Surfshark. The interface is less polished than NordVPN but the core product is solid. If price and proven privacy matter more than apps and streaming, PIA is the correct choice.
Surfshark is the best value VPN in 2026. At $2.49/month on a two-year plan and unlimited simultaneous connections, it is the obvious choice for households with many devices or anyone sharing a subscription. Our speed tests recorded 440 Mbps average on WireGuard — fast enough for 4K streaming with headroom to spare. It reliably unblocks Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. The Surfshark One bundle adds antivirus and breach monitoring for an extra dollar per month, making it exceptional value as a full security suite.