Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have become a staple in our internet-connected lives. They provide privacy and security to our online activities, ensuring our data stays out of reach from prying eyes.
And while there are a plethora of VPNs out there, two services often stand head-to-head in the battle for supremacy – Private Internet Access (PIA) and ProtonVPN.
This post dives deep into comparing these two giants, aiming to give you a clearer picture of which might suit your needs better.
Quick Answer
For those who value top-notch security, stringent privacy policies, and support for a wide array of platforms, ProtonVPN may edge out as the winner.
This VPN service is highly trusted and features strong encryption, plus it’s based in Switzerland, a country well-known for strong privacy laws.
On the other hand, if you’re after high-speed performance, greater number of servers worldwide, and a more budget-friendly pricing structure, Private Internet Access (PIA) could be your go-to.
It’s widely praised for its speedy servers and cost-effective plans.
What is a VPN? – A Brief Overview
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet.
It does this by routing your data traffic through a server in your chosen location, masking your IP address, and making your online activities private and anonymous.
A reliable VPN provides several key benefits:
- Privacy: By masking your IP address, a VPN hides your online activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), advertisers, and potential eavesdroppers.
- Security: VPNs encrypt your data, protecting it from hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Access to Geographically Restricted Content: Since a VPN can make it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location, you can access content that may be restricted in your actual location.
Overview of PIA vs. ProtonVPN
Private Internet Access, often abbreviated as PIA, is a U.S.-based VPN service in the game since 2010. It’s built a reputation as a reliable, cost-effective VPN solution with a vast network of servers spread across the globe.
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service that came into existence in 2017. The same team behind ProtonMail, a highly-regarded secure email provider, develops it.
Known for its strong emphasis on privacy and security, ProtonVPN is gaining increasing popularity among internet users worldwide.
PIA vs. ProtonVPN: Direct Comparison
When deciding between PIA and ProtonVPN, you’ll likely base your decision on a few key features. Here’s how the two compare:
Feature 1: Security and Privacy
Both VPNs have a strong focus on security and privacy.
PIA uses military-grade encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. They operate a strict no-logs policy, meaning your activities are not tracked or recorded.
However, being based in the U.S., a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, might raise concerns for the ultra-privacy-conscious.
ProtonVPN, on the other hand, also provides strong encryption and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols.
They further enhance security with their Secure Core architecture, routing your data through multiple servers before leaving their network. Plus, being based in privacy-friendly Switzerland is a bonus.
Feature 2: Speed and Performance
Regarding speed, PIA often outperforms ProtonVPN, particularly for U.S. and European servers. However, your actual performance can vary based on several factors, including your location and your chosen server.
While ProtonVPN’s speeds are typically lower than PIA’s, they are still good enough for most online activities, such as streaming in HD and gaming.
Feature 3: Number of Servers and Locations
PIA is the clear winner regarding server count, boasting over 35,000 servers in more than 77 countries.
ProtonVPN has fewer servers (around 1,000), covers many countries (over 54), and offers a reliable service despite its smaller network.
Feature 4: Pricing
Price plays a crucial role when choosing a VPN, and both PIA and ProtonVPN offer different pricing tiers to accommodate various budgets.
PIA offers monthly, annual, and two-year plans, all with varying levels of savings.
At the time of writing, PIA’s monthly rate is $11.95, while the annual plan equates to $3.33 per month, and the 3-year plan further reduces the cost to $2.03 per month (all prices in USD).
ProtonVPN, on the other hand, has a unique structure. They offer a free plan, albeit with limitations, and three paid plans: Basic, Plus, and Visionary.
The Basic plan costs $4 per month, the Plus plan is $8, and the Visionary plan comes in at a hefty $24 per month (all prices in USD). Annual subscribers can enjoy discounts of up to 20%.
Feature 5: Platform Compatibility
When it comes to platform compatibility, both PIA and ProtonVPN excel. They offer native applications for the major operating systems – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
They also offer support for manual configuration on other platforms and devices, such as routers.
Feature 6: Customer Support
Customer support is an essential aspect of any VPN service.
PIA offers several support channels, including a knowledge base, email support, and a live chat feature. Their response time is generally swift and informative.
ProtonVPN also has a knowledge base and provides email support. However, they lack a live chat feature, which might delay resolution times for urgent issues.
Feature 7: Streaming and Torrenting
For those interested in streaming or torrenting, both VPNs provide reliable services.
PIA supports torrenting on all its servers and can unblock the most popular streaming platforms. However, there are occasional hiccups with Netflix’s aggressive VPN blocking.
ProtonVPN also supports torrenting and unblocks streaming services like Netflix. However, remember that the free version does not support these activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Proton VPN better than PIA?
The answer to this question largely depends on your individual needs. If you focus primarily on privacy and security and appreciate a VPN provider based in a privacy-friendly country, then ProtonVPN might be the better choice.
However, if speed, larger server count, and cost-effectiveness are your primary concerns, PIA may be the better fit.
Q2: Can PIA and ProtonVPN bypass geo-restrictions for streaming services?
Yes, both PIA and ProtonVPN can bypass geo-restrictions imposed by various streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.
However, success rates may vary, and not all servers will always work due to the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services.
Q3: Are PIA and ProtonVPN good for torrenting?
Yes, both PIA and ProtonVPN support P2P file sharing and torrenting on their networks. They both have a kill switch feature, which adds an extra layer of security when torrenting.
Q4: Do PIA and ProtonVPN keep logs?
Both PIA and ProtonVPN operate under a strict no-logs policy. This means they do not keep any records of your internet activities.
However, it’s worth noting that PIA is based in the U.S., a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, whereas ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy laws.
Q5: Can I use PIA and ProtonVPN on multiple devices?
Yes, both PIA and ProtonVPN offer multi-device support. PIA allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections, while ProtonVPN allows between 1 and 10, depending on your chosen plan.
Conclusion
Choosing between Private Internet Access (PIA) and ProtonVPN boils down to what you value most in a VPN.
Both services offer robust security features, maintain a strict no-logs policy, and support popular operating systems.
If a large server network, superior speed, and lower cost are your main considerations, PIA may be your preferred choice.
On the other hand, if the privacy laws of the country where the VPN is based matter to you, and you don’t mind paying a little extra for advanced security features like Secure Core, then ProtonVPN may be a more suitable option.
