We tested Private Internet Access (3.7/5) and Surfshark (4.1/5) across speed, privacy, streaming, and price. Surfshark leads on overall score. Here is what drives the gap.
| Criteria | Private Internet Access | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.7/5 | 4.1/5 ★ |
| Jurisdiction | USA | Netherlands |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | Five | Nine |
| No-logs policy | Not audited 4/5 | Audited 5/5 ★ |
| Speed score | 4/5 | 5/5 ★ |
| Protocols score | 5/5 ★ | 4/5 |
| Streaming score | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Leak protection | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Encryption score | 2/5 | 5/5 ★ |
| Security subtotal | 3.8/5 | 4.8/5 ★ |
| Trust subtotal | 2.0/5 | 3.0/5 ★ |
| Price (monthly) | $11.95/mo | $15.45/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $39.95/yr | $38.28/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $52.56/yr | $47.76/yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Pricing score | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
Where Private Internet Access wins
Private Internet Access does not pull ahead on any individual scored criteria, but its 3.7/5 overall score reflects consistent performance across the board.
Where Surfshark wins
Surfshark counters on speed (5/5 vs 4/5), privacy and security (4.8/5 vs 3.8/5). Its streaming (4.5/5 vs 3.5/5) makes it the stronger option for certain users.
Who should pick what
For streaming, Surfshark is the better bet (4.5/5). For privacy-first users, Surfshark scores higher on security (4.8/5). If price is the main constraint, Private Internet Access has the better value score (4.0/5).
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
For most users, Surfshark (4.1/5) is the better pick. Its advantage over Private Internet Access (3.7/5) comes from stronger transparency performance. The only reason to go with Private Internet Access is if features matters most to you. Get Surfshark risk-free.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best VPN for streaming guide. Read our full Private Internet Access review for a complete breakdown. See our Surfshark review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surfshark scores 4.1/5 vs 3.7/5 for Private Internet Access. Surfshark leads on speed. That said, Private Internet Access may be the better fit if features is your main priority.
In our speed tests, Private Internet Access scores 4/5 and Surfshark scores 5/5. Surfshark has the edge in our data, though real-world results vary by server and location.
Private Internet Access costs $11.95/mo month-to-month, or $39.95/yr for a 1-year plan. Surfshark is $15.45/mo monthly, or $38.28/yr per year. Both offer a money-back guarantee.