Private Internet Access scores 3.7/5 overall in our tests, against 4.2/5 for ProtonVPN. That 0.5-point gap is decisive in one direction, but the right pick still depends on what you actually need.
| Criteria | Private Internet Access | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.7/5 | 4.2/5 ★ |
| Jurisdiction | USA | Switzerland |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | Five | No |
| No-logs policy | Not audited 4/5 | Audited 5/5 ★ |
| Speed score | 4/5 | 5/5 ★ |
| Protocols score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Streaming score | 3.5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Leak protection | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Encryption score | 2/5 | 4/5 ★ |
| Security subtotal | 3.8/5 | 4.8/5 ★ |
| Trust subtotal | 2.0/5 | 3.7/5 ★ |
| Price (monthly) | $11.95/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $39.95/yr | $47.88/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $52.56/yr | $71.76/yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Pricing score | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 ★ |
Where Private Internet Access wins
Private Internet Access’s strongest argument is streaming (3.5/5 vs 3/5). It also scores higher on features (4.3/5 vs 3.4/5).
Where ProtonVPN wins
On speed (5/5 vs 4/5), ProtonVPN beats Private Internet Access. The same pattern holds for privacy and security (4.8/5 vs 3.8/5).
Who should pick what
Go with Private Internet Access for features, and ProtonVPN for speed. ProtonVPN is the safer default for most users.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
ProtonVPN wins this comparison (4.2/5 vs 3.7/5). It leads on transparency and offers strong value overall. Private Internet Access is worth considering if features is your priority. Try ProtonVPN with their money-back guarantee.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best cheap VPN guide. Read our full Private Internet Access review for a complete breakdown. See our ProtonVPN review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our 2026 data: ProtonVPN (4.2/5) outscores Private Internet Access (3.7/5) overall. Choose ProtonVPN for speed, or Private Internet Access if you need features. Still unsure? Take our [VPN quiz](/) for a personalised recommendation.
Private Internet Access: Not audited no-logs policy (score: 4/5). ProtonVPN: Audited no-logs policy (score: 5/5). See our [comparison table](/compare) for full audit details.
Obfuscation support and firewall conditions change frequently. Check our [best VPN for China guide](/blog/best-vpn-china-2026/) for up-to-date information on which VPNs reliably bypass the Great Firewall.